Originally, we were going to Tampa, FL in no relation to my birthday and it was a potential location to move to next year. It is way too expensive to live in Tampa and save for a house plus, they drive like a bat out of hell. Hillsborough County has some of the highest cases of COVID because you know Americans not wanting to wear masks 🙄 so, I had to be very careful. I decided the day before our hotel reservation to do a one day trip to Orlando. I hope Orlando and everything it has to offer except for the traffic. Driving out there is like dodging landmines. It takes nothing to get a driver's license in Florida, one of my friends did not know where the emergency break in her cars was until just a few years way and she is almost 30! The biggest discovery I made thanks to a recommendation from a friend was this Asian market called Lotti Plaza Market. Anyone who knows me knows Asian food is the way to my heart and soul. Honestly, you have probably figured that out yourself by seeing how many animes I watch on a weekly basis. Well, this market was a holy grail, especially in the seafood department. They offer whole red snapper*, whole catfish, salmon, and yellow tuna. I was in heaven and have every intention of going back with a cooler.
When we finally made it to the Tampa/St Pete area we didn't go to a club or anything but the place that made me nervous was the Seminole Hard Rock Casino. They had every other machine off but, there were no sanitizing wipes and people still left their drinks and cups everywhere. The Casino definitely needs a lot of work in the public safety department. Overall, most people were vigilant.
Of course, I had to try more Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives restaurants. We went to Buya Ramen and let me tell you their Crispy Duck Ramen* was phenomenal. I have found a lot of pork-based broths to be lacking in flavor but this was not the case in the slightest. To my surprise, the duck was crispy with not skin! Such a bold move, but they executed searing the dark meat beautifully. Buya Ramen's drink as also out of the work. I was LIT and light-headed, as you should be when out with good friends. I will definitely be back for more in the future.
Noted* - Snapper, Yellow Tail Tuna, and Crispy Duck Ramen pictured below
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