jdc111's Profile
Shipyard Brewpub and Big Wheel Provisions Market, Orlando
Here's this week's email. Right now, he's at the Audubon Market on Monday nights and the College Park market on Thursday nights. Get on his email or just go get some stuff from him. His charcuterie is excellent, as are his soups, sauces, dinners, and, well, everything.
http://campaign.constantcontact.com/render?v=001W5XuTI8OwGkJi1mWDphJ-NZ_D-tCj05kbq66pb1dgnusoQ-9OSuUZ0osZEG8c_a-ujkJxyS1Z-abBLwpv7YYGz58P43NBWK00315GIIKYyNjup_iLzXWwDaBNbgt8wINwoA6ovBEVOc%3D
Looking for Orlando: classic, famous, institutions, unusual specials, best kept secret
Beefy King rocks. Great roast beef sammiches.
Another good ol' sandwich shop is Kappy's in Maitland: http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/26/301951/restaurant/Orlando/Kappys-Maitland
Eden Bar at the Enzian is a great foodie place. Not old or an institution, but definitely unique: http://www.enzian.org/food/menu/
Le Coq Au Vin is a great French restaurant that's been around for a long time: http://www.lecoqauvinrestaurant.com/
PR's Taco Palace is a Winter Park institution. Some love it, some hate it. I absolutely love it: http://www.yelp.com/biz/prs-taco-palace-winter-park-2
Linda's La Cantina has been around since the '40s. Classic steakhouse: http://www.lindaslacantinasteakhouse.com/
-----
Beefy King
424 N Bumby Ave, Orlando, FL 32803
Orlando Hot Dog truck
It seems that Between The Buns, the incredible hot dog truck that resided at the Chevron station at Ferncreek/Colonial for so long, then moved down the street in-between Lac Viet Bistro and Loving Hut, has up and moved once again.
If anybody comes across it in their travels or has any info about its whereabouts, please pass along the info.
http://www.chow.com/photos/341550?tag=post-box-content;wrapper_inplace_photo_edit_4763294_index_0
Shipyard Brewpub and Big Wheel Provisions Market, Orlando
This is so awesome. A home for Big Wheel Provisions and great beer? Doesn't get much better than that. Big Wheel's stuff is always top notch, from the pork to the sauces to the dinners, and Shipyard makes some mighty fine beers. Can't wait.
Orlando Hot Dog Stand At Ferncreek/Colonial
That is awesome for two reasons. First and foremost, because the hot dog stand has found a home again. Second, because this monument to meat sits right next to a vegan restaurant. I dig 'em both, so no matter what I'm in the mood for, there ya go.
Orlando-No more Scott Joseph
There are plenty of locally-owned options out there, at the same price points as the restaurants I mentioned, with infinitely better food and service than those chains. Instead of Olive Garden, hit Il Pescatore. Instead of Pizza Hut, hit up Brick & Fire. Instead of McDonalds, hit up Jazzy Dog Cafe or Cecil's BBQ or Graffiti Junktion.
Orlando Hot Dog Stand At Ferncreek/Colonial
Thanks, Tastersguilde & Big Bad Voodoo Lou. Hopefully, the stand will find a permanent home again downtown or close to downtown. And hopefully someone will spot it and tell everyone else about it.
Orlando Hot Dog Stand At Ferncreek/Colonial
Was that recently that you saw it heading down Colonial?
Orlando Hot Dog Stand At Ferncreek/Colonial
The amazing hot dog stand, Between The Buns, that sat at the Chevron station at Ferncreek and Colonial for so many years has moved, and no one seems to know where he is. Great dogs, great owner, but he hasn't shown back up on the scene since he said he was getting the ol' dog fixed up.
Has anyone seen the hot dog-shaped hot dog stand around town? I'd heard word that it'd been sighted downtown at Orange and Jefferson, but that it has since moved again. Where is it?!
The sketch, BTW, is from Thomas Thorspecken's amazing Orlando blog. Check it out:
http://thorspecken.blogspot.com/2009/05/johnnies-hot-dog-stand.html
BBQ in Orlando?
There're a few places that I think are all comparable to one another. As mentioned already, O'Boys is very good. I am a big fan of Cecil's. Great brisket and pulled pork. Also really dig Blackwater BBQ (2 locations: S. Orange next to La Coq Au Vin; Edgewater/Par in College Park).
Wildsides, in Thornton Park, does really good baby backs, but is more of a great people watching place or a good place to watch sports. The bbq's not up to par with the other places (still good, though), but it's always a good time.
Key West in Nov.
7Fish is excellent, all the way around. Be sure to make a reservation if you plan on going because the place is tiny and fills up fast.
http://www.7fish.com/
Santiago's Bodega was good, but they hadn't cleaned the cloth covering the benches in a very long time and it distracted us considerably from the food. It was the middle of the day, and very bright inside, so we could see every little food stain.
