Review

Heather McPherson: Much to like at Lake Mary's That Deli!

Roy St. Pierre spent 11 years on the road cooking for the top tier of entertainers. Just walk through That Deli! in Lake Mary and you will see the autographed photos from Sheryl Crow, Elton John, Rascal Flatts and many others. A move to Central Florida was supposed to be the beginning of St. Pierre's retirement, a chance to slow down and get out of the snow.

Heather McPherson: Between the Buns for sale

Orlando's roving replica of a hot dog, which was parked at Colonial Drive and Ferncreek Avenue for years and recently moved around the Mills 50 district, has served its last dog. Between the Buns owner John Liotine is moving to Boston and the trailer is for sale. Call 321-276-6271 if you'd like to be the next top dog.

Heather McPherson:  Kids learn how food is grown

From Monday through Sept. 6, the Orlando Loews hotels are celebrating healthful eating by teaching kids how food is grown through their Adopt a Carrot program, an offshoot of the company's ongoing nationwide Adopt-A-Farmer initiative. Carrot seed packets will be given to children who eat lunch or dinner in the Islands Dining Room at Royal Pacific Resort, Trattoria del Porto at Portofino Bay Hotel and The Kitchen at Hard Rock Hotel. The restaurants also are offering new seasonal menus for kids that include fun facts and games that incorporate recycling tips and energy-saving ideas.

Preview

Heather McPherson: Magical Dining Month a bargain bonanza

How can you preview some of Orlando's top restaurants for $30 a sitting? Sit tight until Wednesday and then watch the savings unfold for 30 days.

Restaurant news

Heather McPherson: Four Rivers adding Winter Garden location

Today's blue-plate special is a smorgasbord of barbecue, burgers and industry news. Order up! And please don't forget to tip your servers.

Heather McPherson: How to eat local and shop global

Our annual Ethnic Grocery Guide reflects the rich culinary diversity of Central Florida. These markets are scattered throughout Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia counties. We are updating the guide for 2010, and we need your help. Have we overlooked a few of your favorite places? Are you a business owner who wants to get the word out?

Heather McPherson: Mills 50 goes Bananas

Bananas A Modern American Diner has opened at 924 N. Mills Ave. in the Mills 50 District near downtown Orlando (407-480-2200, bananasdiner.com). The menu promises over-the-top comfort food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The concept was developed by Eddie Nickell and Nicholas Olivieri, who are known for the eclectic Funky Monkey Wine Company also on Mills Avenue and on International Drive at Pointe Orlando. Executive chef Matt Slattery will oversee Bananas and both Monkeys.

Preview

Heather McPherson: Sweet landing for Blue Bird Bake Shop

Since 2008, Orlando's Blue Bird Bake Shop's cupcakes have been the talk of the town at local coffee shops and teahouses and especially from regulars of Pom Pom's Teahouse & Sandwicheria, the local spot that generated the most Blue Bird buzz.

Preview

Heather McPherson: Florida chefs no strangers to Beard House

For many chefs, visiting the James Beard House in New York City is a rite of passage.

Review

Heather McPherson: Winter Garden's eclectic Bistro 24 shines

WINTER GARDEN — In the spring, Bistro 24 blossomed into the space formerly occupied by Hot Dog City. In fact, it broke right through the wall into J.R.'s Attic Door, a wine and coffee bar I really like for live music on occasion.

Heather McPherson: Greek Flame has a new home

The Greek Flame Taverna, which used to call Winter Park home, is in soft-opening mode at its new digs at the Marketplace at Dr. Phillips (7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd., on the northeast side of the plaza) in Orlando. Favorites from the old menu are still there, plus a few new Mediterranean twists. Call 407-370-4624 for dining information or check out greekflametaverna.com.

Reviews

Heather McPherson: Bakery, cafe; sweeten a Winter Park cruise

Winter Park has two new foodie stops, each with their own turn on the café theme. And each has the potential to become a center of conversation and community.

Review

Heather McPherson: King Cajun Crawfish: Taste of the Big Easy

I like a bio that is short and to the point: "King Cajun Crawfish of Orlando was founded in 2010 via New Orleans via Vietnam."

