Tortilleria La Mexicana #2, Orlando

I had lunch at this Mexican restaurant on W. Oakridge Rd in between OBT and John Young on Tuesday. I had the Platillo a la Mexicano so I could report back on as many things as possible. It cost $10. It consisted of a quesadilla, tamale, two enchilladas and two flautas. I asked for the flautas to be chicken and got beef. They correctly served the enchilladas as one of each and the rest as beef. I was hoping for shredded beef, but, it was pieces. They were tender in the enchilladas, but, overcooked in the others. I suspect they use the same pile of meat for all and the dishes that required extra cooking/frying ruined the meat. The chicken was very tasty (a little dry). I think the used coriander. The enchilladas were not enchillada-ed (rubbed with chilis). They also did not come with a red sauce. They and the flautas and tamale were smothered in a crema that was very thick (over kill). I must have ingested 5000 calories. The quesadilla tortilla was fried and looked like a taco. The tamale was dense and they filled it with a cheese that had a different color than the quesadilla cheese. Everything was loaded with queso fresco. They also had amazing chips (thick) and salsa (green). I ate way too many because I was starving because I wiffed on two other places on my list before I landed here. Soda came in a bottle, The place and area may leave something to be desired. I forget how I found out about this place. When I first rolled up, I thought it was closed down. It's behind opaque black windows with no entrance sign. It's also attached to a market. They try and gussy the place up with flags and streamers, but, it just makes it look messier. Like someone didn't take down party decorations. They have these crazy heavy wood tables with wood seats that have grapes, horses and a guy making out with a cactus on them. This place is full on Mexico Mexican. I was the only gringo there.  I think it's central Mexican (huaraches, chilaquiles) cooking, but, I think the waitress was just agreeing with whatever I said. I think it might scare some of you and it is difficult to get to (no exit to Oakridge from I-4). The food is authentic and the portions are generous (I forgot that they also served beans and rice) to a fault. However, that may not be what you want. It will really add to your waistline to eat here. Yet, you are probably all getting from your car to your seat via motorized Hover-round, so warp your way into becoming those people in Wall-E. They end the restaurants title with #2. I wonder if there is another?

Sea Dog Brewing Co., Disney

I ate at this seafood restaurant on Monday night. It's down off the Downtown Disney exit (535)  in the area that has a Hooter's and Kitty O'Shea's (Palm Parkway). It replace the Crab Shack. I was expecting a working brewery, but, it's just a restaurant that serves their beer. The place has potential that it is not reaching. I blame management. It's a loosely run ship. There was no host at the door to begin with. I had to chase down a waiter who chased down someone else. The place seemed rudderless. The entree (chipotle shrimp and grits) was ridiculously over salted and sloppily plated. There is no Gordon Ramsey tasting this stuff before it goes out. It was a weird concoction to begin with. It cost $15. They slathered barbeque sauce (salty) on grits (salty and dense) and topped it with some avocado salsa and bacon topping (salty). It would be over kill (and odd) even if executed properly. I only ordered it because I was apprehensive of how they would treat a lobster or the other sea creatures. The swordfish dish I saw going to another table seemed small and drab. It may have been wiser to stick with an less challenging recipe even if it was twice as expensive. I also ordered some shrimp to try out the raw bar/freshness. They sell them separately at $1. They and the ones in the entree were adequately sized and not overcooked. I think I'd still rather pay around $7 for a half pound of peel and eat. I learned you tell fresh by whether they still have the front feelers attached. They didn't, but, I wasn't expecting non-frozen.  I also tried a flight (4) of their beers for $7. They were all good. A pint runs $5.50. I lucked out with my waiter. He was patient and knowledgeable and even talked his manager into a ten percent discount (food only) because of multiple complaints (not just mine) about the grits salt flats. The experience was different from what I imagined because I imagined this place was a lone building that served as a working brewery and had some snacks. It's really just a large chain restaurant. However, I think that there needs to be more control if they want to be more than a Chili's/Olive Garden. They have really good, branded beer. They have fresh sea food. They have a nice atmosphere. They have talented servers. They just need a guy or girl in charge who will conduct this orchestra. I'd start with the kitchen. Better than I expected, but, I expected a tasting room. They had a place in Winter Park that failed. I don't recall them having seafood. Maybe they should try again with this strategy?

