I had dinner at this new (two month) eclectic taco bar on Saturday. It is is in the old Segafreddo location in the marketplace on Mills that abuts Virginia. Next to Brass Tap. It is what you'd expect from a played out genre. Now we are past the "authentic" phase and into the "gimmick" phase. They are trying to concoct "funky" taco combinations. The problem is that anything really creative probably would be a step to far for most customers. I would suggest (since they seem to be aping white trash culture) squirrel or frogs leg or gator or turducken tacos. But who (besides me) would be interested in trying that kind of cousin lovin' fare? More than once? What they do have is a little dull. They lead with a cheeseburger taco that isn't ground beef but cheeseburger pieces. I didn't try it because it sounds kind of stupid. I did force myself to try a KFT Taco for $4. It was a combo of fried chicken, mashed potatoes and cole slaw. I liked it. The chicken (slice of white meat) was moist and well crisped. The slaw was good. The mash was a little lost. The taco was huge. But, this was the safest one. And I like weird. Will others? I also had two things from the appetizer part of the menu. A pretty good BLT Tostada for $6 and a plate of meatballs for $6. Once again, both portion sizes were large. The tostada was more like a huarache. They piled four and a half slabs of pork belly on it. The belly was overcooked for a gourmet, but, most people would probably prefer that it not be as soft and fatty. I think they deep fried theirs. It was a little dry and very crisp. A little too manhandled to rate as a triumph from a culinary perspective. But, I'd eat it like a dog eats pig's ears all day long. The meatballs were the worst of the three. Three medium size meatballs that were a bit too much on the Italian side for a purported taco bar. They had alot of bread crumb in the recipe and they fried them Italian style. They were served in a red sauce. It didn't help that they served all three dishes at once on a wintery might when they had the doors and walls open. All the dishes got cold quickly. The meatballs suffered the most. Though I did grab a bite of each once they were set down and still hot. The rest of menu was pretty forgettable since it appears I can't really remember anything from it other than nachos and an out of place beef short rib. I would have ordered that, but, I felt I owed it to you to try the taco type stuff since the place says it is a taco kitchen.
They didn't do much to the bones of the place. They changed the iconography and the murals. Now we have murals of American historical figures. Although, they do the whole "every group gets a shout out" cultural/historical equivalency PC thing. The roof deck is still open. They still have a bar downstairs. They have those tailgating games outside, It seats about ninety. It was about one quarter full. Service was polite.
I like how they are attacking an over saturated market, but, I don't see why they felt the need to. Are there no other lands to conquer? Why is humanity always fighting over the same turf. Go out and chart a new course. Or wait until the other combatants have cleared the field. There really was no need for another taco joint. It's hardly rebellious to follow the crowd. More like stupid. Maybe it should have benn called Four Rebos (I can't remember why, but, I remember they used to call retards rebos in my elementary school)?
*A little side question: why does Kirstin Delgado sound like she learned to speak at the Trisha Takanawa (Family Guy) School of Elocution? I swear a producer scolded her once for speaking to Hispanicly and this is her passive aggressive response. A bunch of girls speak this way on that news channel. I wonder if the producer is some old timer that thinks this is how news people should talk? Can some one at the station pull an "WNBC"-like insurrection at some point?
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Tuesday, January 16, 2018
Monday, January 15, 2018
Norman's, Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes - Moved to Dr Phillips
I tried this "new world cuisine" restaurant last Saturday night. It was thirteen years in the making. When I first moved down permanently, I asked a service worker what the best restaurant in town was. She said Norman's. I've made frustrated attempts in the past to dine here. I've rewritten its name on every iteration of my "to try" lists. It has been a thorn in my side. It's in nowheresville. It's hard to find. There is no direct exit off ramp moving west. Getting back east on I4 is a circuitous affair. They don't serve lunch. Roads are always under construction around it. It just never happened. And now it has. And I kind of wish it hadn't.
The food was prepared properly. The service was impeccable. The setting is fairly nice. The ingredients are top notch. It's Norman that is the problem. His menu stinks. You's have to be a Psycho (or mother of) to enjoy it. There's not much of it and what there is of it is over crafted and poorly conceived. Usually the executive chef sets out an exciting blueprint and the kitchen screws it up. This is one of the rare cases where the opposite is true. And it is surprising because I liked his 1921 concept. I'll be more specific in the next paragraph, but, it doesn't help that his "thing" is Caribbean cuisine. Where is that fine dining? You can't "fuse" it enough. It is too bold. Too simplistic. And the "traditional" half of the twenty or so item menu is boring by hotel restaurant standards (ie filet mignon, waygu, chicken, pork). The special was wreckfish. Which is just stone bass. There is also a tapas section. Tapas are played. And kind of a third wheel.
I settled one three starters because I didn't really want anything on the menu. It was either ridiculously overpriced (like a $50+ filet) or didn't do anything for me. The $90+ tasting menu was little more than the same dishes and a dessert at the same price as if you ordered them ala carte. I started with half portion of foie gras (1) on a "french toasted" brioche atop caramel sauce for $15. The brioche fell apart. The dish was sooo cloyingly sweet. Brioche AND caramel? Why no powdered sugar? The slippery "whole" liver nearly slid off. Maybe that is why they need the caramel sauce? You couldn't taste the liver at all. It was mushy liver on mushy bread on mushy sauce. Sweet on sweet. Is he the only chef that hasn't heard of levels of flavor and contrast? Never mind complimentary flavor. I believe the liver was a duck liver (not goose) by the size. There were other forgettable components to the dish (and the others). Remember I said these dishes are over crafted. The second dish was another cavity inducer. A $18 conch chowder. I think he meant conch gelato. Think of the sweetest she crab soup and double it. It tasted like a milkshake. It was nicely presented in a bowl full of vegetables that the waiter poured the liquid into from a kettle. But the conch was FRIED and dry and did nothing for me. Less than nothing. It annoyed me. Who doesn't know that fried items become mushy when exposed to liquid? Who wants mush? The last dish was the best. It was a 2 scallop dish ($18) atop Anson Mills grits with tomato. The grits were phenomenal. More like what he does at 1921. The scallops were topped with annotta seed dust (aka achiote) and seared perfectly. This simple little riff (scallops for shrimp) is all he has to do. How about a stone crab chowder like I just had in The Keys?
As I said the service was great. Everybody is dressed to the nines and their "section" consists of only four or five tables. They could have been slightly more present. I don't know why they disappeared when they did. There was a little conflict on when they were ready for me and when I was ready for them. In general I think a wait staff should recede after the table is seated and then be very present when the table has probably had time to make their decisions. Is anyone that prepared for questions as soon as they sit down? Does anyone need a drink order filled that fast? I think we want to settle and then we want attention after that. That said, they covered for each other. Plates didn't linger on the table. They spaced out the timing of the dishes. They took questions and made small talk. They gave space. They weren't too pushy with the recommendations or add ons.
The space is nice. Not memorable. Classic. Marble floors. You enter through a long hall. High (maybe too) ceilings. A circular layout. A sem-private room in the middle (surrounded by glass and wood wine storage cases). Windows along the exterior. Soft lighting. Maybe too soft to read the menu. I can't remember if there was music. The plates and cutlery were high end. The crowd was mixed. Probably many tourists. Dress was very casual. The wine list was good.
All in all, I wouldn't go back for a second turn. I live in Florida so the "Florida-ribbean" cuisine doesn't excite me as much as it might a tourist. I've had wreckfish TACOS in New Smyrna. Conch isn't an extravagance. I can get empanadas everywhere. And I hated most of the concoctions he constructed. I will say that I think he can do well. I like 1921 and that is experimental and over dreamed up. I guess there is more margin for error with Southern cuisine. And maybe even that home spun stuff "fuses" better than Caribbean? Plus it is less of a hassle to get to (even if it is in Mt Dora). I would say that you should skip it (because of price, menu and isolation) unless you are already staying at the Ritz.
The food was prepared properly. The service was impeccable. The setting is fairly nice. The ingredients are top notch. It's Norman that is the problem. His menu stinks. You's have to be a Psycho (or mother of) to enjoy it. There's not much of it and what there is of it is over crafted and poorly conceived. Usually the executive chef sets out an exciting blueprint and the kitchen screws it up. This is one of the rare cases where the opposite is true. And it is surprising because I liked his 1921 concept. I'll be more specific in the next paragraph, but, it doesn't help that his "thing" is Caribbean cuisine. Where is that fine dining? You can't "fuse" it enough. It is too bold. Too simplistic. And the "traditional" half of the twenty or so item menu is boring by hotel restaurant standards (ie filet mignon, waygu, chicken, pork). The special was wreckfish. Which is just stone bass. There is also a tapas section. Tapas are played. And kind of a third wheel.
I settled one three starters because I didn't really want anything on the menu. It was either ridiculously overpriced (like a $50+ filet) or didn't do anything for me. The $90+ tasting menu was little more than the same dishes and a dessert at the same price as if you ordered them ala carte. I started with half portion of foie gras (1) on a "french toasted" brioche atop caramel sauce for $15. The brioche fell apart. The dish was sooo cloyingly sweet. Brioche AND caramel? Why no powdered sugar? The slippery "whole" liver nearly slid off. Maybe that is why they need the caramel sauce? You couldn't taste the liver at all. It was mushy liver on mushy bread on mushy sauce. Sweet on sweet. Is he the only chef that hasn't heard of levels of flavor and contrast? Never mind complimentary flavor. I believe the liver was a duck liver (not goose) by the size. There were other forgettable components to the dish (and the others). Remember I said these dishes are over crafted. The second dish was another cavity inducer. A $18 conch chowder. I think he meant conch gelato. Think of the sweetest she crab soup and double it. It tasted like a milkshake. It was nicely presented in a bowl full of vegetables that the waiter poured the liquid into from a kettle. But the conch was FRIED and dry and did nothing for me. Less than nothing. It annoyed me. Who doesn't know that fried items become mushy when exposed to liquid? Who wants mush? The last dish was the best. It was a 2 scallop dish ($18) atop Anson Mills grits with tomato. The grits were phenomenal. More like what he does at 1921. The scallops were topped with annotta seed dust (aka achiote) and seared perfectly. This simple little riff (scallops for shrimp) is all he has to do. How about a stone crab chowder like I just had in The Keys?
As I said the service was great. Everybody is dressed to the nines and their "section" consists of only four or five tables. They could have been slightly more present. I don't know why they disappeared when they did. There was a little conflict on when they were ready for me and when I was ready for them. In general I think a wait staff should recede after the table is seated and then be very present when the table has probably had time to make their decisions. Is anyone that prepared for questions as soon as they sit down? Does anyone need a drink order filled that fast? I think we want to settle and then we want attention after that. That said, they covered for each other. Plates didn't linger on the table. They spaced out the timing of the dishes. They took questions and made small talk. They gave space. They weren't too pushy with the recommendations or add ons.
