LOTS OF DISNEY, ORLANDO AND PLACES THEREABOUTS !!

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Doug Wilcoxon

Doug Wilcoxon has 22 articles published.

Donut King

in Florida Locales/Walt Disney World by

If you just pulled an all-nighter driving so that you can view the sun coming up over Disney World, and let’s say that it is still a bit early before sunrise, the family is asleep, and you arriving from the west. Well, you are in luck.

It happens that west of Disney, approximately 20 miles, in the town of Minneola, is a little non-descript donut shop called Donut King. Open 24 hours a day so that no sudden donut desire goes unanswered, it will fulfill all your glazed, iced, sprinkled, creme or jelly filled desires. Don’t be fooled by appearances, there is a big selection in this little building. I’ve found the selection best early in the morning. If you are there before the sun is up then that should qualify as early.

Recently, a “Hot Donuts Now” sign was placed in the window, but the wife has limited my intake so I haven’t been able to take advantage as the neon beckons me for a donut. She only has my best interest at heart.

If you are a family of four. A dozen should be good. If the family is awake, maybe two dozen.

I wasn’t on vacation but thought it might be nice to treat some co-workers to a random selection of tasty donuts. This is referred to as a Doug Dozen.

After the above picture, you may require directions.

This is my favorite Donut King donut. The Chocolate Cake. I like my donuts simple.

 

An overview of the selection. The bottom case selection varies.

There is more than just donuts at Donut King, so check out the menu if you are hungry.

Full disclosure…Donut King has not paid me for this post, though I wouldn’t say no to a chocolate cake donut.

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Illumination’s Minions are taking over an entire street at Universal Orlando. Blast your way to supervillain stardom in the new

Sidewalks Can Be Interesting! – Part 1

in Florida Locales by
You may notice that this isn’t a sidewalk and if it is, it’s a short one and it has rails running through it… that is a bad sign for a sidewalk. If your sidewalk has embedded rails don’t walk on it. Just down these tracks about a quarter mile is the SunRail Maitland Station. A sidewalk does not cross these tracks. It comes up to the tracks on the North Side and after crossing it picks up again on the South side. Nothing special about these sidewalks other than they don’t connect.

Was out for a walk today in Maitland, Florida maintaining an old habit from childhood, which is looking down at the ground while I walk. Probably not the best habit in an urban area full of cars. Me walking and looking at the ground and drivers driving and looking at their phone, not a great combination. Since I grew up in a more rural setting it wasn’t much of a problem and smartphones didn’t exist at that time (rotary was the tech of the day). Honestly, the habit is mostly a thing of the past, but today it got me involved with some sidewalks.

Leaving Jersey Mike’s after enjoying Jersey Shore’s Favorite prepared “Mike’s Way”‘ I was returning to work and noticed a section of sidewalk wasn’t the typical slab of concrete, but laid in pavers. All the pavers are square and of the typical variety being approximately 12 inches on each side. Pavers like you may see at the home improvement store. The idea and follow through took dedication from someone or some group to make the effort and place something different where a typical installation would suffice… to make the sidewalk unique.

And to “plus it” as Walt would say, accent blocks are sprinkled in to provide a bit of an artistic touch.

This is my favorite accent stone. Have always liked different depictions of the sun in various media and the detail in the concrete is well done.

Location Details at the my Orlando Map

It’s the small touches that make places unique in which they have their own character and personality. It’s in the real world and a nice break from the monotony of the typical ribbons of sidewalk. A nice find along a busy street.

Sidewalks Can be Interesting! – Part 2 will look at some residential sidewalks in Augusta, Georgia.

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Illumination’s Minions are taking over an entire street at Universal Orlando. Blast your way to supervillain stardom in the new

Brentwood, Tennessee – Texas Bar-B-Que Stop

in Other 49 States by

Had a quick trip over the weekend to Nashville, Tennessee and visited a BBQ joint we found by coincidence a few years back. Its not in the most visible locale, or the largest, but its BBQ has been consistent over the years. Judge Bean’s Bar-B-Que identifies as a Texas BBQ joint, which was a good choice since two Texans were in my party.

I split “The Feast” with one of the Texans and neither of us was disappointed. Will point out that I wasn’t that crazy about the Texas toast, but who cares about toast on a BBQ platter since it’s just window dressing anyway. Not being too hungry I had a couple slices of Brisket, a Rib, one Diablo, Cowboy Beans, Mac & Cheese and some Pulled Pork. My tablemate finished off the remainder of the “The Feast”… reading over my food list apparently I was hungrier than I thought.

