How To Get A Good Table In A Restaurant Tutorial

This was also in yesterday's post (Melissa Malamut).

It basically boiled down to be a regular or family or grease the maitre d' ($20 to $50) or dress to the nines.

Best tables: Visible from the door, but, far away enough from the draft. I was taught that the corner tables were the best. I believe the one diagonal from the door (if other factors don't interfere) was the best and the one in the left hand corner was the second best. The article didn't mention that.

Worst tables: Near the door. Near the bathroom. Near the kitchen. .

Online: Open Table and Resy (some places) let you chose tables (in a general sense - like patio or bar area). You'll have to confirm. I won't use them.

Other tips: Schmooze on the phone. Arrive on time.


And I have two recommendations that work for me. Go at weird hours and/or just ask for the table you want. You can always threaten to bolt if they big time you (reserve this for when/if the place is empty and you don't look homeless). At certain places and certain locales the dim wit at the hostess desk may not know what is a good table is.

I remember a mafia or spy movie where the lead character always took the table in the corner which had all the sight lines and was away from ambush points and windows. Factor that in if it applies. And memorize all the points of ingress and egress and items within reach that can serve as weapons or shields. Bring along a food taster if practicable. And for God;s sake check the back of the toilets for taped up hand guns. Tape yours under the table like Han Solo.

White Truffle Tutorial

Here are some tips from yesterday's article in the NY Post (Steve Cuozzo).

Season: October through December.

Price: In 2018 they are running at $7 a GRAM in a restaurant (someone once told me a gram is the size of an M&M). The usual serving size is 10 grams. The article said that the price depends on the quality and they have heard of places charging double that because the source was better. They cost twice as much last year.

Ordering: You can ask them to weigh it in front of you. Ask when they came in. They lose their smell and flavor very quickly. Decline if more than 24 hours old.  I'm not sure how this really helps unless you ask the follow up question of when they were picked. Ask to see them. Anything smaller than a golf ball is a no go. The smaller the surface area, the quicker they lose their lustre. Seems counter-intuitive.

Cooking time: Zero. They must be served raw. Black ones can be cooked.

Characteristics: Even top chefs disagree. They combine 120 different aromas. Some include - Parmesan and roasted garlic or mushroom or bark or wet leaves.

Warning: Avoid white truffle oil. It is just olive oil and a chemical compound (2.4-Dithiapenatane).

Lai-Lai Chinese Cuisine, Orlando

I was looking for a place called The Noble Smokesman in the area last Wednesday afternoon. When I finally found it, it had a note on the door that said they were relocating. Too bad the reviewer at the Orlando Weekly wasn't apprised of this fact before (or after) he wrote about it. At least it wasn't conveyed to me in subsequent issues. Therefore, I was forced to audible. I had nothing concrete on my list, so, I decided to finally try this Asian spot on OBT in between Sand Lake and Oak Ridge (Southland Blvd). I've passed by it for years. They said they have been there for 33 years. It's nothing special. But not value less. I had the buffet because they pushed it and I wasn't planning on Asian food and it only cost $6. Plus it looked alright. It was. I tried the egg rolls, spring rolls, chicken with broccoli, fried pork, honey garlic chicken, kung pao chicken, pepper steak, pork lo mein, fried rice, white rice and the fried chicken. The fried chicken was the best. So fried. Sometimes you get that because it's the second or third time out and they refry it every day. The chicken wasn't dry enough for that. I think they just know how to do it. Thighs and drums. I had eight pieces. Take that KFC or Popeye's. Already saving money by eating here instead of there. The second best thing was the chicken and broccoli. Kind of like Moo Goo Gai Pan. I think the Moo or the Goo means mushrooms. Gai is chicken. So, this was that with broccoli instead. The rolls were what you'd expect. The pepper steak (just had one piece) was very tender. The fried rice was bland. The white rice was properly cooked. The lo mein wasn't too greasy. The other dishes were on par or better than most take out plus Chinese places. I just had a taste, so, it's not worth analyzing. There were three soups, a full dessert section and other dishes in the buffet. They have the full Chinese menu and a full sushi menu. The place isn't new or fancy. Basic wood tables, etc. It is clean. The two ladies working there were very nice. It is a great value. I'm not sure if it should be on your culinary to do list, but, it is a real value for those in the area. Maybe an option if you are going to the mall (or strip club I guess). If I lived near there I would go once a week. Seven times if I was bulimic.

*I stopped by a new French place (La Boucherie) on Turkey Lake Rd to see if it had opened. They said they opened on December 6th. I think the spot was a Graffiti Junction. It still look like it might be closed. I found the pricing a bit steep. I will be in to see if it is worth it sooner rather than later. They renamed the PGA golf place across the street something Greek.

