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

You do not expect a restaurant with "tavern" in the name - and with such reasonable prices - to have such outstanding food and professional servers. That is exactly what we experienced while dining at Marlow's Tarvern Winter Park this week.

Grapefruit Ricky

The outside and inside of the restaurant has been transformed into a cozy upscale restaurant/ bar feel; there are virtually no traces of the McDonald's that used to be in this location! We visited Marlow's Tavern to try the restaurant's new winter menu, which includes apps such as Hoisin BBQ Ribs and  Beet, Quinoa & Goat Cheese, along with entrees such as Grilled Salmon and Pomengranate Tuna Salad.

Of course, we had to try the new winter drinks as well. Fire on Ice is a must-try: it features flavors that I want in the fall and around Thanksgiving. Made with Cachacha Gold, Blood Orange Shrub and St. Elizabeth Allspice, the allspice flavor is unique and makes the drink. We also enjoyed one of the traditional drinks on the menu: the Grapefruit Ricky. It's not too sweet and is made with voda, fresh grapefruit and lime, and St. Germaine elderflower.

I was most surprised by the quality of food served at Marlow's, for the excellent prices charged. The apps are reasonably priced, burgers start at $8.50, and all entrees are under $20. The restaurant - as well as its sister restaurant at Pointe Orlando - source the highest quality meat and seafood for its meals, and most of its produce is purchased within 50 miles of the restaurant.

Lump Crab Beignets

We started with the Lump Crab Beignets, which I have to say are one of the best appetizers I have had in quite a while. Inside a crispy, fried ball, you get flavorful bites of crab, and then you dip this warm goodness in a Wasabi Honey Mustard Sauce. I will return to Marlow's just to enjoy this app along with one of the many craft beers on tap.

We tried a couple of the new winter entrees: Crispy Brick Chicken and Pan Seared Trout. The chicken was cooked perfectly and we loved the flavor of the Parmesan and Angel Hair Carbonera with bacon and carmelized onions that was served with the chicken. The trout has a lovely Asian flavor, thanks to the Quinoa Fried Rice and Soy Glaze served with it. What I was most impressed by was that my fish was cooked perfectly: tender on the inside with nice, crispy skin.

Even though we were stuffed, we made room for dessert. The new Warm Chocolate Cake is to die for. The Jack syrup and pecans served with the cake make this a perfect fall treat. The Classic Creme Brulee was also delicious.

Crispy Brick Chicken

We will definitely return to Marlow's Tavern with friends. We want to try out Happy Hour specials, from 3:00-6:00 p.m. daily, and the brunch, which is served every Saturday and Sunday. One of the most popular items for brunch is the Chicken and Waffles, and I also want to try the Crab Cakes Benedict and Marlow's "Over-stuffed" French Toast. You must also check out the full Bloody Mary bar for Sunday Funday. I have never seen so many choices for Bloody Marys!

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

For the Best Sandwiches & Key West Vibe, Try Yellow Dog Eats

The Holy Crap

Holy crap! That is the name of one of Yellow Dog Eats sandwiches and I can see why. When you take your first bite of The Holy Crap ($10.95), that is exactly what you say! The shaved honey mesquite roasted turkey paired with bacon, goat cheese, avocado, and basil mayo inside hot pressed bread all melds together in your mouth, as your eyes roll back in your head.

Then, you realize that this is not the only sandwich to choose from at the iconic Windermere eatery, located in a colorful, 100-year-old building. There are several other specialty sandwiches, plus dishes such as ribs and salads. We had the Pulled Pork Nachos ($10.95), which are truly unique and flavorful, thanks to the black beans, BBQ sauce, Thai chili sauce, cilantro sour cream and other yummy ingredients.

The Club Elvis

The 1/2 Rack of Ribs with Gold Sauce ($9.95) are extremely yummy. The barbecue sauce is tangy and not overly sweet like some sauces. The ribs are cooked perfectly and are not greasy. On the lighter side, the Smokey Smoked Salmon Salad ($13.95) was unique and delicious. The salmon - a good portion! - was so tender and delicious and was served over field greens, a raisin and nut mix, shredded carrots and dikon sprouts.

Back to the sandwiches. We also tried the Retriever's Roast ($9.95), which features Gouda cheese, an orange cointreau mayo, carmelized onion and a sweet pimento spread. All the flavors meld together perfectly in each savory bite. You also need to try the unique Club Elvis, one of Yellow Dog Eat's several pulled pork sandwiches, topped with bacon, Gouda cheese, and fried onions.

