Austin Trip - Day 2

So its the second day in Austin and I could not feel like im back in college again more if I tried. This is a good thing though, since its all the college but none of the schoolwork. WINNER!

This morning the temp 'roomies' and I met the common aftertaste of the overindulgence of the new year with the hangover... and not the movie. Now, im not a drinker but i have not been sleeping well so i was definitely in need of some R and R. Whatever to do with this need to re-charge the batteries? Looka like teen-nick had the answer to this question by delivering me a marathon of EVERY SINGLE EPISODE OF DEGRASSI EVUHHHHH! So, now im following emma, terry and craig from the beginning. Excited? You bet I am!

So, after about six hours of non-stop canadian middle school drama we all started getting a little stir crazy and needed to go see a movie, the Alamo Draft House Cinema aided the call with their showing of 'Nine' which we answered. We were not the only ones who heard the call, however, so we were met with a sold out movie and hunger for Alamo food that seemed destined to fo unanswered. Until we decided to go to a regular theater for a later showign of 'Nine'... btu what of the hunger. Our questions were answered by the best buffet in Austin... the BUFFET PALACE!!

What did we learn? 1) never automatically turn sushi away just because its seemingly 'haphazardly done' and 2) 5 plates may be a bit too many when it comes to buffet time. There is a reason why i only go here once a year.

Well ladies and gentlemen, there you have it. Tune in next time for some awesome BBQ and some of the best ice cream in the city of Austin. Until then, this is Panclayke reminding you that not every Guido is found on the Jersey Shore.

Austin Trip - Day 1

Well, its official, the year is over... or is it just beginning? Either way its going to be amazing!

My apologies for my lack of postage recently but there has been some shit going down. And not the good kind that Eminem talks about which is really bad but ends up turning you into a better person in the long run, it's... wait, actually thats exactly what it is. BUT! More on that later because there is too much happy today to worry about stupid things that make you sad, am i right?

First off, let me say that i missed Austin a whole lot. I went to school out here and there is hardly a better place when your looking for genuine people, an ecclectic atmosphere and some of the greatest food you have ever had... not to mention the birthplace of my pancake addiction (which i assure you will have a post dedicated to itself). How did i get out into Austin you may be asking... can you say Christmas Present to myself? This trip (plus the Wii i bought on Black Friday and put under the tree) are the reasons why its a good idea to take matters into your own hands sometimes.

Wednesday i flew in, so forgive my lack of video/photo coverage but the nice gentlemen with the rectal-exam gloves said no. Oh, and good news... im finally walking without a limp after a stint with airport security. KIDDING! But seriously, the flight was nothing to report. If you NEED to paint a picture for yourself then find a crying baby and sit in front of it for three hours. I am never having children...

The first FULL day was full of wonderment, and the perfect way to say goodbye to 2009. Woke up late on one of the most comfortable couches in the world and proceeded to go to Round Rock donuts. If you saw the epsiode of Man V. Food where be went to Austin then you know what im talking about and i assure you... his euphoric reaction to the taste of these beauties is on the ball. They were indeed delicious and possibly the biggest i have ever seen. I choose to ring in the year with the consumption of one of the biggest donuts in the world.

(for those of you saying 'man, this is the unhealthiest person in the world' I have already come to terms with the fact that there WILL be a gaining of weight on this trip. Luckily, the gym is going to be in florida when i get back... MAN, did i luck out on that one or what?!)

Anyway, after the eating of pastry-zilla i was escorted by two of the most b-e-a-utiful women in the city to Docs, a restaurant where the sweet potato fries are friggin awesome. I had a lot of orange food today. UT! We then proceeded to ring in the new year drama free, bright eyed, bushy-tailed and ready to make 2010 the best year yet. I believe in the Chinese calendar this is known as the 'Year of the Clay', im guessing thats significant.

Well, Ladies and Gentlemen.. that is all the Austin Adventures i have at the moment... but i assure you there is more to come including a trip to HEB (best grocery store ever? no, but nostalgic) and the biggest steak ever! Until then this is Panclayke reminding you that, other than hamburgers, bigger is SOMETIMES better.

(until then i leave you with some pictorals of the donut outing)

Panclayke likey... Panclayke want Dough dough!!

