I tried the first spot on Sunday at lunch. The next to on Monday at lunch. I am combining them because I need to get these out while there is time. The first is on 17-92 across from an Aamco (behind a smoke shop) near where the dog track used to be. Near Enzo's. The next two are in Chinatown on W50. East side of the shopping area. Next to each other. Same owner.
Toshka Syrian Street Food Truck - I had the namesake for $14. It was hard to see what they were doing. It looked like they took shaved lamb from the gyro and sandwiched between a crepe like wrapper and grilled that. But, I believe it is supposed to be ground meat. Maybe I saw the people's in front of me shwarmas, et al being made. They ordered alot. In any case, it was one piece of lamb (looked shaved) and they claim some cheese. I couldn't really see it or taste it. Still it was good. And not just because it was virgin territory. The flavors were subtle. They gave me a garlic yogurt dipping sauce that it needed. And some sweet supermarket looking slaw that it didn't. It also came to life when you place a piece of the ripe tomato or sour pickle on top. Sliced into eight triangles. It was a tad overpriced. Food truck overhead argument again. They also said (no non-QR code menu) they do a shwarma ($13) that a review said was chicken (I didn't see chicken on a gyro), falafel ($10) and a sojuk sausage ($14). The things I think are shwarma looked thin. You can make it a platter with fries (I think those caused the delay) and a soda can for an extra $3. It did take too long. Two guys. One guy left for a while (went to take a dump?). Only one group of three in front of me. FIFO. They had a couple of umbrella'd tables. A lake view. Open for five months. Open everyday from 10am-10pm. If it was 50% cheaper it would definitely be a Favorite. Now I have to give to greater thought. I also can't help wondering if these guys are innocents or Bashar al- Assad supporters or ISIS and if I should care. And if the guy who left for a while washed his hands.
Chili Star - I had the cheapest non-white person dish for $15. No side. Sliced Beef and Ox Tongue in Chili Sauce/Oil. It also had peanuts and transparent slices (ultra thin) of some hard substance. The ox tail? I don't think so. The meats I see in the dish have two textures and shapes/cuts. One had to be the ox tail. Anyway. I enjoyed this oxtail much more than the one at Chuan Fu on Lee Rd that I had earlier this year. still nothing compared to Mexican ox tongue. The beef was pleasant as well. I know they don't put spicy sauce on anything prime, but, this wasn't offal. Get it? Nice sauce. Peanuts added texture and flavor. Good spur of the moment choice. One of their "Signature" offerings. Served cold. I don't think I would have liked it hot. Big menu. 16 Signature dishes ($15-$49). Things like kidney, pickled cabbage fish, salted egg yolk prawns. 16 Sichaun and Hunan Specials ($15-$45). Things like dry pot beer duck, pork liver, clay pot beef trotters. 7 Apps ($8-$15). Things like saliva chicken and garlic smashed cucumber. 9 Beefs ($22-$28). 9 Seafoods ($20-$45). 5 Chickens ($16-$20). 4 Porks ($16-$20). 10 Vegs ($14-$22). 7 Rice/Noodle/Dumplings ($9-$16). 5 Desserts ($6-$13). Two Soups ($18). The place has a narrow north south floor plan. White and black. Some art in the rear. Seats about forty. Quick service. Not too full. I learned from the menu at the next place that the owner has worked in food prep for twenty years in China. Open for five months. Might be a Fav. I'm starting to prefer this dish to the Hor Fun (below).
WaLaLa Asian Noodle House - The definite Favorite on this list is this place. They do everything right. The place is a Swedes wet dream decked out in blue and yellow (and white). Hexagon tile marble floors. Subway tile accents. Glassed in working kitchen in the rear. Three columns of tables. Sixteen in all. Yellow drapes hanging from the ceiling. Attentive/costumed servers. Quick service. Spoke English. Almost at capacity. Open for three months? How did this slip through? I had hand shredded chicken Hor Fun (flat) Rice Noodles for $17. Very good. Plentiful. Zucchini and scallions. Not overpowering flavors. A bit bland. Decent broth. Simple and fun. I'm not sure if these qualify (as I had it to go), but, the menu said unlimited noodle refills. The menu (perfectly crafted with pictures and descriptions in large fonts in plastic) has these sections: drinks (the usual teas, et al), Lanzhou hand pulled noodles, Hunan hand pulled noodles, apps (sliced pigs ear, etc), skewers, rice, hor fun, dumplings (pan fried and steamed), buns (pan fried), ramen, tempura, wings, tea egg, veg. There is a really cool dumping dish where ten are joined together by some kind of batter. And some dishes with what the term "honey comb". It looks like it is actually that. Some of the dishes are "dry" (no broth). Pork Belly, ribs, etc), chicken, beef. I like this place because it looks fresh while being intriguing and accessible. Just no bs. I would love if it came at a cheaper cost. But, isn't that always my tired refrain. Who can argue with guys making fresh noodles while you wait and watch. And toss in some fun dishes and fruity drinks. I would eat here every week if I lived close by. I will certainly be back soon. Probably for the dumplings. A great compliment to Chili Star. I'm sure they wanted the other way around, but, I liked the lower maintenance option as usual. Seek this out. It should be a chain.
*I espied a new Indian on what I think is Ronald Reagan in Lake Mary/Longwood. Where Maya Rosa was. Near the turn to Lake Mary HS. Called Mumbai Flavors. It must have been their friends and family pre-launch. They said they open on Thursday. They gave me two tasty fried aloo (potato) on a roll. Spicy! I also drove 414 (Maitland) to I-4 today and saw that Mandola's is open. Crazy Greek too (been to the one near the court house downtown). Mondola's seems to be associated with Carraba's. Sorry probably I won't be able to be the first to bring it to you. Opened a week ago. Tried to go to the new Thai (old Brick & Spoon location) on S. Orlando. It is closed on Tuesday.
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