Vince Carter's - Create Your Own Burger

My parents spend a lot of time in Daytona Beach, and for a couple of years they have been telling me that some time when I am over that way I need to try Vince Carter’s. My first thought was, “Who is Vince Carter?” I am not at all a “sports” person and when they told me who he was I assumed that his restaurant would be a loud sports bar with mediocre food. I was wrong, very wrong.

This past Sunday I met up with them and we headed there for lunch. Skeptical of how busy it would be with the post-church crowd, they assured me that it was a big place and that we would be fine. As we pulled up I realized what a big place it was and I was excited to see what all the hoopla was about.

We walked in and the hostess asked if we wanted to be seated in the Sports Bar or the Dining Room. My Dad insisted on the Sports Bar so that he could see the game. To my amazement it was really comfortable with modern furnishings, a casual elegant feel, and plenty of high-end video screens to watch sports on, yet it was not too loud. In fact I have never been so comfortable in a sports bar in my life.

I excused myself to the bathroom and as I explored the place I saw that the Dining Room area was also very nice, the entire place has an upscale feel to it, even the bathroom was really nice. Vince Carter spared no expense on this place!

Our server came around and took our orders and brought us a complimentary Bread Basket. The Corn Bread was a little too sweet and the Rolls were a little too salty for my likings. (I’m not complaining – it was free!)

Being a Burger Lover I noticed on their menu that you could create your own “Hand Crafted” Burger for $9. Start with a half pound of certified Angus Beef and add any toppings that you like (For no additional fee, Can you believe this? Multiple choices of Cheese, Bacon, sauteed Mushrooms, etc… Again… at no additional cost). I thought this was great, and then the server asked if Fries were OK or would I prefer a different side? (I get a side too? Wow)

I decided to top my Burger with Bleu Cheese, Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato, and for my side I got the Macaroni and Cheese.

The Burger was excellent! The Burger Patty was slathered in Bleu Cheese and the Bacon was crisp and delicious. It was very tasty and cooked perfectly to my likings.

The Macaroni and Cheese was also delectable. Five Cheeses, baked in an individual ramekin this was creamy and would have stood alone just fine as a main dish.

My Dad also ordered a Burger which he loaded with just about everything, and my Mom had a Breakfast Special that included Eggs, Home Fries, Bacon, Sausage and Fresh Fruit. They were both very happy with their meals, and there was even enough left over for them to take some home for later.

Three of us had an amazing lunch and we all left completely satisfied for just over $30. I was quite delighted at how elegant Vince Carter’s is, how low the prices were and ultimately how outstanding the food was! If you haven’t yet been, give it a try and see for yourself.

Bloodhound Brew Pub and Eatery

I had a friend recommend Bloodhound Brew Pub and Eatery so I met him there for a late dinner. We sat outside, the service was mediocre and our server seemed as though she couldn’t be bothered with us, and they were out of the first two beers that my friend ordered. As for the Food the Hound Shanks were moist and tender and fell off the bone.

. I ordered the Kinston Burger (10 oz. hand-pattied Burger grilled to perfection. Topped with Havarti Cheese, Brazed Pineapples, and Onion Straws. Finished with our homemade Pineapple BBQ Sauce. Served with Yucca Fries - $9.99) In theory this should have been delicious, however the Burger Patty itself was just not up to par. It lacked flavor and was dry. The Yucca Fries were pretty good, and I didn’t hate the entire Burger, so I didn’t want to completely give up on this place.

I had another opportunity to go there with four different friends. On this visit they were again out of several Beers (including Bud Light), so now both times that I have been to Bloodhound Brew their Beer selection has not been what it should be. This time although our server was very nice she couldn’t remember the specials or get our drinks right. I knew I didn’t want a Burger (however two of my friends did order Burgers and seemed to like them pretty well). I ordered the Fried Chicken and Biscuits (Hand battered, specialty seasoned and extra crispy Chicken Breast and handmade Biscuit on a stick, with White Country Pepper Gravy and Macaroni and Cheese $8.99). Now this was a really delicious meal! I was surprised for the low price that you got two Chicken Breasts and two Biscuits, plus the Mac and Cheese! Super crispy and well seasoned I ate every bite. Not sure if I will ever go back to Bloodhound Brew, but if I do I would definitely order this again.

