Bill_H

Just a quick question? Are you saying that if something tasted fantastic it can't be "best" just because it is served elsewhere or is popular? Just because something is ubiquitous doesn't mean it is generic. If the question had been "If you didn't live in the South, what would you eat when down there?" then I'd see where the answer should be unique to the region, but it looks to me as if Melissa was looking for the best dish. If you're lookin' for somethin unique to the region, there are some places 'round here that prob have that dead cat you're swinging around on the menu

FWIW, it's mignonette. I only even mentioned the spelling since you added "(sp?)" and thus seemed to care. ← Thanks for the help! Now that I see it I remember it. Always good to get some learnin', please feel free to correct more in the future.

Hmmmm. My first reaction is, although I am a champion of the dining scene in the Southeast, I'm still searching for the single dish to match the black cod at Nobu in NYC. But top of mind I can think of two: The Florida Black Grouper in pecan butter at Chatham's Place in Orlando and a delicious grilled rib-eye in Latin spices served with a fried egg on top at Norman's at the Orlando Ritz. Best appetizer was the Kumomoto oysters with Meyer lemon and sea salt served with a champagne vigionet (sp?) at Woodfire Grill in Atlanta. Man, my dinner is gonna tast lame tonight now! Thanks a lot Melissa!

Oh, no worries! I was glad to read your opinions (as always). Just wanted to bring my thoughts up with yours as an additional opinion to someone who may have missed mine before they fell off the first page. Perhaps I should apologize for piggybacking onto your thread

We go there every once in awhile - we're just happy to have a Vietnamese option without having to go downtown to the ViMi area and figure out where to park. I've found that Rice Paper is consistent with the other Vietnamese options in town, maybe with a little more "upscale" to its menu and a nicer dining room, but a slightly higher price point too. The soft shell crabs are particularly good. It is usually empty when we're there, but it has always been clean. The service is ok, but jeez it's a cheap place, I find the quality of service right in line with the prices and the ethnic angle. Anyway, I've heard good things about Lac Viet (sp?) in downtown, they feature Northern Vietnamese food (whereas most other places are South Vietnamese) and their quality is supposed to be higher than the other downtown options. Haven't tried it myself yet. Hey Tony, do you ever actually ENJOY a meal out? You always seem so cranky Perhaps you should stick to mac n cheese

See my reply above dated Feb 8th at 11:33 for recommendatons on kid-friendly places.

Well Percy, sounds like you saved me a trip out to Champions Gate. Think I'll stick with Amura and Hanamizuki. Overall, sounds like you had a good time.

Thought I'd link back to my review from last month as it had fallen off the front page.... in case anyone is interested! Primo dining report

Well, very enjoyable meal last night. I decided to sit at a table in the dining room, even though I was by myself, as the Front Room was completely empty and if I was dining alone regardless I might as well sit in a comfortable seat! I started with the bowl of olives and then had the Kumomoto oysters as my small plate. This was my second helping of these this month, and they are heaven. Woodfire's presentation was wonderful, served on a bed of sea salt with a Meyer lemon and a champagne mignonet. Delicioso For my main plate I went with the cedar plank Alaska salmon - the scallops recommended above were now served with Yukon Gold potatoes instead of grits, and I'd had some on a mixed grill the previous night - and the venison/duck plate was tempting, but I was so enjoying my glass of Quincy that the salmon seemed like the best bet. It was great as the fish is recently in season and therefore fresh and "bright", and it really picked up the flavor from the cedar and the woodfire oven. I went with a 3 selection cheese course and a glass of porto; the standout was a pecorino, firm and rich that blended perfectly with the porto. The real standout for me was the service. I was lucky enough to have the Wine Director (Greg Koetting) as my waiter, and he made some fantastic recommendations in the beverage department and also patiently answered all my questions - even those I had him ask the chef for me (I'm VERY inquisitive). Most importantly, he made what is often an awkward experience, eating alone, into an enjoyable evening. Woodfire Grill is a great bet if you are in town for business in Atlanta, or to visit multiple times as the months change and new food comes into season.

