Smokehouse Bar-BQ, S. Orange Ave

I had dinner (to go) at this BBQ restaurant across from McWells on Wednesday. I had their Brisket dinner for $9. It was a real let down. The brisket was rubbery and without flavor. The mac and cheese was bland and overcooked. The mashed potatoes were powdered. The garlic toast was rubbery. The best thing about it was the to go container. The place looks like an Elks lodge. It's all picnic tables in one open room. It has just taken over from Back (or black) Water BBQ in College Park. Too bad for the neighborhood. The prices were high too. The sandwiches were only $2 less. The don't take AMEX. Drinks are 2$+. Pass.

Brazas Chicken, S. Orange Ave

I had lunch 2 at this Peruvian restaurant in the same strip mall as McWells (it's across from Le Coq au Vin) on Wednesday. I had a 1/4 chicken to go for $4. It was what you would expect. Not bad at all. The place seemed cute. Done in the right tone. It seats about 50. It's cosy. Probably worth a return sit down. The service was fast.

McWells, S. Orange Ave

I had lunch at this bar on S. Orange on Wednesday. My original target (Zenzi) is now closed. I had a Club Wrap with fries for $6. It was actually pretty good. The bacon was thick and not burnt. The vegetables were fresh. The fries were thick and crisp. More than I expected from a dive bar. The soda was even under $2. I can't recommend it as a destination, but, if you have to have food while in a bar you could do worse. The service was good. The place is old. It's made up like a bar with pool table, etc. It seats about 40 in the room with the big screen. It was pretty full.

Lechonera El Barrio, 436

I had lunch at this Puerto Rican restaurant on 436 south of 50 this Sunday. I had a Tripleta for $6. It is a Cuban style pressed sandwich with brisket and mayo and catsup. It was PHENOMENAL. I'm doing that thing that Italians do when they press their fingers together and put them to their mouth and kiss them. I recommend eating the contents in stages. If you eat it as one, the flavors get lost. The brisket was perfectly cooked. It had no fat or cartilage. It had great flavor. Same with the pulled pork. I then ate the remainder as a ham sandwich. Very filling and incredibly tasty. The place is narrow. It seats about 30. It has a glass window facing the street. It's not much to look at. However, the food was great. They have a ton of Latin American dishes that you can mix and match in a combo for $4 for a small and $7 for a large. I got there late so it wasn't packed, but, it looked like it had been full. I highly recommend it.

Bee Won, Dr Phillips

I had lunch at this Korean restaurant in a strip mall on Dr. Phillips Blvd near Hiawassee the Wednesday before last. I had a Golbi Box for $11.95. It contained short ribs, salad, kim chi, bean sprouts, potatoes, turnip, miso soup, rice and a fried dumpling. The traditional sides represented all taste profiles - spicy, savory, sour, etc. They were fine. The soup was not watery. The dumpling was good. The let down was the short ribs. It was the most expensive option and was not really worth the extra expense. Korean short ribs are just never very good. And at $5 a pound in the market, they aren't really an extravagance worth the extra price. The place was clean. It seats about 90. There were five others dining there - 2 Koreans. It seems to have been an old beer garden in a previous life. The decor is mainly wood. The service (1) was a bit slow. I can't really find anything about it that would make me want to return. The $2 can of Coke was a bit excessive.

Kobe, Longwood

I grabbed a roll to go from this Hibachi/Sushi restaurant on 434 and I-4 on Friday. I had a spicy tuna roll for $5.50. It was disappointing. The tuna was tail meat (lots of cartiledge - ocean dental floss) and not very fresh. They didn't even pre-sauce the tuna. They just dabbed some hot sauce on the rice like it was wasabi. Weak. I didn't sit because the place was mobbed. They have nowhere near enough parking. Two neighbor lots were full off their customers parking illegally. The front of the spot is the sushi area. It had some vacancy. The hibachi area was jammed. Lots of wait time. They did a good job arranging the space. It is clean and satisfying. They have lots of Japanese accents and even an indoor Koi pond (which you will need to entertain your kids as you wait for a seat). The staff was well dressed and helpful. I still don't get how this place used to be empty with a location that was more observable and evocative. Now it's packed? The same spot that was death valley for two previous establishments? They poured money into the spot too. It now is a draw? Now that we have 6 sushi spots and 3 hibachi spots when before they only competed with 1. I will never cease wondering about the collective mentality of this town. Why are they going here? And why not before? Are they giving big discounts through Groupon or such?

