Ocean Buffet, East Colonial (50)

I tried this AYCE Sino-Japanese Buffet today at lunch. It was plan D. Plan A was N'Grano Cafe in WP. Not open. Brown paper on windows. Pop Up Bagels. Not Open. Still not close. Hikiniku at Juju. $42 burgers turned out to be a bad idea. Who would have guessed. They only do pop us once a month now (if at all). That left this. It turned out to be good. Only $18. You go up and collect your meal. Sushi, hibachi, hot Chinese and American dishes. Dim Sum. Salad bar. Cold shellfish (including snails). Desserts. Soup. Etc. It would have been a Fav (and it will still now replace Koy Wan as my sushi filler upper) had the replenishing been better. As a for instance, once the salmon nigiri plate was cleaned out, they only put two more pieces on. Didn't even exchange plates. Most of the plates were near empty as I left. None had been replenished. I sat at around 11:30am. I had a mere 34 pieces (because some one really tagged me with the flu on Route 66 and I still am not myself), two head on salt and pepper shrimp (bad), two har gow (terrible mush), two soup dumplings (better), a fried shrimp (worse than Winn Dixie salad bar), a spring roll (good) and a bad square of mapo tofu. The sushi rice wasn't great. Ok. The tuna quality was good. In rolls. Most of the assortment is rolls. Many kinds. They only did mackerel, shrimp, kani and salmon nigiri. The place was huge. High ceilings. Around fifty booths. Almost all filled. Alot of Asian groups and Medicare recipients. Here's a 2025/26 shocker - gray, black and white color scheme! Wood accents. Wavy wood beam ceiling. Large geisha mural. Clean, New. Gray upholstry. Food on the left. Sushi prep area in the middle. Lots of signs and descriptions of dishes. Lots of staff. In black. They filled my water when I went away. Gray plates. They said they had locations in Ocala and Gainesville. Open a month or two. Plenty of parking. At Fashion Square Mall on Maguire. 11am on every day. I liked the value. 

*I tried to try Fragaria Ice Cream in Maitland. I saw they had opend on Fox 35. These cunts only want want to work AFTER 3pm! I saw on the way that Joe and Juice had brown paper on their windows and we may be entering a Turci epoch. They are opening a Osteria at the Midici Pizza space in Maitland. They had a sign up. It wasn't there when I tried Selva Rosa. Brown paper on the windows. And Naya at Trelago in Maitland is still a ways away. And on Mills, Little Sister Dumpling and something Rice (I think it was to be called Hot as Rice) still have the brown paper on their windows. They were also tearing down some buildings that I hope will be promised restaurants soon. I am also taking the following locations off my list because I don't believe they will ever be - Mason's Lobster Roll, Tropix, Snooze AM. Any word on Oak & Stone on Park Ave? I forget to tell you that that dive bar near the tracks at Lake Ivanhoe on Virginia is gone. A new condo is there now. Happened so fast.

Travel Notes - Texas Oklahoma Missouri (Route 66)

Travel Notes - Texas Oklahoma Missouri: I flew to Dallas on Frontier for $90 because it was the only cheap fare I could find on short notice (because the uncertainty of the stupid car repair threw off my whole schedule). They have been running ad nauseum Samantha Brown's Route 66 episodes, so, I decided to drive the patches I hadn't driven before. I rented a car from Hertz for $386. It was supposed to be a Kia K4. They had next to nothing (even for Presidential level) and I took a Hyundai Tucson. I drove farther than expected the first night because most of the towns on the route I took (114W) had sketchy accommodation options. The airport's exit to 114 was closed down. Luckily I took 30N to it. All the "lakes" town are on it. Southlake. Westlake. The route was a bit confusing in parts. You had to get off and change direction a few times. I ended up in downtown Lubbock. I gave in to a Super 8 for $69 (rack rate) because it was 11pm.

