Crocante, East Colonial (50) *AL/LA/FL Travel Notes

I settled on this higher end (priced) Puerto Rican play last Friday at lunch. Plan A and B disintegrated before my eyes. It is in a strip mall closer to 436 (across from the Executive Airport). It means crispy. I tried the porchetta sandwich with one side (I chose arroz blanco y habichuelas) to go for $15. It's not Italian porchetta. It is chunks of tough pork cut into cubes. They are not conducive to being in a sandwich. The only thing that saved it from being tossed in the trash was that I ripped up the chunks (a few too many were just gristle or fat) into bite sized morsels and put them (and the white rice) in the left over stew I took home from Kabob King. How halal is that? There was another container of some sauce that held the peas. They looked like beans. It was ok.. The bread was ok. They put cheese and a salad mix on it. It was supposed to come with chichurron. There were two gristly pieces that they might consider chichurron in there. The rest of the menu was platters and mofongos and rotisserie meats and other things. All high teens or higher. I'm glad I didn't pay the premium to try them out. The place is one huge, open space. 22 tables, 14 seats at the bar in the back and three 12 seat communal tables in front of that. Wood accents. Kitchen at the rear on the right. They seem to be prepping a to go (deli style) counter on the right. Service took to long. They said they had a soft opening three months ago. But, they said they are planning a real grand opening in the future. It was mostly empty at 2pm. I wouldn't go back. The overly loud music they subject you too gives reason enough to pass.

*Travel Notes - Alabama/Louisiana/Florida: I rented a car from Budget for $316. Drove Orange Beach AL. Stayed at the Sleep Inn for $134 (rack rate). Went to the Flora-Bama bar on the border. It's always packed. Must be famous. They have a bunch of businesses there. Ate a very good Conecuh (place in AL) Sausage Po Boy at Flying Harpoon (on 3D). Drove to New Orleans. I was going to stay here for a while, but, the idiot weather people scared me with forecasts of storms that never came. I booked stuff in Florida instead. I grabbed great Boudin eggrolls at Piece of Meat in Treme (on 3D) and saw a good bar (Bayou Beer Garden) behind it. PoM said they changed the direction of the place since the 3D episode. It's now fancier. Drove into Garden District and grabbed a great head cheese taco and hand held chicken (so tender) pot pie at Turkey and the Wolf (on 3D) off Jackson St. Stayed at St Charles Coach House (a Choice hotel) on St Charles for $118 a night plus $15 parking. Ate two eggs with house fries and toast breakfast at Surrey's Cafe (on 3D) off Terpsichore. Walked into town (with a jacket I ended up not needing) in 80 degree heat to Antoine's off Bourbon on St Louis. They invented Oysters Rockefeller. After some mental turmoil, I selected the Oysters Foch instead. These are corn meal fried oysters (small or cut up) on foie gras covered toast with a cherry wine reduction. An interesting combo. Reduction was not needed and too liberally applied and goopy. I also tried the a good Duo potato bisque (potato and cheese) and Paneed (sauteed) Gulf Fish (they said Drum) in a beurre blanc with artichokes, cherry tomatoes et al. This may have been the least good and most expensive meal of the trip. Total outlay $55. It is an institution though. Ask to sit in one of the back rooms. The front room is for suckers. Luckily some locals hipped me to that jive. I walked backed and finally tried the WWII Museum for $33. It was fine. I walked around Magazine St in the Garden District and had a cider at Tracey's Original Irish Channel bar because it was very hot and it said it opened in 1940 something. No other reason. Drove back to the north side of 10 around Tulane Ave in Mid City to Marjie's (on 3D). This was the worst area I drove through (fyi). The others were ok. Most north of 10. I had the Cambodian Crab (apple slices) Salad to go. They had less of an Asian menu than I expected. Parking was hard and sketchy, so, I didn't dare eat in. I drove to Liuzza's by the Track in Esplanade Ridge (off Esplanade Ave) the next day for gumbo and a half (still huge) oyster (entire large) po bay. Both were great. The gumbo is supposed to be top notch. I don't love it in general. This was probably the best and freshest I've had. I met the guy who makes it. His name was Roadrunner. He was being interviewed (by Bon Appetit?) while I was there. And this place is a shack. This was on some show with some guy named Misha Collins (Roadfood). I then drove to the Raceway (horses) because it was right there. I then drove back to Orleans (missed the turn earlier) and grabbed a great two piece fried chicken meal with a side from Dooky Chase. This is a famous civil rights landmark. I even just saw a repeat of a Julia Child episode where the old owner cooked this with Julia. I felt a little underdressed, so, I got it to go. I drove a long way too Gainesville so I could try Spurrier's Grid Iron Grille finally. I had the Chicken Marsala with mp. They have all his memorabilia there. Roof top bar. I stayed at the Hom for $103. Went the next day to Kanapaha Botanical Garden (on SR 24) for $10. Drove down 75 to Treasure Island (just N of St Pete Beach). Stayed at the Sea Jay Motel for $123. Had salad and coco cashew encrusted mahi over bananas with a side of baked pastry encrusted potatoes and chocolate crust key lime pie at Snappers (AAA Magazine article). Only $22 (4pm menu) including a generous tip. Everything was great except the salad. Huge piece of fish. Walked the beach at sunset. Drove the next day through St Pete and visited the Sunken Gardens for $15. I knocked quite a few restaurants and oddities off my to do list on this one. Doing road trips because I'm being thwarted by high air or hotel prices, flight delays/cancellations and scary weather. I also saw something interesting at Publix in St Pete Beach. Astin Farms Berry de Blanc (White Strawberries/Pineberries).

Kaya, Mills and 50 Area

I tried this upmarket Filipino spot on Thornton Ave (1 block west and south of Mills and 50) on Thursday for dinner. It had a line. But, with some effort, I convinced the hostess to let me have the sole bar seat (of 9) available. I argued that all the people ahead of me were couples. That and a check with the owner won the day. The place is small. A converted house. There is a large outdoor waiting area in front that seems like a wasted opportunity. The bar area is on the front left. Open kitchen in the center rear. Tables (6-7) on the right. Light gray paint. A few decorations. Quaint. The menu is equally modest. 2 apps. They ran out of the toro. 5 mains. 2 desserts. 1 side (garlic rice for $5). Portion sizes were in between apps and mains. A fairly nice (pricey) wine selection. Quite a few cocktails. I tried the Adobong Kabute (mushrooms) for $15 and the Pancit Sotanghon (mung bean noodles) for $16. They also had a tile fish terrine (which I was talked out of by a diner), bistek and one other that I forget. I didn't do the toro because it was $20 and what can you tell about the kitchen's abilities by such a dish. I could have done one main and the rice (they scolded me that you must eat rice with a main in Filipno cooking), but, I wanted to sample. The mushrooms (3 types) came with three types of adobo. A spicy red one (not very) atop cauliflower, a tan creamy one on the bottom and a third in the middle that I can't remember. Good flavor. Fresh ingredients. A bit salty. There was also some crunchy purple vegetable loitering around. Turnip? I can't recall if I've had mung bean noodles before. These (if they all aren't) were very thin and sticky. I almost couldn't swallow them if I grabbed a fork full with out the veg with it. Kept sticking to the back of my throat and choking me. As stated, it had julianned root veg on top. And a poached egg on top. I liked the vibe. Everyone was very sociable and attentive. They didn't have a dress code. The kitchen didn't seem to be overwhelmed. They said they soft opened in November. However, it seems like they have truly been open just recently. I found free parking on the street. I'd recommend it to all. I believe the dishes reflect the Northern areas of the Phillipines. 

*Driving around Thursday, I noticed a few things. I don't know how the lack of parking around Moderne will not effect its (and neighbors) bottom line. It's a S show. Was before. Now even worse. The Wellborn Hotel's restaurant/bar is very hard to find. Beneath and in between the two overpasses that branch off I-4 and 408. They also are only open after 5pm and on weekends during the day. Seems like there is no free parking there either. And the menu seems dull. House of Mac down in Sodo had a sign that said they were not open as of the day the put up the sign. Did the open and close? Hasn't it been a year since they were supposed to open? Solita Tacos is where Wahlburgers used to be. Pigzza still seems nowhere close to opening.

