Eating Orlando

Top 10 most digusting meals of all time: Who knew gross could be so fun?

2012-01-13T09:46:00.000-05:00

Orlando-Based Sobik’s Subs Kicks Off Major Franchise Expansion

2011-11-04T20:07:00.000-04:00

When one thinks of a franchised sub sandwich chain, Subway immediately comes to mind. Sure, there’s your Quiznos here and there, a Jimmy John’s here, a Jersey Mike’s there, a Firehouse over there. But no sub shop comes close to the success of franchise behemoth Subway. You can’t argue with nearly 30,000 units.

Or can you? Jodi Kobrin, President of Sobik’s Subs, said a locally-owned and operated sub sandwich shop can compete and win against Subway and others through strong customer service, superior local-store marketing, and a diverse menu featuring unique subs you can’t get at the national chains.

Sobik’s Subs, founded in 1969, currently has 14 franchised units. But Kobrin said the Orlando-based chain has plans to increase its presence in Central Florida, and throughout the state, through the opening of multiple new units in the coming year.

I recently sat down with Kobrin at one of her Sobik’s locations to learn more about the history of Sobik’s Subs and plans for the future. May we have another future big-time franchise player based right here in Orlando?

Eating Orlando: How did you become involved with Sobik’s Subs?

Jodi Kobrin: A short time after I started working at Sobik’s Subs, I realized the hospitality industry was for me. I could see there were opportunities for advancement with this company. Within a few years I was an area manager for several locations. During that time I began training franchisees that owned and operated their Sobik’s Subs locations. I found this very rewarding and often thought about becoming a franchisee. It wasn’t long before I put that thought into action and purchased a location in Longwood, Florida. I continued to train new franchisees as Sobik’s Subs increased their units. After several years, I decided to sell my location and become Director of Training and Operations for Sobik’s Subs. At this time, I am currently president of Sobik’s Subs Franchising Inc.

EO: Sobik’s Subs has been a part of the Orlando and Central Florida Community for decades. What’s the history involved? Why Orlando?

JK: In 1969, the Sobik family opened the first Sobik’s Sub Shop in Altamonte Springs. After experiencing great success and many inquires about franchising, they decided to franchise Sobik’s Subs in the Orlando area as there were few sub shops in the market at that time.

EO: Well, today the Central Florida restaurant scene is a crowded one. What sets Sobik’s Subs apart from your competitors in the quick-service food industry? How does Sobik’s Subs continue to thrive?

JK: Sobik’s Subs is primarily known for its cheese steak subs and its many specialty hot subs. As we all know, the Hispanic population is booming in Florida, and we are the only sub franchise that offers a Cuban Sandwich. It’s this diversity of choices and freshness that truly sets our concept apart from the other sub guys out there. And our franchisees focus on knowing and understanding their customers, which is a rare find these days. We continue to thrive based on our founding principles: quality products, customer service, cleanness, and over 40+ years of franchising.

EO: What qualities are you looking for in a prospective franchisee?

JK: Sobik’s is looking for single and multi-unit operators with food service and/or restaurant experience, a passion for fresh food, and a commitment to exceptional customer service.

EO: Are you also looking for area developers?

JK: Yes, we feel that area developers and multi-unit operators are the key to franchise success for Sobik’s in the short and long term. We have some excellent opportunities for like-minded entrepreneurs.

EO: Based on your observations, what concrete steps do your most successful franchisees take in order to build and grow their businesses?

JK: There are a few things that you’ll find at any established, growing restaurant franchise: a well-trained staff, excellent customer service, consistency in recipes, quality products, strong marketing and local advertising, a great web and social media presence and a sense of community. I am so proud that our Sobik’s franchisees share these beliefs. We’ve practiced what we preach since 1969 here in the Orlando community.

EO: What kind of ongoing support do you extend to your franchisees to help them become more successful?

JK: When you become a Sobik’s Subs Franchisee, and part of our system, you can expect extensive on-going training, a management team that will actually pick up the phone when you call, superior marketing support chain-wide and for your local-store marketing needs, corporate chef support, purchasing power, research and analysis of menu trends and food costs, and, above all, a sense of teamwork and family. We are all in this together, as partners.

EO: Is there anything else that you would like to share about Sobik’s Subs?

We have been Orlando’s favorite sub shop for more than 40 years now and we are now ready to expand throughout the state and up the East Coast. There’s never been a better time to join the Sobik’s Subs team, as we are offering amazing incentives to new franchisees to jump-start our renewed franchising efforts. There’s really no better time than the present to start your own business. As a Sobik’s Subs franchisee you are in business for yourself, not by yourself.

To learn more about Sobik’s Subs and their franchise opportunity:

On the webs: www.sobiks.com

On Twitter: @sobikssubs

Facebook: search sobik’s subs

Email: info@sobiks.com

Wendy's new burgers: much to do about nothing.

2011-09-26T13:08:00.002-04:00

Wow, those new burgers at Wendy's sure look good! Dave's Hot and Juicy Cheeseburgers with: Thicker, juicier beef. A buttered bun. Crinkle cut pickles. Thick tomato slices.

I bet they are awesome...

Not so much.

