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I bought a mini recently from Unique Patio Pool and Spa in Altamonte. They were great but seems to focus a little more on the Pool and Spa than the BGE side of their business. That being said, their Egg prices were very competitive. I'm in Tampa, so I can;t speak to your other questions and will happily wait for others' responses.
======================================= XL 6/06, Mini 6/12, L 10/12, Mini #2 12/14 MiniMax 3/16 Tampa Bay, FL EIB 6 Oct 95
I get most of my Egg stuff from Ace as well. They have a few locations but are still locally owned and operated. I haven't found a butcher yet so I just get my meats from Publix and occasionally Whole Check.
I get all my Royal Oak lump from Wally World ~$6.75/8.8lb
Penzays in downtown winter park has great spices and rubs. Not cheap but they've got great stuff.
You can find smoking chunks/chips now of all types everywhere, even Publix.
Count me in as another vote for Ace. We use the one in Winter Garden. As for meat, The Meat House on North Orange Ave in Winter Park is great. Not necessarily inexpensive, but it's a butcher shop and they can get you what you want/need. Plus, there's always Whole Foods (Dr. Phillips). I buy the majority of my spices at Penzey's and at the Spice and Tea Company, both on Park Ave in Winter Park. The Espresso Steak Rub and the Florida Sunshine spice blend from S & T are big favorites in our house.
Depends on where you are. Petty's was my favorite its over at 434 and I4 if I remember correctly. Nice store not just a butcher they have wine and cheeses and produce etc. There was also a place in Oviedo called Cavellaris or something like that that was smaller but also had a good selection. It off red bug lake road if it's still there I moved from Orlando so I would google them and call before you make the drive. I'm sure Pettys is still around and they have free beer or tap while you shop (usually just miller lite or bud light but can't complain its free).
I do business with Cavallari's and Swin n Fun in the Winter Springs area. Good people and they have taken good care of me. The Fish market that I think is the best in the area is the Lighthouse seafood market in Lake Mary. Tim loves to see me. Most dinner parties revolve around the fish.
Walter has several Ace Hardware stores in Orange county and he sponsored the First Annual Orlando Eggstravangaza last year for the boy scouts and the Second Harvest Food bank.
Every day is a bonus day and every meal is a banquet in Winter Springs, Fl !
Having read the responses, I think Lit is right. It depends on where you live in the Central Florida area. ALL the places mentioned are top notch. Let us know where you go and what you think.
The Pinch a Penny pool supply store on Sand Lake Rd is a BGE Dealer. They dont have a huge inventory, but they do carry wicked good charcoal, which is really good..
As far as Eggs, the best place I had been to with great customer service was the Grill Station, but the owner retired and closed it down. Now I am like you, searching for that place that will offer great customer service.
As far as meats, I have been to Petty's and The Meat House. Both are really good places, the Meat House was actually smoking a brisket on a BGE when I visited so they know all about cooking on the egg also. Plus they carry Wicked Good Lump. I have heard that this is a really good shop but have yet to visit it. http://www.yellowpages.com/orlando-fl/mip/momms-meats-popps-produce-4440665?lid=4440665
Comments
XL 6/06, Mini 6/12, L 10/12, Mini #2 12/14 MiniMax 3/16
Tampa Bay, FL
EIB 6 Oct 95
I get all my Royal Oak lump from Wally World ~$6.75/8.8lb
Penzays in downtown winter park has great spices and rubs. Not cheap but they've got great stuff.
You can find smoking chunks/chips now of all types everywhere, even Publix.
XLBGE X 2, LBGE (gave this one to my daughter), MBGE and lots of toys
Walter has several Ace Hardware stores in Orange county and he sponsored the First Annual Orlando Eggstravangaza last year for the boy scouts and the Second Harvest Food bank.
As far as meats, I have been to Petty's and The Meat House. Both are really good places, the Meat House was actually smoking a brisket on a BGE when I visited so they know all about cooking on the egg also. Plus they carry Wicked Good Lump. I have heard that this is a really good shop but have yet to visit it. http://www.yellowpages.com/orlando-fl/mip/momms-meats-popps-produce-4440665?lid=4440665
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