Covert Ops's Profile
Guacamole -- What's in yours??
Good of you to differentiate, Amy -- I tried the FL avocados once and they were WAYY too buttery. I know, how can that sound like a bad thing? But not for me, not for my guac. Maybe on a burger or something but I dunno.
I like your tequila idea, I'll have to try that one. Usually I'm just lime juice, sea salt, maybe minced garlic if I feel like it but usually not.
I don't mind restaurant guac with all the crazy stuff in it, but hubby will only eat my stripped-down guac. He loves the purity of it.
Brevard: Bella's closing, and I need some Mexican!
I know Frank, Bella's chef, has been gone for a while. His new place is Mezza Luna, at Highland and the causeway. Same food -- oh man, I love that olive bruschetta! -- but I ate there in February and can't imagine how his mostly-outdoor dining area will fare in the summer. *shrug*
Anyways, so I haven't been to Bella's since he left, but it's still sad to see an institution like that close its doors. When I moved to Brevard in 98 it was the only place to get decent Italian food. Also was a fav spot of my dear late mother in law. RIP Bella's.
--
Now on to what's still open: I'm looking for a good Mexican place for a celebratory lunch. My requirements are: tasty salsa, decent-sized margaritas that are juicy and won't break the bank, a chicken chimichanga that doesn't taste like shoe leather, service that isn't openly hostile.
Here are my experiences so far:
Alamo in Rockledge: I will never set foot in there again. I went there for my last celebratory Mexican lunch, and we were the first people in the door shortly after 11 a.m. "Woohoo," I thought, "I'll get super-fresh food." BUZZ! Wrong! My food was rubbery, and cold in the middle -- obviously reheated from frozen. Hubby's too. I have many friends who swear by this place, but I can't patronize a place that thinks last night's leftovers are OK to serve.
Their margs were huge and strong, but pricey. I don't necessarily need a giant beer stein of a margarita, y'knowwhatImean?
Fiesta Azteca in Suntree: Something about that place rubbed me the wrong way. The decor was nice -- though I dearly miss the Durango's that used to be there -- and the service was friendly if mildly inattentive, but the food was beyond bland.
Fiesta Azteca in Melbourne, Wickham and Sarno: I know it's the same owners, but this was vastly better. Margaritas are small but usually 2-4-1, lots of room inside, food is above decent. They always seem to screw up my order every time I come here, though. I know all Mexican food looks alike on the plate, but this was really bad. Especially when she tried to tell me my tamale was really a chile relleno.
El Chico, near Melbourne Mall: I haven't been there in ages, but the last time I did it reminded me of a Mexican TGI Friday's. Everything was a "concept." Not sure if I'm down with that. But if they have decent enchiladas I'm willing to overlook the spinach and feta tacos.
El Leoncito, Titusville: I normally don't venture that far north, but this place looked pretty interesting. If it's truly the best in Brevard I'll make the hike for a special occasion.
Any other suggestions? Melbourne area gets extra points. Thanks! :-)
Deli with great sauerkraut in/near Brevard County?
Have you tried the Polish restaurant Salt & Sweet? It's in the Publix plaza, northwest corner of Lake Washington Road and Wickham Road in Melbourne. It's a bit upscale -- I see white tablecloths through the window -- and I haven't tried it but it seems like they'd be a good resource.
Daytona Beach for Birthday
You know, this is under your price range, including copious amounts of awesome margaritas, but I highly recommend La Fiesta, a Mexican place in Port Orange, at the intersection of Dunlawton Avenue and Nova Road. It's perfect for a celebration, because the food is stellar, the service is extremely warm and friendly, and we always leave there full, drunk and happy. (About the drunk part: Their house margaritas are juicy, strong and humongous. Get a cab or a DD, because POPD does not mess around with DUIs. Not that you should drive drunk anywhere, but it's one of *those* cities.)
Bonus: If it's a Wednesday, they have a mariachi band. Normally a wait on Fridays but OK other times.
If you don't feel like Mexican, try Fresh on U.S. 1, half a mile north of Beville Road: http://freshatasteofitaly.com/. Very relaxed but fun place.
Martin County/Treasure coast (and beyond!)
Which is closed? Bistro Madeleine? (I knew the owner went to prison but I heard the brother was running it) or Stuart Fine Foods?
Martin County/Treasure coast (and beyond!)
In Palm City we just adore Bistro Madeleine, by Walgreen's on Martin Downs Blvd. Greasy-spoon French diner. Where all the judges go for breakfast, for good reason. (Go for a late breakfast/early lunch to avoid the crowds.)
I like Sakura for sushi, they had a great lunch special. Been a few years since I've been in town so not sure if it's still there.
