oneofthesedaysAlice's Profile
Emeril's Orlando or Tchoup Tchoup
I've found both to be quite average. Food is pretty good, not great, and the service is nothing to write home about at either place. For what you're going to pay, you can do better elsewhere. All you need to know about dining in Orlando was in last week's Sentinel. In its annual reader survey, the top pick for best Italian restaurant went to Olive Garden.
Need pre-flight sandwich for Orlando flight.Help me hounds
Sunday morning near the airport? Wow, that is a tough one. And unfortunately, the choices at the airport are just awful.
Problems with a wine chiller
I thought for sure I'd find some discussion on this, but maybe I'm looking in the wrong place.
At any rate, I'm wondering if there are any good recommendations on wine chillers.
I have an Avanti that has conked out after about 15 months; the company has essentially told me, "Tough luck." It is cooled by something called a thermoelectric module; it is worth ordering this part and how easy it is to replace it? Or am I better off just putting this entire unit out at the curb for the trash collector and then going to buy something else?
Thanks for any and all input.
Going to Emeril's/Universal Saturday.
Agreed. The last few times I was there, the service was the epitome of mediocrity.
Staying in Orlando at the Doubletree on Major Blvd
There's nothing within walking distance. Emeril's (Universal) is minutes away and so is Tchoup Chop. Both are decent, but I doubt either is going to wow you. There's a stretch of Sand Lake Boulevard, a five-minute cab ride away, that has a ton of choices of all price ranges: Roy's and Christini's on the very $$$ side, Bravo (somewhat loud but more reasonably priced) and the Samba Room. You'll be disappointed if you go to Anthony's.
Antonio's on Valentine's Day
We live somewhat close to the location on Sand Lake Road and thought we'd try it for Valentine's Day.
That was a mistake.
Let's count the road bumps:
* Had a 20-minute wait despite having a reservation and plenty of empty tables awaiting customers.
* Had a dirty water glass on the table and the waiter didn't want to bring a clean one until we insisted.
* Orders placed in front of the wrong people.
* Wine served in what we would have guessed was a water glass.
* Competing music (Muzak and live entertainment) that made either virtually unlistenable.
On top of all this, the food was mediocre.
Now we know better.
Dinner Suggestion in Orlando
You're pretty close to Johnnie's Hideaway, which was terrific both times I've been there. No need to go all the way downtown.
New bakery coming to Orlando! Turkey Lake/Sand Lake/I-4
Maybe some competition will put a little spark in TooJay's. The last couple of times I've been in there the service has been no more than average and, too often, much less than that. I'll anxiously be awaiting the opening of delishnybakery.
Orlando Sports Bar to watch Bowl Games
I'd recommend the Ale House over the ESPN Club. Ale House (on Kirkman) isn't too far; second choice would be the on John Young Parkway, just south of 417. Last choice would be Orange Blossom Trail; that can be a very dicey area, especially at night. ESPN Club at Disney is going to be more expensive and you'll have more families there as opposed to fans who are interested in the games.
Business dinner in Phoenix
I'd appreciate any recommendations for a business dinner where it would be quiet enough to actually hear ourselves talk. My business colleague is staying near the airport, so if we can stay within 15 or 20 minutes of there, that would be great. I'd prefer not to do the national chain steakhouses such as Morton's or Ruth's Chris.
Shot glass desserts
That's nothing to be proud of.
It's an awful idea. I tried them once; not again.
Victoria and Albert's - review and musings
I've been able to dine in some sensational places round the country, but I've yet to come across one that's worth 5 bills of my own money for two people. I don't think I ever will see such an establishment.
Anniversary Dinner Orlando
Tried the Chef's Table for the first time last night and it was terrific. I haven't been to many of the places recommended on this board, but it's hands down better than either of Emeril's two places in town, or Roy's. My wife asked if they would substitute different wines for the ones recommended for each dish, and they did so without hesitation. They gave her two choices, allowing her to try both, before selecting one. The mushroom/Gruyere torte appetizer was awesome, just a perfect way to start a meal, and the ribeye is in the top two or three best pieces of meat I've ever had.
Can I visit here on a regular basis? No. But for a special occasion, this is my first choice in the area.
The place doesn't look like much from the outside, but inside? It's really good.
Del Friscos, Ruth's Chris or Shula's ORLANDO?
Last trip to Del Frisco's was dreadful. Wouldn't go back there to get a free meal.
Ruth's Chris is solid and someone recommended Capital Grille, which I'd sedond.
Help in Orlando
Having moved to Orlando five years ago, I've found the area to be a culinary wasteland. There's plenty of mediocrity and very little to get excited about. Sorry; that's just the way I see it.
Orlando - ISO Best Baby Back Ribs
The only place in town I'll get the ribs is Blackwater. Smokey Bones is OK, nothing more (but I will second someone's previous notion about the pulled pork). However, from where you'll be, you'd be hard pressed to get to Blackwater in 30 minutes.
TOP WINGS IN FLA
In the Orlando area, I'm voting for Benchwarmer's in Clermont. It's a little bit of a haul from the city, but my first try there was terrific. There's another Benchwarmer's in Winter Garden, but I haven't tried the wings there.
In-N-Out coming to Orlando?
Didn't In-N-Out recently announce it was "expanding" with its first restaurant in Utah? I can't believe they'd skip across the country, but I wouldn't complain, either.
Five Guys Famous Burgers and Fries Tampa
I like Five Guys — to me, it's a step above Fuddrucker's — but if anyone wonders why we're so overweight, look at the fries here. One person would be content with half of what they serve.
My my rating scale, it's Five Guys over In-'n-Out.
Emerils Tchoup chop vs Roys??
I wouldn't guarantee one is definitely going to be vastly superior to the other. I've had wonderful experiences at both; I've been so disappointed at both that I promised I never would go back. I was at Roy's about three months ago and the service was abominable, starting with being seated 90 minutes after the time of the reservation. Everything went quickly downhill from there.
Original Pancake House in south Florida?
The one thing to know about the Original Pancake House is that one person can't handle the portions. They are immense.
Whole Foods in Orlando / Dr. Philips
I live only a couple of miles from this store and I can't wait. Yeah, it looks like it's only a month or two from being ready, but if they say June, OK, I'll buy that. I'll be thrilled to be able to get seafood that's not previously frozen.
Breakfast near Orlando Airport
How close to the airport do you need to be?
Great breakfast place about 15 minutes west — on Sand Lake, just west of the I-4 exit. It's called First Watch. From there you'd take I-4 and then the BeachLine and be at the airport with no problems or stop-and-go traffic.
Emeril's Orlando — wow
And that's not a good "wow." This is a disappointing "wow," as in, How did this place become so mediocre?
Kobe beef that was ordered medium rare came out well done the first time and medium+ the second time. You could tell the double-stuffed baked potato was hollowed out the day before; I don't mind a kitchen taking shortcuts. But a restaurant charging these prices isn't supposed to make them so plainly obvious.
We went only to use a gift card I received at Christmas. I have no reason to go back. Thank goodness I didn't pay for the meal with my own money.
Orlando Steak Recap- Vitos Chophouse & Ruth's Chris
Been to Vito's twice (wanted to give it a second chance after a mediocre first try) and have no reason to ever go back. It's overrated in several respects. I find Charley's only minimally better and wouldn't go there on my own dime. Ruth's Chris is going to cost you more, but it's far better.
