R.W. Blue, Lake Mary - Closed

I ate lunch at this new (two weeks) American bar and grill today. It wasn't satisfactory. Let's start with that horrendous name. It just smacks of banality. Beef O'Brady's, O'Charley's, Duffy's. I've been dreading this visit. These places make me nauseous before I sit down. They are like a joke name on the Simpson's. They don't even reference anything commensurate with excellence. What is the point? Why not R.W. McQuarter's ? - the old DB from the Niner's. You could piggyback on that obvious (sarcasm) Irish gastronomic allure that the others see and there the "quarters" angle. The beer game. Get it? Plus he's an athlete if you are thinking sports bar. I know it's probably some patriotic ploy and the owner is an ex-Marine (that would explain alot), but, give us something for the soul. This isn't Deltona. You don't have to consult a BA in the Humanities, but, don't ask your buddies at the VA.

Ok, then there was my inability to get a parking space. I had to park at the supermarket across the street and play human Frogger. Then lets go on to the near $3 sodas. Then the whole menu that is around 50% too expensive. Then the apps that are as expensive as the mains. It's like they tried to hit all my buttons. I settled on a Wild Heat Pork Sandwich although I knew it would suck. I didn't feel like spending $14 on the similarly sucky owner's "recommended" burger. Recommended because it will separate a rube from the largest portion of his savings the most quickly? The sandwich cost $10 and came with a side. I chose a flavorless tomato and cucumber salad over french fries with fake truffle flavored oil among other options. I usually expect a little vinegar at least with that type of salad. The pork had the opposite problem. It was soaked in a cloying sriracha, berry sauce. Either reduced to long under heat or over thickened by what must be a jam that supplies the berry flavor. It was too spicy for most and too evident for all. Maybe they thought it necessary to hide the quality of the pork. What I could make of it made think it was dry and probably not fresh. It came on two pieces of "Texas" toast. The plating was bare. It could have been good (idea was sound) if it was ... good.

They also have things like a cheese steak, chicken or medium quality fish. Nothing iconic. The place is just a working man's Stonewood (right next door) if you don't already consider that "working class". I think the prices are even close to even. Maybe Applebee's is a better comp. They evince no refinement. It was so hard to hold my tongue when I was continually asked how I liked this or that. A shame because I think they care. It's just like watching black people try and ski or white people try to dance. You know it's pointless. It is new, so, there is some leeway there. But, I don't think it is about the intangibles. Sure they can clean up the the clutter and have fewer plastic tables acting as counters, but, it would still be a place with cooks not chefs, a blase/derivative menu and a pricing strategy that is unsustainable. This type of place has been attempted before and it appeals to no one in the area. It's too expensive for the proletariat and to gauche for the hoi poloi. In case you are anxious to see for yourself, I will let you know that I think they recycled some of past tenants design features. They have a wood accent on some of the walls that I swear I remember from years past. They brought back the booth/table layout. Unfortunately, most of the seating up front is raised. They maintained the open kitchen. It is still a long rectangle. They added some TV's (not enough to cover all wall space). The wall paint is a poor choice. Puke-y. The back walls are too bare. It was about 1/3 full. People were asking "bloggy" type questions, so, I wonder if it was under review.

This place is another cursed spot and I feel bad for all those who wrestle with it. Especially those who didn't have the foresight to see almost everything on their menu is available at the three established competitors around them. Have you heard of due diligence? And even if they were to find a niche, there is nowhere for the customers to park. People! Do not listen to the land lord/real estate agent that tells you that this space is a gold mine because of trail traffic. They all just go to Panera because they are hot and sweaty or just dumb ewes (That's a female sheep crack). I can live without going back (and fighting for parking). I suspect you will too. Why does no one consider the strip mall across for here? It has a crappy Irish pub, a crappy Italian restaurant and a crappy chain sandwich shop. And PARKING!

