Category Archives: Orlando

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

Giraffas Brazilian Steaks & Burgers

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*** (3 stars)

Pleasant interior and sound food. I had the tilapia grill, which was a generous serving. The sides are fairly small, but there are three of them. The burgers look like a good bet. Service is friendly but it’s not exactly fast food.

Giraffas Brazilian Steaks & Burgers
5415 International Dr
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 226-9191
http://www.yelp.com/biz/giraffas-brazilian-steaks-and-burgers-orlando-3

The Venetian Room

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**** (4 stars)

One of the few “old style” restaurants left in Florida. Refined atmosphere, subdued lighting, and formal service. The menu leans toward foods that can be prepared by a sparingly staffed kitchen, I suspect because the guest load varies wildly when there is a convention in town. Sauces are generally good. For me the standout is the Venetian Salad, a complex blend of flavors and ingredients that includes fennel, tomato and asparagus.

The Venetian Room
8101 World Center Dr
Orlando, FL 32821
(407) 238-8060
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-venetian-room-orlando

Satini Sushi & Tioca Bar

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**** (4 stars)

This place mixes a variety of Asian cuisines, although sushi dominates. There’s a bit of Vietnamese, and some Chinese, too. I actually wish they’d go farther with the fusion concept. Also it would be helpful if dishes has their traditional names. For example, they have their own version of Bahn Mi sandwiches, but they are simply called Vietnamese style sandwiches. I think they underestimate their customers.

Anyway, the Vietnamese vermicelli bowl I had was excellent, with a nice crispy spring roll and very tasty fish sauce.

The did a pretty good job of redecorating this place from a sports bar, although it will be better when the smell of paint subsides.

Service is friendly and helpful.

Satini Sushi & Tioca Bar
6700 Conroy Windermere Rd
Orlando, FL 32835
(407) 253-7008
http://www.yelp.com/biz/satini-sushi-and-tioca-bar-orlando

Santiago’s Bodega

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***** (5 stars)

The location is a bit off the beaten path, but they’ve done a beautiful job decorating the building, so it has an upscale casual feeling. There’s also a great outside dining space in front. We tried quite a few dishes and liked nearly all of them.

A well thought out tapas menu with many diverse selections is the big draw here. The gazpacho was a little weird, as it is pureed, and seemed really rich. Brussels sprout oven roasted and then sauteed in brown sugar were my favorite. The mushroom stuffed puff pastry was also excellent. The ceviche had huge chunks of nice tender fish, but could have used a bit more seasoning added to the citrus juice. There are so many choices it would take many visits to try them all.

I tried a couple of types of sangria. My favorite was the conventional red variety, reasonably priced at $6.

Service was friendly and attentive. A great addition to the area’s dining scene.

Santiago’s Bodega
802 Virginia Dr
Orlando, FL 32803
(407) 286-2903
http://www.yelp.com/biz/santiagos-bodega-orlando-2