Friday, February 26, 2010

The Greek Corner: Simple food, Greek flavors (even in the Italian options)


As the traffic clogged Interstate-4 meanders through the heart of Orlando, it takes a small hop over Lake Ivanhoe. The lake, a placid blue gem, is also home to an equally quaint (and blue) Greek restaurant.

I've heard and known about this place for many moons. And interestingly enough, it has taken me several visits to write this review. I suppose I grown accustomed to this place.

Greek Corner is not new and it's not swank. You’re not going to go there to impress on a first date (unless it's a blind one and you need the picturesque lake view as a conversation starter). This is a place meant for small groups of close-knit friends to enjoy simple food and gossip over some beer and wine.

At one occasion, for an appetizer, I ordered the calamari which was fine- tasty, but suspiciously imitating prepackaged, frozen bag flavors. I requested extra wedges of lemon whose acid greatly improved the dish. The accompanying marinara was scant and definitely needed to be more generous. I proceeded things with the Greek salad. This is the pièce de résistance of the restaurant- an intricate marriage of hearty, simplicity, and delicateness. The crunch of the lettuce contrasted with the dressing, and the acid notes of feta cheese gave great flavor to the dish. At first bite, the tongue gets busy deconstructing everything but it’s at the very end that the integrated bolus becomes greater than the sum of its parts. I can’t get enough of a salad- imagine that. I’m usually conquered by this salad feeling completely satiated without even having space for coffee at the very end. My mother should take note of this and stop complaining that I don't get enough fiber into my diet.

On other occasions, I’ve tried the Chicken Francaise and a lamb Gyro. I noted the clean Greek flavors even in an Italian dish such as the Chicken Francaise- lightly battered chicken with a sauce that was not too creamy and but pleasantly lemony. On the Greek side, the lamb Gyro was very satisfying with definite layers where the tongue can clearly taste every single ingredient- almost like reading this very sentence. Semi-thick slices of well-done lamb with roasted red bell-peppers and onions were embedded in pita bread that was wrapped in foil. This Gyro pairs very well with either of their Greek beers (I’ve tried both). A side of homemade potato wedges rounded off the plate to a sensible lunch option.

The service has always been decent. It’s definitely not for the needy customer who wishes his server to hover around him or her like a fly. Return clientele are always greeted with a smile… and occasional Greek banter if you’re native.
Try to score a shot of Ouzo at this place. I prefer it after the meal as the licorice spirit acts like a post-dining mouth-freshener. The name of this establishment misleads it to be an exclusively Greek menu. However, I have given the proprietor the benefit of the doubt that he probably wants to attract a broad consumer base... and sneakily turn them on to Greek cuisine.

IN A NUTSHELL: When in taste doubt, ask for lemon wedges. It enlivens all their entrees up. It’s simple food at a not-so-expensive bill. An ideal place for an outdoor lunch. Gobble the gyro as you watch I-4 pulse rhythmically over the bridge on Lake Ivanhoe. This is soul food- Greek style.
Greek Corner on Urbanspoon

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Agave Azul: Where South Orlando Hangs on Tuesday nights


In an otherwise normal mall off Conroy and Kirkman road's intersection lies Agave Azul. At first glance, the outside ambience of a patio, blue hues, and potted palm trees is probably promoting a Miami-style atmosphere. I suspect that this place was for a relaxed dining. So, I decided to take a friend out for a casual dinner on a weeknight.

We went to grab a bite around 7:30pm and this place was already packed. Upon seating, I promptly asked for a margarita and jumped straight into the main course as I had already done my homework on them online (by the way, everything matched up- price points, selections, and specials).

I ordered the Quesadilla Guadalajara with grilled steak. It was good- no complaints. But what truly surprised me was the side of rice that was neatly present on one corner of the dish. It was dotted with bellpeppers, beans, and onions. If there wasn't minimal chewing involved, I would say it melted right in my mouth. So delicious and enticing was this elixir, that I quickly forgot about the quesadilla as I had never had such perfect Mexican rice in my life.

On the other side of the table, my friend wasn't hungry. He ordered a $5 taco salad which was surprisingly filling. I ordered Churros for dessert to give him something more to munch on. That was probably the best spontaneous decision of the evening. I was astonished to find how mouth-watering they were. Soft on the inside, cinnammon crunchiness on the outside, two different dipping sauces (purists will find virtue in sticking to the chocolate one)- it was a perfect ending to our meal. I would go back just for the rice and the Churros. If you were in my shoes, you'd be sounding crazy like the previous sentence too.

The service was decent though spotty at times. I kind of surmised that he was overwhelmed by the throngs of people in his section so I'm not going to downplay his efforts.

I think this place is packed because of value AND ambience. In tough economic times, Agave Azul has a smart business concept that lures people in for value and keeps them there for a tasty bite enshrouded in a casual-chic layout.

IN A NUTSHELL- The Mexican rice is a must try. It comes as a side portion to many of the main entrees. This is a place to hang out with your neighbor and meet a few others that you probably noticed at the local grocery store. Tuesday night is $2 margaritas.

Agave Azul on Urbanspoon

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