We've been to the Orlando area numerous times when the PRI Trade Show was held there (wish it'd go back) and we went from Orlando to Tampa for a couple of days the last time we were in Florida to stop at a few of the Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives resturants we've seen on TV. This time we'll venture into Tampa to begin with and then venture down through the Miami are and then to the Key Largo & Key West neighborhoods to take in some scenery and a few more Triple-D joints along the way and then back to Tampa to fly home (unless I can convince the Mrs to stay).
The St.Pete-Clearwater Airport is on par with other airports we've been to before such as Orlando-Sanford in Florida and Cedar Rapids and Des Moines in Iowa so it was a comfortable time arriving.
The rental car area is easily found but the touch screen check-in was something new and relatively easy to navigate through. The directions to the car parking lot was a bit confusing but that's on the rental car company's personnel not the airport.
Some construction going on while we were arriving and departing but it wasn't much of an issue and should be nice when done.
Staying here the first few days..looks pretty cool :)
After Action Report: We loved Frenchy's Oasis Motel...loved the retro-style look to the place and it was well maintained and clean throughout. We ended up staying here on the way back too as a change in plans had us back in the area,
We've been to this Triple D spot before (the swordfish was great)...so good we're stopping back...besides it's open late enough that we should be able to get there after our flight lands.
After Action Report: The owner and the staff were very accommodating and friendly despite the fact that our flight was delayed and we just barely made it before they closed...they didn't rush us in any way and the food was most excellent! The Grouper Bites were awesome as was the Parmasian Encrusted Mahi Mahi, the Mrs's Chicken, and yes....we ordered the CharGrilled Octopus as I was feeling a bit adventuresome...fantastic! Everything was cooked and seasoned to perfection when I'm sure they were all more than ready to close up for the night. The Mrs helped to get the owners phone/Sync/Pandora working on his truck afterwards as well. Awesome place.
Another repeat visit to a TripleD favorite of ours...plan on stopping in once again.
After Action Report: Just as awesome as we'd remembered...the Triple D Pot Roast Chipped Beef and the Texas Hash were both delicious!! The Mrs had the Munch's Benedict and it was tasty as well!
First time for us to stop by Busch Gardens...looking forward to the wildlife.
After Action Report: Had a great time at Busch Gardens seeing all of the various types of wildlife! The Serengeti Tour is definitely worth the extra money. Riding along and feeding the giraffes was a hoot!
This is the southern location...plan on swing by here as well if we can.
After Action Report:
We ended up stopping by the Northern location up in Valrico, FL near Busch Gardens as there wouldn't have been enough time to get to the Sarasota location before they closed...we did drive by the other location on our way to the Alpine Steakhouse though! Very well stocked store, friendly staff, and you folks are lucky to have such a place to stop in and shop!
Another TripleD spot..Turduckin time!
After Action Report:
Another Triple D winner!! Turduckin is bizarre and delicious at the same time....the Homemade Chips were awesome as was the Dessert Truffles...the Mrs had the New York Strip and it was excellent as well. The staff was outstanding...we had a great time.
A Triple D spot that we have on the list...great segment on the TV show.
After Action Report: I was looking forward to trying the Mexican Torta Sandwich that was featured on Triple D and it was definitely worth it!! Awesome flavor and freshness!!
On the list of places to stop by if the weather gets bad....
After Action Report: Don't wait for bad weather to stop by...Very cool aquarium, lots of displays in the building of sea and land wildlife. We spent a few hours checking out the various tanks and wildlife viewing areas...amazing place. If the weather is good they have boat tours as well I guess....maybe next time!
One of our favorite TripleD stops that we've been to so a repeat visit is without question.
After Action Report: Just as good as the last time! The MooseKiller Meatloaf is outstanding and the Calzone is delicious and HUGE!!!!!!!
Looking forward to stopping by this TripleD place...the Blue Collar.
After Action Report:
On a 1 to 5 Star Rating........Gotta go with a 3 Star because as much as I'd love to give Blue Collar a 5 I just can't do it when the Big Ragout Sandwich comes out to you with melted cheese on it but the sandwich is refrigerator cold.
You gotta wonder why I'd go as high as a 3 then....the taste was still delicious that's why.
The waitress didn't seem to care and one of the cooks came out and heated it up a bit for us actually.
After flying down from Iowa and then a four hour drive to get there i was a bit disappointed.
Looks interesting....another of our Triple D places to stop by.
After Action Report: These guys redeemed Miami for us after the Blue Collar fiasco. The guy at Miami Smokers was very friendly and the Bacon-Wrapped Plantains that they'd featured on TripleD were amazing!
Looks like exactly what one would expect...can't wait to get here!
After Action Report: Very cool retro-style accomodations...each cabin seems to be very individual in style and they even have one that's an old Airstream! Very well kept grounds and area...loved it!
Found this place online and it sounds like a great time! A piece of movie history...hope to be able to book the dinner cruise to the next TripleD spot on the list (the Pilot House).
After Action Report: The Dinner Cruise wasn't available the day we could line up a cruise but it worked out better anyway. The cruise was very interesting as the Captain (and his trainee) had some great background information on the boat and the movie. Good time!
Glass bottom tables...tied in with the African Queen cruise this should be a memorable Triple D stop!
After Action Report: The cruise/dinner schedule didn't work out but we made it to the Pilot House anyway and the food was delicious!! We each had an item that we'd seen on TripleD...the Macadamia Encrusted Hogfish and the Harvey Fish Sandwich. Both were very good...it was the first time I'd ever had anything like it and the flavor of the Hogfish done up this way was delicious.
Great service from the first email and phone call to the ease of picking up and dropping off..highly recommend them for your transportation needs while in Key West! They excel at every aspect....you will not regret dealing with these folks.
Heard about the Pineapple Pancakes and Key Lime Pie...gotta check this place out.
After Action Report: The Banana Pancakes were very good..I'd order them again in a heartbeat. The Mrs's Breakfast Sandwich wasn't bad either...the KeyLime Pie was okay but a bit heavy on the meringue and a bit thin on the pie portion...the place has a funky vibe to it for sure and the staff was very friendly.
Yep...just because ya gotta stop and get a picture.
After Action Report: Yep...got the pics taken, friendly group of folks around each exchanging cameras to take one another's pictures!
A TripleD place that is definitely on the list...the owners looked to be a fun couple on the show and the food looks tasty!!
After Action Report:
Now one of our favorite TripleD stops that we've been able to get to.
Amazing food, simple but soooo damn good!
I had the Korean Bulgogi Burrito and the Mrs had the Umami Burger...add that to the fact that you're in KeyWest, the weather is fantastic, and Eli and Kenna took time for a pic just as one of the grilles was giving them a fit...and it just doesn't get much better!
The flavors were huge yet not so over the top...they have nailed it!
The worst thing about vacations is that they end.
