The Tilted Kilt - UCF

I know, I know--its been a while since I updated around here. What can I say? March is always a crazy month for me. What with the big NCAA tourney keeping me preoccupied for 3 weeks straight, I'm finally back in action. So, I apologize. I know how the 3 people that actually read this thing must have been holding their breath in anticipation of my latest gastronomical affair.
Down on University Blvd. in East Orange County there used to be, quite possibly, my favorite "Bar and Grill" style establishment...Bennigan's.
Now their food wasn't so out of this world delicious (don't get me wrong, I always enjoyed whatever I ordered) but, their prices were decent. If you happened to be in their email club you'd get some sorta coupon at least once a week that would save you considerable dough. So, when they went belly up and the building became just a shell, I would often drive by and wonder, what's next for you my love...what's next?
Well just a little while ago, they started remodelling the guts and finally a "Coming Soon" banner appeared atop the awning. The Tilted Kilt was on its way.
I had never heard of this chain before, so naturally I Topeka'd it and found their web site. You can imagine my disgust when I discovered it was a bar and grill, with a gimmick like Hooters! Scantily clad girls, showing off more skin than Heidi Montag, serving delicious fried food and cold drinks. The horror!
Naturally--we had to check it out.
It's hard to give a read on this place just yet, we went for lunch on maybe the 4th day they were open, which also happened to be a Friday Pay Day for UCF employees...the place was SLAMMED. We walked in around 1 pm and it looked like every table was occupied as well as about 90% of the bar and high tops. As luck would have it, a spot opened up just as we finished putting our name in and that fifteen minute wait vanished.
We sat down and our server stopped by to take drink orders. I asked her about happy hour, and from what I recall it was pretty weak. From 4-7 pm, everything's a dollar off...that's more like a pleasant hour if you ask me.
So, looking at the menu you'll find an assortment of your basic bar food. They have deep fried apps and burgers, sandwiches and wraps as well as pizza--all with a Scottish twist (It seems everybody relates a kilt to the Irish when it's the Scots who have been wearing them all these years). Their entrees looked pretty good too, a meatloaf sandwich stuck out in particular.
I ordered a chicken wrap...which was a jalapeno tortilla (awesome) packed with fried chicken, lettuce, tomatoes and cheese--the usual wrap stuffing. You could take your chicken plain, or dipped in one of three sauces. I took the sweet and spicy selection, the TK sauce. It was just that--sweet and just a little spicy. If you have ever gotten those new chicken nuggets at Wendy's, it's basically the same thing. So you got that with a side of fries--I opted for bleu cheese instead of the ranch dressing that came with it...I chose--wisely. Other items ordered included: a humongous burger...two patties, each one was 10 oz. of beef with fried onion straws, bacon and cheese. There was also the "lighter" option with only one 10 oz. patty. A pulled pork sandwich dressed with cole slaw was the last plate selected.
Now, as I mentioned, this was like day 4 of the place being open so obviously you're going to hit some bumps along the way. Our lunch was no different. After we placed our order, the server stopped by no less than 12 times to apologize for the wait. We kept telling her, "no worries." She was either guilt ridden or we looked like a buncha jerks. It came down to the point that I almost felt like avoiding any eye contact with her so she WOULDN'T come over to apologize again. The thing is, as a group of guys eating in a place that is basically a strip club with no nudity, you aren't really in any rush to get outta there if you know what I mean (wink-wink nudge-nudge). While we waited a few other servers popped by our table asking us how we were doing, how we liked the new joint...all very friendly, and although our stomachs were getting antsy, we just hung loose until the food finally arrived.
The burgers were massive, and the wrap was plenty big too. My friend and I split the pulled pork sand and the wrap and went half-sees on them. The fries were nicely seasoned, kind of like how Bennigan's used to spice up theirs, and the pulled pork was juicy. I don't even like cole slaw, but it really set it off on that sandwich.
The two burger eaters crushed their sandwiches with ease, although, I think any "mortal" would have a hard time finishing off the double, it was just that big.
When it came time to pay, my bill was 12 bucks after tip (that's with a water, no soft drink) so the price is kind of steep compared to surrounding establishments of the like.
A the end of the day, I would say...yes--I'll check TK out again. However, I think the prices might drive that place into the ground prematurely if they don't start some daily specials or improve their happy hour. For even wonderful scenery such as the Tilted Kilt's, can't be adored by way of an empty wallet. (You didn't think I'd REALLY try to take a pervy pic of the servers did you?)

The Tilted Kilt

Orlando-University
11650 UNIVERSITY BLVD.
Orlando, FL, 32817
407-781-5458

Colorado's Prime Steak - Sanford

It's hard to find a place to eat when you don't know what you want. This was the situation a few Friday nights ago when Kim and I hopped in the car and just started driving around. We were deep into the Lake Mary/Sanford area when we spotted a glowing sign off the side of the road.

