Qarma Crêpes

**** (4 stars)

This is a cozy little place with great service and a nice assortment of both savory and sweet crepes. The crepes themselves are fairly thin, and have a slight sweetness to the batter, particularly around the thin edges. They are folded in half before stuffing, which gives them more body, but they still remain light and fluffy.

I had a vegetarian crepe, which allowed me to pick an assortment of fillings, plus smoked Gouda cheese and lemon mayo drizzle. The veggies were raw, which gave the crepe a nice, fresh character.

The sweet crepes also looked delicious, I’ll have to save room on a return visit.

There are a few tables outside, and plenty inside, and also up in a loft accessed via a spiral staircase.

Qarma Crêpes
12 N Summerlin Ave
Orlando, FL 32801
(407) 403-5549
http://www.yelp.com/biz/qarma-cr%C3%AApes-orlando

Noodles & Company

**** (4 stars)

Excellent service at this Noodles & Company, and a nice outside dining area. The dishes aren’t quite as integrated as at some others I’ve been to up North. My Pad Thai was just okay; the chicken seemed like an afterthought that just sort of sat there. The edamame seems expensive at $3 considering the small serving, and it’s completely lacking in any seasoning or salt. My friend’s Shrimp Bangkok Curry was much better, and is what I’d have on a return visit.

Noodles & Company
12529 State Rd 535
Orlando, FL 32836
(407) 560-8325
http://www.yelp.com/biz/noodles-and-company-orlando

Pammie’s Sammies

***** (5 stars)

This is a great little sandwich shop in an out of the way place. The fact that so many customers find it that there’s aline at lunch is a sign of just how good it is. I had the Grizzly Bear, which featured delicious house smoked salmon pressed on wheat. The salmon was flaky, moist and very smokey, a really outstanding bit of fish. They also have a daily soup, a nice selection of beers, and serve breakfast sandwiches all day. An excellent new lunchtime find.

Pammie’s Sammies
5907 Turkey Lake Rd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 730-3212
http://www.yelp.com/biz/pammies-sammies-orlando

Christini’s Ristorante Italiano

**** (4 stars)

Any restaurant that has been in business for thirty years must be doing something right, and Christini’s certainly is. In fact, they’re doing it exactly the same as thirty years ago. We went here when they first opened, and upon a return visit thirty years later we could detect no differences. It’s still got that traditional restaurant decor and lighting, still offers the same traditional Italian dishes, and the owner still comes around to every table, just as he has been doing every night for thirty years.

That dedication is reflected in the loyalty and enthusiasm of the entire staff. Ingredients are fresh, and service is prompt and friendly.

If there’s a downside to Christini’s, it’s the price. Food prices tend to be 50 to 100% higher than comparable items elsewhere, and wine markups are astronomical. Since no corkage is available, be prepared to pay $200 for a decent bottle of wine. Is a multi-course dinner for two with wine worth $400 to $600? The packed room on Saturday night attests to the fact that Christini’s clients believe it is.

Christini’s Ristorante Italiano
7600 Dr Phillips Blvd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 345-8770
http://www.yelp.com/biz/christinis-ristorante-italiano-orlando

Artisans Table

***** (5 stars)

This is a great spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner, and it changes character a bit throughout the day, going from counter ordering to full table service depending upon whether it’s a weekday lunch or a more relaxed evening or weekend meal time. The sandwiches are very creative, not your run of the mill usual fare. I loved the chicken sandwich that included a large slab of chicken breast lightly fried and a delicious dill pickle and mayo sauce. The Korean-influenced cheesesteak was also good, and the fries and side salad that accompanied lunch were delicious. Service is friendly and efficient, and the cocktails and coffees are also excellent. A great addition to Pine Street.

Artisans Table
22 E Pine St
Orlando, FL 32801
(407) 730-7499
http://www.yelp.com/biz/artisans-table-orlando

Aashirwad Indian Restaurant

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**** (4 stars)

I’m wary of Indian buffets because they tend to get tired as they sit. Not here. There are eight different ho items to choose from, and they are all super fresh, with top notch ingredients. I happened to go two days in a row, and all eight items were different! I really appreciate that variety. I wouldn’t hesitate to go for dinner and order ala carte, as I liked everything I tried.

Aashirwad Indian Restaurant
5748 International Dr
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 370-9830
http://www.yelp.com/biz/aashirwad-indian-restaurant-orlando

The Taproom at Dubsdread

**** (4 stars)

A nice clubby atmosphere (it is, after all, a golf clubhouse) with excellent bar food and some more elaborate entrees.

They have the reputation of having the best burger in town, and it certainly is in the running. The hummus appetizer was excellent, with lightly grilled pitas.

We were there for a busy Saturday lunch, and the server did a good job of keeping up.

The Taproom at Dubsdread
549 West Par Street
Orlando, FL 32885
(407) 650-0100
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-tap-room-at-dubsdread-orlando-2

Hanson’s Shoe Repair

* (1 stars)

This place is taking itself way too seriously. Someone needs to explain the difference between theming and snootiness. If you want to play their game, call (407) 476-9446 and leave a message and maybe you’ll be graced with a call back to get their password. Otherwise you’re out of luck, because they won’t let you in. They’ll tell you how to get the password but not what it is. Rather puerile, isn’t it? But if that’s your thing (and bearing in mind they won’t serve drinks to anyone still in third grade) then go for it. Otherwise, there are a LOT of other bars that DO want your money nearby.

Hanson’s Shoe Repair
27 E Pine St
Orlando, FL 32801
(407) 476-9446
http://www.yelp.com/biz/hansons-shoe-repair-orlando