The space is nice. Not memorable. Classic. Marble floors. You enter through a long hall. High (maybe too) ceilings. A circular layout. A sem-private room in the middle (surrounded by glass and wood wine storage cases). Windows along the exterior. Soft lighting. Maybe too soft to read the menu. I can't remember if there was music. The plates and cutlery were high end. The crowd was mixed. Probably many tourists. Dress was very casual. The wine list was good.
All in all, I wouldn't go back for a second turn. I live in Florida so the "Florida-ribbean" cuisine doesn't excite me as much as it might a tourist. I've had wreckfish TACOS in New Smyrna. Conch isn't an extravagance. I can get empanadas everywhere. And I hated most of the concoctions he constructed. I will say that I think he can do well. I like 1921 and that is experimental and over dreamed up. I guess there is more margin for error with Southern cuisine. And maybe even that home spun stuff "fuses" better than Caribbean? Plus it is less of a hassle to get to (even if it is in Mt Dora). I would say that you should skip it (because of price, menu and isolation) unless you are already staying at the Ritz.
Sunday, January 14, 2018
Lemon Shark Poke, Dr Phillips Area - Closed
While down around Universal last Saturday, I was going to try and get dinner to go at a place called Boca Grill (or something). It looked like I should do it justice with a proper sit down experience, so, I switched gears and grabbed a snack at this place in the same marketplace. It is in that area at Sand Lake and Dr Phillips that has WOB and Morton's steakhouse. It (same owners) replaces a Mexican place that I reviewed a year ago. It is another passenger on the poke bandwagon. It seemed a little fresher than the one I reviewed near Red Bug Lake. They have eleven choices (ahi, spicy tuna, salmon, spicy salmon, miso glazed salmon, squid, tofu, shrimp, albacore, octopus, scallop). You then add some toppings and a sauce. $9 to $14. I only had a Spam Musubi ($3.55) because whatever I tried was going to have to wait until lunch the next day and I figured this was cheap and would hold up the best. I did try it the next day on my way to The Keys and it was good. The rice was dry (I tried some the day of and it was dry then too), but, it was easy to handle while driving. For those who don't know, a Musubi is like a big piece of sushi. Hawaiian places (even McDonald's) usually serve them. Spam isn't that terrible and a kick to order. They also made it fresh to order. The place also serves katsu. I just learned that katsu should be fried twice. Once at a high heat (to lock in or out whatever needs to be) and then longer at a lower heat. I doubt a place like this (or any place in town) does that. But, start annoying all katsu serving places with this bit of knowledge. For me? I have little else. They also have a few apps. and they have an ok craft beer selection and wine and sake. It's probably superior that that other one (Da Kine?). The place looks clean and modern and uncluttered. It is fast casual. I don't think it is a chain. They opened five months ago.
9 Spices Hot Pot, Universal Studios Area - Closed
I tried this Chinese hot pot (they say fondue) place on South Kirkman last Saturday at lunch. It charges a flat rate of $25 every day. It is all you can eat (in two hours). I was expecting this to be a cheap meal in a bowl place, but, challenge accepted. Though my stomach was not ready for battle (the flu shrunk it up), I still managed to down a pound of shrimp (7 plates of three to four 26-28 count shrimp), 5 plates of beef brisket, 2 plates of lamb brisket, 1 plate of tofu, 1 plate of enoki mushrooms and 1 plate of squid. They all come around via a conveyor belt. That makes two forms of entertainment with your meal. The shrimp seemed fresh and I had no intestinal issues after eating here. They were grey. I just learned that this color shrimp is a winter shrimp (thank you Chef and Farmer tv show). They cook fast. Watch that you don't spray hot innards liquid all over when you pop their cap. The beef brisket was way more fresh than I expected. Nice marbling too. Frozen and sliced paper thin. Addictive. The lamb was equally good and similarly prepared. The tofu was tofu. The enoki was fresh and served in a heap. The squid was the one failure. Fishy smelling and tasting. Although, it also did not cause intestinal issues. You choose one of six or so broths. I chose a spicy (to your level) chicken broth. I think they just squirted some sriracha in it. There is a heater on the table (actually four for four people). They come by and refill the broth when it gets low. They also have a sauce bar. I didn't see the need. The menu items are pervasive. I didn't try most. Some like the clams seemed too risky. The place seats about one hundred. Most of the crowd was Asian. The servers were Hispanic. The place is an old fast food restaurant. They have some cute murals. TVs. It still doesn't look high end though. The Halloween candy (and regular) buckets hanging from the ceiling don't help/ For leaks? Or just forgotten about? They have been open for ten months, They are off I-4 right before the hill after Vineland. Look for the McDonald's. $25 is a little steep if you aren't a glutton. I think other hot pot places charge $3 a plate. Make sure you can down eight plates. A can of soda was $1.50. I think they had sake and wine and beer. I would go again. Fresh-ish seafood, all you can eat, fondue cauldron, food zipping all around me. That equals a party. Just have to stretch out that stomach before my next encounter.
*Orlando Weekly called this area Metro West. I believe that area doesn't start until farther down Kirkman.
*Orlando Weekly called this area Metro West. I believe that area doesn't start until farther down Kirkman.
Friday, January 5, 2018
Grub Crawl - Winter Park: P is for Pie (Closed), Soho Juice Co. (Closed) and Kava Cove Lounge
The first spot is more accurately in Audubon Park. The second is on S.Orlando near Fairbanks. The third is on Fairbanks near Hunger Street Tacos. I tried them yesterday.
P is for Pie - P is for pathetic in that I'm pathetic for having missed out on them for the four years they have been in business. They sell pies and other goodies. I bought a Turducken savory hand pie for $7 and an Apple hand pie for $4.50. Both were great. Croissant like (a little harder) crust. Fresh filling. Well made. The Turducken had nice chunks of turkey and shredded chicken (not weeks old like New City Cafe) and possibly duck (it was hard to spot at the rate I was devouring it). There were also a few peas and a side of gravy. Mostly meat though. The apple pie had sugar melted into the crust. Very tasty. Smaller than the meat pie. They both even survived the ride home, a stint in the refrigerator and the microwave. Probably alot better fresh out of the oven. Any place that lets me celebrate the legacy of John Madden (feeds my soul) and feeds my hierarchy of needs is good by me. Even the to go boxed were quality. The place looks cute. It's near Sushi Lola and Redlight Redlight on Corrine. They had breakfast pies too.
Soho Juice Co. - Not Company. Co.! They started in Tampa. This is their only CF store. They opened in September. They sell overpriced juice (already packaged) and acai bowls. I didn't catch the price of the bowls, but, the beet juice was $10! Do I have to tell you what I think about that? The place looks like a White Castle. I was the only customer. Employee wasn't even at the counter, so, maybe I was the first for o while. The juice is in a big glass refrigerator section. There was one of those rental locks on the door. Maybe they're already going under?
Kava Cove Lounge - Another pointless psuedo-medicine (high) purveyor. I grabbed a small kombucha (citrus and ginger) to go for $5. It tasted like Fresca. The place is a stoner (or whatever they call kava and kombucha addicts) "bar". It has a pool table and and a bar top. Even a tap. The kombucha kept me up for most of the night. I'll stick with bars that serve fire water. They opened in April. It's in between a cake store and a massage parlor. Before 4 Rivers from I-4.
P is for Pie - P is for pathetic in that I'm pathetic for having missed out on them for the four years they have been in business. They sell pies and other goodies. I bought a Turducken savory hand pie for $7 and an Apple hand pie for $4.50. Both were great. Croissant like (a little harder) crust. Fresh filling. Well made. The Turducken had nice chunks of turkey and shredded chicken (not weeks old like New City Cafe) and possibly duck (it was hard to spot at the rate I was devouring it). There were also a few peas and a side of gravy. Mostly meat though. The apple pie had sugar melted into the crust. Very tasty. Smaller than the meat pie. They both even survived the ride home, a stint in the refrigerator and the microwave. Probably alot better fresh out of the oven. Any place that lets me celebrate the legacy of John Madden (feeds my soul) and feeds my hierarchy of needs is good by me. Even the to go boxed were quality. The place looks cute. It's near Sushi Lola and Redlight Redlight on Corrine. They had breakfast pies too.
Soho Juice Co. - Not Company. Co.! They started in Tampa. This is their only CF store. They opened in September. They sell overpriced juice (already packaged) and acai bowls. I didn't catch the price of the bowls, but, the beet juice was $10! Do I have to tell you what I think about that? The place looks like a White Castle. I was the only customer. Employee wasn't even at the counter, so, maybe I was the first for o while. The juice is in a big glass refrigerator section. There was one of those rental locks on the door. Maybe they're already going under?
Kava Cove Lounge - Another pointless psuedo-medicine (high) purveyor. I grabbed a small kombucha (citrus and ginger) to go for $5. It tasted like Fresca. The place is a stoner (or whatever they call kava and kombucha addicts) "bar". It has a pool table and and a bar top. Even a tap. The kombucha kept me up for most of the night. I'll stick with bars that serve fire water. They opened in April. It's in between a cake store and a massage parlor. Before 4 Rivers from I-4.
Kadence, Audubon Park
I tried this reservation only Japaneses omikase reboot of Kappo yesterday at lunch. It opened in October. I "snuck" into their "reservation only" Kappo once before, so, I thought I would give it a try here on such a cold day and it worked. I grabbed a seat at the second lunch seating. It began at a little after 1pm. I believe it cost around $55. They don't provide physical checks. I think my initial total was around $59. I believe that included a hot tea that was supposed to be a cold tea. The final total was $74 and if you work backwards the minimum 20% tip and 6% sales tax gets you back to a starting point around $60. Yelp says it is a twelve course tasting menu. I think it's ten sushi pieces and a soup and dessert (macha dusted chocolate truffle and yuzu cookie). Let's see if that is right. I had: a type of Jack (Skip?), Amber Jack, Horse Mackerel, Sea Trout, 2 Big Eye Tuna, Blue Crab, Striped Bass, Sea Urchin and Salmon. Plus a fish soup and a dessert plate. Seems right. Now we can quibble about the way they flavor the different fish (I prefer to have them as is), but, you can't complain about the quality. Everything is fresh as can be. It also doesn't hurt that the selection is a bit esoteric from what they offer in most sushi places in town. Now this play list isn't THAT unusually, but, you can see that it could become adventurous with the seasons. I can't remember every combinations, but, (I believe); the salmon had tobiko on it, the sea trout was heated and topped with a great garlic butter and walnut "sauce", the blue crab had salmon roe and dried sea weed on it. I can't remember the rest. Yuzu for sure on some. The main flaw was the rice. It was a bit too warm and a bit too mushy. But, it was weird. Half the grains were firmish and half seemed blown out. I'm not sure if it was an overcooking or over stirring issue. Maybe even and under stirring (residual heat/steam) issue. I only had a side bowl of rice at Kappo and I think that was cooked properly there. In any event, it forced me to compare it to Kappo. My larger sashimi meal there was around $40. And it also came with a soup and dessert. Now, $6 a piece ($60 divided by 10) isn't that outrageous for some of the delicacies (like uni), but, compared to the old place, it didn't quite measure up. Part of that is also out sized expectations and part is nostalgia. But, that is what the sequel has to deal with. I still like the Godfather better than Part Two even though it is thought to be inferior. The first iteration is always more fresh and exciting to me. You aren't ready for the trope. No matter how good the sequel is (Empire fans start squawking), you are always somewhat prepared for the experience..