El Siboney, like others have said, is wonderful.
http://www.elsiboneyrestaurant.com/index.htm
Turtle Krall's was great for breakfast. I'm sure it's just as good other parts of the day, but b-fast was comforting and plentiful.
http://www.turtlekraals.com/home.html
Sarabeth's was very good. If you're craving fried chicken, hit up Sarabeth's on Sunday night. It's excellent. We didn't make it there for breakfast, but that menu looks good, as well.
http://www.sarabethskeywest.com/
Blue Heaven is a tourist turn-and-burn, but we liked the bartenders, the setting, and the roosters. Food was only slightly above average, but it was fun.
http://blueheavenkw.homestead.com/Blue_Heaven_Restaurant_Key_West.html
Kelly's also has a great setting and they brew their own beer. Didn't eat there, but the beers were good and it had a great atmosphere.
http://www.kellyskeywest.com/
Fried chicken and waffles in Orlando
I like mine with syrup, though fried chicken & gravy is good, too, with a biscuit instead of a waffle. Chicken & waffle is awesome. Lots of people think it's a bit weird to have something sweet (syrup) with their chicken, but it goes together so well. Many places in the south, and elsewhere, do honey-dipped fried chicken and that's awesome, too. Give it a try.
Looking For Good Eats In Lower Keys
Good Cuban eatery called El Siboney. Inexpensive, filling, and awesome.
http://www.elsiboneyrestaurant.com/index.htm
Turtle Krall's up by the docks. Bar/diner with excellent breakfast.
http://www.turtlekraals.com/
Sarabeth's isn't diner-inexpensive, but it won't break the bank, either. And the food is excellent.
http://www.sarabethskeywest.com/
The Conch Shop in Bahama Town, off of Petronia, would be a great option for something different. As would be B.O.'s Fish Wagon, off of Caroline.
Have fun. Key West is a great place.
Fried chicken and waffles in Orlando
There's a place on West 50, just west of Barnett Park, called Hip Hop Diner. I haven't stopped by yet, but they have a big sign in the front window that says "Chicken and Waffles All Day". Looks like a southern/soul food place, so it might be genuine.
No chicken and waffles at the Florida Waffle Shop, so don't bother.
Graze's chicken and waffles would probably be good, though it is a bit more expensive than the usual order. Graze is good all around, but way more expensive than a place where you'd usually find chicken and waffles.
Please, if you find a good place to get some, post it up. I wanna know.
Orlando-No more Scott Joseph
The public are idiots who prefer Olive Garden, Pizza Hut, and McDonald's. This does not preclude, however, some good feedback from foodies. It will probably, however, be lost amongst the rampant idiocy that inhabits many internet user forums.
Orlando-No more Scott Joseph
I just read in the Orlando Weekly that about 10 employees, Scott Joseph among them, took buyouts worth 2 weeks pay for every year they were employed. I looked forward to his reviews on Fridays and Sundays and his news about local restaurant happenings. He trashed some good places and had some ridiculous notions, but I respected his opinion and his tastes.
Orlando - Pasta Party Alternative - IRONMAN
Not sure about down by Disney area, but in downtown Orlando, I'd reccomend Il Pescatore for good, normal, red sauce, down-home Italian. There's also Anthony's in Thornton Park and Bravissimo just northeast of Thornton Park.
For the Disney area, I did a search on the Sentinel's website (hope it works):
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment/orlandosearch-eats.front?attribute-or-cuisine=or-cuisine-Italian®Comm=C-or-disney-lake-buena-vista&attribute-or-price-range=&attributeType=or-cuisine&keywordSearchType=keyword&field=venuescomp&keywords=&x=33&y=10
If the link didn't work, go the the Orlando Sentinel's website, Entertainment section, Restaurant subsection, and you can search for area and cuisine.
Have fun and good luck in the competition.
Cecil's BBQ
I've also only been to the one on S. Orange, but I love it. Never had the ribs, so I can't speak for jazzy's experience, but the brisket, pulled pork, and sausage are all excellent. Lots of sides to choose from, my favorite being baked beans, collard greens, blackeyed peas, and cole slaw. The hot sauce is hot, but damn good. Free soft-serve ice cream for dessert. They've got beers if you want them, but the sweet tea is good and sweet. Never been to Blackwater because I just can't pass Cecil's. It calls to me.
Quick: Suggestions for outdoor lunch dining in downtown St. Pete?
I'm not from St. Pete, but been there a few times. I've always liked The Garden (I think that's what it's called) for lunch. The seating isn't on the sidewalk or street, but rather in the small garden space adjoining the restaurant. I've never really heard this place talked up on Chowhound, but I've always enjoyed it when I was in St. Pete.
