Stairway to Bar Food Heaven

Whatever the reason, the local scenes in Tampa, Orlando, and Miami have exploded with more bars, more places to drink, and more social areas. Maybe there are heavier amounts of younger people now more than ever, but the amount of bars has definitely increased in the last ten years in each of these cities. Finding a good bar is sometimes hard, whether it’s because of the overpricing of food, mediocre service, and/or sheer lack of space. Prior to Treasure Island, the only one I have visited more than once is the Ale House on 535 in the Walt Disney area (Recommend if you’ve never been there). However, it’s been dethroned (in terms of food and service at least), by this wonderful place in Treasure Island.


A local favorite in Tampa Bay, Ricky T’s Bar and Grill has been hailed as the most visited spot amongst the locals in all of Treasure Island. I was heading over there in the 2:00 timeframe to catch the Argentina/Mexico match. However, I was mixed up on my days and instead was catching the United States play Ghana. The bar looks small from a distance, but is actually quite big once you head inside. There are televisions all over the place, and there is a very positive atmosphere everywhere, even in the face of US losing 1-0 at that time. Our server was also partially in charge of the small bar located in the center of the restaurant. Keeping pace with both spots was quite talented if you ask me.



Here is what we ordered since we were hungry and really needed to make up for The Pearl Restaurant: 20 wings (ding dang sauce, and garlic), crispy fries, prime rib sandwich, buffalo chicken dip, and the seafood pizza. The seafood pizza sounded the most exciting, with a pizza infused with alfredo sauce, shrimp, lobster, crab, and mozzarella cheese. No drinks though, nobody was in the mood to drink anything past water. We waited a bit but passed the time by watching the game.



All the foods arrive pretty much in succession. There was no more waiting once all the food was ready. We got the buffalo dip and French fries first. The buffalo chicken dip is one of the best dips I have ever tasted in my life. A mix of a great sauce with pieces of chicken and cheese all over, this dip went perfectly well with the already-tasty chips. They got high marks all around. The fries were crispy and also very good. The wings were the weakest portion, but none of us three were ever big with wings, we just wanted to try some. The garlic wings were good, but the ding dang wings had the spiciness, but lacked the flavor. As we were trying all this however, the rest of the food arrived, including, the seafood pizza.



Michael’s prime rib sandwich looked fantastic, and according to him, tasted fantastic. It came with great local chips, and a fantastic French onion dip. The onion dip even went well with the fries. The seafood pizza is why Ricky T’s is going to become a spot I shall visit everytime I am in the general vicinity. The seafood pizza was massive, full of seafood (lobster and crab just melts in your mouth), full of rich flavor, and also chock full of cheese---which is a personal favorite extra touch of mine. If you like seafood, and only if you like seafood, then you must try this at least once. While the price tag is high ($19) remember this: seafood is expensive especially nowadays (k thanks BP), and it is well-worth its price quality-wise. There is no half-assing whatsoever in this joint, and the service was great too.

What also stands out is the sheer variety of items, which destroys that of your average bar or pub. The spot had four pages, and it was tough to fine any two dishes or appetizers that sounded the same. It actually took us more time to order than it did for them to make the food and bring it to us. It is clear to see why its become such a local hit for the past 15 years. One last note: there is live entertainment, but in the evening time. There were a lot of people there when we visited, but it looks like the real busyness arrives when the sun comes down. Ricky T’s is split into two bars and one main restaurant, and packed inside is a lot of quality atmosphere, quality service, and quality food.

Bottom Line: This is a must-visit by any means necessary. Everything about this spot was fantastic, from the sports memorabilia to the ambience to the great, great food. We were satisfied from the first second to the very last. Kudos to whomever is running this place, because you have a gem that has gotten the attention of all the locals and all the visitors. The place isn’t tough to find, so it is strongly suggested if you ever head to Tampa Bay—whether its Clearwater, St. Petersburg , or Treasure Island. If you want to find a good example of a good bar, then come here, enjoy, and take some serious notes. Containing the aura of a bar but serving food fit for a high-scale restaurant, Ricky T’s Bar and Grill is inches away from cuisine perfection.

