Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Day trip to Miami...BBQ and all.

Took the Tri-Rail down to Miami yesterday to meet up with Eva to play frisbee golf (otherwise known as frolfing) and get some BBQ from a popular local joint. First of all, I highly recommend taking the tri down to Miami provided you have a way of getting around once you get there, it saves you a ton of $ in gas (it's only $10.65 for a roundtrip weekday ticket, and buying roundtrip saves you $2), saves you from being caught in rush hour traffic, and for me, it saves me from getting lost. But I would recommend bringing cash for the machines, yesterday they weren't accepting credit/debit cards.

We went to lunch at a BBQ joint, Shorty's, that's been around for 60 years. When you walk in, it's a seat yourself restaurant and has picnic benches throughout the place so chances are you will be sitting near someone you don't know. I had the BBQ Beef Brisket Sandwich and an appetizer of Fried Okra, it automatically comes with a side of coleslaw as well. There are a few BBQ sauce selections but my personal favorite is the one that came with the sandwich, it's a vinegar based sauce. The sandwich itself had a good bun, my only issue with the brisket was it was slab style as opposed to some brisket that I've had where it's been shredded and chunky...the slabs had good flavor but it would have been nice if it was a little warmer. But overall, good sandwich. The okra was good and from what I hear, fried is the way to go in terms of taste and texture. It also came with a buttermilk ranch sauce. If you've read any of my previous blogs, you will know how I feel about coleslaw...this coleslaw didn't have too much mayo (which was nice), cabbage had a decent shape/cut to it, but it was a little heavier on the liquid than I like. I like my coleslaws to have a little more body to it. But I would recommend checking it out if you're in the area of Shorty's, they have multiple locations including Boca, Davie, Doral, etc.

Went to a local park down in Kendall called Kendall Indian Hammocks to play the frisbee golf. The park itself was beautiful and although we didn't get a chance to go down the nature trail, it's definitely a place I'd like to check out in the future. The only complaint I had with the park was the frisbee golf course, I'm not sure if they didn't have the proper layout or ran out of room or what, but I would recommend scouting it out otherwise you may want to just walk away from it after playing 6 holes. In terms of the course, it had a decent amount of difficulty to it by the location of the branches and the trees and various other obstacles...definitely check it out whether you are planning a picnic or birding or frisbee golf.





http://www.shortys.com/davie_bbq_menu.php






Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Slightly hidden, cute spot.

Had a Living Social coupon to try out the Backyard Bar in West Palm. It's a cute spot and has a good amount of outdoor seating, but in S Florida...I wouldn't count on it not raining. If it is raining, there is bar seating but it is very limited. We went on a Tuesday and it had Happy Hour all day but when using a coupon like this, they charge you regular prices.

We had their spareribs with a garlic bbq sauce, stuffed mushrooms, charcuterie plate and a cheese plate. If you are looking for a strong garlic flavor I would recommend tempering your expectafions on the bbq sauce but overall it was a good flavor. The charcuterie plate was good, the salami had good flavor and the ham was decent...although the little biscuits they provided with the crackers didn't really work.

Overall, it's a great little spot to try something different from the rest of West Palm but if you are looking for a decent wait when ordering your food...you may want to go somewhere else. Their kitchen is tiny and if they have over 10-15 ppl ordering, your wait will seem like years. Remember, it is also a bed n breakfast that hosts wine parties as well.





Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Payathai Restaurant

Last night, the girls and I went out to this local Thai restaurant, Payathai. I had never been and you know me when it comes to trying out new places.

Susan and I started out with trying a Thai beer called Chang (pronounced Chung). I would say it is a light beer and if you are looking for something heavier then I would recommend taking a try at a different beer. It does not have an overpowering flavor to it, which is nice. For food, I ordered the sushi roll known as Sex on the Moon, which is their most popular option. It has the following items in the roll: Shrimp tempura, eel, crab, cream cheese, asparagus, cucumber, avocado I/O with tuna, tempura crunch, scallion, flying fish roe, eel sauce, and spicy mayo on top. And for the main course, I had ordered their Hot and Sour Seafood Noodle Soup which, to be honest, was nowhere near Hot or Sour. I had to add in 4-5 spoonfuls of chili paste into the broth to make it somewhat spicy. The soup had imitation crab chunks, mussels, shrimp, scallops, noodles, green onions, etc.

