Great Dates Orlando

Picks from Orlando Magazine’s Annual Dining Awards

Readers of Orlando Magazine cast their vote in 61 different foodie categories, including Most Romantic, Best View and Best Kept Secret, during this year’s Annual Dining Awards. Check out a few of the winners below and be sure to keep this list handy for the next time you’re making your date night dinner plans. 

MOST ROMANTIC
1 Chef’s Table at the Edgewater

2 The Venetian Room 


3 Victoria & Albert’s
 
BEST RESTAURANT
1 Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant
 
2 Chef’s Table at the Edgewater


3 deep blu seafood grille

BEST NEW RESTAURANT
1 Eddie V’s

2 Yuki Hana
3 Nona Blue Modern Tavern


 
BEST VIEW
1 California Grill

2 Hillstone

3 Citrus Club
 
BEST KEPT SECRET
1 Chef Henry’s

2 Yellow Dog Eats
3 Maxine’s on Shine

 
 
Want to see all the winners? Check out the full list here.

The COOP: Photos from the Sneak Peek Preview

The countdown is on for the grand opening of The COOP, the new southern cooking concept by 4 Rivers Smokehouse restaurateur John Rivers. The doors will officially open Thursday, April 17 and just like at 4 Rivers you can expect long lines and relentless loyalty. Why? Because John has once again perfected the quick comfort meal.

You won’t find any brisket or pulled pork sandwiches here. This menu is all about fried chicken, pork chops, meat loaf and shrimp & grits. There’s roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, fried green tomatoes, biscuits, chicken pot pie, creamed corn and pies and moon pie for dessert.

Bring your appetite but don’t stress about your budget; prices here are as welcoming as the service. Entrées with two fixins (sides) range from $7.49 - $14. 99. Here are some photos from tonight’s sneak preview to whet your appetite.

Old Hickory at Gaylord Palms... Not Your Typical Steakhouse

There are several elements that contribute to making a good steakhouse worthy of praise. Fine cuts of meat, of course. Salads beyond the wedge are a necessary touch, as are dessert menus with more than just a mile-high carrot cake or an overly sweet slice of red velvet. And of course you’d expect a novel-esque wine list and exceptionally attentive service, too. These are the hallmarks of fine steakhouses everywhere, right?

But beyond these typical traits, what makes a steakhouse really stand out? The setting, and by that I mean décor, ambiance and the backdrop all rolled into one. For all the standard steakhouse perks but the added bonus of an unparalleled setting, look no further than Old Hickory Steakhouse at the Gaylord Palms Resort.

Anyone who’s been to Gaylord knows what I’m talking about. Clandestinely tucked into the Everglades wing of the resort’s 4.5-acre atrium, Old Hickory Steakhouse might seem like a series of rustic cottages to the eyes of folks passing by, but inside the offerings are far from shoddy. Tables on the exterior decks, which are still inside the flawlessly climate and sound controlled resort, are surrounded by greenery and diners are treated to the sounds of a bubbling brook and sunset views as they unhurriedly travel through the restaurant’s culinary sojourn. If you find yourself continually looking at each other and saying “wow!” don’t worry… we did the same thing during our inaugural visit. 

THE SCENE Trees dripping with moss, towering palms and bald cypress frame the sprawling space, which houses a bar plus several interior and exterior dining rooms throughout the cottage-like abodes where distressed wood meets leather and white clothed tables. Drenched in natural light, the dining decks really begin to take on an outdoorsy feel once the sun goes down and the lamplights begin to glow. Through this aesthetic, the restaurant perfectly marries classy with cozy and that translates into a place where you’d be happy to celebrate a special occasion but you’ll never feel out of place.

THE FOOD Understandably, steaks take center stage here so expect to find generous cuts of veal chop, bone-In rib steak, filets and strips. I was pleasantly surprised by the rub and butter brush used on the meat, which I typically find to be too salty and too rich at other steakhouses. Not so here. I couldn’t pry the exact recipe from our server, but the rub definitely had a subtle touch of garlic, which I enjoyed. You'll also have your choice of sauce (Béarnaise, Au Poivre, Bordelaise) as well as accompaniments, such as the Black Truffle Demi-Glace, if that's your thing.

THE STANDOUTS We started with the Shrimp Cocktail, which wasn’t bad but wasn’t noteworthy either. The Romaine Wedge, on the other hand, was a kaleidoscope of flavor owing to the walnut, dried cherries, bacon and Asiago combination. For dessert, let your server mercifully divert you from indecision by delivering a combo platter of several mini desserts, including the unforgettable Grand Marnier Souffle and the Banana Chocolate Terrine.