<-- Ringing in the new year, with the biggest pastry ever!

Poor Ol' Grandad...

Final thoughts on Grandpa's were that the food is definitely good... and we ordered wayyy to many things. The danish were good (cheese and lemon flavor) but make sure you dont fill up on them as they are light and addictive. The bacon is nothing really special, not thick but not thin (Bob Evans it Aint!). The Reuben was good, if the other lunch fare is similar then i need to come back for lunch, the corned beef didnt taste over salted and was defnitely slow cooked as it was coming apart very easily with each bite (ergo, fat was rendered out during the cooking). The Reuben's crust.... joyyyyy. I could have put that in a bag and eaten an entire one in front of the tv during a football game.

Onto the stars... the pancakes. Flavor-wise they were good and the blueberries were definitely fresh as they were giving the bloose (blueberry juice) to the rest of the plate. However, they were a little bit overcooked and, in turn, hard to cut into and a bit more chewy and less light than i would have liked. The French Toast was thick.... a little too thick. They followed the first rule of thumb by making sure the bread was stale... but since it was so thick there was a lot of needed 'soak time' which i could tell was not given. However, I let that go since we ordered so much of it! The crust was also a little tough to cut through... in the end it was good but not as soft as this foodie believes French Toast is supposed to taste. At least not the way THIS GUYS Grandpa makes it. And, last but not least, the waffle. To quote SNL: Jizz - in - my - pants! This was one of the best waffles i have had in such a long time. Crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside and topped with the fresh, homemade whipped cream and strawberries. Heaven. I would not mind getting buried alive if my coffin was made from that waffle (may have to change the name of the blog to 'Cla-ffle'). Eh.... i'll think about it.

All in all, i will definitely be going back for some wonderful breakfast and some good service. Even though they were a little slow in keeping the coffee filled... i let it go since we were in the back of the place kind of hidden and that our waitess was a sweetie.

Also, if you stop by the bakery on the way out (provided your not too full) try the cinnamon stick and cheese danish. Honestly, do it now and thank me later... then we can both go to the gym and hit the treadmill with a belly full of sugar-love.

Grandpa's Bakery and Restaurant : 4/5

Well ladies and gentlemen, there you have it. Tune in next time for updates on Feeding South Florida and the results of the Ice Cream Challenge! Until then this is PanClayke reminding you that old people, though slow and dangerous behind the wheel, can still serve a purpose.

(ill be right back... DONT YOU GO DYING ON ME!)

The once and Future King...

Final thoughts of The Kingdom are that I will totally be going back... but Im gonna stick with the queenburger next time. Honestly, the meat was perfectly cooked to my liking and had a real nice flavor, not to mention the rustic and homemade feel of said burger. All these reasons attributed to yours truly setting a new RECORD for the Doomsday's consumption (11min 32sec... BEAT THAT MAN V FOOD!) *note - Man v. Food will be coming to the Kingdom on 2/3/2010!* Basically, the burgers make one remember how homemade burgers taste... giving someone the taste of home. Now, the fries.... im not gonna lie i expected more. They were nice and well seasoned with something that tasted like a garlic/herb blend, but they were a bit too dry for my liking... i like my fries like my women; thick, hot and covered in cheese. The onion rings, however, were totes on point. cornmeal encrusted and seasoned with the same blend. The only warning i wil give you is that the crunch that comes with these bad boys has the 'Cap'n Crunch' effect and the roof of my mouth is not doing so hot at the moment.

The service was almost better than the food. I dont know if we just had an awesome waitress or she was just astounded by the eating of the doomsday... but our waitress (Stephanie) was a friggin angel. She even shared her wings with Matt and I! She was also extremely attentive considering she was the only one there.

In the end, Matt and I already have plans to go back as The Kingdom is totes a winner! from the service to the food everything was on point. If there was a downside its that it might have been a little too loud inside for the general conversation... but how will you realize that when your bust taking down a friggin awesome burger.

The Kingdom 3.5/4 Pancakes

Well, ladies and Gentlemen, there you have it. Tune in next time for more happenings in South Florida food and, hopefully, the report about how children have been made happier through Quickies Toy Drive... not to mention 'Feeding South Florida'. Until then this is Panclayke reminding you that 1lb = 12oz.