Shish.Co, Maitland

I had a doner (gyro) bowl to go for $10 from the latest tenant of this Fotohut (or was it Fotomart?) in the strip mall that has Copper Rocket. I say Fotohut because they used to be a place that had these box stores that you dropped your film off at. Film is a thing you used to take selfies with. Except you didn't take them of yourself. You took them of other people and places and called them Instagrams. I mean pictures. This structure has been about a zillion things over the year. Some smoothie shop I think was the last placeholder. I found no problems with my meal. The beef and lamb mix was tasty. It came with a rice blend (I think it had some orzo in it. I put that in the fridge and can't remember), tomatoes, onions in spice (sumac?) and a pita at the bottom of the to go box/bowl. It became a little oily. They call and spell the pita lavas. I'm used to seeing the bread called lavash. It's a large, thin pita. They have six man dishes (meat) and four girlie (vegetarian) dishes. Doner, kofte, ribeye shish, chicken shish, lamb chops and cheese steak for the boys. Falafel, zucchini pancakes, fried cauliflower, "egg rolls" for the girls. Calm down. I know you male vegetarians get all emotional when people (I mean bullies) tease you. Muy macho. I don't know how these stereotypes get started. So we are clear, men can order the other menu too. And wear dresses at Coachella too. And be a pretty birdie. A pretty pretty birdie. Back to the food. The meat dishes seem to be available in a french roll (cheapest), pita and a bowl. The veg seem relegated to a pita. Take that sexism up with the owner.  They also have soup, salads, dessert and five cold apps. They cater and deliver. They have two picnic tables to eat at . Not bad for a place that used to have Chong and Hyde (70's show reference) developing dirty pictures in it. And by developing dirty pictures I mean - getting high. There's a lot coming out of what boils down to a broken food truck. I think Turkish food is under represented around here, so, this is where you'll be if you don't want to venture onto Park Ave. They have been open for about a month. There was some action at 2pm. It must have some word of mouth already.

Another Broken Egg, Winter Park

A friend and I had lunch at this Louisiana based chain today. I had a classic bacon burger for $10 and he had a cheese omelet for $8. They hosed us both for around $3 for beverages. The burger was cooked close to medium rare. It tasted meatloaf-y. It was a thinnish patty. They abused it with some season blend. Ruined it. It came on a ciabatta roll. The bacon was good and it came with cheddar cheese. Why they don't call that out on in the title I have no idea. It also came with some decent "fries" in cube form. I guess so they can use them in the breakfast dishes too. My friends omelet looked dry and tough. It's in the old Truffles spot next to Chamberlain's in the Winter Park Village. They did nothing to the place so see that review if you want a description. They sat us in the back (worst seats in the house) though the place was half empty. Strike 1. The menu prices should be slashed in half. $13 for eggs benedict? Do people know how easy it is to poach an egg. It's a damned $1 (on sale) Egg McMuffin. Strike two. They serve a blase menu of mostly bennies and omelets and burgers. Strike three. They try and throw in a little Louisiana sass. Dullsville. One is coming to Lake Mary. I'll warn them. Bob Evans serves the same purpose and is half as expensive. Service was fine. Do I dare say they laid an egg? You are right. Too obvious. How about - Another Broken Promise? Heart?

Sushi Heaven, Sanford

I had a spicy salmon roll for $5 and salmon sashimi for $3.50 for lunch on Saturday at this new (4 months) stall at the food court in the Seminole Town Center Mall. The sashimi (3 long strips) was fresh. The roll was bad. Mostly filled with a paste made with those crumbs left over from the deep fryer and not much if any salmon. The rice wasn't horrible. It was a little too fluffy and they didn't adulterate it at all. Just rice. It's mainly rolls and just as expensive as a sit down restaurant. They have some "weird" Japanese beverages. I guess we should just be happy that it isn't another "Japanese" stall that sells Chinese food or teryaki.

A Streetcar Named Desire, SSC

I saw this production on Friday night. Once again I won't go to far into it because it has ended. Nowhere has it been more clear to me that community "college" is the thirteenth grade than when I was watching this show. Below high school quality. The main culprit was Stanley. Or the little Filipino? El Salvadoran? mangling the performance. I don't know if he was trying to emulate that James Carville like pseudo deaf person Bayou twang. Duh Dee Down Dan Do or that is the way he was taught to speak English. In any event, he spoke like Helen Keller and couldn't project his voice. The playbill said he wants to go to Hollywood. I hope he doesn't have a problem with typecasting because that will be the only way he sees a set. This production was probably the worst I have seen at SSC and as close to the real thing as the air freshener smelling e-cigarettes they were using as props.

Mattie's Delectable Desserts, Winter Springs

I had a specialty brownie at this bakery on 434 after Buster's Ice Cream today. It cost $2.59. It was disappointing. No chocolate oomph. They also make cupcakes and cookies, etc. It's pretty typical. They have been open for four years. It's a little hidden.

