Bento Cafe, Sand Lake

I had dinner at this Japanese version of Pei Wei on Wednesday. The experience was the antithesis of my earlier meal at J. Alexander's. The place was dirty (can you vacuum a rug or wipe off a table?) and the room bore visible scars of what ever used to be here. The service was slow. It took forever to order. It took forever to get the food. They have that bullshit process in which you have to go to them to order and then they bring out the food (except your drinks). Either have everything take place at the table or nothing. I hope people aren't tipping as if it's full service. They probably aren't and that's why the service is not materializing. They have noodle bowls and salads and sushi (on seperate menus so you might not realize it - dumb). I had a sushi sampler (because I could sense this would be a mistake) for $8. It had 4 pieces of a california roll plus 4 pieces of any other and 4 pieces of another. I chose yellowtail and rainbow. The pieces were small. the fish was tasteless and paper thin. There was a distinct taste of cleaning fluid (something was cut with an unwashed knife) in the sushi. Horrible. the place seats about 60. Unfortunately (for us) it was full. The space is poorly laid out (lots of empty space). Prices were high. With all the choices for sushi in the area, I implore their customers to switch allegiances.

J. Alexander's, Sand Lake - Closed

On Wednesday I had lunch at this American restaurant. I had a cheeseburger for $9. I was a little apprehensice because of the lack of any lunch menu, but, $9 bought alot. The CB was cooked perfectly. It had a nice crust, was moist, not molded too densely and the blood was not pressed out. It came with fresh onions, tomatos, lettuce and pickles. They also presumed to add mustard and mayo (never presume people want mayo). The cheddar cheese was tasty. It could have been melted a little more. The bun was good as well. It came with a huge mound of ultra thin fries. They were crisp if not conducive to fast consumption. They also supplied croissants as their bread. They were a little underbaked (but good try). The service was incredible. At least four people rotated to keep the drinks refilled (3X), cleared plates and the kitchen got the food out quickly. The decor was was art deco chic. It reminded me of the Four Seasons in NY. The maple wood and dark backround is lush. It was clean. It must seat 200. They have a bar area. Windows on 2 sides. Most meals were around $20. Salads, etc $9. It was a great experience.

Jade Palace, Longwood

I had a take-out dinner from this Chinese/Vietnamese/American restaurant on 17-92 near 434 on Saturday. I had the Moo Goo Gai Pan for $5.50 (lunch special price). The chicken was good. The fried rice, though plentinous, was stale and meatless. Why has the quality of fried rice declined so far in the last few years? The place is a converted KFC (can still see the evidence on the doors). It looks empty, desterted and decrepit from the street. Inside it's a little nicer. They serve a full Chinese menu, 7 Vietnamese dishes and American dishes ranging from hush puppies to calamari, poor boy sandwiches, steak, crab and fried seafood plates. It seats about 60. They serve alcohol. I usually by-pass Chinese take-out places, but, this place is more than that.

Bavarian Bar and Grill, Longwood - Closed

I had lunch at this German restaurant on 17-92 before 434 on Saturday. I had the Sauerbraten for $9. I was delicious (especially for sour/pickled beef). They gave you two large cuts of loin smothered in a rich, beef gravy. The fries were crisp as chips. The place is a little underwhelming (especially from the street). I have eaten here once before (pre-blog) and not much has changed. It has low ceilings. There is a bar (with plenty of German beer) at the far end near the kitchen. Booths dominate the outer rim near the windows. The space in between is kind of spartan. They decorate with beer paraphernalia. Soccer was on the flat screen. The place seats about 80. There were two other tables of three when I was was there (or should I say Ich?). The waiter (1) was courteous and knowledgeable. It was clean. They have schnitzel, brats, spatlese and other favorites. May be a better value than the more famous German restaurant in Sanford.