I also didn't love that they are now using the most presumptuous "booking" application for reservations. I believe it is called Tock. It forces you to pay in advance for your meal. I know why restaurants love it and I realize that it is probably the future, but, it still challenges my manhood. Open Table and Resy (deposits) are bad enough. I would never use these apps. Thankfully, Kadence still allows you to "crash". They said they even keep an extra chair for Elijah. Just kidding. For a party crasher. And at least you probably won't be giving them a six month (if that is how far in advance you have to book) no interest loan like some places are getting. The 20% minimum gratuity is also a bit silly. The owners prepare the food. They are basically the only "staff". Just add it to the price of the meal if it isn't profitable enough for you. It really shouldn't be going to the one girl who brings in the drinks. That's not a twenty percent worthy contribution.
The place resides in the old Winter Park Brewery space across from Stardust Coffee. The public areas are all the way up front. There are two narrow rooms - the bar/waiting area on the right and the sushi counter on the left. The place is mostly modern and white on the inside. The outside was some kind of brown. They put the windows at foot to knee level for natural light and privacy reasons. They provide pillows for your back (wooden seats). You eat with your fingers (for the most part). The plate is slate. They have a little moist napkin in a bowl for clean up. They provide a glass of water. They encourage you to cleanse your palette with ginger after each piece. Lunch takes place in over an hour. No dress code. The "core three" of Kappo are still gregarious and inspired. The meal is performance art. The atmosphere is intimate. They even solved the parking issue (never enough) by keeping the seatings at ten. They have a more substantial dinner service. They sell some of those fish filled rice triangles in the bar area. They have a funky half cold and half hot kappo meal on Sunday. They sell (via email) "leftovers" every Wednesday night. They are closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Wednesday is the prep day, so, I think that is why they do that "email sale" at that point. And I heard them chatting about "special" days. So, keep up with their social media accounts. *And it's social media accounts. Not "social media". It's not your "social media". It's your social media ACCOUNT! Learn grammar!
All in all, they are still very good. Whatever rice issue there was was probably a one time deal. I still would prefer to relive that $40 sashimi plate and the haphazard energy of the little food stall, but, we can't always get what we want. But. If you try sometimes. You get what you need.
*I just recalled that they also served a raw shrimp. I believe it was a sweet shrimp (amaebi)
I also didn't love that they are now using the most presumptuous "booking" application for reservations. I believe it is called Tock. It forces you to pay in advance for your meal. I know why restaurants love it and I realize that it is probably the future, but, it still challenges my manhood. Open Table and Resy (deposits) are bad enough. I would never use these apps. Thankfully, Kadence still allows you to "crash". They said they even keep an extra chair for Elijah. Just kidding. For a party crasher. And at least you probably won't be giving them a six month (if that is how far in advance you have to book) no interest loan like some places are getting. The 20% minimum gratuity is also a bit silly. The owners prepare the food. They are basically the only "staff". Just add it to the price of the meal if it isn't profitable enough for you. It really shouldn't be going to the one girl who brings in the drinks. That's not a twenty percent worthy contribution.
The place resides in the old Winter Park Brewery space across from Stardust Coffee. The public areas are all the way up front. There are two narrow rooms - the bar/waiting area on the right and the sushi counter on the left. The place is mostly modern and white on the inside. The outside was some kind of brown. They put the windows at foot to knee level for natural light and privacy reasons. They provide pillows for your back (wooden seats). You eat with your fingers (for the most part). The plate is slate. They have a little moist napkin in a bowl for clean up. They provide a glass of water. They encourage you to cleanse your palette with ginger after each piece. Lunch takes place in over an hour. No dress code. The "core three" of Kappo are still gregarious and inspired. The meal is performance art. The atmosphere is intimate. They even solved the parking issue (never enough) by keeping the seatings at ten. They have a more substantial dinner service. They sell some of those fish filled rice triangles in the bar area. They have a funky half cold and half hot kappo meal on Sunday. They sell (via email) "leftovers" every Wednesday night. They are closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Wednesday is the prep day, so, I think that is why they do that "email sale" at that point. And I heard them chatting about "special" days. So, keep up with their social media accounts. *And it's social media accounts. Not "social media". It's not your "social media". It's your social media ACCOUNT! Learn grammar!
All in all, they are still very good. Whatever rice issue there was was probably a one time deal. I still would prefer to relive that $40 sashimi plate and the haphazard energy of the little food stall, but, we can't always get what we want. But. If you try sometimes. You get what you need.
*I just recalled that they also served a raw shrimp. I believe it was a sweet shrimp (amaebi)
Wednesday, January 3, 2018
New City Cafe, Lake Mary
I had lunch here on Monday. It is in that City Hall Square on Lake Mary Blvd. It is in the space that last housed Croissant Gourmet. They said they have been open for seven months. It seems exactly the same. The menu too. I remember sweets, sandwiches, hot drinks and I think crepes and breakfast. I had a Curry Chicken Salad Sandwich for $9. I'm surprised it didn't make me ill. The chicken was so hard and plastic-y that I wouldn't be surprised if they made it (or bought it) before Christmas. And they used every disgusting part of the chicken. I think I experienced skin. Cartilage at least. Talk about New Jacked City. They added no nuts and the fruit was scant. The side salad was the better part of the deal and I think they use grape seed oil in the dressing. It was so clear that it might have been lighter fluid. They even "buttered" the toast. Why? Do you think low quality margarine tastes good with curry? Do we need the extra calories? Nine bucks is also a bit presumptuous. I don't think I'll give them a second look. Too many warning signs.
*I also grabbed a small pizza at Flipper's (next door). I think I reviewed the Sand Lake one a while ago. If not, it's not worth the money. They aren't better than Domino's and I think $7 gets you a bigger pie or two.
**I want to submit a possible menu item to all the chefs out there. It's a solution to the muffin stump conundrum. What if we put a scoop of ice cream on top of the stump? And maybe cover it with a chocolate shell? And I guess it could alternatively be top with muffin top for a crazy ice cream sandwich. Maybe a cup cake ice cream sandwich as well?
*I also grabbed a small pizza at Flipper's (next door). I think I reviewed the Sand Lake one a while ago. If not, it's not worth the money. They aren't better than Domino's and I think $7 gets you a bigger pie or two.
**I want to submit a possible menu item to all the chefs out there. It's a solution to the muffin stump conundrum. What if we put a scoop of ice cream on top of the stump? And maybe cover it with a chocolate shell? And I guess it could alternatively be top with muffin top for a crazy ice cream sandwich. Maybe a cup cake ice cream sandwich as well?
Thursday, December 21, 2017
Grub Crawl - UCF Area: Lucky's Market (Closed), Halal Guys (Closed) and 5 F(X)
I tried these spots on N. Alafaya Trail as part two of my lunch/dinner to go date on Monday. Part of the reason I ate so meekly in Winter Park. The first is in a strip mall at the south west intersection of 50 and Alafaya Trail. The second is farther down Alafaya towards Waterford Lakes. The third is next to the second.
Lucky's Market - This is a Whole Foods-esque type supermarket out of Boulder. I found the selection (though pup-ified) to be decent. Alot of "off/artisan" brands. A bigger wine and beer selection than World Market. Prices were cheaper than Publix on the few items I cared about looking into (papaya, rotisserie chicken and sushi). A weightier papaya was sold there at $4. Flat price. No by the pound. I spent $6 for a 2.5 lber (theirs were over 3lbs by eye) yesterday at Publix. A rotisserie chicken was $5. I'm pretty sure it's $2 more at Publix or even Winn Dixie. Sushi seemed a buck or so lower per container. I went there for a looky loo and for the $5 pizza deal (two slices and a beer). Italian was another thing I hadn't had in a while. The pizza (even slices with toppings) should have been better. They have a real pizza oven. I guess you can only rise so high if the dough and cheese are cheap. Plus the cheese ratio was too high. Tasted like a grilled cheese. You might like that. It was acceptable though. I grabbed a pepperoni and plain slice. They also let me sub out the beer for root beer. They opened around June. I think one more is on the way.
Halal Guys - They are a food cart in NYC. I couldn't make out from the blown up photos on the wall if I have ever had the pleasure. A quick perusal of my food journal (yes I keep one for trips) and my travel guide (yes I keep a photo journal on my phone) yielded no evidence that I had. Perhaps I tried them when I lived there. There are alot of carts doing what they do. I just searched them for you and they are at 53rd and Sixth. I just might have. Anyway. This is their first brick and mortar in CF. I think they might be a franchiser if you can believe it. They offer just a few things. Sandwiches. Platters. Sides. Desserts. Beef or chicken (or a mix) or falafel. Hummus and baba ghanouj as sides. And baklava as dessert. That's it. I had a "mixed" gyro for $7 and an order of two falafel for $2. The sandwich was served on a thick pita. The beef was "loafy" and bland. The chicken had more texture and flavor. Both we pre-shaved. A no no in my book. The falafel was ok. It was also not fried in front of me. I kind of expected more from all the hoopla I had heard about them. They offer a white a red (very hot) sauce. I chose both and onions. It comes with lettuce and tomato and anything (ie jalapenos, olives, hummus) else is extra. I think I like the gyro place (was it Oh My Gyro?) in Longwood better. Seemed tastier. Fresher. But, they aren't bad. Prices are good. I'm not sure if it is destination. The place looks like subway sandwich shop. Meaning it is clean with little character. Service was fast. It opened in September.
