I feel this fits the blog well as a good beer should always be part of a good meal.
Eat, drink and be merry!
Harry
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Guinness Stout Commercial
I am a huge fan of beer and felt I had to share with you what I think is one of the most creative beer commercials I have ever seen. Of course, you would never see this on the airways in the United States.
I feel this fits the blog well as a good beer should always be part of a good meal.
I feel this fits the blog well as a good beer should always be part of a good meal.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Coming Soon
I wanted to share with you a couple of things that are upcoming on the blog.
* My various food nuances.
* The McDonld's chicken sandwich versus Chic-Fil-A, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Popeye's.
* Barbeque Challenge
Eat,drink and be merry!
Harry
* My various food nuances.
* The McDonld's chicken sandwich versus Chic-Fil-A, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Popeye's.
* Barbeque Challenge
Eat,drink and be merry!
Harry
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Hampton's Restaurant - Daytona Beach, FL
I recently took the family to Hampton's Restaurant in Daytona Beach for breakfast and it was great! This place is the best kept secret in Daytona Beach. It is off the tourist path of International Speedway Boulevard and located in the "hood." However, it is a bit strange. While it is in the "hood" it has a very redneck feel to it. As a matter of fact, one time when I was there picking-up some chicken, I actually had a guy drop the N-word on me. This happens often to me as I am light-skinned with wavy/curly hair and of large stature. Most people think I am Hawaiian. That's when I drop my line, "Do you mind if I use that in my book?" They ask me if I am writing a book and what it is called? I tell them, "Things White People Say When They Think There Are No Black People Around." You should see their faces. LOL
Anyway, we go to breakfast and I order eggs, bacon, hashbrowns and a short stack. My wife gets her poached eggs, bacon and toast and my daughter on this day just wants some eggs, bacon and cinammon toast. Everything comes out in a timely manner and is prepared perfectly. The food is great. We were able to get in and sit immediately, something you can't do over on ISB at those restaurants and had great service. This has become my favorite Daytona Beach breakfast location.
I have to tell you that Hampton's is really known for it's fried chicken. Their fried chicken is so good that I haven't been to see the Colonel in years. I go there often to pick-up a 12-piece and head home. They have great sides as well with some of my friends raving about their macaroni and cheese. I decided to try it one day and was disappointed. My feelings about their macaroni and cheese stem from the fact that I make a macaroni and cheese that is so good it will make you want to kick your mama in the neck.
I strongly urge you to forget about the fact that Hampton's is in the "hood" located at the corner of Mason and Derbyshire and get there as soon as you can. Don't expect much in regards to decor, but if you are looking for a home cooked meal like mama used to make, this is pretty darned close.
I have to give my last visit to the Hampton's three Stiffy's.
Eat, drink and be merry!
Harry
Anyway, we go to breakfast and I order eggs, bacon, hashbrowns and a short stack. My wife gets her poached eggs, bacon and toast and my daughter on this day just wants some eggs, bacon and cinammon toast. Everything comes out in a timely manner and is prepared perfectly. The food is great. We were able to get in and sit immediately, something you can't do over on ISB at those restaurants and had great service. This has become my favorite Daytona Beach breakfast location.
I have to tell you that Hampton's is really known for it's fried chicken. Their fried chicken is so good that I haven't been to see the Colonel in years. I go there often to pick-up a 12-piece and head home. They have great sides as well with some of my friends raving about their macaroni and cheese. I decided to try it one day and was disappointed. My feelings about their macaroni and cheese stem from the fact that I make a macaroni and cheese that is so good it will make you want to kick your mama in the neck.
I strongly urge you to forget about the fact that Hampton's is in the "hood" located at the corner of Mason and Derbyshire and get there as soon as you can. Don't expect much in regards to decor, but if you are looking for a home cooked meal like mama used to make, this is pretty darned close.
I have to give my last visit to the Hampton's three Stiffy's.
Eat, drink and be merry!
Harry
Wendy's - LPGA Blvd. in Daytona Beach, FL
Last week was a very sad week for me. Sure the rain and high water from tropical storm Fay played a part, but that is minimal to the heartbreak I suffered. Let me break it down for you.
