Oh.....my........GOSH!

Sushi sits at the #1 spot on my list of favorite foods. The only types of this cuisine that I don't care for are concoctions involving conch, the eraser of the sea and cooked salmon. Oh yeah and crappy sushi. While I won't go so far as to call the sushi I consumed on Valentine's Day at GOSH Bistro in Downtown Lakeland crappy it certainly wasn't on par with what I'm used to getting at their S. Florida Avenue location. Honestly I think I would just call it mushy. Brian and I decided to take our 7 year old sweetheart, Bella out for sushi on V-Day because she loves the stuff and it's rare that she gets to go out with us to eat it. We chose to go downtown because it's much closer to our house and we were worried about the other location being busy because of the holiday. GOSH downtown always seems less busy, well no wonder.



This LOOKS delicious.



Making the choice to go downtown ended up being as poor as choosing The Black Eyed-Peas as the Super Bowl halftime fiasco, I mean act. You walk into what seems like the dining room of most take out Chinese places then you take a stroll down a hallway into a larger, very acoustic dining room. The place wasn't completely full and it was like carrying on a conversation in a nightclub. They also have a huge big screen TV propped up in the corner (???). This location varies in other ways from it's sister, they carry less menu items and they do not have hot jasmine tea, the iced sweet tea I got instead was great though. They also prepared us an appetizer sampler that wasn't on the menu so kudos for that.

We order a LOT of food when we eat at a sushi place and we want it all at the same time, Brian is weird like that and I am a go with the flow of food type of girl. Ika Sensai (squid salad), Wakame (seaweed salad), an appetizer sampler consisting of spring rolls and half moon and then three to four rolls of sushi. This time we chose a Jon Joody (my fav from across town), a Volcano, a Godzilla and a Crispy Crunchy. All the textures seemed off and I realize that I'm eating raw fish but trust me once you have great sushi you know when you're eating not so great sushi. Like I said everything was sort of mushy especially the Crispy Crunchy roll which also tasted like a sweet pickle although there were no pickles on it, go figure. That roll was sent back. The appetizers were all delicious but they also require little handling aside from some frying here and there.

I won't return to this location and I certainly don't recommend it. I do recommend that you give GOSH on the south side a try because it is truly delicious. My thought on this location is that they need an itamae that isn't a 17 year old pimply white kid, not that they cannot make sushi, just that this one clearly cannot. Oh and get rid of the flat screen and work on relaxing the atmosphere.

GOSH Bistro

246 N. Kentucky Avenue

Lakeland, Florida 33801

http://diningoutrestaurantguide.com/Gosh/



Champs Family Grill

Champs Family Grill opened up on Combee Road in 2006, the name may seem familiar to you since it's an offshoot of Champs Sports Bar and Grill way out on S. Florida Avenue. I've been familiar with this place for a long time. I used to meet my dad there for lunch way back in high school when they were located in the same plaza as Lou's Tattoos. In 1997 the current owners Beth and Cary Liptak bought the joint and have been kicking ass every since. I chose the the Combee location for two reasons: it's very near to my home on the north side; and I know for a fact that most of the time owner Cary is in the kitchen at this location.

Brian and I stopped by for a quick snack on Valentine's Day to fuel my thrift store shopping spree and we were very impressed. We planned on just having some wings and a few beers but upon being greeted at the door by a white board offering a dozen fresh raw oysters for $6.95 my plans changed. That dish will cost you $10+ at Hooter's nowadays, don't even get me started on that place. They were also offering a burger and fries or 6 wings and fries for $5. Their beer is also extremely cheap, $1.25 for 12oz or $2.50 for 24oz and that's not even happy hour pricing.

For a sports bar this place has a great menu offering things you would and wouldn't expect. I'm used to ordering off of their old menu where items were named for famous sports coaches so I took the time to look over this new "cheese-free" menu. (I can't really say anything I ran a restaurant where everything was named after super heroes so......) Appetizers include everything from seared ahi tuna to fried green tomatoes. There is a huge selection of sandwiches and entrees so you can take your pick, it's all delicious. You can see their full menu at champstogo.com.

