New fave Orlando seafood eatery: Reel Fish

Photo by Shad Bookout, OpinionsVary

We finally have a real beach seafood restaurant in Orlando! Now, I know what you are thinking, and you are right. There are plenty of seafood-focused restaurants here - from independent standouts like Two Chefs Seafood in downtown Orlando to chains such as FishBones and Bonefish Grill. 

However, Reel Fish Coastal Kitchen + Bar in Winter Park is the first seafood restaurant I have seen in Central Florida that has the quality, service and decor of a beach seafood restaurant - done perfectly. "We have the fish camp culture in a coastal kitchen in an inlet setting," Owner Fred Thimm told Flavorful Excursions when the restaurant invited us for a media review. "We have great fried fish and other fried items; then, on the other hand, there is fresh local fish every day."

In addition to the "Daily Catch" specials, such as Yellowtail snapper, corvina and hogfish, you will find Southern specialties such as Shrimp 'n Grits, fried green tomatoes, and collard greens - prepared extremely well. You would think you're in your grandma's Southern

Photo by Shad Bookout, OpinionsVary

kitchen!

Here are just a few of the dishes that we recommend you try when you go:

1. Raw oysters and Oysters Rockefeller: You can choose from whichever high quality oysters are in season, including James River, Blue Point and Gulf. Very fresh and high quality. 

2. Shrimp or Oyster Po'Boys. Using bread flown in from a New Orleans bakery, as well as perfectly breaded and lightly fried shrimp and oysters, makes these sandwiches taste truly authentic.

3. Mayport shrimp: This sweet Florida shrimp is excellent served boiled (regular or spicy) and fried. This shrimp from near Jacksonville Beach is used in all Reel Fish's shrimp dishes. And most dishes don't cost more than at restaurants serving farmed shrimp from Asia.

4. Smoked Fish Dip: We love the heavy smoke on this fresh dip, as well as the crunch of green apples.

5. Shrimp & Avocado Louie Salad. The crispy bacon pairs perfectly with shrimp, avocado, hard-boiled egg - and such a delicious vinaigrette. This is one salad you don't want to miss out on!

6. Southern Green Beans with smoked bacon onion broth. Drooling just thinking about the bacony goodness of these beans!

Truly, everything we had was outstanding, which is quite outstanding for a restaurant that has been open less than a month. And, now that the restaurant is open for lunch and Sunday brunch, we have plenty of opportunities to return. And we will!

Also see: 

Mouthwatering Reel Fish photo album on Facebook.

Win brunch for two at Two Chefs Seafood

Pig Floyd's Delights the Taste Buds

Pig Floyd's Urban Barbakoa has been open for more than a year and I'm irritated that I am just now discovering its piggy goodness. The funny thing is, I didn't even try the smoked ribs, brisket or chicken on this visit. And we still had an outstanding meal. We also had the opportunity to meet the owner, Thomas Ward, who used to operate the Treehouse Truck food truck (remember The Luther Burger made with Krispy Kreme doughnuts?). Now, Ward has combined good ol' fashioned smoked meat and southern sides with modern Asian, Latin and Indian dishes.

On this visit, we arrived around 8:30 on a Saturday night. I thought that would be late enough to avoid the crowds, but no - apparently everyone had the same idea this evening. Despite the wait in line to order and then to receive the food, we received very attentive service once we were seated. 

We ordered the Pork Belly Taco ($3.49), which features Oakwood smoked and grilled pork belly, dragon sauce, scallions and citrus peanut slaw. This taco was much lighter than you would think and we were delighted by different flavor profiles than we have had before. We also loved the Butter Chicken Taco ($2.95), which has spiced chicken tikka, fresh jalapenos, toasted pepitas, Greek yogurt, cilantro and jasmine rice. Again, these flavors combined perfectly to produce a unique flavor profile. In both tacos, our meat was tender and juicy. 

We also loved the fried plantains and fried yucca. Surprisingly, it is difficult to find restaurants in Orlando who pull these sides off perfectly. Both were done very well here. We will definitely return for the items we ordered and for smoked meat to go. Chefs cook up the meat to order on the smoker out back, and it smelled delicious!