Go to Yellow Dog for the atmosphere as much as for the food. The patio is a fun, relaxing place to eat and you can bring your dogs. Inside, the graffiti on the walls and antique dog statues help give the restaurant that fun, casual feel. I also like the new wine bar! The roosters walking around outside - and nesting in the trees! - help to give this place a Key West vibe.

Note: this is one of those places that is always packed, so try not to go during the busy lunch and dinner hours.

Where: 1236 Hempel Ave., Windermere, Fla.

Golden China Buffet: Decent Food, Great Prices!

I never expect to get the best Chinese food of my life when I visit a Chinese buffet. But I do know that I will have a chance to try a wide array of apps, entrees, and desserts for a great price. Instead of ordering take-out, next time I would suggest having a night out at Golden China Buffet. We recently visited the company's Lake Mary location for dinner. 

I was surprised and impressed by the variety offered at this fairly small restaurant, but was most happy with the prices. $10.95 for all you can eat dinner for adults and $3.99 for kids? Perfect for families!

We wanted to try everything, but settled on a few options including the traditional fried rice (very good!), sushi (pretty yummy!), and Shrimp with Onions and Bell peppers, which was also very tasty. Our crab rangoon was just okay, but I wouldn't expect this restaurant to have the best crab rangoon ever; that distinction goes to Imperial Dynasty in Longwood. The French fries were actually pretty good, as well as the pigs in a blanket-style hot dogs for kids.

Because I have food allergies, my favorite offering at this location is the made-to-order Hibachi grill. You can choose rice, rice noodles, or Soba noodles along with pork, shrimp, or chicken. Then you can choose from a wide variety of veggies. Give your plate to the chef and he will grill a fresh meal in front of you. This is a great way for people on special diets - including vegan or vegetarian - to eat out with friends.

Have you tried Golden China Buffet? If so, I want to hear from you. Please leave your comments below!

Where: 4225 W. Lake Mary Blvd., Lake Mary, Fla.

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.

Fun New Drinks, Food at Bahama Breeze Happy Hour

Jumbo Lump Crab Stack 
Photo by Shad Bookout

It amazes me that, every time I visit a Bahama Breeze, there is something new to eat or drink. In fact, the menu is so extensive now, that Bahama Breeze has switched to a book menu, like the one Cheesecake Factory uses. The restaurant has added a number of entrees - including four different Rice Bowls - along with small plates and snacks for sharing.

We went to Bahama Breeze's Altamonte Springs, Fla., location recently to check out new dishes and drinks, since the chain recently launched Late Night Happy Hour. During the happy hours (Mon.-Fri., 4-6 p.m. and Sun.-Thurs., 10 p.m.-close) there are several apps at half price and amazing drink specials. draft beers are $2, wine is $2 off, certain specialty drinks are $4 and certain classic cocktails are only $3. This is a great deal!

Daisy de Santiago

We tried two new drinks: the Yaka Hula Hickey Dula (I dare you to say that five times in a row) and the Daisy de Santiago. We loved them both. The Yaka Hula, made with pineapple juice, dark rum and Riesling, is very flavorful but may be too sweet for some. The Daisy de Santiago, made with Barcadi rum, lime juice, and mint leaves, is so light and refreshing. If you like a sweeter drink, though, this may not be the one for you.

Now on to small plates. We tried some new ones as well as old favorites. My new favorite app there is the Skillet Simmered Jerk Shrimp, which is tender, large shrimp in a thyme butter sauce. It comes with a big bread baguette to soak up the sauce. This is a perfect marriage, and is enough for an entree. The Jump Lump Crab Stack is definitely beautiful to look at, but I would like more flavor or citrus with it. The Jamaican Chicken Wings, marinated in jerk seasoning, always have an excellent flavor and are cooked perfectly. The onion rings are huge, with a light and crispy breading and yummy dipping sauce.

Skillet Jerk Shrimp

Bahama Breeze has also introduced a few new Rice Bowls recently. We tried the Carnitas, which is slow roasted pork (which is very tender), along with corn, garbanzo beans and plantains. I really liked this one, but also would like to see a little more flavor or kick. The Chipotle Beef Rice Bowl was also one of the favorites at our table and the Shrimp Creole is really good (just don't expect the spice that you normally get from a "Creole" dish).