Kabab King, OBT/Central Florida Parkway Area

I tried this spot in a big strip mall on OBT past Central Florida Parkway yesterday at lunch. They term it Zabiha Hallal Pakastani and Indian Cuisine. It was very good. I had the Murgh Cholay for $11. It was pieces of on the bone chicken (4) in a thick red "stew" with chickpeas. A huge portion. I stuffed myself and still took half home. I asked for medium low heat. It was still spicy. Great flavor. It also came with basmati rice. A little dry. The menu has many interesting things. Dishes like; brain (they were out of it), nihari (stew), haleem (stew), goat paya (legs), boti (chunks of meat), etc. They offer up apps, breads, biryani, rolls/sandwiches, lassi/drinks, dessert and even a breakfast dish. All the meals I saw were humungous. People gasped at the size. I mean "family" size portions. Even the naan was twice the plate size. The decor is a different story. Not much. The place looks old even though they opened a year ago. Two rooms. Waiter service. I thought it was going to be gyro/shwarma type fast food restaurant. It's not that at all. You (or at leat I) don't see a ton of Pakistani (Northern Indian) options around. That alone makes it interesting. A great value. They even took 20% off since it is their anniversary. They have a buffet on Sat and Sun from 12p to 3p. Closed on Tuesday. 

Doshi, Winter Park - Closed/Moving

I tried this Korean "do over" in the strip mall at N Orlando and Lee Rd at dinner on Friday. I say "do over" because it started as an omikase Japanese concern. All the better for us, as far as I'm concerned. I found it to hit on all cylinders. An adult effort for adults in a time of kinder care experiences. And it was a relative bargain at their price points. Disregarding the 11 course tasting menu for $150, prices were reasonable. The menu is broken into three categories with one dessert. 8 Banchan Bites ($9-$24). 8 KKochi skewers ($8-$10). 7 Table Dishes ($20-$36). I believe the menu changes frequently. I tried a pork belly kkochi for $12. Six cut pieces of Kurobuta pork off two skewers. A little on the rare side. Could have used a bit more char. Maybe they should kiss it with a blowtorch. I also tried the Godeungeo Jorim for $22 because it was the weirdest thing and I think I've only had it once before. That's a mackerel (four or five hunks) stew. In a red broth with lots of vegetables (barely cooked). And rice. Very filling. They also throw in three banchan. Spicy cauliflower. Sweet boiled peanuts. Pine nut stuffed shishito peppers. All firsts and great. They serve seafood, pork, chicken, beef/waygu and vegetables. Nice plating with nice nice tableware. The room is small. 22 seats. Lots of space between tables. Large open kitchen with six seats in front for the tasting menu. Earth toned. Modern Asian. There is a bar to the right. Service is beyond attentive. Maybe one person for every six people. They aren't dedicated to any one area. Dressed in black uniforms. They engaged. Sincerely. I came in unannounced (with no letters of introduction) and they somehow didn't tell me to hit the bricks. They squeezed me into an available table (tardy party) when they could have easily been difficult. Lucky for both of us that we got me out of there without the party of the first part (or is it the second part?) not having to wait very long. The place was packed. A very diverse clientele. Not much of a dress code. Not snobby. The wine list (and sake and soju and beer) was interesting. I'm truly glad I finally made the move to try this. They are only open for dinner. I forget if they take any days off. Take note. This is how you go about "fancying up" non-traditionally fancy cuisine. I believe they opened in the Fall.

Grub/Pub Crawl - Lake Ivanhoe Area: Token Ramen and Band Box (Closed)

I tried these spots at dinner on Friday. I'll have another (on its own because it was good) review from Friday in a few days. The first is in that shopping complex (with a Whole Foods?) at Mills and Virginia. The second is near White Wolf Cafe. I only ended up here because the Juju wait was too long and I couldn't find Kaya. 

Token Ramen - I wonder if they are run by the same people who do Kung Fu Tea because the receipt calls them out and they serve it there as well. Open for two weeks. Less "sit down" than I expected. More fast casual. You order at a counter. They bring it to you. I veered away from the ramen because I saw the lunch discount and I wanted a less rudimentary ramen after seeing a show about it the night before. I tried the harumaki (spring rolls) for $4.50 and gyoza (3) soup for $4.50. To go. The spring rolls (3) are probably store bought. The inside seemed a tad underdone. Exterior was crispy and not oily. I left the soup in the car for a few hours, so, the gyoza were mushy. I'm blaming myself, but, who knows. The soup was supposed to be a clear soup. Seemed like beef consume to me. Not great. They sell 9 ramens for $15 - $17. Lunch is $10. BTW- "men" means noodles. They sell: 17 apps, 5 fried rice, 2 katsu, 5 yakisoba (noodles), 11 hibachis, and drinks. The place is modern Japanese. No color. Booths, tables and an unused bar. The dishes I saw while waiting looked ok. Not too busy. Here are some ramen notes from a show called Lucky Chow. Noodles can be named for their width (ie 30s mean 30 noodles per 30mm noodle sheet). The first (from China) ramen was shoyu. Soy broth. Only royalty knew of it for centuries. Tokyo. The next type was tonkatsu. In the south. Pork broth. The next (1950 AD) was miso from the north (Sapporo). Wok fried. Then tsuke. Fish (ie bonito flakes). And lastly, maseman. No broth. Thicker noodle. Butter. No broth. This was for laymen. Tare is liquid seasoning. Mame are the toppings. Broth can overcook the noodles. I may have confused some of this. Fact check me.

Band Box - It's about that big. Unless they lied to me about hidden rooms, it seemed to be one small room with two tables. Almost too small to turn a profit. I was going to get a non-alcoholic drink to go (they do this), but, they said it cost as much as an alcoholic one. I could not abide. I never knew hard alcohol came in non-alcoholic form. But, they sell that too. In bottles. The drinks aren't that expensive. The flyer says $10. They have canned cocktails for $7 and $4.50. Ohh, it's meant to be a speakeasy. What there is of it seemed in character. They have a velvet rope. The staff were also in character. Like sad neo-Steam Punks. They trade in mixology. Parking is hard now. The once free lot across the street now is a pay lot. This is why I didn't stay. Open for six months. Nights only.

*I also saw that Moderne (and the ice cream place) on 50 near Mills also opened. Looked cool. Packed. Inadequate parking.

Grub Crawl - Winter Garden: Sweet Dee's Cupcakery, Nosh, Orange Crate Cafe (Closed), Mangoni and Dolly Llama *UT/NV Travel Notes

I tried these spots on Thursday at lunch. The first is on Main St. A block in. The second is in the Plant Street Market. The third is right outside it. The fourth is back towards the fountains (and Hangry Bison). The last is in the Winter Garden Village shopping center off 429/Stoneybrook.

Sweet Dee's Cupcakery - On that Edible list. I had been waiting for a Thursday to come here and they go and solve their staffing issues and are only closed on Sunday and Monday now. They sell cupcakes. I grabbed a Wedding Cake for $3.75. Good. Small. Yellow cake. Moist. Sweet. Too much vanilla icing. 

Nosh - They sell $10+ bags of popcorn. I just grabbed a sample of chocolate chip. Caramel corn with a chip beside it. I think they used to have another name. I decided to stop ignoring it. The sample angle helped with that. I was there to try a new oyster place that turned out to be called Oysters by Bruno (Pizza Bruno?) at Barrel Room. It is only open after 5pm (except on WE). Front street side of market. I also noticed that the fancy sushi kiosk (Jodo) is now a Bento Sushi and Norigami Sushi is across from it. OK pricing. Everything else is the same.

Orange Crate Cafe - Was a chicken place before this. Open seven months. A lucky find. I guess you would call it Southern inspired. I went with the shrimp po bay over the catfish. It cost $10. Very good roll. Crunchy. Not stale. They said it was just basic stuff from Cisco distributing. Big, non-chemical tasting shrimp (7). Corn meal breading. That did fall off a bit too easily. Turn up the frying oil. Decently fresh lettuce and tomato. Hot sauce (probably Texas Pete's). Catfish is probably done correctly too. Did you know that the phrase "there is more than one way to skin a cat" was originally about catfish? I guess many people had many ideas of the best way to skin this hard to skin fish. They also offer things like soup and half sandwich, tuna, chicken salad with cranberries, cheesesteaks, fried green tomatoes, tenders, fried pickles, salads, wraps, fish tacos, baked salmon, fried chicken, pork chops, etc. And $1.50 scoops of Blue bell ice cream. Quick and friendly service. Wrap around patio.

