MA-SE Sushi Eatery - Longwood

In the old AJ’s Press space off 434, you’ll now find MA-SE Sushi. The space is now darker, it feels a little more hip, and it is intimate with only seven tables and bar seating. Normally, I’m a bit concerned when I see a mixture of cuisines on one menu, but here it makes sense, and it is done sparingly without a Cheesecake Factory-sized menu. The Executive Chef is from Thailand, not to mention they have experience as a sushi chef in cities with much more food notoriety than Orlando.

I’ve dined here twice, first focusing mainly on sushi. Specialty rolls like the Shibuya and Surf & Turf stood out and were well worth the price tag, but taste and execution on standard rolls like Yellowtail and a Rainbow Roll did not disappoint either.

I dove into the Thai menu on the next adventure, and I really loved their Pad Thai and the Potstickers that were accompanied by a curry sauce that hits you in the face with a brightness and heat I was not used to with potstickers, but now I find myself craving.

Not to be forgotten are the wings I tried, which were very reminiscent of the famous Domu wings, with their sweet, crunchy exterior. I couldn’t find a missed mark anywhere, everything was fabulous down to the Thai Tea, so I would highly recommend you check it out.

Vegan options: Some, but it’s pretty sparse

Outdoor dining: NO

The Yardery - Sanford

In my search for outdoor dining options, I was surprised to see a new spot whose entire dining area is a backyard! The Yardery in Sanford transformed a space downtown into the backyard we all wished we had for hosting friends and family. A covered bar with flat-screen TVs, games throughout the yard, a huge oak tree for shade, and picnic tables. The food is a mixture of American fare, burgers, ribs, chicken, salads, flatbreads, and a kids' menu. I got the Fried Chicken with hot honey sauce and found it spot on. Juicy, tender, and the sauce gave it an excellent sweet heat. I went in with zero expectations, since I hadn’t heard much about it, and left satisfied for an easy, breezy lunch.

If you have kids, this place would keep them busy with tire swings, cornhole, and other games while they wait for their food.

Vegan options: Not really, but they are still adding to the menu

Outdoor dining: YES

Thai Farm Kitchen - College Park

I was sad to see RusTeak in College Park move to relocate since the neighborhood is in desperate need of new places to eat that are not pizza. Seeing a new Thai restaurant move in left me with high hopes. The restaurant got a bit of a decor update with plants and a brighter vibe of bright red on the patio. The full menu was not available yet on my visit, but I tried two dishes. The Panang Curry was so rich and flavorful (also spicy) it opened my sinuses up, but without being painful. The Drunken Noodles were delicious (you can choose your own spice level on these). I eat Thai regularly, and this spot soared to the top of my list with just one visit, and I hope it stays there.

Vegan options: YES

Outdoor dining: YES

Deli Desire - Candied Orange Latte

I’ve already sung the praises of Deli Desires several times, and if you haven’t gone yet, I can only assume you have a gluten allergy; that would be the only practical issue for your delay. However, I must quickly implore you, as an intense and critical coffee lover, to go get the candied orange latte from Deli Desires. I can only assume you are a coffee lover as well, because why else would you follow me if not for constant coffee content.

As a citizen of the Sunshine, Orange grove-laden state, it is your duty to PUT ORANGE ZEST IN YOUR LATTE. Orange and coffee bean is the new peanut butter and jelly, anecdotally producing more serotonin, and I can only wrongly assume a bit of extra Vitamin C.

Black Rooster Brunch - Curry Ford location

There are two types of brunch people. Boozy, loud, bottomless-mimosa drinking party goers, and someone who has a Leslie and Ron level obsession with breakfast food and wants to enjoy it with the standard amount of restaurant noise. I am the latter. Unfortunately, Orlando doesn’t have as many worthwhile breakfast spots as I’d like, and several are dedicated to drunk brunch chaos on the weekends. Thankfully, Black Rooster took advantage of their new location and added a brunch menu that you can enjoy with or without booze, but in a low-key, peaceful setting if that is your wish.

I got the Chilaquiles after struggling between that and French Toast and the Birria Style Brisket Quesadilla. It’s noteworthy that all brunch menu items are $10 or less and the priciest alcoholic beverage is a $6 margarita. My only question to Black Rooster is when will you open up a brunch spot next to my house?