Overview of “The Feast”. Clockwise starting in the upper left, Brisket, Ribs, Pulled Pork, Texas Toast, Cowboy Beans, Baked Beans, Mac & Cheese, Diablos and Wings at the center. The beans and mac & cheese are sides. Two side come with the meal, but curiosity of the Cowboy Beans got the better of me. I prefered the cowboy beans over the BBQ Beans. The Cowboy Beans have much more heat and are more flavorful… almost to a chili like flavor. The Cowboy Beans have jalapenos in the mix, but I am guess also a large component of the spice is cumin… which is my favorite spice.

The Diablo is Judge Bean’s jalapeno pepper stuffed with shrimp and cheese and wrapped in bacon. I didn’t eat the shrimp, but did try the remainder of the Diablo. It was ok, but not the favorite side item of mine (that would be the Cowboy Beans). Also known as ABT’s, a good recipe and a great final picture is at this link.

A post-worthy shot of the three meats. Brisket, RIbs, and Pulled Pork.

 

The Diablo. You can just see the shrimp peeking out from the jalapeno.

 

Two hot wings. This is my favorite pic showing crispy wings and a slathering of sauce. The white is a reflection of the light in the sauce… a sauce I can almost see myself in.
The menu.

The menu appears to be a bit different than the menu online. Don’t believe that really matters since the Bar-B-Que is good regardless. Did do a review of the photo gallery on the Judge Bean website and unless I am missing something somewhere it doesn’t appear that the photos have been updated since 2012. Again it doesn’t really effect the Bar-B-Que….still good. If you happen to visit, tell them Doug Travels Orlando says “Howdy”. They won’t know who you are talking about.

The brand new map for places other than Florida… here.  A bit sparse as of this time.

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A trip to Tiffins Restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom*

in Walt Disney World by
Tiffins Coaster. For clarity we shall call this the “front of the coaster”.

Why the asterisk? The post title needs additional detail, but I didn’t want it to be too long and off putting in the header. The full title is “A trip to Tiffin’s Restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, which sits right at the entrance of the soon to be opening Pandora – The World of AVATAR… and we wished to visit before the crush of humanity makes it impossible to leisurely stroll directly to the restaurant entrance”. That being said, if you want to visit this restaurant (which I recommend), then you had better take advantage of the My Disney Experience app, or online reservations, or by phone (the old fashion way) and make your reservations early.

From the start, as we entered the restaurant I was drawn to the decor and overall general laid back atmosphere. This restaurant trip could be referred to as a “cold call” since no prior research of the restaurant was done by myself, and it is a pleasant surprise to be pleasantly surprised. I’m not saying that no planning was done, since the hardest working travel planner in the travel planning business, Crystal, booked our reservation for the monthly Disney Dining Excursion.

It’s hard to say what put me at ease as we entered the restaurant, but the look and warm glow of wood finishes is something that has always been a favorite of mine… then again it could have been the easily accessible restrooms just to the right of the hostess stand. Everybody has their thing. As we enter through the double doors of square glass panes and wood carvings the hostess station is directly in front. I advise any guest to make good use of their wait time, turn around and take a look at the carvings as you enter the building (after you check in of course). The wood carvings throughout are something to admire. The colors glowed of warm gold, browns and copper.

We dined in Tiffin’s Grand Gallery and of all the Walt Disney World restaurants we have enjoyed since starting the monthly Disney Dining Experience, this is my favorite room. Why?… two reasons. 1. The room decor is a pleasure to view throughout the meal. Each wall is unique. 2. The Grand Gallery is smaller and has a more laid back pace. The hustle and bustle you may experience at some of the large open dining rooms doesn’t seem to be prevalent at the Tiffin’s.

We had 3:15pm dining reservations and the obviously the crowd was thinning a bit, but we did wait at least 20 minutes beyond our confirmed dining reservation time. An interesting point brought up by this tripadvisor review concerns the dining package for reserved seating at Rivers of Light. This review contradicts my laid back statement… so you may wish to consider your dining times when making your reservation.

Entering Grand Gallery

Being a bit surprised at the size of the dining area (not that I’m complaining), we questioned our server and he enlightened us to the layout of the restaurant. There are three dining rooms. The Grand Gallery, Safari Gallery, and the Nomad Lounge.  Table seating in the Bar at Nomad Lounge does require a reservation except at the bar. See paragraph one, last sentence. There isn’t a feeling that you are being turned quickly and the pace of the wait staff is relaxed. The setting is conducive to easy conversation with your fellow diners.

