Category Archives: Orlando

Shakers American Café

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Western omelet

***** (5 stars)

Shakers recently won a people’s choice award for best breakfast in Orlando, and I can see why. My Western Omelet was overflowing with fresh vegetables and savory ham. Hash browns were extra crispy, just like I ordered them. And my server’s suggestion to grill my biscuit was pure genius.

I also loved the decor, with unique salt and pepper shakers on every table, and many more lining the walls.

Service was excellent, and all the servers I encountered were very friendly. Indeed, this was the best breakfast I’ve had in a long, long time.

UPDATE, MAY 9, 2024

Breakfast Quesadilla

Shakers still makes the best breakfasts in town! My new favorite is the breakfast quesadilla. It’s perfect!

Shakers American Café
1308 Edgewater Dr
Orlando, FL 32804
(407) 422-3534
https://www.yelp.com/biz/shakers-american-caf%C3%A9-orlando-2

Paris Bánh Mí Kissimmee

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This counter-serve place is light and airy, with nice seating and a great vibe.

My Grilled Pork Banh Mi was as good as any I’ve ever had. The secret to a great banh mi is great bread, and this baguette was fresh, yet crusty, and filled with crisp veggies. The sauce and pork were spot on, and there was plenty of cilantro and jalapeno. Just a terrific sandwich.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/paris-bánh-mí-kissimmee-kissimmee-2

Crisp & Green

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This salad assemblage place is much nicer than many of the competitors, with a large, pleasant inside seating area.

Their featured combinations all seem quite interesting. There is a nice variety.

I had the Chicken Bacon Ranch. The house Ranch dressing is nice and light, and a bit herbal. The bacon was meaty, the chicken was nicely seared, and the avocado was generous.

I ordered online, and it was ready by my selected time.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/crisp-and-green-winter-garden

Voodoo Bayou

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Voodoo Bayou is a great addition to restaurant row. The cool vibe and extensive drink menu is sure to be a hit with the evening crowd, but we went for lunch.

It was opening day (we were customer number two!) and the place was already running like clockwork.

The dinner prices are reasonable for dinner, but it’s nice that they have a lunch time “pick two” special for $15. I chose the gumbo appetizer and blackened shrimp po’boy sandwich. Both were authentic and tasty. I appreciated that they plunked down the Louisiana hot sauce right at the start of the meal!

I miss all the Cajun places we used to have back in the 90’s, so it’s great to have a really nice one to go to now.

I’m even more excited by the Asian small plate speak easy (reservation only) hidden off the foyer. That’s right up my alley, and I’ll be checking it out soon.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/voodoo-bayou-orlando

Kungfu Kitchen

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Even though it’s in a tourist area, this is one of the best Chinese restaurants in Central Florida. 

I don’t think I’ve ever had better dim sum, and the extensive, illustrated menu makes it really easy to order from. The seared soup dumplings (Pan-Fried Pork Dumplings) in particular were the best I’ve had.

The scallion pancakes are a bit unusual – more like a toasted flour tortilla than the traditional omelette-like preparation.

The large, airy space is inviting, and not too loud even when it’s busy. 

Service is really good.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/kungfu-kitchen-no-title

Charm Thai and Sushi

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It’s about time we got a decent sushi restaurant in this area, and Thai to boot! Excellent service and nice seating make this place a win,

The yellowtail carpaccio was really fresh and tasty, with just the right crunch to the jalapeños. Spicy salmon roll and Philadelphia roll were both good. And while my companion had sushi I had a delicious Yum Nua salad.

Now we don’t have to drive halfway across the county for good Asian food!

https://www.yelp.com/biz/charm-thai-and-sushi-windermere

Ali Ceviche Bar

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This place makes an excellent semi-frozen Pisco Sour.

The food is just okay. The fish in our Tiradita was so stringy and tough we had to cut it with a knife. The yellow potatoes in the Causa were rather gritty. And the Arroz con Mariscos was so heavily sauced and overcooked that it was risotto-like.

There are lots of better places for Peruvian cuisine in Orlando.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/aji-ceviche-bar-orlando

Sorekara

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Orlando has recently been blessed with many great omakase restaurants, but none of them are like Sorekara. It is unlike any restaurant I’ve been to around the world. It’s much more than simply a meal, it is a true experience.

With only ten guests per night (perhaps eventually 12) it is a highly personal experience where each party is handled separately. Your journey begins in a room that is literally a zen garden. Introductory remarks introduce the concept of “Sorekara” or “And then…” The goal is to create a peaceful, all-encompassing experience where you are fully in the moment. You are encouraged to put away your phone or camera, and just enjoy. 

You will travel through four spaces, spending most of your time at a spacious natural wood bar as you enjoy 25 or so courses ranging from a single bite to more substantial bowls and plates. The focus is on Japanese-sourced seafood, but it is nothing like sushi. Ten accompanying wine pairings accentuate an amazing array of flavors. Final dessert courses are served in the most serene dining room I’ve ever encountered.

Through every step, each server made it clear that this restaurant is their passion, and it’s easy to see why.

Sorekara is destined to become a destination restaurant, one that foodies from all around the world will come to Orlando to experience.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/sorekara-orlando

Reel Bowls

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This poke bowl assemblage concept offers an array of bases, fish, and toppings in a bright, spacious setting. You can choose between two types of rice or mixed greens as your base. Then pick a protein and up to four toppings. 

My companion and I both went with greens and tuna and wasabi dressing. My favorite toppings were the edamame, cucumber, and seaweed salad. I highly recommend the fried onion bits as a garnish.

Service was fast and friendly.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/reel-bowls-orlando-2

Victoria & Albert’s

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Victoria & Alberts continues to be one of the best restaurants in Central Florida, despite all of the new competition we have been blessed with. Part of the reason is that new chefs have brought new ideas from all over the world, including Copenhagen and South America.

The chef’s table continues to be the most exclusive experience in Florida fine dining, with great views of the kitchen, and personal interaction with the chefs and servers.

So why doesn’t Victoria and Alberts have Michelin stars? Orlando paid for Michelin to rate its restaurants, and Walt Disney World is not in the city of Orlando.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/victoria-and-alberts-orlando-4