Why Go Out? - G.C.S. (Grilled Cheese Sammie)

Grilled cheese: That staple of Americana. The sandwich we all run to, young and old, to satisfy that inner child. The gooeyness. The creaminess. The combination of bread-cheese-bread that just throws us in the way back machine and drops us off at Memory Town.

Ah, but times, they are a-changin’, my friends. It’s time to feed the outer grown-up. Check this out:

2 slices of fresh sourdough bread
1cup blue cheese
Bacon Jam (You can buy it here:  http://www.surlatable.com/product/PRO-891226/?affsrcid=Aff0001&mr:trackingCode=A6E29125-F30A-E111-973E-001517384908&mr:referralID=NA&origin=pla&mr:adType=pla
1/3 cup baby bella mushrooms, sliced into long pieces
1 shallot, diced
1 sprig of thyme
1 tbsp. butter
1 tsp. olive oil
1/8 cup red wine (good drinking wine, please)
Salt & pepper to taste

Take a small sauté pan and add in your butter, thyme and olive oil. Bring to a medium heat and once the thyme is fragrant, and in your mushrooms and onions. Sweat them down until the onion is translucent; add in your red wine and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer until wine reduces. Add salt & pepper to taste.

Take your bread and butter one side of each slice. On the other side of 1 of the sourdough pieces, spread some bacon jam all over (careful with this stuff; it’s deceptively tasty, and you don’t want so much that it overpowers the other ingredients). Top THAT piece with ½ the blue cheese. Add your mushrooms and shallot (be sure to remove the thyme), then top with the rest of the blue cheese.

Grill the sandwich in a non-stick skillet (yes, like you normally would for an ‘old school’ grilled cheese), until the blue cheese is melting and fragrant. Enjoy.

After all, it’s just Da(m)n Good Food, so why go out?

Why Go Out? - Official Meatball Sub

Hey, we all love a good meatball sub right? But where to go? There's so many choices, and most of them are good. Well, here's a recipe to make your own without all that pesky decision making.

Ingredients:

Sandwich base -
1 loaf of fresh French bread
2 slices deli provolone cheese
Dried oregano (just a few sprinkles)

Sauce -
Good tomato sauce (I used Barilla Marinara canned sauce for this recipe, but feel free to make your own or buy another brand)
1 clove minced garlic
2 diced fresh basil leaves (you can use a good dried sweet basil if you don’t have fresh)
Splash of red wine (good wine you’d drink. Please don’t buy ‘cooking wine’. I don’t have time to track you down and smack you upside the head for doing that.)
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
Salt & pepper to taste

Meatballs -
4 cloves diced garlic
1 shallot, diced
Pinch of red pepper flakes
1 lb. ground beef (93/7)
1 lb. ground Italian sausage
1 ½ tsp. dried oregano
1 ½ tsp. dried basil
1 bunch fresh parsley, minced
1 tsp. Salt
1 ½ tsp. fresh ground black pepper
1 large egg
1/3 cup plain breadcrumbs

For the sauce: Start by pouring the jar (or your homemade) sauce in a medium pot; turn on medium-low heat. Add in your garlic, basil, salt, pepper and Italian seasoning; stir. Allow this to cook for about 3-4 minutes, then turn to a simmer. Add your few splashes of wine (sparingly; you want to enhance the flavor, not get all liquored up eating lunch.)

Simmer for another 10 minutes or so (or until the meatballs are done).

For the meatballs: Pre-heat the oven to 450 degrees. Combine all of the ingredients into a large bowl and shape into about 2 inch balls. In a large non-stick skillet, drizzle some olive oil and heat to medium-high. Once the pan is hot, add your meatballs a few at a time (do not over-crowd the pan or they won’t cook correctly) and give each side a sear.

Once they are browned all the way around, remove them from the pan and place in a large glass baking dish; repeat. Once you’ve browned all of them and switched them to the dish, place it in the oven for 12-15 minutes until cooked through.

Now, for the rest of the masterpiece: Take a good piece out of that French bread (depending on your hunger level) and cut it in half to open it, but not separate the bread (you know. Like Subway does it.)

Spread a little ‘love’ on each side (that means ‘butter’) and pop it in the toaster oven for just a few minutes to get the outside crispy. Take out the bread and ladle a good amount of that tomato sauce all inside the bread. From there, throw in enough meatballs to satisfy your inner Soprano and cover with more sauce.

Drop two pieces of provolone on top and throw it back in the toaster oven to melt the cheese down. Take out, plate up, and shake a little oregano and parmesan on top.  Mange!

After all, it’s just Da(m)n Good Food, so why go out?

Under the Sea (in Orlando, FL) - Sharks Underwater Grill

Price: Pricey
Atmosphere: 5 out of 5
Quality of Service: 4 out of 5
Food Overall: 4 out of 5

As this was my birthday weekend, the wife and I made plans to have lunch at a key attraction in Sea World (our park of choice this trip to Orlando). I'd read about it before, but I really had to experience it for myself. I mean, Jaws IS my favorite movie.

Where, you ask? Sharks Underwater Grill inside the Sea World park. Unfortunately they don't take phone reservations, but you can head over to the booth right at the front gate to reserve a lunch or dinner time here. So that's what we did, and I spent the day wandering through the park and anxiously awaiting 12:30pm.

Like with my Paris (Las Vegas) review, this one is primarily about the atmosphere. When you walk in, you are led down a short flight of stairs and then you see it: The entire restaurant is underwater, surrounded by a tremendous tank filled with large fish and SHARKS. Big, hungry looking, gliding monsters swimming around as you dine and stare in wonder.

It was...amazing. But ambiance aside, the food was definitely worth sinking your teeth into (pun intended). The picture above is of the Shark's Romaine Salad, which is kind of a play on your traditional Wedge.

It's a large heart of romaine, covered with crumbled gorgonzola, crisp bacon pieces, freshly diced red onion and a raspberry ranch that was just phenominal. That set the tone for the main dish, which was (in my case) a Chicken Portabello: Grilled chicken breast, juicy and flavorful, topped with portabello mushroom slices marinated in a blasamic glaze, and served with sweet potato fries.

It was a (semi) health conscious meal, and didn't bog me down, so I could get back to my thrill rides in the park. I seriously recommend dining here if you're in the Sea World park. The food is spectacular, and the view is worth dying for. Luckily, there's several feet of glass between you and the sharks, so you won't have to.

