Mosonori, Winter Park *NY Travel Notes

I tried this hand roll spot today at lunch. It is in that teeny strip mall across from Krispy Kreme on Orlando Ave (south of Fairbanks) called City Place. It may have been in the running for a Fav slot had I not had to run into a Taco Bell (ironic) bathroom ten minutes after and then again when I got home. If those were the only facts, I would have been reluctant to point the finger at them. However, it came out of nowhere and was accompanied by stomach cramps. It was probably one of the mushy fish rolls they served me. I had the six hand rolls for $36. The salmon and toro had little flavor. The yellowtail had a fishy flavor. The bay scallops, lobster and crab were better. The crab was likely king crab (or snow). A salad spread. Same with the lobster (Maine). The lobster did taste a little off. Either frozen or from non-prime regions of the body. The bay scallops seemed like they were cut into smaller pieces. Semi-sweet. Mayo. The rice was short grain and fine. The nori was thin and dry. Didn't choke you or need to be chewed forty seven times. They are all hand rolls. Cigar shaped. Not packed tightly. Stuff fell out. They were instructing the guy making mine. All the staff seemed Latin. At $6 a roll, pricing is in line or low for some of these ingredients. That's a plus. Serving size was ok. Actually generous for the crab and lobster. But, let's hope they weren't responsible for my digestive issues. They also offer a 3,4,5 roll assortment ($19-$30). And individual rolls from $5 (cucumber) to $9 (toro and lobster). 14 in all. A $38 omakase (I didn't want the yam or eel). Three "tastings" ($9-$14). Beer. Sake. Soda. Tea. 2 Cocktails. Service was quick (only two others there with me). They started the next one the moment I was finished. They had around seven people on staff. "Chefs" with white chef jackets. Others in black uniforms. Nice clay plates and bowls. The place is a long rectangle with an elongated oval bar. 28 seats. Black, gray and wood. A clear glass refrigerator in the rear with hanging salmon and tuna. It looks posh. Kabooki guy. With all the ridiculously priced raw fish places that have strained credulity in the past two years, this is actually an affordable experience by comparison. That honors a normal hours and days. And doesn't require reservations. It is open every day for lunch (11:30-3pm) and dinner (5p-10p). They add in a 18% tip. Menu seems seasonal. Open (soft) for two weeks. Parking may be an issue. Although my week in NY probably softened up my wallet's gag reflex, I still had 66 pieces of tuna, salmon and shrimp nigiri at Koy Wan the day before for $12. And no health issues. I ask you - which is the smarter call? That said. Do both. *FYI -- I tried to try Kappy's as well (again). I now know why the went under.

*Travel Notes - New York: I flew (2p & 5p) Frontier to LGA for $106. No lines or delays either way. I used a coupon at Budget and paid nothing (was $202) for a three day full sized rental at Budget. Of course they gave me a car with a nail in the tire that cost me $38 to repair. They have the shuttle pick up areas marked better than last time. I spent the first night in Southampton at the Hamlet Inn (Booking 8.1) for $144. I mistook it for the Hampton Inn. I was surprised things were so pricy this time of the year or week. 

The next day I drove to Montauk. Few restaurants were open for lunch. I had a great bowl of Calamarata Vodka at Alimentari Beach. It is a pasta shaped like calamari rings. Spicy. Everything on the menu looked good. I drove to the lighthouse and Hero State Park next to it. Great views. Saw seals. Over to Gossman's docks. Got some finger foods from IGA for my vino at White's Liquor. Ok chicken parm from Sausages Pizza. Stayed on the beach at the Royal Atlantic Beach Resort (Booking 7.6) for two nights at $129 per. Also mistook this for another hotel. 

The next day it rained. I got a bad egg and cheese (they forgot the cheese) at Quincho's. Saw that my tire had become flat and drove to East Hampton to get it fixed at a tire place that gave me free air the day before. Drove through Sag Harbor and Bridgehampton and back. Had a good chicken salad sandwich with chips at Citta Nuova. Drove around Maidstone, etc. Back to Montauk. Grabbed a shitty veal parm at Pizza Village. 

