*** (3 stars)
This coffee shop has a particularly welcoming and enthusiastic staff.
They offer the usually array of breakfast and other coffee shop choices, and everything is carefully prepared and served.
The interior is a bit tired, but the friendliness of the place makes up for that.
Dan’s Family Restaurant
7300 E Colonial Dr
Orlando, FL 32807
(407) 917-6318
http://www.yelp.com/biz/dans-restaurant-orlando
*** (3 stars)
All of the Gators I’ve been to are similar, but this one seems to have a few service issues, or perhaps it was just our server, but almost nothing we ordered came out correctly, from drinks to salads to wings.
That said, Gator’s grilled wings are about the best there are, especially with the hot garlic sauce.
If you’re passing through on I75, this place is about a mile and a half off the highway, but worth driving past all the fast food places to get to.
Gators Dockside
313 NW Commons Loop
Lake City, FL 32055
(386) 438-5446
http://www.yelp.com/biz/gators-dockside-lake-city
***** (5 stars)
This little gem in the Farmer’s Market section of the French Market offers just two seats at the counter and four tables across the aisle. The muffulettas are huge, and stuffed with a mild olive salad, served on excellent crunchy bread. The cheese plates–available with three or five cheeses–feature your choice of top quality cheeses, and are served with grilled bread and crackers. The spinach salad is huge, and may be one of the most healthful choices in all of the French Quarter. Service is very friendly.
Alberto’s Cheese & Wine Bistro
1100 N Peters St
Bay 11
New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 522-0507
http://www.yelp.com/biz/albertos-cheese-and-wine-bistro-new-orleans
**** (4 stars)
This is a really nicely decorated Mellow Mushroom, with a music theme that is well executed throughout. Because it’s near the theme parks, it attracts a larger crowd of newbies, and a lot of small rather rambunctious kids, so it has a different atmosphere than other Mellow Mushrooms.
The pizzas are still great, and there are lots of creative offerings. As at other Mellow Mushrooms, you can build your own salad or pizza from scratch, however because the individual ingredients are quite expensive, you can quickly end up with a twenty or thirty dollar production.
I took the opportunity to try the new veggie burger, and I must say it was one of the better veggie burgers in town, with a nice sear on the mostly bean-based patty.
Service was a bit inexperienced, but the location is new, and I’m sure it will work itself out. Management seemed on top of things.
Mellow Mushroom
10725 International Dr
Orlando, FL 32821
(407) 351-9670
http://www.yelp.com/biz/mellow-mushroom-orlando-2
**** (4 stars)
Every Panera I’ve been to has essentially identical food, so reviewing it seems superfluous; you either like it or not.
Panera always seems a bit like a bait and switch to me, as they bill themselves as healthy, yet most of what they serve is not particularly good for you. Just look at that bakery display! But you can eat healthy if you try, and assuming their calorie counts are honest they must have the lowest calorie tuna sandwich on the planet. Also, did you know you can get an apple instead of chips?
What sets Paneras apart is the location, and this one is well-sited. It’s easy to get in and out, has lots of parking, and even a drive through. Also, there is a porch, so you can eat outside, yet be in the shade.
Service is friendly, but I sure wish they wouldn’t page you before your food is up, a reliable occurrence. What’s the point of the pager if you’re just going to stand at the counter anyway?
You can also order online and pick your food up in a bag on the shelf; very convenient.
Panera Bread
4200 Conroy Road
Orlando, FL 32839
(407) 248-0811
http://www.yelp.com/biz/panera-bread-orlando-7
***** (5 stars)
I absolutely loved the chill atmosphere of this place, with its upbeat soundtrack that’s not too loud, and its modern ambience. On nice days the front opens out onto the sidewalk, but my favorite spot is at the full service bar, where the servers are as knowledgeable about the menu as the drinks.