Last week I had to say good-bye to a long-time friend. Actually, "friend" trivializes the relationship I am going to reveal to you. You see, this girl was much more to me than a friend. She was my mistress. She has been there for me for years when I have needed her. Always open late at night after a night on the town, even there early in the morning when breakfast was her thing for a while. My mistresses' name was Wendy. Yes, she of the bright red hair and cute ponytails. I have vowed that I have put her in my past and will never see her again. Here's what has driven me to the point of no return.
Early in our relationship Wendy was able to seduce me with the utter decadance of her double cheeseburgers, hot crispy fries and smooth Frosty treats. Being a man of simple pleasures, this was enough for me and we used to meet at least once a week for me to sample her offerings, but as with all relationships, things began to get a bit routine. But Wendy was special, she started to change things up on me and introduced the chicken sandwich. Imagine my surprise when I realized that it was pretty good. Next she throws out the spicy chicken sandwich and it is phenomenal. I am a big fan of the spice. But could it be that she is cheating on me? Where is she learning all of these things. She had never showed me this side of her before. I began to worry.
My weakness as it pertains to Wendy is the spicy chicken sandwich with a slice of cheese. There my friends was my wrongdoing. Like Icarus, I flew too close to the flame and tried to make what was already incredile even better. You see, I only get the cheese added to my sandwich about 30% of the time when I order it, but pay for that slice of cheese 100% of the time. Have you ever tried to put a slice of cold cheese on your sandwich once you get home after discovering you've been cheated in the drive-thru? It's like asking your wife for a lap dance after coming home from the gentleman's ballet. You have to know that I am tired of being treated like a nobody in this relationship. Where the hell do they get these people in these restaurants? Do they know what is at stake here when they screw-up these orders? I don't think that they do and more importantly, they don't give a damn. Well, I am done and they won't have me to kick around anymore. I will never eat at a Wendy's again! I know what you are thinking, "You mean just that particular Wendy's." No, I am never going to eat at any Wendy's location as long as I live. If you like to eat the way that I do, you know that is a strong statement. In fact, I am giving my wife a certificate for two free combo meals that was sent to me when I last wrote them and complained about my unhappiness. This relationship is truly over.
This is truly a sad day as Wendy's is the best there is in my opinion when it comes to quick service restaurants. Adding to my suffering is a commercial I saw tonight about their Baconator. Yes, I can tell you that I have never enjoyed the decadence of this overloaded sandwich with it's two beef patties and six strips of bacon, but when the spokesman in the commercial declared himself a "meatatarian", I was close to going back. You'll be happy to know I had another beer and put all thoughts of my former lover out of my mind and have moved on.
So there it is. The end of a long-term relationship that has ended badly. You folks do what you want, but I am done. All I can say is that I hope you don't get treated by this redheaded vixen as I hvae been treated.
Her father is probably rolling in his grave.
Eat, drink and be merry!
Harry
Last week I had to say good-bye to a long-time friend. Actually, "friend" trivializes the relationship I am going to reveal to you. You see, this girl was much more to me than a friend. She was my mistress. She has been there for me for years when I have needed her. Always open late at night after a night on the town, even there early in the morning when breakfast was her thing for a while. My mistresses' name was Wendy. Yes, she of the bright red hair and cute ponytails. I have vowed that I have put her in my past and will never see her again. Here's what has driven me to the point of no return.
Early in our relationship Wendy was able to seduce me with the utter decadance of her double cheeseburgers, hot crispy fries and smooth Frosty treats. Being a man of simple pleasures, this was enough for me and we used to meet at least once a week for me to sample her offerings, but as with all relationships, things began to get a bit routine. But Wendy was special, she started to change things up on me and introduced the chicken sandwich. Imagine my surprise when I realized that it was pretty good. Next she throws out the spicy chicken sandwich and it is phenomenal. I am a big fan of the spice. But could it be that she is cheating on me? Where is she learning all of these things. She had never showed me this side of her before. I began to worry.