See our full photo album on Facebook.

Related:

Delicious Asian Fusion Tacos at Tako Cheena

4 Rivers Sweet Shop Takes the Cake

Top 5 Rolls at Fuji Sushi

The myriad of specialty rolls at Fuji Sushi in Winter Park is overwhelming. Therefore, after a few visits under our belts, we want to tell you about some of our favorite rolls. Even though Fuji's specialty rolls can be pricey, they are huge, so I typically only order two rolls. I believe you get a value for your money here.

Some of our favorite rolls include:

1. Dynamite Roll: Crab, avocado & cream cheese, topped with mixed seafood. The topping is divine.
2. Black Widow Roll: Fried soft shell crab with scallion, spicy mayo and eel sauce.
3. Super Spider Roll: Fried soft shell crab, tempura batter & scallion. Topped with eel sauce and roe.
4. Ribbon Roll: crab and avocado inside, topped with raw tuna, cooked shrimp & eel sauce. Yummy!
5. 2011 Roll: Fried lobster and scallion, topped with avocado and buttery garlic sauce.

What do you think of Fuji Sushi? Let us know in the comments section below.

Orlando's Best Comfort Food

The Coop in Winter Park, Fla., is one of those restaurants that frustrates me. Not because of the quality of food, service or anything like that. Rather, I am irritated with myself for waiting so long to try it! I have now found my new favorite spot in Orlando for reasonably-priced comfort food.

Led by Chef John Rivers, which operates the 4 Rivers Smokehouse chain, The Coop's lineup features Fried Chicken (which you can purchase by the bucket), New Orleans Po-Boy, Chicken Pot Pie, Mom's Meatloaf, Chicken n' Dumplings, Fried Catfish & Grits, and a number of other Southern-inspired apps, sides and salads. The atmosphere is decidedly casual. You order at the counter, and servers pile up your food on a tray. I was worried about our food being cold by the time we got our drinks and sat down, but it wasn't!

First, let me tell you about the yummy Fried Chicken. It came out looking dark, so I was worried about the taste. I shouldn't have been. The breading was tasty and crispy, and the inside was surprisingly moist. We loved the coleslaw and homemade mashed potatoes, but the gravy - we could eat that by the gallon. However, the accompanying biscuit - billed as "the best in Orlando" - was not, in my opinion. I have had better Southern biscuits at many restaurants in North Carolina, Georgia and elsewhere - biscuits that are lighter and not so dense.

The Chicken Pot Pie was our other favorite dish. While the crust was a bit tough, we loved the flavor of both the crust and the filling. It had all the essential ingredients of a perfect pot pie - plus a kick of heat. I am still thinking about it. I would also highly recommend the Organic Roasted Chicken, which is very moist and flavorful. It may simply be seasoned with salt, but that is fine in this case. You must also try the Anson Mills Creamy Grits. We loved both the flavor and the texture.

We also love the value The Coop provides. Nearby Rollins College students could eat here, and it wouldn't break the bank. Most entrees with two sides are priced between $8.99 and $9.99.

If you are looking for other top Winter Park restaurants, see:

Yummy TV Dinner and More at The Porch
Go to Blu for Upscale Food, Great Service
Excellent Food, Wine and Atmosphere at Carmel

Yummy TV Dinners & More at The Porch

The great prices. The excellent food. The casual sports bar atmosphere. All these qualities make me mad that I didn't find out about the excellent The Porch restaurant in Winter Park until recently. A friend recommended it, and we have dined there twice.

Almost all the food we had was very high quality, and huge portions for the price. This, of course, is surprising for Winter Park. Similar to many Lake Mary eateries, I find that Winter Park restaurants typically jack up their prices, knowing that they have clientele who will pay. While The Porch positions itself as a sports bar, it has food that is more delicious than any sports bar I have been to in Central Florida.