The Unofficial Official Cuban Sandwich of Tampa Bay

Cuban sandwiches, believe it or not, actually got its start in Tampa Bay before making its way over to Miami, the Key Coast, and Cuba. This is largely because of the influx of immigrant Cuban workers that had made their way into the Tampa Bay area to take place in the big business involving cigar-making. So, with this fact, now you know Tampa Bay takes their sandwiches very seriously. If the Cuban sandwich contains anything more (or less) than roasted pork, ham, swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, it will then be frowned upon by the purists. Sometimes some vegetables, mayonnaise, and/or salami is added, but the old-schoolers pass it off as a wanna-be Cuban. While the debate grows on, it has become generally accepted in Tampa Bay that the best Cuban sandwiches are located in a popular local eatery known as The Floridian.



The Floridian started out in 1993 and instantly received outstanding reviews, and on a yearly basis was voted and selected as the top restaurant for Cuban sandwiches. Located on the edges of Treasure Island, it’s located very close to the beach, and on the border of the more-populated St. Petersburg area. The spot is very easy to find, as its right before hitting Gulf Boulevard, which is the street that is dancing on the edge of the ocean. When I approached the spot, the ambience wasn’t arrogant at all (unlike The Pearl Restaurant, but that’s another story). With a few newspaper articles here and about, The Floridian is aware of its acclaim, but doesn’t boast it.


We decide to sit outside, since the inside contains only a few tables, one booth, and a soda machine. Me and Josh order the Cuban sandwich, twelve inches. The Cuban sandwich here is your average Cuban, except it has much more meat, making it much thicker, and it also contains salami. In order to avoid the sandwich popping like a top, we had to grip the sandwich a bit tight before delivering our bites. The food though, was fantastic. The Cuban sandwich here is like your usual sandwich, except on some quality steroids.



Usually Cuban sandwiches come with a side of fries or chips, but in this case it comes with neither. There are specials, but they contain 6-inch sandwiches, when I wanted to go the whole nine yards. The only problem I had was that some of the meat wasn’t fully warm. Not saying it wasn’t fresh, but that during the pressing process, they didn’t get to warm all the meat. It is partially understandable considering that it’s a lot of meat in between two breads to cook, but just a few more minutes could have really propelled our sandwiches to new heights.

Bottom Line: In the Cuban sandwich scale, this one is easily the best I’ve had in the Tampa Bay area. After visiting the area for years upon years, its safe to say the locals nailed it right on the head. The sandwiches were huge, were delicious, and fulfilling. The only Cuban sandwich I’ve ever had that tops it is the one served at Bongos in the Downtown Disney area, which was thick, and consistently hot---not to mention comes with fries at around the same price. Nonetheless, this place was a very nice spot for some good local food, and is worthy of all the praise. If you like great sandwiches, then spot is a must-visit.

A Cure For the Everyday Subway

Subs have never been my cup of tea. Paying multiple dollars for something I can easily make at home is not exactly an activity I would enjoy. Unlike most, I don’t like a mess of stuff in my sandwiches. While some put allll their vegetables in between two pieces of bread, I settle for mere lettuce and a condiment. Lining up all the meats, cheeses, and types of greens without a cooling system isn’t my idea of fresh. Subways, I am looking at you.

Subways has ruined fast food forever, because they jump-started the healthy revolution, despite the fact that Subways isn’t very healthy either. The 6 grams of fat or less boasting stems from you ordering certain products, and then removing the cheese, dressings, and condiments. You are not actually eating healthy until you strip away at most of the flavor. The Subways revolution started in the late 90s and stemmed far past this previous decade. Why on earth is America still fat? McDonalds, among other restaurants, have been forced to strip at away at their flavor in exchange for healthier French fries. Pop quiz hotshots, if you are aiming for a healthier lifestyle, why are you inside a Burger King in the first place? So thanks to Jared and Subways what do we have? Healthier restaurants that have food that isn’t as tasty, a bunch of mediocre Subways everywhere, more expensive meals because the ingredients are healthier, and a country that’s still amazingly fat. Good going Subways.



That being said, we have a saving grace to all the ugly sub madness: Mama B’s Giant Subs. This Downtown Orlando staple has been around since the 50s, with the second restaurant opening in the 70s. I went to the one that is “newer,” in the Colonial area. Located next to a major Orlando hospital, this spot is prime location. Unfortunately for us though, the place is not open often, just a mere seven and a half hours. Walking inside, the place doesn’t have much style, besides the old-school pictures of 1930s-50s Major League Baseball. I see a few people here and there and several people walking inside, ordering, and walking back out. Upon first glance you can tell this place runs on take out orders. I ordered a salami sub, and Josh orders a cheesesteak sub. In less than a minute after we were done paying, the orders were ready.