My weakness as it pertains to Wendy is the spicy chicken sandwich with a slice of cheese. There my friends was my wrongdoing. Like Icarus, I flew too close to the flame and tried to make what was already incredile even better. You see, I only get the cheese added to my sandwich about 30% of the time when I order it, but pay for that slice of cheese 100% of the time. Have you ever tried to put a slice of cold cheese on your sandwich once you get home after discovering you've been cheated in the drive-thru? It's like asking your wife for a lap dance after coming home from the gentleman's ballet. You have to know that I am tired of being treated like a nobody in this relationship. Where the hell do they get these people in these restaurants? Do they know what is at stake here when they screw-up these orders? I don't think that they do and more importantly, they don't give a damn. Well, I am done and they won't have me to kick around anymore. I will never eat at a Wendy's again! I know what you are thinking, "You mean just that particular Wendy's." No, I am never going to eat at any Wendy's location as long as I live. If you like to eat the way that I do, you know that is a strong statement. In fact, I am giving my wife a certificate for two free combo meals that was sent to me when I last wrote them and complained about my unhappiness. This relationship is truly over.
This is truly a sad day as Wendy's is the best there is in my opinion when it comes to quick service restaurants. Adding to my suffering is a commercial I saw tonight about their Baconator. Yes, I can tell you that I have never enjoyed the decadence of this overloaded sandwich with it's two beef patties and six strips of bacon, but when the spokesman in the commercial declared himself a "meatatarian", I was close to going back. You'll be happy to know I had another beer and put all thoughts of my former lover out of my mind and have moved on.
So there it is. The end of a long-term relationship that has ended badly. You folks do what you want, but I am done. All I can say is that I hope you don't get treated by this redheaded vixen as I hvae been treated.
Her father is probably rolling in his grave.
Eat, drink and be merry!
Harry
Papa Joe's - Lake Mary Centre, Lake Mary, FL
Again, I have to apologize for my delay in posting, but things got a little crazy down here in Florida with tropical storm Fay. Not crazy enough for me to quit eating, but enough for me to have issues with my internet connectivity.
I helped my wife set-up her home office here at the house and that caused me some problems with being able to connect to the internet. However, it appears things are back on track now, so here we go.
First, a big shout-out to Brandi and her friends that are now reading the blog. Brandi is going to be leaving our team at work this week and I hope we have the opportunity to take her out to lunch before she goes. I did get to break bread with her recently when I took my team out to lunch and included Brandi as she works closely with us. I am going to attend her last night at Scruffy Duffer's, a local water hole on Friday, to celebrate her new position on Friday. I promise to eat at Scruffy's sometime soon to provide a review of their food.
Anyway, we went to Papa Joe's in Lake Mary Centre recently and had a great meal. I point out their Lake Mary Centre location as they also have another location in Lake Mary. The assumption is that that location is probably as good as this one. I went with Kraig, Fourth Meal and Begs for some good Italian food. They do a great stromboli there. We all ordered stromboli except Kraig who ordered a couple of slices.
These guys have to do the best stromboli in the area. The bread is tasty, fresh and wonderfully baked. It appears they do bake a number of the strombolis early to save on time, but if you have the time, I suggest you ask to add a meat or vegetable to yours and they will bake if fresh. As I stated, it takes a little longer, but definitely worth it. Kraig said his pizza slices were great. I've had their pizze here before and my experience is that they do a good pie.
Overall, a great lunch was had by all and I highly recommend you stopping by for a lunch or dinner some day. They have great pastas as well and everything is affordable. It is a very casual place with great service. With the theater located right next door, this place makes a perfect date night.
I have to give the Papa Joe's in Lake Mary Centre four Stiffy's.
Eat, drink and be merry!
Harry
I helped my wife set-up her home office here at the house and that caused me some problems with being able to connect to the internet. However, it appears things are back on track now, so here we go.
First, a big shout-out to Brandi and her friends that are now reading the blog. Brandi is going to be leaving our team at work this week and I hope we have the opportunity to take her out to lunch before she goes. I did get to break bread with her recently when I took my team out to lunch and included Brandi as she works closely with us. I am going to attend her last night at Scruffy Duffer's, a local water hole on Friday, to celebrate her new position on Friday. I promise to eat at Scruffy's sometime soon to provide a review of their food.
Anyway, we went to Papa Joe's in Lake Mary Centre recently and had a great meal. I point out their Lake Mary Centre location as they also have another location in Lake Mary. The assumption is that that location is probably as good as this one. I went with Kraig, Fourth Meal and Begs for some good Italian food. They do a great stromboli there. We all ordered stromboli except Kraig who ordered a couple of slices.