How funny, I'm in Atlanta on my regular monthly visit and I have reservations at Woodfire for tomorrow night. Good timing for this topic! I'm especially excited for the cheese course. Question: I am dining solo, but I asked for a table as I often have terrible dining experiences at the bar here in Atlanta due to smokers. But I heard there is a nice communal table at Woodfire. Would you recommend keeping my table (I don't mind dining alone) or should I eat at the communal table? And, BTW, I would be interested in an eGullet dinner if one is organized for the ATL crew....

Well, Charleston is nice, but I'd travel a bit further and go to Savannah. It is a VERY romantic town with some great dining options and wonderful atmosphere. We got engaged there and will be spending our 5th anniversary there this March. If you go, I highly recommend the Ballastone, a B&B with sumptious rooms that's near everything but not too near the River Street area where it can get noisy. You can spend several days just walking the squares, visiting the shops and homes and gardens, and eating and drinking.The ghost tour is a must-do as well. Throw in a day at Tybee and I think you have a perfect, romantic 4 days. Dinner options: The Olde Pink House, 45 South, Gottlieb's, Elizabeth's on 37th, and the Crab Shack of Tybee.

Susan, so glad you liked the recommendations, especially Cedar's. Lake Eola has been partially drained for dredging and cleaning up of algae, that's why it seemed low. Palio's at the Swan is pretty bad, if you go again Kimonos is better and in the adjacent Dolphin bluezoo and Shula's are good but pricey. Friends have also said the shark tank restaurant at Sea World is a great experience, especially for kids.

You do need a ticket to eat at an Epcot restaurant - but if you're not going to be there anyway, there are better options outside the parks. If you really want to eat there, Chefs de France is the best bet. Biergarten is fun and you can't screw up sausage. AVOID Alfredo's in Italy, it's beautiful but way average and overpriced. Norway's ok too, as the above poster said.

Well, Champion's Gate is WAY out there, so eating in the Disney area is recommended if possible. I think Tchoup Chop is ok - it's a very nice space and the food is good, just not spectacular. As for Emeril's, I've always loved the food but rarely go because the location and fellow patrons are so low-class (esp for the prices). Call back and ask for a quiet location, maybe upstairs. The pork chop there is awesome. If you go to Primo, you may want to check out my VERY recent Primo report Primo Dining Report Feb 2005 The only one I would recommend AGAINST is Roy's. It's just not worth it. If you're looking for seafood, in the same location I think you'd do better at Moonfish or Bonefish- both for less money. But if you want to try something great, RIGHT NEXT to Roy's is an upscale Lebanese place called Cedars - highly recommened. Or if you want something more local, in the same area is a small place with a limited but wonderful menu called Chatham's Place. It's our very favorite in town. For eats on Disney property, our guests have loved Todd English's bluezoo, we found it pretty, but the fish ok. Boma is great, but if you want something that's not a buffet you can't go wrong with Jiko in the same hotel. The wine list is very good too. Lastly, if you haven't been to the California Grill, it's worth putting on your list. You'll LOVE Vickie's & Al's. I'm jealous! Hope this helps

I belong to the Cheese Club for Murray's Cheese Shop in Manhattan. It's $50 a month for 3 pretty small portions, but shipping is free and they tend to feature some pretty exclusive cheeses. Down here in Florida where the only cheese options are at grocery stores, it has totally been worth it for us to have access to these awesome cheeses even at the high prices. A featured cheese this month was Tomme du Berger (Vaucluse/Provence/France). It's a washed rind cheese of mixed raw sheep and goat milk. Murray's likens it to Corsica. Let me tell you, it was so STINKY! My wife fled the kitchen when I opened it up But wow, what flavor - somewhat salty (from the brine) and a real meaty taste with a hint of nut. Texture was firner than most washed rind cheeses, more of a paste, but not at all chalky. Order some from Murray's or pick some up if you see it available.

From ew.com Academy Appetizer BTW, we have a big Oscar party every year and get custom-made chocolate Oscar statues - minis for every guest and an actual-size one for the pool winner. This year we're featuring fondue (cheese and chocolate) and a special shrimp cevice recipe we picked up at a tapas place in Sarasota. This is added to our typical smorgasbord spread. Wish it wasn't on a Sunday night though! Cleanup lasts until 2 AM or later, getting up for work is a bear.

