Chicken Biscuit challenge

My favorite breakfast treat is the Chicken Biscuit. I've tried many of the ones out there and my 2 favorites are Bojangles and Chick Fil A. You only have 2 ingredients so it has to be right.

I have been wanting to go to Bojangles and Chick-Fil-A at try them side by side almost like a wine tasting of sort but with Chicken Biscuits! I also had a theory that if I created a Frankenstein Biscuit using a Bojangles Buttermilk biscuit (baked fresh every 20 mins) and Chick-Fil-A chicken I would have the ultimate Chicken Biscuit.

I was lucky to not to have to do this challenge on my own. I was joined by fellow Chicken Biscuit lovers: Joe and Kress. The 3 of us headed to Chick-Fil-A and bought 2 chicken biscuits to go and headed to Bojangles for some taste testing.

At Bojangles we were met by the manger who was all about us doing our Biscuit challenge. Found out the guy making the biscuits use to work at Chick-Fil-A.

So Joe, Kress and I sat down to try: a Chick-Fil-A Biscuit, a Cajon Bojangles Chicken Biscuit and the Frankenstein. As we were setting up our sandwiches Kress and I started talking about a Reverse Frankenstein (Chick-Fil-A Biscuit and a Bojangles Chicken) and so 4 entered my tray and the tasting began.

I decided to cut my biscuits in half so I would not consume 4 Chicken biscuits.

So here are my thoughts:

Chick-Fil-A

To me this is the OB (Original Biscuit) it was the first one I ever had and have been hooked to it thanks to Chick-Fil-A. The chicken an the breading is the key to it. I would never turn it down if offered and I continue to ask Chick-Fil-A to add it to it's lunch/dinner menu and have it available all the time.

Bojangles

Never heard of this place before but it opened up about a year ago and I knew that it severs Chicken and Biscuits and that it serves Chicken Biscuits all the time (breakfast, lunch and dinner). Heck they serve 6 different types of Chicken biscuits

Right there I am thinking winner winner Chicken Biscuits for dinner! I like the Cajun biscuit and their BoRounds are good stuff (but that's for another post, another day)

Frankenstein: Bojangles Biscuit w/Chick-Fil-A Chicken

This biscuit gave you Bojangels Buttermilk biscuit with ChickFilA's chicken. It is a dream team combo. Both flavors blended together. To make some awesome loving. The flavors just melt in your mouth. It's a really good biscuit.

The Reverse Frankenstein: ChickFilA Biscuit with Bojangles Chicken

In our original plans this was not thought of, but after trying it was a dark horse in final 4 biscuit challenge. Reason being. Since Chick-Fil-A biscuit is more buttery flavor than the Bojangles biscuit you get to really enjoy and appreciate the Bojangles Chicken. It makes for a really good biscuit.

So here are my final picks. If you try the biscuit challenge please let me know your thoughts.

My Final Chicken Biscuit Rankings:

1. Frankenstein (Bojangles Biscuit w/Chick-Fil-A Chicken)

2. Reverse Frankenstein (Chick-Fil-A Biscuit w/Bojangles Chicken)

3. Chick-Fil-A

4. Bojangles

Now my friend TastyChomps (Check his site here) has informed me that Popeye now sells Chicken Biscuits! So we may need to do another biscuit challenge very soon!

Got to have a Date Night!

So Kristen and I like to have date nights as often as possible. It is nice to have some alone time. We decided to try out a Taco Truck we had heard about on the radio (104.1- Jim Phillips and Angel for SBK both rant and rave about it). Well it is awesome and authentic. It is near Magic Suds Car Wash on Aloma Ave. The owners are very nice and the food was excellent.



After our Mexican truck feast we decided to go watch Iron Man 2. We saw the first one the week before to get Kristen motivated to see the 2nd one and it worked. We both liked it. Good times. Look forward to our next one!

Jersey Mike's Subs

3.25 out of 5 stars

Before there was Brianto's Philly Cheese Steaks, my wife and I thought Jersey Mikes was the place to go for Cheese steaks.   Now I can't get the Philly.  I do however like getting Jersey Mike's cold cut subs.  They slice the meats and cheeses and the bread is fresh and you can get a small, regular or giant.  The Giant is a little too big, however the regular does not see like enough.  

