The Old Jailhouse, Sanford

I tried this American restaurant on South Palmetto Ave tonight. I thought they were kind of new, but, they opened in February. I had Low Country Shrimp and Sausage for $23. It came with collard greens and cheese grits in a sausage gravy. Aside from the price (a shrimp and grits - which this basically is - usually goes for $15), it was very good. The shrimp (5) were medium sized and seemed to be a cut above frozen bag shrimp. The sausage (4 thin slices) was fine. Didn't seem to have too much provenance. The greens were plentiful. A little salty. Stewed in a vegetable or chicken stock. The gravy was thin. Pleasant. The grits were the best component. I was going to order a $24 bouillabaise, but, it only came with a crostini. Those two sides would have added around $10 dollars to the bill if taken as sides. The plating was fine. White dish. Grits in the middle. Boy - Girl Boy - Girl on the sausage and shrimp. Greens at the top of the plate. Gravy moat. The apps were all around $10 and basic. Wings, cheese fries, soup, pork belly, Caesar salad, etc. The mains were all over $20. Sans a burger ($15). Two chicken dishes, steak, fish special, etc. They serve beer, wine, hooch. It seats fifty in the middle room. Twenty on the patio. Maybe more in another enclosed side patio. Eight or so in three different private areas. It is purported to be the site of the old jailhouse, They built on that reputation. It looks Western. Which is cool because I always feel Sanford had a ghost town type charm and should play that up. The interior is white washed, red brick. Black ceilings. Metal fixtures. Gray tile floor. Natural wood tables. Black plethora chairs. Old time photos. A few tvs. Service was ok. They had six or so waitresses/floaters, so, each table had their own server. Mine seemed to get lost more than she should have. The food also wasn't exactly streaming out of the kitchen. They don't do lunch and are closed on Sundays. Seems like an odd schedule for the area. I found it charming and the food was good enough. It will be on the Favorite's List. A slight trim on the pricing or more creativity on the menu would be welcome but not required. It was about a quarter full at 6pm. There didn't seem to be a dress code. Nice addition that I wish I had learned of earlier.

*Sanford has had some turn over. Shannon's is back in a new location up the street. Another place opened in her old location. Seemed different from the last replacement. Zocalo (a new one or a resurrection) is next door. It remember another place with that name on the main street. A bar (Throwbacks) is a few doors down. I forget what it replaces. The "fish" bar is a cigar bar. A Buddha something place is next door. I think it was food. These are all on that street one down from Palmetto (I forget the name). A F&D Italian is opening on the main street into town (also forgot that name).

**Saw a recipe on Cook's County for North Carolina Lemon Pie. It looked cool. Like Key Lime Pie, but, a saltine crust!

***The news said that the I-4 project is almost 260 days behind schedule and has two years left. They tried to say that it will be done by 2012. Late 2021! As in 2022!

Cherish this post because you (all five of you - thanks Google shadow banners) aren't getting a new one for a while.

Proper & Wild, Winter Park - Closed

I grabbed a salad to go at this vegan spot in one of the "locations of death" on Morse (diagonal from Bosphorous) on Wednesday. I believe it was a vegan place two iterations ago. So they either don't think much of history (or past management) or didn't do enough research or really think tastes have changed in a short period of time. The lunch menu is boring. Apps, flatbreads, sandwiches, "burgers" and salad bowls. The dinner "mains" (same menu as lunch with mains in for sandwiches) are more creative. That means they have a pasta and a curry dish and one more burger. I had a Medina bowl for $14. I'm not sure if it was a good thing (because it was so bad) or a bad thing that it was a very small portion. Hardly a half a cup of the star element (pearl couscous). Maybe a fourth. Some rubbery carrots. Charred cauliflower. Acrid taste. The arugula was the best element. It came with a weird tahini like dressing. Every element was bitter. They even added teeth busting coriander seed to the mix. A side shot cup of a harissa hummus (if I'm correct). The designer of this dish is the taste bud equivalent to tone deaf. And I'm judging it as a vegan place. That means it is below soul food in the pantheon of flavor/complexity. They are a branch of another vegan place downtown - Sanctum Café. I can't remember what grade I gave them. In any event, I didn't expect to like this much and ended up liking less than that. It's a shame because it looks cute. Very white, clean and modern. They had some customers. All women and one dude just there to flirt with the girl at the front bar. I'd like to say I won't be back, but, knowing the location's track record, I will. Just under different management. Maybe those who haven't had real food in an eon will find the food more pleasing. Although, I think my dish would disappoint even them and was one of their weaker efforts. Opened recently.