Yum-mi, Mills Ave

I went to this Banh Mi (mostly) restaurant on Mills last Wednesday. It's across from that gay bar (St Matthew's) I wote about a few weeks ago. I had an original Bahn Mi and ate it on Thursday. It had a small amount of pate, pork roll, head cheese and sliced roasted pork. It was fine. I didn't love the baquette. It was more of a hero roll. They overdid the cilantro. The veggies were fresh. It cost $4. They have around twenty Banh Mi's. They range from $4 to $8. They also have spring rolls, noodle salads, soup, sno (ice creamish), fruit freezers (smoothies), boba and coffee. There was another less professional bahn mi place here a few years ago. They replaced them and redid the inside and outside and expanded the menu a few years ago. I just always forget they are there. It's not the best or cheapest bahn mi place in town (that may be a small place on 50 that I forget the name of - near a travel agency), but, they are acceptable.

That One Spot, Ocoee

I went to this specialty burger place on Wednesday night. It's on Maguire Road and 50 in a strip mall. I had a BBQ Burger for $7.50 so I could report back on as many components as possible. I was kind of disappointed. They are supposed to be experts in the field. I found the burger patty itself to be the weak spot. They brag that it is composed of brisket, rib and chuck and made every week. Every week doesn't impress me and the blend was bland. It's also pressed like McDonald's patty. I don't like house burgers, but, how about something formed by hand? I think it's also around a quarter pound of meat. They don't say, so, I'd guess it's something they'd rather you not concentrate on. The temperature wasn't where I asked for it. Although, on a patty that thin it is usually doesn't make a difference to the texture. They seem to want you to concentrate on the toppings. That's a warning sign to me. My burger had cheddar cheese on it. It got lost and was otherwise unremarkable. The fried onion rings were perfect. The bacon was excellent. The bun was gourmet with a nice gloss (fresh and large too). The spiced pickle slices were good even if they were mass produced. The barbeque sauce tasted familiar (as in mass produced). They added some brisket to it as a gift, but, it wasn't what they think it is. It was tough. So, the sad part is that main component (and the next top meat) drags down the experience. They also have turkey, salmon, veggie and chicken burgers. Maybe these are better. Maybe it's secretly run by Hindus or the Chick Fil-a cows. It's an order at the counter place. It's clean and hip. It seats around thirty. I wouldn't seek it out if you have a competitor in this category in your town.

Hagan O'Reilly's, Winter Garden

I went to this pub/bar way off the beaten path near some development called Stoneybrook on Wednesday. I tried some places around here a few years ago. They were all still there and there was a new strip mall across from this one that had a Cajun place. I went because it keeps showing up on "best of" lists. I just had a reasonably priced beer, so, I can't speak for the food. As a bar play, it just seems like another stupid Irish theme bar whose outside bar is probably unusable half the year. The most memorable thing that happened to me there that night was that I got some 'tude from an old guy next to me when I tried to ask him a question. I'll never understand why surly people go to a bar if they want to be alone. If you don't like people why do you surround yourself with them? You realize that the liquor is more expensive here, right? Please don't tell me that you think he thought he had a shot with the bartender or any other ladies. I think I'd have to live close by or be promised guaranteed sexual gratification (and a designated driver) to go back.

Grub Crawl - Antiques District: Elliott's (Closed) and Backhaus

I ate at these places in an area also known as Ivanhoe Village on Wednesday. They have both replaced other establishments pretty recently.

