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This is one of only two table service restaurants in the Southwest gate area. The menu is much more limited than at the far larger Cask and Larder, but I've never been a big fan of that place.
You can sit at a small number of tables, mostly for two, or at the bar.
The breakfast burrito at Farmair was better than anything I've had at Cask and Larder. We substituted bacon for sausage, and boy did they deliver! The only downside is they don't have hot sauce, just salsa.
Service was prompt and friendly.
Farmair’s Bar & Bites 9223 Jeff Fuqua Blvd Orlando, FL 32827
This is the best use of this space yet. Hopefully they will be able to fill it. Authentic curry goat, sweet plantains, and black beans. As with most fusion places, it's not really a fusion recipe, but a variety of cuisines. Friendly service.
InteriorReceptionExteriorSkinnylicious Asian Chicken Salad
***** (5 stars)
Cheesecake Factories seem particularly consistent, and this one is no exception. Thank goodness for the Skinnylicious menu with many items at 500 calories or less, to make up for that 1600 calorie slice of cheesecake with almost three day’s worth of fat.
The potstickers and samosas were particularly good appetizers, and the Asian Chicken Salad is a very large, low-calorie alternative.
Note that it’s much easier to get to this location via Palm Parkway than from International Drive and all the congestion around the factory outlets.
The General Store is good for period-themed souvenirs and treats.
***** (5 stars)
Cracker Country is my favorite part of the Florida State Fair. It's more like visiting a historic area, such as Colonial Williamsburg, where characters in period costumes introduce you to the traditional way of doing things. Very different from the rest of the fair experience!
This location is nearly identical to the design of most Cracker Barrels, and of course the food is the same. The distinguishing point is the staff, which is friendly and efficient. Although always busy, they never seem overwhelmed. A good location for Southern comfort food.
I tend to suspect a restaurant in the heart of a tacky tourist district can't be good, but Sakura is the exception. It bills itself as Asian Fusion, but there is really not fusion going on, it's simply a collection of Asian foods from many countries, including Vietnam, Thailand, Japan, and China.
The sushi selections are extensive and appear fresh, but I concentrated on the Vietnamese items, and they were among the best I've had, including many of the restaurants in Orlando's Vietnamese district.
The summer rolls are delightfully fresh and cold, and sever with a tasty peanut and chili sauce.
The Bun Saigon is a classic Veitnamese vermicelli bowl with loads of basil, grilled pork, and fresh veggies, and served with a bowl of fish sauce. Ask for Sriracha and Hoisin to elevate it to sublime. My server also gave me the tip to add my leftover peanut sauce from the summer rolls, and that was indeed a great idea!
The interior decor is pleasant, with a variety of Asian decor. Service was very friendly and efficient.
ExteriorInteriorQ'Keenan Patacon with sweet plantains and shredded beefCheese arepas (26)MenuMenu
***** (5 stars)
This charming little place in an unlikely location does a great job with Puerto Rican food.
Of particular note is the Q'Keenan Paticon. It's essentially a sandwich made with plantains instead of bread. You have your choice of sweet or green plantains, and beef or chicken filling. I chose sweet plantains and shredded beef, and the combination was sublime, especially with the provided garlic and hot sauces.
Also a shoutout to the caramel cappuccino, which was made without sugar by default, so as not to be overly sweet.
Excellent curries are the highlight here, served in generous portions. If you've had Caribbean curries before then you know to watch for bones, as the meat is cleavered, so if you're new to it, be alert, as this applies to not just the goat but also the chicken.
I prefer a drier jerk style, done over flames, rather than the wetter style done here, so my choice here is one of the curries.