5 F(X) Ice Cream - This was a chance encounter, but, I think I liked this place the best. Part of the reason I don't use "dating" apps. No surprises. Or at least ones that are pleasant. They make their own ice cream and taiyaki. Not pour candy into ice cream and blend it. They MAKE milk and soy based ice cream in front of you while you wait. And they make a pancake like dessert for you as well. It can be stuffed. It can be sweet or savory. I didn't comprehend the extent of the ice cream service until I was on the way out. I ordered a taiyaki stuffed with apples and cinnamon for $2 just to order something. I know Tai means red snapper in Japanese and Yaki usually means something fried (like Takoyaki - fried octopus balls). I believe this food category is called this because they mold the batter into the shape of a cartoonish fish. Probably a red snapper. The woman behind the counter wasn't Japanese and didn't know. The taiyaki was good. Fresh. Duh. I was just expecting a batter with apple and cinnamon flavor. It had real filling. If it took less time, McDonald's could/should emulate them. They also had other combos. Even one with a hot dog. I also think they had other items. Maybe milkshakes and a few other things. The place looks a little messy in the "cooking" area. The walls are filled with Polaroid shots of customers and not much else. The curb appeal could be improved. They have been open for three years. A nice break from the norm.
Lucky's Market - This is a Whole Foods-esque type supermarket out of Boulder. I found the selection (though pup-ified) to be decent. Alot of "off/artisan" brands. A bigger wine and beer selection than World Market. Prices were cheaper than Publix on the few items I cared about looking into (papaya, rotisserie chicken and sushi). A weightier papaya was sold there at $4. Flat price. No by the pound. I spent $6 for a 2.5 lber (theirs were over 3lbs by eye) yesterday at Publix. A rotisserie chicken was $5. I'm pretty sure it's $2 more at Publix or even Winn Dixie. Sushi seemed a buck or so lower per container. I went there for a looky loo and for the $5 pizza deal (two slices and a beer). Italian was another thing I hadn't had in a while. The pizza (even slices with toppings) should have been better. They have a real pizza oven. I guess you can only rise so high if the dough and cheese are cheap. Plus the cheese ratio was too high. Tasted like a grilled cheese. You might like that. It was acceptable though. I grabbed a pepperoni and plain slice. They also let me sub out the beer for root beer. They opened around June. I think one more is on the way.
Halal Guys - They are a food cart in NYC. I couldn't make out from the blown up photos on the wall if I have ever had the pleasure. A quick perusal of my food journal (yes I keep one for trips) and my travel guide (yes I keep a photo journal on my phone) yielded no evidence that I had. Perhaps I tried them when I lived there. There are alot of carts doing what they do. I just searched them for you and they are at 53rd and Sixth. I just might have. Anyway. This is their first brick and mortar in CF. I think they might be a franchiser if you can believe it. They offer just a few things. Sandwiches. Platters. Sides. Desserts. Beef or chicken (or a mix) or falafel. Hummus and baba ghanouj as sides. And baklava as dessert. That's it. I had a "mixed" gyro for $7 and an order of two falafel for $2. The sandwich was served on a thick pita. The beef was "loafy" and bland. The chicken had more texture and flavor. Both we pre-shaved. A no no in my book. The falafel was ok. It was also not fried in front of me. I kind of expected more from all the hoopla I had heard about them. They offer a white a red (very hot) sauce. I chose both and onions. It comes with lettuce and tomato and anything (ie jalapenos, olives, hummus) else is extra. I think I like the gyro place (was it Oh My Gyro?) in Longwood better. Seemed tastier. Fresher. But, they aren't bad. Prices are good. I'm not sure if it is destination. The place looks like subway sandwich shop. Meaning it is clean with little character. Service was fast. It opened in September.
5 F(X) Ice Cream - This was a chance encounter, but, I think I liked this place the best. Part of the reason I don't use "dating" apps. No surprises. Or at least ones that are pleasant. They make their own ice cream and taiyaki. Not pour candy into ice cream and blend it. They MAKE milk and soy based ice cream in front of you while you wait. And they make a pancake like dessert for you as well. It can be stuffed. It can be sweet or savory. I didn't comprehend the extent of the ice cream service until I was on the way out. I ordered a taiyaki stuffed with apples and cinnamon for $2 just to order something. I know Tai means red snapper in Japanese and Yaki usually means something fried (like Takoyaki - fried octopus balls). I believe this food category is called this because they mold the batter into the shape of a cartoonish fish. Probably a red snapper. The woman behind the counter wasn't Japanese and didn't know. The taiyaki was good. Fresh. Duh. I was just expecting a batter with apple and cinnamon flavor. It had real filling. If it took less time, McDonald's could/should emulate them. They also had other combos. Even one with a hot dog. I also think they had other items. Maybe milkshakes and a few other things. The place looks a little messy in the "cooking" area. The walls are filled with Polaroid shots of customers and not much else. The curb appeal could be improved. They have been open for three years. A nice break from the norm.
Wednesday, December 20, 2017
Grub Crawl - Winter Park: Wonton, Tea and Tea and Mon Petit Cheri
I was going to go to OBT for some Mexican and Chinese because I hadn't had any in two weeks, but, I decided to knock these out while checking if a new spot on Park Ave was open yet. It isn't. The first place is at the intersection of 17-92 and Fairbanks. The second is behind the 7-11 on Fairbanks and Park. The third is at the first light on Park. I went to these places for lunch on Monday.
Wonton Asian Kitchen - I thought this would be a Pei Wei knockoff, but, it is a one off. They serve a medley of Asian dishes. Korean. Vietnamese. Japanese. Thai. Chinese. I just ordered two small dishes because this wasn't my final lunch destination. I had two pork dumplings for $2 and a Chickity something or other Summer Roll for $2.50. I was going to try chicken lettuce wraps, but, they were out of them. I like that they have small portion sizes. Usually you have to order 5 to 9 dumplings and a pair of rolls. The way they are set up, you can try a bunch of things. The dumplings were ok. They had a thin skin. They were steamed. One was split open. The roll was mostly vegetables. The chicken was barely discernible. These items were starters. They have more of these and soup. They also have about a dozen entrees. even bahn mi. The design is a step above a fast casual place. The floor plan is open. They have brick walls. The kitchen is exposed. They opened three weeks ago. I would try them again.
Tea and Tea - I grabbed a Waikiki cold tea for $4. It tasted like Sunny D. Had slices of orange, lemon and apple. Is apple a Hawaiian delicacy? They also serve milk tea and one other kind (can you tell this isn't my bag?). You can add boba to the teas. They used to be in the Winter Park Village. They have been here for one month. Was B Cupcakes.
Mon Petit Cheri - I've been to this location before. I hope I reviewed that place and not this. I forgot to check. They are mainly a French inspired breakfast and lunch spot. Nothing too fancy. Crepes. Burgers. Sandwiches. Pizza. Salads. Quiche. Breakfasts. Pastries. Hot Drinks. I had the poached eggs and bacon on an English muffin. The eggs were over cooked. The bacon was crisp. The muffin (sour dough) was under toasted. Not a strong showing for how long it took to get out. It cost $8.50. It came with a side of fresh fruit. I'll trade you the fruit for $3 of 4 back in my wallet. The place was dependent on natural light and as such was gloomy. Can't imagine it on a cloudy day. They have a few seats out front and a patio in back. There is an indoor area in between. A few small tables, the register and a bar. Decoration is an afterthought. They are open from 7ish to 4pm every day. They stay open for a dinner on Friday. They have been there for three years. A fine place if you want a little French comfort food. The chef/owner apparently has won some recent contest for best dessert.
*I wanted Mexican or Chinese because I was in New Zealand for the last two weeks and didn't trust them on Mexican and just didn't order much Chinese. I ate alot of sushi, salmon and meat pies. Some new experiences and popular items were: mussel pattie/fritter, marmite, gunard, elephant fish, toasted sandwiches, smoked mussels, oysters, fish cake, venison salami and an ice cream sandwich of macaroons. I never tried fresh crayfish (lobster) or the blue cod they were raving about. I also tried my first Sri Lankan dish (I think). It was called Kottu Rottich. I also had something called Tulsi Murtabak. It wasn't my first try, but, I had Hokkien Mee (Malay/Singapore Chinese dish named after a province). Little sushi places were everywhere. You moved down a line and paid by the piece. They also had almost every fast food franchise (including Pita Pit). I had a meat pie at McDonald's. Mostly gravy.
Wonton Asian Kitchen - I thought this would be a Pei Wei knockoff, but, it is a one off. They serve a medley of Asian dishes. Korean. Vietnamese. Japanese. Thai. Chinese. I just ordered two small dishes because this wasn't my final lunch destination. I had two pork dumplings for $2 and a Chickity something or other Summer Roll for $2.50. I was going to try chicken lettuce wraps, but, they were out of them. I like that they have small portion sizes. Usually you have to order 5 to 9 dumplings and a pair of rolls. The way they are set up, you can try a bunch of things. The dumplings were ok. They had a thin skin. They were steamed. One was split open. The roll was mostly vegetables. The chicken was barely discernible. These items were starters. They have more of these and soup. They also have about a dozen entrees. even bahn mi. The design is a step above a fast casual place. The floor plan is open. They have brick walls. The kitchen is exposed. They opened three weeks ago. I would try them again.
Tea and Tea - I grabbed a Waikiki cold tea for $4. It tasted like Sunny D. Had slices of orange, lemon and apple. Is apple a Hawaiian delicacy? They also serve milk tea and one other kind (can you tell this isn't my bag?). You can add boba to the teas. They used to be in the Winter Park Village. They have been here for one month. Was B Cupcakes.
Mon Petit Cheri - I've been to this location before. I hope I reviewed that place and not this. I forgot to check. They are mainly a French inspired breakfast and lunch spot. Nothing too fancy. Crepes. Burgers. Sandwiches. Pizza. Salads. Quiche. Breakfasts. Pastries. Hot Drinks. I had the poached eggs and bacon on an English muffin. The eggs were over cooked. The bacon was crisp. The muffin (sour dough) was under toasted. Not a strong showing for how long it took to get out. It cost $8.50. It came with a side of fresh fruit. I'll trade you the fruit for $3 of 4 back in my wallet. The place was dependent on natural light and as such was gloomy. Can't imagine it on a cloudy day. They have a few seats out front and a patio in back. There is an indoor area in between. A few small tables, the register and a bar. Decoration is an afterthought. They are open from 7ish to 4pm every day. They stay open for a dinner on Friday. They have been there for three years. A fine place if you want a little French comfort food. The chef/owner apparently has won some recent contest for best dessert.