Mitchell's Fish Market, Winter Park

I had lunch at this Seafood restaurant in the Winter Park Village (where Beluga was) on Thursday. I had the Shang Hai Sampler (2 scallops, 2 small shrimp, salmon, sticky rice, spinach in an Asian sauce) for $14. It was a tale of two tastes. If eaten together (rice, protein, and spinach), the sauce was not overpowered. If you ate any of the pieces separately, the sauce tasted over soyed, too sweet and too savory. The proteins were a bit fishy tasting (not so fresh I guess). Which is a shame because the place seems to pride itself on that. They even sell fish to go. The sticky rice was non-descript. The spinach was plentiful but without flavor (which was fine with me because that means it didn't have a ton of calories). They gave me a fresh baked demi-loaf of bread gratis. The spot has been given a new veneer. There are models of ships in glass cases, nautical charts and maps, paintings of shells, etc. There is a bar room, a private room, a main room and the patio. It must seat 200. It was about 1/4 full. The service was good. Refills! The waiter took time out to explain the dishes. The manager asked how my meal was. They were all attired professionally in white collared shirts. They let you sub out sides. They have happy hour specials. They have sandwiches, a raw bar, daily fish specials, salads, etc. My meal was one of the more expensive lunch items. I really could find nothing wrong with the place, yet, I left without a passion for the spot. It seemed generic. Like Flemings or Stonewood or their chain competition in their strip mall - PF Changs and Brio. I'm not sure what they can do to make it seem more authentic. Which, incidentally, they may not wish to do because that other type of experience is very popular in some circles (ie here).

California Burrito Express, East Colonial - Closed

On Monday I had lunch at this Mexican restaurant on 50 near the Executive Airport. I had a Machaca (shredded beef and scrambled eggs) Torta for $3.50 in honor of my old college roommate who would order one (a burrito actually) from a roach coach near our apartment every night that he didn't hook up. It was good. The beef was juicy and not too gamey. The eggs seemed to be without salmonella. The onions and peppers were soft. The roll was not a piece of Styrofoam. The place is an OLD fast food spot that relatively nothing has been done to. It was dirty. It seats about 100. It was pretty busy. The AC is barely working. However, if you don't define those qualities as necessities, then I think you will enjoy some tasty Mexican fare of the the food truck variety. They have burritos, taquitos, tacos, etc. Seafood, Tongue, Chicken, Pork, Beef, Etc. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. It's a great value. There were people of all economic classes and ethnicities there while I dined.

Garibaldi, Florida Mall Area

I had lunch at this Mexican restaurant near the Florida Mall (John Young and Sand Lake) on Wednesday. I had a bowl of Guacamole for $3.50 and a Milaneza (beef) Torta (sandwich) for $5. The Guacamole was ok. It wasn't freshly made. Part of it still had a chill to it (from the refrigerator). The salsa was also a little bland and disappointing. The chips were fresh. The Torta was good. The beef was fried within an inch of it's life and the bread needed a chainsaw to cut through it, but, it was an interesting diversion from the usual taco/burrito selection. The vegetables that accompanied it were fresh. They had a pretty complete menu. Some of the entrees were straying into upper teens in price. Don't just settle on the Lunch options. The full menu had some of the better bargains. The service was good. The Torta did take longer than expected to arrive. The place is like a Mexican Bennigans. Lots of false flair. It was clean. It seats about 100. It was half full. It seemed like a popular spot regular customers. They have a bar. The sodas were around $2, large and refilled without asking. A perfectly adequate Mexican restaurant.

Bale, N. Mills Ave. - Closed

I grabbed a sandwich at this Vietnamese deli/restaurant across from the Paradise gay bar. I'm not. Not that there is anything wrong or right about that. I had a pulled chicken in a baguette for $3.50. It had hot sauce, jalapenos, and asian slaw on it. It was fine. The bread was fresh. It tasted good. The place is not much to look at. What furniture and decoration they do have is old and mis-matched. They have a limited menu (about 8 sandwiches, 2 soups and stuff to go). Try it if you don't want to go to 50 and live on the north side of town. Look for a green awning.