Review

Heather McPherson: Mediterranean Blue is a real Greek treat

Gail Givoglu is my kind of cook. There are no mistakes in the kitchen, just creative solutions. That's how lima bean hummus ($3) got on the menu at Mediterranean Blue, the new eatery that took over the space formerly occupied by Theo's Kitchen on Michigan Street.

Heather McPherson: NSB lands a good one with Off the Hook

NEW SMYRNA BEACH — The Publix beachside shopping center has long been a hub of good eats for beachgoers and east Volusia County locals. (Spanish River Grill, for example, can be easily grouped with such stellar independents as The Ravenous Pig in Winter Park and Cress in DeLand.)

Holiday gatherings

Heather McPherson: Red, white and great 'cue for July Fourth

If you want to throw fuel on a barbecue get-together, start a debate about sauce, the type of meat and the heat source for cooking. Then stand back before you are consumed by the whoosh of the verbal fire.

Restaurant review

La Nuova Cucina a gem of a find

When you eat out as much as this job requires, it is easy to get bored with a style or cuisine. But when I encounter a chef who revels in weaving creative surprises throughout the meal's journey, I remember you can never judge a restaurant by the first glance at a menu.

Restaurant review

Heather McPherson: Bagel factory a Brooklyn treat

Nicholas Stellato's Bagel Factory & Deli has transformed a small piece of Orlando's Pine Castle community into Brooklyn south. With fresh bagels, his signature bialys and breakfast and lunchtime sandwiches the pint-size place has a menu with gusto.

Restaurant review

Heather McPherson: Genuine Bistro an unpretentious gem

With a talented and passionate top team of talent, it was no surprise that The Genuine Bistro in DeBary was the real deal even in the most unlikely of locations.

Father's Day dining specials

Heather McPherson: Restaurants making Dad's day special

Father's Day doesn't always get the restaurant holiday hoopla we see for Mother's Day. But several local eateries are stepping up to make sure Dad isn't stuck behind a sweltering grill on Sunday. Here's a sampling of local special offers:

National Food Allergy Awareness Week

Heather McPherson: Pizza eateries meet gluten-free demand

For many Central Floridians, good comfort food is a fringe benefit of life here in theme park land. But for those who live with food allergies, even simple comfort foods are off the table. For example, celiac disease, an intolerance to gluten found in wheat, oats, barley and rye, can spell serious trouble for pizza and pasta lovers. Gluten-free pasta is easier to find on menus these days, but pizza dough has long posed a gluten dilemma because of the basic food chemistry involved.

Restaurant review

A tale of two Hot Olives

Hot Olives is no newcomer to the local restaurant scene. But lots of newcomers have been asking me about the menu and ambience. The casual eatery has long been one of my go-to places for lunch because I like the salad selections and how the sun illuminates the covered patio.

Restaurant review

Heather McPherson: Keke's kicks into gear for the café crowd

Keke's Breakfast Café has transformed the old Bakely's restaurant into a pleasant quick stop along Winter Park's Fairbanks Avenue. Bakely's had some décor issues that hurt my eyes. So I was pleasantly surprised to find Keke's outfitted in calmer, muted tones. (The only jolt I want with my eggs in the morning is from coffee or unsweetened ice tea.)

Restaurant review

Heather McPherson: Mama Millie's Jamaican home cooking

What's a Mother's Day weekend without a trip to Mama's? Mama is Millie Parker-Creighton, a former nurse and familiar face to many in Central Florida who seek real Caribbean food. Parker-Creighton opened Millie's Caribbean restaurant on Colonial Drive in the 90s and recently moved into a swell new space she calls Mama Millie's Jamaican Café near UCF.

Come for the beef and more

Driving into Baldwin Park is a surreal experience. From the outside it's Truman-show light. A neat and tidy planned community on land that once was home to a Naval base, I can still visualize graduation ceremonies and guarded entry streets.

Big Fin is reeling them in

Big Fin has a big chain vibe but it's purely a local fresh catch owned by Bobby Moore, whose Beluga restaurant abruptly closed in Winter Park Village in 2009.

