The Rat Trap

I recommend The Crabhouse off I-drive and Universal Blvd. It's a bit pricey but the Lobster and crab cakes are to die for. I am a lover of Lobster so Boston Lobster Feast is ok. Sure you can eat a lot of Lobster for one set price but the quality isn't as good as others in my opinion. The one good thing about dining in the tourist corridor is before or after your meal, you could stop by to see Michele1 L. I hear she's back in the area.

Also, our lovely queen Paige makes some very good crab cakes if you hadn't sampled.

BG111.

I found the crocodile to be more gritty than alligator. Interesting that kangaroo tastes like beef. That was the same for zebra, except much more tender and no fat.

C3.

[QUOTE=PharmaGuy;2493791]Last yr. The Mrs. and I flew to Australia. Spent some time in Sydney and then Cairns for some barrier reef action.

Tasted some crocodile but pretty much the same as gator, but the real surprise was Kangaroo. If I didn't know I probably would have just thought it was beef. Similar look and texture, but a bit less flavor, still very tasty though and seemed lean.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Otwist;2493801]You guys are pretty much out of my budget, but every once in a while I will hit a high end restaurant. Normally when I want a good steak and a baked potato, I go to Texas Roadhouse for the early bird special and then I still have a few bucks left in my pocket. It is cool reading about all of these exotic places you all have been to.[/QUOTE]OK, so what if you did it at home. I will pass on my time tested way of cooking a kick ass steak at home.

I buy the entire filet at either Costco or Fresh Market and then hand trim off all of the gristle (silver) and the vast majority of the fat on the exterior. I then cut each steak so that it is about 4" thick. If you don't want to mess with doing this, you can usually ask the butcher to do this for you as their steaks are usually too thin and do not have the gristle removed.

I marinade for about an hour or two in equal parts of Mr. Yoshida's Original Gourmet Sauce as well as Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce and Olive Oil. Add quite a bit of Montreal Steak Seasoning and crushed black pepper and garlic if you like, and then marinade for an hour or two. You can also baste the steak on the grill once or twice. The key is HIGH heat and you want an outer crust that is the marinade caramelizing on the outside top and bottom. I prefer medium rare.

You can also do this in a saute pan and then pop in the oven but you had better have a really good exhaust fan system or you will have a visit from the fire department.

Good luck!

Jenna, I forgot about Julie's Waterfront. Just sitting out on the back porch when they are water skiing makes it a better lunch place. Thanks for the reminder.

C3.

[QUOTE=JustJenna;2493424]There are three seafood restaurant's in Orlando that I tend to favor. Narcoossee's at The Grand Floridian and The Oceanaire Seafood Room on I-Drive.

These 2 are a little pricey but worth it. A more budget friendly option with a mom and pop atmosphere is Julie's Waterfront on Orange Ave.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Camera3;2493865]I found the crocodile to be more gritty than alligator. Interesting that kangaroo tastes like beef. That was the same for zebra, except much more tender and no fat.

C3.[/QUOTE]When you cook the zebra, does it have stripe marks?

[QUOTE=BuffGuy111;2493853]I recommend The Crabhouse off I-drive and Universal Blvd. It's a bit pricey but the Lobster and crab cakes are to die for. I am a lover of Lobster so Boston Lobster Feast is ok. Sure you can eat a lot of Lobster for one set price but the quality isn't as good as others in my opinion. The one good thing about dining in the tourist corridor is before or after your meal, you could stop by to see Michele1 L. I hear she's back in the area.

Also, our lovely queen Paige makes some very good crab cakes if you hadn't sampled.

BG111.[/QUOTE]When you mentioned The Crabhouse, it reminded me that there is a really good spot at the corner of L. Be. McLeod and Kirkman, tucked away next to the 7-eleven called the Crab Stop. Some of the best crab, crab legs, and cajun shrimp. Another family owned place, and affordable. It's very rare that I go to a chain restaurant, we should all be supporting local small businesses, especially since my all time fave closed their Orlando location. Guess I got to go home to Detroit, or visit my second home in Philly for McCormick & Schmicks.

