Category Archives: Florida

Chez Vincent

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***** (5 stars)

For us, Chez Vincent is like a little trip back to the neighborhood restaurant we always ate at in France.

The service is amazing, professional, anticipating every need, offering tastes of the wines by the glass, just perfect. The fact that our waiter handled the nearby table of French patrons (an endorsement in itself) fluently in French, then switched to us with no detectable accent was impressive.

The food is completely authentic. The house made pate is served just as it should be, with mustard and cornichons. My escargot was perfect–tender and just the right amount of garlic butter (which is to say, a lot!) I had the corvina in caper butter, a lunch special, and it was perfectly pan seared and then finished in the oven.

Food prices at lunch are reasonable for the quality, and there are many decent wine prices as well. My only complaint was that several of the wines I tried to order were unavailable; it’s time to update the very extensive list to reflect reality.

We loved this place, and will be back soon.

Chez Vincent
533 New England Ave W
Winter Park, FL 32789
(407) 599-2929
http://www.yelp.com/biz/chez-vincent-winter-park

Mimis Cafe

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**** (4 stars)

Much improved after the take over by a French holding company. Now the menu really is French. There is a small selection of mostly sandwiches at lunch time, but everything we tried was good The Croque Madame is fairly traditional. Ask for the mornay sauce on the side. The decor at this Mimi’s isn’t quite as cozy as the one at the Mall at Millenia.

Mimis Cafe
3130 Daniels Rd
Winter Garden, FL 34787
(407) 656-5075
http://www.yelp.com/biz/mimis-cafe-winter-garden

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

Yuki Hana

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***** (5 stars)

Another amazing sushi fusion place on the east side of Orlando! We sampled a large portion of the menu at a decadent Saturday lunch, and everything was excellent. Some of the fish is flown in from Japan, and it shows. I particularly liked the lightness of the Vietnamese roll, which contained three types of fish, lettuce, wrapped in rice paper and topped with crushed peanuts. Very creative, fresh and delicious sushi and sashimi.

Yuki Hana
3635 Aloma Avenue
Oviedo, FL 32765
(407) 695-8808
http://www.yelp.com/biz/yuki-hana-oviedo

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