Where to Find a Real French Bakery in Orlando

I already knew I liked Patisserie Caffe, a little known French and German bakery and sandwich shop in Lake Mary, Fla., which is located off of I-4 and 46A, in the same shopping complex as FishBones and Applebee’s. 

Then, when I was in the other day (ordering the best Tomato Basil soup I have ever had and authentic French almond tarts), I noticed the owner’s heartfelt letter to her customers.

Elsa Jakubzick talks about how she was always taught that, a person expresses their love through their work. And how she puts love into each cookie, tart, and cake she bakes. She believes her customers can really taste the difference, and I believe that too. A former electrical engineer, Elsa decided two years ago to spend her days doing something she loves.

I recommend trying the almond tarts, but the extensive Caffe Patisserie menu also includes: lattes, cappuccinos, quiches, elephant ears, Normandy Apple Tart, apple strudel, and Grilled Ham Panini sandwiches.

I love the atmosphere here too: unique china tea cups sit on the shelves along with a vase of lavender flowers, reminding me of France. Visit the bakery at 1541 International Parkway, #1021, Lake Mary, Fla, 32746, or on the web: http://www.patisseriebakery.com/.


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Shrek Visiting Gaylord ICE! Event

Every year, I get excited about Gaylord Palms Resort’s ICE! event, where you get to don parkas and sip hot chocolate while walking through a winter wonderland of ice sculptures on the hotel’s property. This year, I am looking forward to it even more, since Gaylord switched things up and added DreamWorks’ “Shrek the Halls” to the event.

The DreamWorks’ experience includes the option to see “Puss in Boots 3D” with gourmet popcorn, ShrekFeast interactive character meals, and a DreamWorks’-themed scavenger hunt.

ICE! runs from November 16 through January 2, 2012. For information on ICE! and DreamWorks’ Shrek the Halls, visit: http://www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylord-palms/christmas-in-orlando/ice-experience/index.html?intcmp=gp-pl=lNav-cid=bofc-ice.

Try Seasons 52's New Fall Menu

Photo by Shad Bookout

I was recently lucky enough to be invited to a media dinner featuring Seasons 52’s new fall menu. I would recommend almost every new dish! Seasons 52 in Altamonte Springs, Fla., has always been one of our favorite places in town to dine. We love their use of fresh food in season and we like how their chefs are able to make low-calorie dishes that taste great. 

The mini-desserts are to die for, and the new fall mini-dessert is no exception. It is – drum roll, please – Pumpkin Pie Mini Indulgence. Layered with gingersnap crust and whipped cream, the mini dessert tastes like a better version of the real thing.

Grilled Quail - Photo by Shad Bookout

Now that I have covered dessert first, let me get on to the new appetizers and entrees. The Grilled Portobello Mushroom & Five Cheese Flatbread with truffle sour cream is so yummy, as is the Artichoke & Goat Cheese Flatbread. Meanwhile, I have never tasted quail with such a unique and delicious preparation. The Manchester Farms All-Natural Grilled Quail is served with bourbon-chili glaze and mashed sweet potatoes. The new Sesame Duck Salad is also one of the best dishes that I have tried at any restaurant lately. The duck on the salad – which also includes apples, toasted pecans, fresh mint, and cranberries – is very moist and has an Asian/ ginger type of flavor.

Two wines that I tasted at the dinner that you should try are: Ramey Chardonnay, Russian River 2008 and Selbach Riesling QBA, Mosel-Germany 2010. 

What to Eat at Innisbrook Resort

Inside Packard's Steakhouse

As you read in my last blog, we had a great stay at Innisbrook Golf Resort (www.innisbrookgolfresort.com) in Palm Harbor, Fla. I have to say, the resort’s impeccable service and excellent food is a big part of the reason why we had such an enjoyable time!

There are many places to eat around the extensive grounds, but the two main restaurants are Market Salamander Grille and Packard’s Steakhouse. Both eateries feature amazing food as well as excellent views of Innisbrook’s famous golf courses, including its Copperhead course.

Market Salamander Grille has a wide range of appetizers, sandwiches, and entrees to fit most budgets and tastes. We had the Oven Roasted Wild Salmon & Crab Roulade, and the Blackened Tuna. The tuna was cooked exactly as we asked and had such a wonderful, delicate flavor. The wild salmon was also cooked perfectly, and the flavors were amazing. Other specialties to try at this restaurant include: Lobster Mac & Cheese, Miso Glazed Salmon, and Black Thai Shrimp appetizer, which features a sweet and spicy Malaysian dipping sauce.

The View from Packard's Steakhouse

Packard’s Steakhouse is known for serving dry-aged premium steaks and lobster tails, but also has an extensive menu that includes unique desserts whipped up by the resort’s pastry chefs. The New England Lobster Roll served there is one of the best we have had. I also recommend the Kona Crusted Lollipop Lamb Chops, the lobster bisque, and any of the restaurant’s salads. Packard’s is currently running a special: Wine & Dine for $79, which includes dinner (salad, entrée, and dessert) for two plus a bottle of wine.

You Don't Have to be a Golfer to Get a Hole in One at Innisbrook

I am happy we made the choice to stay at Innisbrook Golf Resort (www.Innisbrookgolfresort.com) in Palm Harbor, Fla., for our recent trip to the Clearwater area. 

Although most people know Innisbrook for its immaculate, rolling golf courses and the host of the PGA’s Transitions Championship, there is so much more to experience there.

There is no doubt that this resort has some of the most beautiful courses in the world. Even though I don’t golf, I sat on my patio and enjoyed the luscious green course with numerous trees and ponds. We also enjoyed swimming in the resort swimming pool with waterfalls.

I had the good fortune to get a massage at the resort’s Indaba Spa (www.SpaatInnisbrook.com). I would recommend the Signature Citrus Massage to anyone. The combination of a Swedish massage, plus heat and a citrus scrub, make for a completely relaxing and rejuvenating experience at the same time. The Citrus Massage is $130 for 50 minutes and is well worth the price. The spa has a unique feature: you can bring your iPod and plug it into speakers in each treatment room. It also has a peaceful labyrinth path outside. This is really the place to stay and relax for the day.

The guest suites are a great deal too: they start at $590 per week for one-bedroom suites with full working kitchens. Then, there is the food. Check back next week for my review of both Innisbrook and Palm Harbor’s top restaurants.

What to See & Eat in Clearwater, Fla.

Mayaka River State Park

We are planning a late August trip to the Clearwater/Palm Harbor, Fla., area and need your advice. What are some fun things to do there, that might involve hiking, geocaching, or simply lying on the beach? What are your favorite beaches in the area? I have been dying to go to Siesta Key beach, but it is nearly two hours south, near Sarasota. Another nearby attraction that we may visit is the Mayaka River State Park (http://www.myakkariver.org). There is a canopy walk – high up in the trees – and you can take airboat trips on the lake.

I am looking for some yummy seafood restaurants to write about for my restaurant column for Seafood Source (www.seafoodsource.com). Let me know your recommendations in the Clearwater area.

Speaking of beaches, I heard about a neat contest. South Walton (www.visitsouthwalton.com) is running a contest, “Find Your Perfect Beach”, along Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast. Through October 15, people who submit photos of their vacations and share why South Walton is their perfect beach destination on Facebook (www.facebook.com/VisitSouthWalton) will have a chance to win a seven-day vacation to the beach of their choice, and several other prizes.

Hot Summer Hotel & Cruise Deals

I am back with some hot cruise and hotel deals that you will want to take advantage of before the end of the summer. Carnival Cruise must be desperate to fill their ships during the fall hurricane season, because their rates are lower than I have seen in the past. Through www.Orbitz.com, their cruises start at $179 for four nights. They are also offering special rates for past guests, free cabin upgrades, and onboard spending up to $300.

InterContinental Miami

Meanwhile, InterContinental Hotels Group (www.ihg.com) - which has hotels in every state and most countries with Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, Staybridge Suites and other brands – is offering guests “Vacation Pay”. Guests who stay at any IHG property for two consecutive weekend nights through August 31 will receive a pre-paid card for $75. I like this deal, because I can spend the money on whatever I would like!

Waldorf Astoria resorts (www.waldorfastoria.com) in Florida and Puerto Rico are offering very low rates for the summer. Through September 5, their packages start at $169 a night, with a reward of $25 per night. This is a great opportunity to stay at a luxury hotel for a fraction of the normal rate.

Next week, I will share other exclusive summer hotel deals with you. Also, let me know the amazing hotel rates and packages you have found this summer.