ariddle1019

I’ve been frequenting China Palace Buffet located in the now defunct, long standing ‘Fat Boy’s BBQ’ on HWY 60E in Valrico since they opened, approx 6 yrs ago.

Their buffet is always plentiful and fresh. The variety is never ending. Above all, the food is good. Prices, reasonable.
Atmosphere is pleasant and relaxed. All are welcome, including lone diners.
Diners do not feel ‘pressured’ to eat, pay & get out!
Kids under 2,free.
Under 8, minimal price.

Lunch is a steal at 6.35 including some of the best ice cream I’ve had since a child at the local hometown dairy.
French cream puffs, puff pastries, fruit,on the dessert/cold table.

If you’re feeling under the weather, a few cups of wonton, hot and sour soup and hot tea will cure.
Fri, Sat dinner at 11.95 includes all the delicious crab legs & shrimp you can crack, peel & eat. There’s always a tub of melted butter next to the steaming crab.

China Palace has more to offer than the typical, generic sweet n sour chicken. Mussels, sashimi, salmon, shrimp, crab are some of the many well prepared options.
Seafood, except salmon and mussels are offered at dinner, only.
Service is gracious, plates removed promptly.
China Palace is easy on the digestion and wallet.
Neither will be hungry 1 hour later.

Romano’s is a little gem tucked away behind a Blockbuster’s. A tradition in Brandon for those who know where to go since 1977.
It’s small, cramped, seats only about 50. Great lunch spot serving typical Greek fare along with Italian, homemade soups, Salads, Subs, even a great big 8 oz. juicy burger for 3.95 if that’s what suits your fancy.
Daily specials for lunch and dinner. Complimentary wine with dinner is a standby.
They never acquired a liqour license, so eat, drink and be merry. OOPAH!
Romano’s isn’t fancy.
The food is always good & plentiful. Soup or Salad, Pita or crusty bread included with all dinners. Service is very nice also.
Prices don’t exceed 11.95.
The place is packed for good reason.
Many a local office fax take out. 813-653-7122
Romano’s offers catering for all occasions.
If you enjoy good,homemade, plentiful Greek fare, garlic, easy atmosphere, small prices, Romano’s is worth a try. Otherwise, stick with the boring generic chain restaurants lining Brandon Blvd.
Bring a hearty appetite.
Romano’s may break your belt buckle, but not the budget.
Open daily 11a-9pm.
Closed Sundays.
www.romanosgreekrestaurant.com
Scroll down to ‘Welcome’ via Internet Explorer.

Recently had a craving for good hot wings. Beef O Brady’s orginal location on Kings Ave Brandon, Fl built their biz on hot wings. Haven’t visited in years. Thought the wing quality went downhill. Happened to have a $10 gift certificate, so I hit happy hour 4-7pm when wings are .35 per peice.
The wings were great! Ordered 15. Half ‘naked, hot & wet’ the other garlic. Both flavors were excellent. Fresh. meaty, tender wings. The garlic wings dripping in butter were outrageous!
A drawback to the Valrico location is the ambience. Although I’m an avid sports fan, the decor, atmosphere, is a bit too stark and open. Would prefer a cozier feel.
The rest of the menu is regular bar fare, not very exciting and a bit overpriced.
On the other hand, if your’e in the neighborhood & get a hankering for some good wings, it’s worth a stop.

Outback is still good. The under $15 choices make it more affordable in this economy. My dining partner and I had the crab stuffed shrimp and roasted filet. It was a nice surf & turf. We recieved generous portions, including all their delicious warm dark rye bread & butter on demand, plus one side. I chose the loaded baked potato, she the garlic mashed. We also had their famous blooming Onion as an appetizer.
It was huge & yummie. I ended up taking a good sized doggie bag home. Also had a big glass of wine.
Just missed happy hour or would’ve had a 2 4 1 on drinks.
Total bill, including tax was about $43.
The place was packed, But you can now call ahead for seating. We didn’t have a long wait. The service is very good. I have no complaints about Outback.
Never had a bad meal.
It’s a well run establishment with a lively atmosphere, good food and service.

My dining partner & I went on a hunch to Brandon Ale House.
I’ve been there once or twice before a long time ago.
We were pleasantly surprised.
The Wednesday night special was Lobster @ 12.99.
We shared an order of hot wings, ordered the lobster special and
snow crab @ 10.99. The food & service was REALLY good.
The wings were crispy, tender & juicy. The lobster & crab melted in your mouth. I should have ordered a bib to catch the drippings.
They have a nice menu variety from bar food, hefty burgers, seafood & prime rib. Saturday is prime rib day. 12oz @ 10.99. all day. Can’t beat it. Great layout, spacious bar area, all the sports & generous portions of good food you can handle.
Although the establishment is family friendly, there’s not a buncha little kids running around.
The atmosphere is lively without being obtrusive.
Brandon Ale House is definitely a keeper.