Friday, November 13, 2009

LOSER

I am such a LOSER...straight loser..since August I have been to several places such as Houston, Texas, Memphis, TN, Greenwood, MS, Ensenada, Mexico, Catalina Island and even to Beijing and Shanghai, China. I've let you all down and yes, I suck tremendously. I will work over the next coming weeks to put up some stuff for you all!

My food pictures from China will definitely WOW you plus the fish taco pics from Ensenada, Mexico aren't too shabby either!

Thursday, August 20, 2009

MIAMI.....2009






I have been EXTREMELY LAZY with this blog and people have been on my case about it. I promise...I am about to upload some stuff on Miami...hell, I'll just do it here (If you need more details...just let me know):

Villa Habana
3398 SW 22nd Street
Miami, FL 33145
305-446-7427

WOW oh WOW....come here if you are strapped for cash and want a fabulous Cuban meal with great attentive service. They have these "lunch" specials that run until 10pm at night...now that's a lunch for you. I had the Cuban fried chicken, moros rice and plaintains here. The fried chicken was hot and juicy..full of flavor. The moros rice is a combination of white rice and black beans. This mixture was so delicious that I was literally almost ready to lick the plate! I finished off the meal with a dessert called natill. On the menu it's listed as "wheat"...now, wheat does not sound like a dessert I am interested in eating but honey, let me tell you how delicious this creamy concoction was...the waiter said I MUST sprinkle cinnamon on it...AMAZING!!!!!!!


Wet Willie's at Hard Rock Casino and Hotel
http://www.wetwillies.com/
Hollywood, FL


Umm...not too sure what to say. Wet Willie's is a bar that serves only frozen drinks that look like margaritas and daiquiris. I ordered what I saw the locals order which was Call a Cab and Shock Treatment. Let's just say that the drink was stronger than those guys on the wrestling show. Ending up throwing that $8 drink in the trash! I am sure the other flavors are better. Stick to the basics like Weak Willie (non alcoholic) or a Strawberry one.


Jerry's Famous Deli
http://www.jerrysfamousdeli.com/
1450 Collins Avenue
Miami, FL 33139
305-532-8030

We went here for breakfast the second day of the trip. Breakfast was rather blah....nothing special about a $10 breakfast...I received 2 pancakes, a sausage link, 3 strips of bacon and since I don't like eggs, I asked for toast instead. The meal was so so, I've had better breakfast from Denny's and have paid way less. I did frequent this restaurant again a couple of days later for a slice of strawberry shortcake which was heavenly!!!! Fresh strawberries and plenty of moist cake layers with preserves and whipped cream. Desserts are definitely a plus here.

Manolo's
http://www.churrosmanolo.com/
7300 Collins Avenue
Miami, FL 33141
305-868-4381


When you hear Manolo....I know you think of shoes but not in this case! Manolo's is an Argentianian restaurant that serves up tasty empanadas and other favorites such as spinach pie, milanese and yes...CHURROS!!! I had the pleasure of having some of the best empanadas ever. The empanadas here are baked not fried like you find in other restaurants. They are quite filling and as usual, I over did it by ordering three...two would have been enough! They also have traditional desserts which was berry delicious like their sugary peach cake which I am sure was heaven sent!!! Prices are very reasonable. My only regret is I didn't get to try the milanesa considering I did eat here twice. They do serve pizza but on pancetta bread which looks quite delicious for a couple to share. Order the cream churros and the caramel ones...you can thank me later!!


Le Boudoir
http://www.leboudoirmiami.com/
186 SE 12th Terrace
Miami, FL 33131
305-372-2333

This little gem set in a condo building was quite a delight. I was trying to be "healthier" and thought that a salad would be in order. I went here and ordered their B-Cobb salad. Although this is a cobb salad, there are no eggs which is great since I don't like them. The salad was about $15 but it was worth it. It was filled with luscious blue crab and shrimp along with spring greens, fresh tomatoes and diced sweet mango in a balsamic vinegarette. I thoroughly enjoyed this salad and would definitely eat here again. I also had a raspberry torte here that was delicious and not too sweet.