Colorado Prime Steak is a modest little place but by the looks of the parking lot, I had a feeling that I was in for something good. I'd guess there were maybe 30 spots total, give or take a few...with perhaps two available when we pulled in.

The place smells like a champ as you approach the door. You know when you go to the mall, and you happen to stroll by the Abercrombie store and you get a whiff of that pungent cologne they are pumping out into the walk way? Well imagine that odor is replaced with the aroma of sweet, smoked meats. This is what greeted us as we entered...delicious.

Walked in and the hostess promptly sat us down. This was a surprise. I thought, judging by the lack of spots in the lot, we'd have a little bit of a wait on our hands. Nope, despite the number of cars outside, there were still several tables available.

Sat down at our booth and had a chance to size up the interior. Lots of small farm equipment hanging from the walls, a collection of Ansel Adams portraits, some metal-work art and a deer head as big as a house. Apparently "Buster" is the mascot for CPS, and watches all as he rests against the back wall of the bar.

Like I said, it was a Friday night so I expected the place to be busy. However, our server was quite attentive, even with the 10 top table next to us running her around.
We started with an appetizer, the rib basket. Nicely smoked half rack with a plate of fries. Juicy and flavorful, the ribs were awesome and the fries had a nice seasoning, went quite well together. I was getting nervous that the basket seemed to be taking a little longer than expected. One thing I hate when dining out is when you order an app. and it's served at the same time as your meal. However, throughout the night, our server was on point and everything came out at a nice pace so as not to cramp the other plate's style. That said, my salad came first, then the app and then eventually or main entrees.

After perusing the menu, Kim decided on the smoked prime rib and I chose the Silver City chicken. When the plates arrived, it was evident that they didn't skimp on the portions...but how would it taste?

After a few bites, I could tell Kim was not too pleased with her selection. She said it tasted too smoky. I scoffed, too smoky you say? No such thing, I tried a bite and it was a delight. Savory, tender meat and the smoked flavor was deep, like the poetry of Shel Silverstein. Apparently she ordered it hoping for a milder taste than what she got. Not a chance, this baby was probably chilling in the smoker for eight hours--engulfed.

My Silver City chicken was huge and delicious. Melted cheese on top of onions and mushrooms that were nice and juicy. It almost tasted like they poured the best part of a French onion soup on the chicken with melted cheese on top.

We each had a loaded baked potato on the side, awesome. Hard to mess up a baked potato I know, but what can usually be considered a "same ol same ol" starch was actually a lot better than I expected. I think they must have rolled the whole spud in salt before heating it up, because even the skin tasted good.

After settling up our tab, we got outta there under $40, including a nice tip for the server, who was still getting mangled by that huge table next to us. We both got water which, of course, always shaves a few bucks offa the top.

Looking back, there's not a whole lot to say about this place in a negative light. They forgot Kim's mixed veggie side, but we didn't even realize it until after we had left, seeing how the huge prime rib plate was enough for two anyways.

The service, atmosphere and food were all warm and inviting. The clientele was obviously that of the Bass Pro Shop persuasion. That didn't surprise me though..after all we were in Sanford.

In hindsight, I wish I would have tried the steak, since it is a part of the restaurant's name. Oh well, gives us a reason to go back, a full rack of them ribs wouldn't be too shabby either.

http://www.coloradosonline.com/

Crazy Buffet - Altamonte Springs

Crazy Buffet--Hard to decide where to start. With their name? Their food? Their reputation?
Howabout we just start at the start and work our way to the end... ya?

