Always Happy at Bonefish Grill

While Bonefish Grill has been around Central Florida with two locations for a few years, people tend to forget the restaurant when planning a special night out with family or friends.

We visited the Longwood location recently and had a wonderful experience overall. I ordered my favorite specialty cocktail there: the Black Cherry and Guava Mojito. With fresh mashed cherries and a light feel, this is a delicious drink. We also tried the Pineapple Martini, which was refreshing and not too sweet.

Unfortunately, our appetizer was not the best. While the Shrimp and Scallop Ceviche has great flavor, the scallops were overcooked and rubbery. However, the flavor and quality of our entrees made up for that. We both ordered that night's specials. The hubby had Imperial Sea Bass: Chilean Sea Bass stuffed with crab, shrimp, scallops, and a lemon caper butter sauce. The crab stuffing was delicious and the bass was perfectly cooked. All the flavors came together to make a delicious meal. I ordered the Chilean Sea Bass with a side of Jasmine Rice. I actually like this preparation of the bass better: simply wood-grilled with butter. The fish flaked nicely and I enjoyed each delicous forkful, even if the portion size was too small.

On this night, we decided to splurge on entrees priced at around $24 each. However, Bonefish Grill offers several small plates and appetizers that allows for an affordable night out, especially during the restaurant's great happy hour. I recommend the Bang Bang Shrimp, Mussels Josephine, and the Wagyu Beef & Ginger Dumplings.

Let me know your experience at Bonefish Grill in the comments section below!

New Favorite Food: Chia Seed Peanut Butter

I am so glad that I was sent samples of Bliss Nut Butters to try, otherwise I never would have known about this great-tasting and healthy peanut butter! Where else can you find peanut butter that is sweetened only with honey - not sugar or corn syrup - and contains a touch of sea salt, not regular salt? 

Plus, two of the flavors contain chia seeds, which are high in Omega 3 fatty acids, fiber, antioxidants, minerals, and a host of other cool things. Thanks to Bliss Nut Butters, I began researching more about chia seeds' benefits and found that they also help control blood glucose levels and can be used as an egg replacer!

But I digress. I want to tell you about the amazing flavor of the nut butters. Cinnamon Chia Seed is my favorite - I now plan to start adding cinnamon to any peanut butter that does not have it. So amazing. And the Chia Seed and regular Peanut Butter flavors are also delicious. This is the way my friend described the flavor of the Chia Seed Peanut Butter: "I really like the texture and crunchiness of it, but my favorite is the touch of honey. Just sweet enough without the artificial taste." It is great that her young son has been eating it like crazy too!

The flavors and the health benefits make Bliss's peanut butters my new favorite. Sorry, Jif!

Where to buy: While Bliss Nut Butters are not in Central Florida stores yet, they can be ordered on their web site and they are reasonably priced! Visit: http://www.blissnutbutters.com/#!buy-online/c1anq

Run, Don't Walk, to Se7en Bites Bakeshop

I had been craving real, handmade pastries all week when I finally had a chance to try the six-month old bakery, Se7en Bites, in downtown Orlando. I am so glad I came to a place that could really fulfill my cravings. 

The problem was trying to pick out which dessert I wanted to try. They had such a broad selection, from cheesecake, to pies to cakes to large muffin-like brownies, that I just wasn't sure. The staff and other guests recommended the Salted Caramel Chocolate Pecan Pie, which I didn't try this time but will soon, along with the Oatmeal Whoopie Pie Cookie. This is, hands down, the best cookie I have had, and one of the best desserts in Orlando. The delicious, crispy cookie edges combined with the soft center and delicious filling, make this one of the customer favorites at Se7en Bites. 

I also had the the Lemon Shortbread Cookies, filled with limincello curd. The shortbread was delicious and absolutely the texture I am looking for in a shortbread cookie, but the limincello curd filling was what made the cookie stand out. It was very tasty, and not too sweet or tart. In fact, I don't find Se7en Bites' desserts to be overly sweet like some other cupcake shops and bakeries in town.

