Five Guys Burgers and Fries

** (2 stars)

I don’t really get the fuss about this place. The burgers are okay, but nothing special, and their acclaimed fries are everything I hate in a french fry: underdone, limp, and fairly flavorless. I’d much rather go down the street to Red Robin for a burger, or up the street to Checkers for fries.

Five Guys Burgers and Fries
3107 Daniels Rd, Ste 112
Winter Gardens, FL 34787
(407) 905-9811
http://www.yelp.com/biz/five-guys-burgers-and-fries-winter-gardens

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers

**** (4 stars)

Being from the West originally, I’d never heard of Red Robin, but there was much excitement at the office when this place opened. Instant success, very crowded. I was impressed by the professionalism of the staff, even shortly after opening day. The bacon cheeseburger is exactly the recipe I like: lettuce, tomato, mayo, so I’m happy. On a second visit I tried the onion rings, which are excellent and incredibly bad for you. Substitue the salad for the fries that come with the burgers and pretend it’s health food.

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers
3310 Daniels Road
Winter Garden, FL 34787
(407) 654-0626
http://www.yelp.com/biz/red-robin-gourmet-burgers-winter-garden

Ciro’s Speakeasy and Supper Club

**** (4 stars)

This is really a fun place. If you make your reservation by phone they give you a password. I haven’t had any luck getting a password when doing it through opentable, so I guess you have to call.  there is no sign unless the valet is out, in which case there a little one on his stand. Go halfway past the pool, turn left and knock on the wooden door. Give them the password and you’re in. Most of the table are in private little alcoves, and the place is really dark. The food is an eclectic collection of high end bar food. Favorites are the gourmet sliders and crostini, the lobster deviled eggs, and the waffle/maple/bacon sundae. The mixed drinks are all wonderful, and a real step back in time. 4 stars for food, 5 stars for ambience and uniqueness.

Ciro’s Speakeasy and Supper Club
2109 Bayshore Blvd
Tampa, FL 33606
(813) 251-0022
http://www.yelp.com/biz/ciros-speakeasy-and-supper-club-tampa

Bar Louie

barlouie**** (4 stars)

I’ve long regarded Bar Louie’s Chop Chop salad as the best salad in Evanston, IL, but it had never occurred to me to try the Bar Louie here in Orlando. Well, it’s a pretty darn good salad here, too. Since I think of the place as a sports/live music bar, this is somehow surprising. Took the crew from work here, and everyone loved it, especially the pretzel appetizer (which is more like pretzel bread than sticks) with three delicious dips. The place is pretty empty at lunch time, so a far different ambiance than when the band comes on at 9:30, I’m sure.

Bar Louie
7335 W Sand Lake Rd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 608-5190
http://www.yelp.com/biz/bar-louie-orlando-3

Arthur’s Catering

***** (5 stars)

We’ve been hosting Christmas parties for more than twenty years, and have had many great events, but this year’s catering by Arthur’s outdid them all. The staff was friendly, energetic, and just plain nice, and the food was simply awesome. We were looking for some healthful alternatives to the usual party buffet fare, and Arthur’s provided lots of interesting stations with imaginative and extremely tasty offerings that were enjoyed by the adults and kids alike. My favorites were fish tacos, Thai spring rolls, cocktail glass salads and the s’mores bar. What a wonderful evening!

Arthur’s Catering
860 Sunshine Ln
Altamonte Springs, FL 32714
(407) 331-1993
http://www.yelp.com/biz/arthurs-catering-altamonte-springs

Kona Cafe

*** (3 stars)

Typical Disney restaurant on the mezzanine of the Polynesian. Kid friendly (and packed with them). The most flavorful thing we had was the teriyaki sauce that accompanied the beef satay. A lot of the selections are fairly bland, so if you have picky eaters it’s a safe bet. Extensive selection of island-themed mixed drinks.

Kona Cafe
Disney’s Polynesian Resort
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
(407) 939-3463
http://www.yelp.com/biz/kona-cafe-lake-buena-vista

Bella Tuscany Ristorante Italiano

**** (4 stars)

This is the best of the three restaurants that have occupied the same spot. Layered eggplant parmesan was delicious, as was the smoked salmon appetizer. The flatbreads are better than the pizza, and aren’t really flatbreads, just a thinner crusted pizza. Interesting wines by the glass. Service is well intentioned. I still hate the lighting in this otherwise beautiful space, as it glares. All the fixtures should be lowered or the globes painted black.

Bella Tuscany Ristorante Italiano
13424 Summerport Village Pkwy
Windermere, FL 34786
(407) 656-2355
http://www.yelp.com/biz/bella-tuscany-ristorante-italiano-windermere

Burger 21

**** (4 stars)

Had the 4.5 oz BBQ Bacon burger. Perfectly cooked burger with plenty of accompaniments. I also liked the condiment bar. Fries are thin, served very hot, and have a good flavor. A large was enough for six of us. Lots of interesting choices.

Service here was very friendly, from the greeter at the front door to the person who delivered the food. One of our party claimed the wrong burger when they were delivered (his error) and they wasted no time in making another one for the person who ordered it. Definitely a candidate for top burger in Orlando.

Burger 21
4192 Conroy Rd
Orlando, FL 32839
(407) 203-2848
http://www.yelp.com/biz/burger-21-orlando