Eola General, Downtown

I tried this market/deli on Amelia near some cross street like Cathcartt (or something like that) for lunch on Wednesday. Near the middle of Lake Eola in between it and 50. They have only been open for four months and already have swapped out the food supplier. So much for the Weekly's review. Why a guy with a week to compose a column is visiting these little establishments lately is confusing. Now (for two weeks) you can get some sandwiches (six or so) on a bagels via Swan City Bagels. I had the Waldorf chicken salad at $9.50. I don't like bagels as a sandwich bread. It really makes no sense when you cut chicken breast into large pieces. You'd have to be a boa constrictor or a Tri Delt to get that thing in your mouth. Even if you split in in halves, the salad spills out all over the place. The salad was also bland. Too healthy. I think they use Greek yogurt in lieu of mayo. And not a lot of it. The bagel was good. Sadly, I could taste it through the salad. Another indication of the total lack of flavor. It came with a side. I tried the potato salad. It was basically three (too large) pieces of red potato with onion and a bushel full of parsley. It was frigid. The potatoes were rubbery. Bland again. I also tried a gimmick they have called a garlic-y pickled egg. It's two pickled hard boiled eggs on a skewer with pickle slices and pearl onions dusted with Everything bagel seasoning. It was nothing to write home about. Sour and salty isn't my thing. Plus old, cold hard boiled eggs aren't either. Maybe a softer yolk would help. It cost $3. They really don't sell much else at the store. Beverages.and some produce. Very underwhelming. I would only go for a bagel with cream cheese. And only if I lived nearby. I am also assuming the cream cheese isn't girly-fied via Greek yogurt or the like. They also have a coffee provider (outsourced). Coffee means nothing to me, so, I didn't commit it to memory.

Bocadillos Cafe, Winter Springs

After the disastrous trip to UCF (read below), I at least had a little luck on my way home. I stopped at this Puerto Rican restaurant on 434 in between Winter Springs and 17-92 and grabbed a steak sandwich to go. It cost $8. It was a pressed sandwich with potato strings, Swiss cheese and mayo. The steak on it's own tasted a bit gamey and grainy. However, the texture and flavor worked when joined by its buddies. I can't guess the cut of meat or the method of preparation. I'm guessing - boiled? It was like tough meatloaf. The serve pork, beef, chicken, shrimp on sandwiches and with mofungo and with platters. They have a special plantain "bun" sandwich. They have a singular fish special. They have wine and beer. Open for lunch and dinner. Seats about thirty. Family run. It's in a mostly (since time immemorial) vacant strip mall behind Vittorio's. Very hard to see from the road. It was a café the last time I checked. They painted it a burnt orange and black. Some painted flourishes on the wall (like the PR flag and their name). They have survived for two years. I believe the name (as I've previously stated) translates to "little bites".

Grub Crawl - UCF Area: Gyroville (Closed) and Omelet Bar

I went to these places at lunch today. The first is on 50 in between 417 and Alafaya Trail in a strip mall. The second is in the shopping area across from UCF (University) near the McDonald's.

Gyroville - I had a traditional gyro for $7. It was junk. This is a fast food chain from South Florida. It's as if someone took the gyro off the Miami Sub's menu and opened a chain that only sells that. The meat is bought formed into a slab. They don't even freshly shave the meat. It's some kind of blend. Spam. Gyram. The other option is chicken. Wings, Greek salad, veggie soup and falafel burger. And that is it. I'm not joking. They also monkey with the sauces. IE Honey Mustard Tzatziki. Ugh. Open since March.

Omelet Bar - I'll review the meal first and then tell you about some concerns. I had a lobster eggs benedict for $12. It came with house potatoes. It was bad. One yolk was already spilled out on the plate. The English muffin wasn't toasted enough. The lobster was not lobster (sharimi blend). It didn't taste good. The potatoes seemed like they had been left out since the morning rush. The rest of the menu is uneventful. Waffles, pancakes, eggs, burgers and sandwiches. Now let's get to my concerns. The first is the "lobster". I had a chat with the manager and he proffered that it is a 60-40 blend that they buy frozen in bulk. This is more than puffery. It is mis-labeling and fraud. They at least need to put quotation marks around the word lobster on the menu or have an asterisk with explanation. He said he suggested this to the owner and was told to zip it. That brings me to me next concern. An owner with that kind of mentality is not one to reward with your patronage. The place's look (water stained ceiling tiles, clutter, etc) also denote a lack of pride. One last concern. The hostess may have meddled with my soda ($2.50 un-refilled). I may have been a bit snippy (to a snowflake) about being asked to sit at the counter and she looked too happy when she came back with my drink. Let's hope it was just spit and she doesn't have mono. As I said, the look is bit messy. Booths. Two sided room. I would submit that almost every other chain (Keke's, First Watch, Broken Egg, etc) is better. They have been open for two years. They close at 2pm. Too bad it's not for good. Surprisingly not a chain.

Juicy Pot, West Colonial *England Travel Notes

I tried this hot pot restaurant in Chinatown at lunch on Wednesday. It opened under a month ago. It looks nice, but, the food is nothing to write home about. I tried a simple hot pot even though I really didn't want it. I chose a veggie broth ($4) and udon noodles ($1) and bok choy ($1). The noodles were gross. Already mushy. Defrosted. The bok choy was fresh enough. They have inset hot plates that they place the broth pot on and you add the rest. I also had a pound of blue crab for $11. Three crabs cut in half. They were boiled. I prefer steamed. They seemed frozen. They didn't give you a tiny fork to pick out claw meat. I also tried a half pound of crawfish. They also tasted frozen. That cost $6. A soda can was $2.50. They also sell all the hot pot add ins and lobster and abalone and some other seafood. I just wish the food was as good as the décor. It's white and modern. Fifteen, four pot booths and a "bar" of single seats that runs down one side of the booths. Four tvs. Some wall murals. Another annoyance was the local r & b and rap station they had on. I'm not a big fan of one imbecilic lyrical line repeated for three minutes. "Let me rub you down". Hard to say which is more annoying - mumble rap or 80's r & b. I also would like them to have held back one of the items instead of bringing everything out at once. Soup was over cooked. Seafood got cold. There were four others eating while I was there. You don't have to rush to sample this place.

