Toasted: Simple Fun College Cuisine

Winter Park is an interesting blend of laid-back old-school Florida with a rising college town presence. Thanks to the likes of UCF and Rollins College being Central Florida success stories, we have seen an influx of hipster youngster restaurants that deviates a bit from the norm. With Toasted, it’s a place that specializes in….grilled cheese sandwiches. Yea, I know, might as well open a cereal bar, right?




Wait…..that actually doesn’t sound bad.



*jots down idea*

Anyways, Toasted has an entourage of grilled cheese, burger, and vegan options, and is served quick and painless. Nestled in a very busy plaza in a busy part of Central Florida, it’s a very hidden building that happens to be sandwiched (ha…ha…ha..) in between a cupcake spot, and other small eateries. The place inside is narrow but comfortable, with a scientific cheese chart and good college music in the background. I feel like I should be studying for an exam.

I went with their basic grilled cheese sandwich with black pepper, arugula, and Havarti cheese. Mainly because I want to know what $6.25 grilled cheese tastes like. Now, this is where the restaurant disappoints. There isn’t more bread, there isn’t an entourage of cheese, no strong supporting flavor from the pepper or the arugula, nothing really stands out in general. Grilled cheese is one of the easier things to make at home, so if you are charging a side-less sandwich at $6, deliver. Epically. Please.

Toasted however has a secret weapon: their burgers. The Southern Comfort burger is absolutely legit. At $7, you get a nice juicy burger with cheddar, bacon, BBQ sauce, and macaroni and cheese. Notice that with just 75 cents more, you can upgrade a decent grilled cheese for a legit stick-to-your-sides burger that delivers all the goods. It could really use some sides though. Had to pay an extra $2 for some macaroni and cheese. This mac does the classic crispy on top, gooey inside technique and it works. Wish they had a larger size, because I would definitely be willing to pay more to get a larger portion. Macaroni and cheese should never be in sample size.

Bottom Line: Toasted is a quick-service spot with a Florida college personality. It’s a good spot to grab a nice bite in the midst of the hustle and bustle of college life. Their grilled cheese is mildly pricy as it stands toe to toe with the more filling (and tastier) burgers, but the overall place won’t create too nasty a dent in your wallet. Add in a nice personality, good service, and painless menu and you have yourself a respectable place in the midst of Central Florida. If you live close by, give it a shot, it just might make you a believer and a fan.



Final Verdict: Slightly Recommend

Toasted
1945 Aloma Avenue
Winter Park, FL 32792





P.S. They had Mexican Fanta. Earned several points in my book.