Best Fries in Orlando: A Redneck Work of Art at Red Eye BBQ

2011-07-03T20:55:00.001-04:00

The citizens of Orlando continue to embrace the food truck phenomenom by voting Red Eye BBQ's French Fries the very best in Central Florida. Readers chose the fries on wheels by a slim margin over second place finisher The Ravenous Pig's fries. Five Guys was third, and another mobile truck, Big Wheel Provisions, was fourth.

In one of the most contested polls in Eating Orlando history, readers showed their passion for the simple potato fried to perfection and their on-going fascination with mobile trucks.

The results:

First Place: Red Eye BBQ 32%
Second Place: The Ravenous Pig 29%
Third Place: Tony's Original Wings 16%
Fourth Place: Big Wheel Provisions 13%
Fifth Place: Five Guys Burgers and Fries 5%
Sixth Place (Tie): Hot Dog Heaven 1%
Sixth Place (Tie): Park Plaza Gardens 1%
Seventh Place: Keller's Real Smoked Barbecue less than 1%

Congratulations to Red Eye BBQ, their pork or brisket smothered fries with cheese and barbecue sauce is a redneck work of art.

Nominees for the poll were gathered from suggestions sent in by Eating Orlando followers on Twitter.

Bacon as Art

2011-05-18T14:23:00.001-04:00

Bacon done right - definitely an art, but this? Photo from Chow Bella, Phoenix Times. Anyone know what famous work of art the pork emulates?

The Best French Fries in Orlando Poll

2011-05-17T15:49:00.005-04:00

The humble potato. Chop it up and drop it in hot oil. No longer humble, the starchy root becomes the mighty French Fry – one of the most beloved side items and icon of American cuisine.

Call the fried potato what you may: French Fries. Fries. Freedom Fries. Potato Sticks. Curly Fries. Waffle-Cut Fries. Steak Fries. Home Fries. Crinkle-Cut Fries. Truffle Fries. But also call it delicious if it’s from the menu of a restaurant on this list.

In this Eating Orlando Poll, we’re looking for the Best French Fries in Orlando. The nominees:

Keller’s Real Smoked Bar-B-Q
Five Guys Burgers and Fries
The Ravenous Pig
Big Wheel Provisions Food Truck
Tony's Original Wings & Grill
Park Plaza Gardens
Hot Dog Heaven
Red Eye BBQ Food Truck

See the side bar to vote and please leave a comment below letting us know why you voted for your selection. The results will be announced next month. Let the voting begin and may the best fry win.

A Special Deal Just for Eating Orlando Readers: Any 8" Cheese Steak Sub for $5.00 at Sobik's Subs

2011-05-15T20:35:00.007-04:00

Sobik's Subs has served amazing Cheese Steak Subs to Orlando residents for more than 40 years. But it's amazing to me how so many people tell me they've never even heard of the Central Florida-based chain. Without the giant advertising budget of Subway or Quizno's, many people simply never think to eat at one of the 12 locally-owned and operated units.

I'm pleased to announce that the Sobik's Subs location in Apopka has partnered with Eating Orlando to offer readers an amazing deal.

For a limited time only, print out the coupon below and bring it to Sobik's of Apopka to enjoy a very big 8" Cheese Steak Sub of your choice for only $5.00. We're talking lots of meat, and a full 8 inches - just like all of Sobik's "small" subs. There's no puny 6" sub here.

Click coupon to print

Hurry, this offer is for a limited time and only for Eating Orlando readers, but please feel free to print out as many as you like and distribute at will. The offer is only available at Sobik's Subs of Apopka. Offer expires May 21, 2011.

Thank you Sobik's Subs of Apopka for making this offer available to my readers, and thank you readers for supporting this great local business.

Sobik's Subs of Apopka
247 W. Main Street
Apopka, FL 32703
407-886-0551 or 407-886-9977

Dinner and a Movie in Orlando? Don't miss the new AMC Dine-In Theatres at Downtown Disney

2011-05-15T13:29:00.005-04:00

Mannequins, Rock 'n' Roll Beach Club, Adventurers Club, Neon Armadillo, 8TRAX, and AMC Theatres: All names synonymous with Orlando nightlife in the ‘90s. I remember well donning my finest frayed corduroy shirt, baggy jeans and Doc Martens like any other grunge-worthy club-goer in the Clinton Era and heading out for dinner at Planet Hollywood, a movie at AMC, and a night on the town at Pleasure Island. Those were the days, and AMC Pleasure Island was the biggest and best movie theater in Central Florida.

But those days are over. Pleasure Island is no more, and soon to become Hyperion Wharf. The revolving dance floor is sadly still at Mannequins, the adventure is over at the Adventures Club, and the hoedown is done at the Neon Armadillo.

Yes, the nifty nineties are over, but AMC Theatres are still in business and still relevant and still evolving.

The theater expanded to 24 screens in 1997, and the megaplex is now known as AMC Downtown Disney 24. Beginning May 16th, the complex will evolve once more with the original theatres on the “East Side” becoming dine-in theaters featuring seat-side, table-top dining with a personal call button that discreetly alerts a server to bring you a Coke, a cocktail, Raisinets, popcorn, or even a complete meal and dessert.

AMC Dine-In Theatres offer meal and a movie options with a bar and lounge area named “McGuffins” serving a wide variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic specialty drinks, beer and wine. The menu includes entrees such as a selection of quesadillas, burgers, flatbread pizzas, chicken fingers and grilled sandwiches. The menu includes appetizers and desserts.

