What's New (and what is hot!)

Restaurants

Pointe Orlando on International Drive continues to grow, adding several new restaurants in 2007—Maggiano’s, Oceanaire, Redrock Canyon Grill, Taverna Opa, Tommy Bahama’s and BB King’s—all worth seeking out over the course of your holiday.

Family-style Maggiano’s Little Italy has a menu that can only be described as enormous, featuring fresh-made traditional Italian-American dishes, speciality martinis, creative appetizers (try the Bombalina Platter, a selection of Maggiano favourites, easily enough to qualify as a full meal), soups, salads, chicken, steaks, chops, seafood and the best Braised Beef Cannelloni we have ever tasted, bar none. Family Style service or individual entrees available in portions so large you can share and still end up with left-overs!

The Oceanaire Seafood Room presents fish and seafood choices, flown in fresh daily, in a stylish, upscale atmosphere reminiscent of 1930s and 1940s seafood supper clubs. The menu varies according to fresh-caught availability, with simple dishes created through ‘seasonal preparations’ and regional inspiration. Enjoy the raw bar as a prelude to your main course or as the main attraction itself, along with the perfect wine pairing, expertly recommended by Oceanaire’s seasoned wine stewards.

Looking for exceptional Southwestern and American cuisine? Redrock Canyon Grill rustles up healthy, fresh ‘comfort food’ with a twist. Try Bunkhouse Ribs, Chicken Pot Pie, or the rather unusual but thoroughly delightful Shrimp Cargot (shrimp appetiser prepared escargot-style, with herb butter and havarti cheese). Wood-burning stone rotisserie items are especially noteworthy. Children’s menu available.

Superb Greek offerings in a casual setting are found at Taverna Opa, where nightly entertainment includes belly dancing, Greek music and some surprising ‘traditional’ touches. Start with flaming Saganaki, move on to Slow Roasted Lamb or ‘Greek Paella’, ending with honey phyllo filled with custard or a simple Yoghurt with Honey and Walnuts. Just yummy!

Tommy Bahama’s Tropical Café and Emporium is about as Floridian as it gets. The food is as light and fresh as the ‘tropical with a twist’ surroundings, with each dish beautifully presented as a small work of art on a plate. Tommy’s is known for its Coconut Shrimp, but we think the Loki Loki Tuna Poke is the real star of their appetiser menu. Sea Bass, chops, pasta, ribs and chicken come into their own when paired with fresh herbs, citrusy  glazes, flavoured oils and lightly dressed vegetables. Finish with a tart slice of Key Lime Pie or go all out with the Piña Colada Cake, brushed with Myers Dark Rum.

BB King’s Blues Club is as much an event as it is a destination, with live music every night, from ‘fast and funky’ to slow, smooth jazz. BB Kings serves up Creole cuisine with a ‘southern comfort touch’ in an atmosphere rich in eclectic folk art. A full service bar is, of course, available.

Also worth visiting now that the Pointe’s renovation is complete is The Capital Grill, which opened in 2006, specialising in dry aged steaks, chops and fresh seafood alongside an award-winning selection of over 400 wines from around the world.

PRO SPOT:We can talk about dining in Orlando until the cows come home, but, despite all the new choices, some of the best value in our opinion is still to be found at Downtown Disney. Select any one of Fulton’s Crabhouse (fine seafood in a lovely setting), Portobello Yacht Club (often overlooked when it’s busy but with some delightful Italian offerings) and Wolfgang Puck’s Café, which is exceedingly family-friendly and features four different types of dining – including the best sushi bar we have tried in Orlando.

Frankie Farrell’s Irish Pub & Grill opened at Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa, conveniently located next to Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores just off Hwy. 535. Frankie’s recreates the feel of an authentic Irish pub, with traditional Irish comfort foods, 32 beer taps serving up the likes of Boddingtons, Guinness, Mangers, Bass and more. Take part in a good-natured game of darts or just stop in for dinner and enjoy the nightly live music.

Downtown Orlando has two new dining choices. Visit Citrus Restaurant for ‘regionally inspired new American’ fare with Latin influences (try Pomegranate Glazed Salmon, Idaho Brook Trout or Black Bean with Chorizo soup) served in a contemporary, ‘big city’ setting or try trendy Graze Orlando, blending American and exotic flavors in globally inspired Grazing Platters, individual Plates such as Wahoo (a fascinating combination of lime-cilantro barbeque, red grapefruit relish, gingered Napa cabbage and roasted sweet potato mash), Mongolian Barbequed Karobuta Pork Chops and Rudderfish. All dishes available in half-size portions. The setting is ‘South Beach’ sleek, the wine and cocktail lists are extensive and the desserts are heavenly.

Want to hear what other ATD members have to say about dining in Orlando? Check out our forums!