Mangoni - They offer pizza, focaccia tartines and salads. A charcuturie board, booze, coffee and some apps too. I had a pepperoni pizza for $13.50 (same price as the cheese). Small. Plate size. But good. They claim to use Italian gourmet flour (0?), olive oil, sea salt, yeast and non-acid or nitrate tainted tomatoes from Italy. Cooked in a spinning wood oven heated to 500 degrees by Florida oak. The pie was good. Thin. Some crust. Mozz was a little bland. Almost tasted like a blend. Pepperoni was good. Sauce was good. Not alot. I liked it. The place looks nice. Marble bar with an antique finished mirror. Rectangular floor plan. You order at one end and then move towards the bar. A few tables. More outside on the wrap around patio. Cute design. Black. They display items in the oven area. Hot honey, cheese, cured Italian meats, etc. The quartered logs are stacked aside the pizza oven. Open for a year. I liked it alot.

Dolly LLama - Let's get this straight. I only went here because I was near and it is a California chain and I love the name (though I don't get what it has to do with the food). They sell Belgian (Liege) and bubble waffles and ice cream. Did you know that the sundae became a thing because you couldn't sell soda water on Sunday (religious nuts). Soda jerks used the soda syrup on ice cream instead. They just were bad spellers too. I grabbed the cheapest waffle. A $6 maple syrup and Speculoos (they said it is a cookie) crumbs. It was fine. I ate it withh two nuked hot dogs for dinner. Other waffles are $10. Square foot print. Some seating. In the middle on the right of the center. Open for two weeks. I took 439 (Maguire) from 50 to Windermere Rd (rt) and left onto Stoneybrook to escape paying the 429 toll. You return by crossing the 429 and making a left onto Stoneybrook. It is aside the toll entrance on the right. Don't get scared. 

*Travel Notes - Utah and Nevada: I flew into Las Vegas on Frontier for $128. 9:30am and 8am NS flights. Usually night flights are the cheaper ones. Checking in was a nightmare. They charged me $25 for a boarding pass. But, I think I know how to beat their new rules (photograph the digital boarding pass) without using their app. They actually let you complete the online check in process now. Instead of taking you to the end and telling you your level of ticket requires in airport check in. And Mayor Booty's FAA computers definetly weren't hacked even though bit coin (their choice of renumeration) has been skyrocketing since this happened and other countries have been violated too. That delayed me a few hours. I rented a car from Hertz for the week at $364. They gave me a ripped up tire with a patch beneath that I had to replace. That is going to be fun fighting them on that. I stayed at the Cromwell (trying to do every hotel in Vegas) for $51. They comped the $52 resort fee after I couldn't use the wifi for some reason. Self Parking was $18. I finally found (next to Blue Ribbon Sushi on the third floor) the "secret" pizzeria at The Cosmopolitan. Had two slices for $15 with tax and tip. Grabbed a corn flake and chocolate chip and marshmellow cookie at Milk Bar on the second floor. Found out that Giada at the Cromwell does a much cheaper brunch on the weekends. Ate crappy chicken tenders at Haute Doggery in between Flamingo and Cromwell. Found a locals place behind the Cromwell called Battista's. Too tired to try it. Had breakfast at Maxie's (in between Flamingo and Cromwell). Eggs benedict box (spinach/bacon/tomates in a hollowed out loaf of bread). $23 with tax and tip. Drove to Utah. Stayed at good Cedar Breaks Lodge at Brian Head for $103. Skied the next day at Brian Head for $95 (was $60 online a week before). Ski package at Brian Head Sports for $33. Stayed in Cedar City at Abbey Inn for $107. Had a hb and a cb at Hermie's Drive In. Drank a flight at Policy Kings Brewery. Grabbed some suprisingly fresh tuna sushi at Lin's Market. Topped that off with some beef taquitos with guac at Rita's Taco Shop. Bailed on skiing in Utah because of snow storms. Went back to Vegas through 56W to Cathedral Gorge SP in Panaca NV. Stayed at a dump near Sam's Town called Arizona Charlie's Boulder for $111 incl RF and parking because hotels in Vegas were ridiculously high. Went to Laughlin because of this. Stayed at Aquarious Casino (was a Hilton) for $75 incl RF and free parking. Went back to Vegas. Stayed at the Palms for $113 incl RF and free parking. Ate at Osaka Sushi (on 3D) on W. Sahara. Expensive ($37 for four items - blue fin, salmon belly, hokkigai (terrible) and scallop) and not great. Supplemented this with a $11 chicken sandwich for Half Bird on Spring Mountain Rd. Ate dinner at Chickpea's on W. Flamingo and Jones. It was just on 3D the night before. Said he came just two months ago. Ok lamb kabob and rice and salad for $21. Stayed the next night at a dump because I was leaving early the next morning and the hotels I wanted were expensive. Silver Sevens for $65 incl RF and free parking. Saw how they barely renovated the Hard Rock to Virgin. Ate AYCE sushi at Jjanga Sushi on Flamingo. Too many to list. Was on Food Paradise. Not very good. Had dinner at Lotus of Siam. On Best Thing I ever Ate with Ming Tsai. He (and I) had Man Prik Ong. Basically ground pork meat sauce with steamed vegetables for $20 with tax and tip. Not sure why he chose this. Curse him! But, the lady has a James Beard award and the menu looked great. Maybe the best Thai one I've seen. Even including Thailand. This (and Jjanga) is also near the Silver Sevens hotel on Flamingo. I also drove through some areas where the old, rich Vegas used to be. Not anymore. Paradise Palms on E Desert Inn. Scotch 80's and Rancho Bel Air on Rancho Dr off Charleston. I went to the free Pinball Hall of Fame (really just an arcade) near the Mandalay Bay. Was going to ski Lee Canyon on Mt Charleston north of Vegas. But, needed chains because of snow. Plus they are too expensive for what they are and even charge for parking and the damn lift ticket card. Saw on tv news from some food convention in town: glitter maple syrup, pickle juice cotton candy and vodka made out of whey. If there is a meal missing, it was supermarket, McD, In and Out or Del Taco.

**This may be the last Travel Notes and maybe review on Blogger. Twitter said they were going to 4000 characters soon. I'll post the account names again when I go. Nothing posted yet. One is @orlandoertravel and the other is @orlandoer8. Now those who hate the travel notes can be freed. Can you believe there were dudes named Orlando Er....who stole my handle. Went with 8 because sounds like "ate". Forgot my psuedonym is Henrry the Ninth.

Grub Crawl - UCF Area and Oviedo: Bacon Bitch (Closed), Sushi B and Kung Fu Dumpling

I tried these spots around UCF on Wednesday at dinner. The first two are in front of the strip mall (with shitty access and currently with ripped up roads) on the southeast corner of University and Alafaya Trail near the entrance to UCF. The last is down Alafaya in Oviedo on the outside of a shopping area. I think the intersection is Red Bug Lake. I was going to do Jollibee. However, they did not open (as The Weekly advised) a week ago. That night was their grand opening and every Filipino and their mother was on line. Also, had wrong address for Cruncheese.

Bacon Bitch - Hip Hop Hooters. It reminded me that I haven't been to a strip club in a while. Easy to believe this is another underwhelming Miami import that will probably flounder. I grabbed the only non-breakfast item. A CB with bacon bits and FF for $18 ($24 with tax and tip). Not terrible. Hotel room service quality. Medium rare was medium well. Wide, thinner patty. The veg were limp. Bibb lettuce was something else. Cloying bbq sauce. FF were underfried. The menu has things like pancakes and waffles and eggs. They try and funkify them to charge you more. Smallish selection. Not memorable. Stupid/reductive ...bitch placards on the wall. Sooo empowering. They sell booze. It has twenty booths and four high tops and six regular tables. And a bar. Three sections. Low ceilings. White and black color scheme. They blast club music like it is a club. Breakfast with ear splitting mumble rap. This has become the bizarro world. Open for two months. Hours are 8am to 6pm. It was 100% empty at 5pm. 

Sushi B Hibachi and Grill - Across the parking lot from BB. Same owners. New (two years) casual style. They even have a drive up window. I only went because I was already there and I think I've ignored it forever. Just grabbed a salmon and cc roll for $5 (happy hour price). It was acceptable. Rice was done right. Thin, nori wrapped slices. Scant salmon. 8 pieces. They have a wide selectin Things like: ramen, poke, special rolls, nigiri, bento and many apps. Ok pricing. You order at a counter. They serve it. Looks like an old fast food location. Some attempt at interior design. Probably conducive to college tastes and budgets. 