The next day I drove through Sag Harbor again. Rain again. Stopped in at Clarissa's Bakery for a really good smoked salmon on whole wheat with some soft white cheese spread. Returned the car. Took the M60 bus to Manhattan. The MTA cards expire quickly, so, you will probably have to buy a new one from a machine inside the terminal and then stick it into the one by the pick up area and get a paper receipt that shows you did. Good news is that the bus just costs the same as any regular one. I think I was the only idiot that paid the fare (there or back). It's $2.90 now. Because I know this route and things were pricier than I expected and the hotel looked miles better in comparison and was new and had a view and was on sale, I stayed at the Renaissance NY Harlem on 125th (Expedia 8.8) for $616 ($75 in RFs) for three nights. Next to the Apollo. I had a 19th floor, brand new room with a view to Times Square. It was my first time staying in Harlem. I was a bit apprehensive with how they have been saying NYC is like it was in the 70s. No problems at all. The bus stopped one block away. Some of the usual drug addicts and old time racists. But mostly like any other neighborhood now. It was still raining (and cold now). Fortunately, I found a first class French wine store (BTL) for wine a block up and over after whiffing at Target and Trader Joe's (only beer). I found out there is a Whole Foods near them too. I just had Chick Fila though and stayed in.

The next day it was sunny. I walked (you read that right) up to 141st and St Nicholas Park to see what I came to see. Alexander Hamilton's House. It was free. I never saw it when I lived here. Turns out, it opened six years after I left (2011). In front of it is CCNY. Nice campus on a hill that I don't know if I had seen before. I stupidly walked down Amsterdam to Columbia instead of Broadway (I forget how it doesn't run straight) and missed the first of a few buildings that were involved in the Manhattan Project. They won't let non-students (and probably Jews) onto the campus anymore. Two idiots cops told me the building I was in front of was Pupin Hall. I still have to double check that. That and Schermerhorn were where some shit (cycletron) went down. Down further to Wu & Nussman for Pork and Crab Xiao Long Bao. I should have ordered more. It was good. A Jewish/Chinese mash up. I turned right after I remembered Grant's Tomb was around here. Also free. I walked through Riverside Park (uptown) to it and the Riverside Church. It was farther up than I remembered, so, I decided to retrace my steps back to the A-Bomb building I missed. I ran across a Sakura Garden on the way. At 125th, they have opened up some arts centers and a science center. Inside was a food court called The Manhattanville Market. I had chicken and corn soup from Butterfunk Biscuit Co and a Detroit style slice from Benny Casanova's Square Pies. I started walking to the building. But, it was too far. I went back to the hotel and watched college football. Chicken sandwich and ff from Harlem Shake. Wine from BTL. 

The next day I took the A train (also C) down to Penn Station. I walked over to see what was new at Hudson Yards. Not much. They added a bit to the Hi-Line. It goes across town a few block in the beginning now. Back to the station. Moynihan (Amtrak) station is so nice. I grabbed a turkey sandwich at Oliyo 34 because every place had a long line and the options aren't numerous around there. Paid $12 for the round trip to the Meadowlands. Used one of my tickets to watch the Bucs trounce the G Men. Left at halftime (too cold). Walked from Penn Station to Columbus Circle. Through Times Square. Subway back to 125th. Found a great market two blocks south (Lincoln Market). Had a great rb (so rare), mozz and bacon panini, Greek Salad and Goat Cheese. No wine.

The next day I had a good sausage and egg burrito with tea at 'Chele's for 0nly $15. Just opened. Came with roast potatoes and a field green salad. I wasted so much time chatting with them that I just had time to grab the bus back to the airport.

I can't believe I actually came BACK from NY more relaxed than when I left. Hadn't been to the city since before Covid. Never felt safer. No political/racial tension. I wish it hadn't cooled down or got dark so early. I tried not to break the bank on meals. Being able to go (let alone walk) freely to 141st St! And probably beyond. A game changer. FYI - I had already been to Sylvia's, Red Rooster and Amy Ruth's if you wondered why I ignored them. I almost went to the Notre Dame-Army game at Yankee Stadium. I almost went out to see the Islanders. Maybe I'll go back for New Year's Eve?

Grub Crawl - UCF Area: Cooper's Hawk and Maroush *Istanbul Travel Notes

I tried these spots in the Waterford Lakes shopping area off Alafaya Trail today at lunch. I was trying to try Gen Korean. It is nowhere near opening. I settled on the first one because it was on the corner and I had always meant to try the one on I Drive. The second is in the way back. I also saw a golf bar named Pop Shack and a chain dumpling place (Yum?) near it that is being built out. Everything else is the same. Oh. Portillos finally opened. Or has hung their shingle.

Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurant - I was going to possibly Fav it until I found out their wine tasting area just offers up their own house brands. That cut its appeal in half. It's a chain from Illinois. 50 locations. Trying to be a Fleming's or such. I had the Lunch Sized (they ain't making it bigger) portion of the Cooper's Hawk Chicken Giardeniera for $19. They charged $20. Fav status now out the window. It was good. Small. Parmesan breaded. Scallopini thin. Breast size. Came with that terrible pickled veg concoction. Mashed potatoes. The savior was the free pretzel bread. All their apps are at main price levels. Things like ahi, meatballs, calamari, egg rolls. Categories are: pasta and risotto, surf and turf, steak and chops, seafood, chicken, soup and app salads, burgers and sandwiches, combos, chopped salads, life balance, vegetarian and desserts. High water mark is $41. Place seats over two hundred just in the main room. Alot of booths. Muted tones. Some rock and wood. Separate wine tasting and bar area and patio. Attired staff. Service was good. Food came out quick. It's pretty good overall. Not white tablecloth, 5 star good. Chain trying to replicate that good. It's no challenge/adventure going to a place like this. But, I'll bet you know plenty of people who would feel real comfortable here.

Maroush Shwarma and Grill - Syrian. Still in a soft opening (when did this bs become a thing?) two months in. Say their Grand Opening will be November 24. Still a little discombobulated for two months in. Six guys in the cooking area and one lady by a brick oven. I think three of the kitchen staff were just management. Also a guy making drinks in a blender and one at the counter. Order at a counter. Around forty tables inside and ten outside. A bit ratty for just being open. Yellow, gray, orange tones. Looks fast food-ish. Not much decoration. I had the chicken kufta for $19. The meat on the spits didn't look that reliable and I can't just keep ordering wraps to try. This is two skewers of ground chicken with rice or fries and two salads. The chicken kebabs are a little thin. Tasted fine though. Both salads were fresh and tasty. Baba Ghanoush and Hummus. Rice had a saffron color. Not dry. Fair portions of those. Pita seemed fresh. Coated with something red. Red Pepper? I wonder if it was baked in that clay oven? All in all, not bad. I have basically just sampled all of it so far. They do breakfasts too. Most of what you'd expect. Some things are called something different in Syrian. Like pide. I didn't take notes, so, I can't give examples. Two Syrians in month after none ever. What a city! I think you should try it if you are in the area. Hopefully, they tidy up and get things humming. Prices are in line. Like $10 and under for shwarmas.

*Travel Notes - Istanbul: I flew here (the new IST airport) on Aegean (late both ways) from Athens for $192. Turkey just waived the Visa requirement on January 1. I had only been to the old airport on my way to Bulgaria before. It was good. Let me start with a geography lesson because I was a bit disoriented it turned out. There are three main areas. Two on the European side. I call them north and south. They are separated by the Golden Horn. It is a river looking carve in from the Bosphorous. The Asian side is across from the Bosphorous. Imagine a right arm. The Sea of Marmara (to Greece) is the part below the elbow. The Black Sea is above the finger tips. The Golden Horn is the thumb. Above the thumb (north) is where I stayed. It has Taksim Square and Galata Port/Tower/Bridge. Below the thumb is a bit older. It has Hagia Sophia/Blue Mosque. The distances between aren't that great. Between north and south you can walk the bridges. You don't need the ferries. You need the ferry to go to Asia (Uskadur and Kadikoy). Most of the stuff you want to see is on the European side. It's hilly. The airport is very far away on the Black Sea (1 hr+). They have underpasses on most streets. *Most of the stuff you can read online was wrong/dated or contradictory. Rely on me. Exchange rate was 35TL to a USD. Every tourist site was ridiculously priced. All the Chinese, Iranians and Russians are here.

