winechic's Profile
BBQ in Orlando
Doesn't get better than Four Rivers Smokehouse these days. Be prepared to wait, but it's worth it. :)
Eat Local Week in Orlando THIS WEEK (1/25-1/31/2010)
Harmoni Market (College park Location)
[A ] Food quality grade
[B+] Value grade
I enjoy Harmoni, over the years I've been there for Brunch, lunch, happy hour and dinner. All have been great, today was no exception.
Lunch was $12.5 for a 2 course meal. My friend and I ordered the same thing, the Harmoni House-Made Mediterranean Chili (using Local Produce & Florida Fish) and the Rockin’ Goat Flatbread – Cape Canaveral Rock Shrimp, Harmoni Tomato Ragu, Goat Cheese, Arugula
I didn't know what to expect going into the chili, but it was really tasty. Our server did a great job of describing the dish, so we were prepared for the jalapeno kick. The chili was made with a thick and spicy broth filled with tons of veggies and a nice amount of Mahi and rock shrimp. Really a very tasty combo, but did pack a kick with the added jalapeno garnish. (If you aren't into food with a kick, might want to forgo the Jalapeno) The toasted pita were a nice accompaniment.
I've had Rockin’ Goat Flatbread for dinner and have always enjoyed the goaty goodness to contrast with the tomato ragu, the tender rock shimp and peppery greens. Today's flatbread was yummy, but had an extra heavy base of the zesty tomato ragu which may have been the difference. Didn't get much of the goat cheese flavor and the shrimp seemed a bit sparse, but that could be the difference between the lunch and dinner flatbread. We both enjoyed it and were quite full upon completing the meal. Service was excellent and very prompt.
I hope they consider adding that chili to the menu, it's really great.
Harmoni Market (College Park)
Two-Course Lunch ~ $12.5
Starter:
Harmoni House-Made Mediterranean Chili (using Local Produce & Florida Fish)
or
Choice of Harmoni Salsa or Harmoni Roasted Red Pepper Hummus & Aladdin Bakery’s Toasted Pita Crisps
Main:
Truffle Egg Salad Sandwich – Lake Meadow Farms All-Natural Heritage Eggs, Celery, Onion, Cornichon, Whole Grain Mustard
or
Caprese Flatbread – Harmoni House-made Mozzarella, Rest Haven Farms Ripe Tomato, House-Made Basil Pesto, Olde Hearth Bakery’s Flatbread
or
Rockin’ Goat Flatbread – Cape Canaveral Rock Shrimp, Harmoni Tomato Ragu, Goat Cheese, Arugula
Orlando - International Market
BBVL,
Perchance, do you remember if they had Smoked Bluefish?
Where are good places to get stone crabs in Orlando this year?
Ravenous Pig had some on special awhile back, that were just wonderful. Fresh Market had them cracked and ready to go, good prices and also had tubs of mustard sauce for sale. Cavallari Gourmet sent an email out last week that they were stocked up.
Please post where you end up, if you go out. :)
Need Restaurant Recommendations for Orlando area
I second K, Ravenous Pig and 4 Rivers.
With K, by the time you come down it will be in a new location. The owner is merging and moving K into his other restaurant, Nonna's. Restaurant will be K, menu will be mostly K items. The Nonna space is being renovated and everything will be transitioned by the time you come down in April. (For locals, K in the current location will be around until the end of Feb) Check Scott Josephs Flog for the specifics.
4 Rivers is great, but you should know 1) that it's very crowded, so don't arrive starving (kidlets) as there will be a wait to place an order and get your food. 2) the seating is outside on picnic tables on a covered deck, so pick a day with decent weather.
If you enjoy French, think about hitting Paris Bistro (www.parisbistrofinedining.com) in Winter Park which is in a new space on Park Ave. Great food and ambiance and a lovely setting to walk around before or after you eat. PB had a Christmas eve menu, so they may be open on Easter Sunday.
Hope that you have a nice trip down!