Kung Fu Dumpling - Was someplace called Hong Kong something before. I think. Turned out to be the winner and a lucky find. They have the aforementioned dumplings. I had the crystal shrimp ones because they came out faster than the soup ones. They (4) cost $6. They were good. Possibly not store bought. Big pieces of shrimp. Not paste. Good pricing. Even the soup dumpling were the same price. They are usually more dear. They have a flight of dumplings. However, it is not just dumplings. A big semi-fusion selection that doesn't seem to devolve into con-fusion. The wife is from Singapore.  I think they said the husband is Chinese. The menu reminded my of what you see in Singapore. A blend. Things like Hainen chicken, Guangzhou fried rice, Singapore noodles, Schezuan dumplings, etc. I really have to go back for a full meal. The people I spoke with loved their experiences. Were returning customers. The place is tiny and grubby. Five tables. One waiter. Fair pricing. Open for two months. They had a place (China Garden?) in Winter Park (the part near Oviedo) before this. Can't remember if I reviewed that. 

Grub Crawl - North OBT and West Orlando: Nick's Family Diner (Closed), P & D Soul Food Kitchen and Mr Sub Shop

I tried these places on Tuesday at lunch. The first is north of Lee Rd on OBT (441). About a quarter mile. The last two are in a newish building off W. Gore St at S. Goldwyn Ave. Southwest of the Citrus Bowl. Past John Young. I'm not sure which exit off I-4 you will have to use. I used Gore to get back on it. I came down on OBT because I was already on it. The first two were on that Edible list. The last was something I ran into while there. If you knew how crampy and gassy my insides have been (and how much ass pissing has transpired) since X-mas, you would be very thankful for these musings. I only bring that up to warn you. Today is the first time there seems to be improvement. I ate almost everything on this post with minimal after effects. I usually catch things before most of America. Maybe this is/was the latest Covid strain? No cough or lung trouble though. If not, be prepared for some kind of stomach flu to strike down upon America with great vengeance and furious anger this winter.

Nick's Family Diner - I believe the menu said they opened in 2010. I only grabbed a bagel with cc to go because of the prices. It cost $3. A terrible bagel that they couldn't be bothered to spread the cc on. They just tossed in two tiny containers of some no name cc. With regards to the pricing, I missed that things mostly come with a side. IE egg and cheese sandwich is $8 (hfries, hbrowns or grits), CB is $12 (side and soup), club sandwich (side and soup) was $14, Cuban $12, ham and cheese $10, chef salad $14. I guess that's not outrageous any more. Two eggs with meat and a side is $10. They had a big menu. Some old stuff like liver and onions ($15). Specials. Looks like and old, brown cafe/house. Square layout. Closed on Monday. 8am - 2:30pm. They have a to go window in front. They charge 4% for credit cards. May deserve a second look if I'm ever near there again.

P&D Soul Food Kitchen - No dine in. Small foot print. 11am - 7pm. No Monday. They were pushing the "buffet", so, I'm not sure if they were making the other things on the menu. Mostly fried things. They wrote that that takes 10 or 20 minutes for those. I settled on the cheapest value. The daily special for $7. I chose the quarter baked dark meat chicken with rice and a side and corn bread because it looked safe and was ready to go. Still worried about the tum tum you know. You had a choice of around six vegetables, one other rice and meatloaf and bbq chicken. The chicken was small but tender and tasty. The rice (yellow) was plentiful and tasty. A bit over cooked. They drizzled the juice the chicken was resting in on top of it. I chose rutabaga for the vegetable. Tender. Cooked in vinegar. Good. Not something you see often. Other things waiting in the serving receptacle were: oxtail ($18 for a small), cubed steak ($13), short ribs ($16), etc. They also had things like pigs feet. It was better than I expected. The neighborhood is a little (a little) rough. A few police cars parked on different streets with flashing lights on. Like they do at a ball game. Except - no ball game. Their building and parking area seemed safe. I think you'll return in one piece. They could be just good enough to make you risk it. They took credit cards. They said they had been here for nine years. I believe two years elsewhere before that. 

Mr Sub Shop - On the north corner of the building. They said they took over six months ago. Not sure how long it was in business before that. The owner (or employee) seemed Haitian. I grabbed a fried chicken sandwich to go (because it seemed like the hardest thing to fuck up) for $6. It was better than I expected. Which was not much. A frozen, packaged, hockey puck of chicken. Actually better than most of the non-premium fried chicken sandwich pucks that you get at most fast food places now. I can't guess the brand. The bun was ok. Not stale. The veg (o,l,t) ok. She seemed to be picking through the containers for the freshest ones. Some mayo. They also sold fried rice, egg rolls, sandwiches, burgers, ff, etc. Small foot print. Maybe three tables of two. Not a destination spot.

2022 Favorites List and Travel Notes Index

You can see that 2022 was another step towards snack food nation. Few high end success stories. Most are priced up comfort food places. Off the list were another host of taco, pizza, ramen, hot beverage, tiny sweets, chicken sandwich, empanada, mac and cheese and Impossible burger/vegan reductivity. Alot of sequaciousness. That's a word I learned from George Gissing this year. I guess we are at the stage in art where we start deconstructing and commenting upon it. At least we aren't behind the fashion. Though we be but poor Florida Men (that's gender neutral) to big city wannabes like Seth Myers. 

$$$$ - YH Seafood Clubhouse, Ava

$$$ - The Garlic (New Smyrna Beach), The Pinery, Irish 31

$$ - Alestone Brewing, Alebrije Mexican Grill, Kang's Kitchen, Deadwords Brewing, So Dough, Frenchy's Wood Fired Pizza, Ten Ten Seafood and Grill, Coyoacan Cucina, Queso Loco, Colombia La Bella, Twenty Pho Hours, Seana's Caribbean, Isan Zaap, Kura, Hen and Hog

$ - Stackd Brownies, Tous les Jours, Jeff's Bagel Run, Daniel's Cheesesteak House (Winter Garden), Parlour Ice Cream, Argentinian Bakery Cafe

Travel Notes Index 

January 20 - LV

January 24 - UT

February 14 - FL/AL/MS/LA

February 18 - SC/NC

March 3 - FL

March 14 - GA/TN/AL

March 31 - OR/WA

April 11 - FL GC and Keys

April 30 - CO

May 16 - NY/CT/RI

May 30 - VA/MD/DE/NJ

June 3 - NY/PA

June 7 - SC

June 21 - VT/NH/ME/NY

July 1 - TX

July 9 - LA/MS/AL/FL

August 11 - Dublin

August 18 - Northern Ireland

August 23 - England

August 30 - CA

September 8 - AL/GA

October 3 - France

October 29 - Greece

November 27 - Spain

December 8 - FL Keys

December 26 - SC/GA

Grub Crawl - College Park, Baldwin Park and Winter Springs: New Moon Market, Cafe 906 and Argentinian Bakery

I tried these places on Friday afternoon. They are a collection of outliers that I've had on the list for a while. I went after failing to achieve my primary objectives. The first is College Park just right of Princeton. The second is near the lake on New Broad St. The third is in a renovated strip mall on 434 in between Winter Springs and 17-92.

New Moon Market - Everything I hate. Dippy food and health nonsense at grossly inflated prices. Only went because of that Edible list. Thought I had gone before. Probably just walked out last time. A grabbed the cheapest thing. A $5 tiny cookie. Blueberry. They also sell sandwiches (mid teens), salads, pressed juices ($9), hot drinks ($6 and up) and smoothies ($12). They have been their a while. Small place. A few seats. One employee. Closes at 2pm.

Cafe 906 - Always closed when I tried them before. Also on that Edible list. Looked like they serve a fair French fare. Pastries, sandwiches and crepes mostly. Fair prices. Sweet crepes were $6. Savory a touch more. Sandwiches were only $9. I remember something about their macaroons (their spelling). They didn't look that impressive. I grabbed an apple croissant for $3.50. Seating inside and out. Not fancy. Decent sized crowd.