The subs had a look of hoagies, because they were split in half. Both of our subs contain two distinctive things that differ from your average sub: the small sprinkles of parmesan cheese, and a secret recipe Italian dressing. Josh’s cheesesteak sub had provolone cheese, onions, and plenty plenty of cheesesteak. His meal looked gorgeous, and according to him, definitely tasted like heaven. My salami sub seemingly had more salami than lettuce and the taste definitely paid off. It was leagues upon miles better than any sub I have ever tasted, honestly. Best part was that in the corner of the eatery was some extra condiments and extra Italian dressing. Of course, being a sauce person (Has anyone seen my pasta lately), I doused the sub in some more dressing, making it that much better.



Of course, being culinary adventurers (and not to mention we still had room for one half-sub), me and Josh decided to try their most popular sub, which was one that contained pretty much all the colt cut meats they offer in the restaurant, ranging from salami to ham. The end result was spectacular, as it was very filling, very tasty, and very fresh. From the first bite, you can easily spot the difference between this place and your usual sub fare; the stuff here actually tastes very fresh. The price rage is a little higher than Subways, but with their ingredients, the price tag is justifiable. For dessert, you can have some free mints, or just at 50 cents you can get some zebra cakes. Not bad in today’s expensive society.

Bottom Line: The cure for the common sub, Mama B’s Giant Subs is very good food at very reasonable prices. While the institute of subs has ruined fast food after its tasty days in the 90s, Mama B’s makes you forget about that with its diverse and extensive menu, and plenty of ways to have a delicious lunch. They don’t brag about health, they brag about flavor, and that’s the way our quick service eateries should be. Strongly recommend, not for the style, but for the substance.





Mama B's Giant Subs
1101 S Orange Ave
Orlando, FL 32806

mmmmmmmmmm...Southern Chicken....

Olde Dixie Fried Chicken is an Orlando staple that has been around since the early 60s. Its large sign featuring a chicken wielding a Confederate hat is one of the signature sights of the area. While it has never become a major tourist destination, it has certainly received its share of fans and returning customers. I personally have avoided the spot for years upon years despite the good reviews because of the Confederate flag. Call me sensitive, but after years of Civil War education, I was a bit reluctant to visit a spot that contains a symbol of America’s only devastating war against itself. But yes, some people use the symbol as their pride towards their home, the good ol’ South. While the pride vs. prejudice debate rages on nowadays, I built the guts to try the place out.



The restaurant is actually quite small, and feels very old-school from the second you park the car. The bathroom was located outside the restaurant itself in a separate building for example. Going inside, the ambience was very laid-back; also quite old-school. Their menu was straight to the point, and doesn’t range far past chicken. Me and my cousin and brother essentially order the same exact thing: chicken and mashed potatoes and French fries. This isn’t a fancy-schmancy place, so we didn’t spend much time figuring out what to get.


We took some sodas and sat in the back corner of the small dining room. The building capacity doesn’t even pass 60, that’s how small the institute is. It gives the restaurant a more home-like feel. After a little bit of waiting, our meals arrived. Let’s just say the amount of food was quite staggering. We got three plates with two large pieces of chicken, a wing (which are never big), a small cup of mashed potatoes, and a mountain of French fries. Looking at it I realized: there was no way I was going to finish this lunch.




The chicken is easily some of the best I’ve ever had, hands-down. It was greasy to the core, but was also very juicy. Unlike your average chicken out there in quick-service eateries, each piece contained a lot of meat, and very little fried material surrounding it. The only chicken I’ve had that could top it (quick-service that is, comparing it to sit-down restaurants is very unfair) is that from a good Chik-Fil-A (call me a sucker for pressure-cooked chicken) and Yoders over at Sarasota. But hey, third place isn't bad, especially considering just how many places I’ve been to.