After all, it's just Da(m)n Good Food.

Sharks Underwater Grill
Sea World Theme Park
Orlando, FL
http://seaworldparks.com/en/seaworld-orlando/Dine-and-Shop/Dining/Sharks-Underwater-Grill

Under the Sea in Orlando, FL - Flipper's Pizzeria

Price: Affordable
Atmosphere: 2 out of 5
Quality of Service: 3 out of 5
Food Overall: 3 out of 5

Our first food stop on a recent trip to Orlando, Flipper's Pizzeria is no doubt a chain restaurant. I mention this because, if you share my wife's opinion, you're not real big on chain eateries. I'm not sure why; the logic has never been explained to me.

Now don't get me wrong: I'm a big fan of unique, 'there's only one of these' type places. It's kind of special, like 'This is MY place, and I found it." However, there's an appreciation I share with most Americans on the chain/franchise restaurant.

It's convienient. It's cheap. And best of all, there's usually one 5 minutes away in any direction. Now I'd never been to Flipper's before, but they are apparently popular in the Orlando area, and we were walking around Old Town killing time until we could check into the timeshare.

Pizza sounded good, as it often does when the mood strikes, so we gave it a shot. To be honest, it was a very good pizza. Was it unique? No, not particularly. Was it comparable to an Anthony's Coal Fire or Amore? Don't think so. But that being said, it was quite delicious.

We ordered a medium pie with baby bella mushrooms and 1/2 with smoked bacon. The sauce is always key in any pie, and here it didn't disappoint. It was a little sweeter than I'm used to (this happens with chains), but it did have strong notes of basil and oregano which toned down the sweet factor quite a bit.

The mushrooms were interesting, as I usually cook with them, but never see baby bellas at your everyday pizza joint (hell, not even at some of the 'stand alones'). They provided a subtle earthiness to the meal, which was a welcome change from teh norm.

The bacon was indeed as described: Smoked. You really got that bite in the pork, and it was crisped up for a great crunch in each chomp. And sitting outside enjoying the fall weather with a good pie, a great woman, and a vacation to boot? Well it doesn't get better than that, friends.

I was pleasantly surprised by this place, and I think you will be too. They offer your typical pizzeria/bar type food as well, if you're not feeling a pie: Wings, calzones, salads. Give it a try if you're out that way.

After all, it's just Da(m)n Good Food.

Flipper's Pizzeria
5770 W. Highway 192
Kissimmee, FL 34746
(407) 397-9509
http://flipperspizzeria.com/Locations/OldTownCelebration/tabid/107/Default.aspx

Under the Sea in Orlando, FL - Cap'n Jack's Restaurant

Price: Affordable
Atmosphere: 3 out of 5
Quality of Service: 4 out of 5
Food Overall: 4 out of 5

On a recent mini-vacation to Orlando, FL. my wife and I had spent all day at a themepark and by the time we left, we were starving. Chalk it up to all the rollrcoasters, shows and outdoor excitement, but we needed to feast...and soon.

We drove over to Downtown Disney, which if you've never been, is probably the coolest open air 'shopping center' in the US of A. Disney themed shops where you can buy anything from the parks without dropping the dough for admission, a Lego store that you have to see to believe, candy shops, even a resident Cirque Du Soliel.

And the restaurants. House of Blues, Bongos (Gloria Esteffan's cuban inspired joint), and this place: Cap'n Jack's on the water. It was late, and everywhere else was booked solid.The hostess was able to get us a seat at the bar, which was fine by us, and we began perusing the menu.

As it is on the water, Cap'n Jack's hosts a good amount of seafood dishes, ranging from large crabcakes to a baked tilapia filet served with a cool mango salsa. However, this night I was in the mood for some comfort food. And what's more comforting than pot roast?

Old Fashioned Beef Pot Roast, served in a bath of onion ragut, with a heaping side of red skin mashed potatoes and sauteed green beans. The pot roast was fall-apart tender (of course it was; how else do you expect to eat it?), but the sauce was simply divine. You instantly get the tang from the onion, with that red wine sharpness and of course that singing slow cooked beef flavor.

The potatoes had that perfect hint of garlic to them, and were just velvetly enough to be good mashed potatoes, and not overly creamy. The green beans had that 'fresh picked' snap to them, but were cooked all the way through.

If you're ever out that way and need that warm 'only-momma's-cooking-will-do' meal, stop in on Cap'n Jack. (Note: Although it is a part of Disney World, there was no sign of Johnny Depp or affiliations with this restaurant. Yeah, I was disappointed too.)

After all, it's just Da(m)n Good Food.

Cap'n Jack's Restaurant
Downton Disney
Orlando, FL.
(407) 827-2253
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/capn-jacks-restaurant/

Porky & Beth's BBQ/Bedner's Farm Fresh Market

Price: $
Atmosphere: 2 out of 5
Quality of Service: 3 out of 5
Food Overall: 4 out of 5

I’m an equal opportunity restaurateur. I can slum it in the dives, hole-in-the-walls and grease pits. I also clean up real nice for the establishments (fancy word for ‘pricey eatery’) that require a jacket, tie, reservation and a third mortgage.

 Truth is, if the food is top notch, there is no pro or con to either type of food spot. Sometimes you need the homey feel of a small time restaurant, and sometimes it’s a special occasion and you want to play dress up.

Today’s subject is almost in a category of its own: The Food Truck. Although I’m pretty sure it lives on campus at the wonderful Bedner’s Farm Fresh Market in Boynton Beach, FL. (more on that in a minute), it’s still in that convenient portable design. You’ve seen them before: The lines outside a little window, with 1-3 people inside taking your order as you make new friends in line waiting for your meal to be fresh prepared.

In my opinion, food trucks are the Facebook of the world outdoors. Everyone’s waiting to eat and slowly but surely they begin to bond over their delicacies to come, discussing their order and what they love about this place. And Porky & Beth’s BBQ has plenty to love I assure you.

My wife and I went to Bedner’s one day with a friend to do some shopping. If you’ve never been, then shame on you for eating less-than-the-freshest produce and paying twice as much for it through chain grocery stores. Bedner’s has it all: Homemade ice cream, freshly made pickles, just-picked herbs, unique fruits (I’ve had the blackberry plums and mango nectarines; both are delectable) and when in season, a U-Pick strawberry farm. During the fall, they deck the place out with haunted houses, pumpkin patch rides (and by that rationale, a U-Pick pumpkin patch).