Argentinian Bakery - Saw them driving by a few months ago. They are never open when I'm around there though. Only Th-Sn. 9am to 3pm on Th and til 5pm on the other days. This was a Puerto Rican place last time. Now a pretty substantial bakery with a side dining area. I grabbed a chicken empanada for $3.50. Very big and stuffed. Light and rich crust. Seems like only onion in there as well. A little bland. It is Argentina after all. They are less "expressive" don't you know. Also had three others. Lots of sweets. Sandwiches. Milanesa (breaded chicken or beef). And other things. The even have a coffee called a Submarino that has milk and a chocolate bar in it. Left side has display case in front of kitchen. You can see the things being made. Right side had about five tables. TV with Argentinian sports/news on. Cafe look. Seemed popular with people who seemed Argentinian. It's not like we have a lot of resources for this cuisine. Said bakery opened 2 years ago. Cafe just 2 months ago. This strip mall is getting better clients. It has an E Bike shop and a craft beer retailer now. Oh hell, I'll put them on the Favorites List prematurely for diversity's sake.

*Drove by Edoboy. Sign in window said no walk ups anymore. So, I guess you'll have to go elsewhere to hear about it. I was barely in to begin with. And I think I saw a new Italian place in CP. Turci Pasta or something. And a untried restaurant on Broad in BP. Blue Jackets? Four Guys Pho in Casselberry changed to Never Phoget or  something.

Grub Crawl - Disney Area and Winter Park: Kura Sushi, Hen & Hog, Bagel Shop and New General Cafe

I tried this revolving sushi bar in a new strip mall behind the outlets near Disney on Thursday at lunch. It is a good one. Made me feel like Decker in Blade Runner. You cross over I-4 at Disney Springs exit to Vineland (first left). Suffer through the traffic snarl caused by one lane infrastructure. Geniuses! It eases up after the outlets. Turn left at the first light (Regency Village Dr). Look for the strip mall on the right. It's in the back at the road where there should be an exit off I-4 so you wouldn't have to do this. 

Kura Sushi - You check in on a machine. You choose a table (45) or counter (30). There is a screen that you interact with after that. Order ala carte items ($6-$15) from the kitchen. Order or pay the bill. It even counts your plates. You send them through a slit in front of you. All items are $3.50. This is good and bad. Most places assign a color to the value of the item. This can force you to take the cheap crap. Here you don't have to worry, but, as a result almost everything is reduced in volume or of questionable quality. I might prefer the hierarchical approach. I tried tuna twice (the second cuts were larger), sockeye salmon, conch and scallop. Only the scallop was fresh. Tough, dry salmon. Bland, pale tuna. Tiny and chewy conch. The rice was acceptable. The seafood wasn't knifed well. Nor were they formed well. A music playing robot brought me my drink. There is also a conveyor belt above you that zips plates from the kitchen past your head. And plastic containers with prizes. I believe you had to down fifteen plates to get one. They promoted alot of items on the conveyor belt that never made an appearance. Otherwise, expect the usual items (plus desserts and salads). Rolls were limited to three or four pieces. They had things like takoyaki and ramen. The soy sauce was in some kind of press and squirt bottle. The wasabi had be asked for. Ginger was there. Chop sticks. Everything was arcade like. It was pretty crowded. The kids (especially) seemed to be amazed. It's still a novelty. They do a good job on the aesthetic/entertainment side. Plus the value. It would be wonderful if they could improve on the quality and execution. Even so, I'll put it on the Favorites list. It's a rare place that can still bring out the child (or Blade Runner) in this old Lesbian (I think I might randomly insert Impractical Joker lines from now on). Open for six month. I believe.

The first two are near Rollins on Fairbanks near Park Ave. The last is aside the parking lot behind Ava (New England Ave).

Hen & Hog - Basically a new Mason Jar. Larger menu. In the old Manzano's Deli location. Rectangular room. Fairly large. Very open. Order at the counter. I tried a PB&J Burger for $14. That's pimento, bacon and jalapenos. On a brioche roll. With shoestring ff. Good burger. Wider than thick. Good temp and grind on the patty. Bacon was more like smoked ham. Soft. Not fatty. Generous. Spicy pimento. I took off the jalapeno's. My tum tum is just recovering. Couldn't chance it. Probably would have been overkill anyway. The box steamed the ff before I unpacked them at home. Were probably crisp at one time. They also offer things like sandwiches, ribs, fried chicken, steak (?), etc. From snacks to full meals. I think they continued their weekly pasta night. Open for lunch and dinner. No Monday. Owner still heavily involved. Will squeeze into the Favorites. 

Bagel Shop - I grabbed a plain bagel with cc for $4. A little undercooked. If they toasted (as requested), it didn't help. CC was generously (and properly) piled on. Not sure what type. Might have been whipped. This is a Boston area chain. They also also sold breakfast bagels (ie egg) and sandwich bagels. $6-$12. No prices are listed. I think they said something about making the bagel with spread yourself costing $2. Looks similar to the place (Kava?) they replaced. Order at counter. A few seats. They said they have been open for five months. Closes at 3p.

New General Cafe - I thought it was just pricy drinks for brats. They have those too, but, the food options were more extensive and looked appealing/professional. For breakfast they have pancakes, crepes, burritos, frittatas, sandwiches, warm cereals from $12 to $16. Lunch of bowls, salads, crepes, panini, wraps from $14-$16. Counter or sit down. Inside or out. It's usually packed. Open for a long time. I grabbed a $4 blueberry muffin because it was the best value and an excuse to write them up finally. It was very good. Fresh. Probably not made there. Closes at 2 or 3p. 

Grub Crawl - Millenia and Downtown: Isan Zaap, Craft & Common and Taco Kat

I tried these places at lunch on Wednesday. The first is off I-4 and the first road on the left (past the Super Target and that Pho place I tried this summer to a new build area on Gardens Park Blvd.). About two roads in. I think there was a Costco diagnol to it. The second is on Robinson St downtown near the ax throwing place. The last is in the old Cleo's Lounge spot across from the library (behind and over from Wall St).

Isan Zaap - Isan/Izan is a region in Thailand. I believe north. East? Zapp is the name of a hot Jewish girl with huge twelve year old tits at my summer camp who dumped me when I came back to camp without passing puberty. What zaap is is unclear. I think one of their soups was called zaap. But I don't think it means soup for some reason. I've been stymied on this one since the Spring. I didn't drive far enough twice before. I thought it was Middle Eastern food at one point. Well today, after not finding option one, I got myself sufficiently lost to be near here and I gave it a go again. Glad I did. Will be on the Favorites list. Not just because of adequate food or ambiance, but, because it is a little different. Sadly, that still gets a place points from me. Like the judges on most cooking competition shows that I criticize, I love a newish experience. They are Northern Thai. Not the first in these parts. But rare. I had the Boat Noodle Soup for $15 because it was in the recommended section of the menu and I wanted soup for my ailing tum tum and it reminded me of when the Vietnamese (and Thai?) used to be called boat people. It just made me laugh thinking about how much pearl clutching that would illicit today. Oddly the Northern Thai soup was pho like in construction and flavor. A sweet and sour brown (beef?) consume like broth, rice noodles, those gummy meatballs (pork - you could also have beef), bean sprouts, stems from some vegetable (possibly brocolli), chicken, kale and liver (pork). Except for the kale (maybe it was another leafy plant), liver and stems, it was a pho. A real mish mash. Like all the things they put in their other dishes in a soup. I liked it. The liver was the best. Good contrast with the broth. And odd/new. Obviously the meatballs and noodles had no flavor and an odd mouth feel like always. Chicken was dry. Ohh! It also came with lots of chicharron (fried pork skin). Not sure what they call them. I saved most for future microwaving. They also had larb. And larb with liver. Curries. Toms. Papaya salad. Seafood (fish, squid, etc). Pork neck. Custard sticky rice. Etc. A decently manageable menu. Most things under $20. Black and gray walls. White acoustic tiles. Wood tables and chairs. A couple of flower murals. 12 tables (mostly fours). Open kitchen in the rear. Not high end. Not a dump either. Almost full. Mixed crowd. Most dishes seemed generous. Open 11-9pm. I believe they opened just under a year ago.

Craft & Common -  I'm not sure if I tried them for you before or not. I remembered at least walking in a guffawing at the prices last time. Went back because of that Edible list. Grabbed a $4 Malawi tea because I've never had anything from there (unlike Madonna). It was a good tea. They also sell a decent amount of food. And it looked pretty appealing. Lots of beverages too. Most had exotic pedigrees (or good marketing bs). An open plan, white interior. Filled with youngins. Open for four years. New owner though. Changed a few things. 

