Saturday, March 6, 2010

Clarkie’s Breakfast/Lunch Diner: This is dive heaven


Clarkie’s is culinary pulp fiction. This place is on a very visible strip of Orange Ave. just about a mile away from downtown. Yet, you’d pass right by it if you didn’t know better. The sign is grungy and advertises orchids for sale. The restaurant looks like a caged hut that has weathered many hurricanes. Upon entering, you notice the small room with really, REALLY tacky furniture. Trust me, it only gets better from here- Clarkie’s is by far the most strangely enticing brunch stop in Orlando.

I asked for coffee and I got it in a cup advertising the Korean Christian diocese of Orlando. I was still gawking at the dollar-shop décor/crap festooned over the shelves when I ordered a Power Breakfast Special- eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits and gravy. Though the food spread was typical of any breakfast joint, the gravy was especially notable. It was perfect; not too thick, not too runny- a golden balance between the two extremes packed with flavor. On a separate occasion I asked the server (apparently the only server at Clarkie’s) to surprise me with anything he recommended. A fresh but modest Rueben sandwich appeared and was quickly devoured. The rye bread was on the thinner side than normal but definitely appended it’s aroma to the meat sandwiched within.

The proprietor, Miss Lee, is a character in her own right. Suspicious and cold at first, she quickly warms up and even pulls a seat to have a conversation with return customers. With her strange propensity to repeatedly check the restrooms (I’m guessing for broke/homeless hiding customers), she also happens to possess a secret delicacy for Korean-savvy people. Just ask for some of her homemade Kimchi- a pickled cabbage condiment/ingredient ubiquitous in Korean cuisine. Her Kimchi is semi-spicy with strong vinegar and fermented notes in between crunchy cabbage leaves. I recommend you try it with any entrée- besides, it’s free.
I was happily tingled with Clarkie’s. I must thank my companion for spotting it in the first place. It only goes to show you that ambiance doesn’t necessarily have to translate into pompous extravagance… it can be ugly-beautiful. And just as awesome.

IN A NUTSHELL- An absurd atmosphere with hearty food for a very cheap bite. Say hello to Miss Lee and appreciate her eccentricities as you dine. This place is so local (even within their own neighborhood), so non-trendy, and so far from pretentious. Go to Clarkie’s for a real bite of local dives.
Clarkie's on Urbanspoon

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