*I wanted Mexican or Chinese because I was in New Zealand for the last two weeks and didn't trust them on Mexican and just didn't order much Chinese. I ate alot of sushi, salmon and meat pies. Some new experiences and popular items were: mussel pattie/fritter, marmite, gunard, elephant fish, toasted sandwiches, smoked mussels, oysters, fish cake, venison salami and an ice cream sandwich of macaroons. I never tried fresh crayfish (lobster) or the blue cod they were raving about. I also tried my first Sri Lankan dish (I think). It was called Kottu Rottich. I also had something called Tulsi Murtabak. It wasn't my first try, but, I had Hokkien Mee (Malay/Singapore Chinese dish named after a province). Little sushi places were everywhere. You moved down a line and paid by the piece. They also had almost every fast food franchise (including Pita Pit). I had a meat pie at McDonald's. Mostly gravy.
Monday, December 18, 2017
Willie's Pinchos, East Colonial
I tried this Puerto Rican spot on Golden Rod near 50 on Sunday night. It was the Fieri "book end" to my trip out of town in that they were featured on an episode of Triple D that aired last year at this time. I haven't seen it as yet and didn't know that when I went here. I saw them when I tried that Mexican place a few months back. It was always closed when I have tried them since that visit. I had a pernil sandwich for $9. It was pulled pork and mayo an lettuce and tomato. It was ok. The pork was too salty. The portion was a bit skimpy. I think they wet down the meat with the saved marinade and pork drippings. I think that is kind of a cheat. The meat should retain that juice with constant basting. It shouldn't be "refreshed" before serving. Plus, I don't need it that soggy. The meat also had a bone in it. How non-observant do you have to be to miss a big round bone while portioning out an inch of pork? I, also, don't love sweet mayo with the sweet/savory pork. It's too "one note". It needs something spicy or vibrant or both. The bun/roll was excellent. I think most of the pernils I've had were pressed. This wasn't. It came with crinkle cut fries. They were very crisp. The rest of menu is breakfast items, burgers, mofungo, skewers, hot dogs, sandwiches and sandwiches on fried tostones that I believe were called Jibertos. The sandwiches were near the top in price. They are open until 7pm most days (not Monday for now). The place seats only twenty or so. It looks like a tiny cantina. They used to be a food truck. I think they said they have been in this spot for a year. They are opening a new place in Kissimmee soon. I would go back to try something else. They were very nice and seemed to care about the quality of their food.
Grub Crawl - Disney Springs: Planet Hollywood, The Ganachery and Ghiradelli Chocolate
I ventured back to the Mouse Trap before heading to the airport around two weeks ago. I tried these spots at Disney Springs. Who knew that Guy Fieri would end up book ending my trip. But, more on that in the next post.
Planet Hollywood - I knew this would be an expensive waste of time and I was mostly right. I had a Plain Jane Cheeseburger for $18. And a coke was a mere $4. The cheeseburger was non-descript. I can barely remember it two weeks later. I bet the one at the burger restaurant a few yards away is better at half the price. And that is no bargain to start with. It came with a cone of mixed fries. Waffle. And I really can't remember the others. Maybe shoe string and curly? I think they had an offensive seasoning on them. The rest of the menu is so humdrum (and equally over-priced) that I think a room service waiter would be embarrassed to serve it. So, a perfect fit with Disney. The one "interesting" item was a fried lasagna something or other. I'm sure it is another Fieri fail (he supervised the re-do) though. Maybe Kat Cora can come in and try and make it healthy like she did at Taco Bell. Bring on all the celebrity douche bag sell outs. The service was lacking. The waitress was polite enough, but, the burger took a half hour to appear. I think the kitchen lost the order. Plus the hostess tried to seat me directly across the swinging door to the kitchen (with other low volume tables open). Nearly half of the area I was sitting in has a view of this eye sore. Nice design planning. And the door is really noticeable. One of those "old timey" doors you see on a ship or the interior of a hotel kitchen. Just terrible. Now, it has been like a decade since I was last in the old place, but, I think it used to be much bigger. Now it feels minuscule. I think they went in and up. The place has three of four levels. I think the old design was all open space. Only the bottom floor was open. It has "my area" at the entrance and a bar to the left and another seating area a step below. They still have the memorabilia (mostly costumes). They play music videos from movies (mostly-to all Disney owned). They have an outside bar called Stargazers (or maybe catchers) that rims the wall. I'm not sure if I understood that the old design was supposed to be an observatory or if they just re-imagined it as that now. That works. I guess it makes more sense than a steel globe. I'm not sure what it has to do with "the movies" (maybe it's supposed to be the Griffth Observatory (which it doesn't look like at all). I had a view of the gift shop (of course). Hard pass from me. I'll wait for the all you can eat free Fieri burger bar on my next cruise. They finally opened in June. I think.
The Ganachery - I'm not sure it deserves the "the", but, it was fine. They make chocolates on site. I had a coconut lollipop for a mere $6. It was described as having fresh coconut under the chocolate, but, it was mostly coconut flavor. You can by chocolates by the piece or by the box. Nice presentation (packaging). I'd save the cost and drop the price. But, I don't understand those who shop for their self-worth. They know their market.
Ghiradelli Chocolate - This place was further away from the newly renovated area. They make it look like an old fashioned ice cream parlor. I had a chocolate cone for $5. A big scoop of ordinary ice cream. It could have been any brand. Another time I've had Ghiradelli chocolate and wondered how they became famous for it. The are like Whitman's Sampler. Another mystery. Why haven't they been called out? You would think that the food snob mafia would have taken a baseball bat to this representative of middle class taste. They also have other desserts. You order at a register and pick it up at the counter. It has been there forever.
Planet Hollywood - I knew this would be an expensive waste of time and I was mostly right. I had a Plain Jane Cheeseburger for $18. And a coke was a mere $4. The cheeseburger was non-descript. I can barely remember it two weeks later. I bet the one at the burger restaurant a few yards away is better at half the price. And that is no bargain to start with. It came with a cone of mixed fries. Waffle. And I really can't remember the others. Maybe shoe string and curly? I think they had an offensive seasoning on them. The rest of the menu is so humdrum (and equally over-priced) that I think a room service waiter would be embarrassed to serve it. So, a perfect fit with Disney. The one "interesting" item was a fried lasagna something or other. I'm sure it is another Fieri fail (he supervised the re-do) though. Maybe Kat Cora can come in and try and make it healthy like she did at Taco Bell. Bring on all the celebrity douche bag sell outs. The service was lacking. The waitress was polite enough, but, the burger took a half hour to appear. I think the kitchen lost the order. Plus the hostess tried to seat me directly across the swinging door to the kitchen (with other low volume tables open). Nearly half of the area I was sitting in has a view of this eye sore. Nice design planning. And the door is really noticeable. One of those "old timey" doors you see on a ship or the interior of a hotel kitchen. Just terrible. Now, it has been like a decade since I was last in the old place, but, I think it used to be much bigger. Now it feels minuscule. I think they went in and up. The place has three of four levels. I think the old design was all open space. Only the bottom floor was open. It has "my area" at the entrance and a bar to the left and another seating area a step below. They still have the memorabilia (mostly costumes). They play music videos from movies (mostly-to all Disney owned). They have an outside bar called Stargazers (or maybe catchers) that rims the wall. I'm not sure if I understood that the old design was supposed to be an observatory or if they just re-imagined it as that now. That works. I guess it makes more sense than a steel globe. I'm not sure what it has to do with "the movies" (maybe it's supposed to be the Griffth Observatory (which it doesn't look like at all). I had a view of the gift shop (of course). Hard pass from me. I'll wait for the all you can eat free Fieri burger bar on my next cruise. They finally opened in June. I think.
The Ganachery - I'm not sure it deserves the "the", but, it was fine. They make chocolates on site. I had a coconut lollipop for a mere $6. It was described as having fresh coconut under the chocolate, but, it was mostly coconut flavor. You can by chocolates by the piece or by the box. Nice presentation (packaging). I'd save the cost and drop the price. But, I don't understand those who shop for their self-worth. They know their market.
Ghiradelli Chocolate - This place was further away from the newly renovated area. They make it look like an old fashioned ice cream parlor. I had a chocolate cone for $5. A big scoop of ordinary ice cream. It could have been any brand. Another time I've had Ghiradelli chocolate and wondered how they became famous for it. The are like Whitman's Sampler. Another mystery. Why haven't they been called out? You would think that the food snob mafia would have taken a baseball bat to this representative of middle class taste. They also have other desserts. You order at a register and pick it up at the counter. It has been there forever.
Thursday, November 30, 2017
Gianni's, Mount Dora
I had dinner at this Italian restaurant today. It is on N. Alexander (one street closer to the lake). It was fine. The menu seemed ambitious yet accessible. I would give it higher marks if my meal was fine tuned. I had chicken prosciutto spinachi with a side of spaghetti for $18. The chicken and spaghetti were prepared properly. The sauce was a mess. It was a cream sauce. I think they used half and half or maybe just milk. The wine they used was stale and wasn't cooked off. I even think they used margarine. There were more than one "off" flavor. And there was way too much of it. A puddle of calories. Ham handed execution. The prosciutto was thick. For the record. The menu had some interesting things like a pear and cheese pasta (statra-something) and a half duck. The special was pumpkin ravioli. The items I saw delivered to other tables seemed fresh. Prices were between the mid teens and mid-twenties. They served some bread that was cut into triangles and pre-soaked in olive oil. That was a first. Should be copied. The place has a patio and two floors. The place has some charm (exposed beams), but it isn't all it could be. The wall art is a bit scatter shot. The trim looks like it was never touched up. The furniture is a bit old. On the plus side, there is a lot of room between tables. Service was good. Prompt. Knowledgeable. Polite. I'd give them a second chance. They have been there for four years. It is next to the German restaurant.
*They have the Christmas lights up in downtown Mount Dora. It's a charming scene.
**This will be the last post for a little while. I'm sure we are all relieved. The most popular seemed to be the one at Disney. It makes me laugh to think that it is because tourists are clicking on it. I imagine little Johnie asking his parents what "premature ejaculating" on "my tuna's tits" means.
*They have the Christmas lights up in downtown Mount Dora. It's a charming scene.
**This will be the last post for a little while. I'm sure we are all relieved. The most popular seemed to be the one at Disney. It makes me laugh to think that it is because tourists are clicking on it. I imagine little Johnie asking his parents what "premature ejaculating" on "my tuna's tits" means.
Wednesday, November 29, 2017
Grub Crawl - John Young Pkwy And Sand Lake Rd Area: House of Pho and Latin Square
I grabbed a meal to go at these two places in the strip mall at the intersection of Sand Lake and John Young on Monday.