*Travel Notes - England: I saw a weird drink at a boba place in Manchester England. Cheese in the boba. I guess it must be powdered cheese? Not much else to mention. Yorkshire pudding wraps in Leeds and York. Black olives on a cc and lox bagel. Some kind of empanada/pasty called a Bridey in Carlisle. I also had a mackerel sandwich in Leeds at Mr Mackerel. They said they are big in Istanbul. So, if you go there try and find them.

F&D Italian Kitchen, Hourglass District

I tried this Italian restaurant on Curry Ford Road (opposite Claddagh's) on Tuesday for dinner. It has been open for seven months. It replaced another Italian spot (Peppino's?) that I evidently wasted my time on just before it closed. I guess this from the F&D people in Lake Mary. Therefore, I'm not surprised that I liked it. I changed a chicken parm or rigatoni Bolognese order to a due carni pizza (sausage and pepperoni) at the last second. I'm not sure what fate would have held if I hadn't, but, the pizza was great. The sole criticism could have been some bubbles (unpounded dough) in the crust. However, it was one of the better pies I can remember having in town. Nice char. Toothy dough with some richness (olive oil). Not tough. No residual flour. Nice and plentiful pepperoni and sausage (hot fennel seed). Thin. Nice cheese. Nice sauce. Not too much. Nice coverage. Some rosemary (maybe in the oil). Bigger than the usual personal size. 10"?. And freshly made. It cost $15. They have a Wednesday special where they sell a margherita for $7 or $8. They sell around ten styles of pizza. An arugula prosciutto pie next to me looked good. Stacked with fresh arugula. They had lasagna and spaghetti and meatballs and mussels served on a flat iron skillet (special price on Monday). Maybe ten more dishes. They serve beer and wine. I think they list the sodas at $2.50, but, my bill shows $3. Maybe they refill. They didn't. *I don't know if I have enough personal evidence/experience to expose a trend, but, this wouldn't be the first time a F&D restaurant billed me for an item higher than the menu price.  They didn't do much to the place. Maybe some paneling and some murals/stencils. I think the old place had their wood burning oven in the same place. It seats thirty (tightly) in the front room and the same on the enclosed patio. Both rooms were full at 6:30pm. They have five or so wait staff, but, they seemed overwhelmed for some reason. All in all, I was very pleased. I will make it a point to come back. F'in delicious.

*I gave one last drive by Never Never Naan. It was closed as usual. That will be my last attempt until some other new place requires my presence in the neighborhood.

Mito, OIA Area

I tried this Japanese restaurant in the new shopping area (Epic Theaters) off 436 on the way to OIA last week at lunch. I grabbed two rolls (yellowtail and salmon) to go for $5.75 and $5.45. They were long, thin, cigar shaped rolls. The rice was properly cooked. The fish wasn't very discernible. They have another location on Narcoossee Rd. They have been here for a year. Who knew? It looks like the typical modern Japanese boite. I remember undulating wall treatments. Bricks. Black tables. Bubbly water tanks. Smallish. Seat about fifty. A fullish menu. Hibachi, katsu, tempura, noodles. Not bad. Next to that Greek place I reviewed a short while ago.

*I just watched half of food show (Lucky Chow with Danielle Chang) on ramen. I appears as if "men" means noodle. They showed a few "in" places. I missed the name of the firstand the second. I believe they were in NYC. The second was in a market. The first was making dry ramen. Masaramen or something that sounded like that. That was intriguing. They also made a wet ramen with an additional (foie gras) dipping bowl. The market guy did a dry one with egg and pork. Plus a mussel broth one. and a tuna one. He incorporated more seafood in his repertoire. The third one was one called Ivan Ramen. He started in Tokyo. And though a gaijin, he became respected. He made one with cheese and pork. He last group was in SF. Ramen Shop (I think). They did all kinds. Some interesting ingredients were: persimmon, a veggie broth one and some kind of bitter leaf vegetable that I'm blanking on. Anyway, it served to increase my curiosity on the subject. And I hope it will inspire the breadth of choices around here. The dry ones looked especially promising. They also pointed out that the noodles taste if often hidden in broth and continue to cook in it (overcooking).

Pub Crawl - Milk District: Southern Craft, Whippoorwill and Iron Cow

I went to these places last night. Early. The first two are on that road that parallels the 408. Near Bumby. The other is where all the other bars are (Robinson?).

