Go for the Food, Not Service, at Silvano's

Seafood Linguini with Pink Vodka Sauce

I used to think that small, family-operated restaurants were quaint and charming. That was until I suffered through a busy weekend dinner service at Silvano's Ristorante Italiano in Altamonte Springs, Fla. We arrived on a recent Saturday evening to the small, but beautiful restaurant, behind T.G.I.Friday's. While we were seated fairly quickly, a waitress did not visit our table for 10 or 15 minutes. Then, after she brought us water, we waited another 15 minutes or so for her to return to take our order. Maybe Silvano's was short-staffed that night, but it seemed that one or two servers trying to handle the entire room, which consists of several tables.

I might have gotten up and left, if I did not have a Restaurant.com gift card to Silvano's. Despite the long waits between the rest of our dinner, we were very pleasantly surprised with the quality and flavor of the food. We noticed that the food is what garners high ratings on Yelp and Zagat, not necessarily the service. This is authentic Italian fare that is not meek in its flavor profile. The warm bread brought to each table is also delicious.

Petti Di Pollo Sensese

My husband had the Chef's Special: Mixed Seafood Linguini with Pink Vodka sauce. It was one of the most flavorful vodka sauces he has ever had, and the seafood was flavorful and cooked right. I ordered the Petti Di Pollo Sensese, chicken breast sauteed in white wine, butter and lemon, served over linquini. Wine and lemon usually go together well, but there was something "off" about the flavor that I couldn't put my finger on. I ended up really liking the dish, though. While we loved the food, we thought it was over-priced at $16 to $22 for most entrees. 

I was especially impressed that one chef, who is also the manager, was the only cook in the small kitchen for the entire restaurant. I am surprised I had not heard about this long-time Orlando restaurant before now. I am sure some of you have eaten there: what was your experience like?

Where: 249 W. State Rd. 436, #1105, Altamonte Springs

Try New Food, Atmosphere at Bahama Breeze

Ahi Tuna Stacks. Photo by Shad Bookout

We thoroughly enjoyed our time at Bahama Breeze in Altamonte Springs, Fla., on a recent evening. It was not just because the renovated restaurant now has a better feel to it, but also it was because we were able to try some of the new appetizers, drinks, and entrees on the restaurant's extensive menu!

First, we took time to look around the beautiful restaurant. Some of the changes are more noticeable, such as the bar area, which is more open with beautiful shelving and bottles. Outside, flat screen TVs have been added, along with tables that have a granite finish and upgraded chairs. Other changes stand out less, but really upscale the place such as refinished woodwork throughout the restaurant and new artwork.

New bar area.
Photo by Shad Bookout

Now, to the two main reasons we like to visit Bahama Breeze: the food and the beverages. Florida stone crab is in season, so we tried the Stone Crab Appetizer ($23.99). It was served cold with lemon butter and a delicious sauce. I would recommend this dish, and you can upgrade to a Stone Crab entree portion for $1.99 more. Our favorite new appetizer is the Ahi Tuna Stacks ($6.99), which is delicate chopped Yellowfin tuna in Ponzu sauce, stacked between crispy wonton crackers. The accompanying pineapple salsa marries quite well with the tuna and wontons. I noticed more small plates on the menu than ever before, so everyone at the table can try a few different dishes, tapas style.

Our favorite new entree at Bahama Breeze is the Wood-Grilled Swordfish Steak, served atop Coconut-Ginger Sauce and with rice fritters. The swordfish was cooked perfectly and is so flavorful that it doesn't really need the sauce. The rice fritters were a fun, tasty addition to the meal - I thought they were corn fritters! The Wood-Grilled Chicken Sandwich, served warm inside Naan bread with arugula and tomato is very tasty and different from the normal sandwich. The new Curry Shrimp Rice Bowl (you can also order with chicken) has a really good, spicy curry sauce that I haven't had anywhere else. I would recommend trying this new dish for something different. Bahama Breeze also recently introduced several delicious burgers, including a Turkey Burger and the Portabella and Manchengo Cheeseburger.

Wood-Grilled Swordfish Steak.  By Shad Bookout

While we enjoy all of the tropical island-style drinks at Bahama Breeze, we especially liked the new Zombie, a mixture of three rums and Peach Schnapps, and the Havana Hotel Special, which combines rum, pineapple juice, lime, and a splash of Apricot Brandy into a very tasty concoction.

For dessert, the restaurant's Key Lime Pie is one of the best I have had. You can tell that it is made fresh daily in-house. The graham cracker crust really has a great, fresh flavor, and offsets the strong lime flavor of the pie. Two thumbs up! Let me know about your experience at any of the Bahama Breeze restaurants below!