Elliott's Public House - I just had the two eggs any style because it was $5 less than the Country Fried Chicken and Eggs (and I was underwhelmed by the options). It came with sausage, so, you basically pay that much more for a cluck. It cost $6.50. It came with a basic circular patty, mushy home fries and toast. It was fine. The real disappointment was the menu. It's rather limited in the entree area and not exactly unique. There are already two or three restaurants of this type just in that tiny area. I don't think another was necessary. Especially one that would probably be rated below those places. They serve mostly breakfast fare and some burgers and a few sandwiches during the day. All are over or near $10. They shoe horn in their dinner "tapas" stuff at the same price levels. They have six entrees that are all derivative and over $14. There is alot of pressure on the chef to deliver on this menu. There will be no points garnered for originality. The place is in what I think was a greasy spoon called Brian's. They tried to gussy it up (and did an ok job), but, the layout is poor and there is no flow. The center room is really a transition area between the door and the bathrooms/kitchen. The real dining room is to the right of it. It feels hidden (no view). It's small. I just don't see this place finding a niche. It's too flawed to cater to the high end customer and too expensive and pretentious for the middle to low end. They alienated themselves from the whole market by trying to thread a very thin needle. They need a draw if they want to stick to this strategy. It's tough to find one nowadays, but, that is challenge. You don't have too rush out and find this place unless you start hearing that the chef is a magician. I forgot to add that they gave me a glass of water that tasted like poison.

Backhaus - They replaced someplace called something like Yalaha Bakery. It serves a similar niche. They serve German baked goods and other eatables. I had a Cherry Streusel for $4. It was good. They have a larger selection than their predecessors. It's a block towards downtown from Elliott's. The staff was pleasant.

El Gran Palacio, Lake Mary - Closed

I went to this Latin/Asian buffet today for lunch. It replaces a buffet in the Target complex on Lake Mary Blvd that I believe was called Golden Buffet or something or other. It's an improvement. I don't know if this (Latin for Asian) is officially a trend yet, but, I hope it is. You get another type of food. You don't have to worry about the penny pinching games and ignorance of hygiene that the Asians are guilty of. It's cheaper. The waitresses look like they were born after Vietnam not like they fought in it. This place is now run by Dominicanos. The price is only $6.69. They even allow coupons ($1 off) at that price. If you are going to overload my mailbox with them then I am going to use them against you. They have acceptable sushi (actual fish slices) and the best part is that the Latin customer base doesn't seem to like it. They have all the "gross" latin stuff. I've never seen a more authentic spread. I had pork tripe, beef tripe, goat, chicken gizzards, pig feet, pernil and some tasty desserts I have never seen before. They had soups, rice, beans and chicken if you are one. The Asian side had a cooked salmon and the usual Chinese gruel. It's amazing how unhealthy that stuff looks like when you compare it to the "unhealthy" Latin stuff. The Latin stuff looks low-cal in comparison. It looks like it was made in a kitchen. The Asian stuff looks like it was made in a lab. They also have a hibachi area and ice cream. They have pizza and some "American" items. A soda was $2. The place looks exactly the same inside. I can't wait for every buffet to be in Latin hands. They are way more clean, generous and personable. They aren't out to squeeze their customer. They are there to make them happy. A odd concept/priority now that we have so many "efficiently" run businesses.

* I went back on 9/29/2014 and it seemed like they were pulling back already. There was an Asian lady running the room. Let's hope they didn't hire her to run it the "Asian" way.

* I went back on 11/25/14. They ditched the dragon lady and everything was back to normal.

Camp House, Sanford

I ate lunch at this remake in the Scruffy Duffer's spot on 46 on Saturday. They also do not list their liquor/beer prices. It's definitely not because they are so proud of them. I had a Lodge Cheeseburger for $9. It's nice that they actually include the cheese in the price. It's not nice that they charge $9 for something that BurgerFi does better at half the price. They; burned the top, over cooked the rest, seasoned it with some crap spice mix, salted it, served it on a stale pretzel bun, topped it with limp vegetables and paired it off with under cooked fries. And that was and probably will always be the problem with this place. They think they know what they are doing. I wager they do not. It's fixable. But, it doubt they realize something is off. They are like one of those places that argue with Gordon Ramsey as he is critiquing their failing business. My guess is that they just don't know what good is. I would bet your life that it is run by a bunch of forty-something, white hillbillies (we need a similar word for people who live in the swamps) who have wanted to own their own place since they traded their futures for a steady paycheck. The place smells of a Home Depot commercial. The color they chose (some kind of grey) for the majority of the walls is all dude. No woman would ever have chosen this color let alone matched it with the stain the have on the wainscoting or tables (both different). Then again this is CF, so, maybe I can't say that about no woman. They have decorated the place with taxidermist overstock. They use picnic tables for seating. They have alot of flatscreens. It's all dude inspired. However, what makes it really depressing is that it reminds you of your buddy with a kid's first house (that he tried to do the work on). It was kind of crappy to begin with and he just hamfisted the renovations because it was the first time his dad wasn't there to do it for him. There's crap and clutter all over. Things that should be put away aren't. Things that should be hung properly, aren't. This place is just an ugly "dudes" hideaway with food that is about as good as the decor. It's sad because you can see they want to get in on this whole gastro pub trend (even if it's ten years too late). They know about it. They know things can be better than what is around them. They just don't have the vocabulary down yet and they are speaking. Look it's basically the same as it was before. Maybe it will turn out to be an improvement. I can't go back for a reason that has nothing to do with what I've written about so far. I can't go back because they let a bunch of meth heads smoke at the patio bar. The problem - it's connected (via a common opening) to the inside bar and all the smoke blows into the restaurant from outside. That right there would be enough to disqualify you from any social climbing aspirations. Cigarettes = poor white trash. If you don't believe me, do a quick informal poll the next time you go out. The smoker will at least one of those things.