Fresh, Lake Mary - Closed

I ate lunch at this new seafood restaurant next to Stonewood on Lake Mary Blvd today. I had seafood chowder for $3 and fish tacos for $5. The chowder had a tomato base and was spicy. They said it was flounder in it , but, I think it was tilapia. It had some nice, fresh veggies in it. The tacos (2) were made with mahi-mahi. I had them blackened. They were really well cooked (not dry or very black). The tortillas were fresh and it came with pineapple (probably canned), romaine slivers and some sauce that I can't remember. Nice job for $5. I mean Vamanos charges like $8 for a far inferior version. Most things are cheap (available lunch and dinner). The special was the most expensive and I think it was $12. Sides are $2. Oysters (in the shell) of 50 cents. Desserts were $3. Sandwiches were $7. They also have wine and salads. They re-did the place well (probably best of use of this space to date). They have stainless stell wainscotting and blue walls with fish motif. The tables have maps of the Keys on them. It seats about 90. The service (2) was polite and efficient. The silverware was clean. They have fresh fish to go. A great surprise. Not only did we need a fish place in that strip mall, we needed anything good. This place can satisfy a taco craving, a burger craving, a salad craving and of course a fish craving. Can't wait to go back and try the mahi-mahi cheese steak. You douche bags better not let this place flounder.

If I can offer one suggestion, I would recommend that they make the place look more open. I know it's cold so the doors have to be closed, but, you can't tell it's open driving by. You also have no idea it's a fish restaurant. I thought I'd be auditioning a salad bar.

Daytona 500, Daytona Beach

I went the Granddaddy yesterday for the first time. Tickets came with free parking so the extra $17 over the listed ticket price they tacked on wasn't so infuriating. I left at 11:30 and made it to 44 before the traffic started. Smartly, I choose to take that road to 95 and had no traffic until I hit 400 (which was only about a mile from the lot). Why the light to turn left onto the road that the lot is on is not closed down is a mystery. I would have made the start had not some retarded cop opened up the handicapped lane to the first entrance 1 second after I passed him and the retarded red neck traffic volunteer at the entrance forced me to go down one more street onto another entryway. I lost about 45 minutes going that extra 400 yards.

The lot was a swamp. The buses took no time loading or getting us to the track. I was good for about 80 laps and then some hill billy family finally showed up in the seats next to me and their adult daughter stood up every lap to take a photo. Coincidentally, I got fed up and left just as the pot hole was discovered. I walked around the back. There was a great vantage spot at the Budweiser Patio. It took a little longer to get back to the lot. They forced you to take the long way back to I4 (of course). But, there was no traffic. I watched the end on TV.

Big (potential tip): I think they stop taking tickets after lap 100. I think you can walk in and watch from the fence or up at the Budweiser area. Don't quote me on this though.

SEA, E. Colonial Drive (50)

Last Wednesday I had lunch at this self-described South East Asian (SEA) restaurant on 50 about halfway between 436 and Mills. It would have rated a very high mark had two things not bothered me. First, I was served raw chicken in their Firecracker appetizer. Thank god I didn't get sick. Second, they have the Asian penchant for rudeness. Now I don't know if it lost in their desire for efficiency or they are shy or they think they are superior, but, they just throw the food at you. No chit chat. No smiles. No glimmer of thankfulness that you have chosen to bestow your patronage on them. They rush you even when ordering. The male head waiter was the exception. Now the flip side is that the food comes out fast. Real fast.

I had a lunch special of shrimp (5 decent sized) with brocolli in a light sauce for $8. It came with nicely cooked rice in a square mold and the shrimp and chicken "spring roll like" fried Firecrackers. The plate was arranged decoratively. They did replace the raw offender. It was good. Although, I was a bit scared to bite in.

It was nice inside. It seats about 70. It was almost full. Mostly an up scale crowd. Which is funny because to look at the place from the outside you would betting it was a shit hole. But, it's not. It was clean. They have mostly Thai dishes. I would recommend it if they do something about to cure the terseness and the quality control.

Club Crawl - Pour House and Lodge

9:30pm-10:30pm: Pour House Downtown. Good DJ. Nice, clean atmosphere. No smoking. The place was monopolized at that hour by some group of post-college friends (probably UCF by the clothing). One cute Asian and a blondy. Bartender was cool.

10:30pm-11:30pm: Lodge. Smoking. Very unattractive crowd. Might have been a Biggest Loser reunion.

I roamed around the area looking for some action, but, I think the cold weather kept people away. On the plus side the "pants on the ground" crowd seemed grounded. On the negative side, I had to see what horrible winter clothing Orlando denizens have access to and what a plethora of ugly, fat people I live next to. I think Precious would be an 8 in Orlando. Also, isn't there anyway to wall off Paramore and West Colonial. Why do these people always seem to have enough money to club but not enough to eschew unemployment insurance? The best of them make the sluts at Mako's seem reserved. Best part of the night was having coffee at Volcanos. That's a sad indictment. Bliss seemed to be doing well. They had a hundred person line out the door. But, why would you wait in it when you see that 90% of it was guys? It's not like you couldn't see the hand writing on the wall and you waited in the cold for the pleasure. Imbeciles.