We ordered the oysters, the wings and fries special and the buffalo sandwich. We got a table full of delicious food. The oysters were shucked of course but they had also been cleaned properly, no sandy bivalves in this place (ehhmmmhooters) and they were served on ice with good spicy horseradish, cocktail, lots of lemon and saltine crackers. The wings were huge, saucy and delicious as was the buffalo sandwich. Everything was very, very good and our beer was ice cold. The service was also great.

My only "complaint" if you could call it that, about this location is that it's really big, I venture that they could do the same business in as little as half the space. I've also never been there in the middle of lunch rush though. There's a selection of video games to keep big and little kids occupied when you come in, hell this location even sells lotto. I highly recommend you take a trip to the east side of town to enjoy a cold beer and a bite to eat from this place, they beat the socks off of any other wing place in town for a fraction of the price.

Champs Family Grill

1950 S. Combee Road

Lakeland, Florida 33801

http://www.champstogo.com/

A Romantic Dinner for Two (without waiting an hour in a busy restaurant)

So Valentines Day is here again and it's time to celebrate your love or lust with that special someone. Oh wait, it's the day before V-Day and you have no reservations. That's okay because you don't have to spend 45to an hour sitting in the front of a packed place waiting for a cozy table for two. Here are a few suggestions for an unforgettable evening out without a headache.

Lakeland is home to one of the few drive-in theatres left standing, The Silver Moon. Aside from costing about 1/3 as much as a movie ticket to the megaplex the wonderful thing about this drive-in is that you can bring in any food that you want, lawn chairs and an ice chest if you want. Now don't expect an eye-popping IMAX experience, this is an antiquated form of cinema. You are however alone with your honey in your own car or in some chairs under the stars. Normally we bring in a pizza or a bucket of chicken but this is the 14th so if you wanted to step it up with some take-out from your favorite place you could be as fancy as you want to be. Throw a bottle of bubbly or a six pack, whatever suits your fancy, in a cooler in the back and you're good to go. Check out http://www.silvermoondrivein.com/ for what's showing. Also if you pick up one of those little coupon books you see sitting in every place you go to, you can get a 2 for 1 coupon good on Mondays and Tuesdays.

If you have any faith in your cooking abilities you could either surprise your sugar with a romantic home cooked meal or make dinner together. I love when Brian and I get to cook together. I suggest you make something other than meatloaf or spaghetti, unless of course those are your favorites. Don't try to make something overly elaborate or out of your comfort zone either, if you've never roasted a rack of lamb I don't recommend trying to do so on this particular evening. I recommend this recipe. It has a small ingredients list, requires no specialty equipment and is frickin' delicious. Pair it up with a baked potato and your favorite veg or salad and you are good to go. 



"I wanted the last slice!"



If you're feeling really adventurous then I recommend a jaunt over to Orlando for one of their many dinner shows. My favorite is Medieval Times they have a Valentine's Day package that includes some take home keep sakes but the regular dinner package should be just fine. Tickets start at $59.95 this includes a four course meal, a great live show and access to the castles village which is sort of a living museum of life way back when. I've seen this show twice, both times the food and service were great. If you want to be a poor sport bring your own cutlery because they have none but it really is part of the experience. If you can upgrade your package to be a close the the arena as possible because there is a lot of interaction with the audience. There are several other shows in the area if knights and horses aren't your thing with themes ranging from pirates to the sinking of The Titanic.

Whatever you choose to do remember this is a holiday about lover over coming all odds to be with one another so don't let a little bit of over cooked steak ruin your night. Or just don't over cook that steak.

The places I want to go, the things I want to eat.

