Restaurant Blog - Chowbaby.com

by Russell Stacey

THE ENZIAN THEATER
1300 South Orlando Avenue, Maitland, FL 32751
(407) 629-0054
Showtimes vary according to film being shown.
A typical romantic date is usually wrapped up in a simple night of dinner and a movie. But why not combine the two? That’s what the Enzian Theater has done and now they are what hopeless romantics dream about. Weeping oaks surround the theater and a bubbling fountain welcomes every guest. This unique movie-going experience, offered at The Enzian, provides sneak peeks at first-run independent films, along with a variety of special events. A serious wait staff is available, and the menu ranges from burgers and pizza to luxurious pastas and salads. The theater offers four tiered levels to ensure that every seat in the house has excellent viewing pleasure. Tables for two and four are provided for up to 250 people at each show. If you’re hungry for new and different films, not to mention great food, visit The Enzian.

by Darcie Vance

Kahuna GrillÂ
13701 S John Young Parkway
Orlando, FL 32837-5866 Â
Phone: (407) 858-0445Â
Kahuna Grill has unique Polynesian style dishes that both the taste buds and the wallet can enjoy. Diners will feel they have gone to the islands based on the food and decor. Items like Kahuna Pork, Mahi- mahi, slow cooked ribs, and Pepper Crust Tuna are just some of the specialties on the menu. They also have salads, sandwiches, and burgers if you are in the mood for something less exotic.  They have a number of homemade desserts that include Pina Coloda Cheesecake, Chocolate Volcano Cake, and Island Fondue. This restaurant offers a great price and great island atmosphere.

by Darcie Vance

Dandelion Communitea Café
618 N Thornton Ave
Orlando, FL 32803
407-362-1864

Dandelion Communitea Café is a veggie lovers dream. This restored house is painted green on the outside and is decorated festively on the inside to make diners feel they are at home with both nature and their location. The menu consists of Florida grown and organic ingredients whenever possible. Items on the menu are free of saturated and Trans fats, refined sugars, artificial sweeteners & GMO’s. The menu will also state if the item is safe for Vegans or if it contains items like eggs or cheese. The menu covers vegetarian favorites like Hummus, Chili and salads but also adds specialties like Fluffer Nutter Sandwiches with rice mellow fluff. This café has great food and also fun entertainment like Poetry night, drum night and Tarot Readings call ahead for exact schedules. By dining at Danelion Communitea Café each guest is doing something healthy and healing for themselves as well as the environment.

by Darcie Vance

Midnight Blue
900 E. Washington St.  Orlando, FL 32801
407.999.9012
Casual elegance is used to describe this brunch and American restaurant. At Midnight Blue you will feel at home with good prices and good food. The menu is upscale yet fun at the same time. With choices like Orange French Toast and Lemon Blueberry Pancakes it is easy to see there is a refined twist to old favorites. Breakfast Burrito, frittata, sliders and even a customized cheese tray are also favorites here. This brunch allows guests to order off the menu so they can get as little or as much as they would like. Save room for the Tempura Twinkie it tastes as good as it sounds!

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by Russel Stacey

SEA THAI RESTAURANT
3812 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32803
(407) 895-0985

Quality Thai food is known for its savory condiments, bold dishes and distinctive combinations of ingredients. And Sea (which stands for “South East Asia”) Thai doesn’t disappoint. But don’t let the utilitarian exterior fool you–the restaurant features muted colors on the walls and cozy tables with mood lighting. Dishes such as Tiger Tear Steak, Sizzling Lava and Curry Fish are sure to spice up your evening. The Mango with Sticky Rice dessert is a terrific meal-ender.

by Darcie Vance

MANUEL’S ON THE 28TH
390 N. Orange Ave
28th Floor Bank of America Building
Orlando, FL 32801
This restaurant has an elegant and exclusive feel from the moment you are welcomed and escorted up various elevators to enter the 28th floor.  Once arriving on the 28th floor the restaurant has tables close to the floor-to-ceiling windows so guests can view the hustle and bustle that is Orlando.  If scheduled in advance, diners can get preferred seating for the sunset over the city. This restaurant is the perfect choice for those romantic occasions with your sweetheart. The menu changes seasonally; however it will feature classic dishes with chicken, lamb, fillet mignon, and tuna. The wine list is extensive and features wines from all over the globe; they also have a few select martinis as well. To add to the exclusive and upscale ambiance, dinner jackets and dresses are required.

by Melody Carpenter

THE GARDEN CAFÉ - Vegetarian & Vegan
810 W. Colonial Drive
(407) 999-9799
Awarded best vegetarian restaurant in 2000 by the readers of the Orlando Weekly. This unique Chinese café uses meat substitutes such as tofu and soybean protein for the all vegetarian menu. Plus, the café has dishes that do not include eggs or dairy products for vegans. Owner/chef David Chan creates innovative dishes like sweet and sour chicken, sesame eel, crispy fried shrimp and double fried pork. Vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike can enjoy these dishes that fool the eye and the taste buds. The options are also plentiful for those who don’t like faux meat dishes, such as the appetizing stuffed tofu. If you’re a Chinese food lover, you’ve found your garden paradise.

by Theresa Martin

FIDDLER’S GREEN IRISH PUB & EATERY
544 West Fairbanks Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789
(407) 645-2050

Although this place thrives as a bar, it happens to be a great little pub as well. Some of its authentic dishes include the Irish stew and corned beef and cabbage. The Irish say hunger is the best sauce, but at the Fiddler’s Green, you won’t need to have worked up an appetite in order to enjoy their delicious foods.

by Theresa Martin

LEE’S LAKESIDE
431 East Central Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32801
(407) 841-1565
This restaurant is located in beautiful downtown Orlando, and as the name implies, it’s right on the lake. The view alone is spectacular, but that is not the best aspect of Lee’s Lakeside. Their extensive continental menu and incredible wine list will make candlelight dinners glow with romanticism. If someone owes you a favor, this would be the time to make them pay for it, because you won’t want to.