New life for Old World flavor

Chef Henry's is a not-so-new restaurant in Central Florida. Fans have been following chef Henrich Brestowski across three counties for almost 20 years.

Review

Heather McPherson: Crepes star at the Green Lemon Café

The lunch choices are a bit daunting near the Whole Foods Market in Winter Park. Not only can you pick up a nosh or two at the supermarket, but the adjacent plaza is a smorgasbord of choices: Giovanni's Italian Restaurant, Outback Steakhouse, Tijuana Flats, Starbucks, Jum-Bo Chinese Restaurant and my recent destination -- Green Lemon Café.

Restaurant review

Heather McPherson: Beefstro raises the bar for Italian beef

I'll admit I was intrigued by the name before I ever looked at the menu for Italian Beefstro near downtown Orlando. A little too cutesy? Boy, they had better have the goods. After I wrote about What's Your Beef?, a Chicago-style sandwich shop on nearby Washington Street, several readers told me I had to check out the Beefstro too.

Review

Heather McPherson: Fish & Loaves had me at the fried okra

Disclaimer: I am a fried okra snob. If you promise home cooking, the proof is always in the okra. It will tell on you every time.

Restaurants

Heather McPherson: Wine pour a costly lesson for all involved

I heard from a reader last week about an unfortunate incident at a downtown Orlando restaurant. In this case, the consumer and restaurant both learned an expensive lesson about transparency. Restaurateurs need to teach their staffs to be honest and upfront with guests and customers should always inquire about prices of items when not ordering directly from a menu or wine list.

Review

Heather McPherson: Izakaya Toshi a diamond in the rough

I love it when a real treat is discovered in an unlikely place. Izakaya Toshi Japanese Cuisine is located next to a daycare center near the busy intersection of State Roads 434 and 436 in Seminole County. In the evenings, a band of scruffy ducks who call a nearby lake home will argue with guests from time to time about parking places. Pay them no mind.

Restaurant reviews

Heather McPherson: Chai Thai doubles diners’ pleasure

Central Florida has many options for Thai food, a cuisine that - when done right - is all about the balance of the components.

Heather McPherson: The confections of our affection

You may be out of luck for Valentine's Day dinner reservations at your favorite fancy restaurant, but there's plenty of time to pick up an indulgence that will surely make your sweetheart blush with excitement.

Heather McPherson: A big bite of Chicago in downtown Orlando

The sign inside What's Your Beef in downtown Orlando has a lot of attitude. The logo/illustration depicts two circa 1930 tough guys posturing over who is holding the best Chicago-style sandwich.

Winter Park Fish Company making big splash

Like other Central Floridians lapping up social media, I watched the evolution of Winter Park Fish Co. on Facebook. From permits to construction to menu tastings to final inspections, I checked in almost daily until the doors opened in December. The anticipation was so great that the owners had folks popping their heads in almost daily.

Heather McPherson: Cohen's Deli blends modern touches with family tradition

In May 2009, Amira's Kosher Restaurant and Catering in Altamonte Springs served its last orders of chopped liver, corned beef on rye and Amira Cohen's famous mandel bread. At the time, son Justin, 35, vowed to open a new venture in Lake County between The Villages and Clermont.

Heather McPherson: Get your BBQ kicks at Route 46

Route 46 Entertainment District in Sanford is the culinary equivalent of a busy highway clover leaf. Head down one ramp and you will find yourself at an upscale eatery called Monroe's. Take the east turn and you'll end up at the front door of a home-style eatery called The Smokehouse. Veer off the main drag a little to the Northwest and you'll find The Saloon, a somewhat refined bar with signature cocktails, seafood, ribs, flatbread and soups. The Garage Bar, your fourth destination option, is connected to an outdoor dance floor and porch, where live entertainment is featured weekly.

Heather McPherson: Urban Deli! A page out of how to do it right

On my first visit to the Urban Deli!, we sat near an array of cheerleading and gymnastic books. (Who knew the back flip was so complex?) On my second visit, our table was closer to an assortment of Florida-themed literature.

