Orlando’s Asian district is not a place I usually venture. Not because I don’t love Thai or Chinese cooking, but I am the unfortunate head of a non-adventurous household. If I could eat in a different restaurant every night, trying different cuisines and atmospheres, I would be happy. The rest of my crew? Not so much.

So, when a co-worker brought home a menu from a lunch-time excursion to Vietnam Town, I didn’t hold out much hope for a cultural breakthrough, but I took it home anyway. To my surprise, my beloved spouse (who at least likes some Americanized Chinese) agreed to let me “drag” her there.

Vietnam Town doesn’t look like much on the outside. It is one of a bazillion Asian, mostly Vietnamese, businesses along a stretch of Colonial Drive near Mills Avenue. We parked out back in a rundown lot and walked around the corner to the front of the building, not knowing what to expect. Opening the heavy crystal doors, we stepped into a huge restaurant with lacquered tables and chairs (all embossed with “Vietnam Town”) and a strange, styrofoam island near the front.

We were greeted by the friendliest staff ever–ever–and sat down to peruse the 200+ items on the massive menu. After a little coaxing from our waiter, we ordered the summer rolls: shrimp, pork, cabbage, rice vermicelli wrapped inside a rice paper with a fabulous peanut sauce on the side. For an entree, the Mrs. got a chicken stirfry with green beans, and I took a rice platter with grilled beef, shredded pork, pate egg and sunny side egg. This was accompanied by the most wonderful hot tea ever–ever. Then, we got a plate of orange wedges as kind of an after dinner mint.

But the real shock was when I got the bill. I expected to see the usual restaurant check for the pair of us (around $30). Not so! The entire thing came to just over $19! This is the cheap diner’s nirvana! And with so many things to choose from, it will be a new favorite stop on Colonial Drive.

(Before we begin, that’s the Leesburg BikeFest, not to be confused with Daytona’s Bike Week or Biketoberfest, although I think we’ll need a chart to keep this straight.)

Hilarious story in today’s Sentinel about BikeFest t-shirts made with the slogan, “Sleesburg BikeFest” on them. City commissioners sent a letter to the vendor responsible, complaining that it makes Leesburg sound sleazy. Two things came to mind:

1.) Wow, nothing gets past THOSE guys!
2.) You mean it’s not?
3.) If they think they’re major-league enough to take the sleaze crown from Daytona, they’re dreaming.

I’m joking, I’m joking. I actually like Leesburg and have friends there. But the story becomes more entertaining–as the Sentinel discusses the vendor’s plea for the city to “lighten up,” we learn that one of the good commissioners, David Knowles, has been known to sponsor a swimsuit competition or two and even festoon the winner in a sash bearing his company’s name. (There are so many punch lines there, I’m not sure where to start.)

Here’s a quote from Mr. Knowles on the subject: “There’s no truth in the [Sleesburg BikeFest] message. Granted, there’s a great deal of alcohol being consumed at BikeFest, but Leesburg has never been a sleazy town. The people are friendly, and the city works very hard to keep the event wholesome…This year was unusual because I got to meet the young lady and got a photograph taken with her. Simply because we have beautiful girls in a bathing-suit contest doesn’t mean the city is sleazy.”

Yeah, I’m sure the “young lady” was thrilled about that.

I’m not sure why this article made me laugh out loud. I think it’s just funny that, once again, one of our biker events has to walk that fine line between appealing to families and appealing to…you know…bikers. One of these groups would like squeaky-clean games for the kiddies. The other thinks that coleslaw wrestling is a fine game, and should be available at every event. How do you reconcile the two?

The Leesburg event is actually one of my favorites around town. I never miss it, and I particularly love it because the custom bikes are so accessible and, yes, even after sundown, the sleaze is kept to PG-13 levels. It’s usually safe to go after work with your friends if you want to take some pictures. But sleaze happens. It’s unavoidable. Bikers like it, and BikeFest would be kinda empty without bikers, wouldn’t it?

I actually saw a lot of “weekend warrior” bikers this year who came from all over the state just because it was a nice ride–not the hard-core Harley crowd, but just couples who made no pretense of being hard-core anything. Leesburg might be able to appeal to that demographic.

Hopefully Leesburg can keep the event fun for all people who love bikes, not necessarily people who are into the biker lifestyle. But calm down about the “Sleesburg” t-shirts! Just keep “Sleesburg” co-existing quietly and peacefully with family-friendly Leesburg, and BikeFest will stay the cool event that it is right now.

Hi, I’m looking for Winter Garden. It’s a small Southern town on the shores of Lake Apopka, holds about 15,000 people, and is stuffed to the gills with orange trees and the occasional horse farm. It was last seen between Lake Butler Boulevard and Fullers Cross Road. Anybody know where it went?

