Monday, October 10, 2011

Feed The Need 2011



For over 10 years, Dubsdread and the Christian Service Center have been partnering up to support our local community. Feed the Need helps raise funds and awareness towards impoverished individuals and families in Central Florida. See you next year when you can eat, drink, dance, and make a difference!

Monday, July 18, 2011

Tako Cheena- a preliminary impression

Pom Moongauklang’s new concept will be opening in August. It’s not far from her well-known Pom Pom’s Teahouse and Sandwicheria- about 2 miles away. What I found curious was that this concept seems to reflect on her old New York stomping grounds at Nobu- where Matsuhisha’s Latin-Asian prowess resonate as reminders of her own past. But that’s where the similarity stops- Pom’s vision is for the masses. A mere $2-$6 for a filling bite compared to the Benjamins you’d shuck out over a Michelin Star Chef.

I was lucky enough to try some of her ideas while doing a short video of Tako Cheena on YouTube. Don’t hate- seriously, wish I could send all of you a ‘wish you were there’ postcard. Her restaurant concept may not arguably be the first in Orlando, but it is definitely the frontrunner in creativity.

The Tuna ‘Tataki’ was exceptionally good. Lemongrass-infused avocado, cabbage, and freshly caught Tuna (her friend caught and gifted it to her) marinated in a Thai spice blend formed the foundation of taco. Ginger and scallions splayed the dish with additional flavor dimensions. One note: the guava-salsa that accompanies this dish may enjoyed better on the side. I think the flavors were delightfully deep and savory- the salsa was appending a sweet profile that could be skipped. Adventurous seafood lovers will really dig the seriously (and almost-deafening) mouth-feel on this taco.

The Crispy Fried Tofu will find fans in some vegetarians. Crispy breading generously slapped on with Asian spices was an interestingly ‘intense’ experience that some people would not imagine Tofu to possess. Imbued with smoky curry powder, it wasn’t my personal favorite, but I can see others going gaga over its taste and vegan-friendliness.

IN A NUTSHELL: Tako Cheena will be on 932 Mills Avenue and will open in August. Tako Cheena’s message is simple- explore the flavors of the world on a few dollars. This is a GREAT way to introduce some of your friends to exotic flavors and Pom would probably smile if she saw you doing that. The space is small but will boast local artwork and well as monthly artist gatherings. Realize that this is a completely different concept from the Teahouse (Brooklyners will be surprised to know that there may a Pom Teahouse opening soon in their New York neighborhood). Catering will be available.



Sneak Peek at Pom Pom's new venture! Enjoy :)

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Gringos Locos: A Downtown Drunk’s Best Friend

True, I visited Gringos during daylight hours but the feel of the place immediately alerted me that it’s really hoppin’ after the bars start shutting down. Open until 3am, it’s actually a quiet spot to grab a bite for lunch.

Gringos has a beautiful, straightforward menu which is efficiently broken down into 4 main categories- Lite Affair, Tacos, Burritos, and Full Affair (it probably keeps things simple when you’re not working at full capacity after a few shots). This afternoon, I opted for the Double D’s from the Tacos section- a hard-n-soft shell taco with cheese, your choice of meat, lettuce, pico de gallo, and sour cream (2 for $5.95) and OG Nachos ($5.75) from the Full Affair section- cheese, lettuce, pico de gallo, sour cream and ground beef ($1.75 extra).

First off, the service here is REALLY helpful and very friendly. Since yours truly is trying to be more healthful (especially when sober), the guy at the back of the counter piled on veggies in my taco- olives, diced tomatoes, jalapenos, and (delightfully) cilantro. It was a great revelation to find out that a taco, especially here, can give you an ample serving of nutritious vegetables… minus the innocuous ‘daily salad’ concept that I’ve being accustomed to lately. And to match that health-consciousness, he even suggested that I skip the sour cream to savor those fresh, herbaceous flavors. Who am I to counter such brilliance?

Salty, succulent pieces of dark chicken meat greeted my mouth like a long-lost lover. She enshrouded her allure with crisp lettuce and sultry kisses of freshly sliced jalapenos. The ultra-fine shredded white and yellow cheeses only cemented my appetite for her. The cilantro was particularly instrumental in giving the taco a beautiful, ethnic mouth-feel. And parlaying into that experience, the textural combination of soft and hard shell tacos in one bite made this dish an INSTANT ADDICTION.

The OG Nachos, in my opinion, are best eaten when you have the drunk munchies. To me, it didn’t really make a lot of sense eating weirdly sweet ground beef (a mixture of chipotle, spice, and brown sugar) heaped with a curious cheese sauce mixture only to be wetted down with tomatoes and sour cream. This lead to a very soggy nacho combination that sticks to the roof of the mouth. Freshly made right behind the counter, the dish became a sloppy mess within minutes. Delicious when drunk, not so much when sober.

