Off Hiatus

I hate to report it's been well over a year from my last posting. OMG, what happened? Life I would say and my urge to be a responsible adult and save money. Now, I can be irresponsible and eat out as much as I want because I've cleared up some debt which makes me free to splurge. While starving myself to death I did find a few gems that I want to share with the world.

Mark's Caribbean Cuisine
It's a cute mom and pop place off of Dean and University. The strip mall it's in is a bit sketchy, but from my experience being scared for a few minutes for good food is worth it. The place reminds me of a place you would see in the islands with bright wall colors and ceiling fans to match. There are postings of concerts and artists coming to the area which I believe is a prerequisite for all Caribbean restaurants in America.

On to the food...there's one meal designated for us. The vegetarian plate is a hodgepodge of vegetables served over rice that's either curried or stewed and a side of plantains. I ordered my veggies curried and I have to say my nose was running like a river. Translation, the curry was spicy, but still very tasty. The portion can serve two people or great leftovers. I don't like to share so, I had it the next day and I thought it was even better.

Mark's Caribbean Cuisine is a good stop in, but don't expect much bells and whistles you get good food and should only expect that.

Wasabi Sushi
This place was a nice surprise. BrittBerry and I were in the mood for Chinese food and nothing growdy, but good stuff. We ventured to find the closest P F Changs however the wait was something ridiculous like 2 hours or 90 minutes which is still 2 hours to me. We left (go figure) and tried to figure out where we would find another place pretty quickly. Well to our surprise there was a sushi place right across the street. We were both hungry enough to experiment so we took a leap of faith and drove across the street.

Upon entering the place it was packed, which is always a good indicator. We were seated outside at a funky craftsman table. I thought I was in a tree needless to say it was a bit awkward, but I was hungry so who cared. Our server came out shortly and went through the menu with us, I was started to like the place even more. He had a sense of humor which made the experience even better. I mentioned my requirements and he seemed genuinely interested to find me something to eat. He was honest on how the food was prepared and steered me away from things that I thought I wanted to eat, but there might have been a surprise in it (like pork). I settled on the Buddha Delight which was AMAZING.

I initially thought it was great because I was hungry, but I've come to realize it was just good. The vegetables were cooked to perfection and there was the right amount of brown sauce mixed in. The white rice wasn't too sticky (which I hate) or dry (which I hate even more). I even ate my carrots which for some reason is not a favorite nowadays. I was stuffed because the portion was huge, but my brain was sending signals "YOU MUST FINISH MEAL NOW". I know I'm being silly, but I did hear that voice so I kept eating.

Since my initial visit, I've been back and I still enjoy the dish. There are a few really cool roll options too, but I always settle in to my favorite. Be prepared to spend a little this is no fast food place, they use glass and real silverware. I would send anyone who likes Asian cuisine to this place in a heartbeat.

Friends sorry for the wait but I'M BACK, READY TO READ AND WRITE.

Girls night out and burgers????

Friday night was the night of debauchery with the girls. Ms. Lindi Lou and Special K (friend formerly known as Katie) visited a nice little place called Club 23 for drinks. After a few drinks we realized drinks before dinner is probably not a good idea. Of course being the responsible women we are we decided let's go eat something before we end up on YouTube or something. We began our journey down Church street on a mission to a place call Cheyenne's. We so busy talking and laughing at each other we didn't realize until we were literally in front of the door the place was closed. Now when I say closed and I don't mean closed for the evening, I mean closed like the doors won't be re-opening for a little bit. What's Plan B? The closes place that has reasonably priced food. Hmmm, turn around and there it was Hamburger Mary's, let's eat there then.