See, I went back to where I left it–which is what you do when you’ve lost something–and somehow I stumbled upon a suburb of Tampa. This cannot possibly be Winter Garden…or connected with Orlando, even. You know how you see someone or something every day, but then all of a sudden you have a moment of clarity and look at it like you’re seeing it for the first time? I had one of those moments yesterday on Route 50. It looks like freakin’ Palm Harbor! Check it out: a coffee shop, a construction zone for a new mall, upscale condos, three pizza shops (and counting!), a spa, a restored hotel, and traffic like Los Angeles after Jack Bauer orders an evacuation.

When did this happen?? It’s a sea of strip malls and SUVs. Need I remind anyone that, until very recently, this town’s entertainment included the Crate Game at the local high school and the coronation of the Possum Queen? (It’s not a beauty pageant. The Possum Queen is always male, and he’s queen because…you know what, you really have to be there.)

The restored downtown sort of reminds me of an updated, more breathable version of Aloma. I’m shocked to see the volume of traffic we’ve got, but Plant Street can handle more cars and it’s got a bike path, too. All they need is a Vespa dealer and a Whole Foods Market (coming to neighboring Dr. Phillips in 2007). That makes me happy in a spiteful little way, since even the Orlando Sentinel may take notice that the moon and sun do not revolve around Winter Park/Altamonte. But I ask you again…where has Winter Garden gone? The Feed Store has been shoved out by antique dealers and restaurants. When I can sip a Pellegrino in broad daylight in the downtown without being ridiculed, I know I am no longer in the city I grew up in.

You want a cheap night out? Tiajuana Flats has live entertainment. Exercise? Take the West Orange Trail through Oakland. Culture? WE HAVE OUR OWN ART SHOW. Seriously, WHAT is the world coming to? What’s next, the Minneola Symphony Orchestra?

So if you see Winter Garden, let me know, but I think it vanished to the same place that Clermont did a long time ago. I like this new place, but I also remember when the Publix was half the size and the town’s only real hangout. Maybe I ought to stop looking for Winter Garden now. Maybe I ought to get my head out of the sand and say good-bye.

But after that, I’m getting a latte.

Dear Northerners,

This is a memo informing you of Florida’s weather procedures.

In the past, you lived in East Coast states whose weather was mostly governed by the jet stream. The storms came from the one direction, with the notable exception of nor’easters, which are likely the reason you moved to Florida to begin with. Things very rarely caught fire, unless they were intentionally set for the purpose of roasting marshmallows, or perhaps in trash cans during minor riots (NYC and Philadelphia only).

Please take note that Florida’s weather is cylical. In the past 10 years, I have observed Tampa’s Dale Mabry Blvd. going underwater, brush-fire smoke that occluded much of U.S. 1 on the Space Coast, the Parade of Hurricanes in ‘04, and the suspension of fireworks at the major theme parks due to the fire risk. We are all still here. Do not heed media hysteria that proclaims the entire state is going to incinerate/ drown/ blow away. We are tougher than that, although if you decide to hop a plane to Connecticut to open a quiet bed-and-breakfast, no questions will be asked.

It is important to remember that these events happen in CYCLES. Florida becomes very dry, or very wet, or very stormy. These things rarely last more than a year before we move on to the next natural disaster in the rotation. Should all of these events happen at once, you are to assume it is the apocalypse and act accordingly. You are not, however, to proclaim the end of the world because you are forced to ration water/pump water from your yard. Florida’s delicate ecosystems are straining under the weight of the population, and you cannot expect to be treated to sunshine and tropical breezes every day of the year. In winter, Florida rewards you; in the summer, it punishes you. We apologize for any misinformation you may have obtained in the past from our Chamber of Commerce and assorted Disney commercials.

Please avoid activities such as ignoring lawn-watering restrictions, crying foul when your low-lying waterfront house (built during the dry season) begins to float, or beginning any sentence with the words, “Back in Jersey…”, as these actions will anger the locals.

The weather procedures will remain in effect until the second week of October, when you will once again be returned to your life in a tropical paradise. Consider using any time spent indoors to learn about Florida’s water table and wetlands–you might be quite appalled at what you find. You may also observe how the natives, while not living off the land to a large degree anymore, do quite well living off of tequila until the middle of the fall. If you bring the salt and the limes, your neighbors will be more than happy to assist you through the next few months. Thank you for your cooperation.

Sincerely,
A Concerned Local

I’ve driven past this new little eatery by the Millenia mall probably a hundred times or more, not giving it a second thought. Well a few nights ago we were tired of the “same ole places” and were looking for a dinner spot without spending a fortune.

Boy we found a gem when we stumbled into Mimi’s cafe! It’s not the ambiance, or the menu selection or the exotic mingling of flavors…. and it’s not the friendly people or the quaint decor or the soup of the day…. it’s all of it. It’s not one thing, it’s ten little things.

I must confess that we’ve been twice now in 48 hours… might that say something?

