The first of these is a third location in a strip mall at the intersection of 46A and International Parkway. I tried it on Christmas Eve at lunch. The second and third I tried after Christmas on Friday at lunch. I had gone to try an Indian place called Guntur Kitchen that the Orlando weekly said is new, but, has been open for eighteen months. They were opening late on this day because of the holidays. I will try again when the roti place (Summer Breeze) opens. The second place is in a strip mall on 434 near Ronald Reagan across from Cupid's. The third is behind a day spa in the old Hourglass Brewery building on Ronald Reagan closer to the HS. There was a halal market/butcher called Sahara near Dough Boys. It smelled weird.
Craft & Common - It replaced a fried chicken attempt that was Moe's Caribbean for a long time. It seems I had purchased a tea at their DT location on Robinson December 31, 2022. There is also one in Oviedo. Glad I was blissfully unaware of that because I had a damn good Tres Leches Waffle for $7. Now I usually stop myself at dos leches, but, I didn't want to be naughty this close to pay dirt. BTW, did you know that Claus is Dutch for Nicolas and Santa is Saint. Saint Nicholas was a bearded Turkish (Italians stole his bones and they are in a church in Bari) clergyman and his first Santa-like action was that he dumped gold (his family was rich) through a parishoner's window to give his daughter a dowry so she wouldn't become a prostitute or sold and it landed in her stocking by the fire. He did this sort of thing many times. He was also at the Council of Nicea as a Bishop proclaiming Jesus was divine. The two waffles were also divine. Coaster sized. Perhaps they hardened up a bit because I left them in the car for an hour. Drizzled with icing and topped with an appropriate amount of powdered sugar. The kicker, and what makes this a Fav because of care, was the fruit on top. Beyond fresh blueberries and strawberry slices. I was expecting Dunkin Donuts. This was restaurant quality from a quasi Starbuck's. They also had a few egg sandwiches around $8 and oats and avocado toast and pastries ($4). They said they purchased the pastries. They looked fresh. I recall croissants and maybe a turnover. Five in all. Four lunch sandwiches (BLT, Club, Turkey and maybe a veggie one). $12 and up. The L shaped layout is white. Jungle mural and throw rug in the front with two wicker finch nest seats. Pale wood accents and wicker lamp shades. Exposed concrete floor. Good staff. I just saw an expose in which Florida retailers have been charging coffee drinks tax. They aren't allowed to. EVERY store in the State was not complying. Not sure if this applies to these drinks or just canned ones. But, start causing a stink in every 7-11, etc for me. Open for two weeks. I'm curious to try more. If you are near one of their locations, don't be afeared. They could use a few more menus or a board. There is only one at the register. Slows the process.
Dough Boyz Pizzeria - I had the two slice special with a soda for $8.31. I swear they said $7.50. Two very good NY style slices. But, no soggy bottom. Erect as a school boy in the passenger seat on a bumpy road. Thin crust and bottom. No air bubbles. It seems their original location (open two years ago) slipped by me. This will be a Fav. They had a framed article from Orlando Magazine - "2025 Best Pizza" and their "Grand Opening" banner claimed a good review by the Sentinel. Mario, the owner pictured, was there. I think they said they opened four months ago. The place is small and a little run down. Three tables. Red, black and white. Some NYC themed wall art. Four stainless steel ovens. Six or so employees. Mid-80's pop-y club music playing. Think Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam. One tv. The cheapest pie is 12" at $13. A large is probably the go to at $17. $25 is the ceiling. They also sell eleven apps. The most interesting is chicken parm stuffed garlic knots. Seven pastas under $19. Four salads under $13. Wings in 8s or 16s or 24s ($13-$35). Ten sandwiches and two wraps all at $14. All the parms and sausage and chesse steaks. They cut slice the chicken instead of a scallopini. I don't like the modern trend of doing it this way. The crust mushes and falls off. You can't get even mouthfuls of chicken. One calzone and three stromboli. Did I tell you in the Italy Notes that Stromboli is an island north of Sicily? Four desserts. Kids' menu. Closed Tuesday. Their slogan is "It's not the water". They call out that one owner is from Trenton and one from Brooklyn.
Juicy Burger & Wings - Open for eight months. Peruvian. Just smash burgers and chicken sandwiches and wings. I had the double cheese burger for $14. It came with crinkle cut fries. I didn't comprehend that while reading the menu. Nice surprise. Just wish I had realized before I got them home and they steamed in the bag. Covered with dry oregano. That made them a bit bitter. I appreciate the effort. We all know my feelings on smash burgers. Not a fan. Plus I'm not a fan of grilled onions. So, they started with two strikes. That said, it was a fine burger. Came with a catsup and mayo sauce and pickles. I couldn't really taste the sauce. Why onions should be avoided. The cheese was good. Gooey. The bun wasn't stale. The meat was tough and dry and the ends crusty. Let me get on my soap box once again. "Smashing a burger squeezes out all moisture and flavor!" And it doesn't impart an ancillary flavor like drying a grape into a raisin. Oh BTW, did you know that only the front part of the cow is kosher? Why Jews eat brisket (the breast). And Jewish butchers brought this cut to the attention of Texans. Plus, it being inexpensive and previously unwanted and all. Just some beef 411 for you. They also sell a triple and a grilled and a fried chicken sandwich. Wings are about $1.50 each. Small footprint. Maybe seven tables. Black. Back wall has framed pictures. Order at a counter. This little joint that I hapened upon to fill my dance card isn't half bad. I'm almost glad the others fell through. But at $14, it is just not enough of a value or special enough to Fav out. In front there is a placard that has all these other food logos. I think this spot was trying to be a food truck court at one time. I'm not sure what is going on now.
*You will probably get one last Grub Crawl, one last Travel Notes and the 2025 Favorites List next week. The last two on the night of the 31st.
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