So when I finally decided to start doing this I figured some guidelines were in order. After thinking about that for a little while I changed my mind. I figured that things like not reviewing corporate restaurants doesn't make sense because good food and service are good food and service. Besides I don't want to spare them the criticism since from time to time I find myself staring at a novel that is a Chili's menu. So why have any guide lines at all? The only thing I think is absolutely necessary is that I go into a place without them knowing I am coming, this may cut down on complimentary food but I feel it ensures that I get a genuine experience. With that out of the way, on to the good stuff.

Unfortunately I feel like Lakeland is severely lacking in things like diners and family owned restaurants that are any good at all. I love the diner, in a real diner you can generally get a wide variety of food made by hand with love, awesome breakfast and a slice of home-made something to chase it with. Did I mention good coffee? Some friends and family have recommended some local places they thought might fill that void. Namely the Reesecliff, probably Lakeland's oldest restaurant this diner used to be a rival of my great grandmother's restaurant The Clearview. The Clearview was located on Lake Parker approximately where Rent-a-Wheel is now. The last time I ate at Reesecliff I was served a frozen piece of country fried steak, this is NOT what I am looking for.

 To me opening a restaurant and serving frozen food is an insult. I would venture to say that 98% of our population knows how to operate a microwave and dump food onto a plate their damn selves. One of my favorite restaurants is currently up for sale, they are successful so I really wanted to know why. The retired owner explained to me, "It's just too much work for me." The restaurant I'm referring to is Tiffany's, I just wrote up a review for them. His answer made the fact that he's getting rid of the place a little easier to take. I want to go into a small Mexican restaurant and see your abuela slaving away in the kitchen, that is what I want to eat. It's what you should want to eat to because if you didn't know it a majority of your large chains use less than a 30% fresh ingredients everything else comes out of a vacuum sealed bag and is either nuked or steamed (in the bag) before it's rushed out to your table....ehhmapplebees....hmmm. Sorry there was something stuck in my throat. Another thing people fail to notice most of the time is the serious price tag of some of this corporate junk. Country Fried Steak is a $13+ item on the Chili's menu, seriously? This brings me to my next point.



Yeah, I made it and yes that is cheese and bacon bleeding
from my burger.



Value. I am more than capable of cooking the greatest meal I've ever had in my own home. I don't always want to do this though and neither do you. Hell more than half of the women I know that are near my age couldn't boil a pot of water without burning their house down. So we go out, I love eating out, I get to try new things or things prepared in a new way but I don't want to feel like I'm being fleeced to do so. If you didn't know it restaurants give you free bread, soup or salad because when you pass through the door on the way out they want you to feel full and maybe even be toting a box out with you. When this happens you are more likely to be happy with what you paid for, they see the value in their purchase. The fact that I know this trick does not make me immune to the feeling. I want to leave a place feeling like I got my monies worth and so should you.

These are the things I want to experience in whatever sort of place I go into. I love all sorts of food, mostly that which I haven't tried. Here's a list of places in the area that I want to try and I want you to add to it.

1. Say Amen Cafe
2. Acacias
3. Andy's Igloo (I've been here before but I really want to go back)
4. Dino's Drive-In
5. Bay Street Bistro (formerly The Antiquarian)
6. Any sushi place
7. Granger's BBQ
8. Main St. Diner
9. Cafe Zuppino
10. Any wing joint

I think that's a decent start but I have to add to the list. If there is a place that you love and think I should try send me an email or let me know on facebook.

Texas Cattle Company

I grew up in Lakeland and there has been a long running tradition in my family of going to The Cattle Company for a free "Cowgirl" on birthdays. Lots of places offer this sort of deal on your birthday but nobody does it like this place. In the past upon presenting your I.D. you received a free "Cowgirl" (T-bone) steak, it's changed a bit, you now get a $23 credit toward a meal of your choosing. Since my birthday just passed at the beginning of the month I of course took advantage of this. 