We have tried quite a few different dishes at The Porch, and I would recommend them all. But here are Top 5 favorites:

1. The Porch TV Dinner ($9.99), which includes chicken fingers, mashed potatoes and gravy, mac 'n cheese and corn on the cob. While we weren't blown away by the sides, we love the chicken fingers. The crispy breading has a wonderful cayenne flavor, and the chicken is tender. You get a huge amount of food, and we love how many dishes are presented on metal TV trays - comfort food like mom used to make.

2. Sweet Potato Tots ($3.50). These are the best thing I have had in quite awhile. I love sweet potato fries, but these go beyond. Trust me; order them.

3. Rise 'n Shine sandwich. I can't find it on the menu now, but judging by this sandwich, you should order any of the restaurant's sandwiches or burgers. This included fried chicken, egg and bacon. It was very huge and very juicy, and we loved it.

4. Giant Cobb Salad ($10.99). I had no idea that "giant" meant my salad would be served in a 70s-style wooden salad serving bowl that is enough to feed a family of four. In addition to the huge portion, all the ingredients were fresh and delicious. I highly recommend this salad.

5. Fish Tacos ($11.99). Three blackened fish tacos with lots of yummy stuff. I realize this is a simple dish, but they do it better than other restaurants. All the ingredients are fresh and the tortillas are grilled.

Where: 643 N. Orange Ave., Winter Park, Fla.

Go to Blu for Upscale Food, Great Service

Excellent Food, Wine and Atmosphere at Carmel Winter Park

Stellar Food, Drinks and Atmosphere Await at Marlow's Winter Park

Blu on the Avenue Adds Sushi Happy Hour

You have already heard us rave about Blu on the Avenue's scrumptious food and Happy Hour specials in this previous post. So you will understand why we are excited to hear that the restaurant has started a Sushi Happy Hour! $6 sushi rolls and $3 sake shots are available from 4 p.m. -7 p.m. weekdays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on weekends and from 11 p.m. -1 a.m. Thursday through Saturday. I love that the special is available on weekends, when people are out brunching.

Last time we visited, we got a dozen huge, fresh raw oysters for $10, because we went during the 11 am - 4 pm Happy Hour on a Saturday.The drink specials were also great: $5 Old Fashioneds (throwback cocktails are so en vogue), white sangria, and select wines, along with $4 Stella draughts and $4 well drinks. My husband opted for the Old Fashioned, and was so impressed that the restaurant used top-shelf liquor for his drink. 

Read our full review of Blu on the Avenue's food and drinks: 
http://www.flavorfulexcursions.net/2015/03/go-to-blu-for-upscale-food-great-service.html

And watch for next week's review of another great Winter Park restaurant and bar, The Porch! 

New favorite cupcake shop: Jillycakes

I am sorry I have waited this long to try Jillycakes, in the same shopping plaza as Trader Joe's in Winter Park. In the past, I deemed Sweet by Holly to have the best cupcakes in Orlando. These are on the same level. I was so impressed by the light, fluffy, flavorful cake and the tasty icing. it is rare that a cupcake baker gets both things right at once, and Jillycakes definitely does that. 

What I was most impressed by was that the flavor of the cake and icing tasted exactly like what the bakery promises. The Cherry Cola cupcake is spot-on like the soft drink - and of course the cola is included in the cupcake batter. Yummy. Our

favorite cupcake, though, was one of the bakery's most popular: Speculoos Cookie Butter. You get the cinnamony, nutty flavor of Trader Joe's cookie butter in both the icing and the cake. Inside the cupcake is some actual cookie butter and the cupcake is topped with one of the Speculoos cookies.

Another great thing about visiting Jillycakes is its location. In the same plaza with Trader Joe's and Shake Shack, you can eat a yummy dinner, and then enjoy cupcakes outside by the lake. And, of course, pick up your gourmet treats at Trader Joe's after.

Where: 125 N. Atlantic Ave., #5, Winter Park. Fla.

  

Go to Scratch for Quality, Not Price Point

I have seen the beautifully-crafted plates presented by the talented team of chefs at Scratch

Tapas & Craft on Facebook and Instagram since the eatery opened. Those delicious-looking dinners with high-end plate presentation drew us to the small local food-focused restaurant in Winter Park. We loved the eclectic, Bohemian decor, and the buzz of the regulars sitting at the bar or enjoying a date night at one of the few tables. We also loved the high quality of the food: mostly local, seasonal ingredients are featured on the menu that changes daily. 