Samba Room in Orlando
Rudy's got it right. Samba room has a cool atmosphere, but the food is just a little above average. You're in luck, however, as Samba Room is located along a stretch of road (Sand Lake) that's been nicknamed "Restaurant Row." Lots of good restaurants from which to choose. A better bet, for the couples, might be Season's 52. If they still want to get there groove on after dinner, Samba Room has an adjoining space with live, you guessed it, samba music. For dinner, though, there's also Cedar's Restaurant (Lebanese), Roy's (Asian/Hawaiian fusion), Amura (sushi), Bonefish (seafood), or Vines (upscale dining/wine bar; live jazz on the weekends). There's tons more, too, so there's no dearth or choices.
Not sure how up to date this webpage is, but give it a try:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/GoListDetail-i10550-Restaurant_Row_in_Orlando.html
Brick and Fire, Orlando
We went to Ceviche Friday night for dinner and watched absolutely no one walk into Brick and Fire. In the hour we had dinner, not one patron walked in there. I saw a couple of girls walk up to the Brick and Fire hostess, thinking it was Ceviche, because the hostess then pointed across the street, seeming to indicate that was the restaurant they were looking for. Ceviche was packed and the hostesses, servers, manager of Brick and Fire could only look longingly from across the street, cursing their bad fortune for choosing the wrong restaurant at which to work. Yes, I'm being a bit harsh and I feel sorry for Brick and Fire, but not that sorry.
Orlando Suggestions?
Not sure about Cuban, but south on I-Drive from the Convention Center is Q'Kenan, an amazing little Venezuelan restaurant. Give it a try for lunch.
On Sandlake, north of the Convention Center, is "Restaurant Row", and there are plenty of choices. Season's 52 is a great choice. Cedar's, right next door to Seasons, is a great Lebanese restaurant.
If your willing to travel a bit, downtown offers some great spots. Thornton Park, just east of downtown, has a bunch of choices, from BBQ to sushi to bistro. On Church Street downtown is Ceviche (tapas) and Kres (chophouse).
In Winter Park, there is the Ravenous Pig, one of my favorite new restaurants. Amazing, fresh, and imaginative food, choice draft beer selection, and excellent service. If you're thinking about going on the weekend, though, make reservations.
Ceviche in Orlando
Scott Joseph from the Sentinel checked out Ceviche in his latest review. He dug it:
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment/dining/orl-dining0608jan06,0,114112.story
Brick and Fire, Orlando
Sorry to hear that. The menu looked decent online. If they have the same kitchen staff they had with Absinthe, however, the place is going to tank in a matter of months. My food experience with Absinthe was similar to yours with Brick. Seemed like the only equipment they had was a phalanx of microwaves to defrost and heat their frozen goods and a portable campfire stove on which to make their "soups" lukewarm. And the front-of-house management was invisible then, too. Such a gorgeous space. It's a shame they can't do right by it.
My perfect night on Church Street? A great dinner at Ceviche, then dessert at, you guessed it, The Dessert Lady, who should be opening her doors soon.
Breakfast Near Baldwin Park
That I do not know. I've only ever been for breakfast, which is always right on. If they do, I'm sure they're good.
Breakfast Near Baldwin Park
Juniors rocks. It is a diner, so nothing fancy. The breakfast menu is pretty much the same as Rogers, but the place is cleaner. They slapped some new paint on the walls and it doesn't look like the diner my grandpa went to for fifty years in Minnesota anymore. Service is better than Brian's and the food is much more consistent.
Birthday in Orlando
Seasons 52, definitely. Make reservations, for sure. Great spin on American food. The food is fresh, vibrant, and tasty. The atmosphere can be crazy in the bar area, but with a large party, you'll be seated in a more relaxing area.
I've heard good things about Stonewood Grill off of Dr. Phillips, not too far from I-Drive. I've never been, but the menu looks good if your looking for a steakhouse atmosphere.
Like the others have said, however, Texas de Brazil may be your best bet for a large party. All-you-can-eat Brazillian steakhouse, ya can't go wrong.
Ravenous Pig Roast?
The roast was excellent. It is a fixed menu, but, I mean, you're there for the roast. Right? BBQ pulled pork, BBQ ribs, some fo the best damed collard greens ever, blackeyed peas, cornbread, and gingerbread. Plus, you get a draft beer with the price of the meal. And, as some of you know, TRP has the best draft selection of any restaurant in town right now. The sides were especially good, though I would've liked more blackeyed peas, please.
I must mention, however, that my better half got very sick after our meal. She thinks her pulled pork was undercooked. I think it may have been an ingredient somewhere else in the meal that did her wrong. Either way, she felt off rather quickly after eating. Not sure what happened there, but she won't be participating in the pig roast for a while.
Other than my better half's pig roast fun, we've not had a bad experience at the Pig. We've been five or six time now and everything has always been top notch. Front-of-house management knows how to run things and back-of-house knows how to cook. TRP rocks!