First of all if you are interested in trying this steak house out, MAKE RESERVATIONS! On most weekend nights you are looking at an average wait of 45 to and hour. I will tell you like the couple that checked in before me on my birthday though, "It's worth the wait". Also if you are waiting you can venture into the bar for an enormous 32oz "Blue Rose of Texas", The restaurant's signature drink. It is a delicious blue margarita served in an enormous FLAMING glass packed with 9 shots of liquor, it's worth the $9+ price tag. If you're adventurous I also recommend wandering around at this time to check out the decor, this place is decorated with everything from vintage cola signs to old brass beds. (Don't go outside because you will have to look at the disgusting "Spirit of Volunteerism" sculpture that mars the eastern shore of Lake Mirror)

Okay, so now you're seated. Order the Fried Mushrooms, they are breaded by hand right before you order them and are served with the greatest horseradish sauce that has ever passed my lips. They also offer several other favorites though, the Fried Green Tomatoes are also made by hand, actually I feel I should mention that everything here is made fresh in their kitchen earlier in the day. A lot of work goes into your dining experience, I know because this is one of the kitchens I cut my teeth in years ago. This is probably one of the only places in town that you can get Escargot, you may be thinking to yourself "I don't want to order seafood at a          steak house" don't because their seafood is delicious. Don't worry about saving room, you'll definitely be leaving with a box of something.

Of course they offer all the popular cuts of steak, all cut by hand, aged and seasoned to perfection. My personal favorite is the 24oz Ribeye this 2 inch thick steak comes with bread, house salad (I could write an entire blog about this salad), and your choice of potato. Like I said you won't be leaving without a box. I honestly don't possess the ability to describe how delicious these steaks are, they are cooked over hard-wood which gives them an unforgettable flavor. Aside from the beef they have a huge variety of fresh seafood including seasonal fish, giant Madagascar shrimp, lobster tail and king crab legs. They also have pork chops and chicken breast and a list of 16 side dishes.             

If you have managed to maintain consciousness and haven't slipped into a food coma by this point then you can also enjoy one of their delicious desserts. By dessert I mean a variety of 1/2ft layer cakes make with decadent ingredient like white chocolate and raspberry or the over the top peanut butter and chocolate. Or instead you could just call a cab and have another Blue Rose of Texas.

This is by no means economic dining, an average check for two with drinks, appetizers and the whole shebang will probably run you $100. This price tag will however make for an amazing anniversary, birthday or valentines day dinner so if you have the money definitely check out this piece of Lakeland history. Ask for Jeremy, he served us on my birthday and it was by far the best service I've had in a very, very long time.

Texas Cattle Company

735 East Main Street

Lakeland, Florida 33801

863.686.1434

http://www.talkofthetownrestaurants.com/texas_lakeland.html

Tiffany's Latin Restaurant

If you haven’t heard of Tiffany’s Latin Restaurant you are in for a treat. This gem is tucked out of the way in a plaza right next to Walmart. Even if you don’t ever make it out this way it is worth the drive to the north-side. Tiffany’s offers a variety of traditional Latin favorites, the real thing that you wont find anywhere else here in town.


Brian and I started visiting this place about 3 years ago when we lived right around the corner. Thank goodness we moved, otherwise we would be morbidly obese by now. The food really is that good. Aside from that, the owners are warm, wonderful people who will make you feel at home as soon as you walk through the door. Anytime we come in without our children, they are the first thing we are asked about. The restaurant is named after their own lovely daughter, Tiffany.