House of Pho - I wanted to compare and contrast them with the pho I had on Sunday. In their favor, it didn't lead to repeated trips to the toilet. Now, for a HOUSE of Pho, it is really just a pan-Asian restaurant. Their entree section is largely Chinese and the only other Vietnamese stuff is rice and noodle dishes. I tried the fried pork spring rolls for $5 (all apps are $5) and a brisket, flank and tendon pho (small) for $9. The rolls (3) were spongy. Too much pork. More like an egg roll. The pork had little flavor. The pho was fine. A little less meat than the other place. I did get a recognizable tendon though. The meat was good. They use a thin rice noodle. The vegetables were standard fare and fresh. It's a big room. Prices were in line. Some interesting things on the menu are: goat hot pot and shrimp and honey glazed walnuts. They have been open for a year. They close at 9pm and not a second later. I tried to get something to go a few months ago and they denied me.
Latin Square - While walking to my car, I saw them and didn't want to travel back here again for a run through. It turns out that I had been to there original location downtown already. However, the $5 quarter chicken with side (a huge serving of roasted potatoes in my case) is worth a repeat visit any time. The chicken (large bird) was good. side of chimichurri sauce. The potatoes as well. They also have a separate Venezuelan menu. The standard menu had PR, Cuban and Latin American fare. This location has been open for a year. The place is all new. It has a buffet line type ordering process. Great value. Big selection. They also do breakfast. Not sure about dinner.
*John Young in this area is under construction. Ingress and egress to the area is more complicated than ever.
House of Pho - I wanted to compare and contrast them with the pho I had on Sunday. In their favor, it didn't lead to repeated trips to the toilet. Now, for a HOUSE of Pho, it is really just a pan-Asian restaurant. Their entree section is largely Chinese and the only other Vietnamese stuff is rice and noodle dishes. I tried the fried pork spring rolls for $5 (all apps are $5) and a brisket, flank and tendon pho (small) for $9. The rolls (3) were spongy. Too much pork. More like an egg roll. The pork had little flavor. The pho was fine. A little less meat than the other place. I did get a recognizable tendon though. The meat was good. They use a thin rice noodle. The vegetables were standard fare and fresh. It's a big room. Prices were in line. Some interesting things on the menu are: goat hot pot and shrimp and honey glazed walnuts. They have been open for a year. They close at 9pm and not a second later. I tried to get something to go a few months ago and they denied me.
Latin Square - While walking to my car, I saw them and didn't want to travel back here again for a run through. It turns out that I had been to there original location downtown already. However, the $5 quarter chicken with side (a huge serving of roasted potatoes in my case) is worth a repeat visit any time. The chicken (large bird) was good. side of chimichurri sauce. The potatoes as well. They also have a separate Venezuelan menu. The standard menu had PR, Cuban and Latin American fare. This location has been open for a year. The place is all new. It has a buffet line type ordering process. Great value. Big selection. They also do breakfast. Not sure about dinner.
*John Young in this area is under construction. Ingress and egress to the area is more complicated than ever.
Lafayette's, I Drive
I had lunch at this two year old Cajun spot at Pointe Orlando on Monday. It is on the second level across from Adobe Gila's in the old Lulu Bait Shack spot. It was ok. Too chain-y/theme-y for me. It has the usual Cajun menu. I had the one dish that seemed a bit refined. It was Paneed (Breaded) Chicken in a lemon caper sauce with a side salad of arugula and cherry tomato for $15. Kind of like a Milanese. It was ok. A small piece of pounded breast (paillard) in a light batter. Fresh salad. A lot of capers. The fried coating did mush up in the sauce. Service was a bit inattentive. A soda was $3. They had an industrial strength fan blowing on your neck even though it was temperate inside. They start the tip recommendations at 18%. It looks nice. Lots of free space. Two sections and a patio. A bar in between. Not my scene.
*There is a southern restaurant across the way called Itta Bene. It seemed interesting (rabbit fricasse). Only open at night. The piano bar scares me though.
*There is a southern restaurant across the way called Itta Bene. It seemed interesting (rabbit fricasse). Only open at night. The piano bar scares me though.
Tuesday, November 28, 2017
Grub Crawl - Longwood: Pho 4 U and Shiraz Market (Moved to 17-92 and 434)
I grabbed food to go from these places on Sunday. One of them gave me salmonella. I was betting that it was the first place (lots of possibly poorly washed raw vegetables), but, I'm feeling a recurrence of the shit storm after eating the rice from the second place today.
Pho 4 U - I ordered a pork skin bahn mi and a brisket, flank, tendon and tripe pho to go. Now, I have never had the pork skin before and either it is not very "skin-y" or they gave me the grilled pork. It was good whatever it was. The bun looked like they tried to extend its life by wetting it down and nuking it. It was crispy anyway. The pork was cut into noodle like slivers. Tasty. It cost $4.50. Makes you want to fire bomb fast food sandwich shops and their over priced slop. The pho didn't have the tendon or tripe. There was some kind of soft white thing that maybe is soft tendon. The meat was plentiful and of a good quality. It's so amazing how one cut (brisket) from the same animal can be brown and the other (flank) gray. They use a wide flat (linguine size) rice noodle. The broth was good. The vegetables were fresh. Especially the basil. I do think I am going to wash them from now on though. Just in case. It cost $9 for the medium (their smallest). They are in a building on 17-92 near 434 that probably was a fast food restaurant at one time. The place looked clean. Not very posh. There were a few normal people eating there. I think they have been open for five months. They offer the usual Vietnamese menu. It is hard to find a pho/bahn mi combo place. It's a good value.
Shiraz Market - They took over the corner building on Ronald Reagan Blvd (near the tracks on 434) that used to have a little Mexican market and kitchen. They serve up to ten dishes and have a market with interesting Middle Eastern goods. I will have to buy the honey comb, sour pistachio nuts and watermelon seeds at some point. I believe the name means they are Iranian. I tried a beef kebab with jasmine rice and a roasted tomato for $7 and a lamb gyro for $7. The beef was cooked to medium and had a mild flavor. The rice was cooked perfectly. The gyro was comprised of tzatziki, lettuce, tomato, sour pickle and thinly sliced lamb "loaf". It was also not seasoned to death. I'm not sure if they make it in house. It came in a fresh lavoush instead of a pita. The tzatziki wasn't overloaded. It was a nuanced gyro. Now, like I said, something I ate on Sunday (that had a lot of vegetables in it) desperately wanted to confabulate with my toilet (and maybe float to sea or that inter-coastal that we sent all the shit through after Irma). It certainly didn't want to spend one second more in my body than it had to. I'd hate to think it was either of these because I liked the food. I will try both again at some point. This place is more of a carry out place. They have one table with six chairs and it is cramped. They have been there for one year.
*I do have to make mention of the interminable time it seems to take for road construction in the city. we all know the ever worsening ridiculousness of the I-Sore, but, the 17-92 project (near The Senator tree) must be in year ten. Is it just graft? Sand Lake Rd near John Young is now under construction too. It took them forever to do what they did on OBT and 434. An investigation would seem proper.
Pho 4 U - I ordered a pork skin bahn mi and a brisket, flank, tendon and tripe pho to go. Now, I have never had the pork skin before and either it is not very "skin-y" or they gave me the grilled pork. It was good whatever it was. The bun looked like they tried to extend its life by wetting it down and nuking it. It was crispy anyway. The pork was cut into noodle like slivers. Tasty. It cost $4.50. Makes you want to fire bomb fast food sandwich shops and their over priced slop. The pho didn't have the tendon or tripe. There was some kind of soft white thing that maybe is soft tendon. The meat was plentiful and of a good quality. It's so amazing how one cut (brisket) from the same animal can be brown and the other (flank) gray. They use a wide flat (linguine size) rice noodle. The broth was good. The vegetables were fresh. Especially the basil. I do think I am going to wash them from now on though. Just in case. It cost $9 for the medium (their smallest). They are in a building on 17-92 near 434 that probably was a fast food restaurant at one time. The place looked clean. Not very posh. There were a few normal people eating there. I think they have been open for five months. They offer the usual Vietnamese menu. It is hard to find a pho/bahn mi combo place. It's a good value.
Shiraz Market - They took over the corner building on Ronald Reagan Blvd (near the tracks on 434) that used to have a little Mexican market and kitchen. They serve up to ten dishes and have a market with interesting Middle Eastern goods. I will have to buy the honey comb, sour pistachio nuts and watermelon seeds at some point. I believe the name means they are Iranian. I tried a beef kebab with jasmine rice and a roasted tomato for $7 and a lamb gyro for $7. The beef was cooked to medium and had a mild flavor. The rice was cooked perfectly. The gyro was comprised of tzatziki, lettuce, tomato, sour pickle and thinly sliced lamb "loaf". It was also not seasoned to death. I'm not sure if they make it in house. It came in a fresh lavoush instead of a pita. The tzatziki wasn't overloaded. It was a nuanced gyro. Now, like I said, something I ate on Sunday (that had a lot of vegetables in it) desperately wanted to confabulate with my toilet (and maybe float to sea or that inter-coastal that we sent all the shit through after Irma). It certainly didn't want to spend one second more in my body than it had to. I'd hate to think it was either of these because I liked the food. I will try both again at some point. This place is more of a carry out place. They have one table with six chairs and it is cramped. They have been there for one year.
*I do have to make mention of the interminable time it seems to take for road construction in the city. we all know the ever worsening ridiculousness of the I-Sore, but, the 17-92 project (near The Senator tree) must be in year ten. Is it just graft? Sand Lake Rd near John Young is now under construction too. It took them forever to do what they did on OBT and 434. An investigation would seem proper.
Monday, November 27, 2017
Pub Crawl - Downtown: Mather's Social Gathering, Lion's Pride (Closed) and Orange County Brewers (Closed)
I tried these bars Saturday night.
Mather's Social Gathering - This is one of those cocktail/speak easy type bars ala Hansen's Shoe Repair and the Herman's Insurance one. It is on the second floor of a building aside from the one that used to house Cairo (on S. Magnolia). There is a bar on the corner now called Shots. It was interesting. A little closer to cheesy interactive dinner theater with the hidden door handle, piano bar and the natttily attired type writing ad lib poet. However, they did seem to spend enough to make it an experience. There is a bar area (cramped) on the right as you enter and couches along the left wall. It's decorated in knack knacks and flea market bric a brac. I'm not Southern so I don't know what type of place it is meant to recreate. It reminded me of a set from a Tennessee Williams play. The crowd and the place were a little mismatched. I would envision Auburn or Clemson alumni (maybe even Rollins) and scions relaxing in this atmosphere. Instead there was a multiplicity of poorly dressed middle aged I-95ers. It's also a little weird to match up the (probably Venezuelan) elevator girl and the Hispanic door guy with this aestetic. They are the first thing you experience and if the roles were reversed people would be screaming about cultural appropriation. Nevertheless, it is something we have to get used to as we become Atlanta/Miami. The cocktails were all around $15. They were pretty stiff. There was a menu with a small selection. I can't imagine what liberties they take with the bill if you order off the menu. All in all it was pretty good (and I hate cocktail bars). It seems to be first come first served on the couches. If you have a big group and can milk the clock with conversation, it would probably make for a nice evening (like lounging in a lobby bar). Time goes more slowly if you are there by yourself. I think they have been open for around a year. No Cover. Had a line down the block (close to capacity inside) when I left.