It is hard to save room for dessert, but we forced ourselves, since Bahama Breeze has such great made-in-house desserts. The Key Lime Pie is one of the best I have had. I love the thick graham crust that is undoubtedly made from scratch and the lime flavor that is not too tart. Besides Bahama Breeze's fun atmosphere, I always go there for quality, affordable Caribbean food and truly, some of the best specialty drinks in town.

Delicious Food & Drinks, Upscale Ambiance Await at The Fifth

Southern Fried Chicken n Waffles
Photo by Shad Bookout

The moment you walk into The Fifth Restaurant & Lounge in downtown Orlando, you know you are not in the typical Orlando bar. The onyx-covered bar and lights on the ceiling and in beautiful columns in the middle of the room remind me of an upscale Manhattan-style club. The 80s remix music, friendly bartenders and wait staff, and the throng of regulars, also gives this place a fun, neighborhood atmosphere.

While you can stand at the bar or at tables, we chose to sit at the alligator-skin booth and order dinner and drinks. After reading several positive reviews about The Fifth, I knew that its food would be just as good as its beverages. Still, we had to try a few of The Fifth's signature drinks, which are different than those I have seen on the menus at any other Orlando bar or restaurant.

First, The Greenhouse, made with cucumber vodka and triple sec: I didn't have high hopes for this one, but it truly is light and flavorful and was probably our favorite drink. We also tried the CoCo Palm, made with coconut vodka, melon, and pineapple juice. This blue drink tastes like a pina colada without the heavy cream. I love it. I also recommend the yummy Pear Martini. The Ice Ice Baby - with Moet champagne, elderberry flower, and peach - is good, but just tastes like champagne to me.

The V Steak Burger
Photo by Shad Bookout

Now on to the food. There are so many appetizers, burgers, comfort foods, and desserts to choose from. We started with The Spicy European Flatbread, which has pepperoni, arugula, goat cheese and fig balsamic glaze. It is very, very good and I like the kick to it. The only minor point: the balsamic glaze is slightly too much; I want to taste all the flavors and not as much balsamic. The house-made V Potato Chips with Sea Salt are to die for; everyone at the table loved them. The grilled Haas avocado was okay. The avocado is served with Black Bean Pico de Gallo and spicy tomato sauce. Those flavors help spice up the avocado, but something is still missing. I like that this app is unique to The Fifth, though.

I would say the entrees were the best part of The Fifth experience, and it is surprising to find such good food in a lounge atmosphere. My new favorite entree is Southern Fried Chicken n Waffles: house made Belgian waffles with candied bacon, maple syrup, and creme anglaise. The breading on the chicken was light and crispy, as were the waffles. If you have a sweet tooth like me, you will love this dish. The V Steak Burger, which is served with caramelized onions, arugula and ale-oli sauce, was very flavorful and cooked perfectly. The delicious flavor comes from The Fifth's use of high quality ground brisket and short ribs.  

Fried Oreos       Photo by Shad Bookout

The V Salsa Meatloaf is also perfect comfort food - and surprisingly light - and we really liked the accompanying buttery mashed potatoes. The Country Style Chicken Grilled Cheese was not our favorite. Even though it had yummy grilled chicken, bacon, and guacamole, it lacked the melty cheese you would think of. Perhaps it should not be called a grilled cheese sandwich.

You definitely must save room for dessert, especially the Fried Oreos. The warm oreos inside a light breading kind of melt in your mouth. The accompanying chocolate sauce is delicious as well. We also had the Cream Puff, which is served with a chocolate sauce, and the Hazelnut Torte. We really enjoyed the Cream Puff, but the Hazelnut Torte is good, but was not our favorite.

While the atmosphere is upscale and attracts people in their 30s and 40s, The Fifth doesn't break the bank. Entrees are reasonably priced around $12. However, you could rack up a bill with the delicious signature drinks at $12 a pop. The service was my other favorite part of The Fifth experience. The manager, Matt, is so welcoming and helpful, and our server, Gaby, was very knowledgeable and friendly. You definitely need to check this place our - for lunch, dinner, nighttime, or Sunday brunch!

Where: 112 South Orange Ave., Orlando

The Best Shrimp, Oysters & Fritters in Florida

The only thing I am upset about after my visit to Dixie Crossroads Seafood Restaurant http://www.dixiecrossroads.com in Titusville, Fla., is that I did not try their wonderful food earlier! So many friends and blog readers had told me that this was one of their favorite places to eat. In fact, the Southern-inspired eatery gets visitors from all over the state – and the world. Now, I know why.