At a pre-opening press event, I was able to sample several complementary items from the menu and I found everything we ordered top-notch. Service was fantastic, and the seats were amazingly comfortable. This is the way to see a movie!

To start the meal, I tried the Loaded Potato Skins ($7.99) with crab Rangoon dip ($2.99). The crispy potato skins covered in melted Cheddar and Jack cheese, topped with hickory bacon, sour cream and green onions were fantastic. I can’t remember an order of potato skins I enjoyed more. The crab Rangoon was an amazing addition.

My guest sampled the Sweet Onion Loops ($6.99). They were onion rings, plain and simple. Not bad, but once he took a bite of my potato skins, he seemed to forget he’d ordered rings.

For my entree, I chose the Thai Coconut Chicken Tenders ($11.99). The chicken tenders were fried golden and served with a Thai coconut red chili glaze for dipping. The fries were served with a sweet ponzu sauce. They were on par with something you might find at Applebee’s or Chili’s, but I didn’t complain.

My guest tried the Lime Chicken Griller ($8.99). He liked the soft Kaiser bun but thought the lime-marinated chicken portion was a little smaller than expected. He thought for a lighter appetite, it would be perfect.

I loved the ability to summon a server at the press of a button, whether a drink refill was needed or the popcorn needed a little more butter topping. Can we please get this button installed table-side at every restaurant please?

I loved the whole experience and I will make it a point to combine dinner and a movie more often. View the complete Menu.

AMC Dine-In Theatres at AMC Downtown Disney 24 pricing:

Ticket prices range from $6-13, depending on day of week and show time, for the Dine-in Theatre experience. Menu items start at $6.59-8.99 for appetizers and adult entrees range from $8.59-11.99. Specific pricing information, including value pricing and senior/student pricing, for the Dine-In Theatres at AMC Downtown Disney 24 can be found at www.amctheatres.com/dinein (click on the Downtown Disney 24 link).

AMC Downtown Disney 24 also offers 18 traditional auditoriums featuring stadium seating, the innovative Marketplace concession area and an ETX auditorium. ETX includes a 20-percent larger screen, 3D technology, digital projection and an upgraded sound system. Specifically, the digital projection system produces images at a higher resolution than HD and there are nearly twice as many audio channels compared to typical auditoriums.

In addition to AMC Downtown Disney, AMC features seven existing AMC Dine-In Theatre locations:

• AMC Buckhead – Atlanta, Georgia

• AMC Studio 30 – Olathe, Kansas

• AMC Mainstreet 6 – Kansas City, Missouri

• AMC Bridgewater Commons 7 - Bridgewater, New Jersey

• AMC Menlo Park 12 - Edison, New Jersey

• AMC Essex Green 9 – Menlo Park, New Jersey

• AMC Grapevine Mills 30 - Grapevine, Texas

For complete pricing information and show times, visit: www.amctheatres.com/dinein.

4 1/2 Silver Screens out of 5

If you have an experience at AMC Theatres or Pleasure Island (especially in the '90s) we'd love to hear about it. Please tell us all about it in the comment section below.

The Silver Screen's Greatest Sandwiches

2011-05-10T13:07:00.000-04:00

In anticipation of the opening of the new Dine-In Theaters at AMC's Downtown Disney 24, here's an homage to some of the best sandwiches ever to grace the silver screen.

Man, Adam Sandler's runny egg sandwich looks good to me for some reason!

First Watch: Reader's First Choice for Best Breakfast in Orlando

2011-03-29T18:38:00.002-04:00

The best breakfast in Orlando? According to the recent reader’s poll, it’s First Watch. With six area locations, there’s usually a First Watch nearby to satisfy that biscuits and gravy urge.

Although First Watch garnered the most votes, it was, by no means, a runaway win for the chain. First Watch received 26% percent of the vote with KeKe’s Breakfast Cafe, White Wolf Café and Peach Valley Café each tying for second with 16% of the vote. Third was Briar Patch with 8%, fourth was Christo’s Café with 7%, fifth was Breakfast Club of Orlando with 5%, and finally, Nick’s Family Diner with 3% for sixth place.

I enjoy First Watch – usually for brunch. But if I’m getting up early, there’s only one place on my mind: Peach Valley Café. I just can’t get enough of their pancakes.

There are a lot of great places to eat breakfast in the Orlando area. Get up early and get you some!

Don't miss the Orlando Food Truck Bazaar March 29th

2011-03-10T10:02:00.000-05:00

If you're a fan of food trucks (I know I am) and you'd like to support the efforts of the entrepreneurs who make a living trucking the streets of Orlando with truly unique, sometimes amazing, often inexpensive street food, don't miss the Orlando Food Truck Bazaar on March 29, 2011 brought to you by TheDailyCity.com.

The event, the brainchild of fellow Orlando blogger Mark Baratelli, is certain to be a big hit and raise awareness of food truck culture here in Central Florida.

Some of the participating food trucks:

Big Wheel Provisions
Shipyard Brewery
The Yum Yum Cupcake Truck
Korean BBQ Taco Box
Red Eye BBQ
Vegan Hot Dog Cart
The Taco Lady
Pupusas

A few tips before you head out to the event:

1. Bring your own chairs and tables
2. Cash only
3. Admission is free. Food is not.
4. Held in conjuction with existing farmers market

TheDailyCity.com Orlando Food Truck Bazzar
March 29, 2011
7pm-10pm
4400 S. Orange Ave.
Orlando, FL 32806

Who Owns the AM? Best Breakfast in Orlando Poll

2011-02-05T20:33:00.003-05:00

If you’re a morning person, this is your poll. We’re looking for the restaurant that serves the best breakfast in Orlando and all of Central Florida. From Pancakes, to Eggs Benedict to Sausage and Gravy - if it's eaten early over a cup a coffee, it counts. So get out of bed, get eating, and get voting.