THE DRINKS The wine is flowing, so those with a preference for vino will find ample offerings, including lots by the glass. The wine list weights about four pounds and includes $30 bottles as well as $2,000 bottles, and everything in between. If you arrive ahead of your reservation, consider grabbing a seat at the bar and ordering whatever handcrafted cocktail the bartender suggests.

THE LITTLE EXTRAS The cheese course has never even registered on my radar in all my years of dining, so I’m grateful our server encouraged us to at least have peek at Old Hickory’s renowned cheese cart. He wheeled it over and ceremoniously opened the glass case to reveal more than a dozen cheeses from all over the world. Guests can choose a selection of three or six artisanal cheeses, which are then plated with dates, spiced nuts, honey and guava jelly. This extra course can be filling but if you’re having one of those nights that knows no curfew, simply slow down the rest of the courses and enjoy this unique culinary departure.

NEED-TO-KNOW DETAILS Valet parking is covered completely when you dine at Old Hickory but only in part at the resort’s other restaurants. Be sure to carve out some time either before or after dinner to walk around the resort, at least to check out the other two sections of the atrium, which pay homage to Key West and St. Augustine.   If you’re lucky to be turning this visit into a mini staycation, be sure to check out the resort’s current deals first. For example, right now they’re offering a “flash sale” with rates from $159-$189 on select nights in April. By the way, Gaylord is now owned by Marriott.

BEST SEAT IN THE HOUSE The exterior decks of Old Hickory are Eden-like. Even though you’re technically still inside the resort’s atrium, it feels like outdoor dining minus the heat, bugs and passing traffic. When you make your reservation, see if you can request a table on either the Cypress Grove Deck, Mango Patio or the deck at “Aunt Lily’s.”

THE PRICE TAG Just like at any upscale steakhouse, your bill at Old Hickory will likely exceed $150, especially if you’re ordering wine or cocktails. You can check out the online menu, which has the prices on it, here.     Old Hickory Steakhouse  Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center 6000 West Osceola Parkway Kissimmee, FL (407) 586-1600

 

 

 

 

 

Dessert-Only Date Nights

Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first. ~Ernestine Ulmer

Why must we always wait until the end of a meal to dive into dessert? Take a departure from our culinary customs, even just for one night, and head straight for the best part of dinner with these sweet over savory suggestions for a dessert-only date night.

Mary Tyler S’Mores
Hamburger Mary’s, Orlando
Servers bring an all-in kit, with marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers, right to your table for this do-it-yourself treat. The bonus is seeing which of you is the master roaster. 

Chocolate Soufflé
Hannibal's on the Square, Winter Park
Served piping hot and drizzled with raspberry coulis, this airy but decadent dessert is best enjoyed at Hannibal’s chic bar where you can sip a creative cocktail (or two) while you wait 25 minutes for your dessert to bake.

 

Sharkfin Pie
Mitchell’s Fish Market, Winter Park
Standing about nearly a foot high, this ooey gooey ice cream pie begins with an Oreo cookie crust followed by layers of fudge, peanut butter, and honey roasted peanuts. Yes, it’s as good as it sounds.

Flaming Bananas Foster
Eddie V’s, Orlando (Sand Lake)
Two scoops of velvety butter pecan ice cream flank a butter cake topped with sliced bananas, and it's all set aglow by your server at your table thanks to the dessert’s generous dousing of rum. 

Chocolate Hurricane
Margaritaville, CityWalk
This smorgasbord of sweetness is an entire pint of vanilla bean ice cream served with brownies, Kit Kat and Heath bars, pirouette and mini shortbread cookies, sliced banana, whipped cream and chopped macadamia nuts. Then it’s swirled tableside with chocolate and caramel sauces. Don’t even try to calculate the calories.

Ricky's Picks Need more ideas? Here are Tasty Chomps' suggestions for a few fabulous date night desserts... Grand Marnier Souffle, The Venetian Room Banana Napoleon, Flying Fish Café Knickerbocker Glory, Crimson Tavern C-4, Kabooki Sushi Macarons and Violet Gelato, Le Macaron

 

Stay-At-Home Sweets
Can’t steal away for a few uninterrupted hours? Grab a treat from one of these dessert dynamos and enjoy the sugar bliss on the couch. 