The next day I started at Jimenez y Friends Barbecue y Taqueria (Texas Monthly #24). They only do brisket on the weekends, so, I tried three tacos for $12. An ok chorizo and egg. A good asado de puerco. A good carne asada. All generously filled. They told me that some famous spot had a food truck nearby today. I went there. They weren't ready. I learned the town was on  my way and decided to go to the real location rather than wait. I then drove 62/82 a few miles sw to Wolfforth and Evie Mae's Pit Barbecue (Texas Monthly #8). I had a plate with brisket, potato salad and baked potato casserole and a large soda for $20. All were very good. This was the best bbq I had. I then drove 622 back to 27N. Went west around twenty miles on 70 to Olton and Rejino Barbecue (Texas Monthly Top 50). I had 1/2 lb of brisket for $18. I think they gave me more than that. Plus they tossed in four half fist size burnt ends. Their brisket was less oily than Evie's. I prefer the moisture. I drove on through Amarillo and east on 40. I exited and followed all the Route 66 signs. I saw the Devil's Rope Museum (closed). I'll state here that much of 66 parallels 40. Only when you get to a town does it really pay to drive it. I entered Oklahoma in Elk City. Their Route 66 Museum employees left even before 5pm. I pulled into a Holiday Inn in Clinton for $98 (rack rate). Ate the rest of the bbq. Bought Blue Bell Gooey Butter Cake IC at a market because Rhett and Link did an ice cream tournament I saw before I left in which they gushed over Blue Bell IC. Banana Pudding in particular. Turns out you can't trust relocated white trash. Terrible, puffy, air-infused ice cream. Picked up a 66 guide in the hotel lobby.

The next day back on 66. Stopped in Weatherford (Space City). They had a big muffler man space man. Drove past the Stafford Air & Space Museum. Still not sure why it is a space town. Onto the Pony Truss Bridge in Bridgeport. They used it in the film Grapes of Wrath. There was an older route from here that I got lost on. Grave of Chisolm from the Trail. Eventually made it back at El Reno. This was used in the new Twisters movie (end sequence). I was here for Sid's Diner and their world famous onion burger (3D, Bizarre Foods, Food Paradise, MvF). Had one and a soda for $11. Drove on past Oklahoma City. Found a Visitor's Center just before they try and make you get an 44 (toll). They told me to get off just before (I forget the exit - 2nd St?) to Edmond. At Arcadia there is a diner and soda shop called Pops 66 with a giant neon soda bottle. They sell weird sodas and vintage candy too. Then a round barn and a chicken joint. Stopped at an old gas station a bit further on. Through Sapulpa and the Tee Pee Drive In and other things. Onto Tulsa. On the Arkansas River. Been before. Never stayed/investigated much. I stayed at the La Quinta Downtown (Expedia 8.0) for $114 and $10 Parking. Walked the town. Saw all the districts. Churches, theater, Bok Tower, Bok Center, Convention Center. Saw a few restaurants from MvF, etc that didn't entice. The city was devoid of people and services. I had to get back in the car and drive west on 66 to some area that had a shitty supermarket. While there, I tried a burger place called Arnold's. DCB for $8. They are burger mad in Oklahoma. Mostly smashed ones.