What we were not as pleased with was the price. With the type of food quality and plate presentation offered - as well as Scratch's location near Park Avenue - I certainly expected a higher price point. However, when you hear, "tapas", I expect to order two or three different plates for $8-$12 each. Unfortunately, most of the tapas available were $14 to $16 each and one was as high as $25. That doesn't give diners a lot of opportunity to try different plates. The portion size was medium, so I felt like I needed to order two dishes to feel satisfied.

Grilled Poussin Legs    Photo by Christine Blank

That being said, the flavor of our food was outstanding. We started with the Chamberry Breeze cocktail ($10), which was sweet and light - very refreshing. The Frog Song Farm Greens with Local Blackberries, Radish, Palm Hearts and Mustard Vinaigrette was also tasty. One of our favorite dishes was the Buttermilk Risotto ($16) with Florida Rock Shrimp, Local Corn and Riso Carnaroli. The risotto and shrimp were cooked perfectly and the dish oozed cheesy goodness. 

The Grilled Pouissin Legs ($18) with Jerusalem Artichoke gnocchi, bacon powder and black garlic was also delicious. The young chicken was flavorful and tender; we just found the black garlic paste to be too bitter, even thought we ate it as part of a composed bite. All the components of the Roasted Wahoo ($14) with plum wine puree, yam puree, ramp tempura and Sprite Basil puree were tasty separately, but a bit too sweet as a composed bite. The sweet, watermelon puree somewhat overpowered this tasty fish.

Let us know your favorite dishes at Scratch, and whether or not you agree with our price-versus-quality argument.

Where: 223 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park, Fla.

The Good and Bad at Fleming's Steakhouse

We were happy to try Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar after receiving a gift card, since the upscale menu is too pricey for a weekly visit. Even with the gift card, we set out to save some money by heading to Fleming's Winter Park location during Happy Hour, which is daily from 5:00-7:00. The Happy Hour specials are great: $6 for certain cocktails and apps, and $7 for Fleming's burger. 

Unfortunately, we were not able to enjoy the specials, despite arriving only a half hour after Happy Hour started. The tables at the small bar area were already full, so we asked if we could order from the Happy Hour menu in the dining room. We were told we could not. I almost walked out. I know this is standard practice for most restaurants that offer Happy Hour: the specials are only available for a limited time in the bar area or on their patio. The policy still frustrates me. Would you rather have me as a customer who spends some money at your business - and then becomes a loyal customer - or none at all?

After deciding to stay and order from the regular menu, our experience got better from there. Yes, there was some sticker shock, but I expect that at a nice steakhouse. The atmosphere was great, and our server was very attentive. The bread with two different dipping butters was delicious. We ordered from a special three-course menu that featured a salad, an app, an entree and dessert. The Mushroom Asparagus salad was so unique - we have never had flavors like that paired together before, and really enjoyed it. The Butternut Squash Ravioli appetizer sounded so delicious, but we were really let down by the lack of flavor and spice. This dish could have been better with a touch of cayenne pepper or herbs. 

Of course, we had to have some steak, and opted for the Filet Mignon with Roasted Carrots. The shrimp appetizer with chorizo dipping sauce was cooked perfectly and the sauce was delicious. It truly was the best steak we have had in a long time. The Almond Cake was so tasty; we just felt the dark chocolate on top was not needed with all the other flavors on the dish. We would probably return to Fleming's just for dessert and a cocktail - if we could enjoy it during Happy Hour.

Go to Blu for Upscale Food, Great Service

Our first experience at blu on the avenue was outstanding, to our surprise. We were only surprised because it was a beautiful Saturday afternoon, when we knew a lot of locals and tourists would be strolling around Park Avenue. We were worried about the parking and how long it would take to get our food.

We needn't have worried. The place was popular but not packed at 4:00 on a Saturday afternoon, and we had the most friendly, professional server we could have hoped for. We really liked the atmosphere, too. 