The nominees for Orlando's Best Breakfast, based on suggestions from @eatingorlando followers on Twitter:

Peach Valley Cafe
First Watch
Christo’s Cafe
KeKe’s Breakfast Cafe
Breakfast Club of Orlando
Nick’s Family Diner
Briar Patch
White Wolf Cafe

One greasy spoon or the other on this list serves the best breakfast in Orlando. It’s time to find out who owns the a.m. See the side bar to vote, and let’s settle this once and for all.

The Best Breakfast in Orlando Poll closes February 28th. As always, the winner will be reviewed on the blog, and I’ll let you know my favorite place to wake up over toast and a cup of Joe.

A guy walks into a burger bar, bartender says how dry would you like your burger...

2011-02-03T21:29:00.000-05:00

I Stopped into the Seminole Towne Center mall in Sanford recently to check out The Burger Bar in the Food Court. The in-line unit looks really cool, unlike what you normally find in a food court, and I really liked the idea behind the concept: Each burger is named for a cocktail. There's the Screw Driver Burger with pepper jack cheese, caramelized red onions and an orange chipotle sauce. There's the Bloody Mary Burger with mozzarella cheese, marinara sauce and sauteed mushrooms. And there's the Dirty Martini Burger with crumbled blue cheese, sliced black olives and red onion. I chose the Pina Colada Burger with Angus beef, provolone cheese, grilled pineapple and bacon ($5.99).

Sounds cool, right? Only one problem: the burger was dry. So dry I really could have used an actual pina colada to wash it down. I was never asked how I'd like my burger cooked, and I didn't speak up with a preference. I suppose the default is well done - and I mean WELL DONE. The canned pineapple, however, seemed to have had only a cursory pass across the grill. Too bad, I loved grilled pineapple so much it might have given me some reason to return.

From just this one experience, I'm afraid I'll have to be three sheets to the wind before I belly up to The Burger Bar again.

2 Cremations out of 5

The Burger Bar
Inside Seminole Towne Center
236 Towne Center Circle
Sanford, FL 32771
Phone 407-330-9514

Who doesn't love pizza? A look at the pizza industry and pizza toppings

2011-01-15T14:12:00.001-05:00

Who doesn't love pizza? Well, apparently only about 7% of Americans, according to mint.com. 93% of us eat pizza at least once a week. As much as I eat pizza, however, I may have skewed the results just a little.

Here's a fascinating interactive graphic on the pizza industry and pizza ingredients from mint.com. It's good to find that mom and pop pizza parlours still control 51.66% of the industry.

Mint.com

My favorite pizza: Hawaiian with ham, pineapple, pepperoni and bacon. What are your favorite pizza toppings?

Gatorland: See the gators at Orlando's original theme park (and eat them too)

2011-01-10T19:48:00.008-05:00

Gatorland, the original Orlando theme park, is still around. After more than 50 years, the park still welcomes visitors to its 110 acres of gators, crocodiles, turtles, snakes and various other reptiles along 441 in Kissimmee/South Orlando. Once surrounded only by Florida swampland, the park now exists in a bayou enclave amidst pawnshops, car dealerships, strip centers and apartment complexes.

Giant concrete jaws greet visitors at the entrance to Gatorland

But don’t let that stop you from visiting. Once past the iconic concrete jaws of the gift shop’s giant alligator head, tourists (and locals too) are immersed in Florida Cracker swamp culture and the droning sound of cars speeding by on the way to Costco soon fades, replaced by the grunt of gators, the squawk of sand hill cranes and the click-clack of the miniature railroad.

I must admit that I hadn’t been to Gatorland in at least 20 years. I hadn’t been since I was a child. That’s a shame, because I have fond memories of the park. I remember the humonggous croc on display in what seemed like a closet-sized concrete enclosure. I remember the glowing eyes of the stuffed tiger displayed in a dark, blacklight-lit room. I remember the zebras. And I especially remember the smelly tapir. But most of all, I remember riding the small train over the gator-filled pools on rickety, precarious, wooden bridges with no doors or safety restraints whatsoever. One wrong move, it seemed, and I was, well, gator bait.

Sun bathing gators lounge in the Florida sun

Well, the small cages are now gone. The stuffed tiger is gone. The zebras are gone. That smelly tapir is gone. And, thankfully, the toy train ride from hell is gone – replaced by a larger train that now runs through swamp and beside gator pens – not over gator pens.

If you are looking for something to do with the family, and don’t want to spend a week’s pay to get into one of the major Orlando theme parks, do yourself a favor and check out Gatorland. The regular $19.99 adult price isn’t bad (if you buy your ticket online), but look for the frequent Florida resident deals that the park regularly runs. I got in for $9.99. If you skip the overpriced addon fees to feed the animals or pose for a picture with a baby gator in your arms, your family of 4 can have a great day of fun for a lot less money.