'Sonny'... with a chance of Hoagie.

Well ladies and gentlemen, there you have it. Tune in next time for more food-ventures/updates in a life currently stinking of awesomeness. Until next time this is PanClayke reminding you to do the Helen Keller and talk with your hips.

*Here Boy!*

A wise man once told me about a comfort he has at the end of a bad day. Contrary to the 'norm' it was not an illegal substance, a round of retail therepy or a hooker. No, it was something simple, the all american Hot Dog. I did not understand this in the sense that the Frankurter has never been something that gets my dog hot... until today.

In an earlier post I talked about something special vs something you get in the supermarket... and today was the perfect example. Whenever I think of a hot dog I think of something small and born in a litter of eight that dwells on the stove in a pot of luke warm water until its ready to eat... and may or may not have some 'cheez-like substance' in the middle. All this changes today with a trip down Hallandale Beach Boulevard to Fat-Lous.

I remember tasting the Fat-Fare back in high school when a friend who lived nearby told me about the gyros and insisted on my accompanying him on a gyro man-date. From what i remember I went for the gyro and liked what ensued. However, looking over the menu displayed the chicago theme of the restarant perfectly. Dishes from Itallian Beef to Gyros and even baby back ribs. However, flipping to the back of the menu you find a selection of hot dogs with over 20 different topping combinations. Now, of course, the chicago dog is a must and i must say that Lou is doing it right. The frank is all beef and no filler and the poppy seed bun is steamed to perfection before it is topped with fresh relish, onions, tomato, dill pickle spear, mustard and peppers. I think i might need to go to the windy city just to see which i like more but from what i hear this bad boy was too legit to quit. There is something about the saltiness of the mustard and pickle with the sweetness of relish and fresh tomato. Not to mention the crisp casing on the frank and the aroma of the celery salt. This guy took me back to backyard BBQ's and baseball games, coincidently the only two parts of my childhood i dont loathe to this day. This dog also ate less like a snack and more like a whole meal, no wonder Chicago is 'my kinda town'. However, judging from the size of the dogs i have had before and my magical ability to ake food disappear i asked my Chicago Dog if it wanted to bring a friend.

That. It. Did. Since there were 2 dozen of them on the menu it just became a question of which one wanted to come. This led me to the insurmountable need to choose. What was i craving? Well, the 'BBQ Delight' seemed to have something with the sauce and grilled onions, but the 'Mexican Dog' had the tortilla chips for a nice crunch and... OMG look at the fries that guy over there ordered! The only option was the 'My Way Dog' to which i went for BBQ sauce, grilled onions and French Fries. I kid you not when i say i wanted to make love to this burger. The frank was grilled this time which was a nice new texture and the bun was as well lending the sweetness of toasted bread to the equation... as if the BBQ sauce wasnt gving enough sweetness, right. Needless to say, by the time PanClayke was leaving he was two dogs heavier and as happy as a 'puppy with two peters' (city slickers anyone?)

The food was on point and i intend on going back to sample more but not all was perfection this time around. First off, the owner is a HOOOGE chicago fan, im talking Christ Farley 'superfan' huge. I think i may have gotten a dollar in my change that said 'in Ditka we trust'. Therefore, when yours truly wanted to watch the dolpins go at the Jag's, all I could see were 'DA Bears!' The service was also something to sneer at, as it took me at least 20 minutes from the time we sat to the time we ordered (from 2 different waitresses), and then another 20 to get the appitizers (note: Wings are legit, ergo - were eaten before pictured).

In the end, Fat Lous = 4.5/5 (loved the food and will go back... regardless of the 'waiting game')

MAZEL TOV

In honor of the first night of Hannukah I decided to go somewhere 'super-specsh' for lunch on the way home from work. Good thing i was hungry since it was a long work day, it wasn't supposed to be... but there were waitresses from a certain ,restaurant that shall remain nameless which were great at diverting our attention for awhile. Thennn, there was a press screening i had to make, i wont ruin the surprise but rest assured the movie was friggin awesome! Will tell more later. Until then...

Lo-HEIM!