Eat Local Week in Orlando THIS WEEK (1/25-1/31/2010)
McCoy’s Bar and Grill, Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport
[A ] Food quality grade
[B-] Value grade (Would have been an A-, but the Airport parking, $10 for 3 hours, downgraded the overall value. No validation, pricey since we all met there and service was slow. )
Our party enjoyed a lovely meal, the group of 6 was evenly split with the menu. The food was prepared beautifully and a great deal for the menu price. The shrimp was fresh and tender, cooked perfectly and the tarragon citrus aioli was flavorful but not at all overpowering to the delicate shrimp, enjoyed by all. The pork belly was quite meaty and a nice presentation with the soft poached egg on a large garlic crostini, with dressed frisse, enjoyed by all.
The Tilapia was very fresh, cooked very well and served over a bed of julienned zucchini. The Tomato Ragout was very intensely flavored, delicious! The crab dressing was mild and tasty, but lost against the zesty ragout- overall a great dish, though. The pork chop was thick cut and served on the bone, Frenched nicely. Served on a bed of sauteed spinach, a carmelized crust on the chop gave way to tender and juicy meat. Raves all around.
The dessert was originally to be the Sunshine Bleu cheese with Winter Park honey. Sadly, the supplier was somehow affected and could not deliver the product. Instead, we received the Florida Orange Creme Brulee with Fresh FL strawberries and whipped cream. Divine. The vanilla bean speckled custard was enhanced with orange essence, not sweetness. Nice contrast to the appropriately hard sugar crust. In speaking after, we could not pick a favorite course, as everything was top notch and enjoyed by all.
If you go, park on terminal B, 4th floor parking. (Go to the 3rd level topside parking and look for "Hyatt Self Park" by the ramp which will have you parking 4th floor *terminal side*, across from the main airport parking garage.)
Back to parking, since our group incurred $60 worth of parking charges, this is worth mentioning. It would have been nice to receive 1/2 off parking, etc. Our group ordered several bottles of wine with dinner, the fact that parking could have been another bottle of wine, is pretty significant and a detractor for locals heading down to this venue. Hemisphere's (another great place!) offers free valet, so something should be worked out, esp. to draw locals in for special "events".
Full Eat Local Menu for McCoy’s Bar and Grill, Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport
Executive Chef David Didzunas
Three-Course Prix Fixe Menu – $30 per person (dinner only)
Starter:
Bacon and Egg
Palmetto Creek Farms Pork Belly and Poached Lake Meadow Naturals Egg
Local Greens, Citrus Vinaigrette
or
Cape Canaveral Royal Red Shrimp Cocktail, Tarragon-Citrus Aioli
Entrée:
Palmetto Creek Farms Center Cut Pork Chop with Orange-Honey Glaze
Local Seasonal Vegetables of The Day
or
St. Johns River Tilapia Stuffed with Florida Crab Meat, Fresh Tomato Ragout
Local Seasonal Vegetables of The Day
Finale:
Florida Orange Creme Brulee
Pics below: both apps and both entree's.
SLOW FOOD - EAT LOCAL WEEK?
Just started this thread to post reviews.
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/683390
Eat Local Week in Orlando THIS WEEK (1/25-1/31/2010)
I'm eating at McCoy's tonight with some friends, I will post feedback. In the meantime, wanted to be sure the board knew about this great event showcasing local Central Florida food suppliers and growers. An impressive list of participants and menus, I'm including a full list of restaurants with links to menu's, when available.
Sentinel Calendar mention:
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment/restaurants/os-thedish-slow-food-week-orlando_3-20100121,0,7721426.column
Full write up on the event by Scott Joseph:
http://tinyurl.com/yge2afs
Eat Local Week in Orlando list of restaurants and links to menus:
http://www.slowfoodorlando.org/participating-dining-establishments.html
I hope this becomes an annual event! Please post feedback and to adopt the Magical Dining format we used, please post a grade.
Food quality grade
Value grade
(I'm not sure how applicable this will be, as certain menu items are specific to this special week long event, but it should be interesting to see if supporting the local market has an effect on price, etc.)
Look forward to hearing about your meals!
Cheers!
Spicy Food in Orlando, FL
I second Chilango's and Kohinoor.
Don't forget Sea Thai on SR 50/Colonial Dr for great (and spicy) Thai! For more Thai, I get the Thai Peanut Curry "Thai Hot" from The Thai Place at 17/92 and Lee Road, in the plaza behind Flemmings.
Best Spicy Food of Orlando!?