Pearl's Patio Smokehouse Restaurant at Gatorland

You can’t bring food into the park (for the animal’s sake) but there are two main dining establishments within the park: the snack bar and Pearl’s Patio Smokehouse. Both serve the same basic menu consisting of your typical snack bar fare – burgers, hot dogs, pizza, nachos, ice cream, etc. Gluten free options and beer are available.

The snack bar offers diners lunch seated at covered tables surrounded by pools of sun-loving gators lounging on concrete decks. Pearl’s offers picnic tables in a screened enclosure protecting diners from the reptiles, but mostly from the gaggle of seemingly wild birds that flock about ready to snatch from you any morsel they can. Those birds are serious thieves. Be warned.

BBQ Pork Sandwich and Fries at Pearl's Patio in Gatorland

I chose to dine at Pearl’s, away from the pesky birds (and their droppings).

The menu items at Pearl’s are priced lower than what you might find at the larger attractions in town. No $11 mugs of Butterbeer here (Budweiser $3.99). That’s a very nice thing to find in a city of amusement parks run by corporate giants Disney and Universal. Gatorland is truly an afternoon of adventure a family can experience together and not spend a fortune. Thank you Gatorland.

Gator Nuggets at Orlando's Gatorland

Being that Pearl’s Patio has “smokehouse” in the name, I chose the Bar-B-Que Sandwich ($4.09). But let’s be honest, this is barbecue pork scooped from a big tub bought from a food distributor. Smokehouse is just part of the restaurant’s name. But it was a big scoop, the bun was fresh, and for what it was, it wasn’t bad. I enjoyed it.

A side of fries ($2.29) and a Large Dr. Pepper served in a souvenir cup ($3.99 with $1.19 refills), rounded out my lunch. A whole lunch for the price of a single Butterbeer. Not bad.

Okay, okay, I had to. I tried the Gator Nuggets ($7.99). The fried alligator bites blew my lunch budget, but you know I had to try them.

An example of the once ubiquitous Gatorland sign

Munching on bites of fried gator meat, while surrounded by hundreds of blood thirsty, vicious, man-eating, terrible reptiles, I couldn’t help but feel master of all I survey and king atop the food chain. I did, however, wish the nuggets had come with some kind of dipping sauce. Can the king please get a side of ranch?

Oh, and yes, alligator tastes like chicken – tough, chewy, gamey chicken.

For a nice morning or afternoon with your family, whether you’re a Florida resident or a visitor from another continent, Gatorland is a nice, inexpensive alternative to the big seven theme parks in Orlando . There’s just enough kitsch, just enough education, just enough history, and just enough fun for everyone.

The Park: 4 Teeth out of 5
Pearl's Patio Smokehouse: 3 Tails out of 5

Pearl's Patio Smokehouse
Inside Gatorland
14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail
Orlando, FL 32837

Phone: 407-855-5496

Open Daily 9-5

Back in 2011 with more Orlando Restaurant Reviews. Promise.

2010-12-20T21:08:00.000-05:00

I know. I know. I haven't posted in forever. Well, my New Year's resolution is to get back in the swing of things at Eating Orlando. I haven't stopped eating out (hold the jokes) and I haven't stopped writing about my experiences. It's just that I've been posting my thoughts on Twitter, Facebook and Urbanspoon.

But I promise I'll be back in 2011 with more Orlando restaurant reviews. Promise.

International Market & Deli: The Iron Curtain is lifted on Orlando grocery options

2010-05-22T21:50:00.003-04:00

If you haven't had the chance yet to check out International Market & Deli, make plans immediately to visit this wonderful addition to Downtown's shopping choices.

Located on Mills Avenue, in Colonialtown, just north of Little Saigon, International Market & Deli offers a great selection of Eastern European packaged and fresh food items, with an emphasis on selections from Russia. There's wine and beer too.

The storefront is delightfully designed, the interior clean, inviting and well organized. And the staff couldn't be more friendly and willing to help with your selections.

With a British shop next door, and an Asian market across the street, you could make a day of international shopping in the area. Just make sure you don't miss International Market & Deli.

International Market & Deli
815 N. Mills Ave.
Orlando (Colonialtown)
407-228-2821

Pollo Tropical to offer free table service at Sanford location

2010-03-11T13:33:00.002-05:00

Pollo Tropical® welcomes the spring season with a fresh new look and new flavors at its Sanford restaurant located at 1001 W.P Ball Boulevard. Pollo Tropical will unveil its masterpiece to the public on Friday, March 26. The Sanford restaurant marks the first location in Central Florida to boast the brand’s elevated concept, which features complimentary table service, real plates and silverware.

The grand re-opening day at the Sanford Pollo Tropical will be buzzing with excitement as customers celebrate the restaurant’s unveiling and also have a chance to win big! Starting at 4:00 p.m., the first 250 customers to arrive at the restaurant, located in the Marketplace at Seminole Towne Centre, can play the Rolling with Pollo dice game. Each participant will roll six dice marked with letters and Pollo Tropical artwork, and the first person to roll “POLLO!” will receive a $5,000 grand prize. The contest is free to enter, participants must be at least 18 years old, and each person receives only one turn.

In addition to offering free table service, the re-branded Pollo Tropical will feature new menu items, such as a new assortment of signature sandwiches and artistic wraps, including the grilled Chipotle Chicken Sandwich, Classic Chicken Sandwich with Peppadew Sauce, Guava Pork BBQ Sandwich, Chicken Caesar Wrap, and Grilled Cuban Wrap.