Ok, so why bring this up, you ask? I thought this was about the ‘Que? My friends, I’m getting there, but you need to understand one to appreciate the other.

Porky & Beth’s uses (the day I was there, at least) a nice cut of hickory wood to perfectly smoke their meats. I ordered the rack of ribs with cole slaw and baked beans, and my wife had the chicken and sweet corn. Since it’s my blog, well…me first.

The ribs were fall-off-the-bone material, with that beautiful smoke ring encompassing each tasty one. Very lighty sauced, and as I’m a big sauce person I can say honestly that the way they were served up was just the right amount.

The baked beans were nicely done as well, with those notes of brown sugar coming through every other bite, as almost to switch up your taste buds. The cole slaw wasn’t the sweet processed stuff you buy at the commercial stores, and here’s why: That market we talked about? Yeah. Fresh, on-the-premises ingredients.  It was a lovely, creamy slaw with raisins thrown in the mix for that sweetness this side dish requires. It was crunchy, it was delicate, it was refreshing.

Now my wife’s chicken had that beautiful pink color you get from a perfect smoke, and it remained juicy all the way through. The corn…oh my. I’m sure you’ve had sweet corn before, but let me tell you: This was like nothing else. It didn’t need a thing. Straight out the husk, smoked a little, and have at it. It tasted naturally buttered, and I thought about getting a few for the road (we did go back in and buy a few for the house however).

The best part of all this? The smoke stays on your fingers for hours. The drive home was like being in a car made of that killer ‘Que, and it followed me in the house. Bedner’s is worth the trip regardless, but the on-location BBQ they’re cranking out is no joke either. And hey, while you wait you can even get your car washed.

So pack up the family and head down to Bedner’s, and hop on line for Porky & Beth’s BBQ. It’s truly just a nice day outdoors, and you’ll definitely remember the meal.

After all, it’s just Da(m)n Good Food.

John G's

Price: $$
Atmosphere: 4 out of 5
Quality of Service: 5 out of 5
Food Overall: 5 out of 5


To be honest, I've never been a big breakfast person. On the weekends, sure; I like to get up, throw some bacon and eggs in a skillet and enjoy my coffee with a plate of grub, but during the week, who has time? It's usually a banana and out the door to face the corporate world once again.

In fact, up until a few years ago, I never used to eat breakfast at all. However, I do LOVE to go out to breakfast, on any occasion. If I'm going to make a conscious effort to wake up early-esque on a Saturday or Sunday, I want to be fed right, and sometimes that grits-in-a-pot at the home front just won't cut it.

And I don't mean just 'any' breakfast. You won't catch me at Denny's, IHOP or Shoney’s. Granted, they served a purpose in my life once, but when I graduated high school, I decided that a working man deserves a hearty, cooked-to-order morning meal when he goes out to spend his hard earned dough.

Enter John G's, a South Florida staple for over 40 years. Owned and operated by a firefighter and his always friendly wife, They're cranking out huge comfort meals every day of the week.

Whatever your fancy, John G's delivers in droves. Be it blueberry pancakes, homemade corn beef hash, or the classic eggs Benedict, you just can't go wrong with anything on the menu.

"Anyone can quote a menu, Dan. Where's the detail??" Oh, ok. I see how it is. You want to drool for this place, eh? Fair enough. One of my wife's favorite dishes (and I gotta admit, mine too) are the Buttons & Bows: Two extra large eggs atop a more than generous mountain of mushrooms, sautéed in a sauce that can only be described as 'liquid love', served with grits or hash browns (more on that in a sec) and toast.

This past weekend when we showed our support for their grand re-opening in a new & prominent location, my love ordered the Steak & Eggs, which consisted of a perfectly seasoned and wonderfully cooked strip, kissed with a little helping of those mushrooms we spoke of earlier, and served up with your way eggs, hash browns/grits & toast.

Of course, my staple is the picture at the top of this review. I love this dish. Hands down, one of my favorite breakfasts anywhere. This, my foodie friends, is the Stuffed Croissant. Since your eyes can see it, let me paint the flavor on your palette: A large and fluffy buttery croissant, split in half and filled with a sort of diced ham-and-egg concoction, and topped with a blanket of the most amazing cheese sauce you will ever taste.

I’d go so far to say that you could put that cheese sauce on ice cream, and with the proper marketing, put Ben & Jerry’s out of business. It’s rich, but not to the point of being ‘too rich’. It’s velvety. It’s decadent. It’s the perfect way to finish this dish off.

Oh yeah, those hash browns? Simply amazing. They are fried up with just the right amount of salt, and it seems like nothing else. But there’s the beauty: The potato is the star, as it should be, and there’s something about the way it is cooked up that brings out this…You know what, you just need to go. I really can’t explain it. It’s like standing at the Grand Canyon and trying to explain a picture of it to someone else.

They’ve got a new look for the new location, but they kept the friendly service, great food and just homey vibe they’ve been doing since they’ve opened. So do yourself a favor, hard working man (and woman): Take that hard earned cash over to John G’s and tell them Dan sent ya. You deserve it. But go early: The line is usually pretty extensive, but well worth the wait.

After all, it’s just Da(m)n Great Food.

John G’s
Plaza Del Mar, 264 S. Ocean Blvd.
Manalapan, FL. 33460
(561) 585-9860
http://johngsdotcom.wordpress.com/

Why go out? – BBQ Chicken Pizza

Ingredients:

1 ball of pizza dough (found in local grocery/specialty stores)
1 bottle of BBQ Sauce (use your favorite brand. After all, it’s your pizza.)
1 medium white onion
1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 bag fine cornmeal
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
½ cup fresh cilantro
2-3 cups fresh grated Gouda cheese (depending on your cheese intake levels)
Garlic powder/Salt/Pepper to taste
2 tablespoons honey
Pinch of cayenne pepper (add more for a kick, less if you’re not a heat fan)


**NOTE: It is advisable to have a baking stone for this recipe. If you do not…uh, go get one. However, it may work on a baking sheet, but I can’t confirm that. Sorry.**

Ok, so here’s the skinny: Peel and slice the onion very thinly (use a mandolin if you have one). Heat a sauté pan to medium and add in your olive oil and butter. Add in your onions and sweat for about 5 minutes.