Taco Kat - Sonoran food. T's, Q's and B's. I grabbed a barbacoa taco for $5. The beef was tough and stringy. Good flavors. Warm spices. Possibly nutmeg or cinnamon. Ok toppings. Tortilla seemed fresh. Also came in chicken thigh, beef rib (asada), pork and possibly one other. These options extend to the other "holders". They warned me (and this pissed me off further originally) that the portions here are small. Actually seemed slightly larger than most places. At least the taco. Still a bit high. This is the only location. Modern, white interior. Order at a counter. They have a secret speakeasy behind a fake coke machine. However, the entrance isn't through there for some reason. It's in the back. You have to get a password (online I believe) and reveal it there. Both are open to 3am. All days except M and W I think. It should become popular. Opened three months ago. Wish their barbacoa was a bit more tender. Would have made the Favorites List too. Get back taco kat.

Grub Crawl - Winter Park: Capital Tacos, Grounding Roots, Sushi Sake and Slidders

I tried these spots on Tuesday night. The first is on University Blvd and Goldenrod. Near Fullsail University The second is north on Goldenrod to Aloma and east to the strip mall that has Twisted Root Burgers. The third is in the old Boston Market at Lee Rd and N Orlando Ave (17-92). The last is actually in Maitland. Farther north on N Orlando to that condo complex next to Publix. I intended to do a UCF centric one, but, Capitol was way farther away than I thought and Bacon Bitch may have the record as the quickest place to ever get three strikes. Maybe someone else can give me a reason to rethink it. I'll wait.

Capital Tacos - They are out of Land o' Lakes (Tampa). If you recall when Taco Bus (Tampa) tried to "chain out" and failed by UCF, this will be a repeat. Crazy (inauthentic white guy) abominations. Taco, q's, burritos, etc. I settled on a Big Kahuna. Nothing cries La Raza like Hawaiian themed tacos. It was worse than you'd think. A nearly fishless fish taco. I think they should get an award for most batter stuck to a nullity. The tortilla didn't seem grilled/warmed. Typical mess of toppings and mayo based sauce. And each cost $5. And they are the cheap items. It's a fast food set up. Overstaffed. Empty except for two stoners. Two pinball machines. Adequate seating. Open for a month.

Grounding Roots - A health food place. Listed in that Edible issue. Shots, smoothies, salads, etc. Only the smoothies aren't pre-made and waiting in a refrigerator. I grabbed a chia pudding for $6. It was the cheapest thing. Actually damn tasty. Almost went with a pro-biotic shot to counteract the gastro issues I believe Smokey Jay's pork gave me on Saturday. I guess fresh pork shouldn't be "sticky". They said that either they had or have a place in College Park. I wonder if I alredy tried them? In this tiny location for three years. Wonder if I tried them here when I did Twisted Root? It didn't come up when a searched it. I probably bypassed because of price. If I saw it.

Sushi Sake - A chain from Miami. 20+ locations they said. I now recall seeing them on US 1 down to the Keys and in Key Largo. Glad I didn't waste my time on those. The problem is value. The menu (for say nigiri) looks normal. Around $5 per fish, etc. However, that's for ONE piece. A half sized California hand roll was $6. Same crappy surimi. Ok avocado. Rice was a bit too toothy and cold. No justification for the price. They are in a Boston Market. In a weird part of town. Hidden by foliage. There are a billion, established, cheaper, equivalent quality, popular sushi places in town already. I'm not sure how many morons they think there are in CF that have to have their "karate". I suspect they will fail. Open for a week. Ok, modern interior. They have hibachi/katsu stuff too. But, even the lunch "specials" on those items were mid to high teens. The lunch sushi platter was $36. Most places have sushi specials around $10. They have some rolls specials just above that, But, I'll bet it's one roll not two or three. 

Slidders Pizza - I rejected the thought of stopping here last week. After seeing it. They looked very Marco's like. An outside super chain. Sort of glad I decided I didn't have enough dinner yet and stopped again. It looks higher end inside. White marble. Modern. Digital menu board. Gelato. Wine. They also sell wings and stromboli and calzones amd pastas, etc. Prices seemed a bargain after Sushi Sucky. I grabbed the second smallest pizza with four topping for $14. 12 inch. It wasn't too good. I've tried it warm, heated and cold. Saldly, cold was the best. Possibly conveyor belt pizza. No crust. Dough was too buttery and sweet. That pastry kind some people seem to not hate. Not a terribly firm bottom crust when I flicked it. No color either. Sauce was spicy. Clashed with dough. Cheese was tasteless. Sausage (meatloaf like) and pepperoni were ok. Mushroom and onion got lost in some kind of herb sprinkle that I think they put on pre-bake. So, it burned and gave off bitter overtones. Not a disaster, but, could be better. I wouldn't write them off. The name is the past tense (in someone's mind) of slider. As in, to slide a pizza into the oven. Open for three months. They said their original location is in Winter Garden.

*I will have so many season ending posts that some will run into next year if I give you a day or two to digest them. Favorites will also bleed into next year.

Alex's Fresh Kitchen, Casselberry - Closed *SC/GA Travel Notes

I tried them at lunch on Saturday. Open for three years. They do breakfast, sandwiches, salads and burgers. I suspect that they fancy themselves as gourmet. The "Alex" is Alex Diaz. They had a few awards for burgers. I, however, needed something I could eat while driving. I chose a turkey with bacon and avocado on brioche for $13. It came with fries. The fries were far and away the best thing. Probably cut by them. Not uniform shapes. Mostly fried to firm. The brioche was good. The bacon was crispy, but, probably made a bit too far in advance. The turkey was grilled and probably Boar's Head or the like. Dry. All in all though, something in it didn't agree with me and I've been burping parts of it up ever since. Just had an avocado tasting one. Small space. Five tables of four. One family one. Pretty full for Christmas Eve day. Prices were all near mid teens. In a strip mall near the Red Bug Lake over pass and/or Tijuana Flats. 

*Travel Notes - South Carolina and Georgia: I rented a car for a week from Budget for $243. Drove to North Turn Restaurant in Daytona. It is closed until mid-February because of hurricane damage. This is the north turn of the original beach course for the Daytona 500. Drove straight through to Charleston (95 to 17). Stayed at the bad Creekside Lands Inn in West Ashley for $81 (rack rate with AAA discount) because I didn't pre-book and didn't feel like auditioning hotels. Ate tasty 1/2 chicken with mac and cheese and waffle fries and beer at Southern Roots Smokehouse across the street. "Saw" Middleton Place (too expensive at $28 or so) and Drayton Hall (too expensive at slightly less). Had breakfast at Callie's Hot Little Biscuit (from the PBS show How She Rolls) on King St. Great biscuits. Even had a sweet one (shortbread). 3 for $6. Had great oysters and an oyster po boy with ff at Rappahannock Oyster Bar on Bay St. It's a chain from Virginia. They started as cultivators. Now they have places in Virginia, DC, etc. Had other oysters too. I learned that wild oysters tend to be longer (blades) because they stretch to compete. Most farmed oysters are farmed at 18 months. Size depends on age more than type. Salinity is weaker the farther up river they grow. Most oysters are the same "breed". "Terrior" differentiates. They swore that though they are filter feeders that they aren't micro plastic vacuums. I'll have to do more research on that. Saw College of Charleston TD Arena and Charleston Museum. Had four types of spirits at Hi Wire Distilling Co farther north between King and Meeting. Had beer at Palmetto Brewing next door. Stayed at new Candlewood Suites across the bridge in Mt Pleasant for two nights at $112 per. Had a tasty smash cb and crinkle fries at recently opened Heavy's Barburger on Morrison Dr. Had beer at: Tradesman Brewing Co, Munkle Brewing Co, Bene Bevi Brewing Co and Fatty's Beer Works. A little farther ne from Heavy's. Also saw the closed Lo Fi Brewing. It was raining. Nothing else to do. Had delicious brisket and slightly worse than last time whole hog pork at Rodney Scott's on King St and Grove. Also tried sides this time. Mac and cheese and potato salad. Both good. Spicy. Drove to Hilton Head. Stopped at Frampton Plantation House at intersection of 17 and 95 in Yemassee (free). Had a poor fried seafood platter (flounder, shrimp, oysters and crab cake) at The Crazy Crab at Jarvis Creek. Stayed at the disgusting Red Roof Inn for $73. Ate a pretty good bagel with cc at expensive Gruby's New York Deli. A place had pizza cones. Rolled up slice.  Saw Pinckey Island NWR. Drove 278 to Bluffton (cute town) to 46 to 315 to 17 through Savannah to Tybee Island on 80. I WAS going to try at get to Ossabow Island. Too cold. Plus most ways are very expensive and/or long. Ate one of the worst meals (microwaved and frozen mussels covered with spice blend and almost crabless deviled crabcake) at The Crab Shack on Tybee Island. They copped to EVERYTHING being frozen. And I don't mean "on ice". Frozen for a LONG time. Had beer at Back River Brewery. More bad weather (cold and dreary). Stayed at poor Dune's Inn and Suites for $85. Walked the beach at Chatham Ave entrance. Got some nice wine at Dizzy Dean's. At brunch at Paula Deen's Creek House a few miles west on 80. Surprisingly good and plenty fried chicken breasts with mac and cheese and potato cracklings and good bread. Yelp didn't love them. Said everything was too salty, etc. Maybe staying away from the seafood or peppering them with questions helped the cause? Place used to be her brother's. Would have tried Sundae something on Tybee had it been open. Good menu and ratings. Expensive. Drove through Savannah to 95 to St Simon's Island. Stayed at Sea Palms Resort off Frederica Rd (near Sea Island) for $102. Nice interior. Marsh views. In a golf/tennis club. Drove home. It rained one day. Cold after that. So, never could lay out, etc. No traffic issues. 95 north on the way back had an accident around Palm Coast. Miles of back up. DT Charleston hotels were still expensive and scarce. Highest end one's on St Simon's were still asking usurious rates. Lower end was good. Same in Hilton Head. Savannah was expensive on the weekend. Avoided because of additional parking fees. I just tried to save money once I realized there were few bargains to be had and because of the poor weather conditions. 

