B & B Junction

B&B Junction is a “Farm to Table” Burger joint that focuses on high quality grass fed local Beef. They are located on Fairbanks Avenue in the former location of 4 Rivers.

The set up is basically the same as when it was 4 Rivers, only now instead of getting your food “cafeteria style” they give you a number and then bring your food out to you.

The seating area is much nicer then before, and I think the parking is even a little better. (I try to go at slower times during the day so I still haven’t seen it too busy)

They offer a “Loyalty Rewards” card so when you spend a certain number of dollars there you automatically get $5 off of your next meal. I always like a little extra incentive!

They also have a decent “ever changing” selection of home-baked Desserts, I still have not tried any but I am always tempted.

Now on to the food….

The first time I went to B&B I had the #18 (House Made Veggie, Seasonal Wild Mushroom, Gruyere, Truffle Aioli, Watercress, Tomato, Whole Wheat Bun $8.5).

As I bit in to it I noticed that the Veggie Patty had some interesting flavors, it was unlike any “Veggie Burger” I had ever had! Possibly a bit of Curry Powder? Who knows? But I do know that I Love It!

I think that it is actually the Best Veggie Burger that I have ever had!

My friend ordered the #5 (House-Made Bourbon Ham, Pecan-Smoked Bacon, Over-Easy Fried Farm Egg, Brie, Brioche French Toast $9.5).

It looked really good and he was very pleased with it. He wasn’t expecting the Powdered Sugar, and would have preferred it not to be on there but enjoyed it nonetheless.

I also found it interesting that rather then asking how he wanted it cooked they just asked “Pink? or No Pink?”. I actually like that idea because some times I feel that people get too hung up on the cooking temperature and the bottom line is that want it either Well-Done or they want it somewhat Rare. This eliminates too many choices that sometimes are not fully understood in the first place.

I have been back to B&B three additional times and I have become quite a fan. I’d also like to add that I have already received a $5 off bonus, and I didn’t sign up for the card until my second visit!

I like their Veggie Patty so much that I can’t seem to order anything else, but you can substitute it on any of their delicious Burger Combinations!

To date my favorite has been the #3 (Blackening Spices, Creamy Blue, Fried Fennel, House Sauce, Butter Lettuce, Tomato $8.5).

 

With the Veggie Patty, the Blue Cheese and the Fried Fennel it makes the perfect flavor and texture combination and is pure Heaven!

I also must tell you to get the Salt and Pepper French Fries! Think Five Guys Fries but only without the Guilt and maybe even a little tastier!

You can get a side of them with your Burger for $2, but I would go ahead and get the large order for $5 especially if you are sharing.

They also make their own sauces.

They have Horseradish Mustard, but what I am in love with is their Homemade Ketchup!

It is a little Sweet and a little Spicy and I find it to be quite outstanding!

So if you are looking for a Burger experience that is Local, Fresh, and a little Different then I highly recommend B&B Junction!

Jeremiah's Italian Ice

Jeremiah’s Italian Ice has five Central Florida locations.

I’ve been to three of the five locations, but the one I frequent the most is the one in Maitland.

Once I went three days consecutively, but I try to keep it for special occasions.

Each day they offer about fifteen flavors of Italian Ice.

You can just get the Italian Ice plain, or Soft Serve Ice Cream, or my favorite is to get the Gelati where they layer Italian Ice and Soft Serve together!

You can even have multiple flavors, and you can tell them exactly how you want it layered.

The staff is always fast and friendly (It seems to be all high school-age girls working there).

They will let you try as many flavors as you like, and their prices are very affordable.

There is often a line, but it never takes long and is well worth the wait.

I’ve never taken anyone there that didn’t enjoy it!

D B Pickles

D B Pickles has been serving Ormond Beach with creative and mouth-watering meals since 2006. Their restaurant was designed with the mission of offering a diverse menu full of home-style comfort foods and large portions. That was a direct quote from their website, and although I can confirm that all of that is true it doesn’t mention anything about how the food actually tastes.

Here’s the story of my experience on a recent visit to D B Pickles.

My Mother was in charge of picking where we went for a late lunch/ early dinner. I instructed her to pick somewhere that she had never been but had always wanted to try, and she picked D B Pickles because she thought that it would be similar to Toojay’s, which is one of her favorites.

As we walked in I realized that she was right, it was very similar. They have a case by the front door displaying tons of homemade Desserts, there is ample seating, and the menu items are enticing and there is plenty to choose from.

We started by ordering Pickle’s Fried Pickles (Generous portion of Garlic Pickles dipped and fried, served with special sauce! $5.99). The “Special Sauce” turned out to be Thousand Island (not my favorite) but the Pickles themselves were very good. They were very crispy and they were not lying by saying “Generous Portion”.

A big selling point for this restaurant is that they have a “Pickle Bar” that is complementary with your meal. There are at least twelve different “Pickled” items on it such as Beets, Three Bean Salad, and Green Tomatoes.

I really liked the selections that I chose and next time I don’t think I will get an appetizer, I’ll just fill up at the Pickle Bar and save the $6.

For my entrée I ordered the Eggplant Parmesan Sandwich, and when I added the $1 upcharge for Fries as my side it still came out to be less then $10. When it arrived I couldn’t believe how large it was (and for such a low price). I immediately cut it in two pieces and boxed half of it, along with the remaining Pickle Chips.

It was your standard Eggplant Parmesan Sub with the fried Eggplant Cutlets, the Marinara Sauce, and the Cheese, and as I previously mentioned it was Huge, but other then that there was really nothing special about it and it was actually rather bland. Not bad, just not Wow!

Then we went up to the Dessert Case to look for something yummy to take home with us.

It was filled with decadent Cakes, Pies, and other baked treats.

We decided to get an Éclair “to go” and split it ($3.99).

Later that evening we had it and although it was a little dry it was overall not bad and it was definitely enough for two people.

Then I reheated by plate of leftovers, and enjoyed the fact that I got to eat twice for one price.

So my thoughts of D B Pickles are this… The portions are Huge and you can get at least two meals out of every dish which is great for sharing or packing to go. The Pickle Bar is a nice perk as well as being something unique and different. The taste of the food is nothing outstanding, but it is decent. It’s great for older people, which is what I saw the most of dining there and it appropriate for the area. I’m sure my parents will become regulars.

Woodlands

Woodlands is a restaurant that serves South Indian food, they are also completely Vegetarian. I have been there several times and ordered off of their menu, but my favorite is to go for their lunch buffet. They are closed on Mondays and the buffet is served from 11:30 to 3 Tuesday thru Friday only.

Part of what I enjoy about Woodland’s Buffet is the fact that everything is Vegetarian, so I don’t have to question what I may be eating (like I do at some buffets).

For my taste buds everything is very flavorful and well spiced, but not overly hot.

They offer several Chutneys which will enhance your meal and can add a little heat if you need it.

They also bring Dosa (Indian Crepe with Potato Filling) to your table, and will keep bringing it upon request.

I usually get two plates worth and leave having tried everything, and always with a full stomach and a satisfied palette.