So ultimately my thoughts on Bloodhound Brew are Food = Yes, Service = No and If you are going there to drink then you might have to come up with a second or third choice on beverage because chances are that they will be out of the Beer that you really want.

Tako Cheena

Tako Cheena (located on Mills ave.) is about to celebrate its One Year Anniversary!

I have been there many times and have enjoyed just about everything on the menu.

The ATMOSPHERE… This small space offers four seats at the bar and about 8 small tables. Art hangs on the walls and it is often packed.

The SERVICE… Fairly quick with a friendly staff

The FOOD… Standard Mexican dishes such as Takos, Burritos and Empanadas only with a cultural twist, the flavors are Thai, Korean, African, Indian, etc. I once heard someone describe Tako Cheena’s Food as “Brown meets Yellow” and that seems to be pretty accurate.

I usually get the Takos. (3 for $7.98) I really enjoy the Thai Peanut Chicken (with mixed Cabbage, Cilantro, Scallion and crushed Peanuts) and the Indian Yellow Curry Crispy Tofu (with mixes Cabbage, Cilantro, Celery and Scallions)

Sometimes I also get one of their ever-changing Empanadas ($2.35), which come with your choice of several Salsas (I like the Ginger Guava Salsa – sweet and flavorful with a slight kick).

On my last visit I got the Thai Panang Chicken Burrito (with Jasmine Rice, Bell Peppers, Basil and Peanut Sauce $7.98). It was really tasty and very filling.

If you haven’t been there yet and want to try something a little different that is reasonably priced then give Tako Cheena a try.

They are open for Lunch and Dinner, and they stay open late (4am) on Fridays and Saturdays!

BurgerFi - Ultimate Cheeseburger

I heard about BurgerFi from urbanspoon.com, and as I looked up their website I was very impressed and wanted to give them a try. In the “About Us” section of their website it says, “BurgerFi picks up where the other "better burger" franchises leave off. First, BurgerFi focuses on all-natural, grass-fed beef. We do this because it tastes better, and it's better for you- with no chemicals, and no additives. Also, where others limit their menu to just the basic, no-frills options, BurgerFi has built a menu with specialty items like Kobe beef hot dogs, gourmet toppings, delectable desserts, craft beer & wine, and an overall focus on a healthier menu selection”. As I read more I found that they recycle as much as possible and stay as “Green” as they can.

Now I was just hoping that their Burgers would taste as good as they sounded! I recently visited the Winter Park location (which is located on Park Ave. right across from Rollins College) and this is what I discovered.

The ATMOSPHERE… First off, I don’t really care for the signage. The Green “BURGER” doesn’t stand out enough from the background, and the White “FI” is too hard to read. The overall look of the place inside is modern and there is plenty of seating both indoors and out.

The SERVICE… Order at the counter and you are given a buzzer. (which as explained to us had a device in it so that it wouldn’t buzz, but the runners would know where we were sitting and they would bring our food right out) Then as we got our drinks from one of those fancy new Coke machines I noticed that the tables near the drink area were really crowded and it was almost impossible to “make a path” to get a beverage or condiments, however our food was delivered quickly.

The FOOD… Not unlike Five Guys or Boardwalk Fresh Burgers and Fries, they offer Burgers (of many kinds), Fries, Hot Dogs and you can also get a Frozen Custard or Beer or Wine. The Burgers increase in price depending on how many patties you want and whether you get Natural Angus or Natural Prime Brisket. Certain toppings such as Cheese, Steak Sauce and Organic Ketchup are a $1 upcharge, and adding Bacon will cost you an additional $1.57.

 I let the sales clerk talk me in to getting the Ultimate Cheeseburger. (Double Natural Prime Brisket Burger, Swiss Cheese and Bleu Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato and Pickles and Secret Sauce - $9.97)

Then I had to get an order of Fresh Cut Fries ($2.77) and I added Parmesan Cheese and Herbs (.77). My friend ordered the Sea Salt and Vinegar Fries and that way we could share. We also each got a fountain beverage running $2.27 each.

