I’ve been fond of this place since it was the corner country store called the Fisher Market way back when. Besides being a cool little store, it was also a place where a teenager, maybe this teenager, could get some beer before heading out on Lake Down. Well, there’s my history with the place.

I think Fish, the owner/chef of Yellow Dog Eats, probably took advantage of the situation himself if you know what I mean. Anyway, he’s now a productive and some times responsible member of society like I am. Who am I kidding, he’s still a wild man and makes a visit to Yellow Dog Eats that much more interesting. His favorite quote “make food, now war” gives you glimpse into the personality that is Chef Fish.

I love me some barbecue and can’t wait to start having some of Fish’s creations with some of the fine wines he keeps around. For a great night out you can reserve the chef’s table upstairs where Fish does his magic for a party up to 10. The upstairs used to be an antique store but I think the chef’s table is a better idea.

Anyway, the Yellow Dog is back in action and better than ever.

The latest installment of the diners and dives series is another little secret place in SW Orlando that’s perfect for beautiful sunsets. It’s a thatch roof bar along the shores of Lake Minneola in Clermont called the Tiki Bar.

You can get there by boat or car and anyone who’s been there will tell you that the hamburgers are the best around. I mean it blows the pants off of 5 Guys or any other joint and the atmosphere is way better.

You sit outside with a view of the lake like you’re at the some tropical getaway. Everyone’s really laid back and the sunsets are spectacular each and every night.

There’s a place to walk along the lake and of course horse shoes. It’s not the fanciest place out there but it makes up for it in scenery and atmosphere. They’re fine if you don’t have shoes or a shirt… my kind of place.

It’s all about the food here and not so much about the way the place looks. The shabbier the setting, the more satisfied you are with finding the place.

The first in the series is Willies BBQ on 9th St. in Winter Garden. It reminds me of a place I used to frequent in college called Betty Joe’s BBQ. I love me some southern cookin and this place is the real deal from the collared greens and corn bread to the pulled pork and ribs.

Everything’s reasonably priced and Willie sure looks proud of his work. He’s so proud, there’s no BBQ sauce out on the counters like in most places. The seasoning is just the way it should be Willie’s way.

I get a little suspicious when a BBQ place looks too fancy anyway. The antiques and rocking chairs suit me just right and puts me in the mood for some soul food.

I just wish they had fries although it’s not technically soul food. It’s french food ain’t it.

If you ever get a craving for some soul food, I’d check out Willie’s.