Some new ingredients to complement Pollo Tropical’s new work of art menu include the use of Sea Salt seasoning instead of iodized salt on side dishes like yuca, rice, beans, and balsamic tomatoes. Other side dishes that motivate the flavorful masterpiece include a new Fiesta Salad - made with black beans and corn, an award-worthy coleslaw and an array of rices and beans inspired by kitchens throughout the Caribbean.

A new kid’s meal menu lets you create your own kid-loving masterpiece with the choice of grilled drumstick & thigh, or grilled chicken breast strips, or four grilled Tropical Wings - along with your choice of any one side dish. But the most exciting part: the kid’s meal also includes a cup or cone of the Vanilla Soft Serve!

Moreover, a diverse wine list from Spain, Argentina, Chile, and Napa Valley starting at just $3.50 a glass and $15 per bottle was also added – plus a signature Sangria and a variety of bottled beers. Customers will be able to unwind with a daily happy hour from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., featuring pitchers of sangria for $5 and $1 off beer and wine.

A full service coffee bar was also added to include lattes, espresso, cappuccino and American coffee.

“We are excited to feature the new concept in Central Florida,” said Vicky Timmer, Director of Operations for Pollo Tropical, Central Florida. “It showcases a unique and fun side to Pollo Tropical that we think the residents and visitors of the area will enjoy.”

The restaurant will also continue to serve up classic favorites like the marinated grilled chicken and the sizzling Fajitas with your choice of grilled chicken or steak with all the Fajita fixings. The complimentary Salsa Bar will also be available with the popular Salsa Fresca, Salsa Fuego, Guava BBQ, Curry Mustard, the new spicy Poyo-Poyo sauce and more.

For those eager to get a taste of the new flavors, the new restaurant will open for business starting at
11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 26, 2010.

Put Down that Fork and Vote: Orlando's Best Buffet Poll

2010-02-20T21:49:00.006-05:00

Eat. Repeat. For some of us, it's a way of life. And living in the Orlando area affords one a great way to live the lifestyle. We might have more buffets per capita than anywhere else in the country (Vegas, baby, not counting you), and you won't hear me complaining. There's nothing wrong with a buffet. A good buffet, that is. But nothing's worse than a bad buffet. The next morning, that is.

Luckily, we're blessed with some fine all-you-can-eat restaurants all across the area. But at which smorgasboard should you pull up your chair? Readers, it's your call. It's time to choose the very Best Buffet in Orlando. Let's vote, and let's eat!

The nominees:

Texas de Brazil (Orlando)
Boma: Flavors of Africa (Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge)
Sweet Tomatoes (several area locations)
Crystal Palace (Magic Kingdom)
Biergarten (Germany, Epcot)
Hong Kong Buffet (Orlando)
VariAsian Crazy Buffet (Altamonte Springs)
Boston Lobster Feast (Kissimmee)
House of Blues Gospel Brunch (Downtown Disney)

See the sidebar to vote. Nominees chosen by @eatingorlando followers on Twitter. Poll ends March 31, 2010.

Deep Fried Butter and Krispy Kreme Cheeseburgers: Standouts at the Florida State Fair in Tampa

2010-02-07T14:17:00.005-05:00

The State Fair: thrilling rides, games of skill, blue ribbon livestock, intriging sideshows, and fried food. Not necessarily in that order. It's all at this year's Florida State Fair in Tampa, running through February 15th.

I'm not one for rusty, old, portable thrill rides, giant, or bootleg, stuffed Bart Simpsons, or prized, hand-raised pigs. I am, however, pretty much totally into the freaks, and I especially love the fried food.

There was no shortage of fried food this year. As you walk along the midway, you're overwhelmed by the smell of funnel cakes, con dogs, cotton candy, and grilled sausages. Look this way or that, and ornate signs atop the traveling menagerie of food trailers scream fried obscenities: "Hot Sausage Dogs," Giant Elephant Ears," "Hog on a Log," "Chicken on a Stick," "Deep Fried Pepsi," "Deep Fried Cookie Dough," etc.

Tempting, but this year's standout food items were the Deep Fried Butter and Krispy Kreme Hamburgers. No joke.

First up, Deep Fried Butter:

Sure, it sounds like cause for cardiac arrest, but fried butter is rather divine. Pats of cinnamon butter are speared with a toothpick, dipped in funnel cake batter, and deep fried. They're served with a generous sprinkling of powdered sugar.

A bite through the butter balls reveals liquefied cinnamon butter in the center, oozing out and melting into the funnel cake batter. They taste like cinnamon bun flavored funnel cake balls. That's not a bad thing. Don't miss them.

With a heart attack old news, let's go for a stroke. Krispy Kreme Burgers:

Okay, so if a Bacon Cheeseburger isn't bad enough for you, try replacing the bun with 2 Krispy Kreme Glazed Doughnuts. Yep. No kidding. Who the hell thought of this?

Well, I'm glad they did because the combination of sweet, savory, and salty somehow works. It's very messy, very sticky, and very hard to eat but is quite delicious. The doughnut begins to melt as you eat the burger, thouroghy glazing all 10 fingers, but licking your fingers as qawkers stare in disbelieve is satisfying enough to make the hot mess and sugar spike worthwhile.