4 Rivers Sweet Shop
A huge selection of mile-high cake slices as well as bars, chocolate covered Oreos, and crazy cupcakes (Mountain Dew Dorito Cupcake, for example) await at the Winter Park, Longwood, Jacksonville and Gainesville locations.

The Dessert Lady
She may have moved her delectable digs off Church Street and over to Sand Lake’s Restaurant Row (she’s right next door to Christini’s now) but Patti’s legendary cakes and pies haven’t changed a bit. Everyone has their favorite but Chocolate Zucotto takes the cake in our books. Open Monday – Saturday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm.

 

PHOTOS: Scratch Tapas in Winter Park

I won't lie. I'm a little on the fence about the whole tapas thing. On one hand, I love being able to explore more of a menu via small plates. But... I'm always a little shocked when we get the bill, which tends to be higher than had we gone the typical apps and entrees route.

That being said, if you've resolved the tapas conundrum for yourself, you need to go to Scratch, because while each dish is small, they are huge on flavor and will each take you on a different culinary adventure.

The cuisine, which unfolds as 5 cold and 10 hot tapas dishes, is American with a focus on local and seasonal. The wine list is good but nothing compared to the colossal beer offering, which boasts more than 50 varieties by draft and bottle.

The dining room is cozy, whimsically decorated and flanked by long bar ideal for dining at and enjoying wine flights. The only thing I would change about this little eatery is the music, which was a mix of 50s and 60s hits played a little too loud.

Here are some photos from a recent visit to help paint the picture for you:

 

 

 

The $22 Early Bird Special at Stonewood

If you're game for an early(ish) date night, consider checking out Stonewood's new Early Bird Special Prix Fixe Menu, which runs every day from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm!

For $22 per person, you'll get your choice of house salad, Caesar salad or a cup of clam chowder, then an entrée from four delicious options, followed by a sweet slice of Key Lime Pie for dessert. 

Drinks are also well priced for Stonewood's Happy Hour, which runs until 7pm (Monday to Friday) and includes reduced prices on wine as well as $7 cocktails and martinis.  

 

 

PICS: The Strand – A Retro Diner with Modern Flair

We grabbed dinner this past Friday at The Strand, a retro-esque diner/bistro in the Mills 50 district focused on made-from-scratch comfort food bolstered by seasonal fare. Our take? Lots of menu staples (burgers, fish 'n' chips, warm pretzels) with tasty twists, nice selection of craft beers and wine, reasonable prices and a comfy atmosphere make this an excellent choice for a laid-back date night.

 

Dishcrawl is Back with a Dr. Phillips Food Crawl

On Tuesday, April 8th at 7pm, Dishcrawl Orlando returns after quite a long hiatus with the inaugural food crawl of the Dr. Phillips area, where a variety of culinary delights from pub food to sushi to unique cocktails await.

Dishcrawl’s concept is simple: they take a group of foodies to three undisclosed locales in one of Orlando’s many dining hubs. Adding to the adventure and mystery, participants are served a surprise dish at each stop. The only detail guests get in advance is the meeting location, which is emailed 48 hours prior to the event.

The $45 ticket includes fare (but not booze) at three different mystery stops.

For tickets and more details, visit dishcrawl.com/dishcrawl/3292. 

 

 

3 New Orlando Restaurants

A wave of new openings has hit the Orlando area like an epicurean tsunami. From Spanish cuisine to small plate tapas, the local culinary landscape has just gotten a little more delicious. Here are a few place critics are raving about: 

Scratch
This cozy hipster hangout calls itself a “modern American tapas restaurant” and features an imaginative menu laden with lots of seasonal and local fare. While many critics agree that Scratch (pictured here) is still working through a few kinks, the food has received a lot of praise, including very kind words from restaurant critic Scott Joseph, who sees Scratch’s trajectory as catapulting to the top of Orlando’s list of best restaurants. Read his full review here.

223 West Fairbanks Avenue, Winter Park
(407) 325-5165
www.scratchtapas.com

Smiling Bison
Chic pub grub and lots of craft beer are served up in an unfussy atmosphere at The Smiling Bison, but most importantly, they serve Poutine! Rona Gindin, restaurant critic for Orlando Life Magazine, doesn’t give restaurants an approving nod very often but when she does it typically means that some serious culinary achievement has ensued. Here’s what she had to say: “The Bison, which has the feel of a happily disheveled dive bar, dishes out expertly prepared repasts, made mostly from locally raised ingredients.” Read her full review here.

