Category Archives: Orlando

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse

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**** (4 stars)

I was here with a group for a special menu.

We began by sampling the escargot, crab cake and thick cut bacon au poivre. The crab cake was the best, with very little filler. Escargot was tender; it was hard to tell what the normal presentation would be like, as we had it on a crouton. The bacon was a fairly tough an fatty hunk of pork belly that didn’t appeal to me at all.

Lobster and shrimp dumpling was very nicely sautéed, and the heirloom tomatoes served with burrito cheese were excellent.

The filet mignon we had was very tender, but it lacked the sort of char that would make an otherwise fairly bland cut interesting. At least they hadn’t tried to cover it up with sauce to disguise its flavor. The accompanying lobster tail was fairly durable and didn’t have much flavor, and my wife’s was even tougher. So I don’t think I’d order a surf and turf, and would be inclined to order a more flavorful steak such as a strip or porterhouse.

The brussels sprout side dish incorporated bacon, which tasted nice, but because the sprouts had been separated into individual leaves it was fairly dry compared to, say, the succulent ones at Eddie V’s.

The lobster mac and cheese used fontina cheese which resulted in a somewhat pasty consistency without a lot of crust, but the lobster was good, however the dish was nowhere near as good as the lobster mac at Capital Grille.

The Wild mushrooms were quite good, with a nice variety of mushrooms, succulent and tasty.

Both the chocolate souffle cake and the buttercake were excellent, with my vote going to the buttercake.

A variety of good wines were paired with the meal, and the Del Frisco Cabernet Sauvignon, made by Robert Foley, was a particularly nice choice, a fairly light bodied cab with good fruit.

Service was superb, very attentive and professional.

We were in a private room, which was great, because the main restaurant, which was packed, was absolutely deafening, and there’s no way we could have carried on a conversation there with our tablemates.

On the whole, I’d say it’s a good conventioneer steakhouse, but I think locals can find better choices.

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse
9150 International Dr
Orlando, FL 32819

http://www.yelp.com/biz/del-friscos-double-eagle-steakhouse-orlando

Chutney’s Indian Restaurant

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**** (4 stars)

Chutney’s is in the space formerly occupied by the excellent Rice Paper and the terrible Lolailo. It’s also almost next door to Graffiti Junction, which used to be Orlando’s finest Indian restaurant, Memories of India, so it has some big shoes to fill.

So far things look promising. We visited at lunch, and, unfortunately like most Indian restaurants in the area, only the buffet is available at lunch time. While there are plenty of choices available on the buffet, it’s impossible for the food quality to match what could be served up fresh and in even more variety from the kitchen.

We were impressed with the variety of chutney available (not too surprising, I guess, given the restaurant’s name) and the endless supply of naan bread that was delivered to our table.

They were still working out some issues with getting checks promptly to tables, but the service was friendly.

Still, to assess whether this is really the next go-to Indian restaurant in Southwest Orlando (something we could really use, given the weaknesses of the others in the area) will require a visit in the evening.

Chutney’s Indian Restaurant
7637 Turkey Lake Rd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 730-9624
http://www.yelp.com/biz/chutneys-indian-restaurant-orlando

Chipotle Mexican Grill

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*** (3 stars)

I happened to visit both Qdoba and Chipotle during the same week, and was struck by how nearly identical they are.

Both offer counter assembly of burritos or bowls with rice, beans, sauce, protein, guacamole, lettuce and a couple of other ingredients. And both result in fairly homogenous, bland tasting imitations of a mediocre Tex-Mex burrito. There are minor differences in the other offerings and drinks, but not really anything of note.

The major appeal seems to be the weight of the food you can get for well under ten dollars. This aspect probably explains why most are located near college campuses.

It’s not the worst Tex-Mex food you’l ever have, but unless you’re looking for a good deal by the pound, the appeal is really lost on me.

Chipotle Mexican Grill
7800 Dr. Phillips Blvd
Ste 100
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 352-0198
http://www.yelp.com/biz/chipotle-mexican-grill-orlando-11

Silva’s Market

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**** (4 stars)

This is an interesting buffet and market combination. The buffet works in an ingenious fashion. You take what you like, they weigh it, and give you a number. You can go back, and they will add that weight to your original order. When you finally check out, they simply tally you up by number.

Everything on the buffet seemed fresh and authentic. There is a hand carving station for a variety of meat. My favorite items, though, were the roasted pineapple and the fish.

The surrounding market has a lots of interesting Brazilian products that you can add to your order when you check out.

Silva’s Market
5920 Metropolis Way
Orlando, FL 32811
(407) 615-3000
http://www.yelp.com/biz/silvas-market-orlando

Panera Bread

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**** (4 stars)

Every Panera I’ve been to has essentially identical food, so reviewing it seems superfluous; you either like it or not.

Panera always seems a bit like a bait and switch to me, as they bill themselves as healthy, yet most of what they serve is not particularly good for you. Just look at that bakery display! But you can eat healthy if you try, and assuming their calorie counts are honest they must have the lowest calorie tuna sandwich on the planet. Also, did you know you can get an apple instead of chips?

What sets Paneras apart is the location, and this one is well-sited. It’s easy to get in and out, has lots of parking, and even a drive through. Also, there is a porch, so you can eat outside, yet be in the shade.