I think I can figure out the recipe for the Krispy Kreme Burgers, but if anyone has a recipe for the Deep Fried Butter, can you please post in a comment. Thanks.

5 Freaky Fair Foods out of 5

Florida State Fair

Now through February 15, 2010

Florida State Fairgrounds, Tampa

How to Start the Morning Off Right: Peach Valley Cafe Review

2009-11-27T22:30:00.015-05:00

Breakfast, ah breakfast. The most important meal of the day. My favorite meal of the day. It’s too bad my schedule doesn’t allow me to eat breakfast as often as I’d like. And when I say schedule, I mean my sleeping schedule. And when I say sleeping schedule, I mean I’m really just too lazy to get out of bed early enough to eat breakfast.

But when I do, one of my favorite stops is Peach Valley Café in Lake Mary/Heathrow.

Peach Valley is upscale and inexpensive, and the food is down-home and exquisite. You’ll find all your breakfast favorites on the menu – scrambled eggs, pancakes, biscuits, French toast, omelets, sausage, and bacon - but it’s served with a little more panache and a little less grease than at the typical greasy spoon. Service is also a little more professional, but not any faster.

I must say, the pancakes are my favorite in the whole area. On my most recent visit, I ordered the double stack of Buttermilk Pancakes ($4.75) with a Sausage Patty ($2.75) on the side. As usual, the light, just-thick-enough pancakes filled my entire plate. Topped with a dollop of butter and a sprinkle of powdered sugar, they bring a smile to my face every time the server puts them down before me. The sausage was nearly as good: hand pattied with a wonderful sage kick. I know there’s a whole breakfast and lunch menu available, and I hear it’s pretty good, but I order the pancakes every time.

On this visit, I was accompanied by my 80-year-old aunt. She’s a woman who grew up in Southern Georgia, and is no stranger to biscuits and gravy. You gotta figure she’s tried a few orders in her lifetime. Somewhat surprisingly, after enjoying The Buttermilk Drop Biscuits & Sausage Gravy ($4.90), she proclaimed them some of the best she’s ever had. I sampled a little off her plate, and yes, they were pretty darn good.

The biscuits were extremely dry and crumbly. Too dry to eat on their own, but when topped with the creamy sausage gravy, they became moist and velvety. The gravy was loaded with crumbled sausage chunks and was more brownish-orange in color than the standard white to gray. All together, it’s a very unhealthy, but blissful dish.

Well, come to think of it, my 80-year-old aunt has been eating biscuits and gravy all her life, and she's healthy as an ox. Maybe it's not that bad for you after all.

Peach Valley is normally packed for breakfast and lunch, and not open for dinner (closes daily at 2:30; 3:30 on weekends). Sure, the regulars at Denny’s are a lot more fun to people watch than the regulars from Heathrow at Peach Valley, but the pancakes never taste this good (well, maybe they do at 2 o’clock in the morning).

4 ½ Hotcakes out of 5

Peach Valley Café
In the Shoppes at Oakmonte
1210 S. International Parkway
Heathrow, FL 32746
407-833-9440

Eating Orlando's Pick for Best Fish and Chips in Orlando

2009-11-21T17:25:00.012-05:00

A while back, readers made their pick for the best fish and chips in Orlando. I just realized that I never told you my favorite. Well, ladies and gentleman, my choice for the best fish and chips in all of Central Florida is Fish and Chips Restaurant in Altamonte Springs.

Fish and Chips Restaurant (yes, that’s the name) is located in a nondescript, tiny little strip mall on Highway 436 between Altamonte Springs and Apopka. It’s a little hard to find, even if you’re looking for it. I challenge anyone to spot their roadside sign amidst 11 others as you drive by at 45 miles an hour (hint: it’s the fifth panel from the top). In the small plaza, you’ll find a cell phone store, a tattoo parlor, a taqueria, a liquor store, a nail salon, a hair salon, a traffic school, a jewelry shop, a pc repair shop, and the the best fish and chips in Orlando.

Step inside the shop and you are overwhelmed by the lingering scent of malt vinegar. The sweet smell is intoxicating. One sniff and your stomach readies itself for fried fish.

It’s a simple setup inside: chairs and tables line one wall and a small bar/counter serves beer and wine. Beer signs glow above the bar and decorative fishing nets hang from the ceiling.

The menu is simple; it’s focus squarely on freshly-prepared fried fish. Yes, there’s a chicken breast and a burger thrown in, but everyone comes for the fish. The fish and chips selection includes haddock, cod, whiting, catfish and black grouper.

On my most recent visit, I chose the cod fish (market price/$10.45). The cod was dipped in a beer batter and served deep fried. The piece was large, crisp, not greasy at all, moist, and flakey inside. A piece of fried fish just doesn’t get much better than this. The steak cut fries (chips) were fried just as golden. The cole slaw was not overly sweet and not overly runny. It was, in fact, just about perfect.

That being said about the fish and chips, the real reason I keep coming back to the restaurant again and again is for the fried oysters ($7.95). They are heavenly. The very large oysters are battered fresh, and served piping hot. The breading is crunchy, and the succulent oysters inside explode with a salty-sweet bang when you bite into them. I’ve truly never tasted oysters this good.

Service is friendly, yet unobtrusive. A husband-and-wife team run the place, and they clearly understand how proper fish and chips should be served. Start with the freshest seafood you can find, dip it into a nicely-seasoned batter, fry to golden, and serve it hot and with a smile. They’ve nailed it at Fish and Chips.

