Address	3020 Lamberton Blvd
City	Orlando
Phone	407-757-0578
Price	$
Scott's Review

I knew I was going to like this place the moment I walked in and was warmly greeted by a smiling fellow behind the counter. That greeting was reinforced by a coworker who appeared from the kitchen area just off to the back. Why is it so difficult for so many restaurant staffers to express a sincere welcome to the people who have chosen to do business with them? The concept here, as with many other similar Latin American restaurants, is pick and choose counter service. There is a selection of prepared dishes — pork, chicken, stews — in steam table trays behind the glass counter. You simply tell one of the nice folks which of the meats you prefer and whether you want white or yellow rice, then select two side dishes and stand back while the staffer loads up a plate.... Read more

Address	7724 W. Sand Lake Road
City	Orlando
Phone	407-674-8899
Price	$$
Scott's Review

I was first heartened that this was going to be a good situation when my lunch companion ordered the chicken vindaloo and the server did not ask if he wanted it mild, medium or hot, as the servers in too many Indian restaurants do. Some dishes supposed to be hot and some should be mild.

That said, the only odd thing about our respective dishes is that the “medium” chana masala was spicier than the “hot” chicken vindaloo, though neither was scorch the earth hot. But both were good. The gravies were thick and the seasonings were layered rather than jumbled. The vindaloo was a classic goan style curry with subtle sweet notes hidden behind the fire. The chana masala, a vegetarian dish with chickpeas as the main ingredient, featured a red-tinged brown curry with onions, ginger and coriander, among myriad other ingredients.

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Address	7724 W. Sand Lake Road
City	Orlando
Phone	407-674-8899
Price	$$
Scott's Review

A winner of the Best Indian Foodster Award for Independent Restaurants, Saffron is part of the group that includes Madras Cafe, the all vegetarian and vegan restaurant, and the estimable Mynt in Winter Park’s Hannibal Square neighborhood.... Read more

Address	3573 Aloma Ave.
City	Oviedo
Phone	407-951-8818
Price	$$
Scott's Review

The first thing you’re likely to notice about Saigon Flavors is that it isn’t in downtown Orlando or anywhere near the intersection of Mills Avenue and Colonial Drive. That neighborhood, which locals have unofficially called Little Saigon for years, has the city’s greatest concentration of Vietnamese restaurants. Saigon Flavors is also more modernistic in style and decor. But the food is firmly set in tradition. Pho, the beef noodle soup with a variety of ingredients, is quite good. For an unusual appetizer, have the "golden pancake," which is more like an omelet with bean sprouts.
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Address	101 N. Bumby Ave.
City	Orlando
Phone	407-532-7373
Price	$
Scott's Review

What impressed me most about the food I had here was how vibrant and colorful it looked. Even the pho, which is many restaurants can look like day old dishwater, was vivid and fresh looking. Part of the reason may be that my dining companion had chosen the vegetable and tofu pho, so the broth was a clear vegetable broth. But the carrots and greens and even the white cubes of tofu were so enticing.... Read more

Address	5248 Red Bug Lake Road
City	Winter Springs
Phone	407-636-3600
Price	$$
Scott's Review

It’s the latest attempt to bring something more than chain dining to the Winter Springs/Oviedo area. One of the previous tries also involved a restaurant that used a plus sign in its name. Remember South + York? This restaurant, from the same group that operates Agave Azul, another tequila-centric restaurant in the area of Universal Orlando, even aims at offering a more upscale Mexican experience. Not that this is anything close to fine dining, but it is more pleasant than your typical stereotypical Tex-Mexery. It’s even more Mex than Tex, though far from traditional Mexican cooking (any restaurant that lists fajitas on its menu gives up some of its Mexican cred). Still, I must say that I liked what I sampled much more than I did when I visited Agave Azul a few years ago.... Read more

Address	510 N. Orlando Ave.
City	Winter Park
Phone	407-644-5050
Price	$$

Formerly Seito Sushi, Sakari serves a decent menu of rolls and sashimi. Nothing out of the ordinary, but fairly priced.

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Address	Mexico Pavilion Epcot
City	Lake Buena Vista
Phone	407-939-3463
Price	$$$
Scott's Review

It’s a perennial nighttime scene, affected by its location inside the pavilion. The dining area is set up next to the waterway, which transports people in boats on their way to the pavilion’s themed ride, Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros. All the elements work nicely together to produce a terrific atmosphere.

I wish they’d spend a little effort on making the food better.

The menu at least stays true to Mexican cuisine, rather than pandering to Americans’ concept of it, which has been muddled by Tex-Mex, Southwestern and even San Francisco-style burrito restaurants. Here you’ll find no fajitas, an American invention, or cheesy quesadillas. You will receive a conical basket filled with tortilla chips, accompanied by two salsas -- an American tradition that even authentic Mexican restaurants must follow.

That’s the last thing you’ll get for free. Everything else you’ll pay for, and you’ll pay way too much.

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