Grub Crawl - SoDo: John & John's and Kiwi Coffee Cafe

I tried these spots on E Michigan St at dinner on Tuesday. The first is in the old Mediterranean Blue location. The other is down the street at the A La Carte 2 food truck park.

John & John's - A small pizza forward Italian place. I just grabbed an ok NY style slice for $4 because I found their prices to be too high. IE $17 sandwiches. They are run by the Cavo in TP people. Around ten tables. Open for two years. Some parking.

Kiwi Coffee Cafe - I grabbed an ok egg and cheese muffin for $8 because I found all the value props in this space to be too high. Food trucks are gaining on airports for the most expensive snacks on the planet. A truck should mean LOWER overhead. The other trucks: Nova Street Pizza, Over Rice, Barrio Espanol, Smash Dunk, Brick & Butter, Taito Sushi and 503 Latin Fusion. I was there chasing down a truck called Burger Jawn. Does anyone have any info?

Grub/Pub Crawl - Disney Area and I Drive: Naatu Naatu, Adbo Kabob, Paddy Wagon, K Pot, The Winery and Orlando Starflyer

I tried these spots on Saturday at lunch. All were better than I expected in their own way. The first I stumbled upon trying to price an AYCE place called Hokkaido (because of their timeless billboard) that turned out to be under renovation. It is in a strip mall on the north/west intersection of 535 S Apopka Vineland Rd (the Disney Springs exit) and Palm Parkway (west side of I4). The second and third ones I saw on my last trip here and needed something to do/try while I waited for the slackers at the next two (I boycotted one for being continually stupid/mis-managed) places to open at 1pm. The second is in a strip mall on the south/east side of that intersection. Next to the Grand Cypress. The third and fourth are in a strip mall at the north/east side of the intersection. Five and six are at the strip mall on I Drive that has the Ferris Wheel. 

I want to give the reverse of a shout out to the DOT. Didn't that work between Sand Lake and 535 begin pre-Covid? After all the center toll road bullshit. And now they are jacking the prices for that. I think their logic is to raise prices DURING high volume periods. You know. So fewer people will want to get off the free section. Back to the current road work. How do you have multiple roads leading INTO I4 in that area and none allowing anyone to exit? Not even a temporary detour! Plus I love all the trash that is accumulating on the sides of I4. Pretty soon we will be in 10 in Los Angeles territory. Or Detroit.

Naatu Naatu - The name has something to do with a Bollywood "Oscar" winning movie. Five booths each on the left and right. Five tables of four in between. Cute, childlike wallpaper with Indian themes. They are from the south - Hyderbad. Open for five months. Vegetarian. Crazy menu that had so many things I hadn't seen termed before. Here are a few: Sambar Vada, Gulab Jamun, Bhatura...wait...I'll list the categories: Aarambham, Amogham, Tandoori, Roti, Parata, Adbutham, Sampoornam, Idly Bazaar, Dosa Bazaar, Alpahar, Amrutham Cold, Madhuram, Chowrasta Khazana. Tell me whitey that you have even heard one of those words before. It's like they have a different word for everything! That's a Steve Martin joke. About the French. I sampled a soup - Rasam for $5. It was a flavor bomb. Just a kind of vegetable broth. Very good. I used it as a sauce for leftover rotisserie chicken. Only two families there while I waited. It came out quick. Two girls working the front of house. I would like to try more. I'm sure it would be an education unto itself. The front window could use a cleaning. It is black to begin with and they have no "open" sign. It looks closed. 

Adbo Kabab  Open two years. The owner is from Morocco. Two guys working there. Around ten tables, a counter at the window and a single Arabic decorated table. Brown wood chairs and tables. Big mural on left wall. Windows up front. Pretty clean. Order at a counter. The gyro meat looked prefab and wasn't rotating/cooking, so, I had a chicken shawarma. It looked like they stacked it and it looked cooked. It was very good. The sauces seemed a bit more vinegary/piquant than usual. Pickles, etc in it. Fair size. Chicken was uniformly done. Not dry. It cost $11. They have falafel, beef/lamb mix, lamb chops, kofta (beef), and kebab too. Around $16 for a plate. Ok looking pizzas too. Individual ($11) and larger. $6 for hummus. $26 for three lamb chops. Two parties there at lunch. There is also a revolving hot pot place here called U & Me.

Paddy Wagon Irish Pub - They let you bring in your own food. They just have drinks. I didn't want to day drink and they had Foxtail Cold Brew on tap, so, I had a glass of that for $5.25 and ate my shawarma. A few craft selections. Booze. Pool Table. TVs. Not breaking any ground here. Three patrons. One bar tender. I think they close at 2pm.