The next day I drove to take a pics of the river and Boston Avenue United Methodist Church. 66 east to the good part of Tulsa. First stopped at Buck Atoms Cosmic Curios. Muffler man and lady (now). Meadow Gold sign. Up to Ike's Chili House (Martha Stewart) for two bad chili dogs for $7. Oldest restaurant in town. There was a Rosie the Riveter muffler man there too. Left on Utica. Around there is a recording studio used by Clapton, Dylan, etc called Church. More north is the house from the Outsider's movie. Also a famous burger joint (Bill's MvF) that had no customers, yet told me I would have to wait for 45 minutes. I told them to pleasure themselves with a rusty knife. Down to Tulsa University. Saw the arena and football stadium. A bit south to their (modern) fair ground and a big golden statue called the Golden Driller. Back to Ike's and across the street to Howdy Burger. It was closed before. Grabbed an ok Howdy Burger for $6. The guide called them out. Back east on 66 and a stop at the Mother Road Market (mostly food stalls). Grabbed a scoop of Pony Boy at Big Dipper Creamery for $6. Finally out of Tulsa. Past a cool Hard Rock. They drop you past the greatest curiosity on 66. The Blue Whale of Catoosa. I drove back west to see it. Wouldntchaknow that it was fenced off for repairs. I climbed over the fence and did a Jonah. The workers didn't seem to care. I love any building/structure in animal form! Back on 66 east. Stopped for fried calf fries (baby balls) at Clanton's Cafe (3D and Bizarre Foods) in Vinita for $9. Only had old balls. These were like chicken livers. Took some pics in Miami (murals). Tried to get something at Waylan's Ku Ku Burger. They only had the drive thru open and were taking too long. Did grab a burger and swirl ic in Commerce at the Dairy King for $6. Great people. Couldn't find the Mickey Mantle house. That ended Oklahoma. There is a small sliver through Kansas. The signage wasn't great. I think I missed the town they used in Cars. I believe they have a station with fake Maters, etc. Saw a sign that said birthplace of Hale Irwin. It was getting late and I was behind schedule. Drove into Missouri. Through Joplin and Carthage. Not much called out and I had no guide. In Carthage the route disappeared. I gave up and got on 44N to Springfield. I think if I had turned off the first exit the route could have been picked up. I think this whole route is easier east to west. Drove around the downtown. Stopped at a Best Western that I think was once the Rail Haven Motel. This was back on 66. $109 rack rate. Grabbed some crap at Walmart.

The next day the weather changed. It was warm and sunny up to now. Now the rain came for two days. That (and the lack of things) made the route less engaging. Oklahoma is definitely better at this. I had an ok cb ($7) from Casper's down the street before I left. Towns like  Lebanon, Waynesville, Rolla, Sullivan, Pacific. Places like Hubble Telescope Replica, Munger Moss Motel, Route 66 Museum/Library and Uranus Fudge Factory. In some places the roads were unkempt. Towards St Louis it disappears. I got back on 44 and off at 366. Took that about ten miles to Ted Drewe's Frozen Custard (Chowdown Countdown #37). Had a great TeDad oatmeal and vanilla concrete for $6. Then a scary drive past 30 to 55S. Drove to Sikeston. Stayed a the Best Western for $114 (rack rate). BK because it was Valentine's Day and Lambert's Cafe was beyond jammed.

The next day I went to Lambert's (Chowdown Countdown #19) as soon as it opened. It was at capacity a half hour later. I had a terrible chicken pot pie (because out of pork jowls) with box mashed and baked potatoes. And off course a "throwed" roll. I had been to the one in Daphne AL. Same exact thing. I hauled ass to Memphis and 40W through Little Rock because it was Sunday and any restaurant I wanted to try was closed. Past Texarkana to 82W to Paris. Stayed at the Hampton Inn for $127 (rack rate). TB/Walmart dinner because I knew I was coming down with something.

The next day I had a bad turkey rueben with chips at Corner Cafe. Took some pics of the square/theaters. There is a movie named Paris Texas. Wasn't shot there. West to Bonham. Birthplace of Speaker Sam Rayburn. South on 121 to 75 to Dallas. Took a stupid way around SMU to the original Sonny Bryan's Smokehouse (Chowdown Coutdown More #80). Bought a good brisket sandwich for $13. Took 35W to 183W to Euless. Stayed at the Best Western Plus West Euless (Expedia 8.4) for $89. This is near DFW. McD dinner.

The next day I dropped of the car and flew home. No issues. Ok trip. Watched Olympics. Found out there is an ATP tournament in Dallas going on this week. Would have done that. Would have tried two other restaurants in St Louis if the rain hadn't slowed me down. Spent $721 on hotels. $176 on gas. $249 on food, etc. $117 on parking. Total = $1739.

Grub Crawl - UCF Area: Desi Bistro, Hasuu/Bambuu, Knights Curry Express and Senor Taco

I tried these spots up and down University Blvd near UCF Tuesday at a late lunch. The first is in the strip mall on Collegiate Way just off Alafaya Trail (SW corner). The second is in the strip mall across from it (NW) near the McDonald's on Strategy Blvd. The last two are next to each other in a strip mall not too far west on University that has the Lazy Moon. They are easy to miss because they are on the side.