IN A NUTSHELL: Gringos Locos is your stop after the bars (it’s catty-corner from I-Bar). It remains one of the few cool places that still give you GREAT DEALS IF YOU BUY MORE OF THE SAME ITEM (my tacos were 2 for $5.95, 3 for $8.00, or 4 for $9.75). They at least have 3 different types of hot sauces. Try to sit OUTSIDE- a mere hour inside the joint and my shirt smelled strongly like deep fried salsa (not really a good thing when you still have the errands to run). And if you want to impress your friends by getting your picture on their counter, you can try the Drunk Gringo Challenger Showdown where you try to inhale a burrito as fast as you can (the current time to beat is 1min 21secs). But please, have some dignity and barf outside the restaurant if the alcohol revolts inside you. That’s probably the reason why Gringos has 100% recycled paper napkins but no recycling trashcans for their canned and bottled beverages.
Gringos Locos on Urbanspoon

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

A New Video for Dixie Crossroads!



I recently revisited this historically-important restaurant. The Rock Shrimp are delicate (and rich when dipped in butter) in flavor when eaten by themselves. A must try if you ever venture out to Titusville. What I'm really proud of, however, is elucidating the story behind this business. Enjoy the video!

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Paco’s: An Orlando citizen’s pilgrimage

Pacos has been around before Orlando started having I-4 traffic problems. Yes, it hails from a time when the city still felt like a Southern town. Some of the servers at Paco’s, a rarity in itself, have been there for close to 30 years. It seems when a restaurant attains a sacred age, you have to visit it just to say you’ve been there… almost, like a pilgrimage.

So, for this evening’s homage, we had a Chili Relleno for $4.95, a Giant Chili Chimi for $9.95, and a three-taco option for $8.75.

Complimentary chips and salsa break up the food waiting time. A standard salsa accompanies a basket of tortilla chips that’s good enough for a person to have as an appetizer. The Chili Relleno at Paco’s is very different from other establishments.
True, it is baked; but the layered strips of UNbattered Poblano peppers that are separated by generous amounts of shredded cheese make this an experience very unique to this establishment. Other restaurants may cry fowl- but the tenure of Paco’s overrules.

The Giant Chili Chimi is not gigantic visually. There are many layers to it, however. The burrito itself is stuffed with your choice of chicken or beef (or even a mixture of the two), fried, and THEN topped with homemade chili. To round things off, sour cream, guacamole, onions, and sliced pickled jalapenos finish the dish.
The taste of this mixture is exactly what it sounds like- soft exterior, tough burrito shell, meaty interior. It may look small, but the Giant Chili Chimi is more than satisfying. It sticks to your stomach for filling meal.

The three-taco option was perfectly portion sized. At Paco’s you can even mix things up by ordering hard and a soft-shell tacos.
You also get a choice of Chicken, Beef, or Guacamole, and they all come with lettuce, tomato, and cheese. Their refried beans are nothing extraordinary but their rice packs a good tomato flavor with a soft, sticky consistency.

IN A NUTSHELL: Paco’s is a modest location on Fairbanks- but anyone who has lived in Orlando for a while uses it as a landmark. An interesting fact about this place is that if you buy one of their T-shirts, you also get 10% off your check. For foodies and aspiring chefs, the Marj Myers Scholoarship Fund has been started at Valencia’s Culinary Program (Marj was the owner of Paco’s for over 28 years). The workers have been around longer than some of us, so show you admire their dedication. Paco’s hours of operation are not consistent through the week- be sure to call ahead. For a piece of local history that fills your belly at modest price, Paco’s is definitely worth a trip.
Paco's on Urbanspoon

Hard Rock Café: Good food, beware of Universal’s alcohol prices

For a pre-concert dine-and-dash, the Café seemed to be the most convenient choice given that it’s right next to the it’s very own auditorium. Café, however, is a misnomer since this establishment fits clearly into a full-fledged chain restaurant.

I deliberately tried to avoid a full stomach prior to the show (I intended to enjoy more drinks than food on this occasion) and ordered a Haystack Chicken Salad for $12.50- minus the ranch dressing. The portion size was decent and filling. The diced pieces of grilled chicken in the salad were not numerous but I did manage to get my protein fix. Generous amounts of corn finished the salad comprised of crisp lettuce, carrots, freshly diced tomatoes, and shredded American cheddar. There were scant specks of spiced pecans. I wished there were more (well, more than 3 pieces at least). Piled high on top of the salad was a mound of fried tortilla strips.

The food was surprisingly filling… as did every other entrée that was glanced upon on other tables. Libations, however, were not cheap. The liquor prices were about $2-$3 additional for the common alcohols and presumably even more for the mixed cocktails. However, a majority of the restaurants these days offset their food costs with alcohol profits. Point of the story? Get trashed prior to getting there and ask someone else to be the designated driver.

IN A NUTSHELL: This place is noisy and huge. Two floors with a scenic patio area on the second level make this restaurant appropriate for the sheer volume of traffic at Universal Studios. Numerous music memorabilia festoon the walls from end to end. An interactive trivia touch-screen wall attracts (or distracts) people waiting on their food or just checking out the adjacent souvenir shop on the first floor. A special shout out goes to Kyle, our server- he was awesome.
Hard Rock Café on Urbanspoon

Blue Dolphin Café: Great service, satisfying food

Blue Dolphin seemed to be the only option besides the hotel’s continental breakfast in the immediate area. What first came to my mind was what a monopoly on the am shift this business had… it only occurred to me much later that I was hoping for some good food too.

I split a bacon-and-cheese omelet for breakfast (I wasn’t particularly hungry) with some additional whole-wheat toast, orange juice, skim milk, and coffee. The omelet was excellent! More on the verge of a frittata, it was ridiculously thick and packed with strips of bacon.

As the fork sliced through the contraption, melted cheddar cheese oozed out of it which became an instant feast for the eyes and the stomach. The omelet, at $8.50, came with a side of chopped potato wedges and whole-wheat toast. Satisfying? Yes. Under $20 for the bill around St. Armand’s eateries? Excellent.

IN A NUTSHELL: It seems the Blue Dolphin gets it’s adequate share of tourists much like the rest of Lido Key and St. Armand’s Circle. However, it also seems to be a place of congregation for the locals that live in the few houses that still remain on the island. Customer service at the Blue Dolphin was great and it seemed all the severs work together to ensure that. Blue Dolphin is ONLY open for breakfast and lunch. For a cheap and satisfying breakfast go there.
Blue Dolphin Cafe on Urbanspoon

Columbia: Decent price-points for Lunch

Columbia was a must on the list for my visit to Sarasota- especially when this location generates more revenue than the original at Ybor City.

For the lunch fare- the Pollo Riojana ($10.95) and the Roast Pork Loin “A la Cubana” ($10.95) were ordered. It was particularly a good deal because the entrées came with a side order of their Famous 1905 Salad for an additional $3.95. And for libations, their renowned Sangria was available at $4.95 a glass.

Crisp, warm Cuban bread was brought at the beginning of the meal followed by the Sangria.
The bread was delicious and each of us got half a loaf of it. It started the meal off on a great note. The Sangria was sweet, refreshing, and well-suited for a sultry day out by the beach. If I had to pick on anything, it would be that the Sangria had those dyed-red, pickled Maraschino cherries… I would’ve been fine if they had skipped the preserved fruit entirely.

I’m sure I’m going to cause a stir when I say that their 1905 salad is nothing remarkable. Perhaps in my mind, when I think of a delicious salad, I conjure up images of fresh, crisp greens tossed with generous amounts of other vegetables, fruits, and nuts. Their salad focuses more on the cheese- Swiss and Parmesan. Decent-sized bits of ham dot the lack-luster salad comprised mostly of Iceberg Lettuce and Romaine. Finally, the salad could have done without being drenched in dressing. In hindsight, you can request your server to dress the salad just the way you like it since it’s tossed and presented tableside.

Between the two entrées, the Pollo Riojana was better. For a boneless chicken that’s breaded and fried, topped with a deliciously tangy tomato sauce and Tetilla cheese, it was Y-U-M-M-Y. The side of yellow rice packed a strong note of cumin along with other spices. Cooked with peas and bell peppers, the rice showed the hand of a chef that has made this rice for many, many moons.

The Roast Pork Loin “A la Cubana” was outshined by the prior dish only because the meat was overcooked and dry. I didn’t notice ANY marinade for the pork as the menu had promised, but the black beans and rice were fabulous. Soft, but not-mushy, the rice was perfectly cooked while the delicious black beans became an instant hit on my palate.

IN A NUTSHELL: Columbia seems to have no dearth for a customer base- the place was busy even on a Monday afternoon. If you’re an herbivore, you probably won’t see the hoopla about the 1905 Salad. The Sangrias are good and so are the portion sizes. Unfortunately, the Cuban bread is not in-house (for any of the locations, as a matter of fact). For attentive and keen service, ask for Novi.
Columbia Restaurant on Urbanspoon

Venezia: Pizza seems to be the way to go

I should’ve wondered why 3 out of 4 tables around us had ordered pizzas instead of the other options on the menu. Even more bewildering is why I didn’t order it when Venezia’s fire-oven is clearly visible from the entrance.

I suppose it was a calculated folly. Instead, I chose the tantalizingly sounding Gnocchi with Gorgonzola sauce ($13.50). For appetizers, the standard Caprese ($8.95) was requested and for the finale, a Lemon Cake (torta de la Nonna- $6.95).

The Gnocchi was yummy. Like soft pillows of dough, they glided down the throat with great ease. The sauce, however, beckoned for more cheese.
The Gorgonzola flavor was not adequately prominent- it felt like it was thinned down with more cream than one would desire. My companion noted that if crumbs of Gorgonzola were used as a garnish atop the Gnocchi, it would have greatly improved the dish.

The Caprese was standard.
The adjoining clump of Arugula on the plate actually imparted a great herbaceous bite. With a few dustings of freshly ground black pepper and a touch of balsamic vinegar, the appetizer quickly vanished in my mouth. Mmmmmmmmm. Satisfaction.






‘Lemon Cake’ at Venezia is actually a torte.
The flavor was good, but the dessert was very cold and hard. It felt like it was brought out of the freezer not too long before I laid my eyes on it. When I asked the server about the dessert, she mentioned that the torte wasn’t in-house, but locally bought.

IN A NUTSHELL: Pizza seems to be the name of the game here- they have about 18 varieties. Satiating for two, I think I’ll be ordering this next time… especially for a beautiful summer night on St. Armand’s Circle in Lido Key. The décor inside is tasteful but if you want to munch and people-watch, outdoor seating is the way to go. For service with a smile, ask for Laura.
Venezia on Urbanspoon

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Porkie’s Original Barbeque: When in Apopka

Porkie’s is located in the hub (i.e. Main Street/U.S. 441) of Apopka. I stopped by last week for a quick bite before tubing down Rock Springs. It’s a no-frills joint- and I like it that way when it comes to southern barbeque. My concern, and so should yours, was only how good the bbq would taste.
They didn’t disappoint. I had a Lunch Special for $8.50, which entailed a pulled pork sandwich, a choice of 2 sides, and included a non-alcoholic drink. Judiciously heaped, compressed pork on a soft bun completed the task of my satiation. The meat itself was flavorful of charred smoke and was slightly on the drier side. The sides- we ordered 2 separate plates- were good too (mac-n-cheese, bbq beans, and seasoned taters).
I did, however, LOVE the collard greens. They were cooked perfectly- slowly rendered for several hours with generous amounts of pork, it was soft and each bite was absent of that tough plant fiber which ideally shouldn’t belong in there anyway. They also gave me some pepper vinegar to douse the collards with. It imparted a tart and spicy twist to an already delicious side.

The service was exceptional. Granted that they weren’t packed, at least two different staff members stopped by each table to check and see if everything was working well. On another note, they have a variety of sauces- including that Carolina vinegar kind… I call it ‘dip’. Ranging from mild-sweet to xxx, they were all good but not too sweet. I actually liked that, but some southern boys would probably care for the sauce to be sweeter.

IN A NUTSHELL: Reasonable price-points for good food. Staff members are friendly and will gladly assist you in narrowing down your choices when they ring-up your order at the counter. Try the different sauces they have- chili-heads will love the mean, spicy ones.
Porkie's Original BBQ on Urbanspoon

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Hawker’s South Asian Fare: Roti Canai… OMG, I die!

This place came to my attention immediately after it opened. It was the name that caught my attention: Hawker’s. And I thought to myself “Could it be?” So, it was only a matter of time before my mouth met their food. And as a former (and picky) hawker customer, I was really looking forward to it.

For individuals unfamiliar with the term, Hawkers are signature to Asian countries (and arguably, in many other parts of the world). They are street vendors who usually vocalize what’s being offered in a loud, aggressive format. Usually on self-drawn carts or makeshift stalls, they are the Asian version of a food truck (well, minus the truck). Hence the etymology of the word ‘Hawker’- from middle low German ‘hoken’, meaning ‘to peddle’ or ‘to bear on one’s back’. Typically, they only showcase a handful of cheap-but-delicious items that are often codependent in their recipes (either they utilize a similar list of ingredients or one item is part of another item’s creation). The Hawker Stand is an example of a classic business structure- delectable food leads to more money which results in a more lavish display of food, a bigger cart, and, ultimately, a permanent spot on the street where people use the eatery as place to rendezvous and spend even more money. In other words, if your food is awesome, you’ll rise to the top.

Luckily, the restaurant showcases more than just a handful of choices. But the small-plate concept and cheap prices remain. And now the math- Szechuan style wings $4, Vegetarian Summer Rolls $3, Satay Chicken Tacos $5, Roti Canai $3, Cantonese Ginger Chicken $4.50, and Malaysian Prawn Mee $6.

They were out of Hainanese sauce, so Szechuan happened to be a second choice. Five wings appeared as our appetizer and they were fairly small.
The unfortunate part, however, was that they weren’t spicy enough. When you think of Szechuan, the connotation is definitely chili heat- and this dish was toned down quite a few notches.
The Vegetarian Summer Rolls were fine with the standard fillings of vermicelli rice noodles, cabbage, carrots, and scallions. The adjoining peanut sauce was pleasantly on the sweet side.
The Satay Chicken Tacos were nothing exceptional. It was a mild mélange of flavors with no single note flying higher than the rest. The tacos desperately needed some acid, which a single wedge of lime atop a small portion of salsa thankfully provided.

The tide turned favorably when the Roti Canai arrived. It was CRIMINALLY DELICIOUS. Alternatively called Roti Chennai/Parata, it’s a Malaysian dish with Indian origins. The small portion of curry sauce with a lump of potato was stupendously addictive.
My stomach was instantly imprisoned by tasty lip smacks of curry intertwined with some SERIOUSLY FLAKY ROTI (see the adjoining short video clip of it at my blog). I could’ve easily made a fool of myself and licked the bowl clean. The curry was creamy and well balanced. A range of spices (cumin, coriander, and cinnamon to name a few) sang like a harmonious choir that elevated the dish into a synergetic stratosphere. In short, magic.

The Cantonese Ginger Chicken showed elegance in simplicity. Simple, ground ginger paste accompanied with perfectly moist sautéed chicken strips spelled Y-U-M.
Ginger paste, though usually used as a pre-cook marinade, worked well just as it was. On the other hand, the Prawn Mee was a toss-up. It was recently prepared and served. Hence, the ingredients were layered and presented just as the menu described. However, a slow cooked approach (as soups often have) would have intermingled the flavors of chicken, egg, chili sauce, and jumbo shrimp more successfully.

If this were back in Asia, I would’ve opted for the Hawker stand selling soup that had been simmering in a giant wok for hours rather than one that served a la minute.

When one of the co-owners, Kaleb Harrell, arrived for a quick interview, it came to no surprise to find out that the place is owned by people who have a lineage in the Hawker business. And the menu definitely speaks of the diversity in the ownership as well- Hong Kong natives, Northern Chinese, Malaysian, and Vietnamese bring the Asian diaspora to the restaurant’s table. I did manage to ask him about the soup and his responded that the chefs are still deliberating between themselves which technique should prevail. He also pointed out the detail in décor for the place was specific to the concept- right down the very tables styled with laminated Chinese newspapers (so reminiscent of eating food from a Hawker’s newspaper cone).

IN A NUTSHELL: Go for the Roti Canai. It’s great. The place is young and the owners are receptive to your suggestions- especially for a second location that they are planning in the works. Try one of the many Asian beers they serve bottled. The success of a traditional hawker stand is very physically evident- a long queue. And I’m happy to say that this concept has finally germinated in our very own backyard. Here’s to hoping for a long line at this joint.
Hawkers Asian Street Fare on Urbanspoon

Monday, May 2, 2011

Shipyard Emporium Market, Bakery, Brew Pub- A Marriage of Food and Beer

I actually stepped into this establishment to kill time. I really wasn’t hungry, but my sources told me that Shipyard Emporium did have a good selection of craft beers. And ice-cold Beer, especially on a hot Florida afternoon, is something no man passes up freely.

The concept of this place is a mishmash of a market and a dining place. Upon arrival, I was greeted at the hostess stand with some baked bread samples. Behind our hostess, was a refrigerated display counter selling cheese, bread, and the like. For a very brief moment, it felt like Costco. But when I veered left towards the dining area, the feel changed into a Gastropub. And on the table, to assuage my doubts, was a beer menu. It was love at first sight- Craft Beers. The choices were varied, ordered, and perfectly described per their alcohol percentage and flavor profile. On the backside of the menu, there was a guide to tasting beer and appreciating it for all its unique qualities. Beer, evident, was the spotlight.

The Sea Dog Blueberry Wheat beer was my choice for the afternoon ($5/pint).
It fulfilled it’s job description- i.e., washed out the horrendous afternoon heat with a frothy smile on my face. I liked the floating blueberries that it came with- nice touch. Fruity and effervescent, it actually heightened my senses that the sun had baked thin.

I had a Pot Roast Flatbread for $10 to accompany my libation. Creamy, meaty, and cheesy- it’s hard to go wrong with this combination. The baked Gorgonzola crumbled atop the 10” flatbread imparted a tart zing with each bite.
The Criminis used in this dish played up the meaty qualities of the Pot Roast with a nutty finish. It seems that Criminis are becoming a rapid FLAVOR TREND FOR THE SEASON as they are becoming ubiquitous in many seasonal menus across the city (Teak and Finesse, among others). But it was the Bleu Cheese Dressing that formed the base of the flatbread that I found to be addictive like potato chips. I couldn’t help it! The flatbread was made quick work of in rapid gobbles.

Alas, after these darlings, I had to depart for chores delineated for the rest of the day. It felt like I was leaving too soon for some reason. Shipyard lures its clients like the safety of a harbor for long-lost sailors at sea. Balancing unique food options with equally unique beer, it definitely became a memorable afternoon.

IN A NUTSHELL: Wines and beer options change with the season and whim of master brewer Ron Raike (winner of numerous awards and a local figure in beer for over 20 years). Shipyard’s concept hails from Maine and presents a beer-focused profession (co-owner Allan Pugsley- yes, that’s his name- went over to England to learn under master brewers himself). For a serious brewski try the Double Old Thumper for a dry finish with a whopping 11.2% alcohol content. Difficulty choosing ‘the One’? A beer flight of 4oz samples of 4 different beers of your choice will ease the pressure. Go to kill time. Go to drink beer. Go to eat some tasty food. It’s all here.
Shipyard Emporium · Market · Bakery · Brew Pub on Urbanspoon

Friday, April 22, 2011

A Special Post........ :)

EATTYPHONEHOME has jumped on Facebook and Twitter... FINALLY!

Follow me hoooome :)

www.facebook.com/eattyphonehome

www.twitter.com/eattyphonehome


Live long and gobble,

EPH

Finesse: An Unexpected Family Affair

To celebrate a special event one night, I ended up Finesse in Lake Mary’s. Upon arriving at the hostess stand, I was greeted by Bella, the cutest little infant that I have seen in quite a while. It did strike me as odd that the hostess would have a child in her arms but Bella just happens to be the owner’s daughter. Bella, unbeknownst to me at the beginning, would become instrumental in my final perception of this new establishment.

To kick things off, let’s get the math out of the way. Sugar Cane Chicken $9, Duck Confit $13, Maytag Wedge $6, and Chimi Skirt Steak $18.

The sweet and slightly chary Sugarcane Chicken was good. Slightly on the drier side, the chicken was particularly enjoyable when you bite down on the semi-thick sugarcane skewer to extract some of the sugars inside the stem with each bite.
I especially liked this dish because it left the consumer at his/her own devices to figure out how to layer the cilantro, lime, and tamarind flavors in the dish with a delightful burnt sugar taste that’s derived with a little effort using their own teeth. If you didn’t want that flavor, you could skip it entirely for the next bite. So, the dish succeeded in presenting a slightly variable flavor profile depending on personal tastes. I dig that.

Alas, the Duck Confit fell short on its promise. The skin was extremely crisp and tasty, but the meat itself wasn’t fall-off-the-bone. If the dish wasn’t called this, then I would find no error with it as I enjoyed it very much (duck just happens to be my weakness).
A slow and low approach to the cooking process would have resulted in a more tender meat. The accompanying Shitake and Baby Bella (um, wordplay anyone? The menu could’ve easily described them as Criminis instead… *smirk*) mushrooms were perfectly executed- not overcooked, meaty, and just glide-down-your-throat good. Overall, there was a rich flavor to the dish which can only be described as tasty due to its fatty, mildy nutty, salty, and texturally crisp dimensions.

The Maytag Wedge left more to want. First, the portion size was small. Which I suppose is understandable for the establishment and the price point. However, touting it as the ‘best bleu cheese dressing’ was not accurate.
Acutely small chunks of cheese lacking that distinct tartness that goes hand in hand with a characteristic bleu cheese taste didn’t qualify this dressing anywhere near the top of my list. However, the salad as a whole was very fresh and all the ingredients (including the bacon) were crisp and enjoyable.

The Chimi Skirt Steak was suggested by the server as being the best option for a well-done cut of meat. So, I went with it with a slight adjustment- DUCK-FAT FRIES instead of ‘shoe fries’. This dish was simply delicious from one corner of the plate to the other.
‘Abuela’s Chimichuri’ was so addictively refreshing that I wished that there was more dotted around the Angus meat that sat beside onions cooked in a Cabernet reduction. The duck-fat fries were good as well. Crisp, decadently oily, and salty- the flavor of these fries are a notch above the regular kind. All in all, a perfectly executed dish for the main course.

Towards the end of the meal, the Bella’s mother Autumn McCoy (who also happens to be one of the chefs) started talking up a conversation with us. It wasn’t what she was saying, but rather what was being conveyed through it. It became very quickly evident that there is a lot of love, focus, and hard work that has gone into the making of this establishment. And love, above all, seems so centric to their vision- it has been the young couples dream to open this concept for many moons. And to crown the achievement, Excecutive Chef Alex Brugger named his new company Bella as well :)

IN A NUTSHELL: This place showcases good food and presentation. They have a sizeable trove of beers to choose from (I liked the Paulaner Hefeweizen for $6) but if that doesn’t tickle your fancy, there’s a full bar as well. Semi-private, small groups can book a large table in a separate room for a base price that can be negotiated with what you want served for your company. Sundays bring DISCOUNTED PRICES FOR THE BRUNCH CROWD- as well as a free first round of Mimosas or Bloody Marys on the house. Try the duck-fat fries for a deeper, fattier twist to a classic. Tastefully decorated, its ambiance beckons the casual-formal crowd. For a special night on the town, give this new place in Lake Mary a try.
P.S. A handful of people have inquired with me about the Brunch. I've attached a pic of the Brunch Menu but be forewarned that their prices as well as menus are constantly updated.


Finesse on Urbanspoon

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Carmela’s Of Brooklyn Restaurant Pizzeria: Surprisingly good

When the first choice of eatery didn’t work out (they were closed), I ended up at Carmela’s today. It just seemed the obvious destination in Longwood- big bold neon red signs, in a sizeable strip mall right off the I-4 intersection. You can’t miss it. However, it was 11am in the morning and I was questioning myself, “Do you really want Italian for brunch?” Carmela’s, however, turned out to be a surprisingly enchanting experience.

The menu is standard for an Italian restaurant- pizzas, pasta, and some seafood here, and the standard Italian meat dishes there. What I should’ve paid attention to was the bold font on the front page- ‘Imported Pastas’, Ripe San Marzano Tomatoes, and Fresh Mozzarella. These ingredients would later prove to reveal themselves even when the eye didn’t bother to read.

First, let’s get the math out of way. Fresh Handmade Mozzarella with Roasted Red Peppers and Tomatoes- $6.99, Ricotta filled Ravioli with Pomodoro Sauce- $10.49, and Gnocchi with Alfredo sauce (a custom order)- $10.49.

If you’ve seen the menu (or my picture attached with this review), Carmela’s definitely takes pride in making their Mozzarella in-house. Bold print encased in a double-red lined box easily denotes that this is one of their specialties.
Verdict? Very good. But I’d shy away from excellent. You could tell the Mozzarella was recently prepared, but it wasn’t super fresh… and that’s important especially if you’re promoting ‘mozzarella curds prepared fresh by hand throughout the day.’ It was probably a day old. In the big picture, it doesn’t make a huge difference but the taste definitely changes subtly over time.
The rest of the dish was perfect- the fresh slices of tomato and generous topping of basil provided clean and brightening flavors that married well with the oil.

The Pomodoro sauce was remarkably delicate. I quickly noted the slight acidity of the tomatoes that gave a smooth tart finish to the dish. Later, I found out these were San Marzano tomatoes in the sauce which are arguably the best variety for a tomato sauce. Smooth but slightly lumpy, tart but not too tart, the sauce was all about simple deliciousness. The ravioli only added to the enjoyment- they were made in-house.
A little too al-dente for me, I still appreciated that the effort that went into it and the clear taste of the ingredients especially when they are made in the kitchen. Granted that the pasta itself was not ‘imported’, I was quick to verify with the server if the ingredients were. And that turned out to be true. The ricotta is filled into the ravioli- not stuffed. Please keep that in mind if you’re looking for more cheese to this dish. However, there’s also enough atop the ravioli in the form of mozzarella. I, for one, didn’t feel the need for more cheese. It was just right.

The Gnocchi was also made in-house. And it showed- the deliciously soft interior of each potato pasta denoted that it neither came from the freezer nor was it overworked.
The Alfredo that I substituted it with was rich and heavy. My mouth was coated with cream and butter. It was not as cheesy as I had hoped but the dish was deceptively filling (i.e., the plate didn’t look so satiating in the beginning). I wish I had saved room for dessert.

IN A NUTSHELL: Carmela’s is good. Simplicity of flavors win here because the sum of their parts equal to something greater on the palate. They have 2 locations- Longwood and by Universal Studios. A must try if you’re into Italian cooking because unlike other Italian joints, the key things here are prepared from scratch. And that’s important. I, for one, prefer to taste the ingredient- not the preservative.
Carmela's of Brooklyn Restaurant Pizzeria on Urbanspoon

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Teak Neighborhood Grill: The hidden gem of MetroWest

This is the second time on my blog (the first being Hollerbach’s Willow Tree) that I will stress how entertaining a WHIM can be. I’ll be the first to admit- I’ve never heard of Teak. In fact, if you even pass by the road that it’s on, you probably wouldn’t see what’s so special either. Well, unless you live in the neighborhood. And that’s what Teak stresses- it’s a neighborhood restaurant. However, if you see the caliber of food that they are pumping out (at astonishingly reasonable prices), Teak will soon draw a whole lot more than just their neighborhood. Thank God for my whim… and I haven’t stopped thinking about this place since I ate there.

“Most of our customers are brought here by word-of-mouth,” said Brian Buttner. As owner, Brians concept was simple- keep it fresh, clean, and low-key. He also wanted Teak to be more than just a Burger Bar. So here’s some of the different food fares I tried out this week- Brushetta $6.95, Pan Roasted Mussels $8.95, Tuscan Steak Flatbread $8.95, and the Brazilian Burger $9.95.

So the Bruschetta was intentionally different. Rather than on a Crostini, this one comes with Focaccia. A mélange of the standard mozzarella, tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and fresh basil were fresh and good. The Focaccia substitution was good too.
Crostini lovers may probably want to try this version a chance since it’s slightly crisp on the outside and chewy-soft on the inside (I wished it was little more crisp though). What I was really gawking at was the ULTRA GENEROUS drizzle of balsamic glaze that imparted a mild sweet and tart finish to the entire dish. Yum.

According to Executive Chef Danny Ortera the Pan Roasted Mussels are “his baby.” And I have to agree- the dish definitely shows a latin hand involved in its expert creation. There were 3 things that were really enticing about this appetizer:
1) The number of mussels served for the order- I counted 20 medium sized Chilean Mussels.
2) The number of mussels served for the order- at $8.95 as an appetizer? RIDICULOUS.
3) The number of mussels served for the order- with a SUBLIME and simple white wine reduced broth.
3a) Um. Yeah. Ridiculously Sublime.

Exquisitely handled mussels embraced a delicate broth replete with minced garlic and tomatoes. Focaccia, again, graced the edges of the dish brushed with herb oil. I found myself getting really perplexed with how Brian is giving a customer what they really want all at the same time- quality, quantity, and value. Usually, one thinks that it’s downright impossible- the portion size for the mussels might as well have been main course. And then my mind suddenly went to something even more perplexing- Half-Price Mondays- can you imagine this dish being $4.50? Ridiculous.

The Tuscan Steak Flatbread was a personal favorite. Thin slices of prime-rib steak, mozzarella cheese, spinach, sautéed Crimini mushrooms, caramelized onions, and sundried tomato aioli made a perfect formula for success.
The Criminis balanced the flavors very smoothly and my tongue made it a tightly controlled captive of my mouth. Chef Ortera makes flatbreads where the toppings go ALL THE WAY TO THE EDGE. This results in an AMAZING mouth-watering experience. The flatbread transformed itself into a nostalgic comfort food before my very eyes. I loved it. And I don’t say that too often.