Grub Crawl - Sanford: Celery City and Scoops and Spokes

I ate at these places on Thursday. One is on Palmetto and one is on Sanford.

Celery City - I was prepared to overlook the fact that they are among the growing faction of thieves that refuse to list the prices of their wares (especially craft beer narcissists) when I looked at my bill and saw a charge for using my credit card. That's two cases of anti-transparency and that's two too many. Congratulations. You just lost what would have been a detailed and positive review of your business (and a repeat customer) by acting like a group that you probably stereotype and lampoon. They said all beers are around $5. How (or why) should we trust you? You are cheap enough to collect a credit card charge and sinister enough not to inform the customer about it. I was your only customer. It wasn't an oversight. I had a roast beef and cheddar sandwich with grilled onions and horseradish for $5. It was surprisingly good. But, now I don't want you to succeed and won't come back. Customers want to be in partnership with those whom they choose to do business with. That's more important than the good or service offered. Don't treat them as disposable or they will be.

Scoops and Spokes - Say that five times fast. It's a bike rental and ice cream shop on Sanford. They said they have been open for two months. I had a banana split cone for $1.25. That's around half or a third of what most place charge, right? It's a simple business that addresses two needs. I think the bike rental prices were very reasonable too. They didn't have change so the real price became $1. I'll remember that. In exactly the opposite way I remember Celery.

I have to say that something I had at one of these places made me feel woozy.

Grub Crawl - Sanford: Rabbitfoot Records, Moon's Subs and Donuts 2 Go

I went to these places on Tuesday afternoon. The first is on the main street through town. The second is a block and a half up after you turn right. The last is near the hospital on 46 on the way out of town. None of these were on the original agenda.

Rabbitfoot Records - I had an iced tea for under $2. It was fine. They mainly serve liquid refreshment and some pastries. They sell records. At least they were open. They branched out here from Titusville.

Moon's Subs - I ordered a two piece (breast/wing) fried chicken platter to go from this decrepit deli. It cost $6.59. It took a while to cook. That is either good if you don't want warmed up chicken that has been sitting in a 85 degree store all day or bad if you don't want to sit in a 85 degree store all day. It was overcooked. Judging by the look of the place, I was glad that they killed off as much bacteria as possible. Also glad it didn't taste like fish (they have it on the menu and sometimes people don't segregate the fryers). It came with fries. They were about half crisp and half underdone. They also tossed in some lettuce and tomato and white bread for some reason. I guess their customers make sandwiches. The place is familiar to anyone who has lived in a major city. A Korean grocery store cum greasy spoon. The owners here have suffered in this neighborhood for 22 years (place has existed for 32). They (couple) serve up fried items and burgers and sandwiches to the lowest rung of society. I'm sure it's a thankless ordeal that makes one wonder how bad their circumstances were before they arrived here. They have to have a sign that says "no food stamps". I would have normally told you to avoid this place. It's not a place that you recommend. However, I feel sorry for this couple and the food wasn't awful. And once again, at least they were open when most of the competition was not. I have passed by here numerous times and couldn't do it to myself. The new street improvements made it a tad less scary. And did I mention that almost everything else was closed?