Smokey Jay's Bar B Que, Orlando

I tried this bbq place in a hidden strip mall on 50 (farther east than 417) today. Look for the sign. It's the way I found it. They said they have been in business since 2008. I think. Here for only six months. They do pork, brisket, chicken, ribs etc. On site. Only Wed-Sn. Until sold out. I've mistimed it twice before. I tried a pulled pork sandwich for $8. Very moist. Maybe a bit tacky. Good taste though. I had the spicy yellow sauce on it. Bun was plastic bag quality. Didn't eat it. Place is nothing to write home about. Not even an open sign. I think I need another deeper dive to decide on it. Order at a counter. Only owner and another here today. It was x-mas eve though. Said they would be closed until January 3. So, put that on your calendar.

*I drove through Winter Park last Monday night. Park Avenue Tavern is still not open. Did see a place next door that seemed open. Just not that night. Piano something. Not sure how long they have been there. Hen and Hog was open but closed on Monday. Next to Tin and Taco on Virginia. Plus the coffee place next door that I reviewed recently is now a bagel place. Only day hours. Ramen place near Virginia seemed still not open. Pizza place in Maitland seemed too fast food like. Fresh and Co open next to 7-11 on Park Ave. I also learned that carrots are now orange thanks to the Dutch and their love of Phillip of Orange. Hundreds of years ago. Will have another review and Travel Notes soon.

Dental Check Up Tutorial

Previously I gave you some information on root canals. This time it is just some anecdotal information on your garden variety dental work. All of the parties listed are in the Lake Mary area. I'm doing this to give some idea of how to combat all the games they seem to be playing on us. These prices are for people without dental insurance. I suspect they will be higher for the insured. I've been seen by all before (except the one I chose).

I used to just take the most current $49-$69 new patient flyer they mailed you. However, the scam that started repeating itself is that they would say you needed a "deep" cleaning once you were in the chair. These guys kind of try and hose you on your initial visit on on the recurring visits. You have to ask for both prices. And the prices changed if I called more than once. Could be my error in transcribing. You also have to demand the dentist you want. They have a staff.

The dentist I selected gave me a bi-annual cleaning, exam, xrays, etc for $300. And they didn't find any other issues. This was more consistent with previous exams. Some of the dentists here said I had cracks in multiple teeth, massive gum recession, etc and wanted to charge me mega bucks for further procedures. Now maybe this guy missed things. We'll see.

Jessica Du: $45 initial exam, $25 xrays, $79 full mouth xrays, $110 cleaning, $180 recurring visits (?), $500 deep clean/scaling per zone (upper and lower).

Kevin Bonn - $89 initial exam, $122 xrays, $164 full mouth xrays, $166 cleaning, $375 recurring visits, $884 divided by quadrant if 1-3 teeth and $1136 divided by quadrant if 3+ deep clean/scaling.

Bryan Oeth - $50 initial exam, $65 xrays, $140 full mouth xrays, $90 cleaning, $205 recurring visits, $800 divided by quadrant if 1-3 teeth and $1040 divided by quadrant if 3+ deep clean/scaling. $300 BI-ANNUAL ALL INCLUSIVE "INSURANCE" OPTION. Deep Cleaning/Scaling not included. But, discounts on such things. (20% I think).

Tim Tiralosi - $125 initial exam, $170 xrays, $250 full mouth xrays. I couldn't get more out of them. Didn't care because it was obviously ridiculous already. I went to him once in the past. Didn't take to him. He kept trying to sell other things like botox. Prices soared since then.

Alexsandra Shaykova - $60 initial visit ($112 after) exam, $111 xrays, not sure of cost for full mouth xrays, $114 cleaning, $337 recurring visits, $1294 divided by quadrant deep clean/scaling.

Once again, I chose Bryan Oeth because of the $300 plan. His regular visit was more than that. I basically got an extra exam per year and if he had tried to do the deep cleaning  boondoggle, he was competitive on that too. And I actually expected I would need that and more before the visit. I came in with tooth pain that remained since the root canal months before. It is all gone after the cleaning. I guess I had some residual infections. I believe he went to University of Indiana. His hygenist was top notch. Good because his exam wasn't exactly thorough. She did most of the explaining/diagnosing. He has another dentist in house and other hygenists.

Upsala Grocery, Sanford

I tried this spot at breakfast on Tuesday. It looks like it was once a gas station. Indian owner. Said he took over eight years ago. Re-branded two years ago. He also owns the Bubbakoo in Lake Mary. This place has two claims to fame. Craft beer selection and food. I tried an egg and sausage and cheese for just under $4. It came on a croissant. Not sure why. I thought it would be a roll. Ok. Yolk was broken and cooked to a solid. They also sell sandwiches around $9. Plus Indian dishes. Even things like a chicken tikka quesadilla. I'll have to go back and try one of those items. Not a destination spot, but, better than a chain if you need a to go meal around this area. It's up from the 46a exit off I-4 to Upsala near the golf club at Country Club Rd. Left a few hundred yards to 300 Upsala.

Grub Crawl - Lake Ivanhoe District: El Greco (Closed) and Norma's Italian Eatery (Closed)

I tried these stalls at The Hall (closed in 2024) on Tuesday at lunch. To go because they charge if you sit. The place was empty. Most stalls had only one employee. The Mexican place in the corner switched to another Mexican place (Itzayana) since my last visit. The Hall is closed on Monday.

El Greco - Because of Edible. Ok to good chicken gyro with fries for $19 (the Hall carges for credit). Good pita. Average thigh meat. Needed trimming. Large portion. L, T, O and Tzatziki. Seasoned fries. The first properly done ones I've had in a while. Side of some red pepper dressing.  They sell 6 apps (ie flaming cheese at $15) and 2 salads at $16 and 4 handhelds up to $25 and 4 entrees (ie branzino $38 or lamb ribs $35). You can see the prices a unjustifiable. Even for a "real" restaurant's overhead/responsabilities. And that is across the board. Most stalls were a worse bargain. You can tell they never learned that it is best to pick a sales price and then work backwards on adjusting costs to make your desired profit margin. And if they argue that they won't sacrifice quality, I'll have to belly laugh. This is marginal food. Marginally better than a mall food court.

