Top 5 Reasons to Try New LakeHouse Restaurant at Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress

Those who follow this blog know that my favorite Orlando staycation spot is the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress. I truly feel like I am in another world - say, on a private island - when I vacation at the resort. I will tell you more about what it is like to stay at HRGC in my next blog. First, I want to focus on the incredible new LakeHouse restaurant inside the hotel.

LakeHouse is the renovated version of the previous restaurant, Cascades. Man, it is starkly different than its predecessor. Missing is the huge mermaid fountain, which will be made into a bronze statue, and out-of-date decor. This place has been completely transformed into a modern, hip place to dine or simply meet for cocktails. When I am looking for a good restaurant in the attractions area - for a special occassion or every day dining - I will now consider LakeHouse first. 

And that is because of the stellar menu - basically comfort food with a twist. Plus, the food is fresh, seasonal and local - and I can enjoy my food in a beautiful atmosphere, with a view of a lake, a fountain, greenery and an expansive herb garden. Even though I have dined at many different restaurants, I tasted some cocktails and dishes that I have never had before. Here are a few of our favorites: 

1. Almond Filled Dates wrapped in Bacon. First, I never thought about pairing dates and crispy bacon before now. I wish I had, because I would be eating this daily at home! This small plate is a perfect app, and the Sriracha dip brings the perfect amount of heat.

2. Margherita Pizza. Simple but delicious pizza with sliced Roma tomatoes, Mozzarella, torn basil and parmesan. We also loved the House Pizza (Chef's Special), which featured peaches and goat cheese on this occasion.

3. Filet Mignon with Herb Bread Pudding, Port Wine Sauce, Beech Mushroom and Asparagus. You had me at Herb Bread Pudding. I could have eaten this - and the Port Wine Sauce - all day. I was also impressed that the filet was perfectly cooked and seasoned.

4. Grilled Shrimp Cocktail with Spicy Bloody Mary Sauce. Wow. The shrimp were grilled and seasoned perfectly, and we love the corresponding sauce with a kick of heat. This is much different than your average Shrimp Cocktail dish - and tastes much better.

Filet Mignon with Herb Bread Pudding

5. Sushi, sashimi and nigiri. All of the options we tried were delicious, but the HRGC roll was our favorite. The roll features krab salad, avocado, sliced mango and eel sauce. Yum!

There were also a variety of beautiful desserts. We weren't blown away by the taste of some, but we loved the presentation of Milk & Cookies, which can be ordered for an individual or the whole table.

Start Your Father's Day Tradition at Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress

Photo by Christine Blank

This is the fourth year in a row that our family will gather at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando to celebrate Father's Day. We have had so much fun with all the activities the resort has to offer in the past, that we wanted to keep the tradition alive. Everything about this resort - from the beautiful pool area and grounds to the gorgeous guest rooms - make you feel like you truly on vacation, while still in Orlando. 

You can lay by the stunning pool that features two waterfalls and a water slide, or relax in one of the hammocks on the resort's own beach. For those who are more active - like our family - there is golfing and free rentals of bikes, kayaks and paddleboards for those staying at the resort. The rock-climbing wall is also very popular. There are even golf lessons and a fly-fishing experience, for an extra fee.

Photo by Christine Blank

While on property, you will want to try out the delicious food at the upscale Hemingway's restaurant. One of the Key West-inspired specials is its crab cakes, which are flavorful and packed with crab, not breading. There is also great variety on the menus at the resort's two other restaurants, Cascade American Bistro and Palm Cafe.

The Hyatt Grand Cypress is always running room rate specials and deals on golfing and spa packages. Check out how to save money when you book there: http://grandcypress.hyatt.com/en/hotel/offers.html