As you walk up to Vari Asian Crazy Buffet, which is (if you like to be proper) their full name. You are greeted by none other than your 80's-style revolving door. It's been a while since I've gone anywhere that had a door like this, let alone a restaurant.
After filing into the waiting area you find a nicely lit place. There's lotsa oriental decorations: giant fans and hanging lanterns--as well as an indoor Koi pond ala Kobe's steakhouse. We were taken by the host to the seating area which was expansive. No lack of tables here. So when the host sat us right on top of another party, I was a bit surprised. Oh well, I guess having to listen to their whole conversation about whether or not a human could live in an atmosphere made of strictly CO2 (couldn't make that up) was better than having to listen to the loud "God Warrior" a few tables away. Every time this guy opened his sushi hole, the dining room became loud with an evangelical sermon instead of the quiet white noise that is buffet banter. Not that I have any problems with people and their views on religion. I just don't wanna hear it at level 11, echoing across the room. Maybe he just doesn't care about my serious conversation regarding the weirdos eating behind me!
The waitress took our drink order and told us the ins and outs of the place. You got your sushi bar, your flat iron grill they use to cook up the concoctions you create from the assorted items available (chicken, shrimp beef, different veggies and noodles, sauces and spiciness). They also offered fillets cooked to order. So we asked for a few steaks, medium rare, and went to peruse the rest of the selections while the man prepared the meat.
Although I don't particularly love it, a diverse sushi selection greets you at the beginning of your crazy journey. Hard to deny that, when a ton of unique looking and uniformly lined up rolls are on display, it almost looks artistic. I tried a tempura shrimp roll with wasabi and soy...it was good. Friends got a few rolls as well and had no complaints. The tempura vegetable option however, man--that was just about the grossest thing I've eaten in years...and I've been to Arby's!
What seemed to be just a nicely fried round of zuch-suit-riot (Zucchini if you don't speak Cherry Poppin Dadese) was actually stuffed with what I could only describe as sweet tuna salad? It looked weird, tasted off key and went straight into my napkin not unlike Jerry Seinfeld's Mutton.
As we continue down the seemingly, never ending line of buffet options, we find the raw bar. Nothing out of the ordinary as far as selection goes. Peel and eat shrimp, oysters, clams and crab legs with lemon wedges to spritz as well as cocktail sauce for dunking.
I'll be the first to tell you that I am not a well-versed crab handler. In the fact that, I cannot successfully open a crab leg dinner from start to finish, without at least one major blowout. This meal was no different. As I was wedging my fork beneath the crab claw to forge out that ample nugget of sweet crab meat, I was thinking, "Why aren't there any crackers or cocktail forks to assist us?" It was about that time the resistance of the claw finally snapped in my favor, shooting shcrabnel all over the table, my lap and my plate. Oh well. Better luck next time. Of course, allow me to clarify that, although the crackers and mini forks were absent, the taste was not. Their crab was clean, crisp and sweet. I think this was the first time I'd ever tried it cold before, actually. I'm used to it steamed and then dipped into a king's ransom of butter (which was also available just a little further down the line). I thoroughly enjoyed this selection and went back for seconds, twice!
Like any good Chinese buffet, there was also plenty of ooey-gooey selections.
Honey, Teriyaki, Barbecue and the almighty General Tso's chicken as well as crispy Peking Duck. In the past I've come to expect a very sub par plate of food when it comes to these buffet dishes (with the exception of the duck, not a very common buffet item). Most of the time they have been lying out, getting dry and losing their crispyness only to sop up more and more sauce resulting in a soggy bite. I was pleased to discover that not only were the chicken choices moist and delicious, the duck was crisp and succulent as well. Great Success!
Like I said, Peking Duck isn't your run of the mill buffet item. So I was happy to discover that amongst the long line of chaffing dishes offering up more common fare like: spicy shrimp, fried rice, chicken wings and noodles. The duck, as well as the options to ask for a made to order steak or hibachi grill dish, lends to the reputation that Crazy Buffet is an expensive option for a meal out. After all was said and done, between me and 2 others we had: 3 dinners and 3 soft drinks which came out to right around $60.00. So that was a bit of a surprise. I thought we'd be in the $90 area (Otherwise known as, this better be worth it) for sure.
There's so much more than I could possibly care to write about at this place. The steak was cooked well (medium-well that is), the steamed crab was also good (even though I thought their drawn butter tasted a little weird). The made to order grilled selections came out just the way they should, with their own version of that famous white sauce everybody seems to love. It wasn't until the time was nigh for the sweet treats to be devoured that I was again impressed by what they had to offer.
Ice cream and cakes, macaroons and tarts are child's play. Rice Krispy treats and donuts are a little better, but the top dog on this menu was the chocolate fondue station with optional S'mores bar. A crock pot of melted chocolate sat next to a pile of Stay Puft marshmallows and some graham crackers. On the far side were a couple bananas, if you preferred to go that route. I decided to take matters into my own hands. I got the chocolate, found some peanut butter, dumped that in and stirred it around. Next? Simple: dipped that Rice Krispy treat and immediately knew--I've made a mistake. Four portions later, it was too late. I had gone too far...I was now uncomfortably full. Like the passed out kid at a Phish show, I need to know my limit. Oh well, too late to worry about it now.
We settled up our bill and waddled out to the car. I poured myself into the seat and began my typical eater's remorse cycle. Why? Ugh! I disgust me...what was I thinking?!?

After all is said and done, Crazy Buffet is an interesting dining option. Friendly servers, interesting patrons and a wide variety of mall Chinese, Sushi and much more makes this place worth a look. Not sure about a second, but at least one.


http://www.gocrazybuffet.com/

Skyline Chili - Ft. Myers

Cincinnati, Ohio...let that just settle in there--yeah. Cincy. Anything come to mind? Perhaps Eric Davis and that batting stance, Ickey Woods or Dr. Johnny Fever? I feel like that, unless you're from the area it's just not a place you're going to up and say, "Case closed, we're going to Cincinnati for vacation!"

