Thursday, July 29, 2010

El Potro (Winter Park): All Hail the Mighty Flan!

El Potro is a weird name for a restaurant. You have wrestlers, matadors, and even vain men that claim to be "El Potro" (in English "The Colt") but a restaurant?

Look, I'll be the first one to admit it- I'm not a big fan of Americanized Mexican cuisine. Refried beans? Not unless I'm drunk. Tacos? Pass. Enchiladas? Baby food. Not my favorite cuisine unless we are talking REALLY authentic stuff from Oaxaca...

So I was surprised that I was coerced into going to El Potro. I guess it was because it was a lunchtime buffet and rather than being whiny, my logic dictated that I would find *something* that I would deem digestion-worthy if not delicious.

On the buffet line, there were the usual contenders- chimichangas, tacos, salad, some mole here, and some guacamole there. But what was labeled as "Carnitas" definitely caught my eye. Sizeable chunks of pork in a savory sauce was the first entree that landed on my plate. Of course, I was curious about the mole so I put a tad bit of it also besides the carnitas as well.

The pork was very sublime. I could already envision that the cook in backline had been making this recipe for many, many moons. It was subtly spicy and just moist enough for the tender pieces to work their magic on my taste buds.

The mole on the other hand didn't fare as great. The sauce was diplomatically neutral- not too sweet, salty, or savory. Which was fine, however, the pieces of chicken in them were overcooked and so dry. It is my assumption that the chicken was a casualty of being out on the buffet for a little too long.

I just kept going over to the carnitas. They were that good. But another jewel awaited me when I finally wanted a little bit of dessert. In the midst of fruits, ricotta, yogurt, and other quickly forgotten items was a very humble looking flan. I thought it was worth a shot, as I have never come across a bad flan in a Latin establishment.

What I didn't expect was a beautiful flan. Yes, beautiful. She was a vision. A creamy white maiden that just danced in my mouth. Flans usually taste of sugar and caramel as soon as they hit your tongue. However, she was different- first the cream, then the whole milk, and finally an underlining sweetness rounds off the palate. This flan was superb. I especially like when a dish reveals itself in layers and this is exactly what she did. A flan apart from all others. This place is misnomered. "LA POTRA" would be befitting for such a prized item.

IN A NUT SHELL: The lunch buffet should always showcase this flan. The emphasis is not on caramel, but milk. Delicious. The carnitas were good too. Mondays and Tuesdays are 2-for-1 margaritas all day long (they were perfect). A moderately cheap bite, even after alcohol.
El Potro Mexican Restaurant on Urbanspoon

California Burrito Express: Late Night Drunk Fave!

You're bouncing up and down in a club, you're slurring, and you can't talk anymore because the alcohol is finally getting to you. And if you're like me, you don't get horny, you get hungry. You go to California Burrito Express.
Now, please don't drink and drive. Be smart enough to get there by manipulating the designated driver with the last ounce of persuasion before you finally succumb to the alcohol. It will be worth the drive to Colonial-Fashion Square Mall area. It's not going to be fancy or entertaining. It's just going to be a midnight rendezvous with a delicious burrito.
Be mindful of other customers- at least one will be homeless and some others are like you- drunk, tired, and huuuuuuunggry. It's when I've had one too many martinis that I realize the beauty of refried beans and two burritos loaded with beef ($7). Stuffed with small chunks of red meat goodness, the burrito is dotted here and there with guacamole and salsa.
At a separate small salsa bar, you'll find crisp taco chips with a spicy salsa verde and a milder red salsa. There's also a few other things such as a carrot-chunk salsa and onion-tomato salsa that are rotated daily, but I never seem to get to them. The stomach voraciously calls for the burrito and drunk brain only seems to oblige.
It's delicious. It's what your stomach needs to soak up that vodka, rum, gin or whatever you're drinking loaded with ethanol. And it's a welcome reception. As it glides into your stomach, your mouth agrees that some spicy salsa verde mixed into the burrito would make it a better experience. Not that you need more entertainment- sometimes you get very lucky. For instance a few months ago, some drunk frat group came in with their girl 'friends' and the overheard conversation was something like:

*Girl crying* "Whyyyyyyy, wuhy does he not lyyke mi??"
*Accused boy politely leaves the restaurant to avoid a scene for a cigarette*
*Girl continuing to ensue drama with her gal pal* "We'd be so purfect togethar"
*Muffled sobbing* "I think I'm going to use the bathroom"
*Semi-concerned other girl* "Omigod, should I come with you? Please don't say you're gonna puke."
*Homeless guy in the corner pays attention to what will happen next*


Who needs late night Springer on a flat screen when you get live entertainment?