Corn Fritters - by Shad Bookout

Our meal started with a basket of complimentary corn fritters. These heavenly creations are unlike any corn fritters I have ever had. I don’t know how the chefs get the fritter so light and airy – most fritters are fairly dense. The fritters are fried lightly, so they are a little doughy inside, which is the perfect texture. Then, they are lightly dusted with powdered sugar. A meal that starts like that has got to be amazing.

Next, we tried a variety of appetizers. I never thought this would happen, but Dixie Crossroads got me to actually like oysters. The Char-Grilled Texas oysters is what did it. They are grilled just right and topped with cheese, butter, and bread crumbs. What a great recipe! I would also highly recommend the Bacon Wrapped Shrimp and the Shrimp Cocktail – both featured Cape Canaveral brown shrimp on this visit. The shrimp cocktail was not overcooked, and the flavor was light and wonderful. The coconut shrimp was too greasy for my taste.

I didn’t realize the best was yet to come. Have you ever tasted Cape Canaveral Royal Red Shrimp? If not, this is the dish you must order at Dixie Crossroads. This shrimp dish

Rock Shrimp -
By Shad Bookout

- served broiled with butter and lemon – is sweet and is one of the best seafood dishes I have ever tasted. We also had the Royal Red shrimp fried, but I prefer to savor the flavor plain. Make sure you order the broiled Rock Shrimp as well – it also has a sweet, lobster-like flavor.

We tried one of the fish in season: Blackened Golden Tilefish, which is a mild, fleshy fish. The fish itself actually tastes a bit buttery! It was prepared perfectly, but was not my

favorite fish by itself. I would eat it in a rice dish or in a fish taco. Although we could not have possibly fit one more bite of food in our mouths, I was happy to see the Dixie Crossroads has such a varied menu for those who are not seafood lovers. They have a variety of pastas, sandwiches, burgers, and beef dishes.

Tips: If you want to beat the rush, show up for dinner around 4:30 p.m. Take time before or after your meal to see the turtles and fish swimming in front of the restaurant.

Where: 1475 Garden St., Titusville, FL  32796

More Than Great Steak at Shula’s 347 Grill

I have been anxious to try Shula’s 347 Grill at the Westin hotel in Lake Mary ever since it opened a few years ago. I guess I was waiting for a special occasion, which presented itself on New Year’s Day, when family was in town.

All of Coach Don Shula’s restaurants – including Shula’s America’s Steakhouse, Shula’s Bar and Grill, and Shula’s on the Beach – are known for their tasty, high quality steaks. That is no different at 347 Grill, which also serves a variety of burgers and sandwiches as well as chicken and seafood entrees.

Of course, we had to try the steak. We ordered the 8-ounce Filet Mignon with potatoes and vegetables ($33). First, we noticed that the price is much more reasonable than Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, and tastes just as good. The Filet was so tender, we could cut it with a fork. Unfortunately, we asked for the steak cooked medium and it

came out rare. We also ordered the 16-ounce Cowboy Steak or T-bone ($34). This steak was cooked perfectly and also was very tender. It wasn’t the best steak we have ever had, but we give it four stars out of five.

We also ordered the Fresh Fish Sandwich ($13), which was served on a toasted Brioche bun. The bun was so delicious! The fish was also cooked perfectly, and I liked the seasoning on it. For an appetizer, we enjoyed the Calamari Fries ($12), which were lightly breaded and very tasty and served with a delicious tomato coulis dipping sauce.

After dinner, we enjoyed two of the restaurant’s desserts: Crème Brulee and Apple Cobbler. The brulee was one of the lightest and most flavorful brulees I have had, and 347 Grill got the crispy top just right. The cobbler – which was served warm with vanilla ice cream – was also very delicious. I would give it four stars out of five.

All in all, I would highly recommend visiting 347 Grill in Lake Mary. It has such a nice atmosphere for a special occasion or business lunch. If you want to enjoy the upscale environment but save money, go for the sandwiches or burgers, which feature high quality Black Angus beef and start at $11 each. I thought the appetizers were pricey – some cost more than the sandwiches – but you can stick to soup or salad for less expensive options.

Where: 2974 International Parkway, Lake Mary, 32746.

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!

Eating at Panera Helps Feed the Hungry

For the past week or so, we have been focused on restaurants and hotels that are giving to the needy people in our communities. This is because I am so impressed with the restaurateurs, food trucks and others who donating time and money to help those who are hungry and those who have been impacted by Hurricane Sandy. For example, Uber Good, a new food truck in Orlando, is asking its guests to donate blankets and coats to the homeless who are particularly suffering in the chilly weather. Feeding people in need is a cause I am so passionate about because I have never had to go hungry, and can't imagine how awful that would be.

