Category Archives: Seafood

Lolailo “The Original”

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*** (3 stars)

Southwest Orange County really needs a good tapas restaurant. And Lolailo has the potential to be one, but it’s not there yet. The restaurant occupies the former space of the much-missed Rice Paper, but has undergone a full remodel, and is quite stylish.

To me, tapas is all about ordering a table full of small sharing plates. In Spain it’s not uncommon for two of us to share a dozen little items. But that doesn’t work at Lolailo. Much of the menu is devoted to entrees, and the tapas items are extremely expensive. An assorted cheese plate for $30? You’ve got to be kidding. Assorted meats $20.

The problem is worse at lunch. There are almost no tapas items on the lunch menu. Pricing is more reasonable, with the entrees under $15, and a croquette appetizer was a bargain at $4. But most items weren’t particularly flavorful. The grilled lamb chops were the best, but were accompanied by flavorless mashed potatoes. My guests were unenthusiastic about the veal, the fish soup and the chick pea stew.

We were almost alone at lunch, and certainly outnumbered by employees, yet it took an hour and a half, so I’m curious to see if they continue to offer lunch.

I might try Lolailo again, but I think I’ll wait a few months to see what changes they make.

Lolailo “The Original”
7637 Turkey Lake Rd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 730-8948
http://www.yelp.com/biz/lolailo-the-original-orlando

Duke’s

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**** (4 stars)

I have a sentimental attachment to this place, because I used to go here with my parents in the 1960s, when it was The Sea Lion. In those days the waves splashed against the glass in the bar. Since then rocks have been added to protect against storms, but there is still an amazing view. I’m sure the food is better now, too. A variety of fresh fish selections are available, along with a variety of preparations.  On a recent visit we enjoyed a hummus trio appetizer, tuna poke tacos and a roasted basil and black garlic fish presentation. All were excellent, and the greens that came with the entree were scrumptious! It’s a great place for a seaside break from the city.

Duke’s
21150 Pacific Coast Hwy
Malibu, CA 90265
(310) 317-0777
http://www.yelp.com/biz/dukes-malibu-malibu

Melisse

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**** (4 stars)

This is a good, but not great restaurant. The preparations are elaborate, and most results are quite tasty, but it is rare that things come together in that transcendental experience where the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.

The wine list is good if, expectedly, pricey. There are some hard to find gems, although no great depth of vintages.

Service is efficient and accommodating, neither stiff nor particularly friendly.

Atmosphere is understated although the open room and fairly bright lighting aren’t particularly intimate.

A fine restaurant, but after two visits to check it out, not one that beckons me back.

Melisse
1104 Wilshire Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 395-0881
http://www.yelp.com/biz/melisse-santa-monica-2

Eddie V’s Prime Seafood

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***** (5 stars)

This is the restaurant experience you’re looking for. It’s about time Orlando had a supper club again, and Eddie V’s is the perfect fit. Great ambience, great food, great service.

The interior is a bit of a cross between Seasons 52 and Capital Grille, two other high-end Darden restaurant chains.

Live music in the corner of the bar sets the tone, and for those who want to be immersed in the music there are lots of dining tables in the bar.

A classy glass wine storage wall separates the bar from the restaurant, where the music is much softer. Elegant finishes and lighting create a great mood.

Sashimi yellowtail and tuna tartare were both excellent appetizers. The Ceasar salad and BLT salad were both more deconstructed than my preference, but were tasty. Grouper entree was nicely seared.

Note that the meat here is true prime, unlike Capital Grille, so ironically you can get a better steak than at Darden’s steak restaurant!

Bananas Foster is also deconstructed, with flaming 151 rum poured over the ingredients at the table.

Service was phenomenal. Even on the fourth day of operation, the place was running like a well oiled machine, friendly and hyper observant to any need.

A great new addition to Restaurant Row.

Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
7488 West Sand Lake Road
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 355-3011
http://www.yelp.com/biz/eddie-vs-prime-seafood-orlando

Everglades

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*** (3 stars)

I’v been to Everglades many tmes, but generally it’s for special events. Vine and Dine events are held five times a year, and offer a five course meal with wine pairings. They attract a dedicated local crowd. Chef Fred turns out some interesting dishes, and the service staff is extremely friendly.

Everglades
9840 International Dr
Orlando, FL 32801
(407) 996-2385
http://www.yelp.com/biz/everglades-orlando

Kabooki Sushi

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***** (5 stars)

I’ve had sushi all over the world, from Tokyo to Los Angeles, New York and Nobu in London. But I’ve never had better than here at Kabooki. We had the omakase, where you put yourself in the chef’s hands. He came to the table to assess our tastes, and then repeatedly to check on each dish. Everything was stellar, but the real stunner was the sashimi platter, where the perfection and simplicity of the fish left us in awe. Each was served with a different tiny dot of sauce and sprig of micro green. The accompanying wine pairing was generous and high quality. This will become our weekly pilgrimage. It’s unbelievable to find this quality of sushi in Orlando.

Kabooki Sushi
3122 E Colonial Dr
Orlando, FL 32803
(407) 228-3839
http://www.yelp.com/biz/kabooki-sushi-orlando

Go 4 Food

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***** (5 stars)

Great little place on a side street in Chinatown. Clean, friendly, and superb food. Lunch is an incredible bargain for under $7, but we chose to explore the main menu, which is also reasonably priced.

We tried the Salty Egg Yolk Shrimp, Dungeness Crab Curry, and the French Beef. All were excellent.

I would have liked the shrimp a bit crispier; it’s definitely worth $2 extra to have it shelled.

If only the crab could be shelled! It was our favorite dish because of the rich spices in the curry, but it was an absolute mess to eat because it’s a whole crab covered in curry sauce, and you have to crack the shells; but hanging onto something covered in hot, slippery sauce is a real challenge. They can do other proteins with this sauce, and that’s what I’d get next time.

I’d definitely get the French Beef again. It was wonderfully tender cubes of beef with an aromatic crust. No Frenchmen were harmed in the preparation of this dish.

This is definitely a non-touristy place to have great food in Chinatown.

Go 4 Food
212 W 23rd St
Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 842-8688
http://www.yelp.com/biz/go-4-food-chicago

Davis Street Fishmarket

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*** (3 stars)

This is an okay fish restaurant in a town that has good sushi places but no really great seafood places. The food here is similar to what you’d find at a Red Lobster, and the atmosphere not that much different, either. Service is fine, but seems stretched a bit thin. Probably best if you’re in the mood for fried seafood.

Davis Street Fishmarket
501 Davis St
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 869-3474
http://www.yelp.com/biz/davis-street-fishmarket-evanston

Emeril’s Tchoup Chop

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**** (4 stars)

This is Emeril’s other restaurant at Universal, and I actually like it better than the original Emeril’s. While there is an Asian twist to most items, it is more a fusion of different cuisines, and there are lots of interesting flavors. The room is absolutely beautiful, with a long lily pond down the middle, high reedy ceilings and dramatic lighting. It’s usually not as noisy as you might expect from the soaring roofline. Prices are reasonable for a tourist hotel restaurant. This is a surprisingly good choice for pre-show dining before going to a concert at Hard Rock Live, because you can take the boat there and save the exorbitant valet parking charge at Citywalk.

Emeril’s Tchoup Chop
6300 Hollywood Way
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 503-2467
http://www.yelp.com/biz/emerils-tchoup-chop-orlando

Big Fin Seafood Kitchen

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**** (4 stars)

This is a big old cavernous place that does a lot of good stuff with fresh seafood. It can get really loud, so if you don’t want that ask to sit in the back room. Sushi isn’t their strong point, but they do offer some, along with oysters and other shellfish. I really like the salads and fish dishes. Good bread, too. Reasonably priced wines, unlike most of the other restaurants in the area.

Big Fin Seafood Kitchen
8046 W Sand Lake Rd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 615-8888
http://www.yelp.com/biz/big-fin-seafood-kitchen-orlando