So on trip number one, we first we started with an assortment of breads that included a carrot/raisen bread that I could have made a meal off of. Next we moved onto the soup of the day which was Split pea with ham. We decided to share a cup (it was only $.99 to add it for heavens sake) and then devoured it so fast, we decided on a second cup. That was gone in NO time flat. Finally our entrees arrived. I had selected the chicken pot pie and my dinner partner had the Jambalaya. About half way through we were STUFFED and had to take the rest home.

Our server was amazing and since it was our first visit to this fine establishment, he sent us home with some samples of their muffins!

So tonight we went back with reinforcements… converts! We all tried a different burger tonight. But of course, we started with some bread and then had their soup of the day — Red beans with Angui sausage (I think I’ve got that right). I could have just eaten this soup all evening. It was DELICIOUS!! The burgers were outstanding too. I had the French Quarter, other had the cheeseburger or BBQ bacon cheeseburger. Everyone was quite while we ate… that’s another sign.

If you haven’t already, check them out. We love MIMI’S CAFE!!!

It’s good to see that if the Government isn’t going to do anything about…um…anything, at least the former President is getting some results in something. Today, the Clinton Foundation finished getting Coke, Pepsi and Cadbury to agree to stop selling soda and other sugary drinks to schools. There will be no more soda at all in elementary and middle schools and only diet soda in high schools. Bloomberg News (I don’t know if this applies to Central Florida schools.)

I know the kids are going to whine about it, but that’s just tough. In an age when we’re spending billions to combat the results of our overeating, overstressing, overeverything lifestyles, the last thing we need to be doing is encouraging our youth to suck down Mt. Dew instead of milk, fruit juice or water. Maybe then we won’t lag behind Great Britain in health!

Yes, I AM obsessed by this Mission: Space thing. But now I’ll have to quit joking about it, because they’re actually making some changes…

Today’s news from the Mouse will come as a relief to everyone who, like me, is wondering what the heck they’re doing in there. There are plans to offer a toned-down version of the ride for those park guests who won’t/can’t ride the big simulator, while still offering the full-throttle version for everyone else.

One simulator will not spin. If you (like me) have any friends or loved ones who are likely to defy the directions, look everywhere except straight ahead, and then puke halfway through the ride, this is good news for you!

I’m wondering if the toned-down version won’t be just as popular as the original, considering it’ll open the attraction to more young, elderly, or not-quite-healthy guests. Good compromise or not? I guess we’ll find out once we put our first batch of tourists in it.

(From the company that brought you “audio animatronics” and “Imagineers”…now we have “centrifuge systems.” Not quite as catchy, but every bit as impressive-sounding.)

I read this story in the Sentinel today. I have no kids, but I’ve been following this a little bit anyway.

Does anyone else find this debate sorta…I don’t know, naïve? I’m not saying that Nemours isn’t cold and bottom-line conscious. I’m also not saying that the big providers in Orlando, ORMC and Florida Hospital, ought to put aside their money-grabbing for the sake of the children–as a woman who is often buried with medical bills from these fine institutions, I’m here to say they don’t put aside their money-grabbing for anybody. So I find the country-club atmosphere almost amusing, as local doctors point at Nemours and say, “They’re greedy! Don’t let them in!” Do we get to pick anymore? Seriously, name me a major medical institution that ISN’T greedy. When you’re sick, you do stop caring. It only takes one night in the ER…or two, because they couldn’t find you a room…to make you see a whole ‘nother side to the issue. Beds are good. Nemours has beds. Anybody got a better idea?

And it ever occured to these geniuses that it is not a matter of SIZE with the new Nemours clinic, but maybe LOCATION? Don’t build it downtown if competition is allegedly so stiff! In Winter Garden alone, there are plans for tens of thousands of new houses. And Kissimmee? Please. It’s kid paradise. A childrens’ facility would be a huge strain off of local facilities like Sand Lake and Celebration, who are perpetually swimming in tourists’ kids. It’s impossible for an adult to go to the emergency rooms there without nearly stepping on a toddler every two paces. Adult hospitals are scary (and sometimes inadequate) places for small children. Having a facility for them would free up a ton of beds. In the same way the Cleveland Clinic built, not in downtown Ft. Laurderdale, but in Weston, the south/west side of town could make a cozy home for Nemours.

I’m mystified and amused by this whole debate. What else is Orlando supposed to do? Take the nice, new, empty hospital beds and make the best of it! Right now it’s Nemours offering…down the road, when we’re really stuck, it could be somebody worse.

(RED HUBER/ORLANDO SENTINEL)

Did anyone get any pictures from the ground or from within the rally that we can put on our Flickr group? I wish I could have been there but I had to work (ironically). Did anyone experience troubles at any businesses that illegals might work at? I know a restaurant in town that I won’t mention the name of, but nearly all of its employees are illegals so I wonder if they turned out for this thus forcing the restaurant to have to shutdown for the day.

Orlando Sentinel Story w/ Photo Gallery