We found this spot through restaurants.com, had printed the online menu and were drawn by the smokehouse items – specifically ribs. After a soggy morning atDisney Hollywood Studios, (thanks Tropical Storm Andrea!), we decided to take a few hour break to dry off, eat and rest. I called in a pick up order… or tried to. Will wanted ribs. They were out. The chicken on the kids menu – no longer offered. This went on for a few more items. I was a bit concerned – but we were on the way and pressed on.
We settled upon: Fried catfish plate for Will, a kid’s shrimp meal for Etana, a smothered pork chop plate for Jabari, a jerk chicken salad for me and a piece of lemon cake for us all to split (they were out of the peach cobbler). The plates came with 3 sides so also on our order was potato salad, collard greens, baked beans, smashed potatoes, rice and gravy, green beans, black eyed peas, cornbread and fries – whew!
The plates were packed to go as ordered, but we decided to eat in. When the food arrived and the boxes were opened – good googly moo! Sorry no pictures because we eagerly said grace and dug in. By the time I thought to snap a picture, the plates were not so pretty. EVERYTHING was SCRUMPTIOUS! True to southern cooking form, the protein portions were huge, (i.e. 2 big catfish fillets, 2 honkin thick pork chops etc) and the vegetables, (greens, green beans, black eyed peas), were appropriately portioned. I wish the serving sizing was swapped such that the veges were super-sized. The collard greens – tasted like they came fresh out the garden. The pork chops – fall off the bone tender. The catfish – fresh, not overly seasoned, slightly crispy outside and moist on the inside. My salad was a huge bed of lettuce with julienne carrots, sliced tomatoes, red and green bell peppers – topped with a hearty serving of the best jerk chicken I’ve had in over a decade. It was so well spiced and moist – no dressing was needed.
We had enough food to more than satisfy us all for lunch and a full dinner. We took the rest back to the condo not just because there was so much left, we were looking forward to continuing the meal later on. Oh – and all this was 44 bucks.
In Orlando – check this place out. BBQ, Soul Food and Caribbean Food – all done like it was cooked by someone’s Big Mamma. Loved it!
Oley’s Kitchen & Smokehouse Restaurant and Catering Orlando Florida.
Specializing in Soul Food and Caribbean Entrees.
2700 South Rio Grand Avenue – Orlando, Florida 32805 – Phone: 407.422.7288 – Fax: 407.422.7722