Waco Taco, Longwood

I had lunch at this new (three weeks) Mexican restaurant on Ronald Reagan Blvd today. I had a mixed taco plate (carne asada, pibil and chicken) for $7 (9 at night). They were fine. The pibil was a soaking in hot grease. Not sure if that was on purpose. They used to have a taco truck. They are connected through an open door to Hourglass Brewery. They serve taquitos, burritos, chimichangas, nachos and quesadillas. I don't think they are Mexican. probably Latin from the islands.The roof is black. the walls are red and blue. It seats around thirty.  Nothing special. Will thrive as a parasite off of Hourglass.

FYI - I had a carne asada and chicken taco at the new (three weeks) outpost of Tortilleria La Mexicana down the street (near 434) after Wako. They were half as much ($1.50) and twice as good. They aslo have a wider selection including breakfast. It's also a market.

Replacing an Air Conditioning and Heating Unit Tutorial

I had a home inspection about a year ago and they said my AC wasn't blowing at full strength. Probably a leak. I did what any responsible person would do and ignored it. I actually had a guy come out (I think I wrote a tutorial on that) and he said my coolant was at 60% and thought I had a leak. I did what any reasonable person would do and decided he was lying. I actually called around and found out that the coolant I had (R-22) was being phased out and the prices were going sky high (up to $100 a gallon). Add in that a bad coil (over 1k to replace) or some other issue could be the cause of the leak and repairing seemed expensive. I had a guy selected to find the leak and refill ($400) after much research and pricing all over the place, but, they went out of business (every one else was 2x as expensive and left room to charge for labor). Then the outside blower failed and maybe the furnace was causing the fuse to trip, so, I bit the bullet. Here is what I found out. I only called guys I pulled from ads from circulars. I needed a 3 ton electric machine with R-410A coolant. I asked for their cheapest models.

Quotes:

The following would not give quotes without a home visit or didn't answer their phone or had a bad number: AmeriCa Air Quality, Air Care Solutions (Jacksonville), U.S.H.A.C. Air Conditioning, Air Techs (surly Indian), Larry Teague & Sons (real grumpy Girt), Mills Air (sales manager would only take a call before 10am and wouldn't call me),

I ended up with three competitors: Ameritech (321-239-9390), Facility Pro Tech (407-608-5382) and AC Services (321-262-8707). I could have done more, but, I just wasn't into a huge audition with the weather starting to change.

AC Services - They were the first to quote. The owner (Tony Duncan) was very responsive and quoted $4200-$4300 immediately for a 14 SEER Bryant (the "business" choice from Carrier). It came with a two year labor warranty and the manufacturer's warranty. No sales tax. Took Amex. No salvage credit for old unit. No down payment required. Permit. New thermostat. They are out of Sanford. I vetted them and they looked on the up and up. I eventually got the price down to $4000.

Facility Pro Tech - They (Willy and Art) are out of McLoed. I think they were Latin. Do alot of business installs. Also vetted out well. They quoted $3727 for a 14 SEER Ruud. It took them a day to respond with it. They had a one year install warranty and five year parts, Everything else was the same as ACS.

Ameritech - Chris called me back the next day. It was a surprise because they told me no phone quotes when I called. He quoted $3700-$3800 for a Goodman (also part of Amana) 14 SEER with a new concrete slab, a two year labor warranty with the manufacturers warranty. Everything else was the same other than they didn't take credit cards. *Note - You will see tons of complaints for a phone company when you google them.

Decision Making Process

I called back and forth and sorted out what was included (copper wiring, materials, etc) and what exact units I was getting. I also checked up on their licenses and reputations and model and brand wholesale prices and ratings. It was kind of difficult. The model numbers weren't always on sites and you never knew if you could trust the rankings. And the rankings varied by models. IE - Goodman was ranked 36 out of 56, but, they had two models in the top five. Bryant was 25 out of 56. Ruud was 21. Also, they sometimes they gave the part number and it would only be for one piece (ie the outside air compressor and not the furnace). All I really found out was they were all acceptable and the Goodman compressor wholesales for $$1367. I'm still not sure if the furnace part was extra. I assume it was. The Ruud sku was also listed as Rheem. All these companies are owned by the Japanese now. At least I made sure I didn't get a discontinued model. And any model obfuscation that the participants did just lost them points in the analysis and maybe cost them the sale.

