Numero Uno Cuban Restaurant

Located on Orange Ave. just south of Downtown (near Michigan Ave.), Numero Uno Cuban Restaurant is a quaint “Mom and Pop” style eatery that has been a staple for over 30 years.

Over the past twenty or so years I have been there a couple of times with friends who wanted to go but I was never really impressed, however I am much more of a Foodie now and have a much greater appreciation for different types of Cuisine. Now that I have become a fan of Cuban cuisine I decided to return to Numero Uno to see how it holds up to other places.

We were there mid-week for a late lunch and there was only one other table that was occupied. Our friendly waitress took our drink orders and brought us some toasted Cuban Bread. I probably could have eaten the whole Bread Basket I was so hungry.

I first started with an order of Fried Yucca. This is my typical appetizer that I order at Cuban or Puerto Rican restaurants and I must say that this did not disappoint. The Yucca was fried crisp yet soft in the middle and the dipping sauce was garlicky and flavorful.

Then for my entrée I decided on the Pernil de Cerdo Asado (Roasted Pork, hand-carved thin with Grilled Onions and Mojo, served with Plantains (Maduros), Black Beans and White Rice).

Now I really enjoyed the Rice, Beans, Plantains and the flavors of the Pork and Onions. I would have liked the Pork to be a little more on the tender side, and I think if it were shredded instead of sliced it also would have made it more appealing. This being said I would still say that overall I enjoyed my meal (the sides alone were so good I didn’t really even need the meat).

I don’t think I would order this dish again, however their menu is extensive and there are plenty of other things to try if I should go there again!

For a place to exist for that many years in this economy they must be doing something right.

Maple Street Biscuit Company

Knowing that I had an event to attend in Jacksonville I checked out Urbanspoon to see what the latest restaurant craze was, and all I kept reading was review after review that were all raving about Maple Street Biscuit Company!

Although there is now a second location in Jax Beach, I was staying near the original location in the very charming San Marco area.

They are open 7am until 2pm Monday through Saturday (as well as Dinner on Fridays and Saturdays).

The Menu is simple and consists of a variety of Biscuit Sandwiches (all freshly made-to-order) and a few Side Items.

When you place your order they ask you a random question (the day I was there it was “What do you want for Christmas?”) and whatever you answer is what they use to call you when your order is ready. It is little more interesting then simply asking your name, as well as being a good conversation starter.

As for my meal I ordered The Loaded Goat (Flaky Biscuit, all natural Fried Chicken Breast, and Fried Goat Cheese Medallion $6)

This restaurant gets back to simple things done well. The Biscuit was flaky and buttery, the Chicken Breast was crispy and juicy, and the Goat Cheese was tart and creamy. It was perfect blend of flavors and extremely satisfying.

I also got a side of Smokey Mountain Mac-N-Cheese (Five Cheese Baked Macaroni with Cheese Cracker Crust $4).

Although I would have been fine with just the sandwich, far be it from me to not order at least one extra item, especially on my first visit.

The Mac-N-Cheese was creamy and comforting, and the “Cheese Cracker” topping gave it a little crunch and a whole lot of pizzazz.

I see why this place gets such high reviews and the next time I pass through Jacksonville I hope that it is between 7am and 2pm so that I can stop back in for another delicious Biscuit!

Greek City Cafe

I recently had the pleasure of going to Greek City Café in Tampa with some friends who had been there before. I love Greek Food and was hoping for the best, but by no means did I think I would love it so much.

Greek City is currently a chain of 3 different stores, but I expect they will be expanding to more stores soon.

Counter service to place your order, then they will bring your food out when it is ready. The environment is clean and there are both indoor and outdoor seating options.

I asked the girl behind the counter to assist with my order and she was super-friendly and helpful.

We decided on a “Two items for $7.29 special” with a California Greek Salad and a Falafel Pita. Then when I saw that the Soup of the day was Tomato Florentine I decided to have a bowl of that as well.

First off the soup was delicious – rich and robust, with a deep tomato flavor that was out of this world. I enjoyed it so much that when I got home I looked up Tomato Florentine Soup recipes on line (I wonder if I will be able to make something this tasty though).

Falafel Pita (Homemade Falafel, Feta Cheese, diced Tomato and Onion, with fresh Romaine and served with Greek Dressing)

The Crispy Falafel, Tangy Feta and Sweet Greek Dressing exploded with flavor, and all of the ingredients were super-fresh!

And lastly the California Greek Salad (Fresh Spinach and Mixed Greens served with Avocado, Tomatoes, Carrots, Pecans, Feta Cheese topped with Balsamic Vinaigrette),

All of my favorite flavors together!

And they did not “Skimp” on the Pecans or Avocado (which a lot of restaurants seem to do)

This salad also came with a couple of Pita wedges (I took the liberty to dip in my friend’s Tzatziki, which was also very good)

Any of my three dishes would have stood alone, but I’m glad I tried them all.

I left with such a great taste in my mouth and so excited to have a new place to visit when I am in the area.

Go Greek City…. I love you!

Agave Azul

Gonna make this a quick review!

I have enjoyed Agave Azul (located at the corner of Kirkman and Conway by Universal Studios) for several years now.

They have a nice atmosphere and I have always had quick, friendly service.

They also have some of the best Chips and Salsa around (complimentary).

On my last visit I had the “Create you own” Two-item Lunch Combo ($6.99) with a Taco and a Quesadilla (both filled with their delicious Carnitas).

Even their Refried Beans and Rice are full of flavor (so many restaurants have beans that are so bland).

Some of the tastiest Mexican Food around town!

and at a great price!