The first night I arrived after dark. The airport had long walks. Customs line was a bit long. No bank atms in the airport. Just exchange ones. They had bus kiosks in baggage claim. I think a trip was around 250TL. Taxis were expensive. I had researched the new M11 train, so, I walked out of the exit and in the middle of the lower level was a route (a bit far) to that. No one was there to help. Just two types of machines. You had to figure it out on your own. I took the bigger machine (cheaper). That was a mistake. That card (40TL) only worked on the M11. You have to top it up. I did 30TL (Mastercard). That may have been (internet said 17TL) the price of one ride (I couldn't see the read out when I swiped it) and when I tried to use it on the return it said it didn't have enough. The M11 ends at a stop called Gayrettepe. You get off and walk a long way (underground tunnel) to the M2. There there was a person to ask. She said I had to use the machine for the Istanbulunkart. It cost 130TL and I topped it with 50TL. You understand that the first charge is just for the card? Right? Mastercard again. Both machines had English option. Trip cost 20TL. I thought M2 ended in Taksim Square. When I saw it went further, I showed a local (most spoke some English) a pic I snapped of the map that showed my hotel. He said I should get off one stop farther. Sishane. This was partially right. I could have gone one more to Halic in the middle of the bridge (Golden Horn) in front of my hotel. I just walked down a hill to the waterfront. I stayed at the Golden City Hotel (Booking 8.1) for five nights at $75 a night. Mistake. I got two things wrong. The area around Galata Port/Bridge is nicer and this hotel looked like it was nicer than the one rejected. This area still has alot of machine shops and the like. It is one street off the water. It is still in the gentrification process. Plus you hear all the subway noise as it crosses the bridge. I walked around to find a bank. Some a few blocks north at Galata Bridge. Most were outside ATMs. I grabbed two (I was starving) chicken durum (their wraps) for 140TL a piece at Pilavci. One of the few (carry out) options. FYI - there are barely any mid range or supermarkets anywhere. Just some silly bodegas with no price tags. Then I went to bed.

The next day was mosque day. I crossed over the Golden Horn Bridge and hung a left to the Eminonu Ferry area. I was told I had to take ferries everywhere and you couldn't walk the bridges (wrong). Up to Galata Bridge. I thought that named bridge was that super huge bridge you see in pictures. That bridge is way north and you never have to deal with it. There are many things around this bridge that I will get back to. I went under it and saw some signs to the Hagia Sophia and Sultan Ahmet/Blue Mosques. I crossed the street and asked in a tourist office (also got a map) on the left (where it turned out Sirkechi Train Terminal is) where to go. He said follow the tram tracks. So, I ignored him and took the road to the right of it with a sign pointing to the Blue Mosque. It is more direct, but, leaves you a little right of the sites. So, I took a left at the top and it left me between the two mosques. I walked down what was a Roman Hippodrome and around the Blue Mosque (I think this was free, but, I had on shorts and I really only care about the outsides anyway). You see two Roman columns, a Serpent column, the Hagia Sophia Museum (these made me think I was walking around that to begin with) and the German Fountain. I then walked over to Hagia Sophia. Past a harem and a fountain. Around the right side to the Fountain of Ahmet III. Then into Topkapi Palace. I believe it cost 1200TL to go past this area. I just took pics of the Hagia Eirene and Imperial Mint. Out the same way. Then right and left and back past Yerebatan Sarnici Basilica Cisterns (900 TL - as in Inferno by Dan Brown) to the middle ground between the two mosques. Right past Firuz Aga Mosque to McD's. Good wings and add an item deal. Then past that to some other mosques (there are so many) and a right to Nurusomaniye Mosque and Constantine Column and down and to the left for the Grand Bazaar (James Bond Skyfall motorcycle roof chase). Then out the same way and back to the road I walked up and down to the river. Across Galata Bridge to the ferry area and back to hotel. I then walked up to the Galata Tower where I found a Migros and bought some wine and food.

The next day was Taksim day. I walked up to Galata Tower again and on up (this area is called Beyoglu) to Istiklal Avenue. It is the main shopping/eating street. Ends up at Taksim Square. Lots of side streets. Embassies, St Antonio Church, Turkish Bath, Museum, etc. In Taksim (at the street behind the BK) I had my first Islak (wet) burger (50TL) and a great 150TL doner et durum (shaved steak with ff wrap) at Bambi's Cafe. They don't add any dips or sauces. Real beef. Allowed to crisp. So much better than any expat shit you find here or in Europe. Great wrap too. The wet burger turned out to have been dipped in some tomato sauce. Then I walked around the Mosque at Taksim to Tarlabasi St (closer to Beyoglu) and down towards the river. Eventually back towards Istiklal and down to Galata Port. Past the Peninsula Hotel there is some shopping area where you pass through a metal detector to get back on the esplanade. There I saw some cool statues, Modern Art Museum, etc. It is posh and brand spanking new. Obviously good views. You take this route to get to the Besiktas area (seemed business-y). There I saw the Dolmabhce Mosque and Palace (1000TL), Tupras Stadium, pier, etc. If I wasn't so tired, I would have tried to walk to the big bridge (15 July Martyrs). Got some shots of it from the pier/ferry terminal. Then back the same way. Up to the Galata Tower (via Comondo Stairs) and wine and walnuts (90TL for 150g), etc.