Panera's Harvest Cookie

Now, I am planning to eat at Panera Bread more often because they are donating money to Second Harvest Food Bank, a great organization that gets food to organizations such as HIV/ AIDS groups and homeless shelters. Throughout November and December, Panera's Central Florida restaurants are matching its guests' donations to Second Harvest, dollar for dollar. And, 100% of the proceeds from a special edition Harvest Cookie will be donated to Second Harvest from November 1 through November 25.

Please tell me you will be eating at Panera to support Second Harvest Food Bank! I highly recommend Panera's French Toast Bagel and the Thai Chopped Chicken Salad. 

Take a Trip to Modern Tokyo at Sushi Pop

Making Peanut Butter & Jelly Sorbet

Sushi Pop restaurant in Oviedo is different than any other sushi restaurant I have been in. First, the decor: it's kind of pop-art-ish and I love the modern furniture and lighting. The hostesses and wait staff are dressed up kind of funky, with bright colors and purses slung across their shoulders. If you don't know the story behind it, it may seem very odd. However, Sushi Pop's executive chef and owner, Chau Trinh, was inspired by the "crazy clothes" that the young people in a certain area of Tokyo, Japan, were wearing when he visited a few years ago. 

After gazing at the surroundings, I wanted to get to the best part: the food. I have heard so much about this place from fellow foodies, in part because of Chef Chau's leaning towards molecular gastronomy. For example, one of the popular desserts at Sushi Pop is its Peanut Butter and Jelly Sorbet. This is a frozen concoction, made table-side using liquid nitrogen and topped with peanut butter powder and marshmallow foam. It is quite a show! In addition to the entertainment, I was blown away by how much this dessert tastes exactly like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Lobster & Almond Roll

Since this place obviously focuses on sushi, we were ready to be critical of each sushi roll. Fortunately, almost everything we ordered was delicious. I would highly recommend the Hot Mess, Gravlax, and Lobster & Almonds rolls. Red Hot's, which features spicy tuna, avocado, jalapenos and Siracha hot sauce, is ddecadent for those who like very spicy foods. The Butterfish roll was not one of the best - it just seemed like an odd fish to put in a roll. Even though this is a sushi place, it's other small plate dinners are delicious. I tried the Florida Snapper over rice and curry sauce. The crispy-skin snapper was moist and had an excellent flavor, as did the sauce. 

Florida Snapper 

Don't forget about appetizers: there are so many delicious hot and cold tastings to choose from. My favorite - so far - is the Sauteed Schichimi Pepper and Garlic Edamame. The pepper and garlic give the traditional soybean dish a nice kick. Overall, I would recommend eating at Sushi Pop, again and again. With its expansive menu, you can try something new and different every time.

Where: 310 West Mitchell Hammock Rd., Suite 900, Oviedo, Fla.

Napa at Peabody: Great for Special Occassions

Photo Courtesy of Peabody Orlando

Although it has been open for awhile, I just recently had the opportunity to try the beautiful, upscale Napa restaurant in the new Peabody Orlando hotel tower. Napa, featuring cuisine and wine inspired by California's wine region, has a great vibe and impeccable food,  particularly for special occasions. While we were there, several guests were celebrating birthdays and special events, or were out for a date.

I was impressed by the extensive selection of appetizers and entrees - including vegan and vegetarian options - at the restaurant. I was even happier after tasting the food, since it exceeded my expectations. We started with the "Taste of the Valley" appetizer sampler ($17) which includes tastings of popular appetizers including Orlando Brewing Red Ale Steamed Canaveral Clams, Pan Roasted East Coast Mussels, and Festival of Tomatoes. Each one was scrumptious. Our entrees - Meyer Ranch Natural Beef Filet ($42) and Whole Fried Yellowtail Snapper ($37) - were cooked perfectly. 

Whole Yellowtail Snapper

The filet was accompanied by a Maderia wine reduction and a Roasted Plum and Cherry Compote, and served with creme fraiche potatoes and broccolini. We could not get over how perfectly cooked the steak was and thought the wine reduction was the best part. The Starmont Cabernet, suggested by our knowledgeable waiter, paired perfectly with the filet. The flash-fried snapper was moist on the inside, but crispy on the outside, exactly as this style of preparation should be. It was accompanied by a delicious Cherry Tomato Escabeche Rice and Crispy Fried Plantains. Other house specialties include Cioppino, Florida Rock Shrimp and Crab Linguini and Focaccia Crusted Veal Chop.

