Food and Service Fit for Royalty at Spencer's

We often forget that some of the finest restaurants in Orlando are located in hotels and resorts. My husband and I were looking for a special place to celebrate our anniversary, and we chose Spencer's for Steaks and Chops in the Hilton Orlando, right off of I-4 near the Orange County Convention Center. We would highly recommend this upscale eatery for your next special night out.

The atmosphere in Spencer's is beautiful and modern. The food is truly outstanding, and so was our service. We were treated like royalty by our server, Scott, and the rest of the staff. Chef Kevin Spencer even made us a special amuse-bouche of Elk with raspberry, which was decadent and flavorful. The Chef also brought out a special Wahoo tasting plate with probably the best, creamiest polenta I have tried. The andouille sausage and pan gravy also corresponded nicely with the very tasty fish.

The apps we ordered were so unique. The Roasted Bacon with hot honey, boiled peanuts and herb salad was so flavorful. We loved the sweet and spicy combination, and would definitely order this again. The Country Ham Wrapped Scallops, served with gorgeous edible flowers, was also delicious. The scallops were cooked perfectly and the ham is a wonderful complement. There was just a bit too much ham, which slightly overpowered the delicate scallops.

We could not possibly find anything wrong with our entrees: New York strip steak, aged 21 days, and Swordfish with Creamed Field Pea and Heirloom Hominy Ragout. The steak was so flavorful and tender, you could practically cut it with a fork. We suggest pairing it with the delicious, buttery mashed potatoes. The swordfish - also beautifully presented with edible flowers - was seared perfectly and tasted delicious. 

We ended this delightful meal with a very tasty chocolate cake, paired with passion fruit puree.

The only complaint I have - and Spencer's is not alone in this - is restaurants that overcharge for certain dishes. Certainly, the dry-aged steaks are wroth their price. But I don't believe Sweet Corn Bisque should be $12 nor should Hand-Cut Spencer's Fries - which I didn't really enjoy - be priced at $14. The side of Mac & Cheese was $11! Perhaps the sides are meant to be shared and, in that case, the price would be understandable but still on the high end.

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!

Local, Innovative Food in St. Augustine

Cornbread Panzanella

Many of my friends make fairly regular trips to St. Augustine, Fla., and are looking for new restaurants to try. I had not been there for a few years, so I also wanted to try unique restaurants that are off the beaten path. I came across one that I would highly recommend: The Floridian. It is in downtown St. Augustine, but is away from the tourist-y restaurants and shops on St. Georges.

It is a small, unassuming place, which are often the best places to eat! This place is unique because it combines Southern comfort food with healthy fare - including vegan options. What is most impressive is that the restaurant supports local farmers, ranchers, seafood suppliers, and artisans, utilizing mainly regional foods in its dishes. The fresh, local, and seasonal flavors are unmistakable when you enjoy one of The Floridian's salads or bite into the eatery's popular Dixie Burger.

Since we arrived around lunchtime on a scorching-hot day, we tried two of The Floridian's innovative salad options. I ordered the Elkton Salad, a delightful combination of local mixed greens, roasted sweet potatoes, fresh corn and chicken or the local fresh catch. I opted for the swordfish, and was so pleased that the fish was cooked perfectly - slightly pink in the middle - and was very flavorful. There is a bonus too: this salad is topped with a fried green tomato, which sports a light, cornmeal breading that is done just right.

My husband ordered the Cornbread Panzanella, which is an interesting combination of arugula and heirloom cherry tomatoes on top of made-from-scratch cornbread, topped with grilled shrimp, local cheese, and house-pickled vegetables. While the dish was tasty, it was a humongous portion for lunch and the Basil-Buttermilk dressing was just okay.

When you go, you may want to try some of the most popular dishes on the menu: Not Your Mama's Meatloaf Sandwich and Spicy Melt - a unique sandwich that can be made with the blackened fish of the day or with tofu. Prices are reasonable here: many entrees are between $8 and $13. Now, your turn: please share your favorite places to eat in the city.

Where: 39 Cordova St., St. Augustine, Fla.