K Pot Korean Barbecue & Hot Pot - They said they started in Jersey. A chain. I think they may have other locations in CF. AYCE Barbecue or Hot Pots cost $32. I didn't really even want Korean, so, I had a bento to go for $15. It was a bargain even if they gave me pork belly instead of pork cheek. So much pork belly! I ate all I could for dinner and some left over for the next day. Mostly lean. Cooked perfectly with or in sesame oil. Large sides of seaweed salad and kim chi. Four shui mai. White rice. The shui mai were ones you buy frozen in the market. Veg were fresh. Rice was cooked properly. Came out fast. On the to go menu they have: ten bentos (chicken wings to brisket), three premium bentos ($17), seven hot pots ($13-$18), and eight sides/apps ($2-$10). The main hot pot menu has seafood, beef, pork, veg, noodles, etc. 5 items in all. There was also a salad bar. Barbecue has 36 items. You can combine both dinners for $37. The cooking surface was probably electric. Bar and tables on left side. Entrance and salad bar in the middle. Room with a view (retaining pond) on the right. There was some junk hanging around in certain areas. Right side is nicer. Must seat well over a hundred. I remember red and black colors. Some swag. I guess you would call it modern. Around five groups there at lunch. They don't open until 1pm. Close at 11:30 or 12:30pm (WE). 7D. Not bad, but, I think I'll prefer the $20 AYCE at Gen Korean when I go there. The highly rated one I went to in Vegas was only $26.

The Winery & Tasting Room - I saw an interview the owner did on tv with two of the boobilicious talking heads from local news. On some show/podcast called Central Florida Foodie or something. The owner has taken over Castle Church Brewing and Sanford Brewing (?) under the Brewlando umbrella. She took over this spot that was some kind of Euro-trash bar a few months ago. It's nice. It has a good location. Right in the center. They have a patio underneath the Ferris Wheel. Window wall between it and the inside. Mostly a bar with seats. Some high tops. Not stuffy. Plenty of elbow room. Modern. Wood accents. Wood barrels above the bar. They simplified and gussied it up a bit. One bartender. They sell a few Brewlando beers and other people's wine. Mostly brands carried by a distributor. I had their Magic City Milk Stout for $10. It was good. As you can see, it is pricy. Double a brewery or bar price. A four glass flight was $20-$25. By the glass pours were all low teens and up. They were out of the port I originally wanted. Around three groups there. A definite improvement to the area. The bartender said they had or are opening up a place that sells food as well in Maitland. 

Orlando Starflyer - The best part of the day out. This is that tower with the swing seats attached. I've loved them ever since my cousin and I made my brother throw up (twisting his seat around so it spun) orange mussels all over his white shirt and pants at a summer carnival. I paid $13 for one ride. $15 if not a Florida resident. Extra discounts for responders and forces. $9 if you want a second go. No line. You have to have empty pockets. They have free lockers. I put all but car key in the car. The guy at the bottom put my key in a basket and I could leave my flip flops where we took off from. I goes so high. The views alone are worth the price. Whipping around with the wind in your face is gravy. And you get dizzy. The stupid sling shot on the other side of the strip mall is $40! Let's hope they don't let any Jabba the Hut sized teenagers on this one. Run. Don't walk to try this. I can't believe I had neglected doing so for so long. If Fun Spot is huge...this is kofefe.

*I also espied Divina Carne Brazilian Steakhouse and Corazon while on I drive. The first is on a side street (Carrier) near where the Afro (?) News Network is. Next to that Pirate Adventure dinner theater place. Is that still going? The other is near that iconic cylindrical hotel with the globe on it. Nearer to Kirkman. And that new hotel. The one with some beach or summer theme, I think. It doesn't look like they spent money fixing it up. Maybe on the inside. Divina in like $69 to start. $39 for no meat. But, you can have sushi, carpaccio, smoked salmon, cheese, etc. So, I might be able get my money's worth. Those items looked fresh/high quality. The space looks much more posh than I expected.

**Check the top of the page. I made it so you can track this blog via X.

J'Adore, Altamonte Springs *TX/NM/AZ Travel Notes

I went to this French bakery on 434 (behind a 7-11) near Lake Brantley HS on Thursday at lunch. I grabbed a Le Paris Brie ($12.50) and Altamonte Cross ($3.50) to go. The baguette was wonderful. Did you know it means baton and is the most modern of the breads? The ham was ok. Thick. A touch smoky. The butter had a bit of a contaminated flavor. Probably from being in the fridge too long. The brie was a bit bland. It resuscitated a bit after warming up to room temp. The Cross was pleasing. An soft, x shaped, yellow, risen, "donut" with a vanilla cream icing. They had around six to eight other sandwiches starting at $11 Nothing special. Pate (pork), salmon, tuna, etc. Around three omlettes. Maybe two salads. Three quiches (tiny). Around a dozen pastries. All more than $4 except the one cookie. A few seats. Not much panache. They are out of Northern France. I expected a bit more. I go often enough to Europe that I can get the things they pawn off to Americans as luxury items (with associative mark ups) cheaply at any supermarket. I'm mean like 2E for a whole container of pork pate or a full round of the cheap brie. A longer baguette for under 1E. So, I get a little ticked off at these mark ups. But, I guess a Subway meatball or cold cut sandwich is around $8 now. You decide. That baguette was pretty terrific though.