The menu has slimmed down in size since we first started coming in, our favorites have endured though. Roasted Pork, now when I say roasted pork throw any thoughts that first fly into your head out unless of course you were thinking “sweet garlicky goodness, I have died and gone to piggy heaven”. The pork is purchased locally, seasoned and slow cooked until it melts in your mouth. The yellow rice with peas and the white rice with beans are both excellent side dishes but here is the clincher, Mofongo. If you are unfamiliar with this dish I am not surprised, I’ve never seen it in any other Latin restaurant around town. It is a delicious mash made of unripened plantains, garlic, spices and if you are lucky lots of crispy pork skin and drippings. It’s sort of like a heavier garlic mashed potato. This dish alone is worth a visit to this little cafe. If you aren’t a pork person don’t worry they give the same sort of treatment to their Roasted Chicken. They also offer sandwiches, popular Latin entrees, Cuban coffee, delicious desserts and a huge variety of imported drinks. All of this at great prices. Oh and did I mention the insane portions? I have never left this place without a tasty midnight snack tucked into a to go box.



This is Mofongo.



No matter what you try I am certain that you will enjoy your trip to Tiffany’s. If you’re in a hurry give them a call but I hope you get the chance to stop in for a while sometime and really enjoy the great rapport the owners have with their customers, you’ll be a regular in no time.

Tiffany’s Latin Restaurant

1310 W Daughtery Rd

Lakeland, Fl 33810

863.859.0350

Fresco's Bakery and Bistro

Fresco’s Bakery and Bistro is one of the newer places to grab a bite in Downtown Lakeland. It is located at 132 S. Kentucky Avenue, between Main St. and Lemon St. They opened up in May of 2009, taking over the location formerly known as JJ’s Cafe. I did a little research before firing up my word processor to put forth my two cents regarding this eatery. Here is a bit about them courtesy of their website: frescosbakery.com

“We opened Fresco's Bakery and Bistro on May 18 2009. Our idea was to bring a casual bistro experience to downtown Lakeland. Tina brings over 20 years of restaurant/hospitality experience to her fourth restaurant. Offering breakfast, lunch and fresh bakery items like scones, turnovers, cookies and delectable custom cakes. A complete breakfast menu from breakfast sandwiches to homemade granola-yogurt parfaits to eggs benedict. Lunch items include salads, wraps, stuffed potatoes, quesadillas as well as specialty items such as Crab Cake Sandwiches, Buffalo Meat Burgers and our signature Knuckle Sandwich. Weekdays, choices include a daily Blue Plate Special, Homemade Soups and Fresh Quiche.

Fresco's also offers complete catering. From a small office lunch to a full scale wedding, we are ready to meet any needs including custom wedding cakes. We have recently added a private dining/meeting space and will begin offering Little Chefs Children's Cooking Birthday Parties.”

I have eaten at Fresco’s twice now, both times in the last six months because not surprisingly I had not heard of them before now. My first impression of the place was that it was cozy  and seemed promising, then I opened the menu. Although the food is completely  accessible to the local folks it is a bit overpriced. When you take into consideration how close this “bistro” is to the colleges and the art district it is way overpriced.  I realize rent downtown is a bit pricey but customers aren’t  going to take that into consideration.

To my chagrin however it seems this place is pretty popular, maybe I’m ordering the wrong things. Both times I have had a sandwich, I really wanted the Key West  eggs benedict but I just couldn’t bring myself to pay $10 for a breakfast item. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not just the price of the food here, I am more than happy to dish out for food that blows my mind, this does not. The Knuckle Sandwich, their specialty, was awful. The chicken tasted days old at best, the entire sandwich was really dry aside from the intermittent globs of straight hot sauce and there was not a single shrimp on my $8 sandwich. The Buffalo Burger is a joke, it’s about the size of a McDonald’s single burger patty, cooked beyond recognition and then buried in a mountain of bread and veg. Returning to my point, it’s not just the price, for such a small place with 2 servers, the service was some of the worst I have ever received. One girl stood behind the counter the entire time while another got killed trying to serve a full “restaurant”.

My advice is if you are downtown and in need of sustenance, keep looking. This place was very disappointing to me and everyone that I have taken with me. I personally preferred JJ’s to this train-wreck.

Fresco's Bakery and Bistro
132 South Kentucky Avenue
Lakeland, FL 33801
863.683.5267