Sea Thai (or any Thai place) and order a curry "Thai Hot" and prepare to weep through your meal. Really, you can order anything on the menu that way, I've had mega spicy Pad Thai. Yum!
Tijuana Flats has a hot sauce bar with 15-25 hot sauces, of various degrees of heat.
Frank's Red Hot?
Super Walmart and the Walmart neighborhood supermarkets carry the hot sauce and the wing sauce. We love the wing sauce.
Magical Dining Orlando Reviews
I think this will be the last two for me....
Funky Monkey Wine Co
Food Quality = A
Relative Value = A
Great evening (Thursday, tonight), though prepare to settle in as it's not a quick in and out place. We arrived early and the place was hopping as we received our entree's. Reservations are a good idea. Most of the folks in our party had a promo GC that could not be used with the Magical Dining menu, which we all knew going in so that wasn't an issue. One person ordered the MDM and got a great meal, huge portion. She ordered the pork tenderloin and loved it.
Based on my bill total and the MDM offer, this is one heck of a deal if you like those options. Everyone at the table enjoyed their meals and their selections from the wine list. Will go back, for sure!
Early in the week I hit Hannibal's in Winter Park. Quiet evening.
Hannibal's On The Square
Food Quality = B
Relative Value = C
Went with a group, all enjoyed. Mushroom soup was a stand out, big raves, salad was just OK. Most ordered the Blue Cheese Burgers and loved them, all were cooked to order and with a melted blue cheese pocket in the center. Two of us had the trout, it was tasty but is a petite portion and the burger seems to be the better choice if you are hungry.
Desserts were not stellar. Apple tart was reported to be OK and in need of cinnamon and spices. Bland. The chocolate cake was OK, not super chocolatey and it could have been more moist.
Orlando Magical Dining recs?
@Sandwich Sister,
I've gone to RP somewhat regularly since it opened and have never had an issue. I've gone with people who are casual diners and people who are massive foodies. I've also been there for lunch with the same great experience. All comments have been more than favorable with those I've dined with...of course, anyplace can have an off night or not be everyones cup of tea, but that hasn't been my experience.
The magical menu has the steak frites on it, which is always a crowd pleaser.
On the regular menu there are big raves for the gruyere biscuits, which we always order. I love their lobster tacos, sometimes I get that and a salad and call it a meal. The burgers are great and they have a lamb burger that has received thumbs up as a non beef option. When mussels (Starters) are in season and on the menu- get them. All of the options I've listed are not pricey. Now granted, you don't go to 5 guys and spend 12 or 13 bucks on a burger, but in the realm of getting truffled frites and a crazy burger- good deal.
The bar doesn't offer many deals, but offers some great microbrews on tap and the wine list is a great option.
Magical Dining Orlando Reviews
Herbert-
It's sooooo hit or miss there, which is why I rarely go. 2 for 1 margaritas from 5-7 are good, though.
I was there last week with friends and enjoyed the Magical Dining menu- Crab flautas, seafood enchiladas and fried ice cream. Crab Flautas were good, though nothing special. The crab filling was missing something in the flavor component. The seafood enchiladas were great, a nice mix of shrimp and scallops with a really good sauce which was creamy but still a red sauce. (The Mexican equivalent to Italian Pink sauce?) Fried ice cream came to the table flaming, but was coated in unsweetened toasted coconut...which was scorched and just awful. Ice cream was offered in Chocolate and Vanilla- I chose Chocolate and sadly, it was not at all chocolatey.
Service was slow and bad for us, too- but the place was clean last Friday. Decent dinner crowd.
I'd agree with your rating, though I had a better experience.
Food quality = C
Relative Value = C
Magical Dining Orlando Reviews
K Restaurant
Food quality A+
Relative Value A
Party of 2, GNO.
I enjoyed the Magical Dining menu ($30) - Fried green tomato with crab app, Mahi Mahi over fava corn succotash, Apple Tarte with cream and caramel sauce.
Friend enjoyed the regular Prixe Fixe which changes daily ($23) and had the Heirloom tomato salad, Salmon with mustard glaze and veggies over rice and cheesecake with figs.
