The Melting Pot

Posted on May 8, 2022 by steve

***** (5 stars)

I love cheese fondue, but I'm not a fan of boiling food in broth or oil, so I was delighted to discover that The Melting Pot now has a grilling option for the entree.

We had the Big Night Out dinner for two. We started with the fiesta fondue, which had some nice crunchy jalapeno bits in it. The California salad and strawberry pecan salad were both good, somewhat similar, but differing by type of greens and dressing.

Our entree included Filet Mignon, Teriyaki-Marinated Steak, Chicken, Shrimp, Salmon, and a pasta that we subbed for Potstickers because they grill better. My favorite was the Teriyaki-Marinated Steak.

For dessert, we selected a plain dark chocolate fondue. I particularly liked the crunchy chocolate chip waffles that came with it for dipping, but there is also the usual area of fruits and baked goods.

I recommend the Classic Pairing, four wines well-selected to match each course, at a reasonable price.

We went for lunch the day before Mother's Day, so it was very busy, and I have to say you couldn't tell. Tom, the manager, and Harrison, our server had everything totally under control. It was a great experience.

The Melting Pot
7549 W Sand Lake Rd
Orlando, FL 32819

https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-melting-pot-orlando-2

The Hammered Lamb

Posted on May 8, 2022 by steve

*** (3 stars)

I wanted to like this place more, but it just seems pretty average. It's mostly outside, with a large bar that serves a decent variety of beer, and some interesting cocktails.

The menu is mostly sandwiches. We started with some bacon queso, which didn't really have any detectable bacon, but was saved by an excellent bottle of hot sauce on the table.

The grilled cheese and the lamb gyro were both fine, but unremarkable. Even though it was well past 1 pm and the place wasn't that busy, our waiter seemed way overworked.

Not bad, just not memorable. Your mileage may vary.

The Hammered Lamb
1235 N Orange Ave
Orlando, FL 32804

https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-hammered-lamb-orlando

Lumière Brasserie

Posted on April 23, 2022 by steve

Mille-feuille - not really traditional, but tasty — Mille-feuille – not really traditional, but tasty

***** (5 stars)

Amazing experience all around! Since this is the Fairmont's only restaurant, we were expection more of a coffee shop feel, and indeed this would be a great place for breakfast, but it also has a wonderful evening ambience.

Our waiter was one of the best we've ever had, incredibly personable and knowledgeable about food and especially wine.

We started with the delicious baguette and chicken liver mousse. Then we shared a "plateau" of crab, oysters, and prawns, which was just the right size. We finished with a couple of cheeses, but there are plenty of tempting entrees.

We'll no doubt eat here again during this stay.

Lumière Brasserie
2025 Avenue of the Stars
Los Angeles, CA 90067

https://www.yelp.com/biz/lumi%C3%A8re-brasserie-los-angeles

Javier’s Century City

Posted on April 23, 2022 by steve

***** (5 stars)

Javiers has a truly striking interior. Even though the space is huge, it is divided up into enough interconnected areas so that it manages to seem both exotic and cozy at the same time.

We started with the Tuna Crudo, a generous portion served a bit like a poke bowl. Very fresh and flavorful.

For our main course I had the Enchiladas Mariscos, two delicious mixed seafood enchiladas in a tangy green sauce. They were great.

Chicken Quesadillas were a huge serving, accompanied by a giant mount of excellent guacamole.

The house Margarita was just okay. I'd explore alternatives next time.

Service was friendly and very fast.

Javier’s Century City
10250 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90067

https://www.yelp.com/biz/javiers-century-city-los-angeles

Michael’s

Posted on April 23, 2022 by steve

*** (3 stars)

Back in 1979 we regarded Michael's as the best restaurant on the west side, but now it just seems a bit like it's on autopilot, without any real standouts. The hamachi crudo, the white asparagus side dish, and the pizza were all fine, but there was nothing noteworthy about any of them. The steak frites was good, but again a pretty pedestrian dish. Honestly, the nuts were probably the most stellar thing we ordered.