The next day was ferry day. I went to the Karakoy station and topped up my Istanbulunkart for 100TL in cash. You press top up. It says place your card on the reader. There it tells you how much you have left. You put the money in or tap. Then I took the ferry to Uskudar via Eminonu for around 30TL. They are all around this much. The reader tells you how much and how much is left. The ferry ride alone is like a day tour. You see all there is to see. I must have taken 10 videos. Not much to Uskudar. Asian side. Down the esplanade past a mosque to the Maiden's Tower. You should turn back here. I followed it (a few km) all the way to the next area (Kadakoy). Past a working port, some kind of military building, near this big (Comica) Tower, hospitals, a uni, an old customs house, mosque, some ruins, etc. To their port. I was so bushed that I just got on the ferry back to Eminonu. Saved a ferry charge though. Then I walked back to Galata Port and had a durum balik (mackerel wrap) for 150TL at Boneless Kilciksiz Balik. Then up to Istiklal for wine and food at Macro Center and a not as good doner et durum at Keskin Kebap and Doner. 

The next day was leftovers and seconds day. It rained all morning. Iffy the rest of the day. I crossed the bridge and went to the Egyptian Spice Market. I should mention this and the day before were the weekend and there were a hell of lot more people out. Then back up (this time the tram tracks) to the mosques and down the other side to the Little Hagia Sophia and that area. Back to the mosques and down to the Gulhane Park. If the weather wasn't threatening, I would have spent the rest of the day here. Instead it was back to Galata Port and a Kiymali (meat,cheese,mushroom,spinach,potato) Gozleme at some place that I'm unsure the name of. 180TL. They had a coffee guy in front that said Kolde. Great. Like a crepe. Then I bought (closer to the hotel) another durum balik at Murat the Fisherman for 160TL for dinner. They had been begging me as I passed all week. It had all these photos of people that made it seem famous. Probably bs.

The final day was Taksim day again. I was going to try the Galata Tower at last. But, the 30TL entry fee was actually 30E. And they wanted it in TL! So, I told them where they could stick it. I should mention here that they charge foreigners like 10x more at all the sites. Up to Istiklal. Grabbed a simit (bagel) from a cart called Beyoglu Belediyesir Simitli for 15TL. I'll add that they also have all these roasted corn on the cob (30TL) and chestnut carts everywhere. I tried to waste time and try another regional restaurant. But they tend to eat later than us, so, I ended up at the BK at Taksim Square. It actually had a great roof deck. 175TL for the old school chicken sandwich. I went down the Taksim station. Shit hole. Homeless. And took the M2 to Gayrettepe (they pronounce it guy) and M11 back to the airport. Had to stand the whole way again. They have two xray areas there. Aegean had no kiosk. You had to wait in line for a boarding pass. They don't take TL at the airport. Only euros. Spend that leftover cash before you get there.

Istanbul was great. I spent 3000TL. The women were very pretty. It appears I love those fat faces. And I know who to blame for that. No freaks with tats and ox rings. Lots of cultures. Many Batmen. Probably foreigners. They all have their faces in their phones. Polite. Everyone smokes. Less loud than Greeks. They all walk on the wrong side of the street. The women assume you will give way. I didn't get to try the coffee, pomegranate juice, tripe, ice cream (they wanted 150-200TL for a small) or Turkish Delight. Accomplished most everything else. I assume I missed some delights. I was surprised how European side heavy it was. How walkable (and hilly) it is. Safe. They have these huge jelly fish in the Bosphorous. I wanted to see the other regions, but, it seemed like their public transport isn't that great. You really have to take planes. And that airport is just too far away. I may try ferries from Greek islands for some of them. You should put this on your to do list. I got some of these ideas from a BBC show called Travel Man (tripe) and Travels with Darley. Maybe Ricky Steves and Joey Rosendo. But I think their notes were for other cities in Turkey.