But we were most impressed with the quality of food and the Happy Hour Specials. We found out that, from 4:00-7:00 p.m., we could get a dozen oysters for $10. What a deal! And these are huge, fresh delicious oysters. The drink specials were also great: $5 Old Fashioneds, white sangria, and select wines, $4 Stella draughts and $4 well drinks. My husband opted for the Old Fashioned, and was so impressed that the restaurant used top-shelf liquor for his drink. 

We also tried the blu Lobster Cobb Salad, which is one of the most creative and tastiest salads I have tried. While I would never typically spend $17 for a salad, I decided to splurge. The salad came with a healthy topping of Maine lobster, tomatoes, avocado and cheese, and the entire thing was wrapped in a beautiful package of prosciutto and cucumber, which paired perfectly with the salad. As someone who often orders salads, I really enjoyed having new flavors tied together in such a unique way. And I brought leftovers home.

What do you enjoy eating at blu on the Avenue? I would like to know what to order next time we visit!

Fuji Sushi is Stil One of Our Favorites

I have gotten in the habit of eating just average sushi. Sushi that is pretty good, but I only pick it up or eat out because it is close to home, such as Mikkado Sushi in Lake Mary. This is a fact I was reminded me of on our recent visit to Fuji Sushi Japanese Cuisine in Winter Park, Fla., with friends.

I savored each bite because I had not tasted sushi so fresh and delicious, with such unique flavors, for so long. I tried two rolls that were new to me: the Honolulu Roll, which featured crispy coconut shrimp, chopped peanuts and mango, with a sweet misco

sauce. It is one of my new favorites and the sauce paired perfectly with this roll. I also had the Louisiana Roll, which included cooked crawfish, avocado and sesame seed. I expected this to be spicier and more flavorful, but I still really liked it.

Friends tried the Alaska Roll, a delicous combination of raw salmon and cream cheese and the Black Widow Roll, which has soft shell crab, scallions, spicy mayo and eel sauce. This is another really tasty roll. The Volcano Roll is another one of our favorites - especially that delicous sauce on top. 

Let us know your favorite sushi spot in Central Florida!

Avenue Thai and Sushi Gets Both Right

When I was craving Thai food the other night, I decided to visit a place I have been wanting to try for months: Avenue Thai and Sushi on Park Ave. in Winter Park, Fla. I am really glad I did! It was surprising to see an affordably-priced restaurant with a great atmosphere and food on Park Ave.

I tried the Green Curry, which featured the perfect mix of sweetness from the coconut milk and hot spice: not overdone, but not too little. The chicken was slightly overcooked, but I liked the flavor so much that I didn't mind too much. The dish was $12.95, and I had leftovers for lunch.

I have heard great things about Avenue Thai and Sushi's many sushi rolls, too. My friends love

Photo Courtesy Avenue Thai & Sushi

the Mango, Soft Shell Crab and Tempura Shrimp roll, along with the Spring Rolls and Chicken Satay dish. Next time I visit, I will try more sushi rolls, and let you know how they are.

If you have been dying to try Avenue Thai and Sushi, now is the time! There is a Refer Local deal that is $10 for $20 worth at the restaurant for a limited time only. Here is the link: https://referlocal.com/offers/winter-park/10-for-20-to-avenue-thai-and-sushi.

Excellent Food, Wine & Atmosphere at Carmel

I have not come across a restaurant since dining at the Bull & Bear in the Waldorf Astoria Orlando, that has the perfect mix of three things that I look for as a diner: delicious food, excellent service, and a wonderful atmosphere. I have now found that wonderful place to hang out with friends and family in a relaxed atmosphere, without paying ridiculous prices: Carmel Cafe & Wine Bar in Winter Park, Fla.

The atmosphere is created by the lighting and variety of tables, comfy couches and bar seating, which allows for several different spots to sip wine and visit with friends. The serving staff here has been trained well: there are always various servers at your table, whether they are serving food or removing used dinnerware. Service is also heightened by iPads with photos and full descriptions of every menu item, including the nearly 60 wines on the menu.