To be able to make a killer crab cake and be from Maryland.

Thanks for the compliment Buff! You should come by soon for dinner!

Xoxo.

Paige.

[QUOTE=BuffGuy111;2493853]I recommend The Crabhouse off I-drive and Universal Blvd. It's a bit pricey but the Lobster and crab cakes are to die for. I am a lover of Lobster so Boston Lobster Feast is ok. Sure you can eat a lot of Lobster for one set price but the quality isn't as good as others in my opinion. The one good thing about dining in the tourist corridor is before or after your meal, you could stop by to see Michele1 L. I hear she's back in the area.

Also, our lovely queen Paige makes some very good crab cakes if you hadn't sampled.

BG111.[/QUOTE]

Uh, no. But steak isn't the color of the cow, either. The color seems to be only hide deep, I guess.

C3.

[QUOTE=FLAdventurer;2493875]When you cook the zebra, does it have stripe marks?[/QUOTE]

Jenna,

I think we need to make a date together to the Oceanaire!!

Xoxo.

Paige.

[QUOTE=JustJenna;2493424]There are three seafood restaurant's in Orlando that I tend to favor. Narcoossee's at The Grand Floridian and The Oceanaire Seafood Room on I-Drive.

These 2 are a little pricey but worth it. A more budget friendly option with a mom and pop atmosphere is Julie's Waterfront on Orange Ave.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Camera3;2493870]Jenna, I forgot about Julie's Waterfront. Just sitting out on the back porch when they are water skiing makes it a better lunch place. Thanks for the reminder.

C3.[/QUOTE]I always wanted to try this place. I kind of like the sleepy little dive appearance. I see this place and I think of oysters washed down with some Abita purple haze on a breezey warm evening. Sounds a bit cheesy but that's what I think .I will def. check it out soon.

Just wanted to say that the combination of putting the Faggo / Piss combination on ignore and reading all the recommendations of all you lucky devils for Steakhouses (a personal preference) and seafood has made this thread readable again.

OK it might be interesting to get back to a bit more aggravation but on a more sensible level than of late!

Yes I know this is a thread where everyone can air their views, popular or not, but for me it had become totally boring.

Anyway, thanks to all of you less infantile contributors for the entertainment factor of your discussion.

Just my. 02.

Beady.

All this food talk forced me to go to Vito's Chop House on I-Drive last night with my GF, funny, when I met her she was Vegan. Not sure yet who corrupted who? But Julie's is a neat little seafood place close to my office. Take along a good dose of "patience" if you go there. They can be a little slow sometimes. For fancy seafood we go to Eddie V's. We went to the condo in New Smyrna for Memorial Day, Garlic's in New Smyrna is great for seafood as is Norman's.

[QUOTE=PharmaGuy;2493954]I always wanted to try this place. I kind of like the sleepy little dive appearance. I see this place and I think of oysters washed down with some Abita purple haze on a breezey warm evening. Sounds a bit cheesy but that's what I think .I will def. check it out soon.[/QUOTE]

All of this dinning talk has been very interesting and a welcome change.

I was wondering if anyone would like to talk pizza? I haven't found anything around Orlando that makes me eager to go back. I like all kinds of pizza. My preference is extra thin. Run that dough through the rollers a couple three extra times, just a tad bit more than average amount of sauce, a nice layer. Not to thick. Of mozzarella, add your toppings. Pepperoni, mushrooms, black olives and onions. Then put that sucker in the middle of the oven. I like my thin pies crispy.

Deep dish? I did live in the Chicago area for several years. Gino's East was my favorite. They have a corn meal crust. Fortunately for a pizza lover there are great mom and pop places all around the city and suburbs. For deep. Uncle Pete's in Downers Grove. Thin. Pappa Passero's in Westmont.

Dam it, now I am going to have to fly up there some time soon, LOL.

[QUOTE=FLAdventurer;2493868]OK, so what if you did it at home. I will pass on my time tested way of cooking a kick ass steak at home.

I buy the entire filet at either Costco or Fresh Market and then hand trim off all of the gristle (silver) and the vast majority of the fat on the exterior. I then cut each steak so that it is about 4" thick. If you don't want to mess with doing this, you can usually ask the butcher to do this for you as their steaks are usually too thin and do not have the gristle removed.