The wine list is extremely eclectic, yet oddly narrow in focus despite its size: lots of obscure French appellations with a narrow range of varietals and almost nothing above an every day table wine level.

The standout here is the ambiance; the rear dining space is a romantic garden of intimacy, albeit one that definitely looks like 1979.

Service was attentive and professional.

Michael’s
1147 3rd St
Santa Monica, CA 90403

https://www.yelp.com/biz/michaels-santa-monica-2

Hinoki & The Bird

Posted on April 23, 2022 by steve

*** (3 stars)

The good: amazing wine-list with a broad selection of medium to high priced wines from excellent producers and appellations, worldwide.

The bad: crowded and deafeningly noisy making conversation nearly impossible.

The so-so: all the food we tried (ceviche, sashimi, mushrooms, boar ribs, lobster roll, sourdough bread) was just okay. No standouts or anything I'd order again.

Service was friendly, and coping well with the chaos.

Hinoki & The Bird
10 W Century Dr
Los Angeles, CA 90067

https://www.yelp.com/biz/hinoki-and-the-bird-los-angeles

The Stand

Posted on April 23, 2022 by steve

***** (5 stars)

I love burger places that make it easy to create just the combination you want, and the Strand offers every conceivable option. My favorite is a beef patty on a brioche bun with American cheese, bacon, sliced onion and tomato, mustard, mayo, ketchup, and pickle relish. Perfect!

Onion rings were nice and lightly battered with a crisp crust. Eat these first as they have a short shelf life.

Hot fries were the only miss. They're just fries made soggy by being drenched in hot sauce. Better to dip.

There's a spacious outside dining area overlooking the lawn.

The Stand
2000 Ave of the Stars
Los Angeles, CA 90067

https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-stand-los-angeles-6

Se7en Bites

Posted on April 17, 2022 by steve

***** (5 stars)

This is a wonderful spot for breakfast or lunch, both of which are served all day (although all day is only four days a week and until mid-afternoon).

There are two order counters inside, one for hot food, and the other for baked goods.

The breakfast items almost all feature their fabulous garlic biscuits, which are huge, flaky, crusty, and moist inside.

Lunch offers a wide variety. They're famous for their chicken pot pie.

The baked goods are my favorite. The dark chocolate pecan pie had an amazing flaky, buttery crust. The macaroon was the perfect combination of toasty and moist without being too sugary or sticky.

The entire staff was exceptionally friendly.

Se7en Bites
617 N Primrose Dr
Orlando, FL 32803

https://www.yelp.com/biz/se7en-bites-orlando

Race Car Diner

Posted on March 29, 2022 by steve

***** (5 stars)

This is a small traditional roadside diner with a classic assortment of dishes, including excellent hamburger, fries, and onion rings. Be sure to ask for their excellent onion ring dipping sauce!

The tuna melt is also really goos, as is their cole slaw.

Friendly down home service.

Race Car Diner
25641 Monroe St
Astatula, FL 34705

https://www.yelp.com/biz/race-car-diner-astatula

Zaza Cuban Comfort Food

Posted on March 29, 2022 by steve

**** (4 stars)

Great spot for Quesitos, sweet, crispy, cream cheese filled pastries with lots of sugar. They go great with the coffee specialties. I had the cortado, which you can get either with or without sugar.

I was less enthusiastic about my bacon and cheese omelet, which was nothing special.

Order at the counter, and they bring the food to your table. Lots of outdoor seating, too.

Zaza Cuban Comfort Food
417 N Alafaya Trl
Orlando, FL 32828

https://www.yelp.com/biz/zaza-cuban-comfort-food-orlando-2

Forking Orlando

Restaurant reviews from Orlando and beyond

The Melting Pot

The Hammered Lamb

Lumière Brasserie

Javier’s Century City

Michael’s

Hinoki & The Bird

The Stand

Se7en Bites

Race Car Diner

Zaza Cuban Comfort Food