Unless of course you don’t want conversation with your fellow diners then I would recommend Chef Mickeys. We love that place, there is a lot of activity at all times; a monorail overhead; special visits from the Mouse himself and guests; and you can leave the table at any time to get some food. For example, your table mate starts to speak,  and you say “Excuse me I need to go get another plate of Filet of Beef and some dessert.” If that is said to you don’t take it personally now that you know the secret.

View of the totems from our table. Totems, must not have been happy with me as they were putting out fuzzy vibes towards my picture.

Why are we here? That is a deep question and my answer has always been… we are here to eat. Someone has to do it and it might as well be me. Unfortunately it isn’t an appetizer sort of day for us and we proceed directly to the Main Courses. The meal consists of a two Berkshire Pork Tenderloins ($39), Pan-seared Duck Breast ($39) and Grilled Swordfish ($42).

Although no appetizers today, bread is still provided. It is hard to describe, but I can say with some authority it is “not like Wonder”. The consensus at the table was a bit mixed. Initially I considered sweet, but then changed my mind to not. I probably ate most of the bread so that tells you where I stand. The Pomegranate Olive Oil added a unique flavor to the bread.

 

The Berkshire Pork Tenderloins are the favorite of the evening. Ordered by two of the four at the table. As described from the menu. A Masa Tamale (which was very tasty I might add), Hominy Succotash, Red Mole Sauce. The Hominy brought back memories of my childhood, but this time I wasn’t complaining… not saying I didn’t like Mom’s Hominy, but this was very good with its sprinkling of sweet corn and lima beans.

 

Grilled Swordfish. Being from the midwest we are familiar with our cuts of meat and the methods in which they are prepared. My wife enjoyed a portion of the fish, but the remainder was a bit rare to her liking. Apparently the swordfish should be prepared on the rare side and being from the midwest fish cooking requirements is a new experience. As a preference my wife doesn’t enjoy food on the rare side.

 

Pan-seared Duck Breast. From the menu: Leg Confit…. the obvious question… what is that? Apparently it a classic way to prepare duck. Basically it is frying the meat in oil, but at a much lower temperature. More Confit details are at Serious Eats. Continuing the menu… Forest Mushrooms… sounds straightforward… mushrooms from the forest, Parsnip Puree, Truffle Reduction, Huckleberry Compote. Crystal reports the duck was excellent.

Overall an enjoyable trip. A good dinner and fun time was had by all. It’s a place we will add to the return in the future list.

There are more photos to share from the Tiffins visit and you can view them here at Doug Travels Orlando Facebook page.

For consistency to the start, we shall refer to this as the “back of the coaster” and The End. See you at the parks. 🙂

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Balloon Switcharoo at Disney Springs – Characters In Flight

in Walt Disney World by
A sunny February dark blue sky kind of day at Disney Springs

We were passing by and thought a quick once around Disney Springs would be fun. Just a walk through to look for any new stores, restaurants, or entertainment that may have popped up since our last visit. As always we look for the balloon floating over Disney Springs. Since it was such a beautiful February day with a light wind, the balloon was high in the sky; providing Disney Spring’s vistas for its high flying patrons.

Me: “Yep, there it is… do you see any new dessert restaurants?”.  My eagle eyed and observant wife: “That’s a different balloon”.  After I realize she is not interested in dessert I take a second look and sure enough a new blue balloon is hovering overhead. Characters in Flight has replaced the orange/blue/yellowish(?) balloon with the new color scheme. Blue on blue with orange rings. It is a nice looking balloon.

The former balloon I’ve admired from the ground during visits to Downtown Disney and now Disney Springs.

As of this date we have yet to make our way onto the balloon and sail for 8 to 10 minutes into the wild blue. (It states an 8 to 10 minute experience on the web site). At $20 per adult and $10 per child it seems like a fair deal (to borrow a term from President Truman) for a ride in a hot air balloon.  Taxes do apply.

Don’t forget to look for possible discount opportunities. For example, performing a quick search on Groupon I found a single adult ride for $11.50. It also lists a ride for two option at $23.00. I’m no math genius, but the discount looks strikingly similar. Still, it’s a great deal at a 43% discount (the website did the math). I didn’t place a direct link to the deal since the offer may be limited or may change.  But as of today the discount is real. Here is a link to Groupon’s Orlando Deals.

