Myrtle Beach, SC : Dino's House of Pancakes

I grew up in Greenville, SC, and we went to Myrtle Beach at least once a Summer. I've been in Orlando, FL for a LONG time now, but the Greenville Parhams still make the four hour trek to MB. My Florida branch has been up there twice recently, once last week and once two years ago.
There's a TON of great places to eat in Myrtle and the surrounding areas.

Fish places and pancake places are everywhere. This is probably my fave breakfast place so far.. Dino's House of Pancakes.
Check out the cool old sign.
Not retro... just old. And cool as can be. The interior has remained unchanged since probably the 60s, as well. It's the kind of place where the waitresses call you "honey" and "sweetie". Oh, and if you want tea WITHOUT sugar in it, you better tell 'em. Otherwise, it's thick, South Carolina specialty "SWEET TEA". Man, it's gotta be a lot of calories. But man, is it good. I am a Southern boy at heart.

Anyway, the food here is all good, and the omelettes here are amazing. My oldest daughter tells me the pancakes are great, too. And I don't know what it is about MB, but everywhere I went, the bacon was incredible. REAL bacon, thick and greasy like it should be. Like all restaurants in SC, there is smoking allowed, so that can be a little disconcerting for those of us from states where indoor smoking is frowned upon (any smoking really). But in a weird way, in a place like Dino's, it adds to the ambience. It's just like so many places I remember as a kid.

Dino's is right on HWY 17, technically in North Myrtle ( although all these little towns run together so much you can't tell where one ends and the other begins). If you're in the neighborhood, stop in, why dontcha?

Orlando: Beefy King

The myth, the legend.... BEEFY KING! Is that a cool sign, or what?
Forget Arby's, and all those other pretenders. There is no comparison to Beefy King's roast beef sandwiches.
An Orlando institution since 1968, this family owned business on Bumby Avenue is tops in my book.
Please.... a great sign, amazing roast beef with tater tots on the side, and an interior that looks like you've stepped back in time to the Brady Bunch era... what's NOT to love?

Long live the King!

Orlando: Lawless Subs

BEST SUB EVER! BEST SUB EVER! BEST SUB EVER! BEST SUB EVER! BEST SUB EVER!
That's what I've said for over sixteen years, ever since my father in law first took me into Lawless Subs on Hwy 436 in Altamonte Springs, and I still haven't changed my mind. I took my oldest daughter there a few weeks ago, the first time she remembers going there at least, and she totally agreed with me. Is it the homemade bread? The highest quality sandwich meats and cheeses? I don't know, but whatever it is, don't change it! Subway can't even hold a candle to this place.

For the record, "my" sub is an 8 inch turkey on white, with melted provolone, hot AND sweet red peppers, lettuce, and tomato. All with a sliced dill pickle on the side.

Now doesn't reading that make you hungry? ;D

Orlando : Ichiban Japanese Restaurant

I've lived in Orlando for over sixteen years now, and Ichiban Japanese Restaurant on Orange Avenue in Downtown Orlando is still a fave of mine. Great Sushi, great food ( love those Bento Boxes) and a cool, funky atmosphere. They even have their own blog:
http://orlandoichiban.blogspot.com/

Orlando: Fresco Italian

For my first review, it HAD to Fresco Italian Restaurant and Market on Turkey Lake Road in Orlando. Tucked into the end of the shopping center, by the Bayhill Kmart, is a hidden treasure of Orlando dining. The Parham clan can be found here at LEAST once a week. Owners Achille and Teresa Scailoia are from "The Old World", and the food here reflects that. Their sons, A.J. (head server/maitre de) and Luigi ( head chef), are also integral parts of this family run business.

My wife and I went to Italy twice several years ago, and stayed with her sister while she lived there. We experienced true Italian food and wines, and this restaurant reminds of those more than any other we've ever been to, anywhere. Achille was a top wine and food importer here locally for many years, and he refuses to skimp on quality.
The interior of Fresco is all Tuscan elegance, and there's plenty of room for large parties. They'll even make custom menus for large groups.

The food is amazing, the wine selection is incredible. And the tiramisu just has to be eaten to be believed ( if you can get it... it sells out fast!). Go visit, and tell em Keelan sent you!

Welcome!

Ya know, my family and I eat out so much, this blog was inevitable. We don't cook at home much, and are raising two princesses with very extensive palettes. No picky eaters in our house! We're not food snobs, and will eat anywhere...as long as it's good! So, I may mention a burger joint or two, but I may just as well mention our fine dining faves. Plastic red and white plaid, all the way up to the finest linen tablecloths. Hence the "Restaurant reviews for the rest of us" tag at the top.

I'll also probably mention some chains I like, but for the most part, the Parhams search out small "Mom and Pop" type places. Anyway, I hope you like "Keelan Eats", and find it useful. Let me know!