Mucho, Thornton Park - Closed

I ate at this self-proscribed Tequila and Tacos restaurant in Thornton Park on S. Eola Drive last night. I had a chicken taco al carbon (cucumbers and pico) for $2.95. It was large. I would suggest that they shred the chicken a little more and skin and dice the cucumber into smaller pieces. I also had a pork taco mexican style (cheese and pico) for the same price. The pork was salty and cold. They forgot the pico. The cheese was plentiful but very bland. I ended the meal with a shrimp taco al pastor (pineapple and pico) for $3.95. It was the best of the three. They butterflyed acceptable sized shrimp. The pineapple came in long slices. Maybe they could dice that up as well. All tacos were soft tacos. The tortilla could be toasted a little or steamed. It was pretty bland. They take liberties on what al carbon and al pastor denoted traditionally, but, that is unimportant. They also provided chips and salsa. The first layer of chips were good. The second layer was very salty. The salsa was bland tomato ragout - zero kick.

The place seats over 100 and was packed. Service from the hostesses to the waitresses was quick and polite. The food came out very fast. The decor is modern and fun. However, it isn't quite Mexican. I felt it captured more of a Middle Eastern spice market allure. They have long tables in the front room. Because of some quirk in the architectural design (doors to the outside not exactly centered) those tables are pressed against the bar too closely. They have a recessed room to the side of the main room and one in the back. The one in the back has one bare wall that needs attending to. They have flat screens showing sports throughout.

All in all it's a nice find. If you order right you could reasonably satisfy yourself for $5. Tecate was the bargain beer at $2.50. The tequilas seemed priced on the high side. They have a large selection. It could even have a social scene when the weather is conducive to using the outside patio area. Right now the bar is too cramped to permit socializing.

Scruffy Duffers, Sanford - Closed

I ate dinner at this sports bar on 46 last night. I had wings for $8. They were good. Very crisp. They have an indoor/outdoor bar. No smoking indoors. Sports theme. Dart board. Golden Tee. That indoor shuffle board game that I forget the correct name for. Pool table. It was full. Mostly country music was being selected from the juke box. A few girls. Mostly guys. Service was good. Better than I expected.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Wayne Densch

I attended this ballet last night. I skipped out after a half hour. I didn't realize it was The Russian Ballet of Orlando not the Russian Ballet. This was just a ballet school recital. The quality was very poor. Even the instructors were middling. They were all over the place. Low leaps, inability to maintain their toes or balance. Snow White was even bad. It was like one of those bad productions they show on WMFE. They couldn't accomodate everyone. It started 20 minutes late. Kids were coughing all over everyone. Sound kept coming in and out of the speakers. Major waste of time.

Questions: Why does B of A have enough money to waste on sponsoring the Arts when it can't balance it's own books or pay back TARP? Why does that auditorium have such a piss poor sound system. I won't even go into it's appearance.

BBQUMI, Winter Park

I had a take-out dinner at this new BBQ restaurant on Fairbanks near Spatz Pool Hall in Winter Park on Wednesday. It has been open since Monday. It's a small, coffee shop type spot. They have parking in the rear. It seats about 40. It's decorated with a sports sensibility. It was empty at 3pm. I had a brisket sandwich combo for $6.99. Pork was only $4.99. The brisket was good. It was medium rare in pieces. It fell apart easily. The hot sauce wasn't too hot. They steamed it before the gave it to me. The portion was adequate. The roll was fresh. I had a side of mac and cheese with it. It was a new recipe for me. I liked it. It seemed like it was baked like a casserole. It was tangy (parmesan cheese I think). The binder also looked like scrambled eggs, but I suspect that it was milk or cheese. It also came with a large soda. The place doesn't look like much inside or out, but, I was very happy with the food. It might not be 4 Rivers good, but, it has nothing to be ashamed of. I hope you find it.

Nelore/Boi, Winter Park

I ate lunch at this Brazilian Churasscuria across from the Gap on E. Lyman in Winter Park this Wednesday. I'm not all about the $40+ meat-a-thons that they are known for. However, they offer reseanable lunch specials too. I had a chicken breast sandwich on a foccaccia roll for $8. It was covered with swiss cheese, field greens, sauteed/pickled onions and unfortunately red pepper that I had requested to be omitted. That was about the only thing wrong with it. The chicken was plump. The foccaccia was fine (I find it dusty and spongy always). They put low-fat ranch dressing on it. It doesn't need it. Didn't help it. Actually hurt it. But, local hayseeds probably demand it. Make them order it on the side so you don't penalize those with taste buds.