The service was flawless, which is one of the reasons I suggest Napa for a special night out. Our waiter was very attentive and talked to the chef about my food allergies and they figured out how to alter dishes so I could still eat them. You can be assured that the servers will go above and beyond to make you feel special. 

Meyer Ranch Natural Beef Filet

I was also impressed to find out that Napa is a "Farm to Fork" restaurant: the majority of the produce, seafood, and meat used in its dishes is sourced locally or regionally. The items that are not sourced locally are purchased from sustainable companies, such as grass-feed beef from Meyer Ranch in Montana. The restaurant is also environmentally friendly with automatic lights in its restrooms, in-house water filtration system, a composting program, and several other efforts.

Where: 9801 International Drive, Orlando, Fla.

A Thai Must Try: Blue Elephant

Photo by Shad Bookout

I was thrilled to find out recently that our Lake Mary side of town got a Blue Elephant Thai restaurant, since International Drive sports the only other Blue Elephant in the area. This is upscale Thai cuisine at its finest. I appreciate how authentic the food at this particular location really is: the chef only speaks Thai!

When I first walked into Blue Elephant, I was struck by the beautiful decor, including fountains with floating flowers and candles, and an amazing glass light sculpture over the bar. After being greeted by an attentive server and manager - who visits every table - the next thing I was impressed by were the prices. For a place with such beautiful decor, I did not expect to see several choices of curries on the menu for $12.95 each (the traditional Basil Sauce Curry is one of the eatery's most popular curry dishes). Plus, the new restaurant is going to be offering several lunch and dinner specials.

Whole Snapper Rock - Photo by Shad Bookout

Although all of the appetizers were tempting, we started with the Tuna Tartar Wonton ($11), which includes rare tuna, avocados, wasabi, and jalapeno atop a crispy wonton. This was flavorful, and different from any other tuna tartar we have had. We also tried the B.E. (chicken) Dumpling which was so good. For $6, we were served six dumplings, so that was a great deal!

For dinner, we decided to try a couple of the house specialties as a treat. The Crispy Whole Snapper Rock ($24) was delicious and had a very unique presentation. The glaze - a sweet chili sauce with bell peppers and onions - slightly overwhelmed the dish, but the flavor was still amazing and the fish was cooked perfectly. We also loved the unique Crispy Duck Zee's ($19), crispy duck breast served with red curry sauce, pineapple, basil, tomato, lime leaf, and bell peppers. The curry sauce was truly the best curry sauce that I have had to date: very light and flavorful. And the combination of curry, rice, pineapple, and duck all worked together very well. The duck was slightly dry, but that is to be expected when a dish is fried.

B.E. Dumpling
Photo by Shad Bookout

We also were very impressed with the number of signature cocktails on the menu - two pages worth! - and how tasty they were. I would highly recommend ordering "Inspire", a mix of Mekhong Rum, pear liqueur, and ginger liqueur, and the "Thai Fantasy", which sort of tasted like a Screwdriver.

Where: 951 Market Promenade Ave., Ste. 1101, Lake Mary, Fla.

Chocolate, Fudge, & Gelato, Oh My!

Designer Chocolate Shoes

When I stopped by Peterbrooke Chocolatier in Winter Park, Fla., to collect my prize the other day (a bag of Milk Chocolate-covered Popcorn), I was anxious to try everything new the sweet shop has to offer. First off, Peterbrooke's chocolate-covered popcorn is delicious, and why wouldn't it be? Anything covered in the rich, velvety chocolate made in-house has to be good! 

Yes, I said anything. Chocolate-covered bacon is one of the shop's best sellers, so I had to try that. I have never tried such a thing, so why not? The dark chocolate version is pretty good: I like the combination of salty and sweet. The bacon leaves a weird after-taste, though. Even though I am a bacon lover, I was not as into it, as I thought I would be. You definitely have to try it, though. Plus, Peterbrooke covers lots of other yummy things in chocolate, including strawberries, potato chips, and pretzels, and you can request other chocolate-covered stuff for them to make especially for you.