Grato, Lake Mary (Moved to Winter Park)

I stopped at this Italian restaurant in the strip mall on Lake Mary Blvd and Rinehart (has the Burger Fi) yesterday. It seemed to be under construction for a year and finally opened three weeks ago. It was great. You know I usually take no joy in trying yet another Italian option, but, they may replace F&D as my Lake Mary fave. The place looks appealing. The menu is great. The execution was spotless. The service was friendly. The prices were reasonable. They even played background music (mellow Sinatra) at a unobtrusive volume. I had something from the lunch menu. It is less expansive than the dinner, but, not a four or five item cop out. I had the Italian Mac and Cheese for $12. I just saw an episode of 3D and Kid Rock took him to a place where they claim to have the best mac and cheese. It must have been on my mind. And then I saw Italian sausage and I had to have it. It had plenty of diced up sausage along with a blend of gooey cheese and sliced garlic and orecchiette and bread crumbs. A nice combo. Perfect portion size. The pasta was toothy. Sun dried tomatoes added some contrast to the savory elements. They also added some thyme or oregano. It wasn't salty. It came with some fairly good reheated rolls. The soda glass was large. They had other things like pizza and subs and meats done alla francese, marsala, etc. I saw a huge burger being delivered to another table. I was there at two pm and it was still about a third full. It seats about sixty in the windowed main room (with a bar) and thirty on an outside patio. The decor is more modern casual French or American, but, it works. Lots of wood. Black palette. everything is new. They have one of those sliding farm door at the rear. The kitchen is pretty much out of sight. The wine list wasn't picked by the distributor. It had some interesting options. Same with the hard stuff. Mostly well chosen. The beer seemed to be widely distributed craft options like Shocktop. The pizza area is up front. I think you can grab slices to go. The dinner menu has sixteen items ranging from burrata to carpaccio to chicken wings to some sliced sausage ring and fennel and broccoli rabe thing called Meeker Ave. If they were really serious they would dump things like mozz sticks and wings, but, it makes the place more accessible and it doesn't seem to hurt the authentic stuff. Pastas like cacio e pepe. While not mixed in a wheel of cheese, it is good to see that some one in this town has heard of it and is offering a version. It's one of about a dozen pastas. Sixteen including "classics". There are four fish dishes and four chicken dishes and four veal dishes. Six beef/steak dishes. Four salads. Two soups. Five heros. Five calzones/stromboli. Seven desserts. They even have a kids section The highest priced thing is steak at $33. Fish is in the low $20's. Pasta in the teens. A 10" pizza is $8. a 14" is $13. I thoroughly intend on coming back and it will be on my "favorites" list. Very surprising. Very welcome. I couldn't find out much if anything about ownership or the kitchen.

*11/25/2018 - I returned for dinner and it was less inspiring. My cacio e pepe tasted of neither. Nor seasoned. I tried a piece of a friends chicken dish and the chicken was rubbery. My salad came on a frigid plate that denoted pre-assembly and staging that you see at catered affairs. It tasted similarly The mussel soup was also unseasoned and bland. The calamari was good. The chicken wings were bland. The salmon looked unappealing (over cooked). They didn't serve bread. I'll chalk it up to Thanksgiving weekend fatigue. I'll give them one more shot to get back on my good side. Place was packed though.

**12/12/2018 - I grabbed their two slice and a drink special today. The pizza was good. They get back into my good graces.

Geni's Philly Steaks, Longwood - Closed *MI/OH Travel Notes

I grabbed a cheese steak to go at this deli next to Lyman High School yesterday. I even forced it to sit until dinner and it was still very good after a good nuke. The meat was cut paper thin. No fat or gristle. Grilled. The cheese oozed into it. Diced white onion. Ok roll. Surprising. It cost $7. They also serve wraps, sandwiches, breakfasts, quesadillas, burgers, salads, gyro sand subs. I would not have had faith in their ability to deliver on those, but, now I have reason to believe. The place is a little dingy and short on decor. Not a destination, but, maybe a fail safe if you are in that part of town. Perhaps at Hourglass Brewery or something. It has been open for two years. I think they said they replaces something called Jelly Belly's. Question - is Geni multiple Genos?

*A few recipe ideas I came across while in Ohio and Michigan. Black bean and plantain soup with monk fish. Cream of potato soup with sea bass. A riff on chowder.

*Travel Notes - Michigan and Ohio: Here a few places to try if you go. North Market in Columbus OH (Hot Chicken Takeover and The Fish Guys. I also tried a place called Dirty Franks. Krazy Jim's Blimpy Burger and Maize and Blue Deli in Ann Arbor. Supino Pizzeria near Eastern Market in Detroit. Golden Fleece in Greektown had a voluminous gyro. I also went to a bbq chain (they say it's in Florida) called Mission BBQ. It was surprisingly good.