Lion's Pride - They are across from Hamburger Mary's on the tracks on Church St. They opened in May. It is an excellent sports bar. It looks like a sports hall of fame, They spent too much on it. It sparkles. It's so white. They have tvs everywhere. The liquor selection is expansive. The prices (especially Scotch) were the most reasonable I have seen downtown. They serve food. It has two levels. They have special viewing parties for major league and college sporting events (and of course soccer). You can rent out private spaces. They even sell Lions trinkets. It's like they took a stadium vip bar and moved it off site. I like it better than Jay-Z's 50/50 club. If that still exists. It closed at eleven though.
Orange County Brewers - They have been open for two months. The owner has some kind of past affiliation with Shipyard and Seadog beer. It's in the old Mini Cooper (Fiat?) space on Orange. Cafe Annie was close by at one time. The beer is on the lower end of the local selections. I have never loved Shipyard or Seadog beer, so, I hope this isn't what it will always taste like. They had a blonde ales that was good. I often find that new breweries have trouble with complexity and balance when they open. This batch was over hopped in places and watery elsewhere. Not a lot of taste sensations. But, the place looks great. A flight (5) was $12. They have a brick pizza oven. They serve other things as well. The staff was willing to have an interchange. They had knowledge of the product. The place has tvs (sports). And it's closer than WOB. And far enough from the Orange Ave riff raff. I don't think people have discovered it yet. They were closing at midnight.
Mather's Social Gathering - This is one of those cocktail/speak easy type bars ala Hansen's Shoe Repair and the Herman's Insurance one. It is on the second floor of a building aside from the one that used to house Cairo (on S. Magnolia). There is a bar on the corner now called Shots. It was interesting. A little closer to cheesy interactive dinner theater with the hidden door handle, piano bar and the natttily attired type writing ad lib poet. However, they did seem to spend enough to make it an experience. There is a bar area (cramped) on the right as you enter and couches along the left wall. It's decorated in knack knacks and flea market bric a brac. I'm not Southern so I don't know what type of place it is meant to recreate. It reminded me of a set from a Tennessee Williams play. The crowd and the place were a little mismatched. I would envision Auburn or Clemson alumni (maybe even Rollins) and scions relaxing in this atmosphere. Instead there was a multiplicity of poorly dressed middle aged I-95ers. It's also a little weird to match up the (probably Venezuelan) elevator girl and the Hispanic door guy with this aestetic. They are the first thing you experience and if the roles were reversed people would be screaming about cultural appropriation. Nevertheless, it is something we have to get used to as we become Atlanta/Miami. The cocktails were all around $15. They were pretty stiff. There was a menu with a small selection. I can't imagine what liberties they take with the bill if you order off the menu. All in all it was pretty good (and I hate cocktail bars). It seems to be first come first served on the couches. If you have a big group and can milk the clock with conversation, it would probably make for a nice evening (like lounging in a lobby bar). Time goes more slowly if you are there by yourself. I think they have been open for around a year. No Cover. Had a line down the block (close to capacity inside) when I left.
Lion's Pride - They are across from Hamburger Mary's on the tracks on Church St. They opened in May. It is an excellent sports bar. It looks like a sports hall of fame, They spent too much on it. It sparkles. It's so white. They have tvs everywhere. The liquor selection is expansive. The prices (especially Scotch) were the most reasonable I have seen downtown. They serve food. It has two levels. They have special viewing parties for major league and college sporting events (and of course soccer). You can rent out private spaces. They even sell Lions trinkets. It's like they took a stadium vip bar and moved it off site. I like it better than Jay-Z's 50/50 club. If that still exists. It closed at eleven though.
Orange County Brewers - They have been open for two months. The owner has some kind of past affiliation with Shipyard and Seadog beer. It's in the old Mini Cooper (Fiat?) space on Orange. Cafe Annie was close by at one time. The beer is on the lower end of the local selections. I have never loved Shipyard or Seadog beer, so, I hope this isn't what it will always taste like. They had a blonde ales that was good. I often find that new breweries have trouble with complexity and balance when they open. This batch was over hopped in places and watery elsewhere. Not a lot of taste sensations. But, the place looks great. A flight (5) was $12. They have a brick pizza oven. They serve other things as well. The staff was willing to have an interchange. They had knowledge of the product. The place has tvs (sports). And it's closer than WOB. And far enough from the Orange Ave riff raff. I don't think people have discovered it yet. They were closing at midnight.
Muddy Waters, Thornton Park - Closed
I tried this Cajun spot where Mucho used to be (on S. Eola Dr) on Saturday for dinner. I had a disappointing meal at their first place (Two Chefs), so, I wasn't encouraged when the look of the menu was almost the same. I settled in on Shrimp and Grits because it was one of the more reasonably priced dishes ($18). It was the right call. The grits were cooked perfectly. They had a nice cheese essence. It was full of andouille. The shrimp (5) were pretty good. A little slippery, but, a nice size and not overcooked. It was hard to knife off the tails though. The bowl they come in isn't conducive to surgery. There were also some sauteed mushrooms and a hot sauce in the recipe. A big portion. They have been open for nine months. They kept the layout the same and changed out the decor. Like I said, the prices are a little high. Over $20 for many of the mains. The have an oyster bar and a bar bar. I think I read that the chef with the Louisiana roots runs this place and the Florida chef is at the old restaurant. Wine selection was low end.
Sunday, November 26, 2017
Orlando Meats, Mills Ave Area
I had a medium rare cheeseburger at this meat market on Virginia Dr yesterday at lunch. It was well done. It also came with an overly salty garlic aoli and a "XO flavored bacon" that looked and tasted like pate. They serve it on a "french" bread that looked liked ciabatta. Probably one known simply as Freanch rustic square bread. You could taste anything over the aoli. I scraped it off. That helped a little. The "bacon" was a distraction. The cheese was overwhelmed. I don't see why they would add all that jazz to a burger. Who wants it? You are at a meat shop. You are there for quality meat I would suspect. Let a lesser establishment hide the meat. You should use your meals to market your meat. Let your meat swing freely.
They seemed to be to busy to press the meat into a patty and it would separate along the "ridge" lines. I often do this myself when I don't want to get my hands dirty/greasy. I just cut out a square of ground meat out of the "lump" of ground meat with my burger flipper and toss it on the grill or in the pan. I shouldn't do that (it cleaves in layers when I try and flip it) and neither should they. They compliment the burger with home made chips. They are very light and fried in beef tallow or marrow, but, they are too salty and I think they were so sharp that they cut up my throat. They add a pickle spear. It cost $12 and a soda was only $1.
It is mostly a meat shop/butcher. They have around a dozen meal options. The restaurant part has been open for two months. It looks great. Hipster appeal. They offer challenging things like pigs feet fritters and pork torchon (dish towel). The torchon a a sister of a terrine. It was/is made by wrapping the meat in a towel or cloth. It started as a foie gras preparation. I'd like to see a little better execution, but, I liked it. It's in between Matador and Santiago's Bodega. They are open every day except Monday.
They seemed to be to busy to press the meat into a patty and it would separate along the "ridge" lines. I often do this myself when I don't want to get my hands dirty/greasy. I just cut out a square of ground meat out of the "lump" of ground meat with my burger flipper and toss it on the grill or in the pan. I shouldn't do that (it cleaves in layers when I try and flip it) and neither should they. They compliment the burger with home made chips. They are very light and fried in beef tallow or marrow, but, they are too salty and I think they were so sharp that they cut up my throat. They add a pickle spear. It cost $12 and a soda was only $1.
It is mostly a meat shop/butcher. They have around a dozen meal options. The restaurant part has been open for two months. It looks great. Hipster appeal. They offer challenging things like pigs feet fritters and pork torchon (dish towel). The torchon a a sister of a terrine. It was/is made by wrapping the meat in a towel or cloth. It started as a foie gras preparation. I'd like to see a little better execution, but, I liked it. It's in between Matador and Santiago's Bodega. They are open every day except Monday.
Grub Crawl - Tavares: O'Keefe's Irish Pub, Ruby Street Grille and Lake Dora Sushi and Sake
I ate at these three places on the lake at lunch on Friday. They all are on or near Main St. You take St Clair St off 441 to get there. They were on that Sentinel list that I have referenced before.
O'Keefe's Irish Pub - I had a potato baxty with smoked salmon for $15. It was a mound of mashed potatoes (like a knish) with a baked coating. It also came with shredded onion and sour cream. It was very tasty. It made laugh to think that the Nova Supreme (bagel and salmon with veg) may be a rip off of an Irish recipe. Especially when I think back on how often my Irish classmates would call me a Yid for ordering one. Then again, maybe O'Keefe's is the one who was inspired by the Supreme. The rest of the menu is normal pub food (sandwiches and burgers). They had three or four more Irish specialties. They have been there for 33 years. They have a patio that faces the lake. The main room is split by a wine storage "wall". The bar is in the rear. The place is lined with mugs with patrons names on them. Beer mirrors and posters make up the majority of the remaining decoration. It was clean. Not smoky.
Ruby Street Grille - I was going to rip them apart and then I wasn't and now I might. It's not as cute as it might sound. The place stunk of Febreeze covering something worse. I went in and then left for O'Keefe's. I came back only to get something to go that would knock this off the list. I settled on the daily special (pulled pork and beans and potato salad and bread) because everything else was overpriced and mundane and might have forced me to smell the air longer. It cost $9. The portion was huge. Three servings. Probably trying to ditch it before it spoiled. It was edible. Probably that shredded pork that comes in a plastic bag. WAY too much sauce. Hidden calories. I am ashamed of the caloric intake. The potato salad was also from a bag. I saw them scooping in from the mother ship. I didn't eat the beans. So, big portion, average food. It was a wash. But...I got a really sore throat the next day and feel a little flu-zy today. It could be the place I had lunch the next day or their razor edged chips plus my hangover or it was something here. I hate to cast aspersions, but, the throat thing happened to quick after lunch the next day for me to point my finger that way. Now, maybe I'll feel better tomorrow and decide this wasn't the flu. If I do, I'll amend the post. The place isn't very nice looking. The art inside is particularly bad. The deck may be what you come for. It seemed like one of the "bad house band" joints. It has been there for nine years.
