Category Archives: Florida

4 Rivers Smokehouse

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***** (5 stars)

Essentially a clone of the original 4 Rivers. In a city of BBQ joints, this is the best. At most BBQ places I lik sliced pork, but the ticket here is either the “burnt ends”, a mixture of beef and pork from the edges that is seared to perfection and mixed with BBQ sauce, or the brisket, which is best just as a lump on your tray rather than a sandwich. Most of the sides are less exciting than these two entrees. The outside seating here is spacious and not too noisy.

4 Rivers Smokehouse
1047 S Dillard St
Winter Garden, FL 34787
(407) 474-8377
http://www.yelp.com/biz/4-rivers-smokehouse-winter-garden

Paris Bistro

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***** (5 stars)

Wow, what great ambiance this place has. It reminds me of a little cafe of the Champs Elysee in Paris. Food is authentically French, and the service is attentive and professional. I love sitting under the giant (fake but very realistic) tree in the enclosed courtyard and having lunch or brunch, both of which are very attractively priced. I’ve followed this place since its origin, with a different name and different owners, through  three locations, and it still never disappoints. My favorite little Orlando bistro.

Paris Bistro
216 N Park Ave
Winter Park, FL 32789
(407) 671-4424
http://www.yelp.com/biz/paris-bistro-winter-park

Morton’s The Steakhouse

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*** (3 stars)

Morton’s is the oldest steakhouse on restaurant row. In fact, they basically invented the chain steakhouse concept. It’s much imitated now, so there isn’t a lot to differentiate it from the copiers. And it’s the noisiest dining room on Sand Lake Road (which is saying something). I had a business dinner here once and literally couldn’t communicate with the client! However there is one great thing about Mortons, and that’s the bar. It’s cozy, and there’s an amazing happy hour menu at great prices. Moreover, smart locals know that the bar is the place to have dinner. You can get the full deal, in a relaxed environment where you can talk. If I have to have steak on restaurant row, that’s where I go.

Morton’s The Steakhouse
7600 Dr. Phillips Boulevard
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 248-3485
http://www.yelp.com/biz/mortons-the-steakhouse-orlando-2

The Table

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***** (5 stars)

The Table offers one of Orlando’s most unique concepts.  One table, 18 seats, no choices. Food and wine and even the tax and tip included (in fact, prepaid) at one reasonable price. The chef was a culinary instructor, and the cooking shows. They pride themselves on never fixing the same thing twice. Tonight menu depends upon what their micro suppliers happen to deliver from the local produce and meats and fish that were caught that day.

The evening begins with Champagne and passed hors d’ouvres as you get to know your fellow diners. Then you are seated and enjoy a multi-course food and wine pairing. In my experience, people tend to linger over the last course, enjoying the conversation and the last of the wines. By the end of the evening, you will have some new friends.

The Table
8060 Via Dellagio Way
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 900-3463
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-table-orlando

Café de France

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***** (5 stars)

Interior

Escargot and pate

Rack of lamb

In a town that used to be filled with French restaurants, Cafe de France is one of the only survivors, and deservedly so. The ambiance is friendly and the food is consistently good. There are a lot of authentic things going on here, but also an American spin on a lot of the items. Ask about their wine pairing dinners, which are an excellent deal.

Café de France
526 S Park Ave
Winter Park, FL 32789
(407) 647-1869
http://www.yelp.com/biz/caf%C3%A9-de-france-winter-park-2

Hamburger Mary’s

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**** (4 stars)

Although it’s picked up a lot of competition lately in the category of gourmet hamburgers, Hamburger Mary’s is still one of my favorites. The burgers, shakes and fires are all good, and the drag queen atmosphere is fun, even if you’re not into that scene. Some of the best onion rings in town.

Hamburger Mary’s
110 W Church St
Orlando, FL 32801
(321) 319-0600
http://www.yelp.com/biz/hamburger-marys-orlando

TooJay’s

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** (2 stars)

This place has the most annoying front of house personnel in the city. The restaurant may be half empty, but they’ll keep you standing there for ten minutes while they act officious. This is not the description of a single experience, it’s the description of every experience I’ve had during ten years, every time someone has dragged me to this place. The food is fine, but I’m so annoyed by the time I’m seated that I can never enjoy it. Orlando has very few delis. But we could get by with one less.

TooJay’s
7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd.
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 355-0340
http://www.yelp.com/biz/toojays-orlando-4

Ceviche Tapas Bar & Restaurant

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**** (4 stars)

I’m not a big fan of bustling restaurants, but I really enjoy the ambiance at Ceviche. There are literally hundreds of things to try, including–yes–excellent ceviche. I like the cold assortments of meats and cheeses, and the sangria is very tasty. Waiters are good at getting you in and out, so it’s a great place to go before a concert at the Amway.

Ceviche Tapas Bar & Restaurant
125 W Church St
Orlando, FL 32801
(321) 281-8140
http://www.yelp.com/biz/ceviche-tapas-bar-and-restaurant-orlando-2

Which Wich

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**** (4 stars)

A great and fun concept! Pick a form (1 of ten) pick a sandwich from it (1 of 5) pick what goes onto it (many choices).  Then enjoy your personalized creation. My favorite is to turn the whole thing into a salad, which is generous and healthy, and can contain some pretty weird ingredients. A unique concept.

Which Wich
7800 Dr Phillips Blvd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 903-1942
http://www.yelp.com/biz/which-wich-orlando