Once they become slightly translucent, add in the sugar and some salt; stir. Reduce heat to medium-low and allow to slow cook for another 25-30 minutes until onions are nice and brown, or ‘caramelized’, stirring occasionally. Place to the side for now.

Take the chicken breasts and season lightly with salt, pepper and garlic powder.  Grill both breasts until almost cooked completely (you should see some pink in the center). Allow them to cool and then cut into bite sized chunks. Set aside.

Preheat your oven to 450 degrees and place the baking stone inside as it warms.

Pour ½ the bottle of BBQ sauce into a sauce pan and heat on low. Add in the honey and cayenne pepper; stir and let cool. While this is simmering, take out a large cutting board and sprinkle the cornmeal on top of it generously. (The cutting board will act as a transport to your oven and the cornmeal ensures that it slides off with ease.)

Place your dough ball on the cutting board and drizzle lightly with olive oil. Start from the center and press the dough outwards, rotating your hands and making the ball flat and wide as you push out the shape. You know what a pizza looks like, right? Ok, do that here.

I do NOT recommend flipping it in the air like you see on TV. Quite a few pizza places will do it by hand without flipping it, and store bought dough is not really the kind you can ‘toss’ and hope for a successful pie afterwards.

Now, the fun part: Place a ladle of the BBQ sauce in the center of the pizza-to-be and cover the dough with it in an outward circular motion. Next, take your onions and place them all over the pie, making sure that every bite will ensure that sweet oniony goodness.

Take your chicken chunks and spread the love all over the top of the onions. Next, grab a small handful of fresh cilantro and finely chop it; sprinkle it all over the chicken. Finally, cover the whole thing with that cheesy blanket of Gouda. Mmmm…Gouda.

Get that sucker on the baking stone and let it achieve taste perfection for 15-17 minutes. Slide it back on to the cutting board from the stone and allow to cool about 1-2 minutes. Cut into slices and enjoy.

After all, why go out? You’ve got Da(m)n Good Food right here.

Cheeburger Cheeburger

Price: Cheap
Atmosphere: 3 out of 5
Quality of Service: 3 out of 5
Food Overall: 4 out of 5

“Hamburgers! The corner stone of any nutritious breakfast.” While I agreed with Samuel L. Jackson when he made this iconic foodie statement in the film Pulp Fiction, there was way too much left open to interpretation here.

What he should have said was ‘good’ hamburgers. Now you’d think that it wouldn’t be too difficult to take bread, meat, cheese and toppings, slap them together and call it a meal. But then again, you’d be wrong. I myself had a horrible experience in France once with a frozen patty that was just awful.

However, Cheeburger Cheeburger tends to take a shaker full of TLC and sprinkles it all over their menu. You can order your burgers in varying sizes (up to a pound) and how you like it cooked (Tip: The wait staff will ask you if you want it Medium or Well Done, but if you say Medium Rare, they’ll do it for you.)

Choose your side (salad, cole slaw, fresh cut fries or amazing onion rings) and then the fun really begins. They have a literal laundry list of fresh toppings for your beef circle, from the usual suspects (lettuce, tomato, grilled onions) to the obscure yet tempting (banana peppers, peanut butter).

The burger itself is cooked as you order it, and the flavor depth rivals the ocean blue. It’s got just the right amount of grease (not overkill, but just a hint to know this isn’t something you could do everyday), seasoned well, and (depending on if you are a purist or not), the cheese is nice and melty (which there is about 15 to choose from here as well).

The bun is soft and absorbs the burger juices nicely, and the fries/onion rings are just wonderfully crisp. Their cole slaw is tangy, with that nice vinegar and horseradish bite. And then, well…there’s the shakes.

The cornucopia of frozen concoctions stretches the entire back of the menu, including your typical chocolate, vanilla and strawberry mixes, and reaching out as far as their more signature flavors such as Apple Pie (my favorite), Pear and Choco-peanut butter.

They are very fairly priced, depending on what you order. My last visit was about 12.00, and that included a ½ shake, a 10 oz. patty with all the toppings, fries and cole slaw. The ambiance is 50’s-60’s diner-esque, and the staff is friendly and high spirited. If you haven’t been here before, you should be there soon.

After all, it’s just Da(m)n Good Food.

Cheeburger Cheeburger
460 S Rosemary Ave. #186 (City Place)
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
(561) 833-1997
http://cheeburger.com/home2/index.asp

Tijuana Flats

Price: Cheap
Atmosphere: 2 out of 5
Quality of Service: 3 out of 5
Food Overall: 4 out of 5

Living in the Sunshine State, you are provided certain ‘perks’ when it comes to dining out. Florida is home to a cultural melting pot of flavors, from the Indian and Asian variety, to a plethora of Italian and Cuban delicacies.

One of the great iconic ethnic groups we have is Mexican cuisine (and no, Taco Bell doesn’t count). From fast food to high class, high priced meals, the wonderful world of Mexican eats is far and wide across this great state.

One such joint is Tijuana Flats, serving up authentic dishes with unique twists. It’s not really fast food, it’s not really classy sit-down-and-eat type food, but somewhere in the middle it comes through with flying colors.

The atmosphere is loud and fun, with extreme pastels and rockabilly artwork on the walls. Even their mass selection of hot sauces fits into the theme here (‘Slap my Ass and Call Me Sally’ hot sauce, or the ‘Chickenshit’ weak sauce).

But these aren’t just ‘hot sauces’. They each have an undeniable creativeness to them, and the flavors are just incredible. I tried three different ones while I waited for my order to arrive: The first was a garlic and peppery glaze of sorts, housing a touch of heat with that strong garlic kick.

The second was their signature sauce, made with habanero peppers. Spicy with just a wonderful taste, it’ll bring some sweat to your dome. And finally, my favorite: the Georgia peach & Vidalia onion sauce. This one wasn’t much for heat, but good God man; the flavor. The sweet, the savory…just amazing. You can try and buy any of these to take home if you so desire.

Oh I almost forgot…you want to know about the food, eh? Fair enough. You walk in and head to the counter, order your meal from a list of classic dishes like enchiladas, burritos and tacos.. Choose your meat, cheese, fillings, and have a seat while it’s prepared and they’ll truck it out to you when it’s ready.

