I just returned from New Orleans and I don’t think I had a bowl of gumbo there any better than the one I had at the Attic Door in Winter Garden just before I left.
But I’m not surprised, given that the Attic Door’s menu is under the direction of Kevin Tarter, the talent behind Chef’s Table at the Edgewater and the adjacent Tasting Room. Now Tarter and his wife, Laurie, have taken over JR’s Attic Door, a wine bar and music room on the main downtown strip, upping its food game along with tweaking the decor.
That gumbo had chicken and andouille sausage, big thick rounds, and tender bits of okra in a moody roux. White rice at the bottom of the bowl was a welcomed addition.
I also had the Charcuterie Plate, with prosciutto and salume with creole mustard and tangy pickles. It was a perfect nosh before heading up the block to catch a performance at the Garden Theatre.
Tarter’s menu also features sandwiches and sliders, including meatball, pulled pork and chicken curry salad, and even a muffuletta.
The wine list has several selections by the glass, and the staff is well versed on all of them and eager to make a recommendation and more than happy to offer a taste.
The decor features yards and yards of billowing fabrics flowing from the ceiling, giving the effect that one is inside a nomadic tent. It’s a comfortable space, especially when sitting and listening to soft acoustic music, as was the case when I stopped back in after the theater.
By the way, the Attic Door has introduced afternoon tea to Winter Garden, available on Saturdays and Sundays by reservation only.
The Tarters have shown for some time that they are consummate restaurateurs who offer only the best quality. Each time I take a trip to Winter Garden I’m reminded that it’s such an easy outing, less travel time from downtown Orlando than to Disney Springs, and with no Interstate-4 to deal with. I’m definitely going back soon.
I somehow managed to leave New Orleans without having a muffuletta, so I’m going back to try the one at the Attic Door.
The Attic Door is at 28 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. It is open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday, and tea on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. The phone number is 407-750-7063.