These guys have to do the best stromboli in the area. The bread is tasty, fresh and wonderfully baked. It appears they do bake a number of the strombolis early to save on time, but if you have the time, I suggest you ask to add a meat or vegetable to yours and they will bake if fresh. As I stated, it takes a little longer, but definitely worth it. Kraig said his pizza slices were great. I've had their pizze here before and my experience is that they do a good pie.
Overall, a great lunch was had by all and I highly recommend you stopping by for a lunch or dinner some day. They have great pastas as well and everything is affordable. It is a very casual place with great service. With the theater located right next door, this place makes a perfect date night.
I have to give the Papa Joe's in Lake Mary Centre four Stiffy's.
Eat, drink and be merry!
Harry
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Amurra - Lake Mary, FL
Last week we went to Amurra for a going away dinner for one of our ad sales guys from our Toronto office. Drew we are going to miss you. This guy was great and has a great sense of humor. I am hoping I will have the opportunity to break bread with him again in the future.
Attending the dinner with me was Begs, Drew as the guest of honor and Marlaine. I don't get a chance to eat with Marlaine much as she is in excellent physical shape and would not eat at most of the places we go to for lunch, but does work with us. I have to take a moment to tell a funny story about Marlaine.
Occaisionally, we do cook-outs at our office for the employees. It is the typical burger and hot dog fare, so nothing really special, but a good free lunch for employees none the less. For this particular cook-out, Marlaine says she will help me go shopping for all of the food we need, for which I am grateful. We go into the local BJ's Club and start making our purchases. At one point we realize we are not going to be able to get all we need at this location. Marlaine volunteers again to help out and go to Wal-Mart to get the remaining provisions that are needed while I head to the liquor store to pick-up the keg. Yes, we do have beer sometime for our cook-outs. That's how we roll!
One of the things I need Marlaine to get are hot dogs. When she returns I am already setting up the grill and beginning to cook. Burgers go on first of course as hot dogs won't need to take as long on the grill. Marlaine gives me the hot dogs and I start putting them on the grill. I don't recall exactly how it happens, but at some point I notice the packaging and she has bought chicken hot dogs. Are you freakin' kidding me? You shouldn't be able to even call chicken or turken meat in a tube a hot dog. Hot dogs are made of beef or pork. If you can't suck it up for one day and enjoy yourself a little bit, have a salad. This type of trickery cannot should not be tolerated. I didn't give her too much of a hard time as she was a big help to me and I know she means well. However, I now know I can't send her to get meat in the future.
Sorry for the diversion, but I felt you needed to know a little about Marlaine and hear that story. Anyway, we are at Amurra for some sushi and drinks and this restaurant has never disappointed me. Marlaine and Drew order sushi, but Begs and I go a different route. I get the Chilean Seabass and I think Begs gets some steak. Everything comes out great and we are thoroughly pleased. The sushi is fresh according to Marlaine and Drew, the steak great according to Begs and my fish is wonderful. Begs and I also get after some fried calamari with a spicy dipping sauce and it is incredible. I also started with some lobster bisque. I find the soup to be extremely flavorful with good size chunks of lobster and a nice creamy texture. As a huge soup afficianado, I strongly recommend you try it.
Amurra also houses a room with a Japanese steakhouse, so there are many options for you if you like Japanese food. I have eaten there before where they cook right at the table and it is great. I'll get more in depth about that if I have the opportunity to each in such a fashion in the near future.
I strongly encourage you to visit Amurra if you find yourself in Lake Mary and are interested in some great Asian fare.
I have to give my visit to Amurra last week four Stiffys!
Eat, drink and be merry!
Harry
Attending the dinner with me was Begs, Drew as the guest of honor and Marlaine. I don't get a chance to eat with Marlaine much as she is in excellent physical shape and would not eat at most of the places we go to for lunch, but does work with us. I have to take a moment to tell a funny story about Marlaine.