Can you say Deli Heaven? I dont know what it is, but i think a Deli is one of my favorite restaurants, not only is the food a 'mish-mosh' of dishes ranging from sandwiches to bagels to fish to tounge... but there is also ALWAYS a breakfast menu happening and always something new. In a way, going to "Roasters and Toasters" was a little like getting married...

(^Can you say legit home-y-ness?^)

Back to the matrimony...

Something Old: Buttermilk Pancakes! Anyplace that has pancakes available at 4 in the afternoon is someplace where I want to be. Especially when they are made from REAL ingredients and not that "just add water" stuff that I refuse to HOP to. Honestly, they were light and fluffy while simultaneously being filling. However, the saltiness was a bit stronger than i would like, but i thing thats a characteristic of a restaurant that specializes in corned meats. Something New: POTATO PANCAKES! Thats what the little nuggets of love are keeping the pancake company. Seriously, i have not had latkes in forever and im pretty sure I will wait until im back in NY to have them again. The flavor was not bad but i prefer my latke to be more like a pancake as opposed to a chicken nugget. However, dunked in a little applesauce and anyone will be doing the "Yiddish Muppet"

Something borrowed: Turkey Sandwich. Why is this borrowed? No idea, perhaps because there was so much Turkey on this bad boy that only half could be comfortably enjoyed in one sitting. For realsies, if anyone ever wondered how the Hebrew people walked through the desert for so long i think the answer is the size of their portions... this thing fueled me until like ten at night (at what time i may or may not have had the other two pancakes that came with the order I got at the Deli). The Sandwich was served straight up on wheat so you could have the freedom to dress it as you wish (totes appreciated), the turkey was a bit dry... but nothing a little mustard and light mayo didnt fix.
Couple the good food with a great atmosphere and a great waitstaff = a great dining experience. However, the opinion of the waitstaff is speculative since i got my order to go... but the lady that took the order and got me my food was funny and laughed at my jokes... ergo, i love her. The only thing keeping me from going back right now... a bit to pricey for my current cash flow, aka - non existent. This made me the something Blue :(
Roasters and Toasters 3.5/5

Review - Original Pancake House

Sunday morning has always been a time for the family meal for yours truly. In fact, a memory came to mind this morning of my mother taking my sister and I to a 'Chinese' Buffet after church when we were young. Granted, it was more American than Chinese food, but the memories and the company were the real stars of the show... that, and this crispy dough thing with sugar on it. Funnel Cake anyone?

So, yesterday when my Pop-Cake reminded me that I would be the man of the house as he traveled to Orlando on business I had a couple flashes of sadness. Im not a daddy's-boy by any means... im a mama's boy through and through... but we DO have a weekend ritual of going to the movies and sneaking in our own food. *sigh* its the simple things.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaanyway, since we were going to miss out cinematic adventure I suggested the Sunday Brunch/Breakfast. Imagine my surprise when they not only agreed... but had the greatest suggestion of all time!

ORIGINAL PANCAKE HOUSEDad = Happy/awesome. Mom = Not as high as she appears (theres a lag on the camera)

Now, as with any breakfast place in America, the line at th door almost scared us back to the car. It was out the door and then some, but we were pleasantly surprised when the hostess sat us in 15 minutes! The waiter carried the torch with speedy service and a smile that would not quit. I also only saw the bottom of my coffee mug twice and those of you that know my coffee addiction know how amazing that is.

As per the menu, its pretty standard breakfast fare. Eggs, toast, REAL jelly, fresh home fries, sausage and PANCAKES. There were a lot of varieties too: buttermilk, wheat germ, buckwheat, sourdough, pumpkin and granola to name a few. There were also some more exotic dishes like breakfast burritos, waffles, blintzes and crepes filled with who-knows-what. Our table ended up with a full array of all the usual suspects.

Also, those of you familiar with Bob Evans will know what i mean when i say: "Thick, peppery bacon." Well; Thick-peppery-bacon was defintley one of the front runners this morning. Mom-cake ordered it and panclayke may have taken a piece (or five).

However, as good as the food/service/company were the TRUE reason people go to the Original Pancake House is the 'Pancakes from Around the World". They have brealfast fare hardly seen anywhere outside of Germany and Finland where these wonderous dishes were first served and consumed. Yours truly could not live with himself unless he hopped a plane to the Netherlands and had a little Apple Baby!