Heather McPherson: Off the clock, anything goes for a foodie

When I'm not eating for you, I'm dropping into my favorite places. Where I like to dine and shop for great food depends on the meal, the company, the occasion, the mood I'm in and a host of other variables. I'm sure it's the same with most other foodies. Like a well-conceived cassoulet, it can seem a bit complicated. But it's really not.

Three stars for New Smyrna eatery

Heather McPherson: Garlic bursts with flavor, fun

Every restaurant has its niche. It could be the cuisine. It could be the neighborhood. It could be the decor. Or it could be a culinary focal point within.

Review

Heather McPherson: Dolce is the place for sweets in Kissimmee

Sometimes when worlds collide it's a great day for foodies. After World War II, many Southern Europeans (especially from Spain, Italy and Portugal) immigrated to Latin American countries such as Venezuela.

Four Stars for Italian eatery

Heather McPherson: Silvestro's shines in Lake Mary

Silvestro's in Lake Mary had me even before the food came to the table. The service was top-notch from the moment the water glasses were filled. Service is just one ingredient a restaurant cannot take for granted. You can have great culinary talent in the kitchen, and a poorly-trained wait staff can quickly dilute those efforts.

Heather McPherson: Hispanic cuisine: A world of flavor

There's a wealth of excellent Hispanic food in Central Florida. Unfortunately, many diners perceive most of it as the same fare, ignoring the complexity and culinary hallmarks of individual countries. While many countries share similarities in ingredients and cooking styles, it's important not to homogenize them all into one large platter of rice and beans.

Review

Heather McPherson: Slow down for a few Zellwood foodie finds

Along U.S. Highway 441 in north Orange County, Zellwood is a whoosh of traffic traveling to weekend getaways or antiquing at one of Renninger's "extravaganzas" in Mount Dora. In October, Long and Scott's Farms adds two more attractions: The opening of the market Oct. 1 and Scott's Annual Corn Maze on Oct. 3.

Review

Heather McPherson: Copacabana Cafe spices up Mount Dora

Mount Dora is known for its quaint downtown, art and boat festivals, antique shops and independent restaurants.

Four stars for Longwood eatery

Heather McPherson: New Journeys worth the trek

In 2004, chef Bram Fowler and his wife, Geraldine, opened Journeys in a Longwood location that couldn't be seen from busy State Road 434 and Interstate 4. Tucked inside the Longwood Village Shoppes, a GPS could find the Seminole County address, but good luck finding the door.

Heather McPherson: Murano fine fit in Altamonte

Location, location, location. Cafe Murano has a lot going for it simply by its address. The space, which was formerly occupied by Gina's Lakeside Grill, is roomy, has a wonderful view of Cranes Roost Lake and fab outdoor seating area in earshot of the Eddie Rose Amphitheater. Sitting on the back side of Altamonte Mall, parking is rarely a problem and it's just far enough off State Road 436 and Interstate 4, you quickly forget you've ventured off some of Central Florida's most maniacal thoroughfares.

Review

Heather McPherson: Head to Swamp House Grill via car or boat

From the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean, beach eats seem to be the postcard view of Florida's casual dining. But it's the water views of the St. Johns River that define much of Central Florida.

Review

Heather McPherson: Much to like at Guavate's new location

Guavate has given up its plain Jane digs on East Colonial Drive for a swell, modern strip mall off Alafaya Trail in East Orlando.

Heather McPherson: Restaurant review: 4 out of 5 stars for Emeril's Tchoup Chop at Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal

Emeril's Tchoup Chop at Universal is not new to the Central Florida dining scene, but there is new talent in the kitchen. Greg Richie has garnered a following since 2000, when he opened Roy Yamaguchi's Roy's on Sand Lake Road.

Heather McPherson: Chef Han's has fine comfort fare

Chef Han's Cafe has settled into the Winter Park space formerly occupied by Chef Henry's. The accent is still authentically Eastern European, and the effort is still quite commendable.

