One of the must-visits this holiday season is Cranes Roost Park's Christmas light display. It is probably the best non-residential display in town. Kids and adults love walking the mile around the lake to see the oversized animal displays and lit arches. My favorite part, though, is the massive Christmas tree near the "dancing fountain".
Before we went to see the great lights the other night, we ate at the nearby Tuscan Pizza (formerly Red Brick Pizza) near Marshall's, so we could easily walk to the lights. Tuscan Pizza is a very family-friendly place that has pretty good food (not excellent, but pretty good). There are flat-screen TVs and remote controls at each table, which I don't like, but I guess it helps keeps kids occupied. You order your pizza, salads or sandwiches at the counter, and they are made-to-order in front of you.
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We tried the Mushroom, Hamburger and Mozarella pizza which was fairly good. Not the best we've ever had, but some good flavors. We were suprised that the Chinese Chicken Salad was so good, with fresh ingredients including mandarin oranges. Our favorite part was the dessert, with several gelatos and sorbets to choose from, at a reasonable price. The pistachio gelato is a must-try, as is the strawberry sorbet.
While I wouldn't make a special trip to Tuscan Pizza, it is definitely a fun, convenient place to dine when visiting the magnificent Christmas lights at Crane's Roost.
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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.
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.
