Jax 5th Avenue Deli & Ale House Reply

Tags: , ,

     If you are like me and you want a good sandwich in our city where do you go? Please don’t tell me Subway, Fire House Subs,  Jimmy Johns, Quiznos, or places in this arena ? Ok,  we are all guilty of going to these sub places every now and then but seriously where is a great sandwich place the locals go to in Orlando?   Let me tell you about one I know you will like and enjoy.  Lets head to down to College Park in Orlando to Jax 5th Avenue Deli &  Ale House.

On the northern periphery of Edgewater Dr next to Edgewater High School sits the landmark named Jax serving up some of the best sandwiches in the city. This place is not new. It’s been in  College Park for decades. That tells you real quick,  Jax is doing something right. I always enjoy the start of my dining experience at Jax. They bring out the most delicious freshest pickles  in a  jar you have ever eaten. Yes, they are that good, and yes they are free!  Did I mention the pickles are free and very good!

The stars of the show in my opinion are the sandwiches that Jax serves up. Each sandwich has its own twist and each has their own personality. Take for example the ‘Filly”Steak. This sandwich comes with thinly sliced seasoned roast beef with green peppers, onions and cream cheese, served with horseradish sauce on a hoagie roll.  Wow, what a sandwich. This sandwich does not disappoint.

On another occasion I tried the Muffaletta sandwich. This New Orleans classic is not your traditional Muffaletta from Central Grocery in the French Quarter but it was good and tasty. The sandwich was prepared with ham, salami, provolone, olive relish, on a onion roll. You can’t go wrong with this sandwich.

Another favorite sandwich or wrap  I enjoyed at Jax  was the Monster Roast Wrap. This sandwich/wrap has 6oz of roast beef with provolone, mushrooms, lettuce, tomato and ranch dressing. This wrap was big in size and full of flavors. Another hit.

All sandwiches were priced reasonably  in the $7-$10 range.  Table service was good and attentive, even though I could not figure out totally who was the one actually taken care of us. Jax is also known for having one of the best beer selections in the city ,if you are into beer, they have a great line up. Parking is usually not a problem but have seen it tight at times. Jax has inside seating and outdoor seating. Jax is just a great local place to hang out with your date, your friends, family  or even to watch sporting events.

I am told the other Jax location in Lake Mary has been sold to a new owner but the original owner still has the original Jax in College Park.

Great tasting pickles, great tasting sandwiches, great beer = Jax 5th Avenue & Deli & Ale House in College Park.

Jax is open every day for lunch and closes at 2am every day. Jax 5th Avenue Deli & Ale House is located at  3400 Edgewater Dr, Orlando, Fl 32804. ph # 407-999-8934. No website found.

                                                                                                                                                                                           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Jax 5th Avenue Deli & Ale House on Urbanspoon

Mama Nems & Tamboras Grill Reply

Tags:

Mama Nems off of Kirkman Rd near Metro West is closed.  This was one of my favorite Soul Food restaurants in town. We will miss their Southern classic dishes, especially that fried chicken special.

Another closing is Tamboras Grill Cafe in Ocoee off of Old Winter Garden Rd. This Latin American restaurant was a Foodie Award winner back in 2009. They have shut their doors.

Prato Reply

Tags: , , , ,

I am usually hesitant to write about a new establishment. I like to give them time to work out the kinks. However, I decided to give Prato a early try anyway.  It has been open for a few weeks at this point. Prato is the new Italian restaurant located on Park Ave in Winter Park. It is  always a treat to hang out on Orlando’s version of Rodeo Drive especially when it comes to dining.  

Prato is inspired by plates crafted from market fresh ingredients and proudly prepared in a Acunto oak burning oven. It’s my understanding these ovens were imported from directly from Italy. On that thought this place is serious about making pizza and other Italian dishes.  Those are very special ovens. More about Prato . … Prato celebrates cuisine from Italy’s rich culinary landscape, seamlessly blending Italian classics with modern techniques and seasonal ingredients. The warm space welcomes guests with its contemporary design balanced by rustic elements, including a long bar, which encourages a vibrant and communal atmosphere. With its window-paned doors and year round patio seating, Prato emphasizes the “Park” of Park Avenue.

