Great Food, Fun at Cafe Tu Tu Tango

Photo: Cafe Tu Tu Tango

When I go out to eat, atmosphere is really important to me. That's partially why I chose Cafe Tu Tu Tango on International Dr. in Orlando for Father's Day lunch. It is so much fun to be able to dine amidst a plethora of local art, including one beautiful painting that was being completed by the artist that day. The art - especially in a family of artists and photographers - makes a great conversation piece!

However, I don't think the restaurant had enough staff on for Father's Day. Even though it was only half full for lunch, the service and food was SO slow. The staff was friendly, though, and the food was great. 

Argentinian Chimmichurri Steak

Cafe Tu Tu Tango is a tapas-style restaurant, so it is great to order a couple plates per person, and then share those with the table. The Dynamite Shrimp was probably everyone's favorite: the crispy shrimp was cooked just right, and the flavor was great. My family also suggests ordering any of the wood-fired pizzas. The Asian Steak Skewers were cooked to perfection and had a great flavor. And, the Argentinian-Style Orange Chimmichurri Steak with Lemon Manchego Grits provided us with delicious flavors that were different than we have had before. 

Photo: Cafe Tu Tu Tango

I ordered the Lemongrass-Hazelnut Crusted Whitefish with Noodles. The flavor of the fried fish, noodles and chimmichurri-style sauce all worked together perfectly. However, the fish was too greasy. I also had the Shrimp and Grits, which is truly a winner. The shrimp is swimming in a perfect crispy bacon and carmelized onion broth and the grits are creamy and delicious.

The verdict: go there for the atmosphere and food; avoid busy times and holidays!

Fun, Local Food & Wine Tastings

Cafe Tu Tu Tango at Baldwin Park

‘Tis the season for food and wine festivals in Central Florida. There are too many great events to cover all of them today, but I will tell you about the two coming up soon: The 2012 Food & Wine Festival at Baldwin Park this Saturday, March 10, and the Taste of Lake Mary on Monday, March 19.

Normally, I would be so excited about the Baldwin Park event because of the quality restaurateurs that will be serving up food and beverages including Café Tu Tu Tango, 4 Rivers Smokehouse, Funky Monkey, Stonewood Grill, Shula’s 347, and Tibby’s New Orleans Kitchen. However, the cost is $65 each, which is too pricey for me. The fee reflects the evening’s great cause, though: the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

J.W. Marriott Primo at Baldwin Park

The Taste of Lake Mary is somewhat more reasonably-priced at $40 per person or $75 per couple. It also features food from some of the highest-quality restaurants in Orlando, such as Fishbones, Liam Fitzpatrick’s, Stonewood Grill, Shula’s 347, and Fin-esse.

Where & When:

March 10, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m., New Broad Street, Baldwin Park.

March 19, 5:30 – 8:00 p.m., Park Place at Heathrow, 1501 International Parkway, Lake Mary.