Decision

I decided on Ameritech. They were the cheapest and local (Winter Park). They threw in that concrete slab and had the warranties. My Amex pay period was coming up, so, the float would have been minimal. Chris didn't play any games when he did the home visit so I let him have the $3800 he asked for and $75 extra for some duct work. Will and Art seemed a little discombobulated or evasive when it came to telling me the sku numbers. Plus St Cloud is kind of far away. I didn't like the look of their unit online either. Tony was great, but, I had just googled the wholesale prices and I was disappointed he didn't price match because it looked like there was enough margin to do so and if there wasn't he may be too small time.

Install

A friendly father and son duo from Poland came on time at 10am. I had to trim the bushes around the old unit over the weekend. They got to work immediately. They told me I had one of six gallons left of coolant and definitely a leak. I won't go into too much detail, but, they stayed until 7pm (that's nine labor hours times two for a professional baked into the negotiated deal) and answered all my questions and cleaned up well. I don't even think they took a lunch or any break. They put in the slab, cut more branches, put in the units, connected the furnace to the duct (it was a misfit and the had to spend a long time cutting material to fit), put in the drain line and copper wiring for the coolant (and removed the old), put in the thermostat, put in a new cover on the furnace "stand", patched and painted and sealed it, took out the old "slinky" in the air intake area and insulated that box instead of putting in a new "slinky" (supposedly will give me better intake), charged the system and checked it. They always knocked before entering and didn't bring in any distractions (music, etc).

Tips and Revelations

Make sure you find out what is included in the quote. Make sure of the model they are delivering. Make sure they patch and paint anything they rip apart. Make sure the unit's automatic sensors turn it on and off. Make sure you get R-410A. Their sealants and such will infiltrate your living room and be a bit noxious. My unit has aluminum coils. Check on that. Chris said they were better, but, since when has anything improved to our benefit? My unit now has an automatic shut off if the drain line gets plugged. That's a good improvement and if it has ever blocked up on you you know why. Business must be good if the rudeness and obstinacy of the companies I called is any indication. I fear it has more to do with keeping you in the dark and squeezing you. Don't let them. Use the "good" guys and let these con men blame Obama for ruining the economy and their businesses. It could never be anything you did.

My unit has worked well so far and the inspector comes in a week. It seems like such a better install than the original system. The drain lines are superior. The wiring is better. The unit itself is way more substantial (although original was put in in 1994). They did "steal" some paint I had in the garage to paint the furnace area and it doesn't match. But, at least they painted. Now my hedge just needs to grow back.

Belle Island Yacht Club, Belle Isle

I took the Sunrail to its southern terminus last night. They still try and poison you with fumes from the tracks and distract you with incessant jibber jabbering in English and Spanish on avoiding distractions. Like incessant jibber jabbering? The purpose of the journey was to try out Belle Isle. The guy from the Sentinel had a piece a few months back on a train bar crawl he did. He stopped here last. It wasn't to bad of a trek from the station. About five hundred yards. All sidewalked. Not dangerous. Look for the Subway sandwich sign and you'll know about how far to go. There is Gnarly Barley and Le Baern Stuben to eat at (at McD's and BK) if you must.

The bar has an enclosed front patio and small area inside, They have a good selection of craft beers. It was pretty empty. They are closed during the day and on Sunday nights. I found out the hard way as I've been popping in unsuccessfully for the better part of their existence (one or two years). It's a friendly place to blow off some steam. It's proximity to the train could make it an option for most of CF. Leave your Sperry's at home. It's not really a yacht club.

Pizza 1905, Lake Mary - Closed

I stumbled on this new (one month) Italian restaurant in the strip mall off Lake Mary Blvd that has the new Academy sports store yesterday. It's near the Chinese place in the back corner. I had a slice for $2.50. It looked a little too old on the shelf, but, gained a little life after reheating. It had the weirdest cheese. They say the use "1905" cheese on their menu. The mozzarella did taste a little off too, but, I swear they put a layer of ricotta under it. All in all it wasn't a bad slice. Tasted a little like quiche. They also have Sicilian/pan slices, deep dish, stuffed pizza, baked wings, sandwiches, rollata, lasagna, calzones, stromboli, garlic knots and dessert. The place has a modern feel. It seats around twenty. It's not a chain. Most things start at $8. They have lunch specials. They have a picture of the Brooklyn Bridge on the menu. I wonder if it opened in 1905 and hence the name. The place looks like it is still being built. A little unkempt. A step up from Digino's.