Desi Bistro - Bangladeshi. On the corner of this row of shops. The dickheads in this never not under construction strip mall are now digging it up again and the lot is surrounded by fencing. I found this a bit disappointing. More fast casual than I was expecting. Order at a counter. Four or five tables. A nice slice of life mural on the left wall. I grabbed a bowl with a name I hadn't recalled tasting before. Chicken Malai Boti. It was a bit dull. Some semi-spicy thick red sauce over not a ton of not great quality chicken chunks. Not a ton of flavor. The rice was very short grained. They tossed in a limp salad. It cost $12. Flimsy, eco-friendly container. You can order what they have in a wrap and platter as well. They had around twenty options. I recall goat, beef, paneer, mutton, fried fish. Ten small things like wings and samosas. I remember that most of the Indian restaurants in London (Brick Lane) are actually serving Bangladeshi dishes. Not sure if that goes for Indian dishes in America. However, I don't recall many (or any) places around town calling out their Bangladeshiness. So, this may be your only option. Open for a month or so. No one else there.

Hasuu/Bambuu - Two in one. Actually three. One is a bar. One is Japanese. One is Chinese. As a joke/bit of rebellion, I ordered a Korean Omelette from Hasuu. After ten minutes, I had to ask what was going on. The one guy (who turned out to be a dishwasher) in the kitchen who had been looking at me with a puzzled look wasn't doing anything. I was informed that there was another simpleton back there (who I assume was the cook) and he said it would take ten more minute to make a one minute meal. I grabbed a cheaper egg salad sandwich from the prepared food (most of what they do) section and left. It was an ok sandwich. Sweet bread. Fake egg. The omlette was $8. This was $7. I don't really wasn't to waste much time on these people. Some rolls, poke, bento, buffet style teriyaki junk. Typical food court buffet stuff as well at Bambuu. Nothing looked too fresh. A big, square, spartan, modern room. The order kiosks weren't working. Open for two months. No one else there.

Knights Curry Express - Indian. I tried some fried chicken momos (6) for $10 and a chicken tikka sandwich for fries for $8. Loved the momos. Little round dumplings. I believe I discussed them in the Maldives Travel Notes. Not sure that I have seen them around town anywhere else. On their Street Food section. I wonder if these are just Chinese frozen food items the co-opt? The sandwich was good. Had shredded carrots, that cilantro puree and possibly cheese inside. Pressed. More Indian dishes should be served this way. Fries weren't great. Batter coated. Spongy. Good seasoning though. This took way too long. Only one other guy there before me. They had around twenty items. Biryani. A few more apps. Three types of momos (ie steamed). Small, rectangular space. Maybe four tables. Basic interior. Order at a counter.

Senor Taco - The only one NOT on the list to try (new openings) and (of course) the best. Mexican. Original in Port St Lucie. A grabbed three Taco Tuesday hard shell tacos for $2 a piece. Ground beef (a bit Slopy Joe-ish), Al Pastor (can we decide on if this is shaved meat or this) and Chicken (not too stringy). They had fun things like vampiras, birria and flautas served in a cup. Many meats like lengua. Most of the usual stuff as well. Gray, black, rectangular space. Five tables. Order at a counter. Open for a year. Two others there. Could be a Fav. 

Grub Crawl - Mills Rd and Orlando: Z Cafe and Lele's Snack

I tried these spots on Tuesday at lunch. The first is inbetween 50 and Virginia. The second is inbetween 50 and 408 on 436.

Z Cafe - A Vietnamese place. A few months old. I'm not sure what was in this large space before. I just grabbed a banh mi special to go for $9. All good except for the roll. I think they tried to resucitate it by nuking it. That made it a giant crouton. Pate. Three types of above the usual meats. Mayo. Good veg. Seven apps including Chinese har gow. Five banh mi. Five fried rices. Six pho. Three beef dishes. Fifteen noodle dishes. Coffees. Juices. Teas. Drinks including pennywort. Gray. Black. Faux marble. Around sixteen tables. I kind of remember hearing about them. Thought it was Z Asian moving location. Nice surprise.