My husband and I recently dined at the restuarnt during Happy Hour, which runs from 4:00-7:00, Monday - Friday. There are a few special drinks and appetizers on the menu for a flat $4. The house-infused cocktail we tried was Spicy Pineapple, which was the most unique and flavorful margarita I have had. However, I was not blown away by the special cocktails on the new spring menu, including Spring Thyme Martini and Lavendar Lemonade. Unfortunately, the lemonade drink just tastes like lemonade. I may have been expecting a sweeter martini in Spring Thyme, but the cucumber flavor is delicious and refreshing.

However, the food was outstanding. Everything came quickly, was hot, and utilized high quality ingredients. One of the house specialties is Carmel's Chickpea Fries. I have never eaten chickpea fries and really didn't know what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised with the flavor, the corresponding dipping sauces and the fact that the fries are gluten-free. I would love a crispy outside to the fry, but that may not be possible.

Carmel's Lobster Bisque is one of the best I have had in Orlando - particularly for a non-seafood restaurant! The Shrimp Ceviche is another wonderful light and flavorful starter, served with delicious crisps.

We also loved the Mediterranean Sea Bass dish, which features a perfectly cooked sea bass with crispy skin that is paired perfectly with a mixture of tomatoes, olives and capers. I really loved the Angel Hair pasta that was served with the dish as well. The steak and juices in the Steak Frites pairs perfectly with Carmel's crispy, herb-flavored French fries, which I will order every time I am there. I daresay they are the best mid- to upscale-restaurant fries in Orlando.

All the desserts sound amazing, but we only had room for the Poached Pear with Caramel Sauce. The mulling spice flavors in the pear pair perfectly with the caramel and vanilla ice cream. I would definitely recommend this dessert to top off a great meal.

We had a wonderful experience at Carmel Cafe & Wine Bar in Winter Park and we were happy to hear that coming soon is...Carmel Cafe & Wine Bar Altamonte Springs!

Where: 140 N. Orlando Ave., Winter Park, Fla.

Cheesecake Factory Has a Great Menu - and Cheesecake!

Obviously, everyone knows about The Cheesecake Factory's delicious array of 30 different cheesecakes, or whatever the number is. One of my favorites is Adam's Peanut Butter Fudge Ripple - it has everything I want in one dessert: cheesecake, chocolate, peanut butter and caramel. 

Still, I was reminded while dining there recently why I go there. I love the salads, apps, entrees, AND desserts. There is such a broad variety of dishes to order there, so it is hard to make up one's mind However, you cannot go wrong with any of the pastas especially the Farfalle with Chicken and Roasted Garlic, and my friends really like the restaurant's chicken dishes. 

Some of the entrees are pricey, so I tend to combine a couple different apps to make a great meal. My favorite app, hands down, is the Avocado Eggrolls. This seems like such a simple dish, but it is done perfectly. A great mixture of warm avocado and tomatoes rests on the inside of a crispy eggroll with a delicious cilantro dipping sauce. I get this every time I go. I also love the appetizer portion of the Belgian Endive and Arugula Salad with candied pecans. This is a simple dish, but is done well.

What is your favorite meal and dessert at The Cheesecake Factory?

Get Cajun Food & Drinks While They Last

You have heard me rave about Marlow's Tavern before. It is the Winter Park eatery (that has a sister restaurant on International Drive) that not only has great specialty drinks and beer, but also a food menu that goes above and beyond typical bar food.

Take its special Bayou 'n Bourbon menu, which is only available until March 31. Marlow's added some special Cajun dishes to its regular menu that you definitely want to try. Some of the standouts are: "Nawlins-style" po-boy, Bayou Burger, Fiercy Spice Lump Crab Cake, and Roast Chicken and Shrimp Gumbo.

Plus, Marlow's is featuring special New Orleans-style cocktails through the end of the month. One that sounds delicious is the Marlow's Hurricane, borrowed from Pat O'Brien's. The Ramos Gin Fizz, made with Van Gogh dry gin, house-made sour, light cream and orange flower water, also sounds delicous and unique. Don't forget to try Abita Restoration and Abita Amber at Marlow's as well as the Cajun Cosmo, made with Absolut Mango and Peppar, cramberry, triple sec and fresh lime.