Southern Craft - I thought it might be this purported brewery that seems to never have developed. It isn't It is craft beer and cocktail bar. It's small. Cute. They have wall art of baddies from the movies. A woman was warbling with a ukulele. I believe it is a gay bar. Not that there is anything wrong with that and I'm sure they don't discriminate. I think the place around the corner (Southern Nights) is too. Open for two years. Opening another bar next door - soon.

Whippoorwill - They are down the block (away from Bumby) a few hundred feet. A craft beer bar with adjoining coffee bar. They have a bar with drafts and a fridge with cans and bottles. Great pricing. They add a buck or two if you drink it in house. Good selection. Nice atmosphere. Modern look. I think they said "open for seven months".

Iron Cow - We finally met in the middle. Closed when I drove by at 7pm (of course), they were open two hours later. Utterly forgettable. Just a dive bar. Dirty. No food. Cook hadn't come in yet. Said they are working on lunch. It has been two years since they said they were going to do that. They said it. To a newspaper. They didn't have to. Amateurish. At least it is off the list for good now.

*Dinner ended up being Black Rooster because the " bigger" Tako Cheeka (however they spell it) locale said go to the old one. I though they finished retrofitting that other location a long time ago. What is it with the places on Mills? Are the local politicos throwing up red tape? I tried a beef and bacon, kale and other things and pork fat taco. All untried. Pork fat was the best. The others were good too. Long wait though.

**Tried to do dinner at a Vietnamese place near the Arena. It was closed for some reason.

Vera Asian, Lake Mary - Closed

I tried this Sushi Wok and Teriyaki fast casual spot in the shopping center at Lake Mary Blvd and Lake Emma Rd yesterday at lunch. It is by Too Jays. I think it was an Italian place most recently. Now it's an assembly line Asian place. I went with the $8.50 option of chicken (tofu or veggies also at this price point), white rice, asparagus, scallions, broccoli, mushrooms, sprouts and Hong Kong XO sauce. It was fine. The rice was a bit flaky, dense and soggy. It got better as the sauce mixed in and some of the wetness evaporated as it cooled. The veggies could be fresher. You see the guy cooking it up in front of you. Thye also offer shrimp or beef for $10. They have three noodles and two rices. Around ten veggies. Five sauces. They also nine "familiar" dishes (ie Kung Pao Chicken ready if you don't want to craft. They also do sushi rolls ($6-$10). They had egg drop soup as the daily soup. They have around five apps (ie dumplings or spring rolls). It looks new and polished. Hard to believe it is a one off. They have been open for a few months. If you live nearby, it should be in the rotation.

*The sushi maker (I think he's the owners husband or boyfriend) told me he is opening a $150 15 course omikase joint in downtown Sanford soon. Ten people. Two seatings. Who, out there, is going to be the first to report on it?

Grub Crawl - UCF Area: Domu Chibi, Le Crave, Rumaku and Tandoori Bowl

I tried these places at lunch on Wednesday. The first two are near neighbors in the Waterford Lakes shopping area (the first left off Alafaya Trail after 50 and then the first right). The next two are back towards (past) UCF. The last is on the other side of Alafaya in a strip mall seen off the road. The third is just past that on the other side of the road (in a strip mall - on the corner).

Domu Chibi - A fast food version of Domu. They even buy the noodles here. Ramen, rice bowls, gyoza and chicken bites. I had the small shio bowl for $10. Salty chicken stock with mushrooms, chicken thighs, half an egg and thin noodles. It was fine. Chicken was tender. I'm not a ramen guy. Wanted to just escape with an app ($5) , but, I drove all the way here. They only had three cooks. And only one seemed to be in action. It took a lit bit to get served. The chop sticks, etc are by the soda machine, so I don't see why they feel the need to have a deliverer. You just have to get up anyway. They only bring you a spoon. Plus they already have a machine taking the order. It seats about thirty at countertops. It was full. Modern design. I think they opened three months ago. They claim Tori Tori is still in the works.

Le Crave - A creperie with two other locations (Rockledge and somewhere else). Open a year. I had a nutella crepe for $4. It was ok. Underdone and a bit tough. It's a crepe, so it can vary with the preparers level of interest. The also do savory ones. And ice cream. Small foot print. I think the sign said baguettes, but, now I can't remember seeing them on the menu. I think they had drinks too.

*There are three other restaurants on this block - a Greek, FK Kitchen and A Thai Sushi place.

Rumaku - I grabbed a Philadelphia and Spicy Tuna Roll to go. $5.50 a piece. Not bad. Mostly fish with a small "skin" of rice. Long roll. Eight or ten pieces. Not much cream cheese in the Philly Roll. Cured salmon. They also do ramen bowls, a Specialty burger (fried bun), rice bowls, soup, salad and other rolls. Their ramen was $8. Not much décor. A lot of open/wasted space. Some seating to the left, Sushi bar/register on the right. Black paint. Open for two years.