The new blue balloon in a bluer sky. Its just a matter of time. I’m getting excited just writing about it… were going to do this thing! With Groupon of course.

Since we didn’t hear any news regarding the balloon change (guess it’s not like a new Star Wars Land), I did a little digging and came up with this article from disZine posted January 19, 2017. Guess were not much behind these hot news items. That could be my new tag line… “not too much behind the times”. Sweet.

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Mel-O-Cream Donuts – Springfield, Illinois

in Other 49 States by
Mel-O-Cream Donuts. This location on Laurel Ave is just a few blocks from the office. Many early morning runs, (not literally), were made here to put a smile on someones face. Notice the fine camera work, as if I didn’t mean to capture the corner of the truck door in the bottom right. It’s like I was in such a hurry to get in the store I didn’t have time to shut the truck door.

An early morning must stop for any Springfield visit is Mel-O-Cream Donuts.

On a recent trip to Springfield, I found some of the favorite local food places of my past are still making their way in this world of autonomous vehicles and drone deliveries. It did my heart good, but not my cholesterol level, to see my favorite donut shop still in operation feeding the hungry masses good old fashion flour and sugar. Breakfast of Champion donut eaters.

Mel-O-Cream Donuts has been in Springfield as long as I remember. Though there have been up and comer donut makers in town, these donuts are still my favorites. The jelly filled with white icing is my preferred donut above all others.

Just the other day my lunch time dining partner Jim was telling me that donuts are healthier than bagels; and that jelly filled donuts are healthier than the cake donut. Obviously my instincts are on target since I started eating the healthy jelly filled donut from a young age. Not sure where my well informed friend got his information, but if it was from the internet I can only assume it to be true.

*Back in the Day Alert*

I recall three Mel-O-Cream donut locations we visited back in the day. One on North Grand; another in a parking garage at 4th and Adams; and the Laurel Street location.

Mom would sometimes punish herself and take me shopping with her at Myers Brothers downtown. Our regular parking location for such a jaunt was the 4th and Adams Parking Garage. At the first floor, before we would exit the stairs to the sidewalk was a small coffee shop that I believe was a Mel-O-Cream donut shop. I could be wrong since I was not very old at the time and was focused mainly on the donuts.  The place looked huge from my young vantage point, but when I returned at the end of the 90’s it was Tiny’s Chili and it was very small place, even for a guy named Tiny.

These donuts take a nice picture, and I am sure they are just as good as the regular shaped glazed donut, but I don’t typically eat them since there is no jelly filling or a smothering of icing. Not saying I haven’t ate them. Just not my donut of preference. Did pick up some for the office as part of my assorted dozen selection. All donuts were gone before 10am, so a dozen wasn’t really enough. I would even venture to guess that these donuts were gone before the healthy snacks, eaten by my co-workers, looking out for the welfare of their fellow employees. We have very considerate and caring employees.

 

More donuts loaded and ready for purchase. I believe these to be cream filled. My favorite jelly filled has the little teaser of jelly placed on top of the white iced donut.

 

I selected a couple of these for the work dozen, but left them for my fellow employees. A work of art the chocolate iced donut with peaks of whipped cream and a splash of color. Almost as enjoyable to look at as they are to eat… or so I’ve been told.

Before you visit the Lincoln sites and before your family has awakened, and before you have considered a healthy breakfast, take that 15 minute drive to the Laurel Street location (there is counter service), sit down and have a donut (I recommend the jelly filled) and a coffee or milk (your preference). The shop opens at 7am, so maybe its not that early, but hey, your family is on vacation so its early for vacationers and they will still be asleep. After a couple donuts and a coffee or milk, get a dozen boxed for your trip back to the family. You will be the hero. Then have another from the box.

Happy Valentines Day!

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Donut King

If you just pulled an all-nighter driving so that you can view the sun coming up over Disney World, and

Ferryboat to the Magic Kingdom

in Walt Disney World by
Entrance to the Ferryboat at Transportation Ticket Center.

To me… the Ferryboats are an underrated form of transportation to the Magic Kingdom. Not only can it efficiently move a lot of happy and excited guests across the Seven Seas Lagoon in the morning, but it can take those same tired, irritable and short tempered guests home in the evening (not saying it wasn’t fun, but hanging with the masses sometimes may test one’s patience). The benefit for the evening guests ride back being that the Ferryboat has a bit more room than the bus and monorail and allows one to spread out and relax a bit in the dark of the evening while enjoying the lights of the surrounding resort areas. Maybe even take a few deep breaths and recall the fun moments of the day.