Donuts 2 Go - I had a square, glazed donut and a maple bacon "log shaped" donut. Both were under $1. They were both excellent. The square one was huge. Both were fresh. They also serve breakfast and lunch items at reasonable prices. They have tables. It's in a strip mall. They have been open for three years. I may have been here before. I'll go back again.

Grub Crawl - West Colonial: Taipei Kitchen and Brazilian Village Pizza

I had lunch at these two restaurants on West Colonial in Chinatown on Monday.

Taipei Kitchen - I had to ask for the Taiwan menu. They handed me a generic Chinese lunch special flyer. I had Spiced Dried Bean Curd for $6 and Mustard Greens and Pork Noodle Soup for $8. The curd was a first and was a square of dried soy cut into thin slices. It came in some kind of mirin/soy dressing. Of course the soy had no flavor, but, it wasn't a huge miss either. The soup was good. The noodles were very buttery. The pork was not gristly. The place was clean. I believe the just opened a month or so ago. The have a fort on the left that seems to be where they keep the daily special stuff. It seats about forty. It was almost full. I was the only non-Asian. I think there were a few actual Taiwanese there. It's getting harder to tell with every generation that passes. Definitely Chinese if not Taiwanese. It may have fewer Taiwanese dishes than Taipei 101, but, they may just have more specials or I can't remember accurately. Communication was a slight barrier so service became a little timid/evasive. They didn't know if the take AMEX or not (it's only one of three). I also suggest you order a soda by the can ($1) or they will take liberties and give you the twice as expensive fountain and not refill. Still it's in the top three for this genre (only three in Orlando).

Brazilian Village Pizza - This place is a few doors down. I had one slice for $2. If this is a Brazilian style pizza place, then Brazilian pizza is foccaccia like. The dough seemed to have butter in it. The slice was about twice as thick as you want it to be. It also had a lot of air pockets (didn't pound out the CO2 after it rose) and was over floured (maybe when stretching). The sauce was spicy. The cheese was gluey. They have 44 styles of pizza. They have subs, past and wraps. The prices are low. I just read the menu and they say they serve NY Style. That must be the bad NY Style and not the good. It was better when I thought it was a Brazilian quirk.

Grub Crawl - DeLand: Shady Oak and Fresh Off The Hook

I had dinner at these two restaurants (that are technically in DeLand, but, are almost in Lake County) on Sunday on my way home from The Carolinas. You have to drive out on 46 (4-5 miles) until you hit the St John's River. They are on either side of the bridge on the eastern side. There is a sign that you can see for Fresh Off The Hook. I'd take 1-4 to 44 if I was coming from Orlando.

Shady Oak - I found out about this place from an expose they did in the Sentinel a month ago. They called it a Fish Camp. It's a tiny shack on the river with an exposed patio. I tried to eat out there and the mosquitoes became intolerable once the sun went down. I had a fish called Ponga grilled with what supposed to be one side of potato salad, but, became french fries, cole slaw and hush puppies. It cost $7. The fish seemed more sauteed than grilled. It was tasty nevertheless. I googled the fish and it seems to be an acceptable breed. The fries were coated in a batter. It was thin enough not be an issue. The fries were crisp. The hush puppies were fresh and good. The cole slaw was sweet. The place seats about forty. Service (1) was fine. It's the sort of crowd where women wear ball caps and jeans and tube tops. I think that is called the nineties. The guy at the table next to me took OFF his shirt to try and frustrate the mosquitoes. There is a great view of the river from there. Better than the the Hook's. It's not a bad way to enjoy an early evening watching the boats pass by.

Fresh Off The Hook - This place is pricier than Shady. It has a greater variety of plate options. I had some fried clams ($8) because of the price inflation and the fact that they ran out of catfish fillets (still had whole ones). They were fine. It was dark when I went there (closes at 9 pm) so I'm not sure exactly what the view is like. It's in a marina and maybe the less attractive side of the bridge, so, I speculate that the view is worse. I could be way wrong. It seats around fifty in a wood enclosure. It's a little larger and more enclosed than the competition. Service was good. There were less people here than at Shady.