It came with choice of salad, soup or fries. I'm so glad I ordered the fries. They were double fried and crisp as hell. They have a wonderful salad bar for $10. It had shredded chicken, tuna salad, charcuterie, 4 rice and bean offerings that had pork or something akin to it in the name (I'm not sure if this is just flavoring or if you get meat with the offal), and soup and vegetables, etc. They suggest a side of meat with it. Since they have some meat at the bar and the cheapest side was $5+, I would stick to what's complimentary.

The service was good (3 for 100 seats). All girls. All Latinish. The uniforms were sharp. The space is a little too rectangular. There is not flow. Everything is on a cross grid. It feels like an obstacle course getting to your table. It must suck when/if it is at capacity. There were about 20 people there on Wednesday. Mostly professionals and ladies who lunch. The decor is modern/luxe. They have a bar on one side with 2 flat screens. The doors are usually open to let in air. I wonder what the acoustics are like when they're closed? All in all not a bad attempt. Gluttons rejoice.

Jitney by August Wilson, SSC

I saw this play about a Pittsburgh taxi service last night at Seminole State College on 17-92 in Sanford. It cost $10 (cash). They are doing all of his plays and this makes 3 out 5 (of 10) that I have seen. The actors aren't polished but they get the job done. The set was fine. It's never sold out so you can just show up. The theater is intimate. It's about 3 hours with intermission in 2 acts. You just might see a flying bat for no extra charge. Trust me. The quality of acting isn't much better on Broadway (let alone the traveling companies) these days and the theaters are so large they need mics. Plus it costs an arm and a leg. These regional productions get the job done and are right in your backyard. You know you aren't actually going to read them, so get in your car and get out of your rut. You can only take so much Paul Blart before you turn to jello.

Bergamo's, I-Drive - Closed

I had dinner at this Italian restaurant in the Festival Bay Mall on the North side of I-Drive on Wednesday. I had two appetizers because I didn't feel I could trust the place and wanted to test them as extensively as was practicable. I had the beef carpaccio for $10. The beef was still ice cold. It was cut in four discernable circles. It had the look of the beef you get in those 50 cent packages at the supermarket. It was topped with capers and dirty, wilted arugula. It had no dressing. Not even olive oil or lemon juice. It was poor. I had scallops on a white bean puree for $10 next. That was better. The scallops (hardest thing to get right) were real and properly cooked. Although, one (probably the test one) was pulled apart. The puree was dry and too thick. It had been probably been prepared days before and lost all moisture in the interim. All in all the food had the quality you would find on a cruise ship or fund raising dinner. The place is nice if a bit Vegas-y. It's circular with large cielings. The centerpiece is a piano. Their claim to fame is singing waiters that I thankfully was too early to suffer through. The maitre d' was your usual Cu-ido (Cuban Guido) in a bad Men's Warehouse suit. He is under the false impression that he is presiding over a fine dining establishment rather than a bad imitation of one. My waiter was better. At least he was not full of himself. Pet peeve. They broke the $2 soda limit. It's 7 cents of syrup. I can't recommend this place to anyone who knows better. It would be like recommending Zanetti suits.

Universal Studios

I got a free 3 month pass to both parks, so I coughed up the $14 to park and amused myself for the day. I'm not sure I would have been so happy if I had to pay full price ($99). Surprisingly, I now prefer Universal to Islands of Adventure. The Dr Doom ride launches you only once in the air. The various islands have no continuity and are getting old (Jurassic Park?). Suess land is for kids. Persian land has one lame show. Castle land has the best coaster, but, it's being folded into Harry Potter. This will be the biggest disppointment in a while. They didn't even expand the park. They just replaced a land. It will be small. The castle is no where near to scale. They're just folding Dueling Dragons into it. I wouldn't be surprised if it was just a bunch of shops with Jurassic parks theme song bellowing through it. Speaking of which, JP is the largest island but it just has the old log flume and a lame gondola. Toon Town is a water park. Not great in the winter. One flume was off line. Marvel land is just creepy. And it's basically the Hulk Coaster. The Morrocan bazaar at the entrance makes no sense.