Overall, it was a good meal. I would say the menu was very competitive in terms of price, but the service...was good, not great. The server could have come around for drink refills a little more frequently, but in terms of food...I'd go again.

http://www.payathairestaurant.com/

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Dinner with the girls.

Headed down to Deck 84 in Delray last night for dinner and drinks. When going to Delray, be careful about where you go if you are on  particular budget restraints, as Delray can get pricey (quick).

Tuesdays at Deck 84 is Unlimited Taco night for $13. The girls I went with last night drink Michelob Ultra and, outside of Happy Hour, run you $5 a bottle. For the tacos, they serve you 3 at a time (1 of each unless you ask for a particular selection, and there are 3 types) and then if you order more, they come 2 at a time.

I, of course, tried all 3 plus 4 more...needless to say it was decent. They have a chicken, shredded pork shoulder, and a steak taco. The chicken was my least favorite, it was dry and chunky which made eating it a little more difficult. The pork taco had pickled red onions on top along with a few drops of pineapple, delicious. The steak tacos were good but overall, I don't know that I would write home about them.

Overall, between the ambiance of being on the water and dining with friends, I had a great time. They have a slightly tilted menu towards seafood but do serve burgers, salads, etc. (And as a side note, I highly recommend ordering their guacamole). The other perk to being out on the deck is that they provide treats and water bowls if you bring your dog.

Delray Beach Restaurant - Deck 84





Saturday, June 30, 2012

The Office.

I went to The Office today in Delray Beach, which happens to be my food haven. Gotta check it out, but be careful what you order.

For starters, I ordered a few Blue Moons (of course with an orange slice). And for food, I ordered their Chicken Shu Mai Dumplings. They came in little wonton wrappers and had chicken bites inside the wrappers. On the side, they had sweetened soy sauce. You get a serving of 6, but for Happy Hour...it is definitely worth checking out.

THE OFFICE | Prime Burgers, Craft Beer












Best Ribeye in S Florida (believe it).

I went to Cut 432 in Delray for my birthday last year, so this review is long overdue.

Cut 432 has the best Ribeye steak I've had in S Florida. Not only was the steak cooked to perfection but it was charred on point and was also served bone-in.

Everything is a-la carte but well worth it. I ordered the Truffle Fries and the mushrooms...great, but the steak was enough. That is all I needed. For dessert, I did order their Banana Cream Pie...ehh, I would maybe skip this one next time.

Cut 432 - Romantic steakhouse Restaurant - Delray Beach, Florida



Friday, June 29, 2012

Spoto's Oyster Bar (Take 2)

Fortunately for me, I happen to be near Spoto's during lunchtime so it's very convenient to swing in. One of Fridays lunch specials is their infamous Lobster Grilled Cheese with a Tomato Bisque soup.

I would like to say that the soup (which was highly endorsed by a friend) was a big disappointment.  (Let me preface by saying that I do appreciate salty foods).
The soup was overwhelmingly salty and was unlike any Tomato Bisque that I have ever made or had in any restaurant. Besides the salt, the color was off and the soup had a slight burnt smell.

However, the sandwich was delicious. The lobster was soft and velvet-like and is a must have!

I wouldn't let this review be a final indictment on Spoto's or their Bisque, but next time I may go for the Conch Chowder.



Sunday, June 24, 2012

Brunch (Asian style)

If you have ever been to an Asian fusion restaurant and taken a look at the menu and wondered "Why are there French Fries, Chicken Tenders, and Pizza on this menu?", then you are not alone because I do that all the time. Yes I am Korean, but I was adopted so my love for all things Asian food has been evolving. But take it from me, this place is pretty good.
We started out with a side order of Pork Belly skewer and Kimchi. They serve the skewer with a side of dressed up soy sauce and green onions. Then we moved onto a shrimp appetizer and pork dumplings, otherwise known as Gyoza. Both were delcious, although I tend to favor the Gyoza.
For our entrees, Cristen had the Pad Thai (Veggie style) and I had their Char Siu Pork Buns. I didn't try the Pad Thai but apparently it was amazing. But my pork buns were a deconstructed version of a traditional pork bun. Gone were the marinated pork bites, there was no roll-like appearance, and they did not come in a plastic bag. These pork buns came in the form of a sticky, dough-like open faced sandwich...genius! There were slices of green onions, peppers, a white sauce you could apply, and shreds of pork piled high. You also had a few slices of jalapenos on the side too.
I'm all about places that serve cutting edge food, the type of food you can't find at a Duffy's or Olive Garden. Don't get me wrong, if I want a burger, wings, or Soup and Salad, these are the places people go...but if you want great, trendy Asian food, check out Palm Sugar. They seem to have worked out their previous issues.