There was also a place before these two called CJ's (I think) Lobster Pot.

Red Roof Cafe, Orange City

I had lunch at this restaurant inside the Heritage Inn on 17-92 on Tuesday. I had chicken fried steak with two sides (potato salad and mac and cheese) for $9.  It was good. The steak was well fried and tender. It came with a white gravy. The potato salad was good. The mac and cheese was a little bland (needed more cheese). The service was good. The place seats about forty. There were around ten people there at lunch. The place is a little drab. They have historically relevant photos and prints on the wall that depict the changes that have occurred locally and to the structure in particular. It's a nice change of pace. It's a bit of a learning experience mixed in with a meal. They have alot of daily changes and specials. The inn has a bar and a museum and rents rooms. They even have a website - www.1876heritageinn.com if you want to scout it out before hand.

Grub Crawl - Lake Mary: Chez Jacqueline and Lighthouse Seafood

I went to these spots on Friday afternoon. They are in an ancient strip mall across from City Hall (Country Club Dr and Lake Mary Blvd).

Chez Jacqueline - They have been open for four years and I've even driven past a few times. Their signage is so absent that I thought it was closed every time. I had a croissant with Swiss and ham for $4 and an apple crepe for $5. A soda was $1. The croissant was perfect and although the cheese could have stood a little more time in the reheater, it and the ham were fine. Not a very pungent Swiss. The crepe was large and bursting with fresh apple pieces. They laced it with a little cinnamon (asked first if I wanted it) and powdered sugar. The place serves mainly pastries and crepes. Some items may be out of stock. I think that is called being "seasonal" now. It's authentic. It seats ten on five two seaters. It's decorated like an old lady's sitting room. It was full (all ten) of ladies. Service was polite if a little slow. The owner seem to be the main employee. She is French (or speaks it). I'd certainly go back again.

Lighthouse Seafood - They are right next door to Jacqueline. I think they opened around the same time. I wasn't impressed on my first visit, but, I think their selection and curb appeal has increased since then. They also have poor signage. I think it just said "seafood". I wasn't really looking to get something, but, I felt intoxicated because the girl who served me at Chez Jacqueline knew (or pretended to know) who Jean Jacque Rousseau was. I had a choice really of poke or soup. I chose the poke although I feel about this like I feel about ceviche. Just give me the raw fish. You kind of always ruin it your way. This, however, was good. Sesame oil, scallions, white onion, sesame seeds, something with a kick and 25 dice sized chucks of fresh ahi. It made my thumb and little finger stick out, Howley. It cost $12. But, let's compare. A pound of their sushi grade (this stuff) ahi was $24. I think they said this was half a pound. so, you get the veg and oil and prep for free (if you don't discount that weight). It came with that seaweed salad you get at sushi bars. They called it limu (I think). Your average sushi at a supermarket would cost $7 for the rolls with a tenth of the fish and $10+ for a quarter. I'd go here if you want a sashimii-like experience. They didn't even try and pass off the tail (dental floss) pieces on me. I was pleasantly surprised and would go back again. I think they change up the specials, so, don't kill me if they don't have this dish when you go.

Grub Crawl - Winter Park: Pi Hole (Closed), B Cupcakes, Rome's Flavour's and Frenchy's (Closed)

I sampled these restaurants on Sunday afternoon.

Pi Hole - They took over a previous pizzeria location across from Keke's. This is a transplant of an operation that I ate in in Plymouth Mass. Their gimmick is a pre-grilled pie dough with a hole in the middle. If you buy pie, you get a bowl of "bites" in the middle. I'm sorry, but, $20 for a plain cheese pie is ridiculous even if it comes with junk. It's not particularly good pizza either. I had their lunch special - a soda and one slice for $4. That was reasonable. Usually it is two slices and a soda for $5 or $6, so this is good for bargain shoppers. The slice was almost two slices in size anyway. The dough was a little dry and flourish. I think they didn't add enough water when they mixed it. The cheese was a low quality blend of what I would guess would be non-traditional pizza cheeses. They have non-Italian fare like wings, waffle fries, mac and cheese bites, etc. They have Italian dishes like arancini (balls made out of day old rice) and meatballs. The place is small. It may seat 15. It's very red with a big mirror on one wall. Service was friendly.

