Summer House on the Lake

We enjoyed our lunch at this bustling restaurant at Disney Springs. The main room is very large and can be quite noisy, but we asked to be seated in the front room near the bar, which was much quieter.

The menu has a lot of appealing options, so it was hard to decide.

We ultimately chose to begin with the ahi tuna tostadas, which were absolutely delicious. The serving size was small for the price, but worth it.

We also had the highly touted cheesy dream puffs, but were disappointed in them. Ours didn’t look much like the pictures I saw online, and there wasn’t much evidence of any cheese. They were certainly not puffy; they were more like somewhat stale Yorkshire pudding. Definitely not dreamy.

For one entree we had the pepperoni pizza, to which we added fresh basil. If you like thin crust pizza, this is a great one, with a slightly charred edge and a very thin crust that stands up well to the delicate sauce and cheese and very flavorful pepperoni.

I also agree with raves about the picnic fried chicken basket. The chicken tenders were beautifully breaded and fried to a crispy crunch with a tender inside, and the piquant barbecue sauce was a great accompaniment. The shoestring fries that came along with it were plentiful and nice and crisp.

Service was attentive, particularly considering how busy the restaurant was. I would definitely go back here.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/summer-house-on-the-lake-lake-buena-vista-2

The Wilson

This is a very pleasant all-day eatery overlooking the pool of the Melia hotel. 

We started with the baked potato skins, which were nicely crisped and amply topped with bacon, cheese, and green onions, and served with a cup of sour cream. Classic pub food.

For our mains we had two specials, the crispy fish sandwich and the quesadilla. Both were good. I particularly liked the salad that came with the sandwich (fries were another option).

There is also an extensive pizza menu (served until late) and a selection of pastas and burgers.

Nicole was a great server. In addition, everyone we encountered from the hotel front desk to the restaurant hostess, to the food runners was very friendly. A nice experience.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-wilson-orlando-celebration-2

Benjamin French Bakery Cafe

Forty years ago I had a Thon Baguette (tuna sandwich) in Paris, from a modest sidewalk counter. It was the best tuna sandwich of my life. I’ve been looking for another one ever since.

At last I found it! The one at Benjamin French is absolutely perfect, with fresh baguette that is a bit crusty but tender and not too thick, perfect tuna, delicious mayo (was it French, too?) and thin slice tomato and hard boiled egg that accented rather than overwhelmed.

I also tried the ham and cheese, but it wasn’t the same life-changing experience.

Coffee is good (maybe not Paris good, but good) and I love the French soundtrack.

Service was friendly. I’ll be back!

https://www.yelp.com/biz/benjamin-french-bakery-cafe-orlando

Bearclaw Bakery and Cafe

Exterior
Exterior

***** (5 stars)

Bear Claw bakery has wonderful pastries, just as you'd guess from the name. They also serve complete breakfasts, and were doing a bustling business the Monday morning I visited.

I got a huge almond croissant, a big slab of sour cream pecan coffee cake, and coffee, all to go. Everything was wonderful. Next time I go I will definitely try more of their pastries, because I don't care how good the scrambled eggs might be, there's nothing like super fresh quality pastry!

Bearclaw Bakery and Cafe
228 Paseo Del Pueblo Norte
Taos, NM 87571

https://www.yelp.com/biz/bearclaw-bakery-and-cafe-taos-2

Lynchburg Cafe

Interior
Interior
Whiskey burger and fried okra
Whiskey burger and fried okra
Lynchburger with onion rings
Lynchburger with onion rings
Exterior
Exterior

*** (3 stars)

This place serves a pretty good hamburger, with all the fixings I like on it. I would have liked a bun the held up a bit better, but it was tasty. We really liked the fried okra and onion ring sides. The service was fine. We visited after our Jack Daniels Distillery tour, and it was one of the least crowded places to eat.

Lynchburg Cafe
177 Main St
Lynchburg, TN 37352

https://www.yelp.com/biz/lynchburg-cafe-lynchburg

First Watch

Exterior

Interior

Veggie omelet

**** (4 stars)

I really like the interior decor of this place, with high, modern ceilings, and large walls of glass. It’s much nice than the other First Watches I’ve been to, and also the competitors.

I have to confess that I’m a bit old school as far as breakfast, and I actually prefer most of the items at coffee shops to here, but there are some more heathful options that are interesting. The veggie omelet is a good choice, for example.

The staff was friendly and service was quick.

First Watch
7910 Winter Garden Vineland Road
Windermere, FL
33125
(407) 612-2022
https://www.yelp.com/biz/first-watch-windermere