IN A NUT SHELL: Go for a real meaty burrito. They claim to be busy with the lunch crowd in the Fashion Square Mall area but at night, it's just as fun. It's clean and well lit inside and out. It's where the old Fazzoli's was and the interior decor hasn't changed much. It’s a cheap bite and one of the few places around the city that are open 24hrs.
California Burrito Express on Urbanspoon

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Lollicup: The Pearl of Mills-50

It's a yellow outcrop of a much bigger complex. And the golden ticket is the Taracado. It's unexpectedly yummy. Welcome to bizarre Wonka-like Lollicup.

You'll meet Tom- the Asian Willy Wonka. His mustache is long enough to pique your curiosity. A charming chap, he's there to make all the little kiddies happy and introduce them to BOBA (tapioca pearls) and other exotic concoctions.

Lollicup's a drink-specific franchise that is focused on bringing some very foreign flavors and textures to Orlando. It also makes iced-coffee and at one point (though not any more) served delectable small sandwiches called Bahn Mi (I’d advise them to bring those back).
I went there originally because I've seen their sunflower-like sign so many times that one fine day I found myself with a few extra bucks to spend on something I really didn't know anything about.
WAS I LUCKY, OR WHAT? Tom's assistant, a very sweet woman (whom I didn't get introduced to) gave me A-grade advice. Rather than suggesting some sweet tropical fruit blend, she peered straight into my eyes and said "Try the Taracado. It's very good. You won't believe it." It was a risk worth taking- Taro root and Avocado- but it turned out to being equivalent to giving someone a drink of water after a very long walk in the Florida sun. HEAVENLY. As soon was the frozen blend hit my tongue, all my salivary glands exploded simultaneously. My pupils dilated denoting a ‘wow’ moment. My tongue wrapped around that straw like a boa constrictor. Need I say more?

Creamy, sweet, made with real avocado, this drink has been a frequent visitor to my mouth ever since. Taracado is like a seductive one-night stand that just can’t be one. It keeps appearing in your mind every time you jones for a sweet treat. And she can be as deceptively naughty in vanishing after the performance.

IN A NUT SHELL: Follow the neon signs of Lollicup or you'll miss it. For $5, take a chance on your very own Wonka-experience on Mills-50 at Lollicup. Though they have a vast menu, the Taracado is a clear front-runner. If you think you’re going to go there a lot, get a frequent visitor card that they punch after every purchase- the tenth one should be free.
Lollicup Coffee & Tea on Urbanspoon

Monday, July 5, 2010

Graffiti Junktion: Tasty. Great Service.

It's in a happening location. It's where Midnight Blue used to be. Seems like they Craigslisted a spray painting event one weekend and graffiti'ed the shit out of the place- picnic benches inclusive.
Graffiti is a simple concept- hamburgers and loudness. Mix a few specialty hamburgers there, a full bar here, and a lively atmosphere. Bam! Graffiti Junktion.
I ordered the Potato Skins ($6) with cheese, chives, and bacon (there's chilli and sour cream served on the side). This was delicious but very temperature sensitive. As soon as they got cold, they were not as enjoyable. However, it must be said that the delectability of these skins lies in their semi-crisp exterior that leads to a very addictive crunch and slobber.
For the burger course, I had the Green Mountain Burger($11)- fried egg, cucumber, a ham, pickle, american cheese, tomato, and a thick slab of hamburger served with fries. The hamburger definitely had an "oo-la-la" moment. Any food lover with a soft spot for a sunny-side egg on a sandwich/burger would find virtue in this entree. I had asked for the burger to be well-done and so it was- however, I must note that it still retained its juiciness as well as a nice not-too-charry taste that the grill imparted on it.
This establishment has some of the friendliest servers around. I didn't meet one that had anything else on their mind except serving the client. Maybe it was a good day or maybe it's just fact. Great service isn't to be overlooked.
IN A NUT SHELL- This is Thornton Park. Even a burger joint isn't super cheap- no matter what the decor might say. Drinks will rack up your bill (I do love my ShockTop! - $4 on draft). The service is good- i.e., the waitresses seem to really care about you. The fries could be less salty but this place truly has an unpretentious quality where you can relax and gawk in an otherwise hoity-toity neighborhood.
Graffiti Junktion on Urbanspoon

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