JoJo’s ShakeBAR Orlando

Exterior
Exterior
Interior
Interior
Gold Digger
Gold Digger
JoJo's Fries
JoJo’s Fries
Loaded Grilled Cheese
Loaded Grilled Cheese
Breakfast Burrito
Breakfast Burrito

**** (4 stars)

I used to have a condo two blocks from this place in Chicago, but I could never get into it, because there was always a line out the door. So it’s ironic that I finally got to the one in Orlando, where I live full-time.

Fortunately, this one is bigger, but still very busy, and reservations are definitely recommended.

You definitely don’t want to go here on a diet. That’s not what this place is about. It’s about huge portions of tasty, definitely non-health food.

We started with the JoJos fries, which were really nicely done, with crispy waffle-cut potatoes, and topped with cheese and bacon.

I had the breakfast burrito, since it was a weekend at lunchtime, and I rarely get one with the same ingredients that I use at home. This one was very nicely stuffed, and had a great accompanying sauce.

Of course, the main reason to go here is for the shakes, and the Gold Digger did not disappoint. It was piled high with a cookie, marshmallow, cake ball, whipped cream, and a toffee-coated pretzel. I had mine with Jim Beam bourbon. It was a terrific shake, and like everything we had, it was a serving for at least two people.

In fact, that’s really a theme here. Every single item we had was a full meal for 2 to 4 people, so don’t get carried away with your ordering until you’ve tried a couple of things.

It’s a fun environment, and one of the better places for tourists to eat on International Drive.

JoJo’s ShakeBAR Orlando
9101 International Dr
Orlando, FL 32819

https://www.yelp.com/biz/jojos-shakebar-orlando-orlando

Mares Real Peruvian Cuisine

Smoked ceviche
Smoked ceviche
Causa a lo Macho
Causa a lo Macho
Interior
Interior
Exterior
Exterior

***** (5 stars)

This is a great neighborhood, Peruvian restaurant that offers a huge menu of Peruvian dishes plus sushi, and even Italian dishes. We enjoyed the smoked ceviche, although we didn't detect any smoky flavor. The house specialty causa was excellent.

Mares Real Peruvian Cuisine
13586 Village Park Dr
Orlando, FL 32837

https://www.yelp.com/biz/mares-real-peruvian-cuisine-orlando

The Vineyard Wine Bar and Healthy Bistro

Interior
Interior

***** (5 stars)

We love this place not just for its interesting collection of wines, but for the great food. You really can't go wrong with any of the shared plates. We love the Brussels sprouts, bruschetta, charcuterie, and the pita plate. Caesar salad is excellent.. And you won't find a better pizza crust anywhere–it's imported from Napoli. Service is very gracious and welcoming, and the wine advice is, of course, great.

The Vineyard Wine Bar and Healthy Bistro
4848 South Apopka Vineland Rd
Orlando, FL 32819

https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-vineyard-wine-bar-and-healthy-bistro-orlando

Medley

Carnitas tacos
Carnitas tacos
Tuna tartare tostada
Tuna tartare tostada
Lamb chops
Lamb chops
I highly recommend the Pistolet!
I highly recommend the Pistolet!
Exterior
Exterior
Interior
Interior

**** (4 stars)

This place offers wonderful small plates and excellent cocktails. The pistolet was a highlight, as were the Moroccan lamb chops.

The wine list is beyond eclectic, which is odd since the restaurant is attached to a wine shop with plenty of more interesting offerings.

Service was efficient. The smaller rooms can get loud if there is a noisy group.

Medley
100 State Rd 150
El Prado, NM 87529

https://www.yelp.com/biz/medley-el-prado

La Granja

Interior
Interior

***** (5 stars)

This place far exceeded my expectations for a counter serve restaurant. I had the mixed ceviche, and it was wholly authentic, and almost as good as the best I've had in Lima, Peru. My companion had the quarter chick, which was a great lunch time deal.

The only downside of this location is that the strip mall needs a parking lot twice as big!

La Granja
3120 S Kirkman Rd
Orlando, FL 32811

https://www.yelp.com/biz/la-granja-orlando-2

K-Town Cafe

Exterior
Exterior
Salmon
Salmon
Chicken Bulgogi
Chicken Bulgogi
Interior
Interior

***** (5 stars)

I love Korean food, with all the elaborate little side dishes, and large range of flavors. But sometime you just want your Korean fix without taking the time for a multi course st-down meal. K-Town Cafe hits the high points in a quick serve format without sacrificing flavor. Beef or Chicken Bulgogi are probably the go-tos here, although I also really liked my grilled salmon. Each mean comes with either white rice or fried rice. I really like that the fried rice was light and flavorful without being oily. You also get a choice of side dishes, and my generous helpings of kimchi and spicy cucumber were both excellent. There's a more elaborate Korean BBQ next door, but I suspect I will find myself often opting for the convenience here.

K-Town Cafe
7800 Dr Phillips Blvd
Orlando, FL 32819

https://www.yelp.com/biz/k-town-cafe-orlando

The Cheesecake Factory

Interior
Interior
Reception
Reception
Exterior
Exterior
Skinnylicious Asian Chicken Salad
Skinnylicious Asian Chicken Salad

**** (4 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 Cheesecake Factory
11602 Regency Village Dr
Orlando, FL 32821
(407) 390-7071
https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-cheesecake-factory-orlando-6

Pea Soup Andersen’s Restaurant

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Interior
Placemat
Crackers
Quesadilla

*** (3 stars)

A flashback to the 50s in every way from decor to menu to the cracker basket on the table. Even the placements are unchanged! Anderson’s has never been my favorite soup, but the other food on the menu is quite good. My tuna sandwich was just like Mom used to make, and the quesadilla (which I’m pretty sure wasn’t on the menu in the 50s) was huge.

Pea Soup Andersen’s Restaurant
376 Avenue Of
Buellton, CA
93427
(805) 688-5581
https://www.yelp.com/biz/pea-soup-andersens-restaurant-buellton-3

Cream Bean Berry

Interior

***** (5 stars)

Excellent local ice cream maker with a great assortment of ice cream and sorbet flavors. There are several choices for cones and cups, or you can have a unicorn sundae, which is served in a cup with a cone (and some magic) on top. They also make floats with sodas or coffee. The line can go out the door, but moves right along.

Cream Bean Berry
1021 Main Ave
Durango, CO
81301
(970) 903-1300
https://www.yelp.com/biz/cream-bean-berry-durango