Occaisionally, we do cook-outs at our office for the employees. It is the typical burger and hot dog fare, so nothing really special, but a good free lunch for employees none the less. For this particular cook-out, Marlaine says she will help me go shopping for all of the food we need, for which I am grateful. We go into the local BJ's Club and start making our purchases. At one point we realize we are not going to be able to get all we need at this location. Marlaine volunteers again to help out and go to Wal-Mart to get the remaining provisions that are needed while I head to the liquor store to pick-up the keg. Yes, we do have beer sometime for our cook-outs. That's how we roll!
One of the things I need Marlaine to get are hot dogs. When she returns I am already setting up the grill and beginning to cook. Burgers go on first of course as hot dogs won't need to take as long on the grill. Marlaine gives me the hot dogs and I start putting them on the grill. I don't recall exactly how it happens, but at some point I notice the packaging and she has bought chicken hot dogs. Are you freakin' kidding me? You shouldn't be able to even call chicken or turken meat in a tube a hot dog. Hot dogs are made of beef or pork. If you can't suck it up for one day and enjoy yourself a little bit, have a salad. This type of trickery cannot should not be tolerated. I didn't give her too much of a hard time as she was a big help to me and I know she means well. However, I now know I can't send her to get meat in the future.
Sorry for the diversion, but I felt you needed to know a little about Marlaine and hear that story. Anyway, we are at Amurra for some sushi and drinks and this restaurant has never disappointed me. Marlaine and Drew order sushi, but Begs and I go a different route. I get the Chilean Seabass and I think Begs gets some steak. Everything comes out great and we are thoroughly pleased. The sushi is fresh according to Marlaine and Drew, the steak great according to Begs and my fish is wonderful. Begs and I also get after some fried calamari with a spicy dipping sauce and it is incredible. I also started with some lobster bisque. I find the soup to be extremely flavorful with good size chunks of lobster and a nice creamy texture. As a huge soup afficianado, I strongly recommend you try it.
Amurra also houses a room with a Japanese steakhouse, so there are many options for you if you like Japanese food. I have eaten there before where they cook right at the table and it is great. I'll get more in depth about that if I have the opportunity to each in such a fashion in the near future.
I strongly encourage you to visit Amurra if you find yourself in Lake Mary and are interested in some great Asian fare.
I have to give my visit to Amurra last week four Stiffys!
Eat, drink and be merry!
Harry
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Bubbalou's Bodacious Barbecue - Altamonte Springs, FL
I have been having some issues recently with my internet connectivity at the house causing me to fall a little behind in my posting. This post is in regards to a visit I had last week to Bubbalou's Bodacious Barbecue.
A bunch of our guys in the office were going to a lunch to celebrate a coworker's birthday, so Nick and I decided to take it on the road a bit and have some barbecue. Along the way, we had to stop to pick-up Nick's credit card that he left the day before at the Peach Valley Cafe. Now you may be wondering why there is no report here about the Peach Valley Cafe. That would be due to the fact that Kraig and I were foillowing Fourth Meal with Nick and Sebastian on board when he pulls a Mario Andretti on us and leaves in the wrong lane. We had no idea where they were going so we went to lunch somewhere else and they went to Peach Valley Cafe. More on this location when I finally get to visit in the very near future.
After retrieving Nick's credit card we headed down to Altamonte Springs for some barbecue. Our trip was a little jammed-up because of a strong rain storm that came in as we were headed there, so that hampered us a bit, but we finally made it. Once there we were greeted by the sweet smell of smoke coming from the smoker. These guys have some of the best barbecue in the Orlando area as well as at least four locations that I am aware of.
I ordered the large pork basket which consists of a good portion of sliced pork on a large, soft hamburger bun, french fries and baked beans. They also have an efficient way of ordering and delivering your food to you. Once you have placed your order, they give you a large wooden spoon with a number on it and you take it to your table. They then bring out your food while walking around the restaurant looking for your particular number. Service is very fast with you usually getting your meal about five to ten minutes after you have gotten your drink. Fountain drinks are self-serve here with bottles of soda and beer available at the register.
Back to our meal. As stated, I had the sliced pork and Nick had a pulled pork sandwich. Bubbalou's is one of those places that I go to infrequently enough that I am never interested in trying something new, since I am usually craving the sliced pork. The pork has a wonderful smoky flavor and is tender and juicy. Fries and beans are both served hot in just the right portions.