And what a menu! I started with the grilled artichokes, which were charred around the edges and tender and meaty in the center. The bitterness of the char worked perfectly with the remoulade (which was really more like an aioli).
At the bartender’s recommendation I had her favorite, a tuna sandwich. Okay, now erase the image that just formed in your head, as this was nothing like any tuna sandwich you’ve ever had. Tender, rare circles of ahi tuna decorated a sesame bun, and slices of crisp apple added a delightful crunch to every bite. Amazing!
For desert I chose the mint gelato sandwich, which was served between two chocolate chip cookies. It went great with a generous pour of Macallan 12.
A limited wine and beer list contains very thoughtful selections. Although there are only twenty or so wines by the glass, I would have happily have any of them, and I’m not sure I’ve ever said that about a restaurant’s wine by the glass offerings before.
Needless to say, I will back at Doc B’s very soon!
Doc B’s
55 E Grand Ave
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 999-9300
http://www.yelp.com/biz/doc-bs-chicago-3
**** (4 stars)
This is an excellent choice for a quick sandwich at Midway. Even if you’re flying out of terminal B, it’s only a short walk down terminal A.
Manny’s is essentially a fully equipped delicatessen, so the sandwich you’ll get here will be far above normal airport quality. Each is prepared to order, so allow few extra minutes, but it’s worth it.
There is more seating available back at the juncture of terminal A with terminal B, a place the visitors to the nearby food court rarely find.
Manny’s
Chicago Midway International Airport
Concorse A, 5700 S Cicero Ave
Chicago, IL 60638
(773) 948-6300
http://www.yelp.com/biz/mannys-chicago-2
**** (4 stars)
This place is all about the decor, which is fabulous. I’m not sure there were any diners in the 50s that were actually this nice, but it gets each individual element perfect, right down to the two-tone glittery piping on the vinyl booths.
The menu is exactly what you’d expect from a place that serves 50s comfort food, with very little concession to modern nutrition. Everything we tried was good, and probably less greasy than its 50s inspirations.
Service was attentive and friendly. This is an excellent choice for before theater dinner.
Circa 57
101 W Campbell St
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
(847) 392-1957
http://www.yelp.com/biz/circa-57-arlington-heights
**** (4 stars)
What a makeover this place has had since its origins as a Perkins and then short stints as two sports bars. This latest remodeling has opened the place up and lightened it so that it’s hard to believe it’s the same spot. Now it’s light, airy and energetic.
The food has improved, too. You order a broad selection of salads, sandwiches, or entrees at the counter and they bring it to your table. There is a focus on fresh ingredients, and everything is prepared to order.
There is also a large beverage bar in the center of the room, with homemade infused teas and waters. Beer and wine is also available.
Our group had three salads and a chicken noodle bowl, and everyone liked their selections.
Service was very friendly, and management seems to really be on top of things.
This is definitely the best concept for this place so far, and should be quite successful.
Fresh Made Kitchen
8965 Conroy Windermere Rd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 720-8329
http://www.yelp.com/biz/fresh-made-kitchen-orlando
***** (5 stars)
Wow. Service with a capital S! I’ve been to fine dining restaurants where I haven’t gotten this level of service.
I was always a fan of the Village Inn when they were in Florida in the 90s, and was sad to see them close most locations, so it’s nice to have them back.
This location had only been open a week when I went, and corporate management was still very hands-on, but it was clear that they were looking for extraordinary service personnel, and they found them. Everyone I encountered was extremely into their job.
The interior of the space is light and modern. I particularly liked the “technology bar” where I sat. I had the same thing I used to always have, a breakfast skillet, and it was prepared just the way I wanted.
Coupled with the attentive and friendly service, it was exactly what I’m looking for in a coffee shop breakfast, and I’ll definitely return.
Village Inn Winter Garden
3130 Daniels Rd
Winter Garden, FL 34787
(407) 654-0736
http://www.yelp.com/biz/village-inn-winter-garden-winter-garden