Address	1 Jeff Fuqua Blvd.
City	Orlando
Phone	321-280-4200
Price	$$
Scott's Review

If this had been the Cask & Larder that opened originally in Winter Park, it would still be there. (Sister restaurant Ravenous Pig moved into the Cask's old home.) This is a “Southern-inspired public house,” which means it features stylistic takes on Southern fare. The Larder in the name is a reference to a pantry. The Cask refers to a beer barrel and is an indication that C&L brews its own beers. (All involved would prefer that you not call it a brewpub.) Good beer, too, plus a fully stocked liquor bar (with some fun cocktails, it should be mentioned). Cask & Larder is in Terminal 2 of Orlando International Airport, so you can visit only if you're flying out of that terminal.... Read more

Address	151 Welbourne Ave. E.
City	Winter Park
Phone	407-790-7997
Price	$$
Scott's Review

It's refreshing that Cocina 214 doesn't claim to be authentic Mexican and try to hide its Tex-Mex roots. In fact, it's right there in its name: the 214 is a reference to the area code of Dallas. (That's not the city I think of when I think of Tex-Mex, but there you go.) I liked the huevos rancheros I had on a brunch visit, and the carnitas tacos were delicious on a dinner visit. I also like the big open atmosphere. It's nice to have the Tex-Mex flavor on Park Avenue. (Or just off Park.)... Read more

Address	1315 S. Orange Ave.
City	Orlando
Phone	407-849-0801
Price	$$
Scott's Review

Part of the new Delaney, a boutique hotel, Delaney's Tavern is more than a drinking spot. The food, under the direction of chef Anthony Albino, is innovative and expertly executed. The crab beignets and shrimp, scallops & grits (with purple grits) are favorites.... Read more

Address	950 Market Promenade Ave.
City	Lake Mary
Phone	407-805-3090
Price	$$

There are three distinct Dexter’s but all offer the same basic menu, which is unambitious but functional. Much more emphasis is placed on producing a lively atmosphere, which often includes live music. (Check Web site for details.)

For food, the pressed duck sandwich is a classic. And the chicken tortilla pie, a tall, layered affair, is one of those things you feel guilty for liking but keep ordering each time you go.

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Address	601 S. New York Ave.
City	Winter Park
Phone	407-228-3898
Price	$

The menu here is 100 percent vegan. On a recent visit I ordered a cup of spinach and portobello soup and the ironically named healthy trio for starters. The healthy trio was a reference to three dips: hummus, tomato-mango salsa and a tapenade made with black and green olives. They were served with slightly toasted bread that had big hunks of seeds and grains embedded, plus thick blue corn tortilla chips. It was all pretty tasty. Ethos is across from Ivanhoe Lake and has a large covered patio with perhaps more seating than inside. Indoors the walls are covered with works by local artists, and beyond the ordering counter the room wraps around for additional inside seating.... Read more

Address	300 E New England Ave Alfond Inn
City	Winter Park
Phone	407-998-8090
Price	$$$
Scott's Review

Hamilton's Kitchen has a new chef, Marc Kusche, and a freshened menu. It's like the reset button has been pushed. And now the experience is more along the lines of what I was hoping for a year ago. Kusche comes to the Alfond Inn by way of the Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara in Carlsbad, California. His menu makes good use of the bounty from local growers and has a nice mix of seafood and meat, though it seems that the former is the forte. I can't say that anything in particular has been done with the dining room since it opened last year, but it seemed to be different. It didn't have that college dorm dining hall feel — maybe it was that it wasn't as crowded this time, or maybe there have been enough subtle changes in lighting to make a difference. Whatever, it was more comfortable now, even with open kitchen. (It is called Hamilton's Kitchen, after all.) I was happy to make the return visit to HK and I'm even happier to now put it on my list of recommended restaurants.... Read more

Address	9101 International Drive
City	Orlando
Phone	689-800-6760
Price	$$$
Scott's Review

It might be enough for the Hampton Social, a new restaurant at Pointe Orlando, to be all atmospherics. Its mien is a coastal yacht club with a stressful casualness, a yacht club whose members wear unscuffed boat shoes. ... Read more

Address	1490 Buena Vista Drive
City	Lake Buena Vista
Phone	407-934-2583
Price	$$$
Scott's Review

Its the House of Blues, a boisterous boite that celebrates the diversity and brotherhood of world culture and promotes racial and spiritual harmony through love, peace, truth, righteousness and non-violence. But despite a mission statement that makes it sound like the lunchroom at the United Nations, this is actually a themed restaurant that serves up rhythm, blues and soul and not so incidentally surprisingly good food, most of it rooted in a New Orleans style.

What's surprising about it is that everything is of good quality, prepared and presented with the sort of gourmet flair you'd expect from a fine dining establishment, not a place that is made to look like a juke joint.

Menu highlights include a smoked double-cut pork chop, etouffe and Cajun meat loaf. For appetizers, the Mississippi catfish bites are pretty tasty.

The bread pudding is a must. The Sunday gospel brunch, which features an all-you-can-eat buffet,  is an inspirational treat.

 

... Read more