Vegan options: YES

Outdoor dining: YES (with some skillful substituting)

BB.Q Chicken USA

Do you ever share food you tried just to have everyone tell you that you should try a different spot? Ya’ll, I only have one stomach and the same 24 hours in a day that Beyonce has that she probably does not waste on eating at new restaurants. Everyone told me to try BB.Q Chicken, but then told me they waited 2 hours to eat there. So I did not run, I waited.

The waiting paid off, not to mention the fact that I went at 2 pm during the week. I ordered three different types of wings - honey garlic, secret spicy, and original. If you like a good crunchy wing texture isn’t also accompanied by a hard exterior you have to crack a tooth to get into, these might be your new favorite wings. The secret spicy was not spicy, so go hotter if you like heat, and the original was great, but I loved the honey garlic the most. There are so many other flavors to try, as well as a few other non-wing menu items. While these are not the cheapest wings around, they are worth checking out. If you go boneless, they are a bit cheaper.

Vegan options: NO

Outdoor dining: NO unless you just order a few sides

Tan Cha - East Orlando

I spent $7 on a boba tea that was so good I think I slurped it down in about five gulps, and then I just sat there in disbelief that it was over just two lights down E. Colonial. As a self-appointed boba tea enthusiast, I should have known better and paced myself and savored my drink, but the moment the Tiramisu cream hit my lips I was no longer in control of my faculties. Not much unlike Bart when he gets an all syrup squishee from the Kwik-E-Mart. I was told the Royal Ceylon Milk Tea with Tiramisu Puff Cream is their most popular drink, and I can see why. You just have to go try it for yourself.

Jesse’s Rib Shack

Although wings did not make top billing into the name, that is without a doubt my favorite item to get from Jesse’s Rib Shack. This spot has been around for a while, moving spaces a few times, but now back on Pine Street in downtown. On different occasions, I have been able to enjoy the fried shrimp (dunk those bad boys) some truly succulent ribs, but the wings remain my favorite. Wherever Jesse goes, I will follow for his shack sauce and lemon pepper wings. The only thing I am not a fan of is the macaroni and cheese, but for entrees like his, that was never supposed to be the main event.

Vegan options: NO

Outdoor dining: Mostly pick up for to go or delivery

Lawless Subs - Altamonte Springs

The time I’ve wasted in a Publix sub line seemed like a right of passage for any transplant to Florida. If you want the goods, you must wait in a painstakingly long deli line with more patience and positivity than you've ever given to any of your loved ones, that is until the unthinkable happens. The person in front of you pulls out a laundry list of subs.

Had I known the time I could have saved by heading to Lawless Subs in Altamonte, I may have finished the book I started writing back in 2007. From menu inspection, ordering, and back in my car to eat, I think the whole experience lasted four minutes. On top of that, the sub was delicious! I liked the freshly made bread just as much as the bread at Publix that I dare say makes the subs. It was a flawlessly easy transaction that got me eating in record time, while supporting a local business. It’s a win/win if you find yourself in the area for lunch.

Loading Gastrobrunch - St. Cloud

It is clear that Loading Gastrobrunch is the hot spot of St. Cloud. Their Saturday brunch was packed out; thank goodness I had made a reservation. It looked like organized chaos inside with big parties celebrating and a full bar of people. St. Cloud knows how to brunch.

I sat outside, away from the action, a little nervous our busy server would likely forget us, but that did not happen. Instead, our service was fast and perfect. Despite no empty seats in the place, our food came out quick.

I got the Chicken N’ Waffles, a good portion of two large Belgian Waffles with Chicken, candied bacon, Sriracha maple, and cream cheese butter. It was decadent and delicious, and I thought the Sriracha syrup gave it a nice kick. They serve Lineage coffee, and I got their Winnie the Brew, Lineage’s famous 431 cold brew topped with cold foam creamer. There is a lot to choose from on the brunch menu, so no matter whom you go with, they are sure to find something, and while a lot is on the indulgent side, they have healthier options.

These are personal experiences, paid for by me. I was not invited to dine at these establishments, nor was I paid to share my experience. Support your local businesses with your own money.