I opted for the burrito, stuffed with shredded pork (carnitas), sour cream, lettuce and cheese. Top it with a red chipotle sauce and more melted cheese, throw in a side of chips (or black beans and rice; your choice) and you got a meal to be proud of.

The burrito was hearty and filling, the pork was braised in its own juices and had that pungent garlic and citrusy flavor. I had the medium one (you can choose between three sizes) and with a handful of chips I was stuffed.

My wife had the tacos, which she claimed were excellent. She also had the beans and rice that I tasted (you know, for the sake of the blog and all), and they were perfectly seasoned with a back bite of spice. Very nice.

And all this for less than $20.00. I will definitely be going back (and this time, I’ll be bringing home a bottle of that peach & onion sauce for sure) and throwing together a new mad scientist style lunch, mixing meats and fillings like some sort of nouveau Mexican chef.

After all, it’s just Da(m)n Good Food.

Tijuana Flats

278 South Federal Highway

Deerfield Beach FL 33441

954.834.0227

http://www.tijuanaflats.com/

Stir Crazy

Price: Affordable

Atmosphere: 3 out of 5

Quality of Service: 3 out of 5

Food Overall: 4 out of 5

Let’s be honest: In today’s society, who DOESN’T love themselves some Asian cuisine? The question is why? What makes our growing desire to consume these delectable concoctions so strong? While everyone has their own reason for enjoying this cultural powerhouse of flavor, we can all agree that when it’s bad, it is horrible, but when it’s good…oh my.

Enter the dragon named Stir Crazy. This restaurant, with its modern art deco feel and slightly elegant appearance, is home to some wonderful Chinese inspired dishes. Their most popular item on the menu is the stir fry that you basically, well, do yourself.

Upon ordering, you choose your noodle (wheat, lo mein, or cellophane) and your meat (chicken, beef, pork, shrimp and even tofu). From there, the wait staff brings you a silver bowl with a side cart in a handy-dandy carrying case.

This is where you get up, take your portable food carrier to the food bar, and load up exactly what you want in your stir fry. The combinations of flavors you can lace together are dizzying: Bean sprouts, bok choy, broccoli, snap peas, garlic, fried noodles, hot peppers, water chestnuts...it’s just a cornucopia of tasty delights.

The little side cart is for your sauce(s). Everything from a soy ginger to traditional teriyaki is here, and you can mix and match any and all of them if you like. Once you’ve made your pile, just head over to the chefs and hand it over.

Several cooks are manning large woks over huge flames, and they toss in your ingredients and sauce, and then your meat and noodle selections. After a few minutes, your dinner is served. And it is just cooked perfectly. The best part is, if it isn’t seasoned properly? Well, that’s kind of your fault.

They also carry regular menu items that are anything but. My personal favorite is the Mongolian Beef (pictured above). Tender flank steak nicely grilled and tossed in a teriyaki sauce with scallions, mushrooms and red bell peppers, and served over your choice of a bed of noodles or rice. It is just delicious.

So if you’re looking for a nice lunch or dinner out, and have a craving for something with an Asian kick to it, look no further than Stir Crazy. Its calming atmosphere, scrumptious cuisine and affordable price make it a definite recommended stop on your food journey through life.

After all, it’s just Da(m)n Good Food.

Boca Raton Town Center

6000 Glades Road #1015
Boca Raton,FL33431Tel:561-338-7500

http://www.stircrazy.com/

Jersey Mike’s

Price: Cheap
Atmosphere: 2 out of 5
Quality of Service: 3 out of 5
Food Overall: 3 out of 5

I first discovered Jersey Mike’s while I was living in North Carolina. I was on my way home from work and trying to decide what I wanted for dinner, and in the little town of Fuquay-Varina, there’s not a ton of choices.

I passed over the train tracks and noticed a little strip mall with nothing in it but a blue and white neon sign with the sub shop’s logo. I pulled up and figured, ‘eh, how bad can it be?’ However, living in small towns in NC, most things are fried or smothered, and I wasn’t in the mood for either. But being as this joint claimed a Jersey address, I’d give them the benefit of the doubt.

And I’m glad I did. If you’ve never been to Mike’s, let me set the expectation: Like I said, it’s a sub shop. The menu isn’t huge, the atmosphere is like any other sub shop you have ever walked into (it is clean, though), and the workers are friendly and usually in their teens.

But who cares, really? That’s just the body, and we know beauty’s only skin deep. It’s the inner workings; the ‘meat’ if you will. Jersey Mike’s has some of the freshest toppings and prettiest cuts of meats I’ve ever seen in a sandwich eatery.

Their famous sub is the roast beef and provolone, and you can get it with whatever you like on top in three different sizes. The bread (wheat or white) is soft and fresh baked on the premises, and it has body that some places neglect when serving their loaves to customers. There’s a sense of ‘care’ here.

But the company’s real passion shows in the meat. The roast beef is a perfect medium-rare, and beautifully red throughout. It’s seasoned well, and they pile it high. The provolone is slightly smoky, and adds a nice creaminess to the sandwich. Both are carved right in front of you to order.

Then there’s the toppings. You can pick and choose, or you can get it ‘Mike’s Way’, which includes: Crisp lettuce, thinly sliced white onions, garden ripe tomatoes, tart pickles, salt & pepper, oil, and a red wine vinegar.

Slap a lid on it and you’ve got yourself a very tasty sub. With all of the other sandwich joints jockeying for your hard earned dollar, it really can be confusing to decide ‘Who deserves it most?’ Trust me: Jersey Mike’s has earned some of that 40 hours you put in.

After all, it’s just Da(m)n Good Food.

Jersey Mike's
Sommerset Shoppes
8903 Glades Rd.
Boca Raton, Fl 33434
(561) 479 - 0003
http://www.jerseymikes.com/

Grand Lux Café

Price: Pricey
Atmosphere: 4 out of 5
Quality of Service: 4 out of 5
Food Overall: 5 out of 5

When this place originally opened, there were many who figured that it was just another ‘Cheesecake Factory’. After all, it is owned by the same company, and the décor has a very similar vibe going on in both restaurants. Even the wait staff dresses the same.

But thankfully, that’s where the similarities end. Now don’t get me wrong: I truly enjoy the Cheesecake Factory, and I think they have some wonderful dishes and out of this world desserts. That being said, I prefer an eatery of its own name to be its own place, no matter who owns what or what it may or may not be a spin off of.