*4/24/15 - I went back today. I had a Heart Attack sandwich for $8 and the two slice and soda lunch special for $5. The sandwich was sausage, meatball and bacon and mozzarella. All were good. It didn't have much sauce and what sauce there was tasted like ketchup. The roll was really good. The pizza was better this time. No ricotta-ness. Plus it was only $2, so, I must have received some weird special one last time. Nice, thin, large slices.THEY asked ME if I wanted a refill on soda! I found out that it is owned by the guy who owns Ravalia's. They moved the pizza part over here. Some of the things like lasagna are not available, but, may be  at a later date. It's understaffed. I heard the main cook tell someone that the wait for a delivery was an hour and a half. No wait in house though. I also found out that 1905 was the year the first pizza parlor opened in NYC (Lombardi's).

*8/27/16 - I've been back three times this year. Quality is off. The place looks like a pig sty. They sell Jamaican beef patties now. If that gives you an idea of their thought processes. The frozen orange ones you get at the supermarket. Just another pizza place now. I think they changed ownership.

Los Dos Amigos, Winter Park

I had lunch today at this Mexican restaurant on 436 (strip mall) near Howell Branch (I think). I had a sopes (is one sope?) with carnitas and a soft taco al pastor. The sopes cost $4 and was fresh (soft) and piled high with pork, lettuce, salsa, crema and cheese. The pork was ok. The taco cost $2.50 and was large, The chicken was really minced and too salty. This place has been a number of things over the years. I remember a pizza joint and a Puerto Rican offering most recently. They did nothing to the layout or decor. It's signage is hard to read (small). They have another location on OBT near I4. It's a fairly typical/adequate Mexican (Guadalajara) restaurant. The "big" stuff - seafood and steak is kind of expensive. The peasant food is more fairly priced. It seats about forty. The staff seems to be one server and cook.

Grub Crawl - Baldwin Park: The Osprey Tavern and Caddyshanks

I went to these places last Wednesday on my way home from the airport.

The Osprey Tavern - I found this place by chance. I thought I was going have Italian, but, I realized I had been there before (La Bella Luna). This place just opened (three weeks ago) across the street. It had a decent crowd and interesting menu, so, I bit. It's run by what looks like the son of the Seito Sushi people. Maybe he runs that too and is just a prodigy. This place is like a cross between Hamilton's and Cask and Larder. It has a large, central white marble bar and dining areas on either side. The ceiling is white with a black area over the bar. The walls are grey and white. The booths are tan and black.The tables are light wood. The chairs are grey wood. The have all sorts of turn of the century (20th) nick knacks as decoration. High ceilings. Very tasteful. The menu is limited. Not because of fashion, but, out of necessity. They don't have a head chef yet and I would bet they are letting the three sous chefs try and find a groove. The menu now is predominantly American with fire oven pizzas and a raw bar/seafood. They offer alot of trendy ingredients such as fiddle heads, kale and rapini. I had steak tartare for $14 and a sausage pizza for $16. The tartare was anything but predictable. No egg or onion or capers. They used currants (too sour) in place of capers and celery leaves and a red oil. A shattered cracker topping of pounded and dried sardine. The crostini were a little too thick. Nice plating. A nice attempt, but, I prefer the traditional method. The pizza was a little tough and burned (just a half minute too long). It was topped with shaved fennel, savory sausage, chard, manchego and dollops of fresh mozzarella. It could have used a tad more mozz and probably tomato sauce. It doesn't have to exist without tomato sauce to be fancy. It was a pretty big pie. The rest of the menu was intriguing. They had a good craft beer and wine selection. Sodas were only $2. They didn't big time me at the hostess desk though I was dressed from my trip from Canada and unshaven and had no res and the place was kind of full. The crowd was a good mix of ages and mostly affluent. The staff was well schooled, polite and efficient. They were dressed in grey button downs and ties. The stemware and cutlery were hip. It has an open kitchen. The place seats about eighty. All in all it was great surprise and I really hope they survive for years and years. Alot of love, thought and effort seem to have been exhausted in bringing this place to fruition. Not many things make the drive to Baldwin Park desirable. However, this may be the thing. If this is their potty training phase, I can't wait for ... (this is an unfortunate analogy and I'll stop myself here). I would have liked a better name. It's kind of unevocative. Maybe there is a good back story.

Caddyshanks - Had a beer at this bar/pub that has been open for four years. Fine. Like an adult arcade that doesn't look like a Dave and Buster's. It is across from Osprey.