Efficiency isn’t the only thing to make the Ferryboat special. The sweeping views are something to take in and enjoy. Each resort scene changing as you make your way across the lagoon. Where finally to the excitement to all who visit the Magic Kingdom, from just beyond the docks, the park itself provides a glimpse of the adventures to come.

Great views of the Polynesian, The Grand Floridian, The Contemporary and of course the Magic Kingdom are there for the taking along the route across the Seven Seas Lagoon. On those busy days you may have to stake claim to railing space if you want to gaze unhindered.

You may ask… “why no photos of these great resort views?” I don’t have any photos. Many times after we do something I will turn to my wife and say “I should have taken some photos. That would be a great post.” Live and Learn.

The Ferryboat route can be seen here.

Magic Kingdom on the horizon. Other forms of boat transportation arriving at the Magic Kingdom from other Disney Resorts with access to the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake.
Just a bit closer. Another Ferryboat (right) sits at the dock. The monorail about to arrive at the Magic Kingdom Station. A water launch in the foreground returning for more guests possibly at Fort Wilderness Campground, Wilderness Lodge or the Contemporary.
I admit this photo has been edited a bit to add a dash of color. Usually I post them as taken, but it seemed to be awash in gray. Which is something I don’t recall at the Magic Kingdom. Even on the most overcast days.

Chili in Florida? …Duffy’s Sports Grill, Altamonte Springs, FL

in Florida Locales/Orlando by

To borrow from Forrest Gump… Me and Chili goes together like meat and beans. That is why, even in the Florida summer I am on the lookout for a tasty bowl of red.

Duffy’s Signature Chili – Duffy’s Sports Grill of Altamonte Springs

I don’t fancy myself a chili snob, and because I’m willing to try most things once (regarding chili), I have developed a great appreciation for the regional variations. Nothing better than finding that off-the-beaten track chili parlor, ladling out a delicious bowl of chili. That’s why it is important that even in this temperate climate I seek out a Florida chili bowl to hang my hat on… so to speak.

First things first. Merriam-Webster, defining since 1828 states chili is a thick sauce of meat and chilies.  Lets leave it at that. Variations are aplenty and the debate could rage longer than the opening day lines for the Frozen ride at Epcot.

Winter is chili season… in the Midwest. I have always said “anytime is chili time” and I still believe it, but in the smothering heat of the Florida summer I’m not so sure I’m ready for a big bowl of chili, but I’m not saying I would turn it down either… maybe a small bowl would be more prudent in the summer time.

On the fine 86 degree day of October 21st, 2016, I happened upon Duffy’s Sports Grill in Altamonte Springs. Noticing the signature chili on the menu I placed my first Florida chili order and drank some sweet tea. It was a good bowl of chili. I would say midwestern style in its flavor and texture. Usually I don’t get the cheese and onions because I prefer not to cover the spice blend, but forgot to mention it. Chili making for restaurants is a balancing act. Trying to please a large group of people with various tastes makes it hard to go crazy with a spicy blend of peppers. Mild is the mark when it comes to restaurant chili.  Heat can always be added to taste.

Walt Disney was a fan of chili. What surprises me about his recipe (which I haven’t yet made), is that the spice quantities are what I would consider a bit thin. I want to make it, but based on my experience it may turn out bland. No offense Walt. Could my secret recipe be over seasoned? Not sure that’s possible in the age of super flavor. If Walt’s Chili is available at Disney World I have been unable to find it even with my Commodore 64 mad skills.

Last word. Duffy’s is more than a bowl of chili.  This post is about a bowl of chili.  The Duffy’s menu is comprehensive (so much more than chili). I have visited a number of times during lunch and am happy with the service and food quality. The place is busy during lunch and the turnaround time (because the boss watching) is good (Maybe next time you should invite the boss).

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One… no Two Cakes. Amorette’s

in Walt Disney World by

These are some fun cakes that missed my post from the other day.  A quick look through the cake archives made me realize that maybe I eat too much cake. Hard as it is to believe it could be true.  Then again, we still haven’t made the purchase of an Amorette’s cake yet. Give me a chance though since its only been a little over a week since I made the resolution to buy a cake.

We strolled in for the usual Disney Springs Amorette’s stroll and snapped a picture of this cake on Christmas Eve.

The Minnie Dome Cake. Lemon Chiffon Cake, White Chocolate Mousse, and Strawberry Pate De Fruit Jelly.