Tapas and Tintos
http://www.tapasandtintos.com/
448 Espanola Way
Miami, FL 33139
305-538-8272

We were looking for a place to eat paella and found a place that was way across town...ended up just asking the local bartender in the hotel where to go and she recommended this place. The place is packed and we end up at an outdoor table which is a pretty good thing until it starts RAINING...fortunately we were under an umbrella and the rain hardly phased us! We ordered the seafood paella here that was full of shrimp, fish, calamari, whole lobster and some other seafood I am forgetting. The paella had a great flavor but my friend felt we needed some more rice. I was fine with it and will order it again. I am interested in going back and trying the tapas like the croquettes and other items like the squid ink rice. I had a mango daiquiri here...umm, too strong..Miami loves to get you with the heavy handed drinks!!

Clevelander
http://www.clevelander/
1020 Ocean Drive
Miami, FL 33139
877-532-4006

We ate here on the last night of our vacation. We were looking for a "reasonable" place to eat and we stopped by several places before deciding to eat here. All I really wanted was a snack and this place hit the spot! I order three shrimp tacos for $9 and an order of sweet potato fries with chili salt. The tacos were great and it was an ample serving considering South Beach prices. The sweet potato fries.....I probably should have kissed the cook because these were faboulous...lightly fried and golden orange in color. They were thin unlike most sweet potato fries I have had previously. The chili salt on there is definitely a plus!! This was probably my cheapest meal in South Beach! Will go back again and will try the other items. Had a rum runner here and it was very good. Rum on top so I could mix it in myself. (my request)

Friday, July 3, 2009

Lobster Shanty (July 2009) Cocoa Beach, FL

Lobster Shanty
2200 South Orlando Ave
Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
(321) 783-1350
http://www.cocoabeachlobstershanty.com/

I went here on Tuesday with one of my coworkers. We went for the early bird specials which are from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm

I looked at the menu and decided to get the crabcake and fried shrimp dinner. It came with either soup or salad bar or soup and salad....greedy me paid $1.50 extra so I could have both. The clam chowder here was pretty good..every bite had tasty clams. The salad bar is all you can eat and it's stocked with the typical iceberg, mixed greens and spinach. There is also pasta salad, several meats and fruits on this salad bar. The meal comes with a side dishe and I opted for the rice. I should have selected the sweet potato since that is what other people were eating. The rice was ok but I've had better. The waitress brings us some corn fritters...I really didn't know what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised to receive a hushpuppy like ball of corn meal with real corn kernels inside lightly dusted with powdered sugar. Ok, my coworker and I ate all of the fritters and we even asked for more....too bad we didn't get anymore! We didn't need them anyway!

My fried shrimp was typical. The tartar sauce was pretty good and I judge a lot of seafood restaurants based off of their tartar sauce! The crab cake was a small fried one but it was very good.

I'd definitely come back to this place again for dinner. Price was under $20 so mark this one as reasonable and a good value!

Roy's Hawaiian Fusion (July 2009) Orlando, FL














Roy's Hawaiian Fusion
7760 West Sand Lake Road
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 352-4844

Ok, this by far might have been one of the best damn restaurants I have ever been to. I know I don't normally comment on chains but this is a chain without the chain feeling...you know what I mean. I am typing this report from the Orlando airport and it's 6AM so forgive me for whatever errors are here! Last night I was contemplating where to eat...Black Angus? Bojangles Fried Chicken (hey, I have to get it where I can get it good) or some other local restaurants. I remembered before I left California that I wanted to try Roy's. I had passed by this restaurant a few years ago and I was thinking...wow...let me check this place out.