There is also Gator's down the street. I've eaten at other locations, so, they won't be reviewed.

Lechonera Latina, Curry Ford Rd

I ate at this Latin restaurant on Curry Ford Rd near Michigan (or what it turns into when it hits Curry Ford) two Sundays ago. I had a pernil (pulled pork) sandwich for $6. It was fine. Pressed. They have your typical fare. Sandwiches, stews (that land crab one too), soups and platters. I can't remember how long they have been open, but, I think it is less than a year. The place is spartan. You go to a buffet counter where most of the items are displayed and order and take it your seat. It all depends on the food and I didn't order enough of the good stuff to judge.

Grub Crawl - Downtown: Spice Burger (Closed), Isla Verde by V (Closed), WOB, and Lozada's Cafe

I went to these places Friday night. I took Sunrail there.

Spice Burger - They are under the movie theater at Church and Orange. They have been open for five months. I had a traditional burger for $6. The meat tasted like it was mixed with organ meat (gamey). The bun was good. The greens were fresh. It was a smallish patty. It came with a huge helping of fries. They coated them in that starch garbage, yet, somehow this time it wasn't terrible. It's your typical me-too, chain ready, gastro-burger place. It looks like they all do. Nothing that hasn't been done to death before.

Isla Verde by V - This is right next door to Spice. It has been open for one week. It's a Latin, Mexican, Brazilian restaurant. I just had their shrimp in hot sauce (I think they called it something like ala V) for $5 and a beer. The shrimp were probably frozen (softish texture). They were a good medium size. The sauce just seemed like it was straight out of a bottle. The place has fairly shoddy construction work. They have a two story band area. I was intrigued by a land crab stew.

WOB - I tried the newish location on Lake Eola. I love this location. Near Stardust. It had a better crowd than all their other locations combined. Actual girls who didn't look like hipster boys. It was packed. They have a great outdoor area. Still queer about hiding the damage their goods will do to your wallet.

Lozada's Cafe - This place is on Magnolia near the courthouse. It replace a bakery that replaced a.... The owner (young) has some back story with Undercover Boss. He seems to be conscientious. I just had a shrimp empanada ($3.50) and some mozzarella sticks ($2.50) for the train ride home. The shrimp looked like the dried stuff I feed my fish. The dough was freshly fried while I waited. The mozzarella tasted weird. Spongy. Like it was vegan or something. 4 sticks. Freshly fried. The rest of the menu is kind of boring. Sandwiches, etc. The Mediterranean place next door has already closed.

I'll end with a critique of Sunrail. The last train leaves way too early. It takes a long time to get there and back. You can't wait for the ride home to end. It doesn't stop at Church Street but one block down. I heard tales of how screwed people were when it hit a car earlier in the week. They had to wait until the Fire Department accounted for every one and people had to wait hours or call Uber to rescue them. The buses that drop you off at locations in town weren't there at last call. You still have to drive home when they drop you off, so, it's not much of a help if you want to use it to avoid a DUI.

Pub Crawl - I Drive: Tin Roof, McFadden's, Cafe 34 Istanbul (Closed), Drip, King's and Toby Keith's I Love This Bar (Closed)

I went to these bars last night.

Tin Roof - I went just for a pre-dinner beer and stayed for some apps. It's below the new ferris wheel. They have been open for two months. It's a chain from Nashville. They tout live music. After I got swindled into a $7 beer, I forgave them (because of the menu) and tried calamari and pork rinds for $9 and spiced bacon popcorn for $3.50. The calamari was soggy. The breading fell off. The pork rinds were very good. They outnumbered the squid three to one. The whole serving was small (in a little pail). The popcorn (black kernels) was very good. The bacon in it was meaty and crisp. It came in the same little pail. The place has a huge American Flag painted on wood planks in back of the stage. It has a ramshackle appearance. Not much of a crowd at eight. There is a four or five level, free, covered garage for the places here. The menu had alot of unique plays on traditional dishes. Not your typical paint by the numbers menu for a chain.

McFadden's - A large Irish bar that just opened seven days ago. It's behind Tin Roof in the strip Mall that has Sleuth's. Nice staff. I just had a $5 PBR. Empty. Vanilla Ice is coming on Aprill 11 I think. Another free parking lot in this strip mall.