Had a moment, so I thought I'd drop some recs without knowing he location of the duffers. 1) Sounds like they'd appreciate Charlie's Steakhouse on International Drive, Texas de Brazil on International Drive, Moonfish on Sand Lake Road, or Antonio's on Sand Lake Road. If they're big football guys, most people seem to like Shula's, though I've never been. 2) Well, if I'd been golfing all day, I'd enjoy Sam Snead's, Stonewood Grill, Cedar's, Taquitos Jalisco, Dan Marino's, Cariera's Cucina Italiana, and Bonefish. For a sports bar with good junk food, choose one of the Orlando Ale House locations. Downtown/Winter Park try Harvey's Bistro, Blackfin, or Juliana's Tuscan Kitchen. But as you'll find in most of Florida, the locals all eat at chains too. Sad situation indeed

I'm surprised you made it into downtown Orlando - most people never make it past International Drive. Good for you, if you are willing to try it again it greatly expands your dining options. Based on your description, I do have a few recommendations (and thanks for the TuTu clarification, some people love that place, for others it's just not their cup of tea). First, some clarifications: California Grill is NOT moderate to cheap, it is very expensive (entrees $25-$40), but it is kid-friendly and worth the money and view. The downtown BBQ place is now called Wildsides (some kind of trademark issues with the old name) I'm having lunch there today as a matter of fact. Also, I know of no good Puerto Rican restaurants in town, so I'm not sure what you are referring to but if you find it please let ME know Now recommendations out your way that should meet your requirements (toddler-friendly, moderate-to-cheap, local/non-chain), and I'll pass on telling you about the Asian food as I'm sure it's MUCH better in Seattle: Disney-area: * For breakfast or dinner at one of the best buffets you'll come across, try Boma in the Animal Kingdom Lodge. While hectic like most Disney areas, it's got some really interesting African specialties to go with the typical but high-quality buffet fare and they do a cool job with signs explaining what you're eating. Also, reservations get you into the hotel where you can see the animals. * The sit-down place in the Animal Kingdom Lodge (Jiko) is very good and has a fantastic assortment of South African wines not usually found in the US. * In Celebration, there's a diner-type place called the Market Street Cafe that's good for lunch and has awesome homemade potato chips smothered in blue cheese and bacon. MMMMMMMM, vacation. Plus, it gives you a chance to see the "Truman Show"-like town. * For a very quick, cheap lunch, The Earl of Sandwich in Downtown Disney is a decent counter service sandwich place. * While I haven't been, I've heard good things about Q'Kenan, a Venezuelan place near the Premium Fashion Outlets. * Columbia, also in Celebration, is not as good as the original in Tampa, but it is a nice Cuban meal. Get the 1908 salad and the ropa viejo. * Places to avoid - any restaurant at Disney's Boardwalk, any dining options in Kissimmee, and if you eat in Epcot skip Italy and maybe try Norway, France or Germany (at least they're average and fun). * If you're in town on a Sunday, the gospel brunch at the House of Blues is fun. International Drive area: * While Moonfish (recommended above) is good, it's a little pricey. In the same area is a part of a small mini-chain called Bonefish that is good and toddler friendly, plus more reasonable. It's really one of the best seafood options in town, which is quite sad. * Everglades has some interesting dishes you won't find elsewhere. * If you like Lebanese food, we have a doozy here. Try Cedar's, in the Restaurant Row area on Sand Lake Road. My wife was born in Beirut and loves the food there. * We also have a good churrascaria option here (while a little more expensive) that's part of a chain but doesn't have a chain feel - Texas de Brazil. * Good Indian food can be had right off I-4 at Sand Lake at Memories of India. There's also a good Vietnamese place right there. * If you hate noise, I'd avoid our latest "sensation", Seasons 52. Elsewhere * If you love oysters and are not afraid of dives (safe dives), then Lee & Ricks is the place to try, they also have fried shrimp for the young-uns. * Another new option getting good reviews is Lenos y Carbon, a Columbian place on South Orange Blossom Trail. * For better Lake Eola views, try the Lake Eola Yacht Club. * Near Wildsides is a wine bar with decent food called Dexter's of Thornton Park. * The Mexican at Taquitos Jalisco is also pretty good and they have a mariachi band on Thursdays and Saturdays. Well, that'a almost a guide book, hope it gives you some ideas. I have a question for you though. When I was interviewing at Microsoft about 6 years ago I ate dinner in Bellevue (I think) at a very good restaurant on the top floor of a high-rise. Do you know the name of this place and if it's still open? Any help is appreciated.