Grub Crawl - Maitland: Lim Ros, Athena and Mandola's *Greece Travel Notes

I tried these places on Thursday at lunch. The first replaced Brick & Spoon on the south corner of that condo on S Orlando across from Copper Rocket. The second is a bit north in the south corner of a strip mall that has a Lazy Days in front. The last is on the way to I-4 on Maitland Blvd (414). On the west corner of a new strip mall in a new development called Trelago.

Lim Ros - An upscale Thai offering. Open for a month or less? Unclear on the meaning. The semi-fluent waitress said it had something to do with eating. Like flavor or taste. Unsure on what region the draw from. I had the $15 lunch special. You can choose from about seven things. They include a soup and spring roll and white rice with all seven. I chose the Panang Curry with chicken and Chinese Eggplant. It was good. Not great. The soup was the best. They call it a seaweed soup. Clear broth like you used to (maybe still do) get as the "other" soup at a hibachi place. Tofu. Really clean and tasty. Cool metal spoon. The spring roll was a bit bland. Veg filling. Seemed pre-fried. Needed a dipping sauce or something. Maybe I should have dipped it into the curry. The curry was good. I had it hot. Not too hot. Jalapeno hot. There with slivers of green and red chilis. Panang is usually too sweet for me. This was more refined. The chicken was the usual. A decent amount for a lunch special. Maybe ten pieces. The tiny eggplant was cut into quarters. Basil. The rice was dry. No way around that. I wish I had this dish to go so I could repurpose all the left over curry. Served in three different color ceramic bowls/plate. Some garnish. It came out quick. The menu is a bit pricier than the "bistro/trattoria" level Thai places. They do offer some competitive offramps though (under $20). Some differentiated dishes. 3 noodle soups, 3 fried rices, Pad Ga Prow, 2 noodles and 2 curries from $18-$22. 6 apps from $8-$18. Shrimp donut, chive cake, pork skewer, satay for examples. Tom Yum and Tom Kha Gai Soup that they call Hot Pots. Larb and shredded papaya. Those are $15-$23. 7 Mains from $21-$40. Snapper, duck, NY Strip, char sui pork, pork rib and one called Goong Ob Woonsen and Kanom Jeen Nam Ya Pu that you can look up. Desserts and booze. The place is large with a high ceiling. Beige, black (ceiling) and charcoal colors. Fabric seats. Wood tables. Green leaf mural behind the bar. Windows. The layout isn't the best. Many tables (all the ones facing away from the street like mine) have a straight view to the doors into the kitchen. They have 28 tables. Different heights and occupancies. Large entry area. You enter on the side. Two servers at that time. Black unis. Good. I liked it. Only four others there. All women. Closed on Tuesday. It might squeak in as a Favorite. 

Athena Roasted Chicken - I was still hungry, so, I decided to pop in here. I had been many times when I lived in WP. Not in years though. Unreviewed. My father used to love the rotisserie chicken. I ordered a quarter dark of that ($4) because a whole was $11 or so and you can get a quite good whole one at any supermarket nowadays for $7. But, I had to remind myself if it was as good as I remembered. It was. Tiny though. Not any or much better than the supermarket ones. Two triangles of pita as well. What I really wanted was the Cypriana Chicken in a pita with melted provolone. The vegetable sauce turned out to be tomato forward. The cheese added a little texture, binding and flavor. Great (off the bone) chicken. I started with just a taste test (while it was fresh). I ended up Cookie Monstering it. The pita was fresh and fluffy/spongy. Superb. It cost $7.49. I can't muster up the energy to give you the whole menu and prices. Here are their categories as they list them: non-Greek sandwiches, taboule, hummus, tahini, halloumi, dolmades, side dishes, soup and chili, chicken platters and salads and sandwiches, special salads, desserts, beverages, pita wraps and Greek specialties (15). Highest priced thing is the whole chicken. Open since 1988. I doubt it has had a make over. Basic layout. Some Greek posters of sites. Maybe twenty tables. Packed. Order at a counter. Open for L & D every day. Catering. No animal fat usage. Hormone free. Never frozen. May be a Favorite as well.