I marinade for about an hour or two in equal parts of Mr. Yoshida's Original Gourmet Sauce as well as Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce and Olive Oil. Add quite a bit of Montreal Steak Seasoning and crushed black pepper and garlic if you like, and then marinade for an hour or two. You can also baste the steak on the grill once or twice. The key is HIGH heat and you want an outer crust that is the marinade caramelizing on the outside top and bottom. I prefer medium rare.

You can also do this in a saute pan and then pop in the oven but you had better have a really good exhaust fan system or you will have a visit from the fire department.

Good luck![/QUOTE]The way you described your recipe has my mouth watering! I'm going to try this out if you don't mind. Thanks for sharing.

BG111.

[QUOTE=Sillyolman;2494096]All of this dinning talk has been very interesting and a welcome change.

I was wondering if anyone would like to talk pizza? I haven't found anything around Orlando that makes me eager to go back. I like all kinds of pizza. My preference is extra thin. Run that dough through the rollers a couple three extra times, just a tad bit more than average amount of sauce, a nice layer. Not to thick. Of mozzarella, add your toppings. Pepperoni, mushrooms, black olives and onions. Then put that sucker in the middle of the oven. I like my thin pies crispy.

Deep dish? I did live in the Chicago area for several years. Gino's East was my favorite. They have a corn meal crust. Fortunately for a pizza lover there are great mom and pop places all around the city and suburbs. For deep. Uncle Pete's in Downers Grove. Thin. Pappa Passero's in Westmont.

Dam it, now I am going to have to fly up there some time soon, LOL.[/QUOTE]Realizing you are not much of a meat eater, maybe you can still hang out with meat eaters at one of the best steak houses in America. Georgetti's. Mafia if there ever was such a place.

[QUOTE=BuffGuy111;2494100]The way you described your recipe has my mouth watering! I'm going to try this out if you don't mind. Thanks for sharing.

BG111.[/QUOTE]If you don't want to go to all the work of hand carving an entire filet, I am sure that the butcher at Costco or Fresh Market would do one for you. Just tell him the ones in the counter are not as thick as you want. He'll end up cutting you a great steak. You got to make sure you ask to have all the silver removed. And then use the marinade, you will be in heaven.

You aren't going to like it because it isn't crisp, but most NY pizzas are not crisp. Tomasino's in Colonial Plaza. I can get two slices of the Mechanic (pretty much all the way), a Cesar salad, a glass of cheap wine and tip for well under twenty bucks. It is the flavor you crave. Maybe you can have them make it crispier.

C3.

[QUOTE=Sillyolman;2494096]All of this dinning talk has been very interesting and a welcome change.

I was wondering if anyone would like to talk pizza? I haven't found anything around Orlando that makes me eager to go back. I like all kinds of pizza. My preference is extra thin. Run that dough through the rollers a couple three extra times, just a tad bit more than average amount of sauce, a nice layer. Not to thick. Of mozzarella, add your toppings. Pepperoni, mushrooms, black olives and onions. Then put that sucker in the middle of the oven. I like my thin pies crispy.

Deep dish? I did live in the Chicago area for several years. Gino's East was my favorite. They have a corn meal crust. Fortunately for a pizza lover there are great mom and pop places all around the city and suburbs. For deep. Uncle Pete's in Downers Grove. Thin. Pappa Passero's in Westmont.

Dam it, now I am going to have to fly up there some time soon, LOL.[/QUOTE]

I'm from Miami but I'm in Orlando quite often and have worked hard at trying to not have to go to all the chain restaurants that are in Orlando. On the subject of Italuan, I have found a quaint little place called Il Pescatore on Primrose just south of Colonial. Good southern style. Any others? Northern? Higher end? I haven't found s Forum quite like this one anywhere.

Mike.

[QUOTE=Camera3;2494107]You aren't going to like it because it isn't crisp, but most NY pizzas are not crisp. Tomasino's in Colonial Plaza. I can get two slices of the Mechanic (pretty much all the way), a Cesar salad, a glass of cheap wine and tip for well under twenty bucks. It is the flavor you crave. Maybe you can have them make it crispier.