Lele's Snack - Venezuelan. I just grabbed what was ready. A ground beef empanada for $5. Ok. Small Spartan space. Fourteen listed emanadas. One called baby shark. Arepas. Pasteles. Bebidas. Offered me free coffee. Four tables.

La Campana, Lee Rd

I tried this Mexican restaurant on the west side of I4 on Monday at lunch. They said the have been there for six years. I thought I had been to every place around there. No evidence on this site though. I grabbed a huarache (sandal) with carnitas to go for $15. It was good. I do wish that Mexican (and bbq) places would do away with pulling their meats into little, long piles of string. This pork had the usual dried out portions. Those really needed to not be stringy. Wears out your molars. If they don't cause a choking hazard. The lettuce, avocado, pickled onions etc were fresh and clean enough. I saw a plate of sopes (spheres) that also looked above board. They don't seem to just slop things together. Wonderful, simple plating. Didn't include chips and salsa. Saw tables there getting them. Not sure if they were charged. I learned of this through a circular. Two for one offers there if you get two drinks. And daily bargains like three tacos for $5 on Tuesday. The menu is large. Ambitious. They have the ususals (fajitas, burritos, etc) with things like octopus or parrillada plates. Prices rise to $45. Eight soups. Ceviche. Oysters. Mojarra. Pargo. Michoacan pork. Birria. Tortas. Different options and price points for most budgets. I was reasonably impressed. The place must have been an old Pizza Hut or something. Gray and black with and octopus mural. Low ceiling. Small bar. Patio. Two sets of booths for four on either wall. Two tables for eight and two for four in between. You could way worse. They were even sophisticated enough to have/hand out a $10 gift card with a QR Code that you could use to order directly with them. Means "the bell".

Grub Crawl - Longwood and Lake Mary: Guntur Kitchen and Made in Puerto Rico

I tried these spots Saturday at dinner. The first is in a strip mall across from Hourglass Brewery on Ronald Reagan Blvd. The second is in a strip mall on Lake Mary Blvd on the road that goes to the high school. There is a Chamberlain's there. I was going to go to a place called Longwood Social Club initially. The entire row of shops it was on seemed condemned. I guess it is too. It was there a few weeks ago.

Guntur Kitchen - I have been told it is a location in India (Andhra Pradesh in the SE of India) known for spice (chili capitol of India). It has a small menu that I believe changes frequently. Today they had three mains. Mutton with rice or dosa, Chicken something and Vegetable Kheema Dum Biryani. I had the biryani for $16 to go. It was probably the best I've had. The two toned (white and yellow) basmati was prepared perfectly. Soft. Moist. Whatever the make up of the wads of vegetable were, they were terrific. Some much of them. Tempeh? *I just looked it up and this dish is made with minced meat. Receipt says Veg though. The portion size was fit for four. The spicing was remarkable. And I'm no vegan. But, like In and Out burgers, I'm coming to the conclusion that as the former are tastier without cheese, Indian food may not improve with meat. You really can never taste it anyway. They included the best raita I've ever had. A bit spicy with cucumber and onion and tomato. They also had around a dozen apps like dosas and snacks like fried chicken. A few desserts and drinks like lassi. The place is small. Four mis-mosh tables. Red and yellow and white and gray. A few framed pieces of art on one wall. Closed Monday and Tuesday. I think they do lunch. It's a mom and pop shop. Opened a few months ago. Will be a Favorite. No added charges.