Jinya, Thornton Park

Today I had lunch at this ramen bar on N. Summerlin Ave (near the 7-11). It opened a few months ago. It is part of a chain that started in LA. I had a Jinya pork bun for $4 and a Sukiyaki Q bowl for $14. The bun was ok. The place on Mills is better. The bun was a little moist. Like it had been defrosted. The pork wasn't oozing umami. The ramen bowl was ok (lacked contrast). The place in Chinatown has better. The pork broth was very viscous. Adding hot sauce didn't help. They put too much onion in and it tasted like it had been battered and that batter disintegrated into the broth making it even pastier. What there was of the beef was very fatty and cut into indigestible long strips. The "six minute" egg was cooked around that. Not cut in half. Unnecessary in this one note (savory) compilation. The noodles were ok. You can add another helping of noodles for $2.50. I was watching a show last night called Food Flirts. They learned how to make ramen noodles. It's simple. All purpose flour, salt, water and some kind of liquid baking soda. I think I'm more likely to make my own noodles than try this spot again. I guess slicing raw fish and steaming beans isn't rocket science either, but, I just don't get the hysteria over these things. They also have "tacos". But, they are $6 a piece. Most ramen bowls are $13. They try and pimp you to add in add ons  They have a few rice dishes and some other Japanese go tos. They have a fairly large sake and craft beer selection. Some wine. The place seats 16 in the back, 14 right in front of that (communal high top), 8 or more at the bar (moving forwards towards the entrance) and a few tables at the door. The color scheme is red (brick wall) black and wood. They have some fake green grass on the walls. Glassless, iron ceiling fixtures. It looks like a hip izakaya. Service was good. However, the bus boy just scraped the dirt (etc) onto the floor and seats and used a paper towel (no disinfectant) on the table. It was about half full. A "bun" place failed around the corner just recently. This is kind of the same menu. It will be interesting to see how different this appeal will be to the neighborhood. I would like it at half the price. At this price I want a "real" meal.

Dajen Eats, Eatonville - Closed

I had lunch at this vegan spot on East Kennedy Ave on Thursday. I had a one meat (chicken) entree with beans and rice (can have salad) for $9. It was good. The rice was over fluffed and overcooked. That seems to be par for the course at Jamaican places. It had a fruity sauce mixed in. That added to the mushiness. The beans were done properly/ The chicken was good. Too good. It was air fried. I swear it wasn't tempah or whatever they use. It had "strings" when you cut it up. I think it could have been real chicken. But, this is a vegan place. Maybe they accommodate others? They also had a beef option. Four in all. Make sure you ask if you go. The chicken serving was small. One, coaster sized unit. The place looks like a cute book store. It had some honkies in there. It is on the main street through town. I came from the Maitland side. You go down some road off Orange (Copper Rocket intersection) and that road became Kennedy near the Birds of Prey Sanctuary. I'm not sure how long they have been open, but, I think it is recently. At this location anyway. They said they had been at Lee Rd and Edgewater or whatever they call it when it runs through Lee). They do breakfast.

*I think I have failed to mention a food item that I had in Germany. It's a great franchise opportunity. It was called a schneeballen. That means snowball in German. It is a ball of pastry strips layered into a ball and deep fried. Then they top it with powdered sugar and it looks like a snowball. Now they have many varieties of them. Some with the inside space filled.

Kai, Winter Park

I had dinner at this Asian Street Fare restaurant on Wednesday. I had LeGit Wontons for $7 and Legendary Garlic Noodles with Shrimp for $10. The wontons were boiled or poorly steamed. Sticky/tacky skin.  5 pieces. A pork and shrimp mix that you would think I would know by now basically means pork. They were served in a lemongrass and sweet fish sauce. They were ok. They have a spicy version at the same price. The noodles are an ode to some "famous" ones in San Francisco. The chef said Crustacean. I think they do a dungeness crab one. I'm not sure if that is what they use here. They are what they purport to be - garlic noodles. There is so much garlic in there that I reserved a third for the next night and added another bowl of pasta and I still have some garlic left over. And I overdosed on the intake at both seatings. I'm sure that is how it is meant to be and it didn't effect me in a bad way, but, it just seemed so decadent. The garlic is sweet. It is garlic and oil. The shrimp were ok. Probably frozen. Small to medium size. Around seven. Their crab version costs $15. The menu is small. An egg roll, soup, wings, fries, tacos and a curry dish. Four more options at lunch. This is the fourth time I've been to this spot (a strip mall near Howell Branch Rd). The kitchen is against one wall. They repainted in gray and black. Some wood elements. It seats about twenty. You order at a counter. It's casual. I liked the ethos. I'll probably go back. I like the variety. It's like a food truck. Kai means chicken in Thai if you were wondering. I think they opened this summer. Closed on Monday.

Dancing Pigs Deli, Belle Isle (Closed)

I had lunch at this deli on South Orange Ave a little over a week ago. I had a pork taco and a "steer" sandwich. The taco cost $3. The pork was of a pulled variety. It was good. They loaded it up like an American would. That was a bit sloppy. Generally acceptable. The sandwich was made up of their in house roasted beef with grilled onions and goat cheese. The combo wasn't really working until I broke down and tried the jus. I thought it was a culinary mismatch, but, it tied the bland cheese and meat together. And I guess now is the time to remind everyone that it is jus (as in juice) not "au jus" which means "with juice". So, one does not have "au jus". One has "jus" or orders the sandwich with juice (au jus). The roast beef was very rare. It was sliced to thick for my taste. It was also a little gray (old?).  The roast beef at Jersey Mike's (for example) is better in comparison. The sandwich was sloppily constructed. One side had almost all the onions. The cheese was smeared around the edges. It came with a side. I chose potato salad. It was the best thing.  It cost $8. They also serve hot dogs, salad, soup and sides. They have around sixteen sandwiches. Things like: muffaletta, Cubans, reubens, Italian beef and beef on a weck. They say the get bread from Buffalo, Tampa, NY, NO and Philly. They make pastrami, lamb, turkey and pork. The place is small. A few tables. Seats around eight. It is hard to pick up off the road. Next to and abandoned gas station in a strip mall. They sell little finished goods in the store. They have been open for three years. Probably not a destination spot.