I'm sure they have a rich tradition there, peppered with a fine history and unique citizens. I just figure, if I'm going to have to go to Ohio, I'm gonna at least get on some roller coasters.

It wasn't until I ventured south to the Naples/Ft. Myers area that I was introduced to something that city can really be proud of. Who knows maybe even develop a theme park like Hershey's did.

Skyline Chili is something special. It's not your spicy/hot chili you know--not that Tex/Mex style with the smoky flavors you're used to. No, Skyline is a Greek style recipe that actually comes out quite thin with more of a Cinnamon aroma and taste to it. Seems when I asked around, people either loved it or hated it--not a whole lotta gray area there. Well I love it. It's delicious and I don't care if you can sip it through a straw, I'm ordering seconds.

Your experience begins with a greeting and a personal bowl of oyster crackers as you sit down. I figure, you're in a chili joint, save the crackers for the chili, right?
Wrong, eat'em up. In fact--take the hot sauce they leave on the table and give it a little kee-yick. The trick is, to look for the crackers with a small hole in them, on the side or top. Then fill it to the rim with brim and voila, tasty app right there for freebies.

When it came time to order I got the Skyliner, a chili cheese sandwich and a Chilito. The Skyliner was perfect. A mini dog on a bun swimming in chili and cheese, as well as, "MO" which is mustard and onion. The chili sandwich is the same as a Skyliner, hold the hot dog. The Chilito was a soft tortilla wrapped with chili and cheese all up in it and on top of it.


Every bite was that much better, honestly. Their shredded cheddar is lighter than a cloud. I wager if you threw that cheese in the air, the only way it's coming down is if it starts burping. Add on the fact we made it to the place about 15 minutes before they closed so chances are, we were getting bottom of the barrel ingredients and it still came out better than any meal I've ever gotten at Applebees.

A more popular dish they serve there is chili 3 ways or 4 ways or 5 for that matter. That's where you take your noodles, your chili, your cheese, your onions or what have ya and make a delicious spaghetti treat. The more ingredients you top on, the larger denomination you'll be ordering.

The decor is all Ohio gear: banners, posters, basketballs and pennants representing Ohio and The Queen City (in case you didn't know, Cincinnatians refer to their home as "The Queen City" too).

I can forgive the lack of individuality on the nickname though, seeing as they did come through with possibly the most unique chili I have ever tasted in my life. I'll give'em a pass. If you're in SW Florida, I'd say give them a pass too, a pass on through that is! Get it? See what I did there? Pass on through...bah--stimulate the economy and your taste buds people. Skyline Chili, good stuff.


http://www.skylinechili.com/

Brooklyn Pizza: UCF

I always said that a bad slice of pizza is still better than no pizza at all. So how fitting to kick off my new blogventure with the food so many people adore.

Today I went to Brooklyn Pizza on UCF's main campus.
Before we get to the product, lemme tell ya about what this place is like. You walk in the front door and find a seating area with a few tables and rock band set up on a flat screen.

Place your order and walk around a slight bend from the kitchen area to stumble upon what seems to be an abandoned night club.
This place is MASSIVE.
A movie screen hangs from the wall. Loads of tables surround the room and more video game systems like XBOX 360 and a Wii are hooked up to a couple other flat screens.


BP has been up and running at UCF for a little while now, so I was a bit surprised that it was so dead. Occupancy said around 290 heads could cram into this joint, but including me and the 3 friends I went with, there were maybe 10 other students eating. That naturally lead to a short wait time for our food to be served.

BP's lunch special is: two slices and a drink for 5 bucks--add a little extra dough (wocka wocka) if you wanna throw some pepperoni or any other toppings on there. The pieces are extremely big. If you're familiar with Lazy Moon pizza, it's about the same size. The crust is thin (New York style, duh) and the grease factor only came in at about one napkin's worth to sop up both huge portions. The toppings were plentiful and the cheese was nice and gooey. The only thing bad about my dining experience today was the chance encounter with a bald Scott Stapp and Creed playing on the big screen while I ate. They also gotcher parm, crushed red pep and oregano to add just as any good pizzeria should.

If you take a look at the picture, you can see my sunglasses resting on top of the crust...that can give you a good idea of just how big the portions were.


So, I'd say that if you're in the mood for pizza, and lets get real, who isn't--I'd def. give this place a try. Price is right, lotsa entertainment factors to add to the visit, and to top it off, Shakira's video for She Wolf was playing on the big screen too, so you got yer dessert right there.


UCF - Ferrell Commons
Orlando, FL, 32816
Phone:
407-882-3333
Mon - Sun:
11:00 am - 12:00 am