I know you say geography isn't important, but there's a big difference between the Disney area and anywhere from International Drive on into downtown continuing to Winter Park and East Orlando. We're more like LA than people think in terms of sprawl and our traffic is getting there too. Let me know the general location of the hotels and/or courses and I'll hook you up w/ some recommendations

Does anyone else find that when the verbally describe something as a "tapas restaurant" you often get a squirrely look from people as they wonder if you're talking about a strip club? I find I have to enunciate VERY clearly when saying "tapas".

Now I REALLY have to get over to the school's restaurant for lunch or dinner. What are the hours of operation????

Well Melissa, it's really 4 things: 1) Your first point is correct. As much of the dining in Florida is done by tourists, and often tourists with families or retirees, the restaraunts are prone to maximize their one-time profit and not worry about return business. 2) Almost all the people who complain so vociferously about Florida food are from somewhere else, and what they're really whining about is that they can't get what they had when they were at "home" It's actually not limited to the food down here, I hear it constantly from transplants about the weather and the culture and the sports and the people and the blah blah blah. If it's so great where you came from, really, go back. We like it here and won't miss you. If you're going to stay, stop complaining, learn to appreciate what we have here, and maybe do your part to make it better? 3) Florida has another issue from a food perspective - it's a very young state as far as growth, and since that is the fact it has been at the vanguard of the recent proliferation of chains throughout America, whether food, retail or whatever. If you want a depressing thought, Florida will not become NYC, but rather eventually NYC will become Florida - if you don't believe look at the recent success of retail and restaurant chains in Manhattan. Darden is headquartered in Orlando, Outback is from Tampa, and Hooters started in Clearwater. They are all taking over America. We are all being Super-Sized, it's up to us to fight the power 4) Florida is also a state of have and have-nots, and while there are pockets of wealth on the coasts, it is still a quite poor state in-between, both in rural areas as well as retirees on fixed incomes. Since much of the wealth is at an advanced age, restaurants that serve sophisticated diners outside of Miami have a hard time getting a steady flow of customers. It's a complex issue, but if you look hard enough, you can still get a great meal.

Going INTO Atlanta is not that bad at all in the afternoon, just stay of 285 and you should be fine.

My company headquarters is located on Marietta Square, so when I'm up there on business I've tried most of the restaraunts. Efes is good, and if you want sushi then a combo Thai/Japanese place (I know, I know) called Thaicoon is also decent. I ate at an independent establishment in Marietta last week called Pacific & Vine ("California" cuisine) that was pretty good and in your price range. It's a little off the highway, but maybe 15 minutes total from Kennesaw. It's near the corner of Johnson's Ferry Road and Roswell Road. The dishes could use a little more spice, but it's one of the better meals up in this neck of the woods :) Also, if you can get over by Highway 400 (try taking Roswell Road across), then a place called Atlantic Seafood Company has some pretty good sushi and seafood options. Otherwise, it's chains, chains, chains unless you head into town.

We have trains in Florida? That carry more than phosphate and other fertilizers? Who knew? If you are not going to be driving, then you are stuck with the outlets. Most of the the individual "gourmet" cookware shops are in Winter Park or sometimes downtown, but they're not worth the considerable taxi fare to get there. If you are staying in the Disney area, try the Orlando Premium outlets just East of Disney (actually North, but the highway says East) and if you are in the Universal area, the Belz factory outlets has numerous different kitchen and china stores spread out over a bunch of outdoor malls in the north International Drive area (take the I-Drive trolley). Lastly, the big malls - for high-end clothes at one of the most beautiful malls in the country, hit the Mall at Millenia (sic) and for a giant mall with everything America and a million tourists, go to the Florida Mall. Both have Williams Sonomas, and the Florida Mall has these somewhat new stores called Teavana that features all kinds of teas sold by the loose-leaf. Of course, being British, you may not find this as unique as I do