Co-owner Kevin Wray
scooping gelato

Even though Peterbrooke specializes in chocolates and delicious fudge (you must try the Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge!), gelato is a big hit with its customers. Peterbrooke carries 16 to 20 different flavors on a daily basis, and I had to try all the new fall flavors. My favorite is Pumpkin Cheesecake, but you should definitely try Spiced Caramel Apple, Autumn Crunch, and Bourbon Caramel Gingersnap. The flavors are all so good and authentic, and I doubt you will find these unique flavors anywhere else.

Peterbrooke has such a wide selection of chocolates - including turtles, bark, and 72% dark chocolate bars - that is it really hard to choose which ones to buy. I would recommend the popcorn, first and foremost, but also the chocolate-covered oreos and all the sugar-free chocolate items. The sugar-free lines taste exactly like the regular ones!

I am also excited about the custom chocolates that Peterbrooke can make for Halloween, birthdays, weddings, and other special events. They even have shoes made out of chocolate. What is your favorite thing to eat at Peterbrooke? 

Where: 300 S. Park Ave., Winter Park. Fla.

Jekyll Island Food Disappointing - Some Gems

Shrimp Creole - Driftwood Bistro

When I am on vacation, one of the main things I get excited about is trying new food that is authentic to the region. While I enjoyed some of the dishes I tried during my recent trip to Jekyll Island, Ga., there was nothing special or unique about the cuisine. And, some of the restaurants did not live up to their hype. 

For example, Driftwood Bistro is the third highest rated Jekyll Island restaurant on TripAdvisor. I am not sure why that is. Most of the food was not up to par. We tried the Shrimp Creole and the Wild Georgia Shrimp Platter with fried okra (at $10.99 each for petite platters this is a pretty good deal). On the Shrimp Platter, we received only a few small, overcooked shrimp. The fried okra, however, was cooked perfectly with its light and airy cornmeal breading. The Shrimp Creole was also disappointing: it tasted like it was made from canned tomatoes and didn't have strong flavors or spicing. Perhaps I am spoiled by authentic creole dishes from New Orleans.

We had another less-than-stellar experience at Latitude 31 restaurant in Jekyll Island. While our seafood was cooked correctly, the white-tablecloth atmosphere and prices ($21-$30 for dinner entrees) do not match the offerings and service. We truly enjoyed the Snapper special with the most amazing garlic mashed potatoes. I didn't think the snapper needed the coating of breading and oil. Just honor the fish, and grill and season it correctly. The "Surf and Surf" with oysters and Georgia shrimp was flavored well and cooked right, it was just priced high at $25, for the amount served. 

Cornmeal Grouper - Courtyard Cafe

Fortunately, we were saved by the food served at the Courtyard at Crane, at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel. For lunch, we ordered the Grouper with Tomato and Basil Topping, accompanied by Sweet Potato Fries for $12.95. The fish portion was very small, but it was cooked perfectly and I really enjoyed the bruschetta-style topping. The Crab and Shrimp Croissant Sandwich for $13.95 was okay, but did not have great or unique flavoring. 

Pizza, Beer & Music This Weekend

The Mellow Mushroom - which some people feel is the best pizza in Orlando - is holding a fun "Shroomstock" Festival this Saturday at their Orlando location. "Shroomstock" features pizza, local bands, and craft beers. Plus, the event is reasonable at $5 in advance or $7 at the door.

For $3 each, you can buy pizza slices from the Mellow Mushroom Bake Bus, while listening to local or homegrown bands Casey Brents, The Hip Abduction, and Spiritual Rex. Craft beers include Dogfish Head, Abita, Orange Blossom Pilsner, and Holy Mackerel. This is a great cheap "date night" or night our with friends.What is your favorite Mellow Mushroom pie?

Where: 11680 East Colonial Drive, Orlando

When: Saturday, Aug. 25. Starts at 5:00 p.m.

Check out Ga. Shrimp and Grits Festival

Shrimp and grits have got to be among the best food pairings in history. I love the taste of tender, spicy grilled shrimp, combined with creamy corn (or cheesy) grits. I just recently discovered that there is a festival devoted to all the possible variations on shrimp and grits: "Shrimp & Grits: The Wild Georgia Shrimp Festival". Held September 14-16 in Jekyll Island, Georgia, the Festival includes both amateur and professional shrimp and grits cooking competitions, cooking demos, and craft brew tasting.

While you are in Jekyll Island, I would recommend staying at one of the top-rated hotels there: the Jekyll Island Club Hotel. This place is palatial and there are a ton of activities to do at the property and nearby. It is directly across from the Jekyll Harbor Marina, where boats can take you on shrimping tours or dolphin-spotting tours.