If the Crab Beignets appetizer are still on the menu, you must try those. Most everything else - including pastas and seafood dishes - are great. The burgers at Marlow's are good, but not outstanding.

Where: 1008 S. Orlando Ave., Winter Park, Fla.

Wine, Ice Cream & Sandwiches, Oh My!

I am suprised more Central Floridians haven't heard of Eat More Produce in Winter Park. I used to visit the store that features local produce, wine, Boar's Head sandwiches and much more once in awhile. Now, it is part of my weekly grocery shopping trip.

That is, in part, because I have found such great deals on produce from Florida growers and elsewhere. For example, this week I got an overflowing pint of cherry tomatoes for $1.50, and Florida strawberries were 99 cents per pint. While they were pricier, I was happy to see a variety of lettuces and greens from an Apopka farm that were in great condition. Isn't it best to support the local economy?

Many people also know Eat More Produce for their great Boar's Head sandwiches and salads. There was a long line for the sandwiches when I was there the other day. Plus, the store recently hired a chef to develop new menu items such as soups. I can't wait to see what they come up with. You must check out Eat More Produce's granola, which is made locally. It is the best granola I have ever had.

Do you know what makes shopping for groceries more fun? Wine. Yes, Eat More Produce offers wine samples as you shop on Saturdays. I nearly bought a Blue Moon Pinot Noir the other day. Delicious! Plus, this Thursday evening, the store is offering wines by the glass for $3 while you shop. What a deal!

Another great part of shopping at Eat More Produce is that I get to stop by LuLu's Ice Cream Shop next door to grab a pint of their locally-made ice creams and sorbets. Truly, they make the best ice creams and sorbets I have had. Perhaps it is because they use fresh, local ingredients. Must try flavors include Salted Caramel and Strawberry Basil. They are always offering new flavors and specials, and the ice cream is really a great price. 

You can definitely make a fun afternoon out of visiting these two shops all while supporting local businesses and growers.

Where 1111 S. Orlando Ave., Winter Park. Fla.

The Top 6 Reasons to Visit Tibby's

Tibby's New Orleans Kitchen is the best place in Orlando to celebrate Fat Tuesday. I say this not only because of the two restaurants' Happy Hour all day and live music featuring Jeff Howell from 6-10 p.m., but also because Tibby's has the best atmosphere and Creole food to celebrate the start of Mardi Gras.

Many of us have been lucky enough to eat at the Tibby's on Aloma Ave. in Winter Park. But I was delighted to join friends for a fun evening recently at Tibby's new Altamonte Springs location. Here are the top reasons

Photo courtesy Tibby's

I love eating - and drinking - at Tibby's:

1. The atmosphere. You really feel like you are in New Orleans at both restaurants, but I especially love the decor at the Altamonte Springs Tibby's. The owners brought in huge decorations for the walls that were used on floats during Mardi Gras parades. If you are from the city or have visited there, you will recognize many of the banners and decorations at Tibby's.

2. The drinks. Where else can you get Abita Purple Haze on tap, served in an oversized glass goblet? Tibby's has a ton of a beers on tap plus a full liquor bar. And really great Happy Hour specials with great live music.

3. The Shrimp Alligator Cheesecake. If you have never had this appetizer before, run to your nearest Tibby's. My husband says he will go back just to eat as much of this as possible. Three cheeses, shrimp, alligator meat and bread crumbs make this a smooth, delectable, unusual, delicious thing to eat.

Seafood Gumbo. Photo courtesy of Tibby's

4. The Seafood Gumbo. Not as good as I have had in New Orleans, but as close to the real thing as you will get. It is very flavorful, spicy, and delicious. 

5. The Shrimp or Crawfish Etoufee. If you have never had it, etoufee is a tomato-based creamy seafood sauce that goes great over rice, seafood, or chicken. Tibby's version is truly delicous and spiced just right.

6. The beignets. These are different from the ones you get at Cafe DuMonde in New Orleans, but I really like the twist. They are more of a crunchy, fried doughnut with a ton of powdered sugar. The best dessert I have had in quite awhile!