Now Yum-mi. Looks newer.

Pub Crawl - Friendly Confines, Lake Mary

11pm-1:30am: (Friday) It seems like the new hot spot in this area is this non-descript sports bar off 46a. Because this town is continually befuddling, it seems that this spot that has ruined more than a few purveyors of food and drink will now be the place to waste money. However, they make it hard to do that. Everything is much cheaper than the competition across the street. And there are actual girls here. Not chiquita's and baby mamas, but, actual doables. I can't speak for it's future because I saw some of the scum from Carlos and Charlies taking a peek at the action. They weren't there two weeks ago when I first got dragged here because everything else was empty per usual. Can these people ever NOT ruin a good thing by ingratiating themselves into an unwelcoming construct? The only thing that stinks about the bar is that they kick you out so early. Why not milk every minute?

Rikka, Lake Mary - Closed

Last Friday I had lunch at this "Asian Bistro" that has taken over the space in which two other similar attempts have been made on this theme. It is on the side of 46a that is fast becoming known as the Friendly Confines parking lot. I had a Bento Box for $9. It came with Miso Soup (not too watery), salad (crisp), one piece of shrimp, potato, yam, and brocolli tempura (good), 4 pieces of California roll (good), Edamame (serviceable), and a big white turd in nasty black sauce listed as Chilean Sea Bass. It was rank. It smelled like bait. Raw bait. I'm not even sure how a fish that is flash frozen the moment is caught can get so rotten. It doesn't speak well for their standards. The sauce it came in was also God awful. It was an incredibly salty beef and black bean sauce which was also some how sweet. It sucked. Which is a shame because it seemed well staffed. It is still a nice space. It is a little expensive (Amura range). The Bento Box was the second cheapest thing on the menu. I guess the are hoping the guests of the hotel nearby don't care or know that places like Samurai are a better value. Their "happy hour" is basically the same shit at the same price. Wrappping up, the service was fine. They offer something from most Asian countries if we count only the Far East. Oddly, almost every table had at least one Asian in the mix. I wonder if they used some kind of Asian Groupon to market the place.

Keke's, Winter Park - Closed for Rebranding

I had lunch at this breakfast cafe (closes at 2:30pm) on Fairbanks today. I had a breakfast combo of one pancake, 2 eggs and 4 sausage links for $8.50. The pancake was pretty big. I don't like pancakes so I won't comment on its quality. The eggs were poached. They came formed like two fake breasts and were a little overdone. I'm not sure what cooking method they employed to get that shape, but, I used to have a contraption that you put in a microwave to similiar effect. The links were well done. I can't say I'd go back. The whole menu is structured to walk you up in price. It's kind of pricy for the food and hipster doofus appeal. Any diner will do just as well or better for half the price. The place is dull (even after the makeover). It's all booths in one open room. It seats about 100. The service was fine. Although, can we all inform the wait staff that when we ask if we can get X - we are not asking if we can get it - we know we can get it if we pay extra - we want to know if we can get it at that price. I also didn't like the $2+ sodas. Are you asking for people to ask for water?

Line Drive Burgers, Lake Mary - Closed

I had lunch at this burger (and not much else) restaurant on Monday. I had a turkey burger for $5.50. It was a ridiculous coaster looking thing from your high school's lunchroom. The concept of this "restaurant" is to grill (might have been nuked) pre-fab, frozen food for you. There are places that do this already. They are called fast food restaurants. They are a fifth of the price. This spot replaces the Peruvian restaurant which replaced the diner. It's two steps back for the community. The place is still being worked on, but, it is not promising. It has a dorky baseball theme. Get this - they had no burgers the day I ate there. They even confirmed my suspicions by writing that their "patties" hadn't been delivered. How do you have a burger restaurant and not make your own patties or ground your own beef? How about you run across to Publix and buy some supplies? I'm sure the owners will be blaming the economy for their failure in six months.

Club Crawl - Bullitt, Lodge

10-11pm: Bullitt - About 1/3rd full. Last night was dead until late at night. The best thing was the bartender in the front room.

