Lunch

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

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).

First Stop on Arrival at Walt Disney World – The Earl

Published on January 4, 2017 in Walt Disney World by Doug Wilcoxon

Does your family have a first stop when arriving at Walt Disney World?

Some family traditions are handed down from generation to generation, but ours started because we are always hungry after the long drive to Walt Disney World. Some families surely make their first stop the Magic Kingdom, Epcot or maybe a ride on the monorail. We owned our tradition. We looked forward to the Earl first, then we could focus our satisfied appetites on Walt Disney World, because exploring the world cannot be done on an empty stomach.

One would think it easy, for a family of four, to come to an agreement regarding dining at WDW with the multitude of various options, but it seemed the only place we agreed upon was the dinner at Earl of Sandwich. Destination Disney Springs, the locale formally known as Downtown Disney, and a beeline to the Earl was always the first stop after checking into the resort. Everyone has more than one favorite and never a complaint was muttered.

“The World’s Greatest Hot Sandwich” – could they make that claim if it wasn’t true?

A quick peruse through their website shows they are in more than one location… who knew? The website shows they are located in Downtown Disney Anaheim and Disney Springs Lake Buena Vista, FL. Disney lovers can enjoy tasty sandwiches on both coasts. Don’t let me lead you to believe those are the only two locations, because that is not the case. There are quite a few, and one may be in a city near you.

Typically with most sandwich joints I stick to one type, but here at the Earl I like to mix it up. I have yet to try the veggie. It does look good, but when there is the All American, Ham ‘N’ Swiss, the Italian, or Holiday Turkey year round, the Original 1762 is another favorite. Here are some photos, some dating to around 2013. Notice the consistency throughout the year.

I’m guessing here, but this has to one of the best sellers. How can one go wrong with Salami, capicola, ham, mortadella mozzarella, Roma tomato, Italian seasoning & Italian dressing.

A look inside the magic. I think the bread makes these sandwiches unique.

This one isn’t on the website menu. Will investigate its whereabouts.

Full disclosure here… I don’t know what this sandwich is, but in the interest of complete coverage I will visit the Earl this weekend and not leave until this sandwich is identified.

There is usually a line for this attraction. This is a typical view upon arrival. Don’t let it worry you though, because the line moves fairly fast. The adjacent gift shop had shared an interior door with the Earl, but it has been closed up. I can only assume because the line would wrap into the store and impede vacationers from spending money. Regardless, get in line, look at the menu, and prepare to change your mind a few times before you get to the register.

Pay attention to this sign. When you place your order at the other end of the counter you do not pay. Just place the order and move along… keep that line moving…

Grilled chicken, ham Swiss, pineapple & BBQ sauce. Yum Yum

The sandwiches not only take good pictures, but their tasty too!

Every now and then I throw a wrap into the mix. Mostly I stick with the Thai Chicken Wrap. It tasty and crispy. The sweet chili sauce will build the heat slow, but heat you up by the time you finish the sandwich. It is my standard wrap. Don’t forget your toothpick with the wrap, don’t want Mickey looking at tortilla leftovers between your teeth. Tried the Buffalo Chicken wrap recently, while good, The Thai Chicken Wrap is still my favorite.

There are other items on the menu, but other than the pasta salad (which is usually my side), I haven’t tried them. The sandwiches are enough to keep on a rotation. Once the craving is satisfied for one sandwich I can move on to another the next visit. We still visit here often even though we no longer make those long drives. It’s one of our go to places.

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