Three stars for Portobello Trattoria

Heather McPherson: Downtown Disney's Portobello Trattoria needs some fine tuning

Portobello Yacht Club at Downtown Disney has recently transformed into an Italian countryside restaurant and renamed Portobello Trattoria. The corporate big brother here is Levy Restaurants, which also shepherds Wolfgang Puck Grand Cafe and Fulton's Crab House.

Heather McPherson: Restaurant review: 4 out of 5 stars for Disney Animal Kingdom's Sanaa

Sanaa — pronounced "sah-NAH," a Swahili word for "work of art" or "beauty" — is the latest culinary destination at Walt Disney World. On the ground floor of the Animal Kingdom Villas' Kidani Village, the decor is African-inspired with eclectic lighting.

Four stars for Shin Japanese Cuisine

Heather McPherson: Sleek space sets new bar for sushi

From your first step through the door, Shin Japanese Cuisine has your full attention. The long, sleek sushi bar lures you in. The waterfall element at the door pleasantly distracts for a second and then the floor-to-ceiling windows fill the room with light. The decor is modern comfy from the high-top tables up front to the traditional low-rise table at the back. All this before you are mesmerized by the menu.

Heather McPherson: Restaurant Review: 3 out of 5 stars for Orlando Sand Lake area's Bravo!

It was when the children at the next table begged for water that I realized my second visit to Orlando's Bravo! Cucina Italiana had no hope of getting better.

Heather McPherson: Restaurant Review: 3 out of 5 stars for Orlando Baldwin Park's Lago

Lago occupies an extraordinarily beautiful space in Orlando's Baldwin Park. Brushed in aqua and steel-gray tones with high ceilings, the room is a gorgeous example of contemporary, casual, elegant design.

Heather McPherson: Restaurant Review: 4 out of 5 stars for Orlando Hunter's Creek Padrino's Cuban Bistro

Padrino's, a family-owned, Florida chain is indisputably the new standard for Cuban food in Orlando.

Review

Heather McPherson: All aboard: Fuel stops for locals and visitors

I went in search of a jazzy dog and discovered a trio of eateries catering to quite a diverse crowd.

Heather McPherson: Restaurant review: 3 out of 5 stars for Apopka's Highland Manor

Highland Manor in Apopka is a marvelous transformation. Once the knickknack-laden Townsend's Plantation, then the oddly split personality-like The Captain and The Cowboy, the historic Orange County home-turned-restaurant finally seems comfortable in its own skin.

Review

Heather McPherson: Restaurant Review: Downtown Orlando's Ember

In the fall of 2008, Ember opened in downtown Orlando as a bar with food. But don't think the menu gets little attention here. And the setting is marvelous for meals — especially the courtyard.

Heather McPherson: Restaurant Review: Orlando's Loving Hut

On a recent gray, rain-drenched afternoon (well, aren't they all?), the Loving Hut on Colonial Drive proved to be a culinary oasis of bright and light.

Heather McPherson: Restaurant Review: 3 out of 5 stars for Downtown Orlando's Virgin Olive Market

We started with the brute and ended with the big cheese and decided this interesting little cast was just the culinary infusion downtown Orlando needed.

Heather McPherson: Restaurant review: 3 out of 5 stars for Orlando Thornton Park's Graffiti Junktion American Burger Bar

Graffiti Junktion American Burger Bar has no hint of its former occupants. The small venue at the corner of Washington Street and Hyer Avenue was once home to a string of eateries including Midnight Blue, Thornton Park Cafe, La Fontanella da Nino and Rocco's of Thornton Park.

Heather McPherson: Restaurant Review: 5 out of 5 stars for Orlando's Le Coq au Vin

Since 1976, Le Coq au Vin has been a place locals have counted on for unpretentious fine dining. With a menu that celebrates the best of classic French cookery, chef Louis Perrotte and his wife Magdalena created the go-to place for special occasion meals and simply suppers.

Heather McPherson: Restaurant review: 4 of 5 stars for Orlando's I-Drive area's Cantina Laredo

Just when you think they couldn't squeeze any more restaurants on Orlando's Restaurant Row, the Dellagio complex rises to the occasion along Sand Lake Road.