Made in Puerto Rico - They said they have one by the Cracker Barrel at the airport on 4366 and in Throgs Neck NY. I can't believe I wasn't aware or haven't seen the first. Huge menu of the usuals. Plus they do brunch on the weekends and catering. Open for lunch and dinner. Fancy. I had the pollo guisado (chicken stew) with side for $16 to go because I don't love Puerto Rican food and I thought the biryani may need help in the form of chicken. The shoestring fries (side) were perfect. Alot. I ate them with the raita. The four small pieces of bone in thigh meat were fine. No real flavor. The sauce is tomato based. It also was pretty bland. Came with a with slices of carrot and potato. Also bland. Not a huge portion of stew. I ate it with the biryani the next day. Rhett and Link have this segment where they ask "Will it?" Like soda ramen. Guisado. Will it biryani? Yes! They pork and steak, seafood and chicken dishes. A few sandwiches at $17. A trifongo (new to me). Prices rise to $65. They spent alot on the refurb. It was the Lake Mary Social Club or something and a dive bar before that. Never went. Scarface vibe. Mostly shiny black. Two fake white leaved trees. Split into a seated bar section with a few high tops and three tables near the bath. Four booths aside four tables of four and then two tables of six. There were some kind of techno light projectors above them. The bar stocked top shelf booze. Around ten beers on tap. Digital displays were pimping Happy Hour, Super Bowl Watch Party, Champagne Brunch and Ladies' Night. Marc Anthony was on the wall and the speakers. Other paintings of Puerto Rican celebrities. Lots of staff in black. The crowd and staff were all Hispanic. They chose a weird neighborhood to put down roots in. I am not aware of a large wealthy Hispanic population in that area. But, I don't know everything. That strip mall doesn't have a reputation for success. I think the Tijuana Flats is pretty much the only survivor/attempter over the years. They are surely taking the biggest swing at changing that. I hope they beat the odds. I may have seen enough to make them a Fav. The attractive hostess and great fries didn't hurt their chances. Opened two weeks ago. I believe they have a sign that read that they had lunches starting at $9.99. It will be interesting to see how they juggle the vibe/clientele. Dressy/clubby evenings with a likely sloppy lunch crowd. They added a charge for credit card.

*Apropos of nothing, Aldi has further diminished Winn Dixie (as if that was possible) by changing out their tuna fish supplier. No pull top. Less full though the label says the same ounces. Water weight? Way inferior quality of tuna. Worse label. Raised the price. This is hardly the only negative change. With no positive ones. Keep on truckin' Aldiculous Aldicks. I mean fuckin'.

Grub Crawl - Sanford: Arepas Cafe & More and Akira Sushi

I tried these spots at competing strip malls at Lake Mary Blvd and 17-92 on Thursday at lunch. There was also a new Filipino market called Del Guzman that doesn't open until noon and didn't have any of the described prepared food ready for yet another hour.

Arepas Cafe & More - Just opened here. Original on 436 in Altamonte Springs. Said that has been around for nine years. Don't know how I missed it. I just grabbed two of the only three "ready" empanadas for $4 (they said $3.50). All ham and cheese. Thinnest sliver of ham ever. Mexican string cheese. Smooth crescent shell. Sweet cornmeal. A bit greasy. The namesake arepas are $10 to start. Or are they? Check your receipt. They have breakfast items. A plate was around $13. An egg and cheese sandwich around $8. Other traditional types of snacks. Some full plates. Not cheap. Around four tables. Not much decor. One or two employees. One other customer. Venezuelan. 

Akira Sushi & Steak House - Been there forever. Empty. Looked scary, so, I tried the $12 lunch hibachi chicken box as a result. Looked like Lean Cuisine, but, actually ok. No weird bits of grilled chicken. Orange goop sauce. Fried rice had no meat and was a bit soggy. Two crescent shaped fried crab rangoons were pretty good. Greasy. Four piece Cali roll was ok. Typical big menu. Nigiri starts at $4.25. AYCE is $30. I wouldn't trust that. Looked like they only stocked four or five items. Six hibachi tables. Off white/yellow walls. Dark wood. Two Chinese employees and a Mexican sushi chef. 

Travel Notes - Alabama Louisiana Florida

Travel Notes - Alabama Louisiana Florida: I rented a car for a week from Hertz for $15. I used points because it would have cost $473. I had to do this because the nimrods at Sanford Paint and Body didn't finish my repairs in time. That will be a Tutorial. I stayed here the first day. I drove to Gainesville and had a lunch TMNT sandwich at The Paper Bag Deli DT (3D) for $14. The whole town is metered parking. I continued on to West Pensacola and stayed at the poor Country Inn West (Booking 8.2) for $71. Walmart Cobb Salads dinner.