The Prato team are not newbie’s  to the restaurant business. The chef and team also run the popular and successful Luma on Park Ave.  So this team is seasoned and understands what it takes to create a brand.

 My guest and I started off with the Chicken Wing Candito $9. The whole wings were baked and prepared with lemon, parsley, and calabrian chile peppers.  I asked for all drummetes but they only prepare them one way. One starter that I can’t wait to try is the meatballs $12. They looked really good.

Since I am fan of their ovens from Italy I had to try Prato’s pizza. I went with the Positano $15 (all the pizzas are one size one price). The Positano pizza is prepared with  mussels, clams, shrimp, pancetta tesa, castelvetrano olive. If you like pizza, and if you like seafood, this is a combo you might want to try. This is also the only place in the Orlando area I know of that serves a authentic seafood style of pizza.  It is not uncommon in NY and CT but I rarely see it served in Cen Fl.  

I also tried the Margherita Pizza. This was the best of the pizzas I sampled. This pizza came with mozzarella, passata pomodro, and fresh local basil.  The sauce and cheese had the right balance with the fresh basil. This was a good pie, especially for the Orlando area I might add. But don’t think of Prato as just another pizza joint. Prato even serves dishes like Rabbit Cacciatore and Duck bolo (Italian style), ok did those dishes grab your attention?  Their menu is quite interesting and diverse, in a good way. It has something for everyone.

I also really like the atmosphere in Prato. It has a very nice bar, it has TVs around the bar. They also offer seating outside so you can do some people watching. I found it to be a very neat place to hang out at.  

We were there on a very busy nite and for a place that just opened the service passed the exam.   Parking is always tricky around Park Ave, but you will always find a spot.

Prato is located at 124 N Park Ave, Winter Park, Fl. Currently they are serving Dinner 5:30-11:00 Mon-Sat, Sun 5:30-10:00. Lunch is Wed-Sun 11-3.

Ph # 407-262-00250.

website – www.prato-wp.com

                                                                                 
Prato on Urbanspoon

Best Burger in Orlando- Some of my favorites 2

Tags: , , , ,

I have been in search for a while for the “Best Burger” in
town. And let me tell you this, we have some good choices in the Orlando area
to choose from. I found some very good quality burgers in the Orlando area but I
also found a burger that kind of stood out from the others.  I agree, the burger subject in our fine city
is highly debatably on who has the best in town. I will list some my favorites
and yes I did eat at other places besides the ones I have listed, so not
everyone made the cut.  So who did make my cut?

Sam Sneads in Maitland serves up a good burger. Try the Sam’s Burger $10.45 one half pound of
ground chuck, with lettuce, tomato, and red onions. You can’t go wrong here
with this burger. I also like the patty melt $11.45.

Dubsdread The TapRoom– Two thumbs up! Try the Tap Room Classic Cheese Burger $10.75 ½ lb
burger with Tillamook Cheddar Cheese, with lettuce, tomato, and onion. This is
one tasty burger ladies and gentlemen. Been a favorite for years in the city
beautiful.

Stonewood Grill – Try the Oak Grilled Hamburger- A juicy 10oz burger “grilled to your
liking” and served on a toasted Kaiser roll. Just another good burger.

The best least expensive Burger & Fries- Five Guys. For the money and the fries,
you can’t go wrong with Five Guys. The burger is not bad, and the fries are
wonderful.

Drum roll please! The Best Burger in town in my humble
opinion is Graffiti Junktion (Downtown
Orlando Thornton Park Location). This joint knows how to make a burger. I am
convinced this place has a PHD in the art of making a good burger. On one occasion
I had a burger $8.50 with Smoked Gouda Cheese, lettuce, tomato, and onion. It
was cooked perfectly to the requested Medium, center was pink, and it was well
seasoned and had the right thickness. This burger was outstanding! On another occasion
I tried the Chi-Town Stuffed Burger $12, this burger was stuffed with mushrooms
and blue cheese.  This was another
winner! Oh, did I mention the FRIES??  The
fries were also outstanding.  The fresh hand
cut French fries were some of the best I have found lately. So, that’s my pick
for Best Burger Congrats to Graffiti Junktion (Thornton Park location.

