This counter-service place serves acceptable pizza. There’s nothing really exceptional about it, but it’s fine.
The best was the cauliflower crust garden pizza, which didn’t have much in the way of sauce, but had a nice collection of vegetables. The thin crust pepperoni pizza was cut into squares Tavern style, which I like. There’s really no atmosphere, but they did bring the pizza to the table when it was ready.
I really like the interior design of this new, airy restaurant in Flamingo Crossings. The staff is very welcoming, and the ambiance is great.
The menu offers a nice variety of upscale Italian fare. We started with the sauteed mussels and clams (which were okay, but could have used more garlic) and the tuna carpaccio, which had a marvelous lemon dressing on the accompanying arugula.
That same fantastic dressing showed up on the Salad Capri, one of the best salads I’ve ever had. The combination of the slightly sweet lemon dressing and the bitter greens was amazing, as were the other surprising ingredients: banana peppers, melon, candied walnuts, and olives.
We happened to go for lunch on a Wednesday, which is lasagna day, and the lasagna was very good. It seemed like something an Italian grandmother would make.
Because it’s in a tourist area, prices are not cheap, but I would definitely return for the amazing salad and excellent service.
Nice neighborhood Thai place with a very reasonably priced lunch. Pretty much all the common Thai dishes are on the lunch menu. Very friendly service and good food.
This is a nice new Gators with a very friendly staff. I love the way that Gator’s menu has gotten so creative lately, with lots of temporary specials. This is a great venue for watching sports, but also just a good place for traditional bar food plus some creative variations on same.
***** (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
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
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-mÃ-kissimmee-kissimmee-2
This counter service stir fry and sushi place also has adequate inside seating. The stir fry is cooked to order, with fresh veggies and a tasty sauce. I particularly liked the scallops in my shrimp and scallop combination.
And how can you beat a lunch special with two sushi rolls of your choice, a ginger salad, and a drink for $8.99? The spicy tuna roll was actually spicy, and the salmon wash fresh.
Friendly service.
This is the best Chinese food in the area. It’s always hot, and served on time. There are only three tables in the restaurant, so there’s a reason why delivery is in the name.
I particularly like their Singapore Mei Fun. It consists of thin noodles in a light curry sauce with assorted proteins. Servings are very generous.
https://www.yelp.com/biz/run-and-run-chinese-delivery-orlando-3
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.
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.