The next day I stopped in Mobile. Grabbed an ok Spanish SOS Squid to go at Squid Ink (Travels with Darley) for $18. Saw a newish food court called Parc le Tralour. They are dicks about meters too. Drove around and found a closed Hummingbird Oyster Bar (3D). They were setting up for Mardi Gras parades. I found free parking at the Blind Mule (Chow Down Countdown #75) back DT. Got the $21 chili cb with fries to go. Drove to 12W and the North Shore at Covington. Stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn (Expedia 8.6) for $101. Drove at Abita Brewing in Abita Springs. BK dinner. I saw Covington and Abita Springs on Samantha Brown's Places to Love. They are on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain.

The next day I drove through DT Covington. Saw the Southern Hotel, etc. Cute town. Drove 190S to the lake in Mandeville. 22W to 55S/51S to Akers/Manchac. Had a thin fried catfish plate with hp and ff at Middendorf's (Food Paradise and Good Eats) for $23. Down to 10E to 610E. Exited on the Canal St exit. Went to City Park for the first time. Went to NOMA and Besthoff Sculpture Garden. Maybe the best things in NO. Garden is free. Drove around the park. Tad Gormley Stadium (mostly UNO track), Botanical Garden, City Putt, Carousel Gardens Amusement Park. They even have a Cafe du Monde here. Down Orleans. Grabbed a cochon de lait (pulled pork with cole slaw) at Katies's (3D) for $18. It turned out to be on the same block as that Liuzza's place I went to a few trips back. Down Bienville a few blocks to a real surprise - Neyow's Creole Cafe (I forget the show). I was getting "you mind if we dance wif your dates" vibes, but, they delivered excellent fried chicken, carrot souffle and mac and cheese for $18. The souffle was a first. Like pumpkin pie filling. They made the mac with thin/short vermicelli or something. A first too. I went east a block or two to the Parkway Bakery (Samantha Brown's Places to Love). Grabbed an alligator sausage po boy to go for $11. This was a cool spot. Had parking. I should state here that I ate the cochon and po boy the next day. Both were good. To the Garden District and the Marsh Hotel (Expedia 9.2) for $95. They lied about the parking. I got a spot because I showed up exactly at 4pm, but, there were only two spots. They also didn't give me a great room. I should state here that almost every location except those in FL wanted exorbitant rates for the weekend. Think $400+.

The next day I drove through Pensacola to 90E to Santa Rosa Beach FL. Stayed at the brand new Tru by Hilton (Expedia 9.6) for $88. Had a free wine tasting at Emerald Coast Wine Cellars at Miramar Beach. They are part of that Chautauqua Winery in Defuniak Springs. Let's put it this way - all wines were non vintage. Grabbed an overpriced, un-pressed or impressive Cuban with potato wedges at Stinky's Fish Camp on 30A for $22. 

The next day I stopped for a $15 bagel with smoked salmon, cc, capers, pickled onions and tomato at Coastal Coffee & Cafe. Drove 30A (a jjoy) to 90E. Stopped at St Joe's Shrimp at Hunt's on St Joe Bay in Cape San Blas for llb of steamed white shrimp for $22. They said it was caught there. Said the moratorium on oyster harvesting is lifting in March and some is allowed now. Stopped at Leon Sinks Geological Area in Crawfordville (open this time). North to Tallahassee to Railroad Square. I can't believe I had never been to this cool little area before. Had an ok curry chicken and an ok chickpea empanada at Pineappetit (3D) for $12. They are known for filled, carved out pineapples. That wouldn't travel well. Saw the basketball arena (Donald L Tucker Civic Center). Almost went to a game. Drove on to Orlando. 

Spent $355 on hotels. $244 on food/etc. $116 on gas. Total = $730. I think the last time I did this route was right as DeSantis ordered us home for Covid.