Cafe 34 Istanbul - I decided to ditch my original dinner idea and have a Chicken Donner Gyro here. The chicken was dry and tasteless. The pita was from a bag. It cost $9. The fries were good and saved the meal. It's hard to compliment this cuisine in general because it's just (over priced) bad meatballs or chunks of flesh served with dips of gross vegetables (not a powerhouse location for produce), but, this basic dish underwhelmed. There was only one guy doing all the work. Most people seemed to be there for the Hookah terrace. They are next to Hanamizuki. I think they said they opened in January. Open until 3am.

Drip - This is a bar that has a nightly performance art spectacle that showers the audience in dye. Dancing is also involved. Good thing I didn't go here first as planned and missed the spray. It's literally in the back of the Denny's near Howl at the Moon. I had a $5 beer (ok selection) and would have stayed to chat with the leftovers from the show, but, the lot I parked in made it seem like a towing was eminent. I think they said this has been going on for two years.

King's - I went back to the Cafe 34 strip mall to look into this bowling alley/bar. It's really nice. However, I'm sure that the owners feel like Louis Roederer or Tommy Hilfiger if you get my drift. Who knew black people have to bowl?  I had a $6 beer. I think this is fairly new.

Toby Keith's I Love This Bar and Grill - This is on the other end of I drive in the Artegon Marketplace. someone invested serious coin in this behemoth. It was empty at midnight. It looks great. They had a seemingly professional band playing for about twenty people. They didn't put prices on their menu. The drink were weird concoctions of moonshine and fire ball whiskey. There is a huge guitar ceiling. Lots of wood and aluminum siding. A young Mama June and a bartender with a short wig and cellulite sticking out of her Lee booty shorts were there. This could be an epic failure if the crowd is always like that.

Grub Crawl - E. 50: Jet's, Smashburger, Tomasino's and Peteys

I knocked out these misfits on Wednesday after my first choice turned out to be in Japan on vacation. They are all on 50 near the Mall.

Jet's Pizza - This is a chain, conveyor belt pizza place ala Wing Zone that just opened in November. It's next to Kabooki Sushi. I had a Sicilian slice that turned out not to be half bad. It was a slight bit smaller than the usual slice. It had an almost deep dish-like crisp bottom. It cost $2 and came with four circles of pepperoni (Hormel-ish). They hail from up north. I think this is the first or second branch here. They also have no pizza dishes.

Smashburger - I've eaten at this chain in NYC and San Diego. I had a classic burger for $5. It's ok. The veg was a little wilted. Nice bun. The burger isn't as good as Shake Shack. I think it replaced a place called Broadway Burger. They serve chicken too.

Tomasino'sPizza - This is in the strip mall that has Total Wine. It replaced another pizza place two years ago. I had a slice of pizza for $2. It was good. Thin (crust too) with natural sauce, They have pasta, wings, subs and baked specialties. They have a pizza eating challenge. They have another location on Red Bug.

Peteys Pizza - This place is in the strip mall across from the Total Wine strip mall. It has been a few pizza joints before this owner (two years now). The slice ($2) had burnt cheese and the sauce was salty (marinara). The slice was too thick. They make stromboli, calzones, subs, seafood, chicken, eggplant and pasta. A typical menu.

Doug and Lil's Potato Patch, DeLand

I had a really good egg, ham and cheese sandwich to go here two Sundays ago. It cost $5. A lot of ham that actually touched the griddle (that's a proper use of the word actually and not a superfluous add on girls). It's right in between Stetson and their stadium on Woodland. They say it is year 16 in business. It was packed or I would have sat down. The place is, let's be honest, a dump. It's an old-fashioned cafe in something that was probably once a home. A big, prototypical Southern cafe menu. They only accept cash. Prices were good. They close at 2pm. Closed on Monday.

Grub Crawl - Winter Park: Umi and Parkview (Closed)

I went to these two places on Park Ave after Brass Tap two Saturday's ago.

Umi - This place near the 7-11 has been a host of Japanese places over the years. This version is pretty good. I had 2 pieces of salmon ($4 each), squid (listed as $2 each but they tried $4) and tuna ($3 each) nigiri. The salmon was ok. The squid was excellent (snappy, firm). The tuna was ok (tasted of lemon). They prepared their rice properly. Firm kernels/grains and not too vinegary. I also had two things from the robata. Tsukune (two meat kabobs at $4) that gave me a little indigestion and bacon enoki ($6) which consisted of six bacon wrapped morsels. Prices were a little all over the place. Who has salmon more than tuna? I just realized they hosed me on that one too. It says $3 for salmon on take out menu. They price sushi by the piece, but, you have to order two minimum. Lunch is not so special at $14 and $16 for very meager portions of sushi or sashimi. I don't feel like parsing the menu. Just go and be selective. The chef/owner is Korean. There is some cross over. The place looks the same. They have some unique imports. It was better than I expected.

