Searching to locate an entertaining evening with business guests from out of town (Indiana), I felt like a stubbed toe wrestling a shoe two-sizes too small. How could stubby be stuck, you ask? After all, Orlando is considered a tourist city with much to offer. But I wanted more than a cheesy show or an overly expensive dinner. I wanted great entertainment, good eats, AND a soft shoe. What can I say, I was footing the bill!
For those who have not experienced B.B. Kings Restaurant & Blues Club, you’re missing one of Orlando’s treasures. The evening began with a front row table and business conversation (we were about an hour before “The Beautiful Bobby Blackmon and the B-3 Bang” was scheduled to begin; table picking was a snap). Our waitress, Carolina, was quick to the call and sodas were delivered on a dime.
Sensing table talk was not open to the general public, Carolina returned at a natural pause to refill and satisfy requests. As our guests were from an area unfamiliar to Southern cooking, selecting a home-town favorite as an appetizer was easy. A large plate of freshly fried pickles found our table (as did queso dip) within minutes. Both guests tried the pickles though neither guest bought the idea. Result: more pickles for me (did I complain? Not).
Dinner orders were gathered once Bobby took the stage. A relatively small crowd sat in the audience wearing eager anticipation; all were extremely vocal and receptive to Mr. Blackmon. After three songs and my hands getting sore due to excessive clapping, dinner was served.
To our table came an oversized strip of steak plated by mashed potatoes and corn on the cob (how our guest left nothing for a home revisit was beyond me). Either this fella sitting across the table was extremely hungry or the taste was too good to save (I suspect a lot of both). An additional guest ordered a half slab of ribs (several were placed in a wrapper for a late night snack). I ordered a full rack (no, not all for myself as the full rack was also thick, meaty, and tender) to split with our fourth party member. Slapped with sauce and flavor, no left-over box was required.
Though stuffed, a hot fudge brownie sundae came to our table with four spoons… all four spoons were required. By the time our meal found itself consumed, Bobby Blackmon called for a short break. On the subject of the band, this group is on stage Sunday’s and Monday’s. For those who have never heard the blues, and I mean the REAL blues, you have to check this artist out. For those familiar with the blues but have not been to B.B. Kings lately, no more excuses accepted.
If you’re looking for a location beyond the tourist trap, no need to look any longer… B.B. Kings Restaurant & Blues Club is THE spot. By the way, I frequent this roof often, and hope to see you there. One side note, thank you Carolina, you were perfect and an artist in your own way.
Never knowing where I’ll show up next, I stand pen in hand,
dhuffman
