Orlando Again

Hey, we're going to Orlando for dh's 50th. (yep, we're beurgois and predictable, but I don't care! )

I'm looking for some fun suggestions; restaurants, shows, can't miss things. (we're going late summer/early fall)

I'm also looking for a great place to get a cake!

Anyone?

All right then, but don't blame me when I come back with a trip report featuring Chili's and Dairy Queen!!

[Robin Garr]

Christina, I don't know why you didn't get more bites. I have family near Orlando, and we go down there fairly often, but honestly, most of the eateries around are okay but kind of meh. We do like the Cedars, a Lebanese restaurant in a shopping center out on the southwest corner of Orlando, and a lot of the Vietnamese places - particularly Lac Viet - a mile or so east of I-4 on Colonial. Mostly, though, it's fried seafood in beach joints in Cocoa and Cape Canaveral for us.

Liu Gardens in Orlando is a really nice botanical garden, worth a walk around.

Mostly, though, when we're there we eat with my family or get beach chow.

I can't vouch for this place, but it looks tasty!

http://www.lacomka-orlando.com/

For those heading to Orlando, I always recommend "Amalfi's" - small, family-oriented and locally-owned...great Italian menu.

Amalfi's sounds great!

Yeah, I used to have family in the area as well, but they're gone now.

So this time we're stirctly tourists. I guess with these recommendations I won't *have* to go to Chili's or Dairy Queen! *yay*!!

Christina...you didn't mention whether you're driving or flying, but if going by car, and planning to stop overnight enroute, consider the "1842 Inn", located in Macon, GA...a Greek Revival mansion converted into a B&B in the heart of historic Macon - http://www.1842inn.com.

Ah John...Luckily this time we're flying straight through. I'm the type who likes to decide I want to do something, and then it's done!

But I will keep that in mind just in case I don't find an awesome deal for when I take the kiddies there next year!! Thanks!!

I was there for a conference in April. No car, so I didn't get to venture far from the hotel/convention center, but I had a couple of good meals:

You can get your Chicago style pizza fix at one of the Giordano's in the area ... Orlando, Lake Buena Vista or Kissimmee.

Albeit a chain, the Tommy Bahama's restaurant on International Dr. puts together a good island inspired meal.

For those heading to Orlando, I always recommend "Amalfi's" - small, family-oriented and locally-owned...great Italian menu.

John,

How close is Amalfi's to the Disney madness? It sounds like our kind of place. We are heading down there on Saturday- staying near Magic Kingdom ( but visting Universal).

Deb

Cristina,

We dined on the Disney Dining plan last time and had a few good meals, but wouldn't recommend it due to cost w/o the plan.

Used to love the funky Bubble Room and their huge cakes, but alas it closed in Maitland.

If we get a chance, we are going to go check out Tarpon Springs ( ~1 1/2 hour drive) for greek food and this amazing baklava cheesecake that Ed recommended. Sounds like a great foodie trip. See my previous thread: http://forums.louisvillehotbytes.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=3340&p=31918&hilit=indian+rock#p31918
Deb

Yeah, Deb, I've never found the parks have "great food" (with a couple of notable exceptions)

Here are some notes I've taken just to consider:

Yellow dog eats eclectic, interesting HIGH reviews
Texas de brazil carnivore’s dream. Looks fun! (easy to get 50% off coupons)
Earl of Sandwich for breakfast
Bonefish?
Matteo’s family style italian
Del Frisco’s prime steak and seafood get the o-rings
Bull and bear

As you can see, I've not studied nearly enough!

For those heading to Orlando, I always recommend "Amalfi's" - small, family-oriented and locally-owned...great Italian menu.

John,

How close is Amalfi's to the Disney madness? It sounds like our kind of place. We are heading down there on Saturday- staying near Magic Kingdom ( but visting Universal).

Deb

Deb -
Sorry I didn't catch your post earlier...hopefully, you're seeing this while down there...both Amalfi's locations are in Orlando - the closest location to WDW/Universal is probably at 2901 Curry Ford Rd (898-4277)...basically, take I-4 north (toward downtown Orlando) to Kaley St. (East)...follow Kaley, then turn left onto S. Bumby Ave (north)...then right onto Curry Ford Rd (east), and look for the restaurant...good, basic Italian cuisine, and (supposedly) has great pizza, though I haven't tried it.

John,
Great timing and really appreciate the detailed info. We are looking for some place to eat Wed night and this may be perfect! Heading off the Rainforest Cafe shortly- love the Gorillas and the food is good ( for it's genre)

Thanks!
Deb

I'm seriously considering Chatham's Place. It sounds lovely.

http://www.chathamsplace.com/