Grand Lux is one of my favorite local joints, even if it is a chain. I try to enjoy the more obscure restaurants, especially because there’s such an exhilarating rush for me to get back to my computer and share my experience with all of you.

But sometimes a chain is awesomely excellent, regardless to the number of buildings it’s linked to. Grand Lux serves up some of the finest, tastiest food I’ve had from any restaurant. The cool thing here is this, kids: They do everything (much like their ‘sister’ company), such as pasta, pot pies, and pork roasts.

From their Sunday spaghetti to their shaking Mongolian beef, it’s all full flavored, rich, smooth and creamy right where it needs to be. It would take me all day to write about this restaurant, so rather than have you drooling all over your keyboard for the next hour, I’ll just cover the three ‘must haves’ that I think are, well, must haves here.

(1)  Rib Eye – This is, hands down, the best rib eye I’ve ever had. Ever. The first time I ordered it was just orgasmic (you always remember your first). Picture it: The waiter places this hefty plate in front of me and my eyes begin to sing a symphony that my taste buds dance the Lambada to.

It’s about a 12oz. rib eye, cooked to a nice medium rare. Next to it is a nice cup of garlic shoestring French fries, and atop my cow slab is a little yellow ball. Upon further examination, I discover that it is a melting chunk of garlic butter. The steak is just seasoned with this, salt and pepper.

I allow it to melt completely, and cut off my first bite. Do you remember that very first time on Christmas morning where you went running downstairs to see the tree all aglow with gifts upon gifts stacked beneath, knowing that 90% of them were from you, and Santa himself delivered them personally?

That’s just bite#1. This steak is money (I accidentally typed ‘this steak is monet and corrected it, but why? It’s like edible artwork ). This is my dinner recommendation for sure. However, if you’re more of a brunch person…

(2)  Sunday, 11:00am-2:00pm is where you want to focus for my next dish: Chicken & Waffles. Now, in Las Vegas, this dish is served 24/7. However, in my neck of the woods, I have to wait for the above mentioned timeframe to indulge my senses.

This item is just like it sounds: A light, fluffy Belgian waffle, with that perfect crunch to the outside, dusted with powdered sugar. The chicken, about 5-6 fat, juicy tenders, is dipped in the waffle batter and fried to a nice golden brown. The waffle batter gives it a unique sweetness.

The chicken is then piled on top of the waffle like a foodie car wreck. The whole thing arrives with a side cart of pecan-honey butter and warm maple syrup. Dump both gravy boats on top of the entire dish and take your tongue to a land I like to call ‘Holycrapthatsfantastic-place’.

(3)  Finally, if you want dessert, you’ll need to order it before your meal. That’s because they bake it fresh while your lunch/dinner is being prepared. The key is to order a dessert worth waiting for.

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you: The Beignets. These are fried balls of hollow dough, so airy and delicious you’ll want to bring your momma to slap her. Covered in powdered sugar, these fritters are just what the sugar shack of your brain ordered.

But wait, there’s more! If you order now (meaning ahead of your meal), you’ll also receive three carts of dipping sauces, including the richly dense chocolate ganache, the tart and tangy raspberry coulee, and last but certainly not least, the Jack Daniels cream sauce, with that meld of vanilla and whiskey that makes you want to bathe in it.

So there you have it. I’ve given you your selection. I’ve provided my opinions, in detail et ad nauseam. It’s no more expensive than the Cheesecake Factory, but that can get pricey depending on your tastes. Regardless, you need to try it out if you haven’t already.

After all, it’s just Da(m)n GREAT Food.

Landlubbers Raw Bar & Grill

Price: Cheap/Affordable
Atmosphere: 3 out of 5
Quality of Service: 3 out of 5
Food Overall: 4 out of 5


Everyone has a favorite ‘bar & grill’ that they go to. Whether it’s to watch the game, meet with friends or just to have something fried, smothered or otherwise doused in some sort of cheese product, the B&G restaurant has become a staple to the American’s repertoire.

Landlubbers Raw Bar & Grill in Plantation, FL (there are several chains; this is the one I frequent) is probably my favorite of the B&G hangouts. I’ve actually been coming here for over 15 years on and off. But why, you ask? What makes this place so special?

I guess that depends on your preference. For me, when I hit up a B&G, I require three things: Noise, a ridiculous menu with way too many choices, and service that is decent enough, but when it gets slammed, it may take a minute to get to you.

So why is that good, exactly? The camaraderie. The time away from the wait staff and with the ones you love and laugh with. Basically, this is a place to get loudy and rowdy with your peeps, lovers and family types.

But enough about the B&G aspect; if you’ve been to one, you’ve been to them all in terms of atmosphere. At Landlubbers, the menu is just 2 pages, yet they cram about 100 items on there for you to select from. And being as I’ve been going for a while, I’ve had most of them. And they’re all done right.

A favorite of mine is the Buffalo Chicken sandwich. Sounds typical, I know, but the breast is fried nicely, without being greasy or oily, the breading is thin enough to know it’s fried, but not to the point where you feel a stop at the gym is necessary afterwards.

And the breast is fat and juicy. Choose your heat level, throw in some crinkle cut fries and coleslaw, and have at it. The best part about this meal? Well, if you get there in time for lunch, it’ll only run you 5.99 (drinks are separate).

And they have an entire list of daily lunch specials ranging from 5.99 – 6.99: Cheeseburgers, Brats, Fish sandwich, Delmonico steak…the list goes on and on. Their other specials are worth checking out as well: At the time of this writing, they have a ½ rack of ribs, 10 wings and waffle fries (w/ slaw) for about 11.99.

And don’t let the ‘sale’ price fool you: Neither quality nor quantity are skimped on here. The ribs are tender, fall-off-the-bone style, the bratwurst is massive and seared perfectly on the grill, and the Delmonico steak is marinated in a mojo and served on a bed of black beans and rice.

As I said, the food here is very good no matter what you decide. But the wings. Oh my good man/woman…the wings. I want to start by mentioning that my favorite food on the planet is teriyaki chicken wings. I could be dropped on a deserted island and as long as I had those to eat, I’d be happy.

As per usual with B&G’s, you can get them traditional, plain, teriyaki (and I think there are a few other sauces to choose form). But the teriyaki here can’t be beat. I don’t know what it is: Maybe it’s the thick glaze that clings to the fried drummettes and ‘flats’. Perhaps it is the richness of the sauce that goes down like a tangy, sugar waterfall of joy. Or it could be that when you finish the bowl, your entire mouth is tingly and numb from the tart and sweet all at the same time.