Palm Sugar Menu - Urbanspoon










Monday, June 18, 2012

Grocery Run (Asian style)

Took Suzanne (and Courtney) to my little Asian market, Fortune Cookie Oriental Market, for some grocery shopping for Korean spices.

First of all, don't put too much stock into the online reviews. Take it from 2 Asians...yes, the store does smell and 1 of 2 things will happen, 1. You walk out the same door you came in, or 2. You deal with it and enjoy the experience. The reason for the smell is you are surrounded by fish, dried fish and other items...shocker, they smell.

Now, if you are local or wish to take a drive...it is worth it. I managed to get sticky buns, which for anyone who does not know, they are buns with pork inside. Get 2 and lunch is taken care of. (And they get a fresh delivery on Saturdays). I also got a Grass Jelly drink to go with. When getting one, please remember to shake well and grab a straw. The jellies may come through quickly-be careful. It's a sweet drink too. Start with 1 and see how that goes.

Our trip was successful, found my buns, Korean Chili Powder, Kimchee, and Chopsticks. Check it out, at least for the experience.

Fortune Cookie Oriental Supermkt 2700 Forest Hill  Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL



Monday, June 11, 2012

Grilled Cheese Perfection.

Went to Spoto's Oyster Bar for lunch with the girls, had to try their famous Lobster Grilled Cheese sandwich. (FYI, we went on a Monday but typically it's a Friday special, and comes with the Tomato Bisque).

But today, I had their Lobster Grilled Cheese sandwich that came on a delicious lightly buttered Texas Toast slice. The lobster was chunky and wholesome and definitely not lacking in quantity. I also had the Conch Chowder that bad a nice spicy red broth.

Check it out!

Spoto's Oyster Bar



Saturday, June 9, 2012

"Avoid at all cost" kind of place.

Listen, I like a great dive bar, a place to grab good bar food, and cheap drinks, but the "transformation" of Rum Shack to CJS Island Grill should maybe try again. It is an unfortunate situation because it has a fantastic location on the strip and has a lot of space...maybe too much space.

First, they try to lure you in with various drink specials but even with the specials, my Magic Hat beer was still double the cost of a domestic and that is ridiculous, you may as well go to World of Beer...continuing on.

My friend and I decided to attempt the egg rolls with the plum sauce to test out the food. If they turned out to be decent, I would attempt the entrees. The egg rolls had dried out chicken pieces in the roll, they came out lukewarm, and the plum sauce tasted like it literally went from the jar/can to the serving bowl to my mouth...no attempt to doctor it up. Lame.

The overall menu is a sad attempt at being "island like" but I would just keep your money and go elsewhere. And don't even get me started on their Ribeye that has more mango like things on it than all of Miami. Lake Worth has plenty of other places to go for Happy Hour or drinks in general.



Friday, June 8, 2012

City Diner

I cannot believe how I had passed by this little diner and never stepped foot inside. I had written it off as another FL "diner" attempting to be different than its regular chicken finger basket, fries, and greasy burgers counterparts.

If you have read any of my previous blogs, you would know I am on an ever continuous search for great pizza, a fantastic Ribeye, a true NY style Reuben...

Well up until now, Dixie Bar & Grill held the title for the best Reuben in PBC. City Diners' sandwich had a huge portion of corned beef, a nice layer of sauerkraut, the right amount of dressing, and the Rye bread was well toasted. And to top it off, they served it true NY style, with a bag of Original Lays potato chips and a pickle. My only issue was the sauerkraut was a little mild for me.

I was not a fan of the Corned Beef Hash, in my opinion it could have gotten a better char on it and I did not like it having so many onions. If you like any or all of those things, along with a hash that does not have a lot of fillers...this may be for you.

City Diner Menu - Urbanspoon