A complimentary amuse bouche was brought out, a delightful melon mint gaspacho. I heard "mint" and thought that was all I would taste...not so. Cantaloupe, Honeydew and the tang of sweetened lime rounded out the soup. The mint flavor was very, very mild- though the green specks were visible. My friend and I were so taken with the soup, we wished we could have had round 2. :)
Apps were delish. I have had the FGT and Crab app several years ago and it's awesome...fresh, not at all greasy and a generous helping of crab salad. (Crab, a bit of grained mustard, corn) I wish it were on the menu regularly. My friends tomato salad was a tasty combo of 4 or 5 varieties of halved grape sized tomatoes in red, yellow, orange, green, halved and lightly dressed and then topped with shaved parm and micro greens.
Our main courses were both fish and both wonderful. My friend took the recommendation of our server and went with Med rare on the salmon and was very pleased. The rice was very flavorful and the dish was topped with a nice medley of veggies. My Mahi was very tender and flavorful, the succotach was a nice combination of sweet corn just off the cob, fresh and tender Fava beens, tomatoes, onion and seasonings. Really tasty.
Desserts were petite in size, but big on flavors. Thumbs up on both- and really good coffee. I'm a decaf drinker so I like to mention when I get a stellar (bold and flavorful) cup of decaf. My friend was drinking fully leaded and tried mine, agreed that there was not a flavor difference.
I had a reservation and we dined early. By 7:15 or so every table was booked, so consider reservations.
Orlando Magical Dining recs?
I enjoy the Ravenous Pig, so I would recommend that option. Friends were in last week and raved.
Luma is a nice choice as is K Restaurant. Just went to K this evening, it was packed, friend opted for their Prixe Fixe and I opted for the Magical Dining menu and everything was wonderful...per the usual. (Rest. K comments here http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/649419# )
Had friends hit J Alexanders and they could not believe how much food was on their plate. Prime rib was supposed to be good if you enjoy beef. They both took their desserts home.
Magical Dining Orlando Reviews
Great idea, Herbert!
I hit 310 Park South with friends this past week. Several of us ordered Magical Menu and several ordered the regular menu, the meal was enjoyed by all.
From the Magical menu:
Food Quality = A
Relative Value = B
2- Gator tail, pork tenderloin, chocolate trifle
1- Salad, snapper, Pistachio gelato topped with berries.
1- Salad, mushroom ravioli, chocolate trifle
Gator tail, 310 salad, pork tenderloin, mushroom ravioli, chocolate trifle and Pistachio gelato all were enjoyed.
I ordered the snapper, which came over a fennel salad and was topped with olive tapenade. The fish was nice, cooked well, but the fennel and the olive tapenade were both cold, which didn't really mesh well with the dish. Easily corrected if they roasted or sauteed the fennel salad and warmed up the tapenade a bit. According to our server, this is an entree that is going to be part of their regular menu sometime soon. The Pistachio gelato, was really tasty, tons of Pistachios in the gelato, really, really good.
Everyone enjoyed the meal, service was attentive and the Magical menu items were enjoyed as much as the regular menu items.
Seafood in Orlando
Hope this post helps:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/587245
Please note: Village Tavern and Graze have closed since this post.
Waterfront Restaurants??
I like Houston's over Season's 52 (sandlake) for a water view. Enzo's is also nice.
Just ate at Lago tonight, they have a great water view, nice atmosphere and good food. http://www.lagobaldwinpark.com/
Best Pizza Near Disney?
Giordano's! I haven't eaten at the Orlando locations, but I'm a Chicago girl and love their pies. : )
non chain, orlando fast food
Burgers:
Johnny's fillin station
http://www.johnnysfillinstation.com/splash.asp
The Taproom at dubstread
http://www.taproomatdubsdread.com/taproom.html
Dogs-
Hot Dog Heaven are the best in town, as covered by others.
http://www.hotdogheaven.com/
Sandwiches:
Gabriel's subs
2242 Aloma Ave
Winter Park, FL 32792
(407) 622-2525
Lawless subs
445 W State Road 436
Altamonte Spgs, FL 32714-4107
(407) 774-1136
Graze /Sanctuary Closed
Per the Sentinel when they closed:
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features_food_blog/2009/05/graze-and-fifis-restaurants-close-in-downtown-orlando-.html
Per Scott Joseph
http://www.scottjosephorlando.com/news/78-scotts-news/351-graze-and-sanctuary-diner-are-closed
Chefs Table Winter Garden
Here is the original thread, with helpful links.