Well, I perused their website and noticed that they have a Summer Prix Fixed Menu...Aunt Kenna loves Prix Fixed menus...no suprises when the bill arrives. I decided to take a stab and drive to the restaurant. I remember I probably needed reservations. I called and they told me I could eat at Chef's area or I could wait for a table for over an hour. Umm, when I am hungry, waiting is not an option. I told the hostess when I arrive I will make my decision. I arrived about 30 minutes later. They have free valet parking...what a concept! I really didn't need valet so I parked my own rental. I went inside and noticed the dark lighting and a lot of noise....chatter of people talking and the chefs creating art in the kitchen. I was quickly seated at the Chef's area. This area is really counter seating around the kitchen...imagine being belly up at a sushi restaurant. It was kinda like that but better because so much action was taking place from the grilling of fine steaks and seafood to the frying of chicken tenders for the kids to the making of fresh sushi right in from of your face to the sounds of salads being tossed in various sauces.

My waiter comes over and asked me for my drink order. I remembered on their website that they have Lychee Caipirinha. This year is the year of Brazil (my statement) and I opted for that drink. I am used to having caipirinhas in smaller glasses. Well, I received a huge glass as if this was lemonade....I couldn't drink it all but it was certainly very refreshing.....on to the food...the real reason you read these reviews...

The Prix Fixed menu was appetizer, entree and dessert. I opted for the crispy shrimp lumpia, Kobe beef meatloaf and the Roy’s Melting Hot Chocolate Souffle which is one of the signature desserts here.

The waiter brought me some meat wontons compliments of the chef...I like that..special touch from the chef! The lumpia was quick fried and stuffed with clear noodles, mushrooms and other veggies plus a shrimp with the tail at the top of the eggroll skin. This dish was served with sweet and sour mango sauce which I couldn't get enough of..it was great. The second dish was the Kobe meatloaf. I have to admit..I know why Kobe beef costs so much. One bite and you will be hooked. This meatloaf was more than savory. Two ample sized pieces with mushroom gravy probably cooked in sherry and other seasonings. The meat was served with broccoli and scalloped potatoes...not like your mom's. Check my photo for more details!

The finale was the dessert..now I have had similar creations on cruise ships but this baby was flawless. A flourless chocolate delight oozing with hot molten chocolate accompanied with fresh raspberry sauce and yes....vanilla ice cream.

I ate everything that was presented to me and I even tried to lick the plate...yes I did.

The meal with one drink, tax and tip was $56 and I am going to tell you that it was certainly WORTH IT.

I might have to name this gem ROTM....we'll see..still early but it's high on the list.

I don't have any service awards on my blog but this restaurant HANDS DOWN has the best service. The waiters are warm and generous and the managers are just great. Normally I eat alone and the service is kinda blah but the staff even the chefs checked on me to make sure I was enjoying my meal...again, hands down..best service ever.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Trevor's Blue Toucan Caribbean (Cape Canaveral, FL) July 2009











Trevor Blue Toucan Caribbean Restaurant
8501 Astronaut Blvd.
Cape Canaveral, FL 32920
321-784-5300
http://www.trevorsbluetoucan.com/















Ok...as usual, I am running around trying to figure out where am I going to have dinner this evening. I remembered passing by a Caribbean restaurant yesterday. As luck would have it, some how my rental turned into the parking lot and ended up in front of this restaurant. I get out of the car and enter the facillity to be immediately greeted by Tudor and a lady I imagine is his wife. Tudor escorts me to my table, hands me a menu and he tells me about some of the items they have to offer. I peruse the menu and saw the familiar jerk chicken...you know...Jerk Chicken!!!! I am a lover of seafood and I was torn between a seafood dish and jerk chicken. I asked Tudor what should I do and he recommends the jerk chicken which I gladly obliged. The chicken comes with soup or salad plus two side dishes. I opted for the salad and for my sides I selected cabbage plus rice and beans.

The salad arrived loaded with crisp greens, fresh tomatoes, sliced onions and yellow bellpeppers. A caddy of dressings was also available for my enjoyment. I quickly ate my salad in high anticipation of my chicken.........