Once in the diner I realized we were going to enjoy ourselves. We were seated by a hostess that wasn't very friendly but who cared we were feeling pretty good about ourselves. However, as I whispered to myself don't expect much if this is how we would be welcomed. Enter in our waiter, Ed. He was a bundle, tall bundle of joy. He was super friendly and had the warmest smile and seen all evening long. Two points for this place. He took our drink orders, which we all opted for water. Hydration was a must at this point. I thought to myself a joint called Hamburger Mary's won't have much for me to eat and I was right. However, I didn't care. The atmosphere was very welcoming. There were TVs strategically placed around the place and I was singing along to the montage of 80's melodies.

The girls ordered hamburgers (no surprise there) and I ordered the quesadilla; Ed helped us with the selection. We got our food pretty quickly and devoured it. Either I was really hungry or the food was amazing. I would like to think it was good. Food always taste better when you're hungry and you're in the company of friends. We were all stuffed and more importantly satisfied! I really like this place.

Hamburger Mary's gets a good lick from me even though it's not a veg head place. Rationale; great waiter service, up beat atmosphere, and because I had a good time. The food was reasonably priced and I'm sure a few people were there on a date. Did I mention I like the place? I'm up for a repeat visit before drinks next time.

Infused and Teased

I have to start by apologizing, I've been a slacker with a new review. Work, blah, blah has kept me busy. To be quite honest nothing is more important than feasting at some new place with great food. What is wrong with me? I won't let it happen again. Onto the review then.

I was at a red light reading emails (I know bad habit) when I saw a colorful sign advertising this new eatery in the UCF Arena called Boba Teased. How exotic I thought? I tried to read more but some crazy guy behind me was laying into his horn. I had every mind to yell out the window "Hey buddy, I'm trying to do research here. Could you knock it off?". I however, I gave him the evil eye in my mirror and drove off. From what I caught this place was an Asian fusion place; interesting and once again very exotic. I must try it, I declared! I'm always up for a new twist on food.

The plan I suggested the place with a few of my gal pals for a quick lunch Ang, Katie and Ms. Lindi Lou. Everyone, but Ang was nervous about experimenting. My friends aren't very adventurous, but they are sports and kindly opted to eat somewhere else. I looked over the menu and realized rather quickly, I was tricked. There was nothing very new on the menu, it was Chinese food with a fancy name. How disappointing? What's up with jazzy names for Chinese restaurants? Either I'm a sucker or the proprietors have great marketing minds.

After I stood staring at the menu for 2 minutes, someone came over to ask me if I needed help. I thought how nice, I do need some help because I can't find anything that a vegetarian could eat on the menu. I must be missing the options somewhere. I asked the question and the very helpful man looked like a deer in headlights. He gave me two options; two options. Can you believe this? Do you want to know what the options were; fried rice and lo mein. WHAT? OMG! I haven't eaten out in a month and when I finally do, I don't have options. Faced with more disappointment, I thought to myself I can't take anymore for the day. So I picked from my options.

I ordered the lo mein and a mango slushie. Let me back up, the slushies were another option. He thought he was a comedian, so I laughed along. While I waited for my lo mein the guy (I never asked his name, how rude of me) poured my slush and used this gizmo to snap a lid on. My hopes were starting to boost. I got my food and sat down with the girls and started catching up. I took one bite of my noodles and any hope for something new; a new flavor choice, new veggies with my noodles went away. To all end, my noodles were just plain lo mein noodles. However, my slush was a good sugar rush and tasted like an actual mango.

Overall, if you want a fast food meal while between classes or waiting for a concert you should go to this place. The bells and whistles are the drinks, not the food. The staff is friendly and helpful, but definitely not a veggie friendly place, but good enough pass. The prices were reasonable and if you like chicken then this place is golden. Right now Boba is running a $5 lunch special so make it happen during the day, if you want to try it out. Keep in mind it's an eatery in the Arena so don't look for atmosphere, just a place to get a quick bite. No lick just ok.

Note to self, don't get sucked in by another restaurant with a fancy name. Deception.