My favorites are the Italian (#13), The Roast Beef (#6), or Club Sub (#8).  I like it Mike's way with Onions, Lettuce, Tomatoes, Vinegar, Oil and Spices.  

The subs are more expensive then a Publix or other sub places, but its worth a try.

There are 3 locations in Orlando.  The one I go to is in near Gators Dockside on Alafaya and Lk Underhill.

Jersey Mike's

Waterford Lakes Plaza 12420 Lake Underhill Road Orlando, FL 32828

JerseyMikes.com

Qdoba Mexican Grill

2 out of 5 stars

We got a coupon for Qdoba and everytime we go near it I want to go in and visit it. Well it is not as good as Chipotle or Moes. Everything looks and was fresh. They do have some things that others fast food Mexican does not have. They have Mexican Gumbo, 3 cheese nachos, Tortilla soup, and Queso. I had the steak burrito and thought it was alright and was kind of bland. Very Mild. We would come back if we got another coupon and a Chipotle was not around. It also did not agree with Kristen.

Five Guys Famous Burger and Fries

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3.75 stars out of 5 stars

I visited Five Guys Famous Burgers and Fries.

Its a pretty simple place.  They serve Burgers, Fries and Hot Dogs.  The beef is never frozen and the fries are cooked in peanut oil and freshly cut potato fries- usually from some place in Idaho (they'll tell you where in Idaho on their white board).

Not hard menu to choose from:  You can get a regular (double patty) or a little (single patty). It is cooked as soon as you order it.  The burger toppings are free and they have over 12 toppings to choose from.  This place had been ranked as best the bang for your buck in Zagat and Washington DC has named it its best burger the past 7 years.  

Here is what I think:  I think the Burger is good- but not the best.  My favorite thing about the place is the fries.  When you order small fries you think you are getting an 8 oz white styrofoam cup of french fries but in reality you get a brown lunch bag filled with fries,  they throw a scoop in and then put the cup of fries in.  (remember this if its just you and you want to order the large).  

The place is smart.  Its a simple menu;  You get your burger wrapped in aluminum foil and thrown in a brown paper bag-  no matter if you are coming or going. The place for the most part is always busy.  It is one of the better places to go and pick up a "fast burger", but I would not drive out of the way to go and have one. But is definitely better then BK, Wendy's or McD's.

They have locations in Dr Phillips, Sand Lake, Winter Garden and in I-Drive (in the Prime Outlets).

The one I went to was in Sand Lake:

3042 W Sand Lake Road

W Sand Lake Road & S John Young Pkwy (next to Jockamo's)

Let me know what you think...

Jockamo's

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4 out of 5 Stars

If you are looking and craving for a poboy or love the food from New Orleans. Jockamos is the place. It a small joint that you can get some delicious cajun and New Orleans style food.  

I love the homemade reumalde. When you go you probably meet Cleide, she is a nice lady who will bring you your food. She is so sweet and will get you drink refills and anything else you may need.  

They have a nice assortment of food, po boys and if you want seafood or a muffelata thats on the menu too! Its all decorated with stuff from Lousiana. The staff is very friendly and the more often you go you will notice that there are a lot of regulars.  

Once a month they do a Crawfish Boil. If you have room for dessert try a Beignet. It is a nice place to go. I enjoy it more often then other since I work in the area.  

Located in the corner of John Young Parkway and Sand Lake Road. On Sand Lake road between the Wendy's and Logans steakhouse. 3042 W. Sand Lake Road Orlando, FL 32819

Beto's Restaurant Review

This is Brian's review of Beto's

4 out of 5 stars

24 hour a day authentic Mexican food! I know, it sounds like it can be good and/or bad. This place is definitely a bit of a drive from me, but if you are ever in the Casselberry/Altamonte/Apopka area: it is worth it to stop. This is as authentic as you are going to get. They have excellent burritos, nachos, tacos, etc. My two favorite items on their menu are the Super Nachos and the California Burrito. The California Burrito is filled with steak, potatoes, cheese, and pico de gallo. I substitute sour cream for the pico. This is a HUGE and really tasty burrito. Fantastic. The Super Nachos are the best nachos you will ever have. Steak, cheese, sour cream, refried beans, pico de gallo, and guacamole. And it is loaded.