Graffiti Junktion is located at 900 East Washington Street Orlando,
Fl 32801

Ph# 407-426-9503

Website= www.graffitijunktion.com

  

Graffiti Junktion · American Burger Bar on Urbanspoon

Sam Snead’s Tavern 2

Tags: , , , , , ,

I know it’s been awhile since I posted a review. Yes I am
still doing this. And yes my passion for food and restaurants in the Orlando
area is still very high on my to do list. Even the local guy needs a break once
in a while.  I am excited to share another
great local review.  Recently I was
looking for a good lunch spot in the Maitland area. I was looking for
atmosphere and good food. I believe I found what I was looking for.  I am talking about Sam Snead’s Tavern.

Sam Snead’s Tavern is located off of Maitland Blvd in the
Maitland Business district; it is adjacent to the RDV Sports Complex. Sam Snead’s
has been around for awhile. Back in the day, Sam Snead’s used to have a
location in Metro West but it has since closed.
There was yet another one in downtown Orlando but owned by another team
and it has closed.

The Orlando/Maitland Sam Snead’s Tavern is decorated with unique golf memorabilia.
For each Tavern the Snead Family handpicks and places each piece of memorabilia
to ensure authenticity and quality. This care is essential to the unique
atmosphere created which highlights the illustrious career of the golfing
legend Sam Snead. Folks, this is quite the collection. The golf memorabilia makes
great table conversations at Sam Snead’s.

On my first visit I had the Meatloaf special $11.50. The
meal loaf came with seasoned creamy mashed potatoes. The meat loaf was thick
but yet tender and it was filled with flavor. It was also served with brown
semi rich gravy that added even more flavor.  The gravy went well over the meat loaf and
over the mashed potatoes, just a nice balance of flavor. I must say that is the
best meat loaf that I have tasted in a very long time.  Almost as good as Mom’s.  The only down size is that Sam Snead’s only
serves this tasty meatloaf on Thursdays.

I also tasted Sam’s chili $6.75. The chili was nice and chunky with no bean chili served with
onions on top, fresh cheddar cheese and tortilla chips. The chili was
outstanding and seasoned perfectly.  In
my opinion we don’t have a lot of good home made chili options in our city so I
am thankful for Sam’s chili.

On another visit I had the Atlantic Salmon $13.95. The
salmon is served with yellow rice. The Atlantic Salmon is normally grilled and served
with citrus soy sauce.  I wanted to kick
up my salmon up a notch and I asked for my Salmon blackened.  This Salmon did not disappoint. I added a
little fresh lemon to it. The fresh lemon just increased the overall flavor to
an already flavorful dish.

Feedback I would like to share. When you are paying $13.95
for Salmon at lunch one would think you would get a small side salad or a small
cup of soup. Not the case here. I think value added items like this only
completes your meal. Yes it costs more, but some diners might buy more drinks
with their meal?  However, this is just a
suggestion. This does not take away from the quality of food Sam Snead’s
serves. It was fabulous. Would I go back? Absolutely!

On one occasion I ate at the bar. I found the bar staff to
be very friendly, courteous, attentive. They also asked me for my name and then introduced
themselves pleasantly. A nice touch. You don’t always see that up at the bar. Sam
Snead’s has outdoor seating available. They also have a private room for a
banquet.  There is plenty of parking available.

Sam Snead’s is open Monday – Friday 11:30-10:30 and Saturday
4-10, closed Sunday.

Address:

1801 Maitland, Blvd

Maitland, Fl 32810

Ph# 407-622-8800

Website= www.samsneadstavern.com

  
Sam Snead's Tavern on Urbanspoon