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/516664
Glad you enjoyed a list fav!
Dinner for twenty, $100 budget
Roasted veggies are inexpensive, very flavorful and can be used on their own or with pasta.
Plum tomatoes can be bought at Sams or costco for $5 a big container. Slice them in half, place them on a baking sheet, top them with chopped herbs and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic. (I also use bread crumbs and parm, but you can skip for the gluten and veggies) Roast in the oven, serve warm or store in the fridge.
The tomatoes can be tossed with chopped basil, a drizzle of good olive oil and pasta for an amazingly flavorful and inexpensive dish or used with other roasted veggies.
Indian food offers very flavorful options; I love Channa masala, which is indian spiced chickpeas simmered in spices and served with rice, but can be served without.
Both options can be prepared ahead of time and are low cost, high flavor.
Help! I have too much cilantro!
I've seen cilantro pesto paired with grilled veggies or Salmon.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/features/health/la-fo-market1-eggplant,0,4745429.story
Review: The Village Tavern (Orlando)
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features_food_blog/2009/05/the-village-tavern-near-mall-at-millenia-closes.html
The Chef's Table Restaurant Winter Garden
We took my folks to The Chefs Table for Mother's Day brunch this past week. According to Laurie, The Chefs Table offers brunch for certain holiday's and sometimes during the summer. I'm on the E list and got the heads up in April; I booked immediately. Glad I did, the brunch was sold out with a long waiting list.
Everything was top notch from start to finish, service was very friendly and the food was just wonderful. The Brunch menu offers select entrees (There were several brunch offerings and several non breakfast offerings) and a choice of 2 dessert offerings. The cost was $21.99 per person and included either a Mimosa or Sake Bloody Mary. Additional drinks were available for $3.50. All of the items I'll describe were also included.
Upon being seated a basket of warm treats arrived, assorted mini muffins and delicious mini biscuits which were devoured by the table. Plenty of butter and fresh strawberry jam were also brought out.
My mother ordered the Eggs Benedict, her favorite, and was very pleased. I ordered Eggs Sardou, it was wonderful. Dad ordered the Shrimp Etouffe and was thrilled. Husband ordered the Beef tips in country gravy served over biscuits; he would have preferred the tips to be more tender, but he was happy and loved the gravy. All breakfast entrees were served with a cheesy potato casserole, which was insanely good. I gave most of my portion to my hubby since he eats like a 14 year old and doesn't gain an ounce.
After our entrees arrived a plate of shared pancakes arrived, 1 for each of us, along with vanilla scented maple syrup. YUM. The pancakes were delicious and just the right size, not huge but not silver dollar sized either. Along with the pancakes, a serving bowl of cheese grits, which were good.
We ordered another round of drinks ($3.50 each) and settled in for dessert. Tiramisu for 3 at the table and banana's foster for Dad. OMG, this Tiramisu was amazing. Chef Kevin brought out desserts....had we known how amazing they were going to be we would have hugged him. My Dad tucked into the Banana's Foster topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and the rest of the table tried to finish the Tiramisu, but took some home...where it was just as wonderful. The folks raved about the food and how nice everyone was....no more big hotel brunches for this crew.
We don't make it over that direction often, but we'll be back. I hope they continue Brunches this summer.
Orlando Restaurant Week
I've attended in years past and had very good experiences. Restaurant K always does a great job!
Do be sure to ask for the Restaurant Week menu! (The fall offers Magical Dining month with special menus and you have to ask for that as well.)
Blue crab and crawfish in Orlando
They are more prevalent in Maryland, the Carolina's and Louisiana. Folks down here want the easier to eat claws and the Blue crabs best meat requires picking the lump meat from the body after cracking open and removing the gross stuff.
You can get Blue Crabs from a few places around town, fish markets are your best bet. Lombardi's in Winter Park gets them in and there is a place up in Sanford, it's right off of 17/92.
I'm a former MD'er, so blue crab is the only way to go as my family is concerned. I'll eat King and Dungeness, but Blue holds the top spot for us. If you want to save some effort and still get the best jumbo lump crab, order crab cakes from G &M's. I've ordered for years and have never had a problem. http://www.gandmrestaurant.com/