Infused to the Tea

I think the last posting whipped Viv into submission, ultimately resulting to a trip to Infusion Tea. I think between the threats of being replaced and not wanting to give up her first child, Viv realized the request of restaurant hunting is not too much to ask of her time. This week we made a plan and stuck to it which resulted at a cute restaurant called Infusion Tea.

As soon as I walked in, I knew I was going to like the place. The restaurant permeated with spicy/minty aromas of exotic teas. I was soy heaven! Did you get that; instead of hog heaven I said hog heaven, I'm such a comedian. I quickly picked up the menu and looked through it to see what would be for dinner. Viv looked through the menu, leaned over to me and said with a straight face "I don't see any meat on the menu". Who's the comedian? She got a good kick out of it, so I laughed along.

I ordered the cuccumber sandwhich and a fresh green salad with a balsamic reduction. Fancy isn't it? I also got a vegan banana bread to while I waited. As we sat down, I people watched and surmised the place was artsy and definitely attracted artsy patrons. I munched on my banana bread and was surprised to find it to be very tasty. The chairs were colorful and the entire place was bright and cheerful. There's a small boutique on the other side and I checked out a few pieces. As a side note, on Tuesday nights you can actually get your cards read. Viv, thought it wasn't a good idea to mess with the spirits so I didn't to my chagrin.


I loved the feel of the place it was very social and to make the dining experience better the wait staff was extremely friendly. I felt as if I could just walk up to someone and chat if I did that kind of thing. I ate my meal in one bite and it was very refreshing. I felt like light but satisfied. The veggie chips were amazing. My green tea was so refreshing I ordered a refill.

As I mentioned before Infusion Tea is an artsy spot. The menu is colorful and clearly labeled vegetarian versus vegan meals. The food was also reasonably priced. If you want to have a light, refreshing meal this is the place! Overall, Infusion Tea was a wonderful experience and receives a good lip smack.

The Sabotage

It's been at least 2 weeks with no new blog. Not sure if this is a coup de'tat or what! But, my partner in food crime Viv, is avoiding going to another local vegetarian restaurant. First, she was sick. Now, she's saying she's too hungry to go to a vegetarian place. What is she implying? You can get full at a vegetarian restaurant, I do. Did she miss the memo that we are on a mission to find new places for vegetarians and I have to write about it? She has become a staple in all the stories. Can't she sacrifice eating a burger just once a week? Come on, am I asking her to give me her first born? No! I'm being reasonable, aren't I?

For two weeks friends, she's said I can pick the place and for two weeks we've mysteriously ended up at places like El Cerro's and Giovannis, so random. I guess I can write about these places since they aren't chain restaurants (I think) but there's a piece of me that thinks it's cheating. I'm trying my hardest to get back on the wagon. But, I'm afraid if Viv doesn't get with the program soon and stop screwing around, I'll have to replace her with a new foodie. I mean business! Alright back to the reviews, what you need to know about the two places I've been hoodwinked to dine.

El Cerro's is good if you like Mexican. You get fresh chips and salsa with your meal, which I do appreciate. I could probably eat the chips and salsa all day long if I didn't pay attention. The salsa is a good mix of chunk and run; you know, not too chunky but not watery. It has a nice kick too. I don't enjoy tearing up when I'm eating salsa, it just messes up the flow. My nose starts to run, I have to wipe the tears while avoiding burning my eyes. Just too much to do when I'm trying to enjoy a meal. I want to dip and enjoy in two moves, is that too much to ask.

If you're nice you might get a few colorful chips and if you're like me, you eat those first because they make me happy. As far as the meal there's a small vegetarian section on the menu. I ordered the mushroom quesadilla which comes with rice and guac. I don't too much care for the guacamole, it's a little weird looking and tasting like something is added to it. I can't quite put my finger on it, but something is a little off. Viv enjoys it though, but who cares what she thinks since she's messing up the progress. El Cerro's is usually really crowded for lunch. So if you it annoys you to yell at your friends who are sitting right next to you avoid going around lunch. It's reasonably priced and there's a vegetarian section. I guess you can go on a date, but you probably should take your sweetie when you don't have anything to prove. El Cerro's gets a gold star and a quick lick from me.

