JoJo’s ShakeBAR Orlando

Exterior
Exterior
Interior
Interior
Gold Digger
Gold Digger
JoJo's Fries
JoJo’s Fries
Loaded Grilled Cheese
Loaded Grilled Cheese
Breakfast Burrito
Breakfast Burrito

**** (4 stars)

I used to have a condo two blocks from this place in Chicago, but I could never get into it, because there was always a line out the door. So it’s ironic that I finally got to the one in Orlando, where I live full-time.

Fortunately, this one is bigger, but still very busy, and reservations are definitely recommended.

You definitely don’t want to go here on a diet. That’s not what this place is about. It’s about huge portions of tasty, definitely non-health food.

We started with the JoJos fries, which were really nicely done, with crispy waffle-cut potatoes, and topped with cheese and bacon.

I had the breakfast burrito, since it was a weekend at lunchtime, and I rarely get one with the same ingredients that I use at home. This one was very nicely stuffed, and had a great accompanying sauce.

Of course, the main reason to go here is for the shakes, and the Gold Digger did not disappoint. It was piled high with a cookie, marshmallow, cake ball, whipped cream, and a toffee-coated pretzel. I had mine with Jim Beam bourbon. It was a terrific shake, and like everything we had, it was a serving for at least two people.

In fact, that’s really a theme here. Every single item we had was a full meal for 2 to 4 people, so don’t get carried away with your ordering until you’ve tried a couple of things.

It’s a fun environment, and one of the better places for tourists to eat on International Drive.

JoJo’s ShakeBAR Orlando
9101 International Dr
Orlando, FL 32819

https://www.yelp.com/biz/jojos-shakebar-orlando-orlando

Ford’s Garage – Winter Garden

Fried pickles
Fried pickles
Interior
Interior
Interior
Interior
Photo of Ford’s Garage - Winter Garden - Winter Garden, FL, United States
Photo of Ford’s Garage – Winter Garden – Winter Garden, FL, United States
Tuna
Tuna
2 speed platter
2 speed platter

**** (4 stars)

This seems like a particularly large Ford's location. As with the others, the decor theming is neat if you're into antique cars.

The menu focus is on elaborate burgers, but I like their barbecue. The ribs are tender, and the burnt ends moist and tasty.

The tuna appetizer is also surprisingly good.

Avoid the fried pickles, as they aren't the usual slices, but are instead spears, and the layer of skin makes them unappealing.

Also avoid the booths near the back of the main room, as the air handler is both cold and LOUD.

Service was good.

Ford’s Garage – Winter Garden
5375 Hamlin Groves Trl
Winter Garden, FL 34787

https://www.yelp.com/biz/ford-s-garage-winter-garden-winter-garden

The Stand

Exterior
Exterior

***** (5 stars)

I love burger places that make it easy to create just the combination you want, and the Strand offers every conceivable option. My favorite is a beef patty on a brioche bun with American cheese, bacon, sliced onion and tomato, mustard, mayo, ketchup, and pickle relish. Perfect!

Onion rings were nice and lightly battered with a crisp crust. Eat these first as they have a short shelf life.

Hot fries were the only miss. They're just fries made soggy by being drenched in hot sauce. Better to dip.

There's a spacious outside dining area overlooking the lawn.

The Stand
2000 Ave of the Stars
Los Angeles, CA 90067

https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-stand-los-angeles-6

Rock & Brews – Kissimmee

Exterior
Exterior
Interior
Interior
Interior
Interior
Caribbean Wings
Caribbean Wings
SGT. Peppers Jalapeno Poppers
SGT. Peppers Jalapeno Poppers
Extreme Pepperoni Pizza
Extreme Pepperoni Pizza

***** (5 stars)

My favorite sports bar in the area! Not really sports, music, but the same idea. Great interior decor and a much more extensive menu than a lot of places

Excellent pizzas and wings. Also a great selection of beers including lots of my favorite dark beers.

Great service, too.

A good choice for groups and outside dining.

Rock & Brews – Kissimmee
3284 Margaritaville Blvd
Kissimmee, FL 34747

https://www.yelp.com/biz/rock-and-brews-kissimmee-kissimmee

Wildberry Restaurant

Channa Thali
Channa Thali
Patio
Patio
Caesar salad
Caesar salad
View
View
Exterior
Exterior
Chicken Strips
Chicken Strips
Papadums
Papadums
Interior
Interior

***** (5 stars)

Despite its looks, this place is a real gem. All the food was excellent, and the outdoors area is a lovely setting. Himalayan food seems to be quite similar to Indian food, so we went with that. But my wife's chicken strips and fries were also great.

Surprisingly good wines and a terrific porter are very reasonably priced.

I'd describe the service as "frenetic", but it was certainly efficient!

Wildberry Restaurant
37718 State Rte 706 E
Ashford, WA 98304

https://www.yelp.com/biz/wildberry-restaurant-ashford

TMACS

Exterior
Exterior
Bar
Bar
Mezzanine
Mezzanine
Menu
Menu
Local Melon Soup
Local Melon Soup
RR Ranch Beef Tenderloin
RR Ranch Beef Tenderloin
Wild King Salmon
Wild King Salmon
Lamb Chops
Lamb Chops
English Pea Bruschetta
English Pea Bruschetta
Pear Salad
Pear Salad

***** (5 stars)

First off, a shout out to Caleb. Of the thousands of restaurants we've been to, he's possibly the best server we have ever encountered. What a delight he made our visit, acting as the perfect host. Kudos!

TMACS was our best meal during our days in Walla Walla. The food and ambiance were both just what we look for when dining out.

There is ample outdoor seating, but we chose to dine inside and enjoy the dramatic interior. The bar and tables surrounding it can be a bit lively, but the upstairs mezzanine is an intimate respite from the activity below. We loved the low lighting levels upstairs, and wish more restaurants were like this.

All of the food we had was excellent, with complex flavors and deft plating. Particularly noteworthy were the Local Melon Gazpacho, the Pear Salad, and the Lamp Chops.

The wine list focuses on local wines, and the prices are reasonable.

I highly recommend this restaurant. If you have only one dinner in Walla Walla, this is the place to go.

TMACS
80 N Colville St
Walla Walla, WA 99362

https://www.yelp.com/biz/tmacs-walla-walla-3

Colchuck’s

Interior
Interior
Fire roasted bread
Fire roasted bread
Salmon carpaccio
Salmon carpaccio
Bavarian Sampler
Bavarian Sampler
Huber Schnitzel
Huber Schnitzel
Exterior
Exterior
Entryway
Entryway

**** (4 stars)

Traditional German food, done well. We shared the Bavarian Sampler (three sausages with mustards) and the Chicken Schnitzel. Both were very good, and came with good accompaniments.

Although there was a special art fair going on in the streets and everything was bustling, this upstairs space provided a peaceful oasis overlooking the commotion.

Service was excellent.

Colchuck’s
801 Front St
Leavenworth, WA 98826

https://www.yelp.com/biz/colchucks-leavenworth-2