Parkview - It was a wine bar. Now it is a wine/beer bar. They have a Wellington on the menu and I keep saying I'll try it and I can't work it in. Could only work in some terrible barrel aged beer this time as well. Similar to what it was. Maybe a bit more experimental. It looked like it was in the hands of a Polish family now. Cute girls. I left at 11pm because of a road trip to Texas that started the next day at 9am.

Pub Crawl - Mills Park: Segafredo and Brass Tap (Closed)

I guess Virginia and Mills is now Mills Park. I went to these two new bar/restaurants about a week ago on Saturday night.

Segafredo - I tried to find something on their boring beer and wine menu, but, settled for a coffee. I finger high pour in a porcelain shot glass. It cost $2 and looked like dip juice. Tasted burnt. I will give them kudos for the piece of chocolate and shot of water it came with. Let's get this out of the way. I don't get coffee. I associate it with second period craps in between classes in high school. I've tried to get with the program. If I want caffeine, I'll have a Coke. It's cool and refreshing. Cold (and sugar) wakes you up not hot. I don't want black soup as a beverage. I can do it with a Grappa or some Cognac at the end of a meal, but, that's it. You people act like it is Cocaine. The food selection was likewise uninspired. It looks ok. A little "chainey" not in a Dick type of way. They have a deck on the ceiling (was tented b/c of rain that night). I assume that chicks (especially those who can't differentiate real sophistication from manufactured) will dig this place and guys (who don't own a Vespa or skinny jeans) will prefer their next door neighbor.

Brass Tap - Introducing "the neighbor". I wanted to hate this place. I clenched my fist in anger over another "craft" bar. The band wagon has left the station! Yet, they may have it down perfectly (or acceptably). Take all the strong points of their competition and they may have the most check marks in the most boxes out of all of these places. The beer selection was pretty large and diverse. Wine was less impressive, but, not a toss out. Prices were good to cheap. The food looked ok and had one or two unique items. They actually listed their prices. The place was a good size and the acoustics were alright. No beatnik acoustic guitar dweeb to have to do a Bluto (Animal House reference) on. Staff was knowledgeable. Crowd was washed and sociable. The have sports on the TV's. I can't remember where they started, but, this is the only Florida (maybe CF) location. They have twenty or so locations. Parking is a bitch.

Mynt, Winter Park

I had lunch at this new Indian restaurant in Hannibal Square a little over a week ago. It's a sister restaurant to Saffron on Sand Lake. I was pleased. I had a Bhuna Shrimp lunch special for $13. Other lunch specials were cheaper (by $2-3). It all came together in little stacked, polished steel serving bowls. Bowl one was a healthy lentil soup (not gooey or over-salted). Bowl two was a potato and pea samosa, Not greasy. Bowl three was basmati rice. A little dry. Bowl four was the shrimp in a tomato/ginger sauce. The shrimp (3) were big and firm. "Nice restaurant" shrimp. The sauce was robust. When you added in the fresh (nice) Naam and the Papadam, it was an excess of food. And good rice pudding for dessert. The menu is a cut above most Indian places (in quality and design). I'm sure if you asked them they would say they are trying to refine the rustic Indian experience. Surprisingly, the prices are still within reach or parallel with some of their less innovative rivals. The lunch menu offers a decent selection of items available at $10 to low teens. And the dinner menu peaks at $30 for a lamb shank and $28 for a whole sea bass or $24 for King Prawns. The low mark is $18 for kebabs and some chicken dishes. I didn't include vegetarian dishes in the discussion. The chicken dishes may be high, but, the lamb is the same price. Apps are $5-$10. I usually go for lunch in any case because I find Indian a little over priced. All you can eat lunch buffets have spoiled me. The place is tiny. It seats about twenty. It is located in what was a French restaurant and then some farm to table place (across from Dexter's). It's decorated with a neo-lavish minimalist elan. Service was good. I went late and it was raining, so, it wasn't very crowded. They have been open for two months. I didn't love the three dollar sodas.