Underground Bluz

I have been frequenting Underground Bluz or UGB as many love to call it for about 5 years now. Located in a popular plaza directly across from UCF since 2002, the fame of UGB has consistently grown. At any time of the day you can stop in for some great quality beers from all over the world. I am a huge advocate for well-crafted beers; they seem to enhance the beer drinking experience. From the many nuances to the high ABV%, they are truly quite intriguing. The bar has always attracted beer connoisseurs of all ages, day and night. If you enjoy funky jazz, blues, and live improvisational music this is the place to be around 10pm on a Friday or Saturday night. In addition to the 120+ beers the staff really makes UGB successful. O and huge shout out to the regulars!!! Although some of the “og’s” have moved on, the bar staff is still incredibly knowledgeable and full of surprises. I recommend UGB for anyone passing through town or beer lovers in town. ~Cheers

 

Here are a couple pics from this past weekends beer tasting. Tastings are held the last Saturday of every month, definitely worth the 20 bucks. Checkout this line up of goodness!

For the first time in my life I tried a warm beer, not room temp, but heated. It is the Quelque Chose by Unibroue. It was very interesting with cherry and clove notes. When heated it was very hard to grasp the fact that this is actually a beer. I would definitely recommend this brew on a cold night.

Sunday Fun Day!!!

In a desperate need for food and dinks from the aftermath of the evening prior, a few friends and I decided to head out to the Black Hammock. Nestled back on Lake Jesup, I have no clue how anyone without a GPS could find this place. To get there you take some random turn off SR 434 in Oviedo then pass strawberry fields and orange groves followed by a snaking road, finally to find the Hammock. The Black Hammock is a fish camp, restaurant, bar, airboat adventure all in one kind of hangout. Of course we made our way to the Lazy Gator Bar where I order a salty dog while the rest of the crew felt like bloody mary’s. Of course there were alligators everywhere, so I had to try the gator bites. There were a few different ways the gator was prepared, but opted for the traditional. The weather was perfect and I finally stared feeling better all ready to watch the Daytona 500. I don’t think the day could have been simpler than this Sunday. ~Cheers

After the Black Hammock, we ventured out to watch the race at this party. It was interesting and fun at the same time. Here are a few pics I snapped from my phone. 

Back In Orlando

It is about 10 degrees cooler than my trip to South Florida, but its nice to be back and get on the grind while Keeping It Simple. What up O-Town!!!

World Of Beer, is UCF’s newest bar additionJ Located on the main drag of the University Blvd, the popular beer bar celebrated it’s grand opening in mid December. It’s very impressive and sometimes overwhelming to see an entire wall of beer coolers divided by many interesting tap handles. They advertise over 500 beers under one roof and daily drink specials. WOB is a great bar to try the newest beers on the market, with the menu changing often with many seasonals. The bar does not actually serve food, but you are allowed to bring in food from the local restaurants located in the plaza. Some restaurants located a little farther away will even bring your order right to your seat; you never have to miss one sip of beer!

This Chimay is my fav!!! Try it let me know what you think.

Jersey Mike's is just one of the restaurants that is located next to WOB. It is also the newest, with their Grand Opening earlier this week, said co-owner Adam Babroski. Jersey Mike's is one of my all time favorite sub shops, not because my name is on the sign, but the menu rocks. I'm so glad they opened a UCF location! Super cool staff and great sandwiches, try it Mike's way.

My trip back home

Recently I went back to my hometown of Fort Lauderdale aka Fort Liquordale for a wedding and to visit my family and friends. It was truly an amazing week, with beautiful weather, great food and good times. As I walked along the beach I couldn’t stop thinking about how very luck I am to be in paradise, compared to most of the country snowed in. I was able to venture out and find some new places I have never been before, which usually turns into great stories. Here are a few new spots I recommend checking out.

Beach Buns

My buddy Rocco was talking about this new hot dog joint that recently opened near his house, so we decided to check it out. It’s in a great location called The Cove, which is across the bridge from Deerfield Beach. Being that the weather couldn’t get any better we walked from his house. I just love the name, Beach Buns. It’s a cool little hot dog place to check out if you are on the way to the beach.

Le Tub

Le Tub is one of the most interesting restaurants I’ve been to recently. It is located in Hollywood right on the intercoastal waterway. They are known for their extremely large sirloin burgers, homemade chili and seafood gumbo. It’s a very rustic place with a tropical ambiance and yes, bathtubs and toilets located through the restaurant. The bartender said it’s a packed house every weekend with the party lasting until 4am. I really enjoyed Le Tub and would recommend patronizing if you get a chance.

 Seafood Gumbo

I never feel more at peace than when I’m sitting on the sand gazing off into an amazing horizon of blue. It’s when the water seems to meet the sky that you realize there is so much more out there. Being caught up in the big city lifestyle most of the time really starts to take its toll on you. If you want to relax and really clear your mind get to the Ocean. Mother nature’s therapy at its best. ~Keep It Simple!