*Travel Notes - Texas/New Mexico/Arizona: I flew to Dallas on Frontier (over a half hour late leaving each way for no reason) for $98. I flew there because flights and/or car rentals were way more to AZ or NM. This was just a filler trip. I rented (my choice) a car from Hertz for a week at $364. It was brand new. DFW is so much better than Houston. Before I left, I consulted Texas Monthly's Best BBQ and Best Bites of '24 lists. The first place I drove to was their Best Bites selection (beef ribs) in Ft Worth called Ribbees on Seminary Rd off 35 a few blocks north of 20. Their momma spot is called Goldees. It was the #1 rated. Not open on the days I was in town. Ribbees had a two rib special with ff and a roll. The ribs were tasty. Not much meat though. About half the size of the ribs I've always seen. The crinkle fries were great. I think I got here by taking 183 west to 35 south. It was confusing leaving the airport. I then took 35S to Austin. I stayed at the Woodspring Austin (Expedia 8.8) at 290 near 183 for $71. I ate nearby at some chain called Bill Miller BBQ. Some good fried chicken. 

The next day I awoke too early to do any of the spots in Austin. So, I drove 35S to 123 to Seguin. There I had excellent (but they kind of fucked me with a very fatty middle piece of the point) brisket at Burnt Bean Co. $16 for 1/2 a pound. They had a Michelin plaque. #4 on the TM list. Nice place. Next to City Hall. Longish line because they move so slow. If I hadn't thought I was going to two more places (spoiler alert - they fell through) that day, I would have tried more. I drove from there to 87E to Cuero. Passed Juan Seguin grave site. I popped in (not on any list) for a poor, dry brisket taco at Smolik's Meats and BBQ that cost $7. Onto Victoria. I was supposed to try Mumford's from that PBS Daytripper show. I picked the one week they take a vacation. On the way out, I espied a place called La Vaca BBQ. It had some awards listed from a few years back and a Southern Living article. I decided to quench my anger with some of their food. They plied me with samples of brisket (best), chili, sloppy joe, pulled pork and pork steak (that was also a thing at Burnt Bean). All good. I bought the bargain 1/4 chicken for $5 and the disappointing (old) pork ribs at $13. I had intended on trying a PBS place in San Diego, but, they closed at 3pm and there was no way to make it. So, I turned north on 183 and 111 and connected with 10. I took that back west towards 35. I took 46W on top of San Antonio (New Braunsfels) to see that area and escape any SA rush hour. I stopped at a Bucees in Luling on the way. Tried some dark chocolate almonds, cookie and the cheapest soda ($1.19 large) any place in the US. It was almost night by the time I reconnected with the 10. I chickened out and accepted a shit hole motel called Executive Inn in Comfort for $89 (rack rate). I could have gone to the next exit. But, after that it really was no man's land. 

The next day I drove the rest of 10 that I had never driven. Stopped in Fort Stockton and Van Horn. Through El Paso (getting too big) and Las Cruces NM. Stopped in Deming and slept at a Motel 6 in Lordsburg for $83 (rack rate).

The next day I continued on to Tucson AZ. I stopped at the Airplane Boneyard just south of town at S Kolb Rd and E Irvington Rd. It was in the movie Can't Buy Me Love. It is restricted, but, you can see it from those roads. So many planes! I then went one block south and a few towards Tucson to the Pima Air & Space Museum. Didn't pay to go in. Back to 10 and south on 19 to 12th Ave and Irvington to Pecheron Mexican Grill. It was on Food Paradise. They said they had a real restaurant elsewhere. The internet gave me this address. It was a food truck. I had a Sonoran hot dog for $4.50 and a Percheron Taco for $4. It was made with Diezmillo (they said this meant shoulder meat) beef on a crust of mozzarella. They called burritos  burros and hot dogs - dogos. Sold something called coyota with ice cream. From here I drove south about twenty miles to the Titan Missile Museum at West Duval Mine Rd. The tour to the underground silo was sold out and the $7 topside entry wasn't worth it. Back to Tucson and a Motel 6 (Expedia 7.8) at Ina Rd for $101. It was next to a train track. I drove south to Speedway Blvd and got a green chile pulled pork plate with mac and cheese and potato salad at a new bbq place called Bashful Bandit Barbecue for $20. I tried to try a place on 3D called Chef Alicia's. It didn't open early enough for me. 

The next day I took 10 back east. Stopped at exit 268 for Omar's Hi-way Chef. On Food Paradise. I had their Texas Breakfast Sandwich for $14. It was basically two open faced grilled cheeses with two sausage patties and two eggs with home fries or hash browns. I was possibly going to stop in Tombstone (again) or Cochise Stronghold, but once I start passing assholes on the highway, I can't fathom doing it twice. I got off in Las Cruces on 70N. Stopped at a Ice House Brewing Co for a four pack at $13. Stopped atop a hill overlooking a Missile Testing Facility at Tularosa Basin. There are a few on this road. It was important to the space race. Past White Sands NM (been) into Alamogordo. Stopped at their Space Museum. Didn't go in. I think it cost $7. Good view of the town from here. Near here is where they did the A Bomb Trinity test as seen in Oppenheimer. Sporadic tours. North to 82E. Got some garlic pistachio nuts at McGinns Pistachio Land. Took this route because I had never driven it. It was good. The first town is Cloudcroft. It had a little ski resort. Side Note - I didn't do north NM because they haven't received much snow so far. I stopped in Artesia because it was getting dark. Stayed at an ok Comfort Inn for $110 (rack rate). It was smart to stop here. It was the nicest town.

The next day I drove on through Hobbs to Seminole TX. This whole area of NM is oil or natural gas fields. It stunk up the place. I'm not sure how people can live here without brain damage. South on 385 to Odessa. Ate a shitty lunch at Hacienda Vieja for $17. They charged for chips and using a cc. On to 20. Stopped in Abilene. Stayed at a shitty Sleep Inn for $96 (rack rate). Had dry brisket, mashed potato like potato salad, seasoned spuds and dry cornbread at Betty Rose's Little Brisket for $18.

The next day I stopped at the athletic fields at Abilene Christian University. There was also a college there called Hardin Simmons or something. The weather changed that day, so, I just drove through to Dallas. Onto 30 and off at 360. Stayed at a good Best Western Plus on 360 (Expedia 8.8) in Arlington for $99.

I returned the car the next day at flew out. No real issues. Didn't accomplish much. Ate McD's $5 Meal Deal around five times. Gas was near $3 in AZ. A quarter less in NM. Fifty to seventy five cents less in TX. Spent $220 in gas. Airport parking was $120. Total Cost = $1605.

Bar Kada, Winter Park

I went to this sake bar at Soseki on W Fairbanks last night at supper. They are open Wed-Sun from 5p-9p. I started off with two maki. Both $11 on the receipt, but, $15 and $13 on the menu. Both were four pieced, cigar shaped rolls. Well prepared rice. Scrappy fish that didn't really burst with flavor. Bluefin tuna and king salmon. The salmon was a bit spiced with garlic chili. The tuna with spicy mayo. They also had a $21 waygu and $11 cucumber and $11 crab. The receipt printed out the name of the dishes, so, I don't think there was any cashier side monkey business. Maybe a POS glitch or happy hour explanation? I also had a half dozen IROC oyster for $6. Yes, $1 a piece. They said it was a special. Unlike the oysters which were not. The smallest, most emaciated of their kind I have been served. I would have been embarrassed to serve a few of them. They also had Kushi and Kumumoto. In that First Bite category they also had a $16 caviar donut, $13 tomato chili sunomono and a $30 or $42 dry aged sashimi selection (3 set or 5 set). From the Fuller Bites, I selected the best dish of the night. The chili rock shrimp noodles at $20. Very good (but not made in house) egg noodles (ramen) with a touch of bok choy and garlic crumbs. A fair portion size. Good chew on the noodles. They also have $18 chicken wings, $28 Faroe Island salmon and $50 A5 waygu (2oz). They have two desserts. $8 ice cream and $10 mochi cake. Five Supplements and Additions. A five course prix-fixe at $85, three sake for $5, $60 1/3rd oz black truffles, $12 bump of caviar, $90 30g Petrossian Rotal Baika and $175 30g Petrossian Royal Daurenki. Happy Hour (5-6p) has some $10 drinks, $12 mussels and $11 sunomono. All the plating was nice. As you can see, some things are less dear than others. Still less than the $275 for Soseki. They also have a wine and sake selection. There were only two other patrons there. One table of two when I came in and one solo bar goer when I left. The bar had five or six seats. I didn't clock how many tables there were. Not many. They make a big to do like they are doing you a favor by seating you. You just read how desperate they should be/act. I'll bet no one was at Soseki. But, I guess you have fake it until you make it. The room was tiny and white. Some little posters. My host (and all the non-door staff I interacted with) was very pleasant. They start you off with some puffed peas. Soy sauce from an eyedropper. They try and pull the special wasabi bs. I can't remember if they opened in the summer. It was far back on my list. The only real disappointment was the 20% service fee that they add and fail to tell you about. I double tipped on that plus the tax. Damn soft lighting. Not sure if it merits a Favorites.

Grub Crawl - UCF Area: Violet's, Saucy by KFC, Yulnn Meals, Siam Garden and Goodfella's *Delray Beach Open Travel Notes

I tried these spots today at lunch. The first is in a new development (Ellington) on E Mitchell Hammock near Alafaya Trail. The second is south down Alafaya past 408 by about a mile on the right. The third is back north on 50 in the strip mall on the northeast corner. It replaced Ji Bei Chuan. The fourth is next door on the left. The last is a few stores down on the left. I just knocked these off cheaply because I had nothing left on the agenda and I decided to let Gen Korean simmer since it is an AYCE (I wasn't hungry) and the dumpling place I wanted to pair it with wasn't open as I thought. I'll return for both when it is.

Violet's Ice Cream Boutique - They surprised my by stating that they have been open for a year. I just recently read about the development they are in. It refers to itself as Amish. I had a single (huge) scoop of cinnamon roll for $6. I hate paying for ice cream. This was an original flavor and I loved it. I didn't mind paying for it all. Pieces of roll and pecans. Cinnamon. They had about a dozen flavors. Then some mixes that you can get as a sundae or shake. They cost around $9. Waffle cones/bowls were an extra $1.50. They had floats. The space is white and clean. A few tables. Counter in the rear. The entrance is on Mitchell Hammock. Parking in the rear. There is also a Jinya and CFS Coffee here. They said they are opening a location in Lake Mary and has one in Sanford. It will be a Favorite.

Saucy by KFC - I believe this is their test store. It is a fail. They take away all the chicken pieces and some sides and give you eleven sauces that you must pay for. I only recall chicken fingers and those on bread. Maybe a wrap. I can't rcall if KFC has sweet rolls and crinkle fries. I grabbed those for $2.50 to play along. They were good. Big portion. Seasoned with a rub. The place looks like a red KFC. Kiosks. Opened recently.

Yulnn Meals and Sips - Just opened. I'm not sure how much redecorating they did. It's white, faux marble, two shades of gray with sandalwood. Spartan. Around six tables. They may have altered the counter area. Made it bigger. Two kiosks. Minion and Jeff Coons Balloon Dog figurines. The menu (Taiwanese/Japanese) was uninspiring. I settled on this cheapest thing as a result. A ground pork and mushroom dish (can't recall the name and they don't provide receipts) with white rice at $10. A portion without rice was $7. So, I guess rice is $3. It was good. Sweet, savory soy sauce based sauce. Not heavy. Lightly stir fried broccoli with garlic and cabbage on the side. The rice was cooked correctly. In a sustainable cardboard bowl. They also sell apps like Taiwanese sausage, tempura shrimp or gyoza. Most under double digits. Mains like ramen, noodle dishes, cold chicken and some fried items on rice. They were mid to upper teens. They sell tea too.

Siam Garden - Looks like it has been there for years. Menu was large. Things you would expect at prices you would as well. They actually had a good deal of seafood and duck. Things I complimented Talay on. They also had a sushi section that I suggest you avoid by the look of seafood and the prices (a Philly Roll was $10). I just had $6 Tum Kha Chicken Soup to go because I wasn't in the mood for another Thai meal. It was ok. Tasted like cheese. Took longer than a soup to go should. Maybe it wasn't pre-made. The place looks old. Dark tones. Stained wood. Fake awnings. Thai elements. Around fourteen tables. Some are booths on the left. One server/buser. Now open 7D. Closed between 2pm and 5pm?

Goodfella's - Since 1998. Was once related to the one in Sanford. Now not. I just grabbed a slice for $3.50 because I had only eaten fries and ice cream so far. It was large. Typical, low quality NY slice. Bad cheese. Ok sauce. Still eatable. Full menu. Subs, pasta, pizza, apps, wings, calzone, stromboli, mains, etc. Veal, chicken, seafood. I didn't get that good a look at the sit down area. Obviously old.

*Travel Notes - Delray Beach Open: I drove 95 to Atlantic Ave in about three hours (stops for gas and Wendy's). Started at 8am. Parked in some covered lot where they wrote that Red Parking was $5. Thought it was there. Turned out to be a free public lot. I saw a few other "colored" parking areas. The ones close to the stadium must cost and you probably have to pre-purchase them. I think those farter away were free. My garage was a block off Atlantic. I had called ahead and they said that I should just wait and buy a ticket there. I think the price was $29 or $59 (I tossed my notes) for the day session. There was an online scam site that looked like their direct ticket sales. They were asking a minimum of $129! I would also call because their prices seemed alot lower than anything I can find (or found) online. I'm forgetful because I met a guy in line and as we were talking he asked if I wanted a coupon for a free ticket. I said yes. He told me some company (maybe the sponsor?) gives away free passes. Another lady told me that if you bring ten canned items you get a free ticket too. They also have days dedicated to certain people like Vets. I assume they get discounted tickets too. This was sort of Day One. They do some "legends" doubles over the weekend. Not sure if every round has deals. I was surprised how few matches were going on. Just four. All in the stadium. Doubles at 11am. Singles at 1pm and 2:30pm. An extra singles on an outside court. Night had two matches. The stadium is large. Everyone had a real seat. I was lucky to be in the second level towards the back. It was shaded. On the west side. The place was probably 5% full. You could grab a seat anywhere. Most people were hogging the shade. They had a few (expensive) food and drink stands. Picnic tables. A water was $6. Hats were $40. A t-shirt was $37. I think you can bring in your own drinks (and maybe food). It's always fun to attend something this low key. The biggest star was Taylor Fritz. I saw him practice. Tommy Paul withdrew. I saw McDonald and Michelson beat Seggerman and Smith and Kecmanovic beat Gojo and I saw the start of Norrie and Svadja and two newbies (Quinn and Boyer) on Court 1. Other "names" were Eubanks, Opelka, Davidovich and Nakashima. The crowd was ancient. I can't believe most of them survived Covid. People were scalping tickets outside. Over the phone they said I could get a printed ticket. The girl who redeemed our coupon said no. Sent a link to my new friend. I didn't pursue it. I left at just past 3:30pm because I was scared of West Palm rush hour traffic. I got through easily. The same three hours on return. I will say that it was a parking lot from Delray to WPB coming south. That's like thirteen miles. There must have been an accident. I only espied some flashing lights from a cop car at some point before the jam registered. Weather was perfect. It's a good event. I believe they said it is 33 years old. I was going to stay down there the day before or after, but, prices seemed inflated. I hate paying for crap in this part of the state. I'm glad I made it a day trip. Really only cost me $40 in gas. I'm going to try and do the Miami Open in a few weeks. I bet it will be a pain in the ass in comparison.