Universal is better because of it's continuity and the Rock 'N Roll Roller Coaster, Simpson's and Mummy ride. Disaster was off line (ironic because of Haiti). I still don't get the Blues Brothers (Chicago) being included with SF and NY. Men in Black was never good and now is sooo dated. Shrek and Jimmy Neutron is good for kids. The rest of rides at least make sense as part of a Hollywood back lot (old rides at least can feign history). The most amusing thing was that their Starbuck's was the cheapest vendor in the whole park. Where else can you say that? All in all it's still less of a rip than Disney. Not that there is anything right about that.

Kabbab House, Metro West - Closed

I had lunch 2 at this Moroccan restaurant in the same shopping plaza as Tavern On The Lake in Metro West on Wednesday. I had a Gyro to go for $6. It was everything a Gyro should be. Fresh pits. Lots of meat (lamb/beef comb). Not too much Tatziki. The place seats about 50. It was pretty full. Half of the place is kitchen/takeout (was probably an old pizzeria). Half is the dining area. It's a little dark with low cielings. Not aesthetically pretty. They had one waitress for the room. It seemed like ownership is actually on the premises. The had a nice menu (tagines, kabobs, nothing too challenging). They have belly dancers at night. Where else are you going to get a Moroccan take on Middle Eastern fare? Try it and be happy you did.

Tavern On The Lake, Metro West - Closed

I had lunch at this American restaurant (formerly Dan Marino's) in Metro West near the golf course (go in off Kirkman and make a left at the course then up a 1/2 a mile) on Wednesday. I had Cheeseburger Lunch Special for $7. The CB was properly cooked if about 1/2 the size of what I suppose their non-lunch special burger is. It had a good bun and fresh toppings (fresh romaine leaf was nice). It came with a bag of chips. Would it kill them to take them out of the bag? Weak. It also came with a soda. The service was good. I sensed a little 'tude when he found out I was going with the special, but, he warmed up and at the end we were fast friends. The place is nice. Modern. I didn't appreciate being herded towards the bar when the place's main attraction is the lake behind it. But, I insisted on a table in the main dining room. They have a nice patio with a view of the lake. It seats about 80. There were five other tables occupied. I sensed the pallor of death in the air. I hope it's not always that slow, but, I wouldn't be surprised to hear of it's obituary in months to come. It would be a shame because the place isn't bad and they obviously are cognizant of the bad economy (cheap lunch specials). I really won't understand if you keep paying an equal amount for a Combo at Subway when you can be here for the same price.

Tomatina, Winter Park - Closed

Last Friday I had dinner at this tapas/paella bar in Winter Park (near Dexter's). I couldn't get a seat so I restricted my purchase to what they deserve to get out of guy getting a bar stool experience. I had the Caracoles al Ajillo (snails in oil) for $8 and Tortilla Espanola (quiche/fritta with potatos and onions) for $6. The snail portion was larger than I anticipated (about 16 snail pieces). The Tortilla was 3 two inch squares. Both were good. The snails could have had more garlic. The place was packed (about 40 seats). Most people were sharing paella that averaged around $40 (but you get 50 cents worth of rice and $6 worth of shellfish!). The place is cute. They have outdoor seating. It's quasi-modern. The staff was friendly. The owners were working (I think they were sauced). They had an interesting wine and beer menu. The tapas menu is no where near as extensive as Ceviche. If we start with the premise that I think tapas and paella are two of they bigger food cons going, then I had a surprisingly satisfactory "meal".

Mikado, Hunter's Creek

Last Wednesday I had lunch 2 (after cutting short an unsatisfactory first lunch experience) at this sushi restaurant in the new strip mall in Hunter's Creek (closer to 417) on John Young. Because I was half full, I just had the sushi roll combo (choose 2) for $8.75. I chose a crunch roll (seaweed, tempura crunch and crab) and a spicy tuna roll. Even though spicy whatevers are generally made with the remenants of the fish, the quality was still better than Suki Hanna's full pieces. And the faux crab seemed fresher. The rolls were long (8 pieces). The service was good and fast. A pretty and pleasant Asian woman. My order in way deserved the respect she showed me. The place is brand new. It's an offshoot of the one in metro west. It's small (seats 40). It's new. It's authentically decorated. It has good light and high cielings. It looks good from the street. It will eat Suki Hanna's lunch. Which would be a burden if it wasn't a metaphor.