*A few recommendations if you are going to NYC - Juliana's Pizza (under the Brooklyn Bridge) any pie, Jacques Torres Chocolates (under Brooklyn Bridge) flour less chocolate cake for $3, Epicerie Boulud (Lincoln Center) breakfast sandwich with ham, The Casbah food cart (Lincoln Center) lamb gyro for $4, and Parm (71st and Columbus) chicken parm.

**Can some one tell me why my blog doesn't come up even in the first page of results on the search engine that owns the blog company I use and it comes up number one on Duck Duck Go? Thanks Google.So glad I didn't choose Word Press.

Arooga's Grille House & Sports Bar, Winter Park - Closed

I tried this fairly new sports bar on 436 near University Ave (next to Full Sail) today at lunch. It is the only "southern" location to date. The chain is based in Harrisburg PA. I had a meatball sub because the rest of the lunch special menu was just as uninspiring and I didn't want to pay twice as much for something off the regular menu. *Side note - I was planning on trying a new Asian street food place nearby, but, they are closed on Monday. The special cost $9 and came with fries (a side) and a soda. It was an ok sub. Only long enough to hold four, golf ball sized meatballs. If you told me they buy them by the bag full, I wouldn't be surprised. Not bad. Just not special. They tried for a little pizazz with the presentation by angling the two halves and making the cheese spill out. The fries were those gross battered kind. They have burgers, ribs, salad, Mexican, wraps, quinoa bowl, etc. Some fun things like pierogis, vegetable kielbasa and a donut grilled cheese. There are tvs all over. Two super sized ones. It is split into two sections and a patio. The front section has the bar. The color scheme is gray, red and black with wood. High, exposed ceilings. It seat over 100. Service was fine. As good as the others (Duffy's, Gator's, etc). They serve most nationally distributed "craft" beers. The wine selection was poor. They serve cocktails. It does what it is meant to do.

Grub Crawl - Parramore: Jesse's Rib Shack (Closed) and Bulgogi House

I tried this two fairly new restaurants, within walking distance of each other on 50 just west of I-4, yesterday at lunch. The odd thing is that both sites have held the other type of cuisine at some point in the past.

Jesse's Rib Shack - Jesse is not a friend. Nor has he always been a good friend of mine. He serves small portions or mis-priced, amateurishly cooked, backyard bbq. I tried the rib and chicken plate. No sides. Some lame white bread. The ribs (3) tasted like pork chops. I don't think they used a smoker. They tasted steamed. Either they baste too often or they inject the ribs with fluid. In either case they have a boiled/steamed texture and taste. No bark. No liquified fat. Hardly "fall off the bone". The meat (what there is of it) clings on for dear life. You have to use your teeth to rip it away. I'm not sure if they are going for a Carolina style (and if that is not smoked - I forget - I think not), but, the sauce was tangy. One rib had no meat. One had some. One had what you'd expect/ The chicken was no better. Maybe worse. It was a portion of a tiny quarter piece. It was smoked. I'm not a fan of that. The meat always seems under cooked and rubbery. The smoke flavor doesn't help. The combo cost $12. Too much for this environment and probably even more costly than better bbq places. I initially was scared of the prospect of coming here. It looked like a half ass attempt and I have suffered through other half ass attempts in the area. However, the place looked clean inside and they finally had a sign. And when they said they had been in business for years and were friendly, I held out hope. Nope on the hope. Maybe at one point this might have passed muster (probably not). Not anymore. Bbq is now a refined art. They are cooking like they have a "World's Best Chef" apron. I don't want to think how awful the seafood is. Probably fried frozen dreck. Too bad. We can always use more bbq. Bad value and worse execution. They have been in this spot (that was once a vegetarian Korean place if I remember correctly) for three months. They moved from around the Citrus Bowl. The inside is all brick. Avoid.

Bulgogi House - They are just after the 7-11. It was a Mexican Korean place right before this. Now it is mainly a cook at your table spot. No connection with the old owners. You can do a full, all you can eat experience for $30 or a more limited one for $20. You get two hours. Around a dozen options at full price. Half  a dozen at the lower price. The meats looked fresh. I had one of the six or so "set" dishes. I had the beef bulgogi dup bap for $13. It was one of the better ones I've ever had. Primarily because they slice the beef so thin. I usually hate this dish because the meat is so inferior. Grisly. Tough. Cheap. Slicing it thin makes all the difference and adds some sophistication to the prep. Something I often find lacking in Korean dishes, They didn't over sauce either. There was alot of meat. The rice was mushy. However, that could be because it sat in a container until dinner. They also provided some bin chon. An odd mix. Macaroni salad. Tomato and onion salad. Broccoli. Kim Chi. And some pickled root vegetable (maybe burdock). The other dishes were two other dup bap and two soups and one stew. It was a three person operation. More people than I expected had found this place out. The interior was bare bones and messy. Tables weren't cleared. Tables were being used as prep stations. But, it was better than I expected and I might go back to try the all you can eat. They have been open since February. They have parking in the back.