Of course, there are a number of other Creole dishes on the menu that are amazing.  You need to check out Tibby's for yourselves. Why not start your culinary adventure on Fat Tuesday?

Unique Lunch Fare Awaits at Dexter's

Why I sometimes forget about Dexter's for lunch is beyond me. But I am so glad I was reminded of the extensive lunch menu and value for the money that Dexter's restaurants in Lake Mary, Winter Park and Thorton Park offer customers.

Dining recently at the Lake Mary location with a friend, I was a little worried about the kind of experience I would have. That was because I had previously visited Dexter's Lake Mary for brunch on a busy Sunday. It was difficult to get good, friendly service and there were not as many brunch options as I had hoped.

Setting that experience aside, I was pleasantly surprised when I opened the lunch menu to see a full page of lunch menu specials for the day. Everything from sandwiches to salads to seafood meals. Plus, we had the option of ordering off Dexter's regular menu. There, you can order their amazing sweet potato fries, one of their many delicious burgers, pastas, and comfort food such as Eggplant Napoleon and Chicken Tortilla Pie.

My friend ordered the Corsican Salad, which features baby greens, marinated artichokes, greek olives, feta cheese and Mesquite Grilled Chicken. The full salad for $9.95 is a great value, with a humongous chicken breast on top and enough for leftovers. Plus, the salad was very flavorful and unique. I ordered the mahi lunch special with grilled mahi, rice pilaf and asparagus. The mahi was cooked right, and it was huge portion for under $13.

We will definitely be back for lunch again soon. What is your favorite meal or drink at Dexter's? Let me know in the comments section below.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Fresh, Seasonal Fare at Luma on Park

A recent dinner out at Luma on Park in Winter Park, Fla, reminded me of just how different the sophisticated eatery is from other restaurants in town, and how tasty and inventive the food is. First, make sure to reserve a chef's table. I had not done that before, and it is really a great experience to see up-close how the smoothly the kitchen runs. You also get to talk to the chefs and sous-chefs, and truly feel a part of your meal, from start to finish.

On this night out, we opted to order off the tasting menu, and Chef de Cuisine Derek Perez brought us plates he thought we wold enjoy. The Florida Grouper-Crab Fritter, served with house-smoked chorizo aioli and pickled beans was one of my favorite starters - so light and flavorful. It was paired with a delicious Anne Amie Vineyards "Cuvee A" Riesling, which has notes of peach and citrus. The Warm-Haricot Vert Salad is one of my favorite apps on the menu. A suveed, lightly poached egg sits atop radicchio, green beans and hazelnuts, and is served with a pancetta vinaigrette. The combination seems strange at first, but once you eat everything together the flavors make so much sense.

Still, I was lucky enough to find something even tastier: Nantucket Bay Scallops "Mi-Cuit", which is beautifully cooked scallops served with suveed radishes, fresh crunchy passion fruit, and a lemongrass and ginger puree. The plate presentation on this dish - and all of the dishes - make me feel like I am eating at a high-end New York restaurant. I also love how each dish tastes so fresh, because the restaurant buys its meat, seafood, produce, and other items from local farms as much as possible. The Fort Pierce Speared Flounder, served with a ginger butter broth, quinoa, broccolini, and Florida datil pepper relish, was cooked perfectly. The fish was flavorful and I loved the crispy skin. The broccolini didn't serve much purpose in this dish, though.

We were so full, but of course we made room for dessert! Luma on Park's chefs prepare unique desserts and I love the plate presentation. I highly recommend the Dulce de Leche Pot de Creme, which is somewhat like a creme brulee, but has a nice, thick custard texture and light flavor. It is served with delicious Passion Fruit Sorbet. I also loved the Creme Fraiche Cake with Brown Sugar Crumble and Strawberry Ice Cream.

These dishes may not be on the menu next time you visit, though. Luma on Park is committed to using local, seasonal ingredients, so the menu changes very frequently. Still, the restaurant always carries its guests favorites, such as Rigatoni Bolognese and Margherita Pizza.

Where: 290 South Park Ave., Winter Park, Fla.