At Beto's, you order and pick up your food at the counter which helps them keep their costs low.

My only minor complaint about this place is the cleanliness. The bathrooms aren't exactly the greatest thing around, and while I do see them cleaning the floors and such when I'm there - I can't help but to feel a little bit dirty whenever I'm in there. At the same time, I guess if I was in a really clean and nice place, I wouldn't get that same authentic feeling.

For fans of Mexican food, this place deserves a definite try. And it is open for 24 hours a day so it can work around your schedule. Enjoy!

Beto's is located on Semoran and 17-92 right by Orlando Jai Alai. It is a little hut looking place in front of the Office Max/Books A Million plaza.

Pizzeria Valdiano- Restaurant Review

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5 out 5 stars

This place is owned by a UCF alum and has won a Foodie award for best pizza in Orlando for 5 straight years (2003-2007). I love this place! Every time I go there I get a slice of cheese pizza and something else to eat. The sauce (gravy) is great and I just love anything they make. Joe the owner has it in his blood, since his family owned many successful local restaurants: Michaels and Peppinos to name a few.

I have had their Stromboli, pizza, chicken parm, ziti and meatball. Kristen has had there Sicilian style pizza, their pizza Bianca and veggie pizza. I love it all. The Waterford Lakes location even made for me my brainchild sandwich- Its a ziti and meatball sandwich with provolone on top with a side of sauce (its called The Bencomo).

The sauce is awesome.  I would buy if it was bottled and sold.

They are very intelligent in how to market the place too. The 1st location was located in Winter Park village next to the Regal movie theater. Once that one took off they have started setting up shop in all the major movie theater areas around town (Winter Park, Pointe Orlando, Waterford Lakes). Waterford Lakes is the newest one. It also the most dangerous once since I live near Waterford. I totally recommend this place. Next time you are in Waterford Check it out and have a slice and maybe even try out THE BENCOMO!  They also deliver!

They are in the strip located next to Regal Cinemas where Barnies Coffee, Quiznos and Friendly Confines are.

Goodfella's Restaurant Review

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Here is Brian's review of Goodfella's:

5 out of 5 stars

Let me start by saying that Goodfella's has EVERY quality I look for in a food establishment. It's family owned and you will see the same people working there every time you go. Many of these people work 6 or 7 days a week and they are still extremely friendly. The servers and guys in the kitchen will always say hi and will remember regulars easily. As a matter of fact, most of the people who go here are regulars. Whenever my family comes to visit from out of town, this is always a must go to place.
 
Onto the food! Where to even start. They have EVERYTHING - and everything they have is high quality. Pizza? Top notch. Calzones? The best there is. Italian dishes such a chicken parmigiana, fettuccine alfredo, and lasagna? All incredible. Is it affordable? Absolutely. For anyone! You can go there and order two slices of pizza or you can go there and have a nice dinner. For the quality, their prices cannot be beat. They are also very good in the local community with giving money to charities and sponsoring Little League teams. They have won numerous awards for their food and recently won the City Search award for Best Italian Restaurant/Pizzeria in Orlando.

I can't recommend any restaurant any more than Goodfella's. Once you go, you will be hooked. You have my guarantee.

They are located at: 11865 East Colonial Drive on the corner of Alafaya and Colonial right next to the Blockbuster video.

La Creperia Cafe Review

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This is my boy Brian's review of Le Creperia Cafe:

3.5 out of 5 stars 

Rarely (as in one time only) will I review a place in the Fashion Square Mall food court. But for those looking for crepes in Orlando, this is really your main and only good option. They have the biggest food court menu I have ever seen. Over 70 crepes to choose from. They have lunch/dinner crepes and they have dessert crepes. I tend to find something that I like and stick with it. The few times I have made my way out there - I had a crepe with chicken, turkey, salami, and cheese and it was awesome. I also like to get a dessert crepe with nutella, walnuts, a chocolate drizzle and whipped cream on top. 