 

Minnie Dome Cake with the Donald and Pluto Dome Cakes in foreground. To the rear left is what I believe to be the Chocolate Fascinator Cake.  Not as colorful, but I’m sure just as delicious.

The second photo was taken June 13, 2016 (my Dad’s birthday, unfortunately he didn’t get a cake). Notice the difference in the finish of photo one and photo two. The Minnie Dome in photo one has a much duller finish. My guess is that the duller cake was not quite through the finishing process. Though it takes a nice picture, mounted on it’s cake pedestal, it still needs that shiny new car look.

Based on a very informational blog post… my guess is steam. Once the cake has completed the decorating process it is tossed in the steamer with the broccoli and given a nice sheen.  Just kidding about the broccoli. It does note that the glossy finish will dry out and the cake will need to be steamed again… hence, let’s keep those cakes moving off the shelf… who wants a steamy pile of cake.  I am guessing about the shiny finish method and will make another trip to research the cake conundrum further. It’s the least I can do.

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Chuy, Chuy Chuy, Chuy, Chuy …. Chuy’s

in Orlando by
This is the Wally Park Orlando location. It wasn’t meant to be an artsy photo and the place isn’t built on the side of a hill, but it was raining, I was in my car and apparently my phone was not quite level.

When I say it real fast it reminds me of the Andy Griffith episode when Goober is doing his impersonation of Cary Grant.  Gomer is telling Andy about it and asking Goober… Cmon, do it….do it… do it Goober… Judy, Judy Judy, Judy, Judy…Good stuff. That doesn’t have anything to do with the restaurant or its cool interior, or its very tasty Tex-Mex menu items.

Today, January 8th does have something to do with the restaurant.  According to the menu on our most recent visit to my favorite Chuy’s, just two stoplights north of Orlando International Airport on Semoran, today, Elvis’s birthday, if you dress as Elvis or Priscilla you get to eat for free.  Apparently Elvis is named the Patron Saint of Chuy’s. I know it real because it’s on the menu. If it’s on the menu it has to be real, just like if its on the internet it has to be real…right?

I missed this special occasion. Had to spend some time at work, but would have loved to hang out today sipping some Margaritas and watching the Elvis and Pricilla show at Chuy. It has to be a popular day for the employees. To check out some Elvis sightings go here on Twitter or here for Instagram.

There is one important item I don’t have for this posts.  Pictures of the food.  In my rush to eat I forgot. This may have happened before and a pattern may be developing. Maybe smaller meals at more frequent periods through the day would help, but I digress.

We keep going back because we love the food. We start with the chips and salsa sometimes paired with the Creamy Jalapeno Dip then order the Chili Con Queso (we aren’t so formal, we just say Queso) and a round of drinks. Usually water and tea (we don’t want to get too wild).

We place the usual entree order. Mine is the Chicka-Chicka Boom-Boom, our usual Chuy’s lunch guests split The Elvis Presley Memorial Combo and my wife orders a Soft Taco. The taco comes with rice and beans After chips, salsa, queso, jalapeno dip, chicka boom, a memorial combo and a taco we grab some to-go boxes, roll out to the car and go home to take a nap. There is more than our usual standard fare… menu.

When we stroll past the lobby we do stop and admire the catchy t-shirts for sale.

I couldn’t buy this one because my Patronus is an Enchilada.
I was told that Tacocat and Juan Solo (not pictured) is among patrons top favorites.

 

Besides the food we also like the friendly staff and interesting decor of the restaurant. While I don’t take pictures of the staff because I don’t want to freak them out or seem like a creeper I did snap some shots of the decor of the Wally Park location. Wally Park being the Semoran Blvd location.

Hubcaps cover the ceiling of a separate dining area at the Wally Park location.

 

You can’t go wrong with shiny metallic palm trees.

 

Another metallic palm tree and the neon hand pointing to a very important sign “Hand Made Tortillas” Below this lit hand and sign you can watch the action behind the glass as the tortillas are hand rolled and put on the rotating grill.

Speaking of rotating grill.  Here is a video of the tortillas in action.

 

After a long flight and finally your arrival to beautiful Orlando you may be looking for a place to eat. Are you thinking of hitting a theme park restaurant, downtown Orlando restaurant, or maybe somewhere along International Drive. There are a lot of good choices at any of those locations, but right outside the front door of Orlando International Airport lies another good choice.  One of my favorites…. Chuy, Chuy, Chuy, Chuy, Chuy… Chuy’s.

DougMap

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