Mandola's - The 75 year old uncle of the Carrabba's guy (he was involved in that as well). Out of Texas (Austin). A few elsewhere (ie Jacksonville). Sicilian American. A chain. Inauthentic vibe. Order at a counter. They bring it to you. I had a lasagna to go for $17 plus a $1 packaging fee. Large. 4x4x2. Meat sauce, ricotta, mozz, Romano. Traditional. Good. They also sell six other pastas ($15-$17). The most interesting was Lunette Modo Mio. The rest were usuals. Four salads ($11-$15). Six apps (7-$12). One Minestrone soup. Four Mains ($18-$22). Salmon and Parms. I saw some sliced chicken that looked like cafeteria food. Five pizzas ($15-$18). A personal was $12. It looked like shit. Thin. Plate size. A Daily Feature. All around $20. Desserts. Wine and beer. Half portions of pasta. Kids menu ($9-$10). They also have a corner area for $6 small gelatos(i) and coffees. The place is a large square. Open kitchen in the far corner. The staff looked a little suspect. Pizza oven (flames) on the right. Ordering area to the right of that. WCs and soda fountain at the rear. Maybe 28 tables? Large patio are on the left. Another dozen tables? Soccer flags hanging from the ceiling. Coffee bar posters. A Godfather poster (the kiss of death). When I see one, I know the food is going to suck. Yellow, red and white. Really faux marble table tops. About a sixteenth full. They also sell wine. Theirs and others. Open for under a month. I can't recall the one time I patronized Carrabba's (on 434 near Lake Brantley). I suspect it didn't capture my heart. This may be a bit better? 

*Travel Notes - Greece: I flew UA there (Athens) and Air Canada back (Newark and Montreal) for $613. A few days before I left, I risked a jinx and bought an Aegean (via Olympic) to Chios (Homer's birthplace) for $150 that left a few hours after I landed. I stayed at the Chios Chandros Hotel (Expedia VIP 9.0) for two nights at $92. Must be the best option available in the area. Only $20 more. I had a view of the port and a balcony. I took a cab there for 9E. Stupid. I walked it on the return and it took me 25 minutes. I tried to haggle, but, the driver said the airport charges them 4E. Could be bs. I didn't do much other than walk the town/port. Too tired. They have a castle, square and Byzantium museum. I also walked up the hills for some pics. I ate from Market On both nights. A hard feta, sheep yogurt (great), dry hummus, cod roe (don't buy this), salami, pork, etc. I just went here because the other islands cost more in airfare. 

While there, I bought a ticket on Aegean to Thessaloniki (through Athens) for $190. Stayed three nights at the Amalia Hotel (Booking 7.9) for $60 a night. It was between Palatia Dikastirian and Platia Aristotelous and three blocks from the sea on Emou. Where you want to be. I took the bus from the airport for 1.80E. It took a long time. Full! They didn't call out the stops. It was dark. They barely turn on the street lights, etc. Thank God a local showed me where and when to get off. I bought taramasalta, feta, etc at a market called Masoutis. Drank some wine (did this most every night of the trip) and walked down around the esplanade. So many girls out. Too tired though. 

The next day it was a bit cloudy. I walked back up to a Roman Agora and Agios Dimitros and Commander's Mansion and over to the west wall to get my bearings. Then down to the port (film festival going on) and a ship called HS Velos. To the White Tower and all the way down the shore (a few km). Marathon going on. Back to the Museum of Byzantine Culture and Archeological Museum (both free that day). At Palatia Aristotelous, I had strawberry gelato with chocolate at Bufala Gelato and a chicken sandwich at Crats. Wine and the leftover food from the day before. It started to rain. So no nocturnal activity.

The next day, I found some restaurants I saw this summer on some BBC travel show. Cin Cin (bar) and Vanilla Gelato. Had good vanilla, marzipan and pumpkin gelato for free because it was their last day for the season and they were dumping the inventory. On the corner was a Levantine place called Feyrouz. I had a great wine braised rooster pide with some cheese and kraut and walnuts on top. Great! Easily the best pide I've ever had. I also had a bad Salisbury steak like cheeseburger at Goody's. I then walked to Agia Sophia and over to the Convention Center. The modern art museum there was closed. I saw some huge fort/castle on the hill and tried to walk up to it. Through the University. I went one block too far to the right and ended up at some soccer stadium and then up the hill to a church and the zoo and some ampitheater. I should have probably followed a road up there that may have led to the fort. Instead, I went back the same way and over to the cemetery. There I found the proper route (along more old walls) to the Trigonion Tower and the Northern Walls. Then across to the Church of St Paul. Back down and Rotunda and the Arch of Galerius. Pre-sunset on the esplanade. KFC wings and ff (so many) and leftovers and a crazy sunset (clouds) of birds going nuts over the city. 