Grub Crawl - Ivanhoe Village and NoDo: Bark Haven and Talay

I tried these spots yesterday at lunch. Both will be Favorites. The first is on Brookhaven Dr behind Santiago's Bodega on Virginia. The second is in the old City Pub space on North Orange Ave.

Bark Haven - They opened around Thanksgiving. It combines dog grooming, dog park, ale house and restaurant. I know. Weird. Open plan. High ceilings. Black. Two large arced booths and a few regular tables inside. Maybe ten tables outside in front of the dog park. A bar in between with around a dozen seats on each side. TVs. Ceiling fans everywhere (on too high). You can bring your dog anywhere. I had the Big Rich for $17. It is a 1/2 lb burger with Mediterranean (not sure how) pimento cheese, onion rings, tomato, arugula or cress, sweet pickles on a brioche bun. It was excellent. The best I've had in a while. Much better than the one they sell at Papi's Burgers (a part owner). I asked for medium rare and it was closer to rare. Fine by me. They hand form it. Maybe hand grind it. Not smashed. Nice crust. I took off the veg and onion rings and ate them as sides. The veg were well seasoned and dressed in a vinaigrette. Fresh tomatoes. The onion rings (one small and one large) were crisp. Some of the best of those I've had in years. Not oily. Pickles seemed homemade. It came in a little cardboard tray with metal looking plastic silverware. The menu is small. Around ten apps and six pizzas and six mains. Only two of the pizzas have "Italian" cheese (burrata). The one I saw was plate sized and looked good. Mid-teens. Other mains are a brisket Cuban in pizza dough, a Lebanese burger, grilled shrimp, etc. All around/under twenty bucks. A steak frites was $24? I don't think any come with a side. They asked if I wanted to add fries. Apps were things like three types of wings and grilled Caesar wedge. Local beer, wine, martinis, cocktails. Most things have a Mediterranean influence. They had six female servers. In black unis. They add 20% automatically. The food seems to be cooked in a "food truck" in the parking lot. On site parking. Open 11am-9pm. 7D. Dogs don't make me uncomfortable. I think I was one in a past life. Their presence made me happy. The place was pretty packed before noon. I think you will enjoy it.

Talay - It means "sea" in Thai. It means we finally have some differentiation in this category. I tried the Gam Pu Tod (crispy crab claws) for $8 and Pad Pak Boong with chicken (water spinach in fermented bean sauce) for $17 to go. Both because they were things I had never had/seen. The crab claws (4) are covered in fried rice paper. They came with an orange colored plum sauce. They reminded me of a dim sum dish at HSF in Chinatown NY. They trim the claw/shell down and mush some crab meat mixture over it and bread it and deep fry it. So good. These claws were cut down closer to the stem and weren't as "bushy". They didn't have a ton of flavor on their own. And that flavor was mostly frozen claw meat tasting. But, it's a fun snack when dipped in the sauce. Crunchy. Not greasy. Decent crab would just make it better. The main dish was good. Pounded, white meat chicken. The sauce was thin. Like a black bean sauce with garlic. Hot because I asked for it that way. More chicken than Queen's Cup. Wok prepared (I'd assume). Came with basmati rice. The kernels seemed short (I'm seeing this more often). Sticky. But, maybe because I left it in the container until dinner. It came out in minutes! Scary quick. Packaging was first class. The menu is GREAT! If I lived nearby, I would eat here once a week. Three soups ($19-$27). Six starters ($7-$14). Four raws ($18-$34). Three salads ($15-$23). Three grilled ($16-MP). Eleven signature ($21-$59). Four curries ($22-$29). Nine classics ($17-$22). Three sweets ($9-$15). Some interesting items were: river prawns, cuttlefish, raw oysters, roti, hand pressed shrimp cakes, marinated picanha, green papaya salad, pork jowl, black mussels, red snapper, sea bass, omlette, soft shell crab, duck and scallops. As you can infer from the types of things and prices, this is not your usual Thai restaurant. I can't recall seeing its equal (amount of seafood dishes). Not even in Phuket. If they don't abuse or purchase poorly or over keep these ingredients, we may really have a sleeper here. The fact that only three other couples were dining at midday on a Saturday makes me worried. What if no one finds them? Will their freezer be working overtime? Will the menu shrink? They did a great job on the makeover. They didn't change the layout. It's a central bar with seats around it and a patio if you have never been. It looks like they just repainted and recovered. But, you couldn't tell if you hadn't been here before. A shade of off white. Some gold accents. Sandalwood. Darker stained wood above the bar. Subtle. Sophisticated. Some white cushioned areas. High ceiling. Seats 133. Twenty tables of four or two inside. Some bar seats. Maybe ten tables outside. Open 11am-10pm. They may close for an hour after 3pm. The internet says so, but, I think their door sign said no break. 7D. Parking is a bitch around here. No problem this day. Maybe four wait staff. White unis. Pleasant. Thai. Unsure if they have alcohol. Opened recently. I would make the effort. They seemed to have.

*The receipt had Noir on it as well. Maybe that is the same owner? I think that's a bar nearby. Beignets and Brew down the street doesn't seem close. 

**Here are some flavor combos I stumbled upon out of boredom and chance: Bauducco toast ($1.69 at Winn Dixie) with hot sauce and cheddar (good), Iberia vanilla wafers (99c at Publix) with cheddar (good), Iberia vanilla wafers with cheddar and hot sauce (good), Iberia vanilla wafers dipped in red wine (not good), Iberia vanilla wafers dipped in plum sauce (average).

***I was told at Winn Dixie that they put the old (ever shrinking) baguettes on the top shelf by the bakery. I also looked at the sticker on them. It read $3.184 a lb for $1.99. I will be keeping an eye on that ratio even though I know they have been cheating us since Aldi took over. It's almost pi, so, I should remember.

Grub Crawl - Downtown, Winter Park and Lake Mary: Acropolis, Black Coffee and Queen's Cup

I tried these places yesterday. The first is downtown where Dove Cote used to be. Bank of America building. Diagonal from the courthouse. The second is in the old Winter Park Fish Co location on N Orange. The last is on Country Club Rd. The one near their City Hall and the train tracks.

Acropolis - I walked out of this Greek Taverna after thirty minutes past ordering. I had ordered the two minute max prep time falafel plate at $16. It came with hummus and a side salad. It was hard finding a main with a side that you wanted. They must be on a strict FIFO system. Personally, I would have one lane for time hogs and one for slap togethers. They also seemed to have no separate line for to go orders. I saw the gyro gyro. Just pale meatloaf lamb/beef. It didn't seem to be rotating. I bet they shave it and cook it on a grill. The menu had four section: apps, wraps, specialties and salads. About a dozen of the usuals in each. Prices from high single digits to forties. Some of the more ambitious offerings were: lamb lollipops, ouzo mussels, branzino, and red snapper. They use swai as their undescribed fish.  They have four locations in Tampa. This is a good room with steel beams and high ceilings. The color scheme is blue and white. Brick wall. Neon sign. Around thirteen tables of four and a bar with ten seats and a semi-private windowless "room". Semi-open kitchen in the corner. Oh and tables on the patio and outside in the lobby. They also do a sandwichy breakfast business from a display case by the entrance. About half full of white collar types. Two waitresses and a bartender. Had the hard stuff and wine. It was a bit "corporate" feeling. I believe they opened around Xmas. You can pass. I'm not going back.

Black Coffee - They also refer to it as Cafe Negro. I guess one of the owners is/was connected to Univision. I don't watch. I went here after I couldn't find any newbies downtown. It was 2pm. I was the only one there for a while. They just opened a few days ago. The space is arced. Windows. A little rectangle with two tables for the drinks/bar. Charcoal, black (fans and lights) and light gray (tiles). Around fifty seats. I guess the style is Puerto Rican. The menu is mostly $20+. Breakfast and brunchy things. I had the chicken and waffles for $23. The breast was huge. Three meals worth. Mostly good. The breading came off a bit too easily and the center was too close too raw. I ate around it. Packed the remainder up and will nuke it with black beans tonight for dinner. They covered it with cheese. I think the menu said it was to have a bechamel sauce? I remebered this afterwards. Sadly, I think that was why I chose it. The round waffle was fine. I saw the owner's meal of the $19 smash burger. Not too thin. A ton of fries. The eggs benedict at $18 could come with salmon. But, no side. The $19 BLT came with seasoned potatoes, but, cheese too. There was an $18 omlette with steak. They also had an avocado toast and maybe six more choices. They gave me a free watermelon drink that was great and a shot of their fresh squeezed OJ (no pulp and watery tart). Parking is good. Up front, wide enough and more in the rear. To me it feels more like it should be a dinner place. I wonder if locals will go often enough to make it work out. It feels like a special occasion play. Do enough people eat a fancy breakfasts during the week? I think they need more lunch-cenric dishes at least. Maybe the drinks will catch on. I didn't catch the pricing. They probably will take too long for the to go crowd. One waitress (uniformed). One drink guru. Service was good. Open 7am-4pm. They seem to have that opening tip off enthusiasm. I was expecting a Black Bean Deli sort of experience. This was higher end. The pricing (and lack of sides on a few dishes) put me off initially. But, you do get alot. Now is that what people want? Or would they like both cut in half? Their POS system overcharged the tax. They said they would look into it.