The vegetable aspect of the meal was wonderful too. I am usually not a fan of crinkle-cut fries, but I’ll make an exception here. Nicely salted and fried just right, the fries were very delicious and very filling too. And let’s just say the portions are not small either. The mashed potatoes however, I could have hoped for more, but that’s because it was even better than the fries. The mashed potatoes were very soft, and had just a small hint of butter. This small hint gave the potatoes just the right kick for quality flavor. Throughout the eating, the service was very nice, just like your usual mom-and-pop restaurant. Just a shame we didn’t have an extensive dessert menu like the average mom-n-pop place. Only apple pie. For the record: I didn’t finish the meal either.

Bottom Line: Olde Dixie Fried Chicken is chicken done right, and it’s a restaurant that proves why it has stood the test of time, even when it’s not in the most profitable of areas. It has outlasted multiple franchise eateries in the area and with good reason too. The chicken was fantastic, and the potatoes were delicious too. Olde Dixie never disguises what it truly is, a small place offering few items but big flavor. If you are a fan of chicken, you must come here at least once. If you are a vegetarian, avoid by all means necessary. There’s no school like the old-school.

Olde Dixie Fried Chicken:
(407) 855-0681
5925 S Orange Ave Orlando, FL 32809

Food with plenty of Disney class

Ever heard of the term “When it rains, it pours?” Well, that was why I visited The Turf Club Bar and Grill in Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort. After a lovely trip to Disney’s Animal Kingdom I noticed that a wonderful variety of clouds was following me. Racing to catch the bus to the resort so I can find my car (Which was in Downtown Disney), I frantically tried beating another Florida afternoon thunderstorm. By the time I reached Saratoga Springs, the measly storm caught up, and started pouring. And the pouring wouldn’t stop. 20 minutes in, the area was looking darker and darker. Then being hungry added to the frustration, and the quick service eatery in the resort didn’t have anything that looked good. A bit more walking around and I stumble across a beautiful little corner in the lobby, leading to a small room with a pool table and a restaurant in the far end. Being a cuisine adventurer, I thought, sure why not?





The place, let me say, is gorgeous, full of smiles and class. Even with Florida looking its absolute ugliest, the restaurant was small, compact, but nicely lit and nicely organized. Half of the tables are located on a nice patio overlooking Downtown Disney---but thanks to the storm, the patio became a river. So eating indoors seemed the plausible decision. Saratoga Springs has been around since 2004 and is Disney’s largest of the Vacation Club resorts. The hotel’s theme is that of the popular Saratoga Springs area in upstate New York. This resort has won multiple awards and is recognized as one of the environmentally friendliest resorts in the country.



The most popular appetizer of the restaurant was the lightly-breaded calamari, which came with two sauces. The roasted garlic mayonnaise sauce was absolutely spectacular and complimented the calamari in every possible way. The calamari itself was very good, even though in some instances you can clearly tell you are eating octopus/squid. The drink I had was a well-known drink in the Walt Disney World bars, a pomegranate splash. Nice drink, not too much alcohol, full of flavor. The storm is still spewing in the midst of all this.

My main entrée was going to be something very different from my usual ordering habits: a salmon salad. An interesting note about the salmon was that they asked me how I wanted the salmon cooked. This question usually applies to steak or burgers, but I had never heard of multiple options for cooking fish. I asked for a medium-well, much to the recommendation of the waitress. The wait was a big longer than I anticipated, but my oh my what a dish they delivered.


The plate was huge, and the salmon looked amazing. The salad was quite intimidating, since vegetables and I have had a rough relationship since……..forever. The salad contained arugula, tomatoes, and the all-mighty bacon. The salmon itself was glazed with a really nice ranch sauce, while the rest of the salad contained a tasty dressing that is unlike anything I’ve had before. It was very delicious; all of it, but there was no way I could finish. The calamari did not help either. The lunch was very fulfilling, and the storm totally stopped by the time I paid.

Bottom Line: When you make lemons, make lemonade. Or, in this case, when you are totally stuck in a storm, beg that it’s in a location that contains a nice restaurant like this one. The price is a little upsey, but the food is worth it. The setting is romantic, the view is nice (when Florida allows it), and the overall ambience was nothing short of peaceful. The entire staff was friendly as Disney allows them to be, and they improved what was becoming a miserable afternoon. For a little upscale dining, I recommend The Turf Club Bar and Grill.

The Turf Club Bar and Grill
@ Saratoga Springs Resort

1960 Broadway
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
(407) WDW-DINE