Whatever it is, these wings are GOOD. Truth be told, whatever you order here is GOOD. When a place can hold on to recurring customers (especially the picky ones like myself), it deserves your attention and money.

So grab the lads, lasses and Lassie and head over to your local Landlubbers. Order up some wings/burgers/fried clams and kick back with a brew and enjoy the game. Join in on the conversation. Laugh loud and hearty, for you are among friends. And please, eat well.

After all, it’s just Da(m)n Good Food.

Landlubbers Raw Bar & Grill
1851 North Pine Island Road
Plantation, FL 33322
(954) 473-2884
http://landlubbersrawbar.com/

Don Ramon's Restaurant

Price: Affordable
Atmosphere: 4 out of 5
Quality of Service: 3 out of 5
Food Overall: 4 out of 5

Cuban food: It’s my people’s contribution to the American public since way back when. Well, that and Ricky Ricardo. But Cuban cuisine, although loaded with some complex dishes, follows a basic recipe of a few staple ingredients.

Italians have tomatoes, garlic, olive oil and basil. You can make a perfect authentic sauce out of those 4 things. Cuban food is pretty much the same way: You can create most Latin inspired meals with the base of: Garlic, onions, cumin and limes.

Enter Don Ramon’s, an eatery located in West Palm Beach that is hidden in a clean and updated plaza. However, walk in the restaurant and it feels like you’ve entered one of those small cabanas you happen to see in the movies, when the actor is vacationing in Cuba or another Spanish location.

It’s got about 20 tables, if that, and it’s quaint and old-world feeling. The prices follow suit, especially considering what you get for your dollar. The missus and I stopped in after a show, and were greeted by a basket of hot Cuban bread, garlic-buttered and dusted with parsley flakes. At that moment I had a feeling this would be an authentic experience.

We ordered the plantain chips with mojo to start with: Thinly sliced, fried crispy and served with a real mojo, comprised of like 20 cloves of garlic, vinegar and olive oil. It was heavenly. Their special for the evening was a ‘Cuban Combo’ ($17.99), and we both decided that we’d give it a shot.

The food arrives, and I have to be honest…anywhere else in Boca, this would cost twice the price. There was a mound of steamed white rice, with a side bowl of salty black beans that had this amazing creaminess to them.

Next to that was about 4-5 fat, sweetened plantains fried up to order. These things literally hit your tongue and were content to simply dissolve; no chewing necessary. And then the main dish: The Cuban Combo.

This thing had a 6 oz. flank steak, 6 oz. Chicken breast, and about 8-10 oz. of shredded pork and onions. The steak was seasoned very mildly, and I appreciated it. Why? Because the char-grill flavor really had a chance to shine here, and it was one of the best pieces of meat I’ve ever had.

The chicken breast was pounded super thin, with grilled onions over the top. It was marinated in the sour orange that is common with Cuban food, and it was cooked to perfection; juicy and tender.

The shredded pork was a knock out: Soaked in that famous mojo concoction, and simmered with the sautéed onions and parsley. Just moist, tasty porkiness that had you coming back for more until it disappeared from your plate.

A Cuban coffee and tres leches to complete the meal and it was a home run for me. I highly recommend making the trek out here if you’re in the mood for just excellent Spanish eats. Attentive staff, inviting atmosphere and, well…

…Da(m)n Good Food.

Don Ramon's Restaurant
300 Clematis St.
West Palm Beach, Fl. 33401
(561) 832-5418
http://www.donramonwpb.com/

VEGAS, BABY!! – The Foodie Tour – Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill

Price: Affordable
Atmosphere: 3 out of 5
Quality of Service: 4 out of 5
Food Overall: 4 out of 5

Our final stop before hitting the airport and heading back home was at Harrah’s Hotel & Casino, at the longest name for a restaurant that I’ve ever heard. Honestly, it’s like the acclaimed country star tried to write another song in the title alone. Whatever happened to simple eatery titles? ‘MEAT’. ‘YUM-YUMS’. ‘FRIED EVERYTHING’.

Regardless of the lengthy moniker, this joint carries with it some tasty vittles. At Toby’s, it’s one of those 'Americana with some kick' type of places. Country music in the background and posters of himself everywhere, it feels pretty much like a Roadhouse or Ale House.

Fresh hot rolls as you are seated, beverages served in Mason jars...just a semi-noisy hodown kind of restaurant…well, Bar & Grill. My wife had ordered the BBQ chicken with mac & cheese, and I had the meatloaf with mashed potatoes.

The meatloaf was moist and very flavorful, topped with a thick and meaty gravy. The mashed potatoes were creamy and whipped up nicely (no lumps, so sorry to you lump fans).  Her BBQ chicken (to which I am not usually a fan) was incredibly tasty, juicy and had a nice peppery tang from the sauce.

The mac and cheese was nice and velvety without being drastically heavy. You knew you were eating a bowl of cheese with some noodles tossed in for good measure, but it didn’t FEEL like you shouldn’t be eating this.

I would definitely go back here to try some of their other dishes. I witnessed other patrons ordering flat iron steaks, humongous salads and ribs a plenty, hanging off the plate. The service was friendly and it had that honky-tonk bar feel. I probably don’t share Mr. Keith’s ‘love’ for this Bar & Grill, but I did like it enough to stop back in for a quick meal if I’m ever back ‘round those parts.

All in all, it was a great vacation. You should definitely hit LV for the fun, shows and excitement. It’s just a magical town, really.

And don’t forget…there’s plenty of Da(m)n Good Food out there, while you’re out there.

VEGAS, BABY!! – The Foodie Tour – Harrah’s Flavors Buffet

Price: Affordable
Atmosphere: 3 out of 5
Quality of Service: 3 out of 5
Food Overall: 3 out of 5

So far we’ve covered breakfast. We’ve talked about lunch. We delved into the wonderful world of dinner. But throughout this Vegas tour- de-food, we haven’t tapped into that underrated ‘4^th meal’. No, I don’t mean Taco Bell.
I’m speaking of course about brunch, that meal between your first and second that incorporates both for the late risers. It’s a little breakfast, it’s a little lunch. And done right it’s a lot awesome. On our last day in LV, the wife and I woke up late and headed to Harrah’s Hotel & Casino.