As for the Burger itself I enjoyed the taste, however I didn’t notice anything special about the Natural Prime Brisket, and I wondered why I bothered to order the “Fancier Beef”.

I like the fact that they don’t completely cut through the bun so that it is still hinged together which makes it easier to eat without falling apart. I also am a sucker for gimmicks and like the branded logo they sear in the bun tops. The toppings were fresh.

My Parmesan and Herb Fries were good, but my friend’s Sea Salt and Vinegar Fries were far superior. I also don’t know if either “Fry Toppings” were worth the extra money.

One of the many employees brought around a sample of their Frozen custard for us to try. It was delicious.

Although we both enjoyed the way our Burgers tasted, my biggest complaint about BurgerFi is the price. For two of us to each have a Burger, Fries and a Drink it came to $35. I have no problem paying top dollar for food, but honestly I could get just as enjoyable a meal at either Five Guys or Boardwalk for much less money. 

Don Pablo's - Classic Fajitas

Don Pablo’s seems to get mixed reviews, but honestly for me it one of the most consistent Mexican chain restaurants. I feel like they have pretty good specials and pretty good service, and for me the food is also the most flavorful. Occasionally I frequent the location on International Drive.

The ATMOSPHERE… Very spacious with tons of tables and high ceilings

The SERVICE… On our last visit our server Diego was fast and efficient and the manager that came by to check on us was also very friendly

The FOOD… Fajitas, Quesadillas, Enchiladas and Tacos, there are also plenty of Tex-Mex items like Ribs and Steaks.

Their complimentary Chips and Salsa are pretty decent. The Chips are light and crispy, and their Salsa is very flavorful, but not hot! Perfect for my taste buds.

Usually for our starter we get the Queso Blanco Dip, it is creamy and has a little kick to it.

They also have Monday – Thursday Specials. Our most recent trip was on a Wednesday, so I decided on the Classic Fajitas (normally $12.99, but $9.99 with this Wednesday special) 

I chose the Chicken, which came out sizzling on a bed of grilled Onions and Peppers. It was also served with soft Tortillas and a side dish containing Lettuce, Pico, Shredded Cheese, Sour Cream, Guacamole, Refried Beans and Rice.

I found that dipping the Tortillas down in the remaining Blanco Queso was a really tasty way to start out making each Fajita. I spaced out my Chicken Breast strips so that when it was all said and done I had eaten 5 different Fajitas (each one prepared a little differently). I left feeling very full and satisfied.

Although there were 5 Orlando Area locations at one point, there are now only 2 locations left. I’m unsure if they are doing well as a company, but I sincerely hope they make it because I feel that you get a pretty good value for your money.

Little Greek - Gyro Pita

Little Greek is a chain restaurant that has about nine locations in the Tampa Bay area. I have been to one in New Port Richey before, but the other day I visited the one in Westchase.

They have quick counter service and although most people seem to get it “To Go” they do have several tables if you would like to dine in.

Their website describes the Food as a “Greek style menu with an American influence” and they offer Salads, Pitas, Sandwiches, Dinners and Desserts.

I love a good Gyro, and decided to get the Gyro Pita with a Greek Salad on the side ($7.74).

Lettuce, Tomato, Onion and Tzatziki Sauce cover the tender slices of Gyro meat that was sandwiched in the Pita Bread. I have definitely had better Gyros at sit down Greek restaurants, but for a place that was this fast it was actually pretty good.

The Greek Salad was not my personal favorite. I ordered it without olives, but I forgot that they put Potato Salad on there as well. Had I actually thought about it or read the description I would have had them leave that off as well. So me not liking it was my fault – Not theirs! And considering that it normally comes with Lettuce, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Onions, Olives, Pepperoncini Peppers, Green Peppers, Potato Salad topped with Feta and Beets – I feel that it is actually a quite generous Salad and a good deal for the money!

They also have a Dessert case with really tempting treats in it, I’m a little surprised that I didn’t order one, but the next time I’m in I probably will.

For quick, “On the Go” Greek Food, Little Greek is a good substitution for a Burger and Fries.