Queen's Cup - Opened six months ago as an ice cream, etc place. Recently started a limited Thai menu. Around eight usuals. Pad Thai, Tom Yum, Fried Rice, Green and Masaman Curry, Samosas, Green Papaya Salad, Summer Rolls and what I had - Chicken Krapow for $15. Stir fried, pounded white meat with green and yellow peppers, fried egg, basil and onions over rice. The sauce is just a bit of heat with the cooking oil. Nothing special. Smallish portions. Rice was a bit over cooked. Most things cost the same. Some snacks were $5. They also do coconut water (from actual coconuts), ice cream, mango, drinks, etc. Family run. One cook/owner. One order taker. Limited seating (small raised counter, alcove and one table). Long ice cream counter. Green color. Parking in front. The snacks and sweets are probably the draw.

*If Mason's Lobster Rolls is at 2 S Orange, it is far from completion. Same with Nuri. Leiah seems closer. I drove past Mochibae (can we just write this off?) and DZO on East Colonial. DZO still says Mongolorian all over. Didn't see a finished build or a sign for Chapman in Winter Park. But, I may have been distracted (gone too fast). Maybe because they only do dinner.

Grub Crawl - College Park, Mills and Audubon Park: Yeast Coast Bakery, Burrow Cafe, Wafu, Meat N' Bone, The Pass Kitchen *NFL Pro Bowl Travel Notes

I tried this assortment of snacks at various locations Sunday at lunch and dinner. All to go. The first is in a nondescript group of one story structures on Edgewater near Digress Wine. One of the last commercial spots on that road before DT (50). The second is just across 50 (south side) on Mills. On the right. The third is at East End Market. On the second floor. The fourth is in the strip mall on the opposite of the EEM on Corrine where Redlight Redlight is. The last is a food truck in front of RL RL. But, It isn't there usually,

Yeast Coast Bakery - They said they soft opened in August. Just six pin wheel type baked options. I had a ham and cheese for $6. Small. Overpriced. They also had sweet ones like cinnamon rolls. One employee. No seats. Seedy look. Affiliated with some coffee place up the block. Only open Fri-Sn from 8am-2pm or sold out. Internet has different schedule. You can pass.

Burrow Cafe - Just drinks and a tiny plastic box of store bought baked goods. Looks good though. Curved bar. High ceilings. Interesting architecture. Light tones. Windows. Not sure if USAID is funding them. Said they provided space for things like day care. A totally Gen Zero manifestation. Opened just recently. parking seems like a pain. Only went here because the selection at YCB was so disappointing. Not as disappointing as this though.

Wafu - They make those snapper (tai) shaped waffles (yaki). Open for a while. I had tried to try them since day one. But, they don't open until 2pm. On weird days. I had a kurabuto pork sausage with mozz one and a bacon with cheddar one. Both cost $5. Both were pre-made. They said fresh ones would take forty minutes. Not sure if these were mistakes or sitting there since 2pm. They were ok. A bit tough. The sausage was Asian sized. Nothing special either. Looked like a Vienna sausage. The bacon was good. Half a strip. A waffle is less than hand size. Both had cooled. Better when nuked. You know I just saw an old episode of Hot Ones where David Chang said microwaves were the best cooking tool! They had a few other savory and sweet types. Ice cream. The line was long. So many people waiting disappointedly. Two workers. No seats. Kind of a bother. Two McGriddles are now $5 at McDs. And they have egg. I was here for Gyu Katsu Rose. They seemed like a pain (wait list) and I was in ten minute parking and they don't offer to go dishes. It seems like their gimmick is hot stones that you cook on. I thought it would be fried stuff. I guess it is more about the meat half (Gyu).

Meat N' Bone - A meat shop with locations in south and west Florida. Fancy cuts. Game. Some sake and wine and charcuterie. Some seafood. Looks nice. Lots of glass fridges. Opened recently. Still can't sell the alcohol they display. No kitchen. Didn't buy anything. A 6oz of octopus carpaccio was like $12. 2oz of Serrano Ham was $16. Parking is a pain. 

The Pass Kitchen - Unsure how long in business. They have a physical store in Altamonte Springs on 434. Heat up meals. I had the (4) grouper empanadas for $12 because I forgot about Bark Haven and the Burger Jawn truck wasn't where it is said to be and I was starving. They were ok. smallish. A bit fishy. Good cream dipping sauce. Not oily. Came out quick. They also had mostly Mexican dishes and a ramen ($14). 

*Travel Notes - NFL Pro Bowl at Camping World Stadium in Orlando: I finally went. It was kind of fun. I left at halftime because I had concern for my car, I showed up too early and I can't handle traffic any more. A nosebleed cost $29. I bought it there. I had to do the digital ticket off their texted wifi link bs. Just text the ticket qr code! I may be being too much of a bitch about that. It was about half full. I moved around. Parking in an Asian lady's yard across the lake (Loorna Doone) at the morth end cost $20 in cash. It was up to $40 a bit closer. Some at $30. I didn't get boxed in and no door dings. Parking up to the stadium needed to be pre-purchased.