The one thing that makes this trip extra special is Bubbalou's signature sauces. Given that I enjoy hot, spicy food. I always try to go as hot as possible. On the table is a round cake pan with ketchup, salt and pepper, sweet sauce, mild sauce, hot sauce and the infamous Killer sauce. I completely slather my sandwich in the Killer sauce and then have a good sweat with my meal. This sauce is really hot and not for the faint of heart. Legend has it that they also make a Psycho sauce that they keep in the kitchen. A friend told me that he asked for it and workers from the kitchen actually came to the table to watch him eat it. I am going to have to step-up soon and will share that experience with you when I do.
Nick says his pulled pork is as good as the sliced pork I am enjoying, so overall this has been well worth the trip. Satisfied, I wipe the sweat off my face with about a packet of napkins and we start making our way back to the office. I don't know how the birthday lunch went, but if they stayed in Sanford, it couldn't have been as great as our trip.
I have to give Bubbalou's Bodacious Barbecue four Stiffy's.
Please try this place or one of their other locations on Lee Road in Winter Park, Kirkman Drive in the Metro West area and near UCF. I apologize, but I do not know where that location is specifically located.
Eat, drink and be merry!
Harry
A bunch of our guys in the office were going to a lunch to celebrate a coworker's birthday, so Nick and I decided to take it on the road a bit and have some barbecue. Along the way, we had to stop to pick-up Nick's credit card that he left the day before at the Peach Valley Cafe. Now you may be wondering why there is no report here about the Peach Valley Cafe. That would be due to the fact that Kraig and I were foillowing Fourth Meal with Nick and Sebastian on board when he pulls a Mario Andretti on us and leaves in the wrong lane. We had no idea where they were going so we went to lunch somewhere else and they went to Peach Valley Cafe. More on this location when I finally get to visit in the very near future.
After retrieving Nick's credit card we headed down to Altamonte Springs for some barbecue. Our trip was a little jammed-up because of a strong rain storm that came in as we were headed there, so that hampered us a bit, but we finally made it. Once there we were greeted by the sweet smell of smoke coming from the smoker. These guys have some of the best barbecue in the Orlando area as well as at least four locations that I am aware of.
I ordered the large pork basket which consists of a good portion of sliced pork on a large, soft hamburger bun, french fries and baked beans. They also have an efficient way of ordering and delivering your food to you. Once you have placed your order, they give you a large wooden spoon with a number on it and you take it to your table. They then bring out your food while walking around the restaurant looking for your particular number. Service is very fast with you usually getting your meal about five to ten minutes after you have gotten your drink. Fountain drinks are self-serve here with bottles of soda and beer available at the register.
Back to our meal. As stated, I had the sliced pork and Nick had a pulled pork sandwich. Bubbalou's is one of those places that I go to infrequently enough that I am never interested in trying something new, since I am usually craving the sliced pork. The pork has a wonderful smoky flavor and is tender and juicy. Fries and beans are both served hot in just the right portions.
The one thing that makes this trip extra special is Bubbalou's signature sauces. Given that I enjoy hot, spicy food. I always try to go as hot as possible. On the table is a round cake pan with ketchup, salt and pepper, sweet sauce, mild sauce, hot sauce and the infamous Killer sauce. I completely slather my sandwich in the Killer sauce and then have a good sweat with my meal. This sauce is really hot and not for the faint of heart. Legend has it that they also make a Psycho sauce that they keep in the kitchen. A friend told me that he asked for it and workers from the kitchen actually came to the table to watch him eat it. I am going to have to step-up soon and will share that experience with you when I do.
Nick says his pulled pork is as good as the sliced pork I am enjoying, so overall this has been well worth the trip. Satisfied, I wipe the sweat off my face with about a packet of napkins and we start making our way back to the office. I don't know how the birthday lunch went, but if they stayed in Sanford, it couldn't have been as great as our trip.
I have to give Bubbalou's Bodacious Barbecue four Stiffy's.
Please try this place or one of their other locations on Lee Road in Winter Park, Kirkman Drive in the Metro West area and near UCF. I apologize, but I do not know where that location is specifically located.
Eat, drink and be merry!
Harry
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