B Cupcakes - They are across from Pita Pit near the 7-11. It seemed like every cupcake had the same white cream topping. I had a strawberry because strawberry shortcake is one of the only things I like a frosting like this on. It was ok. The cupcake seemed like a brown sugar/molasses type cake that you associate with carrot cake or zucchini bread. It seemed to be the cake for alot of the other cakes. I think they just add a piece of fruit or other topping to a generic cake and call that by the topping. It cost $3. It was a very moist (lots of sugar) cake. The other branch is in Apopka.

Rome's Flavour's - They just (1 month) opened next to the Qwa Qwa Shop (that's what my brother calls croissants) on E Morse (off Park). I had a cup of three balls of gelato. I had pineapple, mixed berry and strawberry for $5. All were top notch. The pine and mixed were really good. Real, big pieces of actual fruit. The scoops are smallish, but, pack alot of flavor. They also gave me a taste of a good gorgonzola and honey gelato. I originally thought I'd just walk out when I saw that read their menu and saw that a glass of gelato started at $8 and a pizza "paddle" was $9. However, they have a part of the paddle special and I think the gelato was as low as $3-ish for a small. They should clarify that printed menu. They also have bruschetta, panzanella and alot of "assortment" plates. I lived around the corner from the original Sant Ambroeus in NYC and I may like this gelato better. The place is chic and the owners are Roman, so with that and the quality of the gelato and the transitive property, I would extrapolate that the rest of the menu won't suck or be inauthentic. Give it a go.

Frenchy's - Sweet Traditions moved here (near Briarpatch) from Winter Garden and opened a bakery. They closed that down a few month ago and now have a fully functioning French bistro. I just had a Cinnamon Roll/Swirl ($2) that was a bit dry for something that looked like it was repurposed from the croissant dough, but, the menu seemed intriguing and reasonably priced. They do B,L,D. The chef is French. He uses at least one master chef's recipe (I won't out him). Kudos for being aware of him. They still have part of a pastry window. They seemed to have spent a little money on the redo. The most unfortunate thing is their name. It sounds like something a Florida born person might think that other people would think is funny. It's just low brow. Maybe that plays in WG, but, Park Ave expects panache. They will probably just think it's not an authentic or serious French experience. I have it on the "retry" list.

Yamas, I Drive - Closed

I just had a bowl of chicken soup at this Greek restaurant on Saturday night. It cost $5. It was a bit bland, but, ok. I believe the spot used to be a high end seafood place. However, the exterior looked Japanese. They really didn't do much to the inside. It hardly screams Greece. The inside is huge. The outside patio (on the strip) was the only area open. The played bad reggae and people smoked hookahs and there was a belly dancer. The bartender was friendly. The menu was largish. The prices were reasonable. It's in the right area for what they are putting out.

I forgot to add that I was at Downtown Disney before this and those liars would have you believe that Pleasure island is finished. It isn't. I think it has been ten years since they began. I think it has been two years since I last saw it and they only added one cheese ball restaurant in the mean time. They still have a horrible temporary walkway between the La Nouba part and the Rain Forest cafe part. And of course they can't resist trying to narrow those labyrinths by installing kiosks, etc to sell you crap. I don't know who is in charge of this project, but, they won't be getting any employee of the month awards. Traffic was also outrageous with other uncompleted projects dotting the property. Stay away.

Shake Shack, Winter Park

I just got some cheese fries at this gourmet fast food burger place from NYC on Saturday. They cost $4. I've been to three of their locations in NYC (years ago), so, I knew what I was in for. The fries were perfect crinkle cuts. The cheese dip was great. I had never tried anything other than their burgers before (similar to Burger Fi). That and a Subway BLT (I think) that I left in my car too long the day before that turned my insides into toxic waste that morning made me settle on the starch. They did a great job with the place. It overlooks a lake. It's not that much more than you pay for similar things at Wendy's. It was jammed, but, my stuff came out quick (another tip - non-burger stuff comes out quicker). Parking is next to impossible since it's in the same strip mall as Trader Joe's (17-92 near Hillstone). I know they have alot of franchises now, but, this is your only choice around here. Our local boys are just as good though. How much can you really do to a burger? We didn't really need them (or any gourmet burger play), but, I'm sure the NY connection will make them popular for a while.