Wa Sushi, Casselberry - Moved to 436

I wasn't full from breakfast at Sourdough, so, I got something (lunch) to go at this highly regarded sushi restaurant in the middle of nowhere. It was on my drive home, so, I decided to knock it off the list. I had a rice-less spicy tuna kobachi and a wasabi octopus special. I'm not sure if they forgot the rice or if they do it that way, but, the tuna chunks were fresh. Firm. No cartilage. Decent portion. A bit expensive at $14. I kind of only ordered it so I could make a comment on how this is the original poke. That's what I think. I haven't looked it up, so, maybe they stole it from the Hawaiians. However, that seems less likely. The octopus was fresh (slimy). It was raw octopus in a wasabi sauce. Pretty good. It cost $5. They serve fresh fish. Some from Tsukiji market in Tokyo. They have the usual suspects plus some exotic (seasonal) options. Pricing was on par with mediocre sushi places (who think they are good). Salmon was $2.50 a piece. Tuna was $3. They do rolls. They have lunch specials. They have some hot dishes. Udon and soba. 20 Japanese beers. 10 sakes. The place seats about 60. The color scheme was gray walls and floor (tile) and black ceiling and chairs. The tables are wood. They also sell Japanese grocery products near the register. I'll be back to do it right. I wish it was closer. I'd probably have it in the weekly rotation. They have been open for three years. It in a strip mall at 1285 Seminola Blvd. That is the road that intersects with 17-92 at the "dog track" road. I think it intersects with Tuskawilla on the other side. A hidden gem. Closed on Tuesday.

*2/22/2019 - I went back for dinner and almost dropped a C note (with alcohol). I had blue fin, uni, conch, salmon, surf clam, whelk, yellowtail and some others I forget the English name of (ainame, kuro soi, and madai). I even tested there regular tuna in a tuna roll. Most everything was great. The rice seemed to come apart a little too easily and the cuts were small. But, mostly what I was hoping for. I would suggest you avoid the "special" soy sauce and fresh wasabi. They charge for both and may not make you aware of that.

Sourdough Bread House, Maitland

Today I had breakfast at this Turkish bakery that serves breakfast and lunch (closes at 3:30 pm). I just got back from Greece/Bulgaria and my clock (and appetite I guess) hasn't reset yet. I had the Bread House omelet for $11. It was nice, but like all the other selections, it was about 50% overpriced. It would be considered under filled by most Americans. It had a leaf or two of spinach, some feta and a mushroom or two. It was probably a two egger. It was slightly tough. It came with a large slice of walnut bread with butter and jam and a grape and a half slice of pineapple. The bread was the best part. Nice presentation. The rest off the breakfast menu consisted of a Turkish melange that cost $20 and some other things around $10 (eggs, french toast, avocado toast). The lunch menu had some salads, paninis and plates with assorted meats. All around the same price points. I think their breads cost $7 or $9 a loaf. The decor was trying to be shabby chic/modern. It was kind of girly. It seats about 40. It was empty at 11:30 am. The waiter disappeared without giving me the check. I had to chase down someone. They have been open for a year and a half. I don't see how. It's not bad, Just not a value. It is in a strip mall at the intersection of N. Orlando Ave (17-92) and Howell Branch Road (I think). In between where the Publix is and the McDonialds is. They would have to drop the prices to get me to come back.

Aspendos, Lake Mary - Closed

I went to this Turkish restaurant in the strip mall at 46a and International Pkwy today for lunch. It was called Istanbul. The partners broke up, so, now it is called this. Same everything else though. I had the sauteed lamb for $13. It was very tasty. Peppers, mushrooms, onions in a tomato sauce. The lamb wasn't gristly. A fair amount. More than the veg, The rice was buttery. The name refers to some region in Turkey. If you want more info, find my Istanbul post.

Grub Crawl - Mills/50/Audubon Park: Bites and Bubbles (Moved), Poke Hana and Farm & Haus (Closed)

Yesterday, at lunch, I went to these places north of downtown. The first is in a much turned over spot on Mills (near the Crawfish place). The second is aside Mamak on 50 (near Mills). The third is in the back of the East End Market on Corrine in Audubon Park.

Bites & Bubbles - I've avoided this because I think I've been sucked into this eddy three times in the past year. That and the unimaginative moniker. The next to give it a whirl is the property's owner. He envisions a swanky supper club (I'm assuming) with wine and caviar (read about it but didn't see it) and French cuisine. I experienced an empty restaurant with one foot stuck in the past. I'm not against this. I just hope it is intentional. I'm not sure what was older. The recipes or the music emanating from the sound system. They are doing things like raclette and bananas foster(french toast) and monier sauce. *I checked on the last and some hits came up on the search engine. I thought it was a misspelling of meuniere, and maybe it is. I didn't click through to see what it was. Like I said, I'm not against it. I was kind of hoping to try the raclette (not offered at lunch). But, I'm atypical to begin with and I don't think it is "old is new again". I think it is "old is still old". That's the vibe I felt. It felt more Ian McKellen than Ian Sommerfeld. And that reference is an assumption. My waitress seemed to be a trans man. The chef seemed gay. Not that there is anything wrong with that (and that). I'm trying to put all the evidence in place and what I am extrapolating form it is that this place is intended to be a gayer Maxine's On Shine. In any case, let's leave that be and I'll return to the food. I had a crab cake sandwich for $14. It came on a croissant that I swear tasted of cheese. French fries were an extra $2. They seemed hand cut and were almost crisp. It came with some pickle slices and gherkins. I guess it's not good news when I say i liked the gherkins the best. Crab cakes always seem to disappoint. It didn't help that they use the cheaper crab meat (claw) . I've had worse. It came on a wood cutting board. I've seen reports where they say wood is hard to clean. so, those don't thrill me when I see them. Service was fine. I believe she said she was the owners sister. She was the only employee. The rest of the menu was a burger, a chicken salad sandwich, some expenisve breakfasts and a few other unmemorable items. They have oysters too. A few more intricate dishes at supper. But, it mostly a small bites menu. And most of the bites cost as much as the "meals". I really didn't like that they charged $4 for a soda. Full of ice. No refill. Flat. Poorly mixing syrup. I'm not anymore encouraged by this iteration than all the other failures. They have been open ten weeks and I will predict that that is the half way point. I have often thought that they (all the aspirants) should close the lunch down. I've never seen customers at that time. But, they say they close at 10pm. I can't imagine that their traffic ends at that time. That is unless you are attracting Ian McKellans. The wine list was thought through. 3 to 4 times mark up over retail though. Be ready for a specific kind of evening id you visit here. And I don't see it as a lunch place. Maybe Sunday brunch. *Moved down the street to condo complex.

Poke Hana - They sell poke (and sliders). 5 styles. 4 or so fish. Plus tofu. I had the Maui style with yellowtail for $13. I'm not sure if I received the real McCoy because I was telling them what I wanted in it, but, I was pleased with the result. The yellowtail was fresh. Nice sized cubes. enough. They didn't mix the soy into the rice. I hate it when they do that. The rice was properly cooked. They topped it with some seaweed salad and cucumber salad and some edamame. Served in a recycled paper bowl. They have had their sign observable for many months, so, I was happy when I found out that they finally opened last Wednesday, The place looks modern. Alot of white. Hawaiian decor. Order at the counter. No complaints.

Farm & Haus - It's a little stall that serves mostly breakfast and lunch fare. I tried for a cold zucchini soup because it was the cheapest and I wasn't excited about this experience to begin with. They were out, but, let me order what I wanted at that price. I went with a Whole Burrito (usually $10). It was good. It was composed of chicken, chorizo, black beans, sweet potatoes, avocado and queso fresco. I would do without the sweet potatoes myself. I saw a noodle bowl and a salad being prepared before my dish. Nothing to write home about. They had two awards from some local tabloid framed and on the wall. I don't see who is coming here before work for breakfast (and then voting for them,) but, I guess it's more than the competition gets. If it isn't Russian hackers. I just see what the fuss is about. Not bad, but, not exactly exerting themselves either.

Grub Crawl - Mount Dora: Shiva and Le Petit Sweet

I went to these spots at lunch on Friday. They are on 5th Ave. That is the through street in town that you turn off to get to what most consider the main street in town. Around the theater. I was going to try the Peruvian place, but, it has closed. I have pretty much reported back on all the restaurants in town now. There are couple of iffy places that I may try in the future.

Shiva - I have driven by this Indian restaurant for at least three years it seems. I would be harder on them, but, the owner was nice. I had the meager lunch buffet fro $12 because most dishes are near $20. It had two meat dishes (Butter Chicken and another off menu chicken dish). The butter chicken was bland. The other chicken had traces of chicken. I also tried a mushroom dish. It was the tastiest. They only offered eight options. One was rice. They did serve naan. The place is small. It was empty. It is decorated with Hindu symbols. The ceiling had embossed tiles. They serve mostly Northern dishes. Veg, chicken, lamb, goat and shrimp. I think they consider their identity as up scale. 5th Element eats them alive.

Le Petit Sweet - The window makes them seem as though they are a cake place. They are more. Sweets, ice cream, coffee, tea. I had a lavender cookie for $1 and a pumpkin pie and an eclair for $1.80. The cookie was ok. It tasted more of rosemary than lavender. The pumpkin pie was half of a donut sized cup. It was good. The eclair was smallish. Great flavor in the icing and filling. It looks cute. Very girly. They have been open for four years.

*I will casually mention a place I stopped by on the way. It is in Eustis (more like Sorrento) on 437 and 44. It is called Momiji. I learned of them through a billboard on 46 that is no longer there. I won't go because their prices are high. $6 tuna or salmon sushi. I guess lack of competition will do that. Like I've said, Koy Wan is like $3 more for unlimited. There was also a bbq truck on 437. No name that I could see.

Grub Crawl - New Smyrna Beach: The Half Wall Brewery, Mango Tango, Da Kine Poke and Panhead's Pizzeria

I went to these places on Wednesday. The first one is on 44 before you cross the bridge to the beach. The next two are on Flagler Ave in town. The last is in that older area between the two (near US 1).

The Half Wall Brewery - I was set to try them before the hurricane last fall. That put a stop to that. It has taken this long for me to find my way back. They are located at a spot after the Harley dealership that once housed a similar restaurant called something 44. Now this is a place that brews in house, has food and drinks and show sports. I had their IPA. They brew four styles. It was average. Malty. The hops acted as a mint after a smoke. A masking agent. That cost $6.50. They have a large selection of drafts and bottles. They do flights of other beers, but, not one of their own. Odd. I should have gone with the burgers I smelled in the air, but, I knew they were on the menu for later in the week. I saw a few and they looked good. I went wit a half rack or ribs because I had seen that Reichlen guy on PBS cooking up ribs on a rotisserie the night before. These St. Louis style ribs were small (5 bones), fatty and cold. They came with medium sized battered fries and cole slaw. I usually don't like battered fries. This larger shape was more conducive to the curious preparation. The cole slaw tasted like fish. I hope it wasn't caused by the wrong kind of snapper. Stopped after a bite (load?). The menu is what you would expect and a dash more. They have pork schnitzel sandwiches and pasta. Some seafood. The place is huge. It can seat at least eighty in the front section and eighty in the back. The have a huge patio (misters) and two private rooms. It has a wood cabin feel with HIGH ceilings. Retention pond/lake out back. Mosquito issue? Service was fine. They have been open for a year. It was filling up. They seemed like locals.

Mango Tango Dessert Bar - This is a frozen ice cream/yogurt shop. I grabbed a little pomegranate/cranberry sorbet because I had to have something to knock this off the list and I was parched from hours in the sun. It was like it is everywhere else. It's a clone. You get the deal. They opened eighteen months ago.

Da Kine -Poke - A few stores away is the latest in this four location chain. They opened in June. it replaced some little restaurant. I think some guys name and something about "surf". I had the ahi poke. The tuna was fresh. The rice was cooked properly. I f upped the add ins, but, that is my fault. Should have known mango and sesame oil wouldn't play well. Wanted to get some value for my money. It cost $13. A little annoying because I had 60 pieces (that's right) of sushi at Koy Wan the day before for less than that. The place looks nice. They are open all afternoon. Unlike alot of places.

Panhead's Pizzeria - I couldn't remember if I had knocked this off yet. I think not. I had a personal cheese pizza to go for $6 and their meatballs marinara with foccacia to go for $8. The pizza is a square pan pizza. It tasted like whatever spray the prep the pan with. The crust (the majority) had no flavor. They didn't spread the cheese well enough. It "puddled" in the middle. This made that area soggy. Parts of the dough or cheese formed a "sand" under the cheese in that area. Like tiny cottage cheese curds. It could be better. I didn't like the one meatball I ate yesterday. But, I nuked them tonight and added spaghetti and they suddenly had flavor and texture. I think they add crumbs, cheese and onion to the balls. The marinara was nice. Tomato and basil. Some parmesan cheese on top. The balls were shaped like a medium sized egg. The foccacia was good. They have been open for nine years. They have awards. They have an artisinal sensibility. Whether they always live up to that is up to you (or them on that day). Not bad. It is a small room with a patio on the side. I think they do well. Prices were fine. The menu is mostly pizza. Some variety though. This is an area that most people don't know even exists. There are more and more places opening up every time I pass through.. I believe my receipt says they are at 113 S. Orange St. It's smudged. That is one street from US 1 (I think that would be US 1 - if not then A1A) on the main drag. Where the "fort" ruins or train tracks are.

Grub Crawl - Audubon Park: Redlight Redlight, Bangrak and Bem Bom (Closed)

I went to these places last night. I was just going to try what Redlight is brewing and then I was talked into the pop up and then learned that Bem Bom had finally opened.

Redlight Redlight - I had an IPA. It was good. They even discounted it because it was pouring slowly. $4 happy hour price.

Bangrak - People were jizzing so much over the food that I had to try it. It helped that it is from the Chiang Mai region of Thailand and I have had no conscious knowledge of sampling that cuisine. I had Khao Soi Neva (noodles in a red curry broth with beef) for $13. It wasn't worth half of that. The noodles were chewy (that was a compliment) and the curry was ok. Only three nuggets of beef. And it wasn't overpoweringly good. They also sold three other dishes (tofu, pork shoulder and shrimp and egg in glass noodles). I think they are there alot.