Have I mentioned im moving to the Netherlands and converting to Cannibalism? Honestly, all apple babies better start sleeping with one eye open!

So there are obviously a slew of reasons to get out to your Original Pancake House but are there any reasons why you should opt to stay home? Other than the ringing of the door as the new people came in (we were sitting RIGHT next to the entrance = irk!) and the crowding that rivaled a chinese orphanage there weren't really any to write home about. The food was fresh and the feeling of the restaurant just promoted a aura of happy... is there anything pancakes can't do.

Original Pancake House: 5/5 cakes

*note= the special pancakes and the omelettes ARE cooked to order! This makes the diner happy since they are actually cooking as opposed to re-hydrating their food. However, order a peice of toast or two for the wait to avoid the 'hanger pangs'

Till next time, this is Panclayke, reminding you that eggs are babies too... let the baby-slaughter begin!

Your Terminated F#@*ER!

First things first, i must apologize for my absence. Things have been busy, and this time... that is totes a good thing. the radio-time, the movies iv'e seen and the new people ive met have just gotten better and better. I definitley feel like the luckiest little girl at the ball (metaphorically speaking... i am very much a boy at the ball.) Sadly, though, there has been so much awesomeness happening recently that it cannot all fit in one post so im gonna put some highlights up for the moment and hit then make like Pat Benetar and hit you with my best shot.

First off, remember the Terminator?

FRIGGIN OWNED!!!

Yes, i am now the first person EVER to take down th biggest pancake breakfast in S. Florida. Granted, im pretty sure the agony of my tumbly was revenge enough for the Terminator, but such is the price of glory. Now granted, this is TOTES not vegan, in fact i think its the exact opposite... but that topic is going to delve into a whole other realm of things so i think im going to save that for the next post. Just, be forewarned, it will most likely be long-winded and highly introspective..... read at your own risk.

Also, another first on Panclayke... VIDEO REVIEWS. You see, there are a whole bunch of culinary wonders about S. Florida which i have yet to discover and feel deprived as a result. I mean, im talking places that even Guy Fieri forgot to visit when he was down here. Now THAT is messed up. Plus, i feel a bit boxed in cooking for myself all the time (especially since i can REALLY only make pancakes). Ergo, I decided to do my own little culinary findings and bring them to the masses. Let me know what you think and enjoy the first.... 'Rideo'!





Well, Ladies and Gentlemen, there you have it. Tune in next time for yet another pan-creation and perhaps another Rideo. I cant give too much away but i think there may be something about egg nog and a fun thing to do with oats. Until then, this is PanClayke reminding you that no dogs were harmed in the making of this 'Rideo'.

I want a Mexican.... 'Rideo"! (FAIL!)

First of all, please let me apologize for the lack of color on the plate here. I know you eat with your eyes first and right now it seems as though i served you a plate of burnt frnech fries. Ill explain at the end the reason for the lack of color... but for now, here is what has been going on in the brief stint iv'e been gone.

I told you it was coming... well, let it be known that PanClayke is nothing if not a man of his word. First off, the question on everones lips... The Final Hour was tiring beyond all reason and more taxing than, well.... taxes. Friday night alone we were all there from 6-2 in the morning and did the scene over 100 times for groups of 25 people at a time. Needless to say... by the time two o'clock rolled around yours truly was ready to go to sleeeeeeeeep (and renounce his faith for Taoism, but thats besides the point). However, with one more night there was nothing to it but to do it, and we even ended up getting out early, getting a lot of complements on what we had accomplished and let a lot of people to Christ who would not have normally attended a church service. Also, i let the people who were providing food for the event what the term 'vegan' means... i was actually offered a chik-fil-a sangwich and told to eat the bread and throw the meat. MMMMMMM, bread. I almost feel like im taking advantage of you all! Luckily, Subway was across the street ready to dish out the veggie D-lights, and a hand of bananas isnt too expensive. That... and Rockstar energy drinks were four for five at Publix this week (WINNER!). All in all, if i had the choice, would i do it the same way again? Mayyyyybe not the entire run of the event, but i would definitley help out.