C3.[/QUOTE]Their pie looks tasty. I would call that Med thickness, LOL.

It's going to be behind graffiti junction in winter springs. Bavaro's. They will be using the ferrara brick wood burning oven (shipped in from italy) These are considered one of the best pizza ovens in the world. They will open within weeks.

[URL]http://fairfieldcountyfoodie.me/perfect-pie/[/URL]

Scroll down the page to see an example of a ferrara oven.

Walk into Kingfish in college park.

Sit down.

Order the special bianca with extra ricotta.

Watch as a little 5 ft nothing vietnamese lady cranks out this gem!

Thank me later.

We were up in Chicago two weeks ago and the little Pizza places scattered all around Soldier Field are great, we tend to favor deep dish. Did go to Manny's Chop House in Chicago and had one of the best bone-in Ribeyes I've had lately. Going back up in November for a couple of Bear's games.

[QUOTE=Sillyolman;2494096]All of this dinning talk has been very interesting and a welcome change.

I was wondering if anyone would like to talk pizza? I haven't found anything around Orlando that makes me eager to go back. I like all kinds of pizza. My preference is extra thin. Run that dough through the rollers a couple three extra times, just a tad bit more than average amount of sauce, a nice layer. Not to thick. Of mozzarella, add your toppings. Pepperoni, mushrooms, black olives and onions. Then put that sucker in the middle of the oven. I like my thin pies crispy.

Deep dish? I did live in the Chicago area for several years. Gino's East was my favorite. They have a corn meal crust. Fortunately for a pizza lover there are great mom and pop places all around the city and suburbs. For deep. Uncle Pete's in Downers Grove. Thin. Pappa Passero's in Westmont.

Dam it, now I am going to have to fly up there some time soon, LOL.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=FLAdventurer;2494104]If you don't want to go to all the work of hand carving an entire filet, I am sure that the butcher at Costco or Fresh Market would do one for you. Just tell him the ones in the counter are not as thick as you want. He'll end up cutting you a great steak. You got to make sure you ask to have all the silver removed. And then use the marinade, you will be in heaven.[/QUOTE]Thanks man! I may cook this for someone from this great forum then invite them over for an outcall so I can report both how well the meal was as well the lucky lady.

BG111.

[QUOTE=BuffGuy111;2494200]Thanks man! I may cook this for someone from this great forum then invite them over for an outcall so I can report both how well the meal was as well the lucky lady.

BG111.[/QUOTE]I have done the same.

Good luck!

[QUOTE=Sillyolman;2494096]All of this dinning talk has been very interesting and a welcome change.

I was wondering if anyone would like to talk pizza? I haven't found anything around Orlando that makes me eager to go back. I like all kinds of pizza. My preference is extra thin. Run that dough through the rollers a couple three extra times, just a tad bit more than average amount of sauce, a nice layer. Not to thick. Of mozzarella, add your toppings. Pepperoni, mushrooms, black olives and onions. Then put that sucker in the middle of the oven. I like my thin pies crispy.

Deep dish? I did live in the Chicago area for several years. Gino's East was my favorite. They have a corn meal crust. Fortunately for a pizza lover there are great mom and pop places all around the city and suburbs. For deep. Uncle Pete's in Downers Grove. Thin. Pappa Passero's in Westmont.

Dam it, now I am going to have to fly up there some time soon, LOL.[/QUOTE]No doubt el Cuartito, just one block away from the monger mansion.

[URL]https://es-es.facebook.com/pages/El-Cuartito/78949505516[/URL]

The pizza featured is called Fugazeta, which is a white pizza smothered in onion. Rico!!!!!

By the way, the churascaria I mentioned, the price is only about 35 bucks (not including booze).

Does anyone know if Lee and Rick's is still open on Winter Garden Road? Now there was a bucket of good oysters for a reasonable price. If they're closed, any other recommendations for an economical price on a good bucket of oysters?

[QUOTE=Vino7373;2494443]Does anyone know if Lee and Rick's is still open on Winter Garden Road? Now there was a bucket of good oysters for a reasonable price. If they're closed, any other recommendations for an economical price on a good bucket of oysters?[/QUOTE]Still open, and still a great place. I like Victorio's in Longwood as well.

Still open.

Still a great place for oysters.

[QUOTE=Vino7373;2494443]Does anyone know if Lee and Rick's is still open on Winter Garden Road? Now there was a bucket of good oysters for a reasonable price. If they're closed, any other recommendations for an economical price on a good bucket of oysters?[/QUOTE]Lee and rick's is still open and had been for since 1950! Awesome oysters and great divey atmosphere. Now what has surprised me is that NO one has mention charley's steakhouse (vito's chophouse is owned by them) they have a filet mignon known as the fabulous filet, at 70 bucks it's pricey but worth every buck! Also shula's at the swan and dolphin is pretty good. For brazilian steakhouse texas de brazil is great (again pricey) and pizza. Well pizza believe it or not can be found at the osceola mall. Schiano is authentic ny style. Now how about sushi and Chinese places?

I'm from Miami but I'm in Orlando quite often and have worked hard at trying to not have to go to all the chain restaurants that are in Orlando. On the subject of Italian, I have found a quaint little place called Il Pescatore on Primrose just south of Colonial. Good southern style. A good pizza, too. Any others? Northern? Higher end? I haven't found s Forum quite like this one anywhere.

Mike.

I know I spoiled when it comes to cuban food but I have not found a really good place here in orlando yet, does anyone know have any suggestions. I know down south it little havana and tampa the columbian but I looking for a nice place close to idrive.

I have had sushi all over the world but, true confession, nothing better than picking up a sampler at Publix and eating it in the parking lot. Add some deviled eggs.

Now that is a great lunch.

C3.

[QUOTE=Sexifun;2494466]Lee and rick's is still open and had been for since 1950! Awesome oysters and great divey atmosphere. Now what has surprised me is that NO one has mention charley's steakhouse (vito's chophouse is owned by them) they have a filet mignon known as the fabulous filet, at 70 bucks it's pricey but worth every buck! Also shula's at the swan and dolphin is pretty good. For brazilian steakhouse texas de brazil is great (again pricey) and pizza. Well pizza believe it or not can be found at the osceola mall. Schiano is authentic ny style. Now how about sushi and Chinese places?[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Swaganna;2493834]I bet you like Carrabba's, the blackberry Sangria is to die for.

Checkmate.[/QUOTE]Been there a couple of times and it's ok, but I don't drink alcohol, I can't say anything about that.

Ihave to say Texas de Brazil is hands down the best for quantity, quality, and atmosphere. It's a great place to fill the belly to the fullest and the bacon wrapped filet mignon is melt in your mouth delicious, just as a favorite girl on this board is named after a flower. Let's see a great meal, great intelligent conversation, move back to some adult fun what a great night. Dahlia Would you care to join me? She doesn't read this stuff here because there is alot of non sense being said except for the great places to eat.

I am not a huge Italian fan but pannulos in winter park has some excellent food. They have some steak and seafood also. Excellent mussels in garlic sauce. The atmosphere is laid back but the menu has a fine dining feel.

Xoxo.

Paige.

[QUOTE=Mikeebear;2494514]I'm from Miami but I'm in Orlando quite often and have worked hard at trying to not have to go to all the chain restaurants that are in Orlando. On the subject of Italian, I have found a quaint little place called Il Pescatore on Primrose just south of Colonial. Good southern style. A good pizza, too. Any others? Northern? Higher end? I haven't found s Forum quite like this one anywhere.

Mike.[/QUOTE]

Sushi is quite yummy for what it is. The one on semoran at lake Frederica seems to have the best on this side of town. Not bad calamari or seaweed salad either!?

Xoxo.

Paige.

[QUOTE=Camera3;2494577]I have had sushi all over the world but, true confession, nothing better than picking up a sampler at Publix and eating it in the parking lot. Add some deviled eggs.

Now that is a great lunch.

C3.[/QUOTE]