Time Out Plus- Cocoa Village, FL- 1-Star
188 days sober and a Sports Bar and Grill comes up on my random name generator. Let the test commence, I thought as I pulled into the lot of Time Out Plus Sports Bar in Cocoa Village, FL. The story on the internet is that they were so successful in their previous location in Cocoa, that they expanded to a full kitchen and banquet facilities here in Cocoa Village. If this is the case, and I have no reason to doubt it is not, that speaks to a loyal following of regular patrons.
As I entered my olfactory nerve went on overload with what had to be the cleanest smelling bar in which I have ever been. Again, this tells me that the continuing world of COVID is not all bad. As I approached the bar I was warmly greeted by the barkeep, Mandy. Mandy was on top of her game, minus the ten minutes she spent chatting with other staff members. I asked for a single malt, neat and again, at 188 days sober, I just sat and admired the overly generous pour.
I asked Mandy if they actually made the burgers here and after a brief hesitation, she said "yes." Which instantly told me the answer is no. I then asked for a burger medium-rare. She informed me that they don't cook them to that grade of doneness. (Which also means this is a frozen burger.) Deciding discretion is the better part of valor, I relented and settled for a medium burger. However, that is a huge tip-off to me that the burgers are not made fresh to order. I also asked for an order of Cottage Pie (Shepherds Pie made with Beef instead of Lamb).
Before too long, my food arrived and I snapped some quick pictures before digging in. The first thing I noticed were the components of the Cottage Pie. Traditional Shepherds Pie, or in this case Cottage Pie is a mixture of carrots, celery, onions, herbs, bay leaves, meat and gravy topped with mashed potatoes. As this included peas and corn, you know this was made with a frozen vegetable mix. Boo. Not only that, but I know for a fact it wasn't made fresh, rather it was reheated in the microwave. I knew this because the center was ice cold. Incorporating the use of a Salamander or like device is a much more prudent way to reheat leftovers (just saying').
I then turned my attention to my burg...err, I mean Patty Melt? When did I order a Patty Melt? Unreal, she didn't place an order for a burger. Top-notch all the way. What a train wreck!! I'm outta here. Mandy turned out to be a cantankerous and shrewish employee who decided to not place my order. Oh well.
The Big Boys says, "Don't. Just don't order food here. The drinks and drink specials are the only reason to ever set foot in this car crash of a Sports Bar and Grill. read more