Heather McPherson: Restaurant Review: 4 out fo 5 stars for Eustis' Cafe Gianni

Cafe Gianni in Eustis was a sweet surprise. My first visit was supposed to be an "off" night for me. Dining with my husband and not thinking about work. A Mount Dora neighbor recommended the place and but our expectations were simple: Just a nice meal not too far from home.

Heather McPherson: Restaurant Review: 4 out of 5 stars for Orlando's El Coqui Mexicano

El Coqui Mexicano may be small, but the kitchen dishes up flavors so big it easily rivals larger restaurants.

Heather McPherson: Restaurant review: 3 out of 5 starts for Sanford's Stones Throw Bistro

The Sanford historic district is bustling with activity on weekends. The town has a quaint and eclectic community feel and the residents are nurturing several restaurants, including Stones Throw Bistro.

Heather McPherson: Restaurant review: 4 out of 5 stars for downtown Orlando's Relax Grill

A gorgeous spring day calls for eating al fresco and, in downtown Orlando, there's no better location than the Relax Grill on Lake Eola.

Heather McPherson: Restaurant review: 4 out of 5 stars for Ormond Beach's Billy's Tap Room and Grill

Billy's Tap Room & Grill is in a culinary time warp of sorts, on bustling Granada Boulevard in northeast Volusia County. But don't take that to mean this landmark restaurant is tired and staid.

Heather McPherson: Restaurant review: 4 out of 5 stars for Downtown Orlando's Sanctuary

Fifi's is out and the Sanctuary Diner is in.

Heather McPherson: Restaurant review: 3 of 5 stars for Sanford's Rockin' Ribz

It doesn't look like much when you pull up to Rockin Ribz in Sanford, but that's the beauty of barbecue joints. Authentic shabby chic is the first indicator of great 'cue.

Heather McPherson: Restaurant Review: Orlando's I-Drive's Nelore Churrascaria

All-you-can-eat restaurants most often conjure up images of crowded smorgasbords or stuffed buffets in casual settings with harsh lighting.

Heather McPherson: Restaurant review: Orlando I-Drive's Bar Louie Tavern & Grill

Make no mistake, Bar Louie lives up to its first name. It's a bar first and foremost. But its extensive menu mix of comfort foods and quick bites makes it a dining destination, too.

Heather McPherson: Restaurant Review: Orlando's Sharon's

Wallet a little light this week? Or perhaps you've realized seeking bargains isn't just a culinary sport for times like these. The best bang for your buck is always at mom-and-pop-style places.

Heather McPherson: Restaurant Review: Longwood's Harmoni

Harmoni Artisan Meal Market opened in Orlando in 2006, adding a new dining niche to College Park. Now the restaurant has a sibling in Longwood — and it's not a twin, mind you.

Heather McPherson: Restaurant Review: Orlando's Zenzi

Zenzi Restaurant is filling a smart, casual void on South Orange Avenue. Located south of Michigan Street, just across from local fave Julie's Waterfront, Zenzi offers a mix of traditional steakhouse fare and Indian-inspired meals with a touch of Florida.

Heather McPherson: Restaurant review: New Smyrna Beach's Atlantis Bistro

Beach-side fine dining can be a tricky concept. Your husband's feet just won't give up the Top-Siders, and while the sand has been showered off, you would both really rather stay in bluejeans too.

Dining

Heather McPherson: Restaurant review: Winter Garden's Thai Blossom Restaurant

The historic district of downtown Winter Garden may be small, but it's a becoming a big player as a foodie destination.

Heather McPherson: Restaurant review: Clermont's Devenney's

Most people don't have to dig deep to discover their inner Irish on St. Patrick's Day. On Tuesday, the prospect of a little food and fun easily puts anyone in a celebratory mood.

Heather McPherson: Restaurant review: Waterford Lakes' Rice & Beans Cocina Latina

Pigs are flying, and something somewhere has frozen over. There is an independent nonchain restaurant smack dab across from Waterford Lakes Town Center, and it's thriving.

