The Taste of Yucatán: Unique niche cuisine and a must try for anyone in Orlando

Finally, a change from the regular humdrum and onto a new and never-tried cuisine in Orlando. Taste of Yucatán just opened three weeks ago. It's located not far from the busy intersection of Semoran and Curry Ford. How often do you try an establishment that specializes in regional Mexican cuisine? Unless you are shopping at a local mexican store with a side kitchen serving hot food, the answer is probably not that often.

The building is rather unassuming. To be honest, it used to be a Church's Chicken property before it traded hands. When we arrived, the parking lot had but a few cars and I have to say, I was a little concerned this was not what I had hoped for. 

My reservations about this place melted away as soon as we entered. The restaurant was clean, well lit, minimally decorated, and the ordering counter had 3 flat screens that effectively (and efficiently) described the ordering process while giving ample visual examples of their dishes from one slide to next. To top it off, we had the owner, Joal Rodriguez, take our order with a big smile. His willingness to help make our experience as best as it could get really impressed me as he truly went out of his way to make sure we were satisfied while placing our order.

The process is simple- choose a 'presentation' (taco, quesadilla, bowl, etc.) and the 'filling' that would reside on or in your presentation (mayan-style pork, cheese, chorizo, poblano peppers, etc.). There are appetizers as well... and get this, nothing on the menu is more than $7 per order. Talk about a deal. 

We ordered quite a bit- some panuchos (a Yucatán specialty made by deep-frying a corn tortilla stuffed with refried beans), some tamales, some quesadillas, freshly made guacamole, and a mexican tamarind-flavored soda.

I have to say, everything- and I mean everything- was delicious. Granted, I'm not a connoisseur of Yucatec cuisine or culture, but it's that feeling you get regardless of expertise when you know something has been made with care, consideration, quality, and love. 

I loved the papas con chorizo filling (potatoes and spicy sausage) on my panucho. Contrary to expectation, I didn't see chorizo bits in the mashed potato mixture- rather, the chorizo was completely incorporated into the potatoes to give it an orange-brown hue which permeated that classic spicy sausage taste evenly. 

The vaporsitos (beef tamales scented with wrapped banana leaves) were a little bit on the denser side (I like my tamales soft and very moist) and they had a cake-like consistency. The flavor was milder than what I had expected, but after adding some freshly made salsa verde and homemade spicy sauce of ground chile de árbol in oil, that too disappeared down my throat.

For all you pork lovers, the Cochinita Pibil quesadilla was very good. If I had a second stomach, I would have ordered another one of these. The flour tortillas were pillowy soft and the pulled pork was succulent and mildly spiced while enrobed in a gorgeous thick brown sauce. Add some fresh cilantro, minced onions, and a couple wedges of lime from the condiment area on the counter, and you'll make quick work of this divine dish in minutes.

The guacamole was exceedingly fresh and come in a 5oz container. For something that would cost $8-$10 easily at a fine dining Mexican restaurant, The Taste of Yucatán serves this delicious made-to-order appetizer for a meager $4.50 with a side of tortillas and free unlimited toppings (crema, salsas, pico de gallo, lime wedges, etc.). 

IN A NUTSHELL: Go to this place before the crowds rush in and change it's dynamic. That's because everything is made in-house and it is highly evident that they take great pride in their Yucatec background.  So, if the place gets busy, food wait times may become longer. This is a great place for a quick office meal during the work week if you want to surprise your co-workers by breaking the routine of the usual franchise restaurants. This restaurant offers a cheap bite for any curious foodie that wants to explore their palate without breaking the bank. I highly recommend this place at this time as I'm digging the owners enthusiasm to bring a little bit of the Yucatán to Orlando. I wish this restaurant great success as I was delightfully surprised how good the food, service, and the bill were.

Cochinita quesadilla, Papas con chorizo panucho, and tamales

Made-to-order guacamole with chips. I drizzled the crema and added on the condiments later. The owners special hot sauce (chile de árbol in oil) is on the top right corner of the basket.

An hot and crispy empanada. More panuchos (this time with sautéed poblanos and corn, and another with  Yucatán-style pulled pork). Barbacoa quesadilla (only $3.50).

Tamarind soda. Try it. It's made with 100% real sugar.

Ole Times Country Buffet- Surprisingly good food, meh on the ambiance

Walking into this place, I immediately knew I was walking into a relaxed Southern atmosphere. The walls where covered with a shade of yellow wood panels festooned with random memorabilia crap that someone found a space and decided to hammer a nail to hang it. Some call in ole country chic, I call it beyond tacky and quite frankly, a useless distraction.

You have to go through a double-laned cash register channel before you get to the buffet. Sardonically, it reminded me of how pigs are probably queued before they pay they meet their maker. The entrance winds into a narrow hallway that wraps around the parameter of the restaurant and opens up in the middle of the restaurant to- tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and honey for sale (all at pretty reasonable prices).

I could tell by this sales structure that they either a) may have been overwhelmed by large crowds b) may have experienced people that didn't pay on their way out c) needed to figure out a way so that a hostess doesn't have the headache to find you a table or d) all of the above. I think there could have been a smoother, classier way to handle this but it did bring about a burning question- if the food is purportedly good, why relegate customers to this?

It was rush hour and I had to forage for a table before food. I had to mark my territory with an empty plate before heading to the buffet. It was every man for himself. It's funny when you're the paying customer and you have to fend for things. After being initiated into all things Ole Times, I sat down to eat. The food was surprisingly tasty. And that's the only reason why this restaurant made it on to my blog. Everything seemed to have been freshly readied and maintained. There was a cold buffet bar with salads, dressings, and toppings as well as a long warm buffet island with fried chicken, various kinds of prepared beans, fried catfish (on the bone and filleted), smoked sausage, smoked ribs, and bbq pulled chicken among other things.

Let me tell you about the vegetables- they were simply prepared but yet so flavorful. I couldn't help but notice smoked ham hocks bobbing in most of them. Though some many find it revulsing, I actually liked that they didn't shy away from where their flavor profiles were hailing. I enjoyed the collard greens and the stewed cabbage- both of which were not cooked to death but were soft enough for nuanced texture while still imparting their juicy earthiness. The mashed potatoes were perfectly fluffy and salted. All in all, the first plate really rejuvenated the lunch experience. What can I say?When food is good, you stop griping and you start paying attention to what's in front of you.

The fried catfish fillets were so perfectly done. A perfect cornmeal coating gave the right amount of crunch before my teeth sunk into some of the moistest fish meat that I have had in years. Matter of fact as soon as I had it, my mouth screamed for more even though I wasn't particularly hungry. This was the only item that I went back for seconds. Speaking of fried, you probably are wondering by now how the fried chicken was. Yes, I'll admit it- I'm a fried chicken snob. But this restaurant's was quite good. It doesn't take the first place prize of the most amazing crispy skin of my dreams, but the meat was moist and the batter-to-meat ratio was nearly exact to what I always look for. And speaking of chicken the Smoked Chicken and BBQ Pulled Chicken were really good. The smoked chicken had a great rub with a very evident smoke ring that showed the penetration of the flavors into the meat that only happen skillfully. The meat was moist when I broke into it and the skin had a good char that made the palate happy. I loved the BBQ Pulled Chicken rendition- it was sweet with an addictive meat-to-sauce proportion. 

The smoked sausage needed some added dimension. It was too Plain Jane and unlike the fried catfish, I did want this meat to have been elevated somehow with added spices during it's preparation. On the other hand, the ribs were dry but spiced well. The smoke muted and married the ingredients almost too well and I couldn't discern if cumin, paprika, or sugar were the leading ingredients for the rub. I could have preferred some more heat on the ribs but looking around the dinning room, I think the rub mix was neutral enough for everyone to enjoy. Similarly, the Mac-N-Cheese was okay and probably more for the kids who lust for it's cheese sauce than for adults who want a bright cheddar flavor to come through. However, the spaghetti and meat sauce was very tasty and delicious. It had been a while since I had last tried this classic dish so it was a welcomed surprise to see it on their buffet.



What I understood from this experience is that this restaurant understands good southern food. Southern food tastes best with few ingredients but cooked with a higher skill set so the flavors speak for what home cookers cannot pull of. I also enjoyed the service here. The server was friendly and the employees replenishing the buffet line were more than helpful when some standard questions were thrown at them. I even was brazen enough to ask the attendant about the spices that were smothered on the smoked chicken and he offered to bring the chef out to describe his preparation for me. The attendant went on to say that each cook has their own particular vegetable that they like to prepare in a certain way- which means, if you go there, you may not get the exact product that I got. Yes, in a way, that's job security. But in another way, the freedom that the chain gives for the cooks to pour their love into their signature side dishes can only benefit the customer by ensuring a quality product is presented.Ole Times has been in business for over 8 years now. They have several outlets in South Georgia including sister restaurant chains by the names of Mama June's and Smok'n Pig.

Additionally, there are some quirks to this place- they have a separate counter for fried pork skins, a soft-serve machine (if this is by popular demand, tell those people to go somewhere else), and pies for dessert that are pre-sliced into tiny slivers and then served on styrofoam plates (while everything else is not).

IN A NUTSHELL: For less than $9 per person for lunch, I can see why there was a crowd. The food is good. I just wish they would explore different options of corralling the masses while still retaining it's casual dining experience. Regardless, it's worth the awkward pay-up-front-Golden-Corral experience because some of the food was indeed yummy. You don't want to take someone here for a first date- it's way to casual for that. But you do want to take your long time partner when food in the fridge is running low and you need a low cost, but delicious restaurant to go to. Do try the fried catfish, smoked chicken, and BBQ pulled chicken. I realize that with the masses, price is king. But I do want Ole Times Country Buffet to understand that they have a better food product than most in their league- and that deserves a higher platform for in my book.

Hoover's Market- Altamonte's 40yr-old secret?

So, why haven’t I heard about this alternative to Whole Food’s? Maybe because it’s smaller, more local, and non-franchised?

Plus, it’s not really evident from SR436- even though it’s just a block north on Academy Drive. In fact, it’s very plausible that most people will drive right past this spot without noticing that they are missing out on a part of history.

Hoover’s has been around for 40 years and they still have that mom-n-pop feel to their store. Yes, they have a similar Whole Foods layout to an extent but it’s way smaller. The key difference being the food bar aka the ‘Sunflower Market’ (tucked at the end of the fresh produce section) which just specializes in sandwiches, wraps, juices, soups and a few select homemade items.

The sandwiches are simple and come in an assortment of different bread choices (7-grain, sour dough, and wheat among others) but it’s just a standard slice of bread (nothing gourmet) with any organic toppings that you want (a standard selection of spinach, sprouts, cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, etc). They even have vegan cheese. The juices are freshly prepared in front of your eyes. Chicken and pasta salads are also available from time to time while supplies last. I recommend the wraps over the sandwiches because for a dollar more (about $5 and change), you get a lot more bang for your buck (compared to about $4 for a sandwich). The sizes of the wraps are also run bigger and the attendant behind the counter will add ingredients as you wish and bill you accordingly. Well, at least he should. Read on…

Apparently the guy in front of me ordering his food at the counter had gone too far- adding too many vegetables in heaping quantities and extra hummus when he perfectly knew that his wrap would be charged just the same if it had half the ingredients in it. So the attendant bounced back and told him enough is enough. I somehow got caught in the fiasco when the client started throwing a fit aloud that the attendant was out of line. Personally, it’s rare to be caught in a verbal mêlée, so in an attempt to diffuse the situation I politely reminded the client that it is, after all, only a wrap. Arguments and wars have been had over more serious things than extra hummus on a flour tortilla. 

The client didn’t heed to any of my advice and started complaining to everyone and anyone who wanted to hear him. He even stopped Jordan, the assistant manager (who coincidently is the owner’s son) and started complaining over his $5 grievance and using me as a key 'witness' to prove his case. I managed to pry myself out of the dramatic cross-fire and find a spot outside to sit and eat.

And here’s where it got real sweet- the client followed me out and apologized for dragging me into the situation. Moreover, the manager even came over a little bit later and offered me coupons towards my next purchase! He said that he didn’t want that that situation ruin ‘my experience at Hoover’s’- something that I thought was a shining example of what lengths the proprietors here go to ensure customer satisfaction.

IN A NUTSHELL: Crawl behind any whiny, dramatic, and vociferous client that may cause a scene so you may score a discount. Just kidding. Check this place out though for a healthy snack- the Sunflower Market has very modest selections so don’t keep your hopes up for an extravagant Michelin-star meal. Be prepared to wait a little while (especially if the person in front of you has an elaborate saga of an order that comes straight out of telenovela) since things are mostly made-to-order. Smile and thank Dr. Hoover that he raised a good son like Jordan who is ensuring that good business practices are in place for a least another generation.

B & B Junction: Okay, but not heavenly

B&B Junction, as most of you all know, has taken up the old 4-Rivers BBQ spot on Fairbanks. The layout and structure of the establishment is exactly the same- except for it's new proprietors.
Something that they tout is their 'farm-to-table' philosophy- more of this later.

I ordered the #6 ($8.5) with a veggie patty, a large portion of hand-cut fries ($6) and a seasonal Delirium Noël dark ale($6).



The #6 is a "ghost chili cheese, roasted poblano-bacon jam, sriracha aioli, arugula"- only some of which actually came through on the palate. The patty itself was delicious- packed with black-eyed peas, wild rice and even celery. It was moist and very good.  The rest of the burger was nowhere as spicy as it had advertised. As a crash-course for chili-heads, the ghost chili is one of the hottest peppers on the planet until last year when it was dethroned by an Trinidadian hybrid. At over a million Scoville heat units, the ghost pepper is exceptionally hot (law enforcement pepper spray only being much more hotter). Needless to say, this burger was nowhere near it. The poblano-bacon jam was a smidgen of a dollop and the sriracha aioli just as much. Arugula was the only thing that was present in a decent amount beyond the patty and the bun. It was a sheer disappointment especially when the menu had a pepper symbol as a warning for all those who dared to venture- I ordered it hoping that it was a mouth-searing, eyeball-tearing, face-sweating extravaganza. It turned out... more sweet than spicy.

The fries were delicious and well-seasoned. What I really enjoyed were their in-house condiments with ketchup laced with sweet mango and a creamy mustard zinging with horseradish. Plus when the server told us about their Portabello fries, I could only imagine them being yummy with other fry combinations.

The beers, I'm assuming, vary from season to season so I won't go much into them. I know that the beer was supposed to be presented in a snifter, but I wished they had digressed from that and presented a pint of it- especially for $6 when on draft. It felt small on the portion size.

IN A NUTSHELL: This is not exactly a farm-to-table establishment some meats come all the way from California or New Hampshire (therefore, a middle man was required at some point). Yet they know where their main ingredients are sourced and, on the flip-side, some of the greens come from straight from their backyard in Eustis. So it's close, but not exactly as advertised. Portion sizes are good for a power lunch but not for a gorging session (even with a 10oz burger for an additional $3 I can imagine stomachs having room for seconds). Beers need to be upgraded to thirst-quenching sizes- especially if you are sitting outside on their patio area under the hot Florida sun. Burgers are creative, varied in different interesting combinations, and good, but not addictive enough that they would make me drive here everyday.

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.

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.

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.

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.

SMOKEY BONES: SMOKEY WINGS AND CHEAP

Smokey Bones has done a 180 since being dumped by Darden. It’s evolved into a semi-sports bar that still keeps some of its casual Darden dining feel. Smokey Bones has definitely changed up price points. All of a sudden, I feel like a little chick wanting to scream- CHEAP, CHEAP, CHEAP!

The smoked wings were great and so were the beer specials. Yes, gentlemen, please get rev up your beer bellies for Smokey. I had a “big boy” Miller Lite for $2.50 and that’s not all- liquor was also a bargain at $5 for a double shot of Absolut. Let’s just say this place has the blue collar people in the Fashion Square Mall area smiling cheek to cheek.

Smokey has a lot of specials that change daily-heck, even hourly. We were there early afternoon and missed their happy hour (between 4-6pm) half-priced appetizers. As I recall, they have trivia night every Thursday. So much going on, so little time…
From a foodie perspective, their barbeque sauces were notable. From about 4 different ones that they land in front of you in squeegee bottles, I thought the honey mustard went perfectly with the wings. The sauce was a great elixir of mild mustard spice with a soothing lip-smacking sweetness. I just couldn’t have enough of it. When I depleted my wings, I even experimented with the sauce on celery sticks.

IN A NUTSHELL- Guys, this place is decent and cheap. Did I mention, cheap? The number of flat screens they have are proportional to the number of specials they have. Ask for their barbeque spice-rub shaker- it tastes exactly like the powder you’d find on barbeque potato chips. I hang out at the bar and the service is always awesome. Somewhere, Ale House execs are worried about their competition…

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.

Bento Sushi: Good ambiance, tasty bite

I like sushi. I heard about this place from a few other foodies and decided to check out the downtown location (they have another one in Dr. Phillips) with a few friends.



As usual, I did my homework online. I checked out the website and upon arrival, everything matched up- same prices, same selections. So far so good. However, what I didn't expect was ordering up at a counter and then having someone drop off your food to your designated table. The website doesn't really detail that this is a semi-cafeteria concept style restaurant. You order and you tip BEFORE you actually get seated (and I assume pray that the service is worth the amount you put on the receipt). For some reason this didn't jive in my mind- the ambiance was modern-artsy with high ceilings and chic thread chandeliers. Which juxtaposed with the idea that you're tipping someone you have not even met yet. Is this some form unconventional business practice?



On the up-side, the food was great. The menu selections were numerous and boasted cheap-priced meal combos. I tried a sushi combo box and every sushi piece was flavorful, balanced, and kept me wanting more. The plating presentation was cute- a multi-sectioned plate with the similar sushi grouped together and other accompaniments neatly separated. I also tried the Sunomono salad with ponzu sauce. The flavors on a crispy bed of greens were well-layered and the ponzu just made it pop- a very smart and delicious concoction. If I had to be critical, it would be that the octopus slices weren't very fresh. However for an $8 salad, it was quite good.



Finally, the price of the entire event is something worth mentioning. For 3 people the bill was under $50 after $10 tip (yes, I tipped that blindly) AND tax. Now that's a value.



IN A NUTSHELL- Expect food drop-offs with minimal service. Good food for a great value. I'm going back (this time to the Dr. Phillips location).

Mama Nems' Soul Food: Mama Not-So-Bad

Just off Kirkman Road North is Mama Nems'. Or Mama Not-so-bad (read on and find out why). A few people had recommended this place a while back and I decided to check it out one fine afternoon last week. I had envisioned this place as being a rather old, bustling local diner circa 1970's with green linoleum flooring. In reality, it was quite a surprise to see this place with modest-yet-tasteful decor and generous lighting. However, there were no expectations in this aspect and I would have been fine with either situation.

I did have an expectation for good soul food. And nothing, and I mean it, NOTHING in my opinion is better to prove if the joint has soul than if the collard greens are worth selling your first born for a bowl of goodness. I ordered it right away. When they came out, they looked fine. The collards had retained their wonderful shade of green and the steam from the bowl wafted lasciviously around my head. However, Mama was disappointed in the taste- I wanted to go into the kitchen and tell her to use ham hocks rather than turkey for that feel-good flavor. The greens were a tad salty and I wish they were rendered further to a less-chewy consistency. So, I didn't feel the need to sign away my future child for it. B- , Mama.

Moving on to some fried green tomatoes, lima beans, mac-n-cheese (or Cheese and Mac as they call it probably for litigious reasons). The tomatoes were scalding hot which were great (exceptionally hot food = plated food came straight from the kitchen to your table. No I-4 traffic jam/stalling along the way). The rest of the sides were flavorful and decent. Mama, you get a B+ for this round.

The second test of good soul food is cornbread. One word- disintegratable. This Jiffy Cornbread Mix probably was tweaked in the wrong direction- it broke apart so easily that I had difficulty even tasting it before it landed everywhere except my mouth. Mama, you cut corners here. You get an F-.

The third test- Fried Chicken. It was delightful. Not too salty, perfectly cooked to crispy oh-my-g*d-my-arteries-just-screamed-but-I-don't-care goodness. This is probably the best fried chicken I've had in Orlando so far. Mama needs to enlighten me on a few chicken cooking secrets... either that or just mail me a box of that yum-yum every weekend. A-.

The waiter that greeted us was professional, honest, and above all, there to serve. His service was quick and well received. He brought a few slices of fresh pineapple with our meal that perfectly finished the main course on a sweet note. I especially enjoyed this smart and simple culinary touch.

IN A NUTSHELL- Good, but I didn't leave feeling the urge to revisit Mama soon. I did leave feeling satiated- and that's important for soul food. Final score? Mama's not so bad. If you go, try their fried chicken and 2 sides deal for a good (and cheap) bite. Hopefully, Mama will read this and take a hint on the cornbread.