** (2 stars)
The staff here is quite nice, but they’re combatting the same flavorless recipes as other Papa John’s. The most distasteful items are the fake tasting containers of sauce. Fast service.
Papa Johns Pizza
7315 State Rd 535
Windermere, FL 34786
(407) 654-7209
http://www.yelp.com/biz/papa-johns-pizza-windermere
**** (4 stars)
Menchie’s is my favorite yoghurt place. Great selection of exotic flavors that change often, and a nice place to sit outside and enjoy it. Helpful staff.
Menchies Frozen Yogurt
7339 W Sand Lake Rd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 601-7792
http://www.yelp.com/biz/menchies-frozen-yogurt-orlando
**** (4 stars)
As a big Asian food fan I really enjoy the ability to choose between Japanese, Chinese, Thai and other cuisines at one place. And I particularly like the fact that even the non-Asian food fans in our group like Pei Wei. Plus they have those really cool programmable Coke machines (that were programmed by a guy who used to work with us). There’s nothing like a vanilla/cherry/lime Diet Coke. Be careful of the calorie counts at Pei Wei, though, because each of those dishes is TWO servings! That’s why I usually have the lettuce wraps.
Pei Wei Asian Diner
8015 Turkey Lake Rd.
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 241-3301
http://www.yelp.com/biz/pei-wei-asian-diner-orlando-6
***** (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
***** (5 stars)
Excellent sashimi, generously served. $21 for a platter at lunch that serves two. Attentive service and an upbeat urban ambiance.
Urban Hibachi
3120 S Kirkman Rd
Orlando, FL 32835
(407) 295-7777
http://www.yelp.com/biz/urban-hibachi-orlando-2
*** (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
**** (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
**** (4 stars)
A very good restaurant that, with a little work, could be great. The best way to experience it is with the Chef’s Table Menu (a confusing name, since you don’t have to be at the chef’s table to order it). The seven course meal is assembled to your preferences, and at $75 is a bargain. The night we were there, the standouts were the spinach starter, the squash ravioli (which would have been better as a dessert because of its sweetness) and the fish and beef main courses. Seven matching wines for $50 was also a good deal, although the wines weren’t perfect matches to the food, and were all rather pedestrian.
Service was a bit uneven, with water refills hard to come by and some wines showing up after the course was finished.
Chef Ken was extremely personable, and his visits to present each course were the highlight of the meal. Unfortunately the room is so loud it was hard for everyone at our table to hear him. I would return, but only if I didn’t want to have an intimate conversation with my fellow diners.
Firenze Osteria
4212 Lankershim Blvd
Toluca Lake, CA 91602
(818) 760-7081
http://www.yelp.com/biz/firenze-osteria-toluca-lake-2
**** (4 stars)
Back in the 80s we somehow accidentally stumbled upon this place in the dark one night. Once you visit, you’ll realize how unlikely an event this was, given how it’s tucked away in a little canyon. That night, even though the restaurant had only been open a couple of weeks, we had a delightful meal, with fresh game and attentive service in an exotic hunting lodge setting. We’ve been going here ever since.
Saddle Peak Lodge is perhaps LA’s most unique restaurant, given its colorful history and unique decor. If you’re put off by mounted hunting trophies, this isn’t the place for you. But if great elk, quail or other game is your thing, this is the place.
It’s a particularly good ambiance for holiday dinners, and has become our Thanksgiving standard. Brunch is also popular, with outside seating that can be zipped up when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Saddle Peak Lodge
419 Cold Canyon Rd
Calabasas, CA 91302
(818) 222-3888
http://www.yelp.com/biz/saddle-peak-lodge-calabasas
**** (4 stars)
A very authentic French bistro in a charming neighborhood. Great for outdoor dining, a bit bustling inside. Many varieties of mussel preparation, a house specialty, with great flavors. The tomato tart is unique and delicious. Authentic dijon dressing on the salad, crusty French bread. Superb assortment of authentic cheeses, no so superb assortment of wines. Fabulous creme brulee with a wonderfully caramelized crust. Reasonably priced.
Meet in Paris
9727 Culver Blvd
Culver City, CA 90232
(310) 815-8222
http://www.yelp.com/biz/meet-in-paris-culver-city