Second Carmela's and Frank N Stein's.
Have you been to Stuart Fine Foods yet? The Palm City location's worth a look, especially the fresh soup/salad bar.
Drinking around Disney (not the parks)
Hi gang,
We'll be partaking of that Santa-gasm that is Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. Mr. Ops, a working journalist (I'm also a journalist, but rarely work, haha!) will be very busy during our time in the Magic Kingdom, so afterwards we'll drop the kid with the grandparents and unwind with booze.
We're staying at the Contemporary, and will have a car but for obvious reasons would rather not drive. We do not have park access (other than the MK) so no beers around Epcot. Where are good places to drink -- and by drink I mean interesting beers on tap, maybe a good tequila selection, mixed drinks that don't cost $12 a pop -- that are accessible by monorail/boat/bus/etc.?
I hear PI is closed; that would have been our best bet. How's that Raglan's place? What's open late, pours heavy and might also have some decent nosh?
Thanks!
Limoncello?
He does it as a shot -- you drink it fast. Sort of like an Irish Car Bomb.
He usually does it with orangecello, in which case it has the taste of a very alcoholic Creamsicle. :-)
Chowder's in Rockledge now River Rocks?
I am never on US 1 north of Suntree Blvd., so it took me a while to notice that Chowder's has changed its name to "River Rocks" or something like that. The sign out front is kinda tony looking.
I've been out of the area for a few years, and went to Chowder's again for the first time a few months ago, and was shocked at how expensive it had gotten. (Expensive for Chowder's = apps in the $7-$15 range, fried baskets for $15+.)
Anyone have any info?
Irish Pub, Melbourne
Now now, cav, I don't think the friendly BCSO would take too kindly to a bunch of drunks full of Bare Knuckles speeding down Wickham at 3 am. . .;-)
Where to eat at Disney World
Welcome, iheartcupcake!
There's a lot of info on this board about Disney restaurants -- of which there are dozens, of varying quality and price. Try searching "disney" and you'll find more threads than you can possibly wish for.
If you have any more specific queries -- like what to order at Jiko, or who has the best character dinner that also has a fireworks view -- please post and we're happy to try to help.
Good eats in Brevard County?
Glad to hear Lucky Garden 2 is still good -- we had a Christmas dinner there about 6 or 7 years ago (no I'm not Jewish, just didn't feel like cooking that year). I was really excited bc they had real pan-fried noodles, something that's hard to find down here.
Does Mrs. Cav like their sushi? I never tried it. I recall they used to have a crazy sushi buffet or something, not sure if that's still the case.
Florida's Signature dish
You beat me to it, yaya. Dixie Crossroads is awesome for rock shrimp. And as lowtone suggests, the family who owns the restaurant patented the means of harvesting and shelling the shrimp so that they're commercially viable.
They used to have a separate Web site where you could order the shrimp online but I can't seem to find it at the moment.
Second, is of course Key lime pie. Which, oddly enough, is found at Kermit's in DeLand, off 92 just behind the airport. The pies are made there and shipped down to Key West, which should tell you the quality. (I've had the key lime pie on a stick and nearly died.) Lots of other products too: http://www.keylimeshop.com/
Good eats in Brevard County?
I dimly remember that there was a place on Lake Washington (by the Polish restaurant and Wagon Wheel) that was decent. But it's been years.
Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach--no good food?
Takeya's is a yuppie meet market. On a weekend night you're elbowed to death. Food is nice but too overpriced for a crowded, very uncomfortable setting.
I agree on Houligan's. Their wings rock. They have a new Destination Daytona location, as well as the original on Granada and Clyde Morris.
La Fiesta is the best Mexican, hands down. HUGE margaritas, very juicy and boozy, friendliest service in town. Beats Maria Bonita cold every day. I always walk out of there smiling -- what more do you want from a restaurant?
The Garlic in NSB is great fun, especially outdoors on a cold night. (They have fireplaces and heaters.)
Chuck said Leahnn's might be moving to Gulfstream Village in Port Orange (over where Alfredo's is, near Ritters)? Has that happened yet? (I don't live in town anymore.)
Good eats in Brevard County?
Man, this thread is getting old. ..
Anyways, tried a fantastic new breakfast place, Suntree Deli, behind Blockbuster in the Publix plaza on Wickham where Manhattan Bagel used to be.
OMG this place is awesome. Very friendly service, outdoor dining available, and I had the most incredible omelette: they called it The Popeye, and it had spinach, feta, mushrooms and garlic. I can usually polish off a 3-egg omelette but this was too huge, I had to reheat it the next day and STILL died over it.