Tandoori Bowl - A create your own meal Indian restaurant. You fill out the request form - meat, rice, sauce, sides, etc. They give you a plate or to go container. I did a small half beef and half lamb on white rice with yellow (cashew) curry, chutney, cauliflower, green beans and feta cheese to go for $9.50. You can split and pay the More expensive meat price. Both meats were tender. It may have been nicer to not have all the components smushed together, but, that's what you get for getting things to go. The place is small. Only a few seats. They have been open for eighteen months. They also have naan. We need more of these Indian to go places. I wanted Indian because I whiffed on Forever Naan again. This time they had a note saying "Medical Emergency". No date or helpful info.

Sette, Lake Ivanhoe District - Closed

I tried this Italian restaurant across the road from Lake Ivanhoe at the Virginia intersection on Tuesday at dinner. Mesa 21 is their neighbor. I believe the last attempt on this spot was called Stir. I had a meatball starter and it filled me so thoroughly that I had to ask for the chicken cacciatore to be put in a to go container. The meatballs (4) were a combo of beef and pork. Squash ball size. Topped with some basil, tomato sauce and ricotta. The ricotta could have been house made. It was very creamy. The meatballs all had differing degrees of done-ness. One was light and perfect. One was dense and overcooked. The other two were in between at both ends of the scale. I'm not sure what accounts for that kind of variation, but, maybe the oven has hot zones. They were decent overall. They serve them over a bed of polenta. It was a bit congealed. More of an aesthetic concern than a taste one. Served in a skillet. The plate cost $11. The portion could be cut in half. They also have: a sausage and a bread basket starter. Maybe a cheese or meat plate? I may be confusing restaurants. Two or three salads. The dishes were $9 to $11. The chicken cacciatore was made with skinned and boned chicken thighs. They were cooked perfectly. I was going to say "beautifully", but I think that is another British misuse of the word. It should be limited to visual observations, right? Anyway. They either buy freshly made fettucine or make their own. It had a noodle-y. consistency. Like spaetzl. It was ok. The sauce was very healthy and mild. More like fresh veggies (olives, celery, tomatoes, etc) than a sauce. They didn't over salt. Another decent portion. It cost $17. It was one of the cheaper entrees. A pasta may have started the bidding at $15. They had some odd things like a pot roast risotto. I remember four or so pastas. A shrimp dish. Eggplant parm. A filet was $39 ($5 an ounce). There was a pork (shank) dish. Lasagna was highly priced. The pricing is whacky. Some things are a relative bargain and some and quizzically over priced. They only have a few off ramps from the high end. They didn't seem to touch the interior. They did turn down the ac. I believe that was an issue I had with one of the other iterations. Service was good. They have a lot of staff. The place was a fifth full. Two rooms and a patio. They have been open for nine weeks. It's run by the Se7en Bites people. Only open for dinner. Some of the concept doesn't quite make sense, but, I find that fun for some reason. I think you'll have a fine time if you try it. Just don't over order.

*A birdy told me that Mesa 21 is closing. Odd timing. Two big residential developments are opening near there.

Fresh Kitchen, SoDo

I stopped by this Florida based healthy food franchise near the Michigan and South Orange intersection south of downtown eight days ago at lunch. I was thoroughly expecting to insert a "u" and a "c" to their FK trademark. It was actually pretty good. It's just bowls or salads, but, the components were good. And there always seems to be a line. They have another location near UCF at the Waterford Lakes shopping center. I had a kids rice bowl with almond incrusted chicken. It cost $7. I tried (from four or five infusions) pesto rice and broccoli (from four or five sides) and the chicken (two tenderloins). All were good. I believe the chicken was baked. I guess that is good if you can't tell if it was fried or not. The broccoli was crisp/fresh. The rice was tasty. Properly cooked and fresh. I also had to choose a sauce. I chose an Italian dressing if I recall correctly and it was served on the side. I chose to keep it out of the mix (already flavored) and just dip the chicken in it. Like I said, the menu is pretty concise. You order and compose your dish on an assembly line. The place looks "fast food" modern. Clean. It's a little bit of a bitch to access because of traffic and some road construction. Good value. They opened a few months ago. Maybe last Fall?

Grub Crawl - Sand Lake Road Area: Chronic Tacos and Veranda

I tried these two restaurants on different ends of Sand Lake Rd last week at lunch. The first is in the strip mall west of I-4 that has Moonfish. The second is in the strip mall at OBT (Florida Mall) that has Izziban sushi. One street in. You can't see it from the road.

Chronic Tacos - I believe I have been to the original in 2013. That's if it is in Corona del Mar. In any case, I remember them as good. However, I was not about to be bamboozled like I was at the Taco Bus taco bust. Plus I knew I was eating twice at lunch in any case. So, I only had a test taco. A $3.50 carnitas soft taco. It was good. Nice quantity. Nice flavor. Not scratch. Served street style. Could have been plastic bag pork. But, passable. Probably more in my head than in reality. The franchise stigma was playing on me. They opened a month ago. It had a decent size line. Plastic, fast food scenery. Assembly line execution. Plates are $8. They have steak, mahi, shrimp, chicken, al pastor, veggie, breakfast and fake meat options. Almost all a plus one or two dollars from the individual price. Sodas were $2. They have some chips, churros, fries, etc. Not much new here. A little pricy, but, in line with Chipotle (now over $10 for two barbacoa tacos and a soda), et al.

Veranda - I was disappointed by their execution after being intrigued by the extensive Eastern European menu. I gave them a lay up and they missed it. A chicken schnitzel with mashed potatoes. I was going to try lamb ribs (chops), but, the waitress said that would take fifteen minutes. The chicken took as long. I'll forgive her. She was cute. The chicken tasted like a dogs chew toy. I've had freezer burn chicken in my life, but, this was beyond. It was hard like the center of the breast bone. I thought for sure I was going to get sick before my plane ride. Thankfully, I did not. And the mystery continues. I asked her to ask the kitchen for an explanation and they had none. Said it was how they always do it. As such, I could never give them a second chance. It was also a tiny piece of chicken. And not pounded flat. The mashed potatoes were awful too. No salt or flavor. It reminded me of all those Soviet era jokes about life over there. How they ate boiled shoes. The chew toy and the play doh cost $15. Another off putting feature (and a stereotype confirmed) was the oonce oonce music they blasted at lunch. It brought back memories of Will Farrell and Chris Kattan in shark skin suits. The place has brick walls. I remember it being low lighted and black and gray and red. They have been open for a month or so. I don't expect them to stay open for long. Unless they are a front for the mob. In which case, it was nice knowing you.

Grub Crawl - Audubon Park: Hinckley's Fancy Meats and Bird of Paradise (Closed) *KOR/TAI/JAP Travel Notes

I tried these two newcomers at the East End Market yesterday at lunch. I was trying to try Sette. It turns out that they don't do lunch. I audibled to Orlando Meat Company and while trying a very good roast beef sandwich, I thumbed through a copy of the OW and saw a review of one of the purveyors. So, I popped in.

Hinckley's Fancy Meats - I was speaking to a man there (I suppose the owner) who told me that he ran a place in NY called Public. I'm pretty sure I ate there and it had a fine reputation. Now, he's here playing with his meat. He does rillettes, pates, terrines, cured meats, game meat (deer, antelope), etc. I had a pastrami sandwich because the article said it was bubby worthy. I don't think many bubbies expect their pastrami to be like theirs. It was very cured. Almost prosciutto like. I've not seen it's equal. Not a compliment or criticism. Just a fact. With the other components in the sandwich (rye roll, mustardy thousand island sauce, red cabbage slaw and some cheese - I'll guess Swiss), it blended well. Alone, it was less appetizing. I like my pastrami juicier and cut thicker. Standard pastrami. This was sliced like prosciutto. I'm not sure if this is the intent or it was old or it was over cured. It is a conundrum. You'll have to sample it and see if you like this result and inquire into its origin. It cost $15. Probably 50% too rich. Like most of the options. They also serve (sandwich wise) a double pate banh mi, blt, chicken salad, porchetta and others. They sell meat by the pound. They opened in February. It's a little stall with no seats.

Bird of  Paradise - This used to be Florida & Co. or something like that. Of course they closed it right after I tried it. This is the same people in a rebrand. It couldn't see any difference. I think I had a bowl there. They still serve that. I think they featured shrimp. I had that. I had the shrimp lettuce wraps for $12. It consisted of five or six romaine lettuce leaves, pickled shredded carrots, pickled root vegetable (maybe parsnip or carrot) and five or six medium shrimp cut length wise. I think they were Florida white shrimp. It was fine. still took too long to prepare. They officially open on Sunday. They said they are going to change the menu. Maybe I just got there too early to see the change.

*Travel Notes - Korea/Taiwan/Japan: Some odd things I saw in Asia (aside from their regional specialties that you might find odd as well). Dry squid covered in peanut butter, canned silk worm larva (sold near the tuna fish) and pickled radish stems (for example - they pickle everything) in Korea. KFC had fried squid and egg and chicken sandwiches. Scallop lip sushi in Taiwan. They have lips? MCD's had a shrimp burger and some wild black and/or green burger buns with other junk on them. I also saw a unique vendor that can be reproduced here as a gimmick for little cost. In Okinawa, they sell octopus and shrimp crackers pressed while grilled/baked in front of you. The gimmick is that they plop a raw shrimp or octopus arms onto the cracker batter and then squeeze the life out of it. It makes an imprint of the creatures on the cracker. You don't really taste the flavor as much as you would expect though. Fun to watch. Kids loved it. Ohh, and they sold a hot dog dipped in batter and covered with potato cubes. Some had cheese inside. The supermarket had a sick selection of sushi and sashimi (in Seoul too). I got amaebi (4 huge ones) for less than $3. for example. The tuna was fresh as all get out.

**Can somebody tell me if Forever Naan is in business? I've been by two times (on days they are supposed to be open) and they were not. They are becoming "Ever? Naan".

Eath Fare, Downtown - Re-opened

I grabbed some stuff to go at this supermarket between downtown and the hospital (South Orange) today at lunch. I was under the impression that it was a vegetarian fast casual restaurant. It is more like a Lucky's or Whole Foods or Trader Joe's. It is in a brand new apartment complex called Novel. It has been open for a month. It is out of NC and has locations there and SC and GA and KY... and one in Lake Nona and one coming to Winter Park. I thought it was interesting. Some good values. It's a white privilege type store. Fill your own (bottle) honey, soy sauce, agave syrup, vinegar, etc. Gumball type offerings of nuts, beans, etc. Trendy frozen foods, et al. Earth friendly cleaners, hygiene products, etc. Craft beer and wine. Salad bar. Olive bar. Soup bar. I found the prices on certain items that I passed by (cured salmon, whole roast chicken, etc) to be better than Publix and even Winn Dixie. The chicken was only $5. The salmon was $5 as well. I grabbed a chicken salad sandwich (cranberries and pecans) on their fresh baked baguette for $5 (take that Sub-waste) and a two slice pizza deal for the same $5. I haven't tried the sandwich yet, but, they jammed it with salad (at least twice as much as anywhere else) and they had better toppings (ie sprouts). They had eight or so different options at that price. All beat the fast food sandwich pricing levels. And they didn't just put their cheap meats options at that price. A price that beats their low price point in any event. The pizza was fresh from the oven, huge and good. They use a better (less salty) cheese than most American pizza parlors. It was a bit "cracker-y" for my liking, but, still a bargain. The sauce was nice. They have a seating area where you can eat. And many lunch options besides the ones described. If I lived near by, I would be here all the time. Good pricing. Differentiated selection. Fresh products. Good in store, free parking. Nice atmosphere. Rewards program. It's a nice place to shop or lunch (or dinner). More than fair. Should we be planning another going away party for Winn Dixie?

*I had an interesting product in Buhl ID at a fast food place called Arctic Circle. Finger steaks. They individualize chicken fried steak into "fingers" and fry them off. Not ground breaking, but, a nice change from nuggets.

Grub Crawl - Ocoee: Inay's Kitchen, West Orange Creamery, Prime Mediterranean Grill, Negril and Joe's Pizza

At lunch on Wednesday I decided to clean up all those neighboring spots that I mentioned in the post on Saporito and add one more in the area. The first is right after the mall off 50 (at the 408 entrance which is Clarke St on the north side of 50). The second is on Maguire (further towards Winter Garden with a left off 50) on the right before the light. The rest are in the strip mall to the left of that light (Old Winter Garden Rd).

Inay's Kitchen - This is a Filipino restaurant open for a year. I had a beef and vegetable stew (mechado) with rice and two mini spring rolls for $7. It was fine. Probably the stuff you see sold in supermarkets as cubes (chuck I think). It had carrots and onions and potatoes in it. Not very Asian flavored. Brown sauce. The rice was a bit crusty (old). The spring rolls were the best thing. The place was empty and I think most (at least at non-special days and times) just walk to the counter in the back and get some of the "buffet" items to go. I probably could/should have done that. It wasn't a very attractive location. Black and white (and a mish mosh of accents) coloring with old furniture and decorations. They were blasting the tv and radio. You felt like you were invading a stranger's living room. They surely treated the space as such. Closed on Monday. You would have to really want Filipino food to make the trip out here.

West Orange Creamery - It was past 2pm when I got here, so, they were open. I was a glow with my brown butter bourbon (with chocolate chunks) cone for $3 when I spotted Hershey's ice cream containers in the fridge near the door. It turns out that not only are they too lazy to open before 2pm, they are too lazy to make their own ice cream. Kudos to Hershey's though. Who knew they made ice cream? Good ice cream. This place also makes (I hope so anyway) shakes and old fashioned sodas and other old timey things. They said they are open earlier when school is out. They have been open for two years.

Prime Mediterranean Grill - I grabbed a doner kabob sandwich to go for $8. It was very good. They shave off real beef in lieu of that meatloaf stuff you usually see. I had a nice, unobtrusive flavor to it. The garlic sauce was ok and the vegetable were fresh-ish. They serve it on the thinner pita. Lavosh, I believe. They have been open for a few months. Only location. Owner is Turkish. They serve the usual as platters or sandwiches. Nice, clean. modern looking location. Pleasant attitude.

Negril - I grabbed curry chicken roti at this Jamaican spot next to Prime. They have three locations and I think I have been to one. I didn't eat this until the next day and the roti bread separated. It was a chick pea dust storm. I'm not sure if the delay caused that or that's what they served me to begin with. The chicken was not deboned and it is as curious to me how certain cultures think this is acceptable for a sandwich. Like when you get a bone in rib sandwich. It is exasperating. The chicken (drum and four other hunks) was dry-ish. The curry was bland. I had it with rice that I cooked myself because of the condition of the roti and the bones making it unsuitable for a sandwich.  This also cost $8 and if I were to make a recommendation for a use of $8, I would pick the gyro at Prime over this. They have a pretty extensive menu. Breakfasts also. Different size portions starting at $3. The place is just a little take out square that seats about six. They have been open for eight years.

Joe's Pizza - This is your usual pizzeria. It is closer to Maguire. I grabbed the two slice/soda special for $5. The crust looked over floured, but, it was ok. Big slices. What you expect from American pizza. It also has a full menu. The place is a rectangular spot with sparse décor. Nothing out of the ordinary. Open for ten years.

A La Cart, East Colonial

I tried this location for food trucks off 50 Tuesday night. It is near Total Wine on Irvington (a Chipotle is across the street). It loans space to a rotation of four food trucks and has a permanent craft beer structure. The trucks that were there on Tuesday were Poke Kai, a vegetarian one, a steak one and a Brazilian empanada truck. Given that the first two still can't control their overhead with out a brick and mortar responsibility ($15 poke bowls or faux meat burgers and $5 faux meat tacos) and I find the former the height of culinary laziness and the latter as an irritant, I shot them down expeditiously. The steak wagon wasn't open and the prices for cheesesteaks, etc were near $15, so, that was a non-starter as well. The empanada truck (Adao) was the least annoying. I just bought a singular beef (ground), egg and olive one for $4. It took over ten minutes. It was average. Like asking me to critique my nachos at a ball game. She made a bunch of savory and sweet ones. Ignore the listed prices. She rounds them all up to the next dollar. This was an extreme let down and another nail in the food truck coffin. I think this area has been in service for under a year. It was almost devoid of customers and none seemed pleased with the choices or prices.

*I tried to parlay this stop by crossing off Iron Cow. They were not open. Yet again. There was a food truck gathering in their parking lot. I believe it happens every Tuesday night. Another collection of over priced has beens like Monsta Lobstah.

Wine By George, Disney Springs

I had lunch at this wine bar a week ago. It is next to the Irish place. I had the steak frites (flank or skirt) for $19. I could have gone with a lower priced (low teens) sandwich, but, I wanted to have some idea if they can cook. The steak was good. Properly cooked. A fair portion. The fries were plentiful and good. It was topped with a sautéed onion "gravy". I saw two of their sandwiches being eaten and they looked good (big). They only have the steak, sandwiches and some "bites". The bites are almost as expensive as the sandwiches. The menu is the same for both meals. As such, I wouldn't recommend this as a dinner destination. Too bad for us. The wines seemed to be three to four times marked up from retail. The list is pretty large and they have some "celebrity" vineyards. They sell them in 1oz, 3 oz.... sizes. They also have a big spirits selection. The place is two levels. A balcony on the second level. The look (if I remember correctly) was grey wood with black accents. Kind of cramped/cozy. The bar is on the ground floor. They have a take out menu with a few different options (food and wine). Service was good and the food came out fast. It seats about seventy. I think they opened last summer. I liked it. I wish they had a larger menu. I'll drink my wine at home though. It's way more sensible. By George I think he's onto something.

New Golden Sparkling Supermarket BBQ Department, East Colonial

I grabbed some roast pork and roast duck on rice tonight at the part of the market that says East Manor Restaurant. That is why I was there. I've driven by a few times and I could swear it was open or looked to be opening from the street. It isn't. It may be in the future. It may have been in the past. The supermarket worker I asked wasn't too certain. Said it was owned by the market and was opening. Didn't look like it. Full of boxes. In any case, I didn't feel like going to plan b, so, I had what they had. It wasn't half bad. The rice and meats were good. It cost a robust $6.75. The meats were hanging from hooks like the macabre corpses they are. The also had a full roast pig. You can buy the meats by the pound too. The market was outstanding. Tons of stuff. Many sea creatures in tanks. They even had goeduck clams. Lots of meat and produce. Tons of packaged products. Clean. Most Asian nations represented. BTW - next time you order shumai or dumplings know they probably were bought here at $4 and $5 a package. I also got some oils and sauces at around $2 or $3 a bottle. The place is located at the corner of 50 and Kirkman.

*Oddly I had clipped an article about markets in NYC (that isn't the important thing) from The Post to hip you to some food ideas (plus the ones they spurred in me). Here that is. Soul Food Sunday Cupcake from Chef Boyar Nutty - base of mac and cheese, stuffed honey cornbread, topped with garlic Parmesan mashed potatoes and topped with a fried chicken wing. That got me to thinking of ice cream and how it could be replaced with mashed potatoes. IE - banana split with gravy as the syrup and sausages or bacon as the banana. Or a waffle cone stuffed with them and a fried chicken finger for a chicken and waffles spin. You are welcome Dairy Queen or KFC. Or jam a finger in a regular ice cream cone or cup as a jammed in spoon. Or ice cream topped with savory dusts like chicharron. Back to the market offerings. A stand called Kochin - Vietnamese flan over coffee. A version they sell is coffee, flan, banana brulee, coffee ice cream and coffee jelly. A Filipino stand called Kanin NYC sells lugaw - ginger flavored rice porridge with chicken and egg or tripe. Jaa Dijo Dom South African food. They sell kota - a hollowed out quarter loaf of white bread stuffed with fries and sausage and bacon and cheese and mayo. and bunny chow - same bread with curried chicken and sour cream. Petisco Brazuca sells a Brazilian croquette of chicken and Catipiry cheese. And Dottie's Norwegian Kitchen sells a lamb and cabbage stew called fankal and fiskegrot a fish pudding similar to gefilte fish.