TIBBY'S NEW ORLEANS KITCHEN (don't judge a book by its cover)

Approximately 1.9 miles from Rollins, about 4 mins.

This restaurant is truly a diamond in the rough. I have no doubt that Tibby's will take off with little to no advertising. The food and service speak for its self.

Located next to the newly renovated Publix Shopping Center on Aloma, Tibby's address is 2203 Aloma Ave. Winter Park, Fl 32789 Phone number 407-672-5753. Hours of operations are everyday from 11:00am to 10:00pm. A copy of the menu and be found on their website, tibbysneworleanskitchen.com

I must admit that from the sign ou

tside I was not expecting the decor found within. I was pleasantly s

urprised, as you walk through the doors of Tibby's it is as if you are swept away and transported to the heart of New Orleans. All of the Decor is original pieces used in actual floats. You will not have enough time on your first visit to take in all of the colorful culture displayed on the walls. The atmosphere is very laid back, dress code is casual. There is a main dinning area with a bar and hightop tables towards the back near the kitchen. Tibby's features a full bar with a modestly priced wine list and small

beer selection. Tibby's features only one menu for luch and dinner, and to the best of my knowledge does not feature any type of specials. The only down aspect lacking is the Dessert menu with only three given. There is a children's menu.

The story behind the name Tibby is also give and is as follows:

Walter Tabony (Tibby) was born in the Big Easy. He was a kid during the Geat Depression. He was a teen while fighting in brutal battles in the pacific during World War II. After the war he built his home in the Lower 9th Ward and built a fish camp on Bayou Bienvenue. I

n September 2005, he found shelter in the dome but lost everything to the waters of Katrina. Tibby was a survivor. He had been married to his wife Rita since 1945. He had been a fan of teh Saints since 1967.

Tibby would brag of his plans if the Saints ever made the Super Bowl: "breakfast would be beignets at Cafe du Monde at the French Market and then a two-block walk for Bloody Marys at the Court of Two Sisters. Catch a Mardi Gras parade on Canal Street and grab an oyster po-boy at Johnny's in the Quarter. I would then stroll over to the Superdome parking lot for tailgating and enjoy an early dinner at Galatoire's. Taste some Hurricanes at Pat O'brien's and then watch the Saints win the Super Bowl at the Old Absinthe House. I would head back to Canal Street for another parade and then close out the night on Bourbon Street. After the selebration, I would sleep all day on Monday."

Tibby lived to be 93. He was an uncle who would share his stories and share his love. They created this place in his honor.

Great story.

I ordered the fried "1dozen" oyster po-boy ($12) and a side of the New Orleans Potato Salad ($2.50) The po-boy was more then I could ever ask for in a sandwich, just writing about it now is making me start to drool just a little bit.

The sandwich is dressed with mayo, lettuce, tomato, and pickles. There is a Tibby's hot sauce that is available to use, along with tabasco if needed. The Potato Salad was better then good, served cold and mixed in with potatoes, egg, bacon, sausage, olives, pickles and onion. Together these two items were a mouth full of smiles. The food was great and came to the table extremely fast. Double good!

I would recommend this restaurant for a first date, quick lunch, or if you just want some great New Orleans style food.

$$ The pricing in right on for the food and service that they provide.