The next day I bought a ticket at a kiosk for the bus. The stop was right on the same street we came in on (Egnatia Odos). Half full bus. In Athens, I took the X95 bus for 5.50E to Syntagma Square. I stayed at the Abov Athens (Expedia 8.8) for $75. Mozz, prosciutto, chips from Bazaar. Wings and ff from KFC again. The next day I took the bus back to airport for Istanbul (Described in the next post).

I had two nights after Istanbul. I took the bus back to Syntagma. Stayed two nights at the Omiros Hotel (Booking 7.7) for $59 a night. The first night was a disaster. The second night they gave me a room on the roof. It was great. The first night I just bought the same things at Bazaar that I bought a few days before. Got in late. Walked the area again a bit. Ate in the room. 

The next day I walked to the hill that houses the Chapel of St George on Lykavittos Hill. Past the Facade of Hadrian's Resevoir. Just kept climbing up until I found these stairs to it. Great views! Maybe better than the Acopolis. Do this! Does burn the hammies though. There may be a funicular. Down and over to this statue called The Runner. Across to the National Gallery (closed - Tuesday). Over to the War Museum (6E). Just looked at the stuff on the outside for free. Down the street to the Byzantine Museum (closed). Back past Parliament. Had a good, cheap pepperoni pizza at Oi Meraklhdes Tyropites. Over to the National Historic Museum, Library and University and Academy of Arts. I haven't sorted out yet (all closed). Over to Palaka. This time I went right instead of left. Past Hadrian's Library and to the Agora. Reduced price from 10E to 5E after 11/1. Worth the money. You can walk around it and peek in for free (same with Hadrain's Library). The drizzle started getting stronger and I was a bit spent from the St George trek, so, over to Bazaar for the same goodies and back to the hotel. View of sunset of the Acropolis from the roof deck. Bus to airport the next day.

The exchange rate was 1.08 USD to a Euro. The weather was great (only used a thin sweater twice). Especially in the beginning. Sun didn't burn. I had never been there this late. Still ok. Seemed like less flights nationally and at a higher cost. So, you may save money flying to Athens and lose it if you travel in country. No real issues getting there. Customs was fast every time but one. Flight home was the land of the living dead. Most coughing up a lung. I have decided that if Greek women had to be depicted in a cartoon about animals, it would be a rhinoceros. Wish I could have squeezed in another island. Spent 170E aside from hotels. Check out the thin honey sesame bars. Totally worthwhile two weeks.

Grub Crawl - Maitland: Kos, Maitland Chocolate Factory and City Pho and Grill

I tried these spots a week ago on Tuesday at lunch. All things to go. The first one I had a coffee when they were across from Rollins (May 20, 2022). Now it's next to Athena Chicken. The second is aside it. The third is closer to Lee Rd where Copper Rocket is. I went there when it was I-Pho 2 (April 21, 2016). Now its renamed. I tried these spots because plan A went south.

Kos Coffee - I tried a seriously overpriced waffle for $9. It was good. Made into 6 ajoined hearts. Maple syrup. It is Norwegian. $12 sandwiches too. And overnight oats and other breakfast iteams. Some seats. Neither fish nor fowl. I don't think they take the food side seriously enough. Its like a Starbucks. Therefore, I can't recommend.

Maitland Chocolate Factory - Next to Kos. Chocolate was ok. I had a $3.25 dark chocolate bar. Thin. They have dipped stuff and gelato. No gelato there though. Open for a few years.

City Pho and Grill - I had a sad Supreme banh mi for $9. Rubbery pork sausage, dull pate, tough pork roll. Short, non-baguette roll. No fish sauce/vinegar. They have 25 starters ($4-$16). Calamari, shumai, fried pancakes. Rice platters ($14-$22). Clay pots. 17 specialties ($16-$21). Fried rice. 5 veg ($15-$16). Pork, beef, chicken, pork chop, pork and egg meatball, shrimp, shredded pork. Sake, beer, wine. Shakes. Dessert.  Happy hour. Gray/white color scheme. Large mural of Bui Viet walking street in Saigon. Around 12 tables. Open for 8 years. I'm not sure if it is the same ownership. It was acceptable.

* I told you what I passed up in the last post.