Giovanni's is another Italian restaurant; same scenario as the other place. I definitely needed a few Tums before bed after having the baked ziti. I don't know what's going on, I'm either getting old or marina sauce should always be accompanied with Tums. At any rate, I enjoyed the garlic knots, the bread and even the bruschetta more than my meal. Not too many options for veg heads, but I guess we can't have everything. The server was nice and I definitely got the sense it was a family and/or date spot. Not sure if that's a good mix, but I saw couples and families. You take your pick. Giovanni's gets a decent burb from me but not a fave.

That's it, no funny stories, blah, blah, blah. Hopefully, the next posting will be from a place where we really care about, j/k all restaurants are important. Life would not be the same without me eating out, but I want to get back to veggie restaurants. I enjoy having options, that's all. Who doesn't enjoy options? Let's keep our fingers crossed and taste buds ready hopefully Viv get's the message...until next time.

Mamma mia, Stefano's

This weekend was a departure from the usual scavenging for local vegetarian restaurants. I think my friend Viv was tired of meals with no meat options. I appeased her by letting her pick the place to eat. Of course she chose somewhere she could soak her teeth into. You know something that was breathing before being placed on the plate. The selection was Stefano's, she heard the restaurant was the best homemade, authentic Italian place to eat. I said why not! I like Italian, and not just the men!

Upon entering the restaurant there was a dispute by who we think was the owner letting a patron know he hadn't seen him in a long time. It sounded like there was going to be a brawl, but I guess it's just the way they show affection. We were seated by a friendly hostess in a booth and our waiter JC was on her heal. He quickly took our drink orders and an order of mozzarella sticks. I people watched for a little, the place was packed and it looked like the regular spot for everyone. I felt at home! I had a caesar salad and the baked ziti. The ziti was piping hot and delicious.

Overall, Stefano's is a good family restaurant a little pricy, but not too expensive. Take some Tums or it might just be me, the marina sauce always gives me a little indigestion. 'Xcuse me! Even though there's no funny story to go with the review Stefano's get's a good lick from my taste buds with a side order of mint Tums.

Take me to Athens!

This week's trip was to an old time favorite, Athens Cafe. It's a cute mom and pop spot in Oviedo. Look at that, I just rhymed, kind of. Viv and I visit the place for the great tzatziki sauce and for the waitress Nicole. She's awesome! Once we take our seats at the usual second booth to the right, our drinks are soon to follow, Dr. Pepper for me and a Coke for Viv. For my vegetarian friends this place has meat; it's traditional Greek food. To quote it best , " Aunt Voula: What do you mean he don't eat no meat? [the entire room stops, in shock] Aunt Voula: Oh, that's okay. I make lamb" from My Big Fat Greek Wedding.

Have no fear there are a few things on the menu for us, of the none lamb persuasion. I usually order up the veggie pita or the portebello mushroom panini. It just depends on my mood, somethimes I like to be wild and crazy and eat lots of veggies. Both sandwhiches are really good and are definite tummy fillers. You have a choice of sides, I always order fries so I can indulge in a little more of the tzatziki sauce. Which by the way, I never pronounce correctly! The tzzzz sound is complicated. But the service is so good, Nicole just brings out an order of tzatziki with warm pita slices to avoid hearing me butcher the word. You have to try the sauce with fries, so good. If you're nice to Nicole she might even bring out extra sauce; she does for me! Anywho, if you are strict no cross contimination veg head, Athens Cafe might not be for you. However, if you can handle a little lamb being close by, try the place.

Athens Cafe get's a good licking from my taste buds for good I can't pronounce it sauce, food and service. It's reasonably priced for lunch and dinner, huge portion sizes and good family atmosphere.