DH said their biscuit could use some work, but at least it was big. (It was a bit dry, but we were there kinda late. . .)
Their hashbrowns come in a thick slab that's crispy on the outside and all soft and tender on the inside.
Best of all -- they have the best coffee I've tasted in YEARS. My mom dragged me to Bob Evans a month ago and their coffee was so horrible it was undrinkable, and I despaired. This place, I asked for thirds. I'd stop there just to pick up a cup in the morning instead of 7-11.
I was super sad MB was gone, and wondering why no one thought Suntree could support a bagel shop with all these northern transplants, but this new place blows the hell outta Nikis (where I always end up waiting 40 minutes for scrambled eggs). Best of all, they serve breakfast the whole time they're open, until about 3, so it's perfect for late-risers like myself. :-)
TOP PIZZA IN FLA
In Stuart, I always loved Carmela's on Ocean across from Stuart Fine Foods. Then again, I'm not into Chicago style.
Good eats in Brevard County?
Thanks, cav, I'll try Brooklyn's pizza soon. (As soon as I can wrest hubby off the diet he's imposed on both of us, lol!)
I'm from north Jersey, so I'm no cheesesteak expert. Is that Little Phillies place new? I saw a road sign for them recently.
Have you eaten in the Avenues much? We live up there so we've been wandering around. We tried that Pan Asian Fusion place by World Market, that looks like a Panda Express. Not much in the way of atmosphere and the beer's a little expensive, but hubby likes it bc he can smoke outside. However, the sushi was absolutely top notch. WAY better than the looks of the place indicated. Reasonable too, if you don't mind ordering your food at a counter.
Good eats in Brevard County?
Hey cavandre I just tried Brooklyn's on Halloween, that's the old Goodfellas place, right?
I didn't have their pie, but their manicotti was great. I like their sauce, it's got a good kick to it. How does the pie compare to, say, Bizzarro's?
Though I have to say I can't stand Bizzarro's regular pie lately. I always get white, which is great, but now their regular pie is just DROWNING in oregano. We ordered it at the paper for Election Night and everyoen else agreed.
For calzones, my new fav place is NY Pizza or whatever the hell Big Apple is calling itself these days (in the Outback plaza on Wickham). 2-4-1 beers every night!
Daytona Beach...The Best Seafood
I find Our Deck to be overpriced for the absolute lack of comfort or service (though DH likes the raw oysters).
Believe it or not, some of the best fried seafood I've ever had was at Greg's Steak and Shrimp, up on U.S. 1 (Yonge St.) in Ormond, north of Granada. I think the nearest cross street is Wilmette. . .you can't miss it, it's on the east side of the road, lots of red, white and blue (and blue hair). Totally worth it though.
Long-distance gift for 21-year-old
Hey hounds,
We live in Florida, stepson is turning 21 this week in Colorado Springs. He wants something cool, like a Jack Daniels gift set, but unfortunately we can't exactly stick that in the mail.
I thought of sending him a gift card for a national liquor store chain, but I couldn't find one that has branches both here and there.
Any ideas? How else does one send liquor from afar?
Treasure Coast
Sure, lots. Depends on how far you want to drive. Search recent topics using "Stuart," "Jensen Beach" or "PSL" and let us know exactly what you're looking for. :-)
Sunday Brunch - Breakers vs. Biltmore
The best part of brunch at the Biltmore is walking around the grounds after you eat. . .and boy, you will eat, and it will be beautiful. :-)
R.I.P. Bob Mervine
My deepest condolences, Sally.
Bob and I often talked about restaurants, especially in Daytona, where I live.
We just found a great BBQ joint over here and I was literally going to email Bob today to tell him to look for our review in the News-Journal.
You know how special he was; know that we all love him and will miss him.
Food Column/Orlando Area [moved from Florida board]
Even if you dont' agree, as long as he's consistent, you can still use him as a guide. "Scott likes it? Great, I'll avoid it like the plague!" :-P
Food Column/Orlando Area [moved from Florida board]
"Those are the only regular major players here in town in that area . . ."
Bob's being modest, and also dislikes tooting his own horn. He covers the restaurant industry very thoroughly for Orlando Business Journal. :-)
souvenir fr Orlando?
Oddly enough, they don't show up in a Google search, but I found them:
http://www.grimaldicandies.com/index.html. And yes, they ship. :-D You're welcome.
Doughnuts in South Florida
OMG we used to get fundraiser donuts from Velvet Creme. . .it was somewhere in Little Havana. . .and we'd go into this tiny hallway that ended at a window with bars on it, and try to place an order with us speaking only English and the lady speaking only Spanish. . .their cake donuts were awesome though. Are they still there?