But wait, there's more! In addition to a variety of desserts - which change daily - Se7en Bites offers a few savory dishes. I opted for the Se7en Bites Benedict, which is the bakery's own twist on an Eggs Benedict. Instead of an English muffin, you get probably the best savory Southern-style biscuit I have had. You can taste a bit of herbs and it is very flavorful overall. That is topped with a fried egg with runny yolk, a crispy fried heirloom tomato, high quality crispy bacon and a house-made Benedict sauce that is light and delicious.

The price for the Benedict ($7.75) is fairly reasonable, considering the portion size and all the homemade, high quality ingredients. The pastries are somewhat pricey, at between $2.75 and $5.00 each, but they are well worth it.

Have you tried Se7en Bites yet? If so, let me know your favorites in the comments section below.

Where: 207 N. Primrose Dr., Orlando.

Best Shrimp, Fritters at Dixie Crossroads

I was overjoyed to be able to go back to Dixie Crossroads in Titusville, Fla., for a second visit the other day. I had been craving the restaurant's Royal Red Shrimp, a delicacy caught off the East Coast of Florida that many people are not familiar with, since the last time I dined there. Once you have tried the delicate, flavorful shrimp, all other shrimp just seems second-rate.

Of course, it's the way that Dixie Crossroads prepares the shrimp as well. You can get it prepared several ways, and we like the broiled, scampi-style preparation best so far. The shrimp was cooked perfectly, so it was tender and juicy and paired perfectly with the scampi sauce. The garlic butter sauce is great too!

The other dish I was most looking forward to was the light, fluffy corn fritters topped with powdered sugar that are served complimentary to each table. I am used to dense corn hush puppies, so I really love this recipe that makes fritters light, airy and sweet. It is the perfect bite of fried goodness. I also really liked the soup of the day: a Caribbean tomato-based seafood soup. It was very flavorful and hearty.

There were a couple of things I was disappointed with, though. While the crab cake appetizer was delicious, I don't believe it should be priced at $9.99 for a small cake. The Royal Red Shrimp is pricey too - nearly $15 for a dozen - but I expect that for a delicacy that not many restaurants serve. Another complaint on prices: the restaurant's Signature Cocktails are $12, and I don't see cheaper alternatives on the menu if I don't want a drink that comes in a take-home Dixie Crossroads glass.

I was so looking forward to the Apple Walnut Cobbler, but it was not as good as I remembered. I don't like the soft pastry at the bottom, nor do I like the flavor of the topping. 

Still, I will always love Dixie Crossroads' seafood and fritters, and will be back...again and again. Let me know your favorite dishes on the menu in the Comments section below!

Where: 1475 Garden St., Titusville, Fla.

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?

Visit Mikado Japanese in Lake Mary

I have finally found a sushi place in Lake Mary, Fla., that I am pretty happy with. I was sad when Fuji closed its Lake Mary location, and have been looking for a replacement. It just so happens that Mikado Japanese Cuisine took over the spot where Fuji used to be.

Mikado offers a huge selection of sushi rolls, hibachi and bento boxes. I have had both hibachi and sushi, and deem them to be "pretty good", or around 4 out of 5 stars. It depends on which rolls you order. Mikado's signature rolls are pricey, but they are more flavorful than many of their standard rolls. Of the signature rolls, the Volcano Roll has been our favorite so far. Nice kick of spice and beautiful presentation. The Drama Queen roll is also very interesting and different, with jalapeno slices adorning the outside. 

You can still get some good standard rolls for half the price, though. My favorite so far is the Voodoo Roll, which has spicy crawfish, tempura flakes and cucumber. I love the spice in this dish. The Spicy Crispy Roll with fried shrimp, avocado and spicy sauce is also delicious.

Mikado has a nice atmosphere, but it is much faster for me to pick up my order to go. Especially on a Friday or Saturday evening. The wait for our meal on one recent Friday night was a half hour! However, if you don't visit in person, you miss some really great happy hour specials. 

Where: 3899 W. Lake Mary Blvd., #117, Lake Mary