Lake Dora Sushi and Sake - I grabbed a three roll special to go and was very pleased. If the quality of their "real" sushi is as good as these "entry" rolls. then they really have something. Especially since the pieces were priced at around $2-$3. My combo (with miso soup) cost $9. The rolls were medium size cut into eight pieces. Now I could get nit picky and say that the cuts were not uniform, but, I will concentrate on the good. The rice was properly prepared. It had very little to no vinegar. The tuna in the spicy tuna roll was discards, but, they weren't cat food and weren't pureed into a paste. You could taste and feel the tuna. The salmon in the Alaska roll was good enough. They (thankfully) added just a smear of cream cheese (not a caloric cube). The avocado in the avocado roll was fresh. The wasabi was fresh. I ate it all as soon as I got home. Now, I had been jones-ing for sushi for about a week, but, that has to count for something. And compared to what you get at the supermarket for $9, this is a steal. The owners are Japanese. There were two framed articles outlining their thoughts on the place (positive). I can't say you have to come this far for it, but, if you live here then you could have drawn worse lots. I also liked that they are wise enough to sense a marketing opportunity. They add a wrapper to their chopsticks sleeve that has there contact info. The also serve up hot items including soba. The place has a sushi abr and a main room. It is decorated in a funky way.
*There was also an ok looking bar (Bru) and a coffee place (something Bear) and an ice cream shop near these spots. And the sea planes.
O'Keefe's Irish Pub - I had a potato baxty with smoked salmon for $15. It was a mound of mashed potatoes (like a knish) with a baked coating. It also came with shredded onion and sour cream. It was very tasty. It made laugh to think that the Nova Supreme (bagel and salmon with veg) may be a rip off of an Irish recipe. Especially when I think back on how often my Irish classmates would call me a Yid for ordering one. Then again, maybe O'Keefe's is the one who was inspired by the Supreme. The rest of the menu is normal pub food (sandwiches and burgers). They had three or four more Irish specialties. They have been there for 33 years. They have a patio that faces the lake. The main room is split by a wine storage "wall". The bar is in the rear. The place is lined with mugs with patrons names on them. Beer mirrors and posters make up the majority of the remaining decoration. It was clean. Not smoky.
Ruby Street Grille - I was going to rip them apart and then I wasn't and now I might. It's not as cute as it might sound. The place stunk of Febreeze covering something worse. I went in and then left for O'Keefe's. I came back only to get something to go that would knock this off the list. I settled on the daily special (pulled pork and beans and potato salad and bread) because everything else was overpriced and mundane and might have forced me to smell the air longer. It cost $9. The portion was huge. Three servings. Probably trying to ditch it before it spoiled. It was edible. Probably that shredded pork that comes in a plastic bag. WAY too much sauce. Hidden calories. I am ashamed of the caloric intake. The potato salad was also from a bag. I saw them scooping in from the mother ship. I didn't eat the beans. So, big portion, average food. It was a wash. But...I got a really sore throat the next day and feel a little flu-zy today. It could be the place I had lunch the next day or their razor edged chips plus my hangover or it was something here. I hate to cast aspersions, but, the throat thing happened to quick after lunch the next day for me to point my finger that way. Now, maybe I'll feel better tomorrow and decide this wasn't the flu. If I do, I'll amend the post. The place isn't very nice looking. The art inside is particularly bad. The deck may be what you come for. It seemed like one of the "bad house band" joints. It has been there for nine years.
Lake Dora Sushi and Sake - I grabbed a three roll special to go and was very pleased. If the quality of their "real" sushi is as good as these "entry" rolls. then they really have something. Especially since the pieces were priced at around $2-$3. My combo (with miso soup) cost $9. The rolls were medium size cut into eight pieces. Now I could get nit picky and say that the cuts were not uniform, but, I will concentrate on the good. The rice was properly prepared. It had very little to no vinegar. The tuna in the spicy tuna roll was discards, but, they weren't cat food and weren't pureed into a paste. You could taste and feel the tuna. The salmon in the Alaska roll was good enough. They (thankfully) added just a smear of cream cheese (not a caloric cube). The avocado in the avocado roll was fresh. The wasabi was fresh. I ate it all as soon as I got home. Now, I had been jones-ing for sushi for about a week, but, that has to count for something. And compared to what you get at the supermarket for $9, this is a steal. The owners are Japanese. There were two framed articles outlining their thoughts on the place (positive). I can't say you have to come this far for it, but, if you live here then you could have drawn worse lots. I also liked that they are wise enough to sense a marketing opportunity. They add a wrapper to their chopsticks sleeve that has there contact info. The also serve up hot items including soba. The place has a sushi abr and a main room. It is decorated in a funky way.
*There was also an ok looking bar (Bru) and a coffee place (something Bear) and an ice cream shop near these spots. And the sea planes.
Friday, November 24, 2017
Grub Crawl - Disney Springs: The Polite Pig and Paddlefish
I grabbed a sandwich to go at the first one during lunch and grabbed a quick dinner later on at the second on Thursday.
The Polite Pig - I had a smoked chicken salad sandwich for free because their register broke down. They demanded I take it on the the house. How can you refuse (or ignore) such hospitality. I think it would have cost me $12. It was pretty good. The chicken was in slices (not cubes). It was mixed with grapes. The problem with it was mostly bun related. I don't like the way many brioche buns fall apart.They also throw in a pickle quarter. The place is modern. They have a patio. I thought it would be a bit bigger and not a serve yourself endeavour. I'm happier that it is the way it is (less fuss). It is located right to the right of the escalator at the lime parking structure. They open at 11am. They also have pork and brisket and a fried and smoked chicken sandwich. They also do platters and sides. It's from the Ravenous Pig people (Petrakis). It;s their version of 4 Rivers.
Paddlefish - I don't see why they felt the need. It's almost exactly like The Boathouse. The redo seemed half ass. Some areas (especially the top deck) seemed badly renovated. Maybe it is already worn after one summer. And the layout is weird. They wanted to exploit the "views", but, their architectural design makes the whole middle off limits. This separates all the other areas into separate rooms. No flow. I'm sure they'll say they meant to, but, I think it is a mistake. It feels claustrophobic/cramped. And all the money they spent (where they spent it) still only succeeds in making you think you are on a cruise ship. I would it have left it as it was. If it had rot or termites then repair and replace and leave it looking like a working Mississippi river boat. Don't try and recreate it as a pre-war luxury liner. The place has three levels. The top is a bar/open area. I sat at the front bar on the first level because that is what you see when you enter. There is no indication that there are other bars or other levels. I had two appetizers because I wasn't hungry and everything else is about twice as expensive as it should be. $40 to $60 is what they want you to spend per person per entree. I had the charred octopus for $15 and the ahi poke for $16. The octopus was pretty good (two arms) atop cannelloni beans and a few slices of chorizo. It would have been better if it came out of the kitchen less meteorically. That means that they pre-cooked everything and just plated it. I prefer my food made to order at this price point. The poke was terrible. I imagine some manic idiot with two squeeze bottles (one with soy sauce and one with yuzu) prematurely ejaculated a a mouthful of their contents into my tuna's tits. And then he topped this pearl necklace with some sea salt. Weak. To recap - I love the thought of dining on a river boat. I liked the old Fulton's Landing (or whatever it was called). I would have preferred they had left it as it was if this was their plan. It duplicated a niche. It's not a value. It's comically filled with riff raff (in an quasi-elegant environment). There doesn't appear to be any concern over the quality of the food. And (unsurprisingly) the food (at least some) is not cooked to order. Almost any of the other restaurants in Disney Springs is a better option. Maybe go for a drink on the upper deck if they don't try and rip you off there as well. Unlikely.
The Polite Pig - I had a smoked chicken salad sandwich for free because their register broke down. They demanded I take it on the the house. How can you refuse (or ignore) such hospitality. I think it would have cost me $12. It was pretty good. The chicken was in slices (not cubes). It was mixed with grapes. The problem with it was mostly bun related. I don't like the way many brioche buns fall apart.They also throw in a pickle quarter. The place is modern. They have a patio. I thought it would be a bit bigger and not a serve yourself endeavour. I'm happier that it is the way it is (less fuss). It is located right to the right of the escalator at the lime parking structure. They open at 11am. They also have pork and brisket and a fried and smoked chicken sandwich. They also do platters and sides. It's from the Ravenous Pig people (Petrakis). It;s their version of 4 Rivers.
Paddlefish - I don't see why they felt the need. It's almost exactly like The Boathouse. The redo seemed half ass. Some areas (especially the top deck) seemed badly renovated. Maybe it is already worn after one summer. And the layout is weird. They wanted to exploit the "views", but, their architectural design makes the whole middle off limits. This separates all the other areas into separate rooms. No flow. I'm sure they'll say they meant to, but, I think it is a mistake. It feels claustrophobic/cramped. And all the money they spent (where they spent it) still only succeeds in making you think you are on a cruise ship. I would it have left it as it was. If it had rot or termites then repair and replace and leave it looking like a working Mississippi river boat. Don't try and recreate it as a pre-war luxury liner. The place has three levels. The top is a bar/open area. I sat at the front bar on the first level because that is what you see when you enter. There is no indication that there are other bars or other levels. I had two appetizers because I wasn't hungry and everything else is about twice as expensive as it should be. $40 to $60 is what they want you to spend per person per entree. I had the charred octopus for $15 and the ahi poke for $16. The octopus was pretty good (two arms) atop cannelloni beans and a few slices of chorizo. It would have been better if it came out of the kitchen less meteorically. That means that they pre-cooked everything and just plated it. I prefer my food made to order at this price point. The poke was terrible. I imagine some manic idiot with two squeeze bottles (one with soy sauce and one with yuzu) prematurely ejaculated a a mouthful of their contents into my tuna's tits. And then he topped this pearl necklace with some sea salt. Weak. To recap - I love the thought of dining on a river boat. I liked the old Fulton's Landing (or whatever it was called). I would have preferred they had left it as it was if this was their plan. It duplicated a niche. It's not a value. It's comically filled with riff raff (in an quasi-elegant environment). There doesn't appear to be any concern over the quality of the food. And (unsurprisingly) the food (at least some) is not cooked to order. Almost any of the other restaurants in Disney Springs is a better option. Maybe go for a drink on the upper deck if they don't try and rip you off there as well. Unlikely.
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