Service is friendly, but I sure wish they wouldn’t page you before your food is up, a reliable occurrence. What’s the point of the pager if you’re just going to stand at the counter anyway?

You can also order online and pick your food up in a bag on the shelf; very convenient.

Panera Bread
4200 Conroy Road
Orlando, FL 32839
(407) 248-0811
http://www.yelp.com/biz/panera-bread-orlando-7

Taverna Opa

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**** (4 stars)

Taverna Opa offers one of the most fun venues at Pointe Orlando. Serving both lunch and dinner, the restaurant has very different atmospheres at day and night.

Lunch is a quiet affair where you can eat outside, inside, and large parties can be accommodated in the spacious back room. At night it transforms into a lively party atmosphere, with much twirling of napkins and shouts of “Opa!”

The menu offers all the Greek standards. The cold appetizer platter is a nice sampling of three dips, and the hot appetizer platter offers delicious wings, lamb ribs, and so-so calamari.

Complimentary hummus that you crush yourself is served with very fresh pitas.

The best appetizer is probably the flaming cheese.

The souvlaki is actually a gyro served with fries, and your choice of filling.

Service is friendly and the wine list is extensive.

Taverna Opa
9101 International Dr
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 351-8660
http://www.yelp.com/biz/taverna-opa-orlando-3

The Oceanaire Seafood Room

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***** (5 stars)

They’ve really upped their game at Orlando’s Oceanaire. Years ago this was the sort of place with a tray of condiments including boxes of Old Bay seasoning and oyster crackers sitting in the middle of each table, which made it feel like a New England seafood house on the pier. No more. Now crisp white table cloths and elegant blue candles set the tone for more of a supper club experience.

While there is always a collection of fresh fish, my favorite things about Oceanaire are the starters and the steaks. Lump crabmeat, tuna tartare, and clam chowder are all standouts, and there are also some really nice salads. The steaks are actually better than at the Capital Grille next door.

Service is extremely professional, and wine service is knowledgable, with an extensive list to draw upon. This is my favorite restaurant at Pointe Orlando.

The Oceanaire Seafood Room
9101 International Dr
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 363-4801
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-oceanaire-seafood-room-orlando

Slate Restaurant

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***** (5 stars)

After reading some mixed reviews I wasn’t expecting that much, but my first visit, at lunch, was exceptional.

As others have stated, the space is gorgeous, with an appealing mix of stone, wood and metal, and divided into a number of dramatic spaces.

The menu is oddly arranged, but so are the menus (and especially wine lists) at sister restaurants Luma and Prato. The affectation doesn’t impact the food quality, which was creative and top-notch.

We started with the deviled eggs and the watermelon salad. The eggs were dyed pink with beet juice, but were otherwise normal and delicious. The watermelon salad contained watermelon chunks, pickled rind, olives and feta. We ordered it because it sounded bizarre. It turned out to be bizarrely delicious, one of the most creative dishes I’ve had in a long time.

For entrees we had the shredded pork sandwich and the Mahi Mahi sandwich. Both were excellent, although I let the Mahi sit a bit too long and the papaya chunks soaked into the bread and made it a bit soggy. Best to eat this dish when it arrives.

The accompanying salad of mixed greens was plentiful and nicely dressed with an interesting vinaigrette.

Service was friendly, efficient and knowledgeable. I have nothing negative to say about this new restaurant, especially considering this was their first week of lunch service. I will be back soon.

Slate Restaurant
8323 W Sandlake Rd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 500-7528
http://www.yelp.com/biz/slate-restaurant-orlando

Fresco Cucina Italiana

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**** (4 stars)

A long time favorite, Fresco has moved across the parking lot from their former location, and their new digs suite them well. Completely new, and yet with a comfortable rustic air, the space is pleasant and inviting.

The menu seems largely unchanged. Most important, my favorite salad is still on offer. The Chicken Salad name does this dish a disservice, as it is a complete meal on a plate, with grilled chicken atop mixed greens, and then succulent sautéed mushrooms on top of that, then the whole thing drizzled with balsamic. Along with a fairly vinegary ramekin of dressing, the combination is one of my favorite salads in town.

The meal is preceded by tasty Italian bread and traditional dipping oil with herbs.

Lunchtime service is quick and efficient, and the kitchen does a good job of keeping up, even though the new location seemed to have increased their business. Definitely a move up for them.

Fresco Cucina Italiana
Bay Hill Plz
7721 Turkey Lake Rd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 363-5775
http://www.yelp.com/biz/fresco-cucina-italiana-orlando

Whisper Creek Farm: The Kitchen

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**** (4 stars)

This vibrant space off the Marriott lobby offers appetizers, small plates and beer. The concept is local sourcing from the property’s farm, although that’s not apparent in a lot of the items, since they aren’t raising pigs or cows or fish.

Many of the beers are microbrewed. I liked the porter I had, although the menu changes so often you can’t count on the selections listed on the sample menus outside the door actually matching the menu inside. Since they’re both just pieces of printer paper, I’m not sure why.

The background music is lively, so it’s a better after convention spot to have a drink than a place for a relaxing meal.

Whisper Creek Farm: The Kitchen
4040 Central Florida Pkwy
Orlando, FL 32837
(866) 435-7627
http://www.yelp.com/biz/whisper-creek-farm-the-kitchen-orlando