Category Archives: Florida

Artisans Table

Posted on by

***** (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

Posted on by

IMG_1049

**** (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

Posted on by

**** (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

The Cellar Restaurant

Posted on by

***** (5 stars)

I love the ambiance of this restaurant in both of its very different rooms. Downstairs is intimate (although it can get noisy) and not at all cellar-like because of the clever use of backlit stained glass windows. Upstairs is light and airy, like eating in a conservatory surrounded by flowers and shrubs.

The food and wines are mostly traditional Italian, and the ingredients are fresh.

Service is impeccable, and the proprietress keep a sharp lookout to make sure it stays that way. A terrific fine dining experience.

The Cellar Restaurant
220 Magnolia Ave
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
(386) 258-0011
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-cellar-restaurant-daytona-beach-2

Hanson’s Shoe Repair

Posted on by

* (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

Jumbo Asian Cuisine & Sushi

Posted on by

**** (4 stars)

This new place is an instant success, a measure of the demand for restaurants in this area, and especially sushi.

My wife and I were in disagreement about the place. I thought it was quite good, while she didn’t like too much about it. It’s true that the lighting over the sushi bar is dreadful, and the servers seem very disorganized and inexperienced. But on the other hand, the place was slammed, with a wait all evening, after being open only three days.

I thought the sushi was excellent. The fish was clearly better than most of the area sushi bars. The hamachi and kampachi sashimi were both particularly good. We both really liked the Magik roll, a mixture of tuna, yellowtail and salmon with wasabi mayo.

The only clear miss was the Tom Yum, which bore no relationship to the Thai lemongrass soup it was supposed to be.

Overall, I think they’re doing a great job for a brand new restaurant, and will be very successful in this area.

Jumbo Asian Cuisine & Sushi
7798 Winter Garden Vineland Rd
Windermere, FL 34786
(407) 909-8868
http://www.yelp.com/biz/jumbo-asian-cuisine-and-sushi-windermere

Cress Restaurant

Posted on by

***** (5 stars)

This is one of the greatest restaurants in Central Florida. The chef, a multiple James Beard nominee, combines various ethnic influences to create an imaginative array of tastes. Our favorites were the fish tacos, vegetarian plate and the curry. The vegetarian plate alone had a half dozen delightfully inventive items.

The ambience is both trendy and romantic, and service is extremely professional. Best of all, the prices are extremely low for the quality on offer. Many of the small plates are under $10 and servings sizes are generous. There is also a well thought out wine list.

Cress Restaurant
103 W Indiana Ave
De Land, FL 32720
(386) 734-3740
http://www.yelp.com/biz/cress-restaurant-de-land

Chili’s

Posted on by

*** (3 stars)

I’m not sure why I’m writing a review of Chili’s since probably everyone has been there, but this particular location near the entrance to Champion’s Gate seemed very well managed. Even though it was packed for lunch on Sunday, service was prompt and the food was exactly as expected, which is to say fresh fried and loaded with several thousand calories. The table top ordering devices didn’t seem to get much use for ordering, but were handy for paying. Service was friendly and efficient.

Chili’s
8180 Laura Ln
Davenport, FL 33896
(407) 396-2180
http://www.yelp.com/biz/chilis-davenport