Bem Bom - Here is why you need to read this article. The two year wait is over. It's a tiny place next to the East End Market. An old bank. You can still see the vault. They serve a bizarre Portuguese and Mexican menu. I went with half chicken in peri peri sauce ($12) because it was the most Portuguese and that was what I was expecting. The rest of the menu is mostly Mexican. It is listed under some name, but, I forget it and it's not on my receipt. It was surprisingly good. It was taking so long that I figured the whole night would be a disaster. I was wrong. The chicken was cooked beautifully (on the rare/moist side). It had good flavor. The sauce was nice and the presentation was unique. They give you a little paint brush and "inkwell" to baste the chicken to your liking. It came with fries and a salad. The fries were crisp. The salad was interesting. Not just greens. It was a melange. Hard to describe. Everything was mixed together. Like I said, the food took a while to get to me. But, the main hostess/waitress helped by being proactive. The owner also came over to see if I was enjoying myself. The place is tiny inside (30). It looks cool though. Antique looking colored lights. Tiled wall splashes. Open kitchen. They added patio seats to what I guess was just supposed to be the day time walk up area. That doubled the seating. It was about half full. They were playing Portuguese music. It was a romantic setting. It all coalesced into an enjoyable evening and a nice first impression. Pricing was fair. The menu is eclectic. I will definitely be back. BTW bem bom means good good.

*I want t thank the I-4 Ultimate for murdering more drivers and causing traffic jams. There was a big wreck this night and one going west the day before. Love getting out on those open roads. Maybe if you consider it has to affect the economy, you will do something about it? Can we have a list and photos of those in charge of this tremendous boondoggle?

Pub Crawl - Ivanhoe/Mills: Ivanhoe Park Brewing and Grape & the Grain

I went to these places on or off Virginia yesterday at dusk. The first is on Alden (the turn before or after the tracks) Rd at the edge of Lake Highland Prep school. The second is across the parking lot from the market, etc on Virginia (nearest to 50).


Ivanhoe Park Brewing Co - They said they opened in June, but, the official opening is in a few weeks. I had a flight (blond ale, ipa, porter and witbier). They were mostly good. The ipa was a little bitter. The porter was the best. And I don't love that style. It had good balance. Not heavy. Each 4oz pour was $2. They also sell a few other breweries. I had 2 4ozers of those. I don't recall many places allowing that. Maybe I'm misremembering. The place looks good. It's new. Inside and outside areas. Warehouse-y. They had The Pastrami Project food truck there (how I found out they had opened). They have parking. It seemed like every other person had a dog there. Varied clientele. Fine service. Too few tvs.

Grape & the Grain - Here is another that I missed the memo on. I've been waiting almost two years since they announced. They opened in June. It's just a wine and beer bar. Not special in any way. They have a patio. Some distinct options. It is decorated in copies of Warhol paintings. It looks like a little house. I could swear I saw that a chain in the West has the same name. They said they weren't affiliated with that.

Grub Crawl - College Park: Mr Worldwide Famous (Closed) and Taritine (Closed)

I went to these places on Edgewater Dr at lunch on Friday. The first is located in the Cavanaugh wine (Digress) parking lot. The other is to the north of Princeton.

Mr Worldwide Famous - They opened a month ago. In from outside of New Orleans. Po boys and platters. Shrimp. gator, whiting, red fish and lobster that day. They had red snapper recently. I had the gator po boy for $12 ($1 soda). I wasn't planning on eating here. Just seeing if Digress had metamorphasized yet. They hadn't. will take until late Fall. The gator was very good. Maybe the best I've had. Plentiful. Corn bread batter. Slightly spicy. The cook said you have to cook gator longer than the other things. But, not to long or it gets chewy again. Glad to see he had a plan. They (father and son) get the gator from Titusville. The bun was also appropriate. The veg were good enough. It was supposed to be dinner, but, I couldn't help picking on it on the way to the planned lunch. *They (Cavanaugh/Digress) also have a food truck here called Smoke & Donuts. It serves donuts and bbq. It wasn't open. I think they are going to be the cooks when it turns into Digress.

Tartine - I already stated my displeasure at there Monday and Tuesday closures. I was ready to eviscerate them. Maybe even just get something cheap to go. I'm so glad I counted to ten and put down my gator. It was great. The chef is from the Bordeaux region. They bake all the bread for Croissant Gourmet. The menu was fun, representative and manageable. I went with the coq au vin. It was an odd preparation, but, very good. The chicken wasn't "pieces". It was a boiled roulade of sorts. Not abounding with flavor, but, interesting. The real stars were the mashed potatoes (another non-traditional element) and the jus. The mp were buttery and succulent. The jus was red wine based . Nice flavor. They also added brussel sprouts (not usual) and pearl onions. It cost $15. They provided me with complimentary bread and a tasty basil salted butter. They do the tartines and beef bourgignon and chicken normandy and salads and soups and a few other things (like breakfast). The tartines were piled high with ingredients. They came in twos. Like open faced sandwiches. The wine list was interesting and not laid out by the local wholesaler. Some diversity on the wines by the glass. Mostly French by the bottle. They have some beer too. I'd avoid the $3.50 tiny euro bottles of soda. They also serve a few pastries. They gave me a croissant filled with butter cream and it was good. The place looks nice. I recall black counter tops and a map (in chalk) of France. Lots of windows. A seated bar area and a few tables. It's not very big. Service was engaging. I think I heard every table gushing about their food. Prices are reasonable. The waiter said they have been open for six months. I think it's less than that. It was his first day, so, maybe he was wrong. I'd like to think I didn't let this slip under the radar for that long. They will be on the Favorites list. with all the French closures, it's good to get a quality one back in the rotation.