And finally, the Brazilian. Call it a big boy burger- a fried egg, sliced ham, crisp potato strings, and provolone cheese sit atop a half pound of angus beef.
Now if I had saved room for this lovely piece of edible art, I would have truly relished in her beauty. But from what I managed to eat, I liked it. The patty was juicy even though it was well-done. All of it made sense. However, if I had to critique anything it would be the potato sticks which were a little on the semi-burnt borderline. They imparted a charry taste to the burger which was good, except my inner-child wanted to single out the sticks and nibble on them. I was glad that the bun got some attention- a light toast and quick brush of oil. I can’t stress how many times a promising burger has been eclipsed by a stale, boring bun. Not this time. At Teak, all breads are locally bought from a little French Bakery in Winter Garden. And you can taste the difference.

As a side note, Teak’s fries rock. These come with the burgers and they are just as good when eaten alone. At Teak, the fries are not just dusted with a spice blend. Rather, it’s a secret SAUCE that they are tossed in.

IN A NUTSHELL: Go before everybody else beats you to it. Half-price Mondays have all items except Burgers half-off. Not surprisingly this also happens to be one of their busiest nights. Teak has a full bar so feel free to belly up to the bar and have something to eat at the same time. Take the time to notice the presentation of what you ordered- many of the dishes are supposed to be eaten first with your eyes. They have a Sunday brunch where you will find a modest Bloody Mary Bar. But what I love the most about this place is the price-point to product ratio- you really get a delicious bang for your buck!

AND A FIRST: If you didn’t sense my earnest already, I partnered up with another food blogger and made a YouTube video for Teak! It’s also visible on my blog :)



Teak Neighborhood Grill on Urbanspoon

Friday, April 1, 2011

Jimmy Hula’s: Disappointing for such a prime location

If real estate is what businesses look at before venturing in, Jimmy has it. Located on busy Aloma, across from the busy shopping center that has Whole foods, Jimmy has a very inviting feel from the exterior. You didn’t have to twist my arm hard enough to visit them just weeks after they opened.

Unfortunately, that’s where the fairy tale ends. I did my homework and I was aware that a) you had to order up at the counter and b) the prices are cheap. So, even knowing this, how could the experience be so lacking?

First, the math- Teriyaki Beef Taco with Creamy Teriyaki Sauce $3.29, the El Diablo Burger $6.59, the Veggie Jim-Bob kabob $4.99, and a South Beach Fruit Salad $6.29. LandShark beer was $3.25 a bottle.

The Teriyaki Taco was modest. Too modest. Heck, I couldn’t even see the SMALL pieces of beef that were blanked by shredded cabbage! To even get an appropriate picture for this, I intentionally kicked off some of the cabbage in the corner of the taco to show you the mediocre quantity of beef at the very bottom.
Which begs the question- when everyone else is focused on satiating portions, why doesn’t Jimmy charge… say, $5 for a taco and actually make it decent? I guess I could’ve order more than one, but it was my first time and biting into it didn’t make me crave another either- nothing exceptional, in short.

The El Diablo was laughable- the menu states ‘try it if you dare’. LOL. People accustomed and looking for spicy options will add MORE HOT SAUCE upon being seated. And if the adjoining picture for this one doesn’t really bring it home- it was such a lonesome little burger- there were no automatic sides for a burger at $6.59.
Even so, I would have been fine if the burger was stellar- unfortunately, the jalapenos looked like fried okra. The burger was creamy but there should have been more Sriracha especially if you’re going to advertise spiciness. The onions, lettuce, and tomato were fresh and juicy (bear with me, I’m trying to find a silver lining in all of this).

I think they got away with murder on the kabob. ONE PIECE OF PINEAPPLE PER SKEWER. Really?
There’s a difference between being cheap versus being A CHEAPO. Wait, there’s more- the small portions of rice wouldn’t even satisfy your 10yr old. The teriyaki sauce drizzled over did tie the dish together, but I really wish their kabobs were more substantial rather than just cut up pieces of grilled onions, bell peppers, tomatoes. Is their creativity so myopic?

The South Beach Salad was tasty. FINALLY.
The ingredients sang in my mouth and it was truly delicious. It would have been a bonus if the dressing was in-house… but I can bet you money that it was Ken’s Raspberry Vinaigrette that was just poured out of a tub or jar.

IN A NUTSHELL- This place is tragic in it’s portion size. At the day that I was there, they were out of take out menus and Iced Tea. Being in this industry, this didn’t bother me but others may state that they should have their business in order before opening to the public. Also, the flavors are not spectacular. A triple sucker-punch. For a more satiating lunch, Tijuana Flats across the street will more than fill 2 people up on $26 (my bill at Jimmy’s). Unless they regroup their vision, charge a little more, and put something more promising, I don’t recommend it. Which is a dismal thought when you’re located on such a good spot on the strip.
Jimmy Hula's on Urbanspoon

Followers