Jekyll Island Club Hotel

Even though the resort looks grand inside and out, it does offer specials and packages. To celebrate its 25th anniversary, Jekyll Island Club is offering rates of $125 per night for certain rooms in August, and has 25 percent off deluxe suites from Sundays through Thursdays. In its Grand Dining Room, diners can enjoy the daily lunch special and an ice cream sandwich for $12.50.

I am looking forward to visiting Jekyll Island soon, and will give you my review on the glorious Jekyll Island Club Hotel, the infamous Driftwood Breach, and all the best places to dine there.

Try Fast-Food Sushi. Really.

I was definitely skeptical as I walked up to the small restaurant located in a mini-mall near UCF. I had looked over Sus Hi's (pronounced High) web site and I could not tell whether the food would be good by the funny ninja anime character on the screen.

When I walked in the restaurant, though, it was clean and had a fun Ninja painting across one wall. I noticed that the food ingredients are set up like a Subway for sushi: you can see all of the proteins (including vegan options), veggies, and fun toppings that you would like to have made into a sushi roll, a rice bowl, or a wrap. We ordered the Spicy Chicken and Loaded Shrimp Sushi and the Fried Chicken and Fried Shrimp Wrap.

The sushi comes with a spicy sauce, but we kicked it up a notch with Sriracha sauce. The sushi was moist and flavorful, and really didn't taste like fast food-style sushi. The fried chicken and shrimp in my wrap had a light, crispy breading and I was surprised it was not greasy. I also opted to add lettuce, avocado, and asparagus, and everything came together to make a fresh, flavorful wrap. And the prices were reasonable at $5.99 for a roll (check out the photo for the size of one roll!), wrap, or bowl.

I love Sus Hi's Japanese sodas too. They may be somewhat sweeter than American sodas, but have a lot less carbonation. The only draw-back to this place? Making decisions. You can't just say, "I want the California Roll". The staff want you to pick what goes inside your roll. If you are indecisive, this is not the place for you.

Where: 4498 N. Alafaya Trail, Orlando.

What's Good About Sweet! Cupcakes

Unique flavors. Yummy icings. Moist cake. What else do you need in a cupcake? Sweet! By Good Golly Miss Holly - a cupcake shop in Oviedo and Jacksonville, Fla. - delivers all this. Many people tell me that Sweet! has the best cupcakes in town. I am not sure I agree, but it is definitely at the top of my list.

I have been dying to try them out for myself, ever since I saw Miss Holly - Hollis Wilder - win an episode of Cupcake Wars on The Food Network. I was impressed when she won with delicious vegan cupcakes, while competing with bakers who prepared traditional cupcakes. I was looking forward to trying out some of her vegan cupcakes on a recent visit to Sweet!, but was unable to. I didn't realize those have to be ordered in advance.

However, I got to try out many other popular flavors at Sweet!s Oviedo location. The staff behind the counter said that Cookies n' Cream and Red Velvet were the shop's most popular flavors. So, I tried those, along with: Chocolate Peanut Butter, Black Out, S'mores, Creamsicle, and Toasted Coconut. The Toasted Coconut was nearly perfect - with a delicious frosting, moist cake, and coconut filling. To be picky, the cake batter had a bit of a baking soda taste, but was very minor. Chocolate Peanut Butter was not as good as I expected, but the S'Mores and Black Out (dark chocolate cake and frosting) were. Creamsicle and Toasted Coconut were probably my favorites, but I can also see why Cookies n' Cream and Red Velvet are the biggest sellers. That Red Velvet icing was delicious!

I like the fact that Sweet! sells mini cupcakes, along with regular-sized ones, so you can try a few different flavors and not feel stuffed. However, the minis are priced at four for $6. This reminds me of a general gripe that I have with gourmet cupcakes: the price. At Orlando's cupcake shops and food trucks, you pay between $2.00 and $2.50 per cupcake. That just seems too steep to me.

Back to what I like about Sweet!. In addition to cupcakes, there is a variety of self-serve frozen yogurts and a bar with tons of different toppings. This is such a fun place to take kids for a treat. And, there are so many different cupcake flavors to choose from - 30 to be exact - that you should be able to try a new one every time you visit. Overall, I would highly recommend Sweet!'s moist, delicious cupcakes topped by spot-on icings. Which flavors are your favorite?

Where: Waterford Lakes Town Center, 711 North Alafaya Trail, Orlando.