11pm-1am - Lodge. Full. Decent mix. Became less "exclusive" after 12. Two hot bartenders downstairs. Don't forget to eschew all beers in favor of Pabst. It's half the price of the others.

A pretty slow night.

King Cajun Crawfish, N. Mills Ave

On Friday I had dinner at this New Orleans Seafood restaurant on Mills. I had a small (more than generous) bowl of Jambalaya for $4 and a pound of Crawfish (alot) for $5. The Jambalaya was tasty. It had chicken and sausage and shrimp in it. It was a bit pastey, but, it must be hard to keep it al dente all day. The crawfish were boiled in a Cajun hot sauce. They were fresh. The place is small. It seats about 40. It was half full at the closing hour. The crowd ran the gamut of hipsters, Asians and Crackers. The decor is pretty basic. The space is a little run down. The AC was overwhelmed by the night heat. The service (5 rotating) was efficient. One of the customers was overheard saying that he was from that area and this place was his favorite in Orlando. I heartily recommend this spot because there is a lack of alternatives and the value is incredible. They also boil Snow Crab, Blue Crab and Shrimp. They have all manner of fried platters and po boys. They have Gumbo. They have salads, desserts, beer, and Cafe du Monde. Sodas are also only a dollar. It's run by Asians, but don't let it be said that they can't cook Cajun. Great addition. It's next to Bananas. *now at the Bananas location.

Bananas, N. Mills Ave - Closed

N. I had lunch at this "Modern American Diner" on Mills on Wednesday. I had the Funky Monkey Burger for $9.95. It came with a almond and panko crusted patty of goat cheese (too bulbous), tomato jam, bibb lettuce, tomatos, onions and a side of crinkle cut fries. The burger was the proper temperature, but, I think they self grind the meat. As watching my brother unsuccessfully try to do this all summer informed me, leave it to the professionals. The self ground meat is always tough, stringy and un-uniform. The toppings were fresh. The jam was a bit boring. The bun was very good. The fries were spot on - very crisp. The service was uneven. Good when there, but, often not there. The place is an old Vietnamese place. They have added some metallic tiles to the ceiling and some funky art and some booths. It seats about 80. It was half full. Parking is limited. Most things were a little pricey for lunch, but, excellent for dinner (if they keep them consistent). I found the chicken and waffles, ribs, and chicken pot pie interesting at $13. Wine and beer is available. They serve breakfast fare until 11. It averaged $6. The crowd is a bit artsy and there is a rainbow hue coming from the building. It is an offshoot of Funky Monkey (two doors down). Big thumbs down for the $3 sodas.

Asian Express, Altamonte Springs

I had lunch at this suhi/chinese restaurant on 434 just off 436 two Tuesday's ago. I had a salmon roll combo plate for $5.95. The roll was pretty bad. Pale salmon. The spring roll was better. The wonton soup was ok. The salad was ok. It's in an old fast food place of some sort. It seats about 40. There were 5 others there. I would stick with the chinese items. They have a drive thru. *Note - Crazy Buffet in the area is now closed.

Super Orient Buffet, Orlando

I had lunch at this Chinese buffet on 436 near the airport two months ago. It was $7.95. I remember some good items and some average ones. I think I liked the spring rolls and the Moo Goo Gai Pan. All in all it was a notch better than most. It seats about 120. It is very diner/buffet like in appearance.

Athenian Garden, Lake Mary

I had lunch on Monday at this new Greek restaurant in the cursed location near Fish Bones on 46a. They didn't do anything to the lay out (neither did the the costly Italian experiment before it). It is like it was when it was the Wine Room. It's still nice though. I had a Souvlaki Gyro with lamb pieces for $8. They didn't look skewered. Which doesn't matter to me, but, I thought that was what it is. The meat was ok. Some pieces cooked alot more than others. The tatziki was very strong with raw garlic. You've got to let it age a little more or wash it it in water (same with the onions). It came with a field green salad that is a little wimpy after Greek flavors. The service was fine (2). The place seats about 80 (2 room and a bar). About 8 people were there at lunch. Their wine list is almost all Greek (rare). Most things are $10 and up. Ownership seemed like they hadn't given up yet.