Next up, there has been a HOOOOGE movement on the 'career-front'. Many of you loyal followers have noticed the movie reviews that litter the blog, well... i am happy to say that these are going to start being more mainsream. Yes, i am now reviewing movies on a local radio station... LIVE! (and the crowd goes wild). Will this mean that some movie-love will not end up on here? In some way, yes... but - plan on new DVD reviews along with some CD's!(Starting with Michael Buble:Crazy Love, and 'Food Inc.').

Last, but not least, The Terminator is so getting taken down this Sunday. The team is assembling nicely (Grandma is staying home) and we are confident as only 20 yr old guys can be. I may even just wear my Superman Cape... Im not sure. That being said... make sure to stop by the Daily Bread Food Bank and se what you can do to help. Recently there was a meeting with Pizza Rustica (a miami-based pizza chain) about making a donation in response to me creating a scene by eating a big pizza. Gee, let me think... I raise money by eating some awesome pizza. Im sorry, I think I just felt the lift side of my body go numb. Very Excited about raising the money and thinking i should get Pepto to endorse me until then. Speaking of giving during the holidays, my girl Katie is raising money for 'Africards' and 'Project Pillows' and helping to raise money could not be easier. All you have to do it go look at her page, THATS IT! She is an awesome writer and has a buttload of awesome/healthy recipes (may or may not involve chocolate) that im sure you will love and make in the future. Enjoy her site and thank you for all the help.

Well, ladies and gentlemen, there you have it. I apologize, as i meant for this post to contain my first video review of my Sout Florida Restaurant Tour... but the uploading is not being my friend at the moment. Tune in next timefor more creations tomfoolery (not to mention, immaturity) and hopefully... a video review.Until next time, this is PanClayke reminding you that punctuationandspaceingoutwordsisoverrated.

Pei-Wei's Playhouse!!!

Mekkah-lekah-hai Mekka-heiny-heiny-hoooo!
Those of you familiar with a vegan diet (no animal products) know how hard it is to eat out with friends. For those of you that dont... peruse the grocer and think of what does NOT have eggs of milk in it. Even products such as these contain eggs and milk = grocery store fail! However... there are some restaurants, even in the ocean of corporate chains, that provide a shining light in a sea of omnivores.... Can you smell it? Yep. Its time for a

(*Fanfare*)Restaurant Review!!!(*Fanfare*)

After a romp around the world of Ikea the yours truly and a bestie (aka 'Evie) decided to pass the Panera, Cruise past Chipotle and jump past Jamba Juice. Instead... we made a Pilgramage to Pei Wei!

Noodles and Tofu and Brown Rice, oh my! Im telling you, i have not been to a Pei Wei in a number of years... and it was like seeing an old friend at a High School reunion. If that friend was covered in a 'swicy' (sweet/spicy) sauce. But, you ave to remember, before the race you have to do a quick stretch.

<--- Winner, Winner, Steamed Edamame! The salt was not used however as it was, or lack of a better word, TOO salty. I mean, this stuff is like the sea salt you find at Gordon Ramsay restaurants... and we got it at Pei Wei! Also, these portions are HOOOOOGE! There were two of us going after this appiteizer and we couldn't finish it to save our lives. So, imagine the shock and awe that occured when it was time for the Main Event! Spicy Korean Tofu and Vegtetables, with brown rice on back-up vocals! And the crowd goes wild! Whats sad is, aside from like half the rice, i PLOWED through this plate of vegan-friendly love that is about the size of 2 of my heads. I didn't think that was a big deal till i was remembering that scene in Jerry Maguire where Tom was telling that nerdy kid in the backseat how the human head weighs eight pounds... and i had TWO! I thought there was no way he could know for sure... then i remembered he was some sort of a scientist and i shut my mouth.


Couple all this fun with a wide assortment of drinks of tap (FREE REFILS, WHAT!!??!) and a waitstaff thats attentive to the point of annoyance (i don't like being 'sideled') and Pei Wei Asian Diner scored an easy 8/10 chopsticks.

"Where is your favorite 'go to' place to eat when you can't think of anything else?"

Well, the sheets are calling as i must be up before the sun. Tune in next time for the revelation and application of the next secret ingredient and more immature ramblings! Until next time this is PanClayke reminding you to eat with a new utensil once in a while.