A few moments later Tudor comes around the corner with a plate of luscious smelling chicken, rice and beans and cabbage. I took a quick bite and pulled out my camera to take a pic...well, my flash alerted Tudor!!!! Haha!! I'm no food critic..just a lover of food I explain. I continue to eat. I was trying to be proper and use my fork but at some point in the meal, I just had to put the fork down and pick it up with my hands!! That's the way chicken is done! The chicken was served with three side sauces of mango salsa, jerk sauce and a special sauce called "fireball". I am always leery of any sauce with the name fire in it. The fireball was quite savory...just don't use a lot..perhaps a few drops will do the trip. The cabbage here is quite delicious...I almost asked for a side to go but hey, I can't always be greedy now can I?????

I kept on eating and the chef Trevor comes over. He's from Montego Bay and everybody knows I love Jamaica! I think I am really from there but no one will admit it...mom....dad??? Trevor explains to me that he makes all of the food there including the sauces. This is a rarity in restaurants these days since everything out there is processed..not here...you can't get this kind of chicken in a freezer bag..no way my friend.

I finished up my dinner and Tudor asked about dessert. I really didn't need it but hey, I haven't met a cake I didn't like. I walked over to the dessert case and picked out coconut cake. They also have other desserts such as mango cheesecake, Caribbean marble cake, carrot cake and other desserts.

I know this is a bit early as this is the first of the month but I might have to name this ROTM....you know...Restaurant of the Month. Service was great and the chef was very pleasant. Do make it your business not to pass up this gem the next time you are in the Cape area.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Daphne's Greek Cafe (Camarillo, CA) June 2009

Daphne's Greek Cafe
http://www.daphnesgreekcafe.com/
2390 Las Posas Rd.
Camarillo, California 93010
805-389-0575

I generally do not comment on chain restaurants but this is one I have never been to before. Well, on Saturday I was in Camarillo visiting some folks and I was driving on Las Posas. I was going to grab some "real" fast food but I saw Daphne's Greek Cafe and decided to eat there. I walk in and immediately I am confused...it's always like this at new restaurants for me. I ended up ordering something on a picture. I know, pretty lame but that's what I did. I ordered the gyro and shrimp combination plate. This plate was served with freshly sliced gyro meat, 6 crispy shrimp, greek salad and rice. The price of the combo was $8.79 plus tax and it was also served with 4 pita wedges.

Ok, ths skinny...the food was delicious. I admit it. I was really hungry and I devoured the tasty meat on the pita bread with the sauce that comes with it. HOWEVER, when I finished, I was still hungry.....ok, this might have just been one of those freak days where nothing would have filled me up. I will go back here again but next time, I will order the gyro sandwich. The rice here is very flavorful and the greek salad is good also.

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Jetty Restaurant (Lompoc, CA) June 2009

Jetty Restaurant
(805) 735-2400
304 West Ocean Avenue
Lompoc, CA 93436
http://www.jettyrestaurants.com/

Apparently this place is a local seafood favorite. I've been here before and as usual, I never behave...always over do it here! I ate dinner here on Wednesday night. They have these specials between 4PM and 6PM. Choices include steaks, grilled halibut and other items. I ordered the grilled halibut and did an add on of clam strips. Clam strips are always chewy but I love them! The early bird special comes with soup or salad. I opted for the clam chowder. In my opinion, this place has some of the best clam chowder ever and it even beats some of my favorite seafood restaurants in the San Francisco Bay Area...yes I said it..hands down, the Jetty's clam chowder is loaded with tender clams. It really loaded..every spoonful has clams not like other watered down chowders at a certain unnamed location in Malibu near the Ventura County line....yep..you know already.