We heard their buffet wasn’t bad, and we wanted something to hold us over until dinner. At Flavors, you can have the brunch buffet (about $17.00/pp) or for $4.00 more, the champagne brunch with constant refills (after 10:00am.)

My bride opted for the booze; I just wanted the eats. As it was brunch, I hit the trough and hooked up some waffles, fried chicken, eggs and bacon to start. Now with buffets, the usual fare is the usual fare. It relatively tastes the same from place to place, so I’m going to cover the unique dishes I’ve encountered.

The fried chicken, for example. Yes, it’s typical for most buffets. But this one wasn’t greasy, and didn’t taste like it’s been soaking under a warming light for 4 hours. It was hot, crispy, juicy and well seasoned. Oh, and it accompanied the fluffy, slightly crunchy waffle beautifully.

She of course tackled the crab legs and was happy. I decided to try various flavor combinations (I mean, I WAS in a joint called ‘Flavors’), such as a salty and sweet carved ham, rare prime rib, and scooped to order ice creams in a waffle cone.

Here, my friends, is the unique part. They have cotton candy. On a stick, at the ready. What? Yes. That’s what I said. I’ve never seen it, never even would have thought to find it here, yet it makes perfect sense. The ultimate carnie food, as much as you want (or until your Diabetes kicks in). My father I believe is planning a trip to Sin City for that reason alone.

As I said, it’s got your usual buffet foods you’d expect, but a few things are done just better than ‘usual’, and if you wake up late and need to get your grind on, this is quite the deal. It’s affordable (and one of the cheaper ones on the Strip), it’s quality, and..

Well, it’s just Da(m)n Good Food.

VEGAS, BABY!! – The Foodie Tour – Gallagher’s

Price: Bring your paycheck
Atmosphere: 4 out of 5
Quality of Service: 4 out of 5
Food Overall: 5 out of 5

This restaurant, located in the center of the New York New York Hotel & Casino on the Vegas Strip, is home to the 28 day dry aged steak. Now I’ll be honest, I’ve seen TV shows featuring dry aged steaks. I’ve witnessed the process through various programs. But I’ve never had it personally.

Until now.

We were greeted by fresh bread and a friendly waiter who provided us a no frills menu: Roughly about 10 choices on there to select from, 90% of those choices were or included beef. As the wife and I are serious carnivores, we had no problem ordering steaks.

I had a Caesar salad to start with (she had an apple-tini). Nice, cold and crisp lettuce, not overdressed…you could definitely tasted the anchovies and garlic, the fresh lemon zest; every element came together nicely for my opener.

But I know, a salad is a salad is a salad. And you didn’t come all the way from your PC to this blog to hear about rabbit food (but if you did, check my Eiffel Tower review). You’re here for the beef, as I was. So here we go.

The steak arrives: 16 oz. medium rare 28-day dry aged sirloin, bone in. It literally has 3 pieces of fresh spinach next to it, topped with 1 singular kettle chip, and a roasted head of garlic. The rest is eye porn that’s intended for your stomach (I mean…just look at it!)

First bite in, it is juicy. It is warm, and simply seasoned with salt and pepper. It is, texturally, like eating warm butter. The dry aged process brings a sort of creamy element to the meat, and it’s just indescribable.

My wife ordered the 16 oz. ribeye, which was also a wonderful cut of beef. Seasoned with a touch of garlic and topped with onion straws, this was one of the better ribeyes I’ve tried. We also shared a mashed potato dish that was made with white cheddar and asiago cheeses. Salty, sharp, creamy love in a skillet. 

This is another very nice restaurant, where dress up isn’t required, but if you’re footing that bill, you may as well (like Paris, it was about $180.00 w/tip, however we were given much more food here for our dollar. Just not quite the experience part of the meal that was the other hotel.)

But like The Eiffel Tower restaurant, it’s totally worth it. If you’ve never eaten a dry aged steak before, you owe it to your belly to have one. It works hard. It digests all the stuff I advise you to cram in your gullet. Why not reward it with something nice every once in a while?

After all, it’s just Da(m)n Good Food.

VEGAS, BABY!! – The Foodie Tour – KGB’s

Price: Affordable
Atmosphere: 3 out of 5
Quality of Service: 3 out of 5
Food Overall: 4 out of 5

Hamburgers. It’s Americana. It’s patriotic. It’s every red-blooded male and female’s responsibility to consume the classic combo of bun-meat-bun in all of its glorious and varying forms.

Wandering the hot streets of Vegas will make anyone famished after a while, and since our hotel shuttle stopped at Harrah’s Hotel & Casino as a mid-way point, the wife and I decided to go in and look for some grub.

The first place we noticed was called ‘KGB’, which stands for Kerry (Simon, world renowned chef)’s Gourmet Burgers. And boy were they. The menu reads like you would expect a burger joint to read: Several different burger choices, and non-burger selections like hot dogs, salads and chicken.

But KGB’s puts an interesting spin on their meat sammich’s. Take my lunch for example: The build your own burger (BYOB). You first choose your bun style, such as sesame, Kaiser or wheat. Then your meat: Turkey, chicken, beef, or lamb. That’s right: LAMB. Then, several cheeses and topping options await your tastebud’s decision.

I opted for the following combo: All beef patty, topped with smoked gouda and caramelized onions atop an onion roll. Oh, with a ‘side’ or sweet potato tater tots. I say ‘side’ in quotations because this was a massive spiral cone of ‘tots. Tiny, sweet taters with a side cart of Ranch for dipping them in. Delicious.

The burger? Outstanding. The onion roll was soft with that tiny bit of chew you’d expect from a freshly baked bread product. The beef was juicy and flavorful, cooked to a nice medium rare. The gouda added a nice hint of smoke with that tang that only this cheese can bring to the table, and the caramelized onions brought a sweetness to close the package up nicely.

My wife had the braised short rib sandwich, which appeared to be more of a sloppy joe type of concoction. The meat was finely shredded and seasoned with a great flavor combo; sauced perfectly and melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

It truly was a great lunch, and we almost stopped in there again before we headed back to FL (until we found another joint to try; Toby Keith’s). I highly recommend this as a quick stop off for lunch amidst your gambling and wandering in LV.

After all, it’s just Da(m)n Good Food.