The only reason this place doesn't get a higher rating is because of it's location (Going to the mall food court just for crepes is a pain). I'd have to save my 5 star ratings for truly the best of the best places. I think location is a big factor that will be a turn off for a lot of people. Let's face it, if this place was in Winter Park or Avalon Park and was actually a cafe, people would love it. But sitting at food court tables isn't exactly something you think of when you think of having a great meal. 

This is one of those places that I would seriously recommend going to their website and looking at their menu before you go. It is so extensive that you will feel stress standing there in line looking at what is in each item that you've never heard of.. For what it is, it actually is a very solid place. Long live the crepe. 

The Fashion Square Mall is located at 3201 East Colonial Drive. 

Tijuana Flats

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Kristen and I love Mexican food.  We like good eats at a great price.  The place is considered "fast casual" and that is how we like.  Good eats for a good price.

This place was opened in '95 and was started by a UCF alum.  This is our favorite Tex-Mex place.

I like it because they provide a variety of options and they can make a majority of there menu in a healthy way.  You can substitute for free and get whole  wheat tortillas, Power Lite (low fat cheese and sour cream).  Of course if you are not looking to be healthy they have regular corn and flour tortillas and regular cheese and sour cream too!

I usually get the Chicken and Bean (refried or black) Burrito.  It come in 3 sizes.  The nice thing about this place is that they have a Hot Sauce bar.  We usually like Smack My Sweet Ass and call me Sally- it is sweet and Heine Hurting Hot.  They have a nice bar for you to sample with your burrito, taco, quesadilla, etc.

     

Try the Chips and Salsa too.  We usually mix some Smack my Sweet Ass into the Salsa.  Good stuff.  If you want something sweet try the churros and Kristen says they have new dessert can't remember what it was. Will get back to you on that. 

We used Tijuana Flats for a Knights Football game and it was great.  We recommend it and they give you tons of food.  

Brianto's Original Hoagies

Click on the Cheese steak to read what people are saying

My buddy Brian told me about Brianto's so we both are reviewing this place. 

5 out of 5 stars

In Avalon Park there is a Hoagie place that makes the best Philly Cheese steaks in town.  It is a special drive for it since its in Avalon, but if you want a Philly cheese this is it. This place just opened in July of '07 so I'm not sure many of you know about it. When you turn into Avalon Park from Alafaya it's in the main downtown area right next to Barnie's Coffee.

Brianto's has the best Philly cheesesteaks we have had in Orlando - hands down. The cheesesteak with provolone cheese is just...wow. It's awesome! The first time Brian went, he had the cheesesteak with wiz which is fantastic also. But that first night one of the cooks told him his favorite was provlone and he has not turned back since! So thank you for the suggestion.

I have tried Famous Phils, Jersey Mikes and Duffy's and a few others and I think that Brianto's makes it one of the best Philly Cheese Steaks.  You can get the Philly with The Whiz (Cheese Whiz), Provolone or White American.  I too like provolone.  Since I am eating healthier I get the Chicken Philly.  It has nice chunks of chicken.

The owners are from Philly and the entire place has a Philadelphia Phillies theme.  On top of that, they get all of their meat and bread and chips and even some drinks shipped from Philly.

Our biggest fear for Brianto's is that they are going to close prematurely because of their location in Avalon Park and because they aren't a household name. The guys that work here are awesome and extremely hard workers and they have the right idea with this place! I wish them nothing but success.

It is sad but we both can still picture how delicious that bread tasted last night. Perfect. There is something about the bread from up north.  Its all about the water.

  

Go now and try it out.

Brianto's Original Hoagies

12001 Avalon Lake Drive, Ste B

Orlando, FL 32828

407- 382-2667

Briantos.com

New section to the site: Restaurant review

Everyone likes to eat out.  Kristen and I like to go to eat at different places.  I figured why not share some great places you should go try out or avoid.  If you have a place to recommend or want to submit your own review.  Just email me with a review and I'll post it.

Time to Eat!