My chowder was delivered and the waittress tells me it also comes with shrimp cocktail! Yes, I'm in shellfish heaven! I quickly eat my thick and rich chowder and polish off my shrimp cocktail. My grilled halibut arrives accompanied with an ample sized baked potato and the add on clam strips. The halibut was thick and lightly dusted with seasoning and a pat of butter. There was also savory tartar sauce which I really like here.

This place has all you can eat fish and chips on Tuesdays if you so desire. I will be back again to try the crab legs and other seafood.

Price was reasonable. Everything was $18.48 which is a steal compared to other seafood restaurants. Will be going back!

La Botte Italian Restaurant (Lompoc, CA) June 2009

La Botte Italian Restaurant
812 North H Street
Lompoc, California 93436
805.736.8525
http://www.labotteitalianrestaurant.com/

Well, today is another glorious day and I am just now arriving back home from a business trip. On the way home, I stopped by La Botte in Lompoc for dinner. I had been passing by this place all week and finally decided..ok, let me check the place out. Well, I get there and didn't see many cars. I failed to realize the parking is in the back.....my dad used to say if a lot of cars are in front of a restaurant that was a good sign however he didn't say anything about cars in the back?? I digress! I park the shopping cart (you already know if you know me personally) and get out. I enter this huge wooden door to be greeted by a woman known as Mama Caterina. Mama Caterina is the owner of the restaurant and there is a sign stating that she makes all of the desserts herself. I'd glad to see she is plus size diva....a sure sign the food must be good. There were three tables that were occupied but as a few minutes passed, droves of people start entering the facility.

My waitress came over and brought me some water and the menus. I quickly browsed the menu. I must admit, I'm not a huge Italian food fan but this place was worth the visit. I ended up ordering the farfalle con salmone. This is one of my favorite pasta dishes and everywhere I have been it has been served quite different. This restaurant has loads of savory smoked salmon and shockingly..green peas! I love green peas so this was just a great mixer for me. The pasta was al dente and the sauce smooth and flavorful. I am used to this dish served rather spicy. I have a similar rendition that I make except I use Russia's favorite vodka and shrimp for that surprise taste!

I had the side salad which is pretty common everywhere with mixed greens, slivers of carrots and ranch dressing on the side. The house bread here...oh my goodness, I ate the entire serving. I was so ashamed..no I wasn't! It was warm and crispy. I wanted some to go but hey, I had enough for me and probably two other people.

It's still early in the month and I'm thinking this might be restaurant of the month. I like the fact that Mama Caterina is actually WORKING in the restaurant going table to table. There was another older woman there working and I wonder if she was Mama Caterina's mother or aunt. Never ask a woman's age...just don't!

I will be back to dine here when I am back in the area.

Sunday, May 31, 2009

HC Seafood (Oxnard, CA) May 2009

HC Seafood
3920 W Channel Island Blvd.
Oxnard, CA 93032
(805) 382-8171

Ok, I have been to this place several times. I was supposed to eat lunch with a friend today but I was late leaving church...well, you know how church can be! Ha ha! I ordered the usual here which is the grilled salmon meal. It comes with two nice sized fillets of grilled, piping hot salmon spiced with pepper and other seasonings, french fries, cole slaw, garlic bread and a bowl of clam chowder. The meal costs $10.50 which is 55 cents more than it was 2 years ago. At the current price, it's still a great meal. I ordered some extra garlic bread for a total of $11.70 which is a steal in reality!

I really love the salmon here. You can get grilled halibut or shark if you'd like. They also have the traditional favorites such as fish and chips. The fish here is breaded in panko bread crumbs. I don't like the tartar sauce here. Use ketchup instead..they should really look into making their own sauce instead of the generic bottle trash you can get at any large warehouse store! Yep, I said it..the tartar sauce SUCKS! But..the fish is delicious! I'm just used to original homemade tartar sauce!

The clam chowder leaves much to be desired...a bit watery but edible!

I've been eating here for years and plan to eat here for more years! This restaurant has outdoor seating so don't wear your best threads...be sure to slap the fool who is feeding the birds while you are there!