For the best fish and chips in Orlando (and incredible oysters), do yourself a favor and visit Fish and Chips Restaurant soon.

4 ½ Beer-Battered Goodness out of 5

Fish and Chips Restaurant

1146 West SR 436

Altamonte Springs, FL 32714

407-862-2262

4Rivers Smokehouse Officialy Opens November 11 in Winter Park

2009-11-10T11:00:00.007-05:00

4Rivers Smokehouse, the Orlando area's newest "premium" barbeque joint to woo diners with lip-smacking ribs in an upscale setting, will hold a grand opening November 11th in Winter Park.

Partnering with Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida, the official ribbon cutting and grand opening commences at 10:00 AM. Sales to the public will begin at 10:30 AM until 8 PM with proceeds from the day benefiting the largest provider of homeless services in Central Florida and the largest residential facility for children. 4Rivers Smokehouse is located at 2103 West Fairbanks Avenue, 407-474-8377 (407-4RIVERS) featuring premium Texas-style barbecue in a rustic, authentic smokehouse setting.

Additional parking will be made available for the November 11th festivities with parking officials ready to direct traffic for this important grand opening. 4Rivers Smokehouse is giving 50% of the day's proceeds to Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida to help provide food, shelter and supportive services to their homeless clients.

Local owner and resident, John Rivers has spent 20 years perfecting his recipes. He takes pride in using the highest quality products for his mouth-watering menu featuring his award-winning 4Rivers Smokehouse Sauce with items such as Angus brisket, St. Louis style ribs and southern pulled pork. The Texas Destroyer and the Messy Pig are just a few of 4Rivers Smokehouse Signature Stacker sandwiches and the menu's featured side items include 4Rivers BBQ beans, baked cheese grits and smoked jalapenos. Dedicated to helping others, 4Rivers Smokehouse is committed to the financial support of schools, charity organizations and the local community.

Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida is the largest provider of homeless services in Central Florida and the largest residential facility for children. Of the 600 people served on any given night, nearly 200 are children with an average age of six. This non-profit organization provides food, shelter and comprehensive case-managed services, with the goal of helping the homeless become self-sufficient. Over 70% of the Coalition's resources come from the community's generosity.

4Rivers looks like a winner to me. I'll be there to check it out for you and report back.

My Bad: Orlando is Home to the World's Largest "Entertainment" McDonald's (Whatever that Means)

2009-10-28T16:28:00.006-04:00

I've been corrected. Orlando is not, repeat not, home to the world's largest McDonalds. That monstrosity on International Drive with the giant order of fries on the side of the building is the world's largest "entertainment" McDonalds. My apologies for the mistake. I stand corrected. What was I thinking?

Local Vegan and Performance Artist Brian Feldman to Spend 24 Hours Inside World's Largest McDonalds

2009-10-27T16:00:00.008-04:00

Always seeking new ways to top Combination Pizza Hut and Taco Bell as the worst project he’s ever done, Brian Feldman, “Everybody’s favorite monotony monk”, returns to International Drive for the first time since May’s ill-fated Miniature project.

For World Vegan Day (November 1), and as self-imposed penance for missing this year’s Central Florida Veg Fest (it’s not like he was doing anything), Brian channels Morgan Spurlock by remaining inside of the least likely place for a vegan to be - McDonald’s® for, yes, 24 hours.

What will Brian, as a vegan, be able eat? The answer, of course, is anything he wants. Being vegan is a choice, and one that Brian has gladly made. So... dollar salads. And water.

Brian’s chosen McDonald’s® location (one of 31,000+ worldwide) alternately bills itself as “The World’s Largest Entertainment McDonald’s® & Playplace” and “The Most Unique McDonald’s® in the World”. It’s certainly the craziest in Orlando, with “gourmet” meal items (ice cream, cakes, pizza, pasta, wraps and paninis), a wishing well, video games (including miniature bowling), McDonald’s® character murals, side-by-side miniature busts of George Washington, Martin Luther King, Jr., George W. Bush, Rudy Giuliani, Abraham Lincoln and a “hula shark”, CNN, Elvises and Monroes, a second floor caged gift shop with the Statue of Liberty, cutouts of Bill Cosby, Clint Eastwood and Tom Cruise, and, according to MANNETRON, one of only four Mac Tonight animatronics in the world (it’s broken).

This independent project is not sanctioned, endorsed or sponsored by McDonald’s Corporation, Oerther Foods, Inc. or The Vegan Society.

Brian Feldman Projects is Central Florida’s premiere experimental time-based art. Dinners on stage with real life families, leaping off ladders for 24 hours, group tours in Google translated Swedish through IKEA, observin’ why people be lovin’ it® - this is what we do.

Who: Brian Feldman Projects (The Feldman Dynamic, Cracker Barrel® Old Country Chanukah, Brian Feldman Eats Everything Off The Menu At Loving Hut)What: 24 Hour Vegan McDonald’s®

When: Sunday November 1, 2009: 12am-11:59pm (24 hours)

Where: McDonald’s® Restaurant #3896
6875 Sand Lake Rd
Orlando FL 32819
(Sand Lake Rd & International Dr)
http://bit.ly/McDmap [Google Maps]

Cost: Free to observe

Why: Why not?