Norma's Italian Eatery - Ciao, Norma. Now vaffanculo. The department of health should shut you down. The $15 Caprese Chicken Sandwich you served me would have been thrown in your face had I eaten it there. How old was that chicken breast? How much freezer burn? How many times was it defrosted and frozen again? It had the texture of rubberized plastic. I can't find an analogy. Like tough pork. Just terrible. The roll was equally as tough. The tomato was tasteless and rubbery. The mozz was dry and spongy. The only ok element was the Caesar salad. And it was just cheap mixed greens that had a few strawberries and blueberries in it for some reason. The dressing was bad too. Their other poisins (for example) are: $9 garlic knots, $38 charcuterie board, $16 pizza, four mid-$20s pastas. You don't need me to tell you that I'd be suspicious of any of them. Quality is obviously not Job 1.

*Driving around to my initial destinations, I saw that this is the state of the union around this area. Pigzza is no where near close. The new ramen (Kamen?) place at Virginia and Mills isn't open either. You shouldn't be able to show your sign until you are. At Shine and 50, Moderne (what will they be?) isn't open. Haan Coffe was. An ice cream place named something like Mesaquinta seemed done, but, no one was in there. There is also another chain tea place open near that Asian market a little further east. And I drove by The Strand. Another recipient of a Bib Gourmand. Another head scratcher. I don't remember them being anything special. But, then again, they also singled out Z Asian and Bombay Kitchen.  Two more head scratchers. I almost disliked them. Their "Recommends" made more sense. Even if they weren't complete. It's a list a tourist would make after a week's immersion. Well, I guess that is what they do after all.

Grub Crawl - Winter Springs: Pho Au Lac and Parlour Ice Cream *Florida Keys Travel Notes

I tried these places in that strip mall near the high school at Tuskawilla and 434 at dinner on Monday. They are next to each other across from the McDonald's. I originally planned on trying Joliebee on 50. They STILL aren't open. And the internet said they were weeks ago. I also learned that Cafe Linger in College Park and Sushi Pop in Winter Park closed. I guess the answer to the question is that you don't have to let it linger.

Pho Au Lac - Another dull Pan Asian maquerading as Vietnamese. Same dull menu, etc. Open for four years. I avoided it for this long because of this very possibility. I tried a spicy chicken dish with chicken and basil and onion. It was to have snow peas. Of course they retract the most expensive element. It was ok. Thin pieces of chicken. Probably a Thai dish. The rice was man handled. Every grain was ripped apart. It cost $14. Shabby interior. It seats around sixty. They also do boba. It was empty.

Parlour Ice Cream - A cute (if overpriced) ice cream parlour that probably makes their own ice cream. A kiddie is almost $5. I tried a french toast shake for $8. It was good. Bits of some carb. Like tough, stale french toast. Some fun flavors. Bright white interior. Only location. Empty. Opened in April.

*Travel Notes - Florida Keys: Car rental for week was $324 with Budget. I rebooked days before because the quotes almost dropped in half from when I last looked. I had had a res with Hertz for $50 less. But, I hate working with them. No traffic issues (95) going down on Wednesday afternoon. Started at 9am. Ate a terrible (one fingers worth of lobster in a fritter) lobster reuben at Snook's Bayside in Key Largo. Ok mahi tacos at Alfredo's Cookhouse. Stayed at Rock Reef again for $102 a night. Dove French Reef with Rainbow Reef for $134 (dive and gear and tax). Ate a probably all frozen itemed mixed (mahi, clam, shrmp) fried basket with ff at The Catch. Ate an ok Margherita pizza at Italian Food Company. Ate (I'm going to save time and say all the rest of the egg meals mentioned were basically the same and mediocre) over easy eggs and hb and sausage and toast at High Tide. Went to Harry Harris beach. Grabbed a beer at Caribbean Club. They claim that the movie Key Largo (I guess the Bogart one) was shot there. I've seen scenes from it. Didn't look like familiar. Grabbed an ok meatball sub to go at Avenue Subs. Also, a good 1/4 chicken with a rice bean and pork combo and sweet plantains from Denny's Latin Cafe. Drove back to Florida City to save money by staying at Fairway Inn (again) for $85. Watched Utah dismantle SC. Drove back to Key Largo and had eggs, etc at Doc's Diner. Drove to Islamorada. Took a boat to Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park from Robbie's Pier. Usually $50. But, they were doing a X-mas celebration for $15. Stayed at under renovation (failed to disclose) Breezy Palms for $154 with taxes and fees. Ate a terrible chicken parm with rigatoni at Ciao Hound. Grabbed a bagel with rancid cc at F-ing Bagels. Drove to Marathon. Ate eggs, etc at Wooden Spoon. Went to Sombrero Beach. Walked the recently re-opened 7 Mile Bridge walkway. Ate a good seafood bisque and ok chicken piccata with side (baked potato) at Key Colony Inn. Mag said try their Sunday brunch. It is discontinued. Stayed at Bonefish Bay for $105. Drove back through Islamorada and had eggs, etc at Mangrove Mike's. Stopped in Coral Gables (on US1) at 3 Chefs for terrible, tiny and overpriced grilled 1/4 chicken. And had a great donut at Mojo donuts (on 3D). Had one blip of traffic around exit 35. Someone's furniture and clothes flew off their vehicle. The other side was a different story. Totally closed down from exit 40 to 30. Poor bastards. Good week to go. Weather was warm. Pretty empty. I booked most rooms through Booking before Thanksgiving. Not sure which way pricing went. But, overall better than last year when I did it last minute (and I didn't even risk weekend prices last year).

Grub Crawl - Hourglass District/Curry Ford Rd: Papa Lllama, Bad A's Burgers (Closed) and Charlie's Bakery and Creamery

I tried these places on Tuesday at dinner. The first is in a strip mall with the supermarket. The second is in a strip mall closer to 436 that has been two Indian places recently. The third is in a strip mall in between. I may have reviewed them before. They changed ownership and aren't the same place in any event.

Papa Llama - I'm not sure what to say about them. They received a Bib Gourmand from Michelin. Google states this "Although Michelin stars are highly coveted, the Bib Gourmand designation signifies a restaurant delivering a high quality dining experience at a reasonable price. To be precise, a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand restaurant must offer two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for around $40." I didn't see any of that. They had a a very limited and blase and expensive menu with an even more ridiculously expensive wine list (good, but, at least a 3X mark up). The least costliest bottle was $50. I chose Huanc Noods for $18. This is (oh btw they are a Peruvian restaurant) a goopy garlic paste that is usually put on potatoes. They do egg noodles. It was ok. Very goopy. Toothy noodles. Unclear if they make them. And that was the cheapest thing on the menu. 2 apps. Olives were like $8 and something equally dull. two chaufas (that's fried rice) that I think were over $20. A skirt steak at $26 that they call lomo. Lomo is Spanish for tenderloin. Skirt is diaphragm. Google says lomo can be called Romanian tenderloin. This is misrepresentation in my book. I think they had one other main and one dessert. That's the whole menu! This is who Michelin singles out? I can think of forty more deserving restaurants in CF. Not that they are bad. Just not award winning. The place is equally unimpressive. A small, rectangular room that seats around 40. Bland decor. Kitchen on the right. I was their only customer. Wines ran up to $100+. $5 sodas. Service was fine. Open for two years. Husband and wife team. Third gen Peruvians. Open 5-9. No Sn/M. It just struck me as another example of a bad value from Gen Z. They want to earn X amount. Not a realistic ROI for a restaurant or a cook. And so they charge more than is sustainable/warranted. And they obviously blew someone at Michelin or Michelin is as thorough as Guy Fieri or this is just diversity grading because they ain't that good. And worst of all, Michelin only selected around eight spots (inn CF) to receive this honor. More "experts". How did they even hear about them? I hadn't.

Bad A's Burgers - Too expensive. Let's get that out of the way. Same Gen Z complaint as above. They think a fast casual double burger is worth $16. I grabbed a single for $8. They say it's Australian waygu. It was ok. Beefy. Not miniscule. L, T, O and some sauce. Good bun. Sesame. They also sell soup and bone tallow fries. Around seven types of cheese. Some meat toppings. Small, hall like space. Counter. A few tables. Open for a month. I was the only customer.

Charlie's Bakery and Creamy - Original owners started this in 1971. Sold a year ago. They remodeled big time. Looks great. White and black. Bright. Now they sell home made ice cream. I grabbed a bad chocolate torte for $6.50. Dry chocolate cake topped with icing balls covered in bad chocolate. Looked way better than it tasted. Open until 8pm. Flan, cookies, cake, rugalah (sp?), cupcakes, etc.  Other items are probably good. I reviewed them as Charlie's Gourmet Pastries back in the day.