Grub Crawl - Epic Universe and Florida Mall Areas: Half Barrel, Pho Sky Blossom, Gozumba, Turull's and Mazala Pijja

I tried these spots Sunday at lunch. The first is on Universal Blvd in a strip mall. The second is in a strip mall at the northwest corner at Sand Lake and OBT. The third is in the strip mall on the northeast corner of that intersection. The fourth is in a strip mall one block east of that on Sand Lake. The last is in a strip mall south of that on Doss Ave that I believe is called Lakshmi.

Half Barrel Beer Project - They said they have been there for nine years. I believe this is the last brewery that has escaped me in CF. I had two 5ozers that seemed like less than that at $3.50 a piece. A nice hibiscus one and an ok Mexican lager. Small place. Only four of their own brews. Some food. New looking. Tvs. This whole area is pristine. Brand spanking new.

Pho Sky Blossom - I had the chicken pho at $17 after they said they couldn't do a crab and tomato one. It was fine. Lots of breast meat that I wish they wouldn't tear length wise. Nor add older batches to the fresh ones. Noodles seemed store bought. They couldn't bother to separate them. Like a brick. All stuck together. Typical menu and prices. The place is black and pink and gray. Cherry blossom tree in front of four tvs patched together to make one huge one showing a tourism video for Vietnam. Stage. Wicker lamp shades. Two metal ones. Some stone accents. Gray stuffed cushion back chairs. A half wall topped with feathers. Kitchen behind that. A mini L shape layout. Four blue cushioned seat tables and a bar in the front. Eight tables for six or more on the spine of the L. Two servers. Dressed in black. About half full. Took a bit long to ladle soup. An ok experience on a cold afternoon. I will take issue with the sriracha et al they presented me. All half full and dirty. A bad look.

Gozumba - Walked in and out. Some kind of trash nightclub. Was frisked going in. Can't imagine eating there. 

Turull's Kitchen & Bar - I like tapas. I don't like paying people astronomical mark ups to put them on a plate for me. As such, I grabbed the cheapest thing to go. $7 tortilla de patata (1 piece). Now I'm unsure if they sliced one piece into three tiny ones or they made a mistake or this is how they count in Spain, but, I received three tinies. Side of garlic mayo. Ok. Not sure if they made it. The menu has bites like croquetas and empanadas at $13. Calamares, gambas, pulpo in the twenties. Sausage, soup, tostones, etc. Mains like Carnes in the forties. Seafood in the thirties. Paellas in the forties. I didn't see portion sizes. Only two tables eating. Five desserts. Gray, white, red and black. Counter on the left. Tiny glass wine closet at the entrance. Mostly filled with Lan. Light bulb tipped tree. Bottle of wine mural. Blue and white checker board backed chairs. Wood tables. Open kitchen in the rear. Around a dozen tables and seats at the counter. Seemed estrogen fueled. I'm sure it's good. I just don't have that USAID, Somali day care or South American despot money. Nor a stolen credit card. Their in house video had images of Mallorca on it. Not sure if the food takes on this character. I thought they were newish, but, their sign read 2023. I believe they are closed on Monday.

Mazala Pijja - I assumed this would be as pointless as the five other previous places here that I have been forced to endure. I am a big whatever is the opposite of a fan of Indian pizza (or most fusion). It just has too much of its own character to blend. Plus all these suckers were around $20 for a 12" pijja shit. The meatballs on some people. Needless to say there wasn't one person in there eating. Needless to say I chose a $5 mango lassi to go. They rang up a $6 chai. Jokes on me. I dropped it on the ground. Maybe Ganesh was protecting me from pee-ja? I had a sip. It was fine. To my dismay, I later saw a separate more reasonable Holiday Menu that had actual Indian dishes at acceptable price points. IE - Chicken 65 or chili for $14. Probably hose you on the rice. I guess the pizza menu didn't get it done on its own. It's run by the Saffron Hospitality Group. Small. About eight tables. I think it was white and blue. Only a cook was there.

*Whomever is in charge of the traffic lights around Epic Universe and Sand Lake from I4 to John Young is a complete moron.