Club Crawl - Downtown: Aku Aku, Vanity and Falcon Bar

I went to these place in Thornton Park and Downtown on Friday night.


9pm-10pm: Aku Aku - This Tiki Bar above Stardust (same owners) was in the Stardust in Vegas. Now they're both here. It looks good. It opened earlier this year. They serve tons of rums and all those cheezy drinks in those cheezy glasses. I had a Mai Tai for $9. It's a small spot and was mostly full. the staff was personnable.

10pm-12:30am: Vanity - This club across from the cigar bar is on the second level. It always had a line down the street earlier this year, so, I skipped it. No line tonight. It's a hip spot. the bartenders were hot. The club reminded me of a club in Hong Kong. It had a few white faces and alot of international ones. If I wasn't exhausted by a trip to the Keys, I would have had a great time. Drinks were $8.

12:30-1am: Falcon Bar - This place is diagonal from Grafitti Junction on East Washington in Thornton. It's a gallery that serves beer. It wasn't very crowded at that time of night.

*I also drove by a place called Brink that the bald guy from the Sentinel suggested. He forgot to mention that  it is a gay bar. It was on Amelia near the courthouse.

An Tobar, Maitland

I had dinner at this Irish Pub in the Sheraton on Friday. I'll start off by reminding you that I don't like hotel associated spots, Irish Pubs or $4 sodas. That said, it was ok. It's large. It has so many nooks that I have to guess it seats 100+. It looks like a pub knockoff. It's clean. The menu is barely Irish. Four things could be considered typical and two of those are English in origin. I settled on the only thing that was novel. It was a roasted chicken breast on a baguette with Swiss and creamed spinach inside. It cost $11. The chicken was perfectly cooked and large. The creamed spinach is inspired. I've never seen it before. It seems so obvious now, but, kudos for the creativity. It came with a salad or fries. The salad had what you would expect in a salad. It seemed to have been prepped earlier on and suffered because of that. Service was pretty good. They did do that thing where they bring you a refill after you have eaten your meal. The menu is priced to exploit it's hotel connection. It's a hodge podge. I'm not sure if they got lucky on my chicken, so, I can't comment on if they make the banal delicious. It doesn't seem like a "hot spot". I'd wager that it's geezers at happy hour. I went from hating it because of the menu to liking it because of the chicken to being aggravated with it for making my last memory a $4 soda. The wine list can be found at Winn Dixie. The beer list had like three Irish beers. Not a destination spot.

Smokey Joe's, Sanford - Closed

I had a brisket sandwich to go at this barbeque restaurant on Rinehart Rd (across from the Mercedes dealership) today. It cost $9. The meat was dry, tough and flavorless. There was no bark. I think they pre-cut (not on the diagonal) the meat and keep it in a broth bath. This "short cut" ends up giving the beef the characteristics of boiled beef. They said they smoke it all night long. Let's hope that this (bath) is the reason for the sub-standard product and they discontinue the process. It's not like there was a lunch rush. I also think they use the lean side of the brisket. My cuts were very lean. Just some nodules and spines of hard fat on the exterior. It came with a sweet barbeque sauce that seemed store bought. I didn't eat the buttered bun, but, it looked ok. They offer pork, chicken and burgers. They couldn't identify which region their barbeque represents. They have fried tenders and wings and potatoes. The side selection is basic. They opened up a few days ago. They did hardly anything to the interior (Boston Fish House). They added some collages of found art/junk. It's a self service sort of place. They seem nice enough, but, I just smell failure in the air. Maybe it's the fact that it took them months to open their doors and they didn't really have to do anything. Forget to get some permits/inspections? I just smell first time, non-experienced owners that will not have prepared properly for the challenges of owning a restaurant. The food will also have to improve. Right now it's as bad as Woody's and nowhere close to 4 Rivers. As I recommended in my review of the aforementioned, drive the extra exit to 4 Rivers. These pretenders aren't even cheaper.