745 Bennett Rd. Orlando
(407) 898-8580
www.thesmilingbison.com 

Txokos Basque Kitchen
The much-anticipated sister endeavor of recently James Beard award nominated Henry Salgado (of Spanish River Grill, New Smyrna Beach) opens today and early reports all point to greatness. Txokos (pronounced CHO-kohs) will specialize in Basque region cuisine, centered on fish and cured meats. There will be a Gin Tonic menu, cocktails, beer, all-Spanish wine list and a weekday Pintxos (tapas) Happy Hour. 

Located at the East End Market
3201 Corrine Drive, Orlando
(321) 972-8852
www.txokoskitchen.com

Also new or opening soon: The Coop (from 4Rivers), Strand, and South + York. 

I’ll be visiting all of these restaurants within the next 6 weeks and will share my thoughts once I do. If you’ve been to any or all of them already, leave a comment on this blog post and let us know your impressions.

 

 

 

The Rusty Spoon: Church Street's Farm-to-Table Gem

It’s going to take some time for Church Street to return to the glory it achieved in the 80s when places like the Cheyenne Saloon drew millions of visitors and made it the fourth-largest tourist attraction in the state. The last decade has seen its share of openings and closings, along with some controversial development deals that put the district in the papers for all the wrong reasons.  

But the dust has settled in recent years and even though new restaurants and bars still don’t quite have the odds in their favor (R.I.P. Eternals Tap) there is one restaurant that seems to steadfastly weather the storms: The Rusty Spoon.  With James Beard nominee Chef Kathleen Blake at the culinary helm, this farm chic restaurant at the foot of 55 West is one of just a handful of Orlando restaurants throwing around phrases like “local” and “farm-to-table” with a menu to back them up. It’s not an extensive menu but quality will always trump quantity in my books.     

THE SCENE Muted wood floors and bricked walls with close-up animal photos anchor the minimalist décor in the large open dining room where diners cozy into a few dozen white-clothed tables and booths. There is also an expansive bar ideal for noshing apps and watching bartenders artfully rally bitters and small batch liquor into their signature craft cocktails.

THE DRINKS Bartenders at Rusty are known for their inventive craft cocktail menu, which boasts about 7 eclectic concoctions, including The Kentucky Red, a marriage of Makers Mark, ginger syrup, averna, orange bitters and fresh lemon. Flavors are bold and the alcohol content is more than ample, as you’ll soon feel after a few sips. If you’re a lightweight like me or just not up for a liquid adventure, stick to the wine or beer list.

 

 

THE STANDOUTS Definitely get the Haystack, a pile of shoestring potatoes accompanied by three sauces, including the house ketchup. The "55" burger, made with 1/2 lb of grass-fed beef and stuffed with bacon and gruyere, is a local legend and definitely a great choice for lunch or dinner. You can’t go wrong with the Seasonal Crisp dessert, a warm bed of seasonal fruit topped with a sweet oatmeal and brown sugar crust and served with ice cream.

THE FOOD Rusty Spoon’s menu changes often based on what’s seasonal and available locally, but what’s constant for entrees is there is always a game, meat, fish and vegetarian offering. Don’t be afraid to ask your server what they love; you’ll get a highly informed and passionate recommendation that demonstrates the staffs’ genuine love of the fare. That speaks volumes to me.

THE PRICE TAG I thought the prices at Rusty Spoon were really reasonable considering the quality of the ingredients and the ample portions. Our bill with two salads, two entrees, two drinks and a dessert to share came to $100.

THE BEST TABLE I’m particular to booths so if given the choice, I would snag one of the three little cozy coves that line the dining room’s south wall. On a recent visit, Marc and I sat a the deuce tucked into a window side alcove and felt quite secluded. Of course, the bar is a great option too, especially if you like to chat up the bartenders about the food and the cocktails.

NEED-TO-KNOW DETAILS To park, you can either valet after 6pm in front of Kres for $6 or park in the Garland lot for about the same amount. It’s a very short walk to Rusty Spoon from wither of these spots. Know that SAK Comedy Lab, Mad Cow Theater, and the Plaza Cinema Café are all within a very short stroll from this restaurant, which makes it a great beginning to a fun night out in downtown Orlando.

INFO The Rusty Spoon  55 W Church St Orlando, FL 32801  (407) 401-8811 www.therustyspoon.com