Heather McPherson: Restaurant review: Orlando I-Drive's Cuba Libre

Cuba Libre is the new kid on the Pointe Orlando block. In the shadow of two culinary heavyweights -- Capital Grille and Oceanaire Seafood Room -- Cuba Libre is plating up food to its own beat.

Heather McPherson: Restaurant Review: Longwood's Imperial Dynasty

Longwood's Imperial Dynasty has been named one of the Top 100 Chinese restaurants in the United States by Chinese Restaurant News. It came in at No. 25. Not bad a bad place to be from sea to shining sea.

Heather McPherson: Restaurant review: Winter Park's Circa 1926

Standing outside Circa 1926 on Winter Park's Park Avenue, there are those who may recall when the restaurant was Sage, Park Avenue Grill, Zak's, Chapters or East of Paris.

Heather McPherson: Restaurant Review: Hurricane Grill

Wing joints seem to be a dime a dozen these days. But Hurricane Grill & Wings (six Central Florida locations) has freshened up the concept with more than 30 flavors and the option to blend your own sauce by combining some of theirs. Broken into appropriate hurricane levels by intensity (cat 1, mild and sweet; cat 5, seek shelter), the sauces can be sampled before ordering.

Heather McPherson: Restaurant review: Winter Park's Cafe 118°

When most people think of raw food, they think steak tartare, sushi or oysters on the half shell.

The Dish

Heather McPherson: Restaurant Review: Sanford's Captain's Cove Restaurant and Poolside Bar

Captain's Cove in Sanford may still look a lot like its predecessor, Otter's Riverside Restaurant, but its enlarged outdoor deck and improved hustle from the servers and kitchen are making it a welcome stop for St. Johns River boaters and landlubbers.

Dining

Heather McPherson: Restaurant review: Orlando College Park's Paxia Alta Cocina Mexican Restaurant & Lounge

Paxia Alta Cocina Mexicana in College Park offers a modern approach to traditional Mexican cookery.

Heather McPherson: Restaurant Review: Kissimmee's Abuelo's

Diego Rivera's fabulous mural "A Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in Alameda Park" slowly draws you to the back of Abuelo's restaurant in Kissimmee. The interior of this casual Mexican eatery is designed to give the feel of an open-air courtyard. It's a pleasant space, but perhaps the developers could have borrowed a Disney Imagineer to really set the scene.

Heather McPherson: Restaurant review: Tavares' Casa Mia Cafe

Good things do come in small packages. Case in point: Casa Mia Cafe in Tavares, a cozy two-room restaurant with first-rate food coming from a pint-size kitchen.

Heather McPherson: Restaurant Review: Downtown Disney's T-Rex

This was a first: lunch with friends and witnessing the cosmic onslaught that begat the Ice Age -- four times. Not four lunches, but four loud, room-shaking explosive incidents where meteors pummeled the Earth, driving dinosaurs to extinction -- all before we had dessert. Now that's a power lunch!

Heather McPherson: Restaurant review: Orlando Sand Lake's Ocean Prime, the Modern American Supper Club

This Modern American Supper Club is the newest addition to Sand Lake Road, but the cool retro style of its setting and service are setting it apart from others on restaurant row.

Heather McPherson: Restaurant review: Mount Dora's The Goblin Market

If you follow the Donnelly Street address for Mount Dora's The Goblin Market, you could wander aimlessly and miss out on one of Central Florida's best dining hideaways.

Table Matters: Restaurant review

Restaurant review: Orlando Sand Lake's J. Alexander's

Your first visit to the new J. Alexander's in the Rialto complex off Orlando's Sand Lake Road will likely bring on a bout of d�j� menu.

TABLE MATTERS

Restaurant Review: Disney's Il Mulino at the Swan and Dolphin

When I told a friend that Il Mulino New York was opening a restaurant at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort, he said he couldn't wait to go because the original -- Il Mulino New York in New York -- was his parents' favorite restaurant when they lived there.

Restaurant review: Disney Animal Kingdom's Jiko

For some reason, whenever I think of the more upscale casual dining venues at Walt Disney World, I don't think of Jiko. I think of California Grill, Flying Fish Cafe and Citricos, but not the top-of-the-line restaurant at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge.