Grub Crawl - Apopka and Altamonte Springs: Empanada & Co and Bossa Nova

I tried these spots on Tuesday at lunch. The first is in a new food Hall (Halls on Fifth). You take 436 down and a left in the center of town at Park Ave and a right one block later. The second is back towards I4 in a strip mall a bit before 434. The back right corner. I also almost stopped at a lecheron place and a did stop (and left) across the street at an El Pollo clone called El Gallo?

Empanada & Co. - Branch of the one in Winter Garden. Had a ropa vieja for $5.50. It was ok. Had a Carib spice profile. Would have rather had a beef pie from the place near UCF for $3. The hall was dull. These things are becoming as cookie cutter as a food truck park. They had: Butchery Nook, Parlor Waffle, Soulicious, Sweet & Salty Island Grindz and Thrive (also DT). All were taking forever for few customers. Only one (stoned?) person in many stalls. The waffle one was without any. Most things start in the mid-teens. Ok little dining area around a cocktail bar. The two most interesting things were across the street and closed. Three Odd Guys Brewing and Just Like Mama's Soul Food. There was also some gingerbread store on Park that I hadn't recognized before. Hall has been open for a few weeks. Lots of parking. Not open on Monday. Opens at 11am. To 10pm? Sunday until 6pm?.

Bossa Nova Brazil Market & Cafe - Opened the day before. It looked more interesting than the food hall when I drove by. I had two empadas (chicken and hearts of palm) for $4 a piece. Both were good in their own way. The chicken was heartier. Had a condensed cream of chicken soup feel. The palm was lighter. The bottom of a cupcake looking pastry was very flaky. I also bought a rolled guava desert calleda bolo rolo for $5. A few seats. Four or five rows of goods. Some drinks. The menu had different types of small options like the one I had. Order at a counter. Looks new. From Sao Paolo. Plenty of parking. Not much competition on this side of town. If you want the experience, I guess you have to come here. Already had a crowd. Could sneak in as a Fav? Just dumb luck finding it.