You may recall earlier this year we talked about the Marlow’s Tavern opening up in Pointe Orlando. Well, we’ve recently learned there’s another location soon to open in Winter Park (next month): 1008 S. Orlando Avenue, just north of the intersection of S. Orlando Avenue (17-92) and N. Orange Avenue.

Looking forward to it! Especially gettin’ us some of those amazing, delicious fries. What? Oh no – we didn’t say anything, that was just our stomach growling….

To keep up with all things Marlow’s Tavern, check ‘em out on Facebook and Follow on Twitter.

Today was my second trip to Toasted. I gave it another shot after my first visit because I was sure I could chalk my first go ’round up to bad ordering. But, you know what, there are 10 different grilled cheeses on their menu. Ten. Not eleventy billion. A restaurant should have no problem making 10 items superbly. Especially when said items are bread and cheese.

I know this sounds harsh, but I’m trying to save you from wasting $5 on a grilled cheese, when you’d be better off going down the street to Panera for their delicious “Big Kid Grilled Cheese.”

I wanted to like it, too.  Because even though their logo looks eerily similar to some other branding I’ve seen around town, I like it.  It’s fun, and lively, and just the sort of thing we need around town. But, Toasted just falls short.

No, this isn’t a food blog, and I haven’t Yelped it yet, but trust me on this one, save your bread for another restaurant.

This coming Friday, April 26 through Sunday, April 28, hundreds of competitors hungry for prizes and bragging rights will gather at the American Pie Council®(APC) /Crisco® National Pie Championships held at the Caribe Royal All-Suite Hotel and Convention Center in Orlando.

In conjunction with the pie championships, the APC is proud to present its 12th Annual APC Great American Pie Festival sponsored by Crisco® on Saturday and Sunday, April 27-28, in nearby Celebration, Fla.

Complete details on both can be found on the Pie Council’s website at PieCouncil.org. Oh, and here you go (you’re welcome):

(Image courtesy of PieCouncil.org.)

Gotta be honest, right up front: I am not a fan.

Dined at Garibaldi Mexican Cuisine over by the Florida Mall not too long ago, and I wasn’t at all impressed. Which is a big bummer ‘cuz y’all know I’m always on the search for some delicious Mexican food in Central Florida. Unfortunately, I’m going to have to cross this one off the list (well…actually, I may give them one more shot prior to doing that).

One of the things I do like about Garibaldi’s–well, the Florida Mall location anyhow (there’s also one in Kissimmee)–is the atmosphere. It’s festive, fun, and different than the average dining room with just tables and everyday artwork hanging on the walls.

A couple of things I wasn’t so fond of during my visit:

• Some of the dishes in my party came out after a really long time. Granted, we were a fairly large party, but we arrived early enough prior to the lunch hour – it wasn’t that busy.
• The servers were not friendly. And I mean none! In fact, our waitress was pretty much downright unfriendly. I realize we never really know what’s going on with folks in their lives, but we were not only a fun group, but when you have a consumer-facing job you better put your gameface on.
• Anything beyond the first basket of chips & salsa costs! Seriously, we requested to have a refill while waiting for our food to come out of the kitchen, and one of the servers said it would be $.99. Of course we paid it, but glad something was said because if we’d seen it on our bill without knowing…well, that would not be cool. So consider yourself warned.

I don’t mean to be captain negatore on this one, not my style as you know. But I feel the need to be honest. Perhaps we caught the restaurant on an off day or something.

Here are a few shots I captured of the food:

So, is mine an isolated experience? I’d love to know. Have you visited either Garibaldi location? If so, what was your visit like?

Location deets:

Orlando
848 Sand Lake Road
Orlando, FL 32809
407.888.2869

Kissimmee
1804 West Vine Street
Kissimmee, FL 34741
407.933.0774

Follow Garibaldi on Twitter
Like Garibaldi on Facebook

El Potro has been in Winter Park for years, and I’ve been going there quite as long. Many, many people I know love this place, and while I certainly think it’s decent, I’m not sure it’s worth all the hype. I also think there are several other exceedingly good places to grab Mexican food in the Central Florida area.

The Winter Park El Potro is tucked in a relatively dead shopping plaza on the corner of Lee Road and 17-92. You just might miss it if you didn’t know it was there. The dining room is fairly small, but every time I’ve been there to eat I’ve never had an issue getting a table for me and my party. (There are also locations in Apopka, the Universal area, and Oviedo. Exact locations can be found here.)

As for the menu, it’s pretty standard, without a lot of hoopla or innovation. There is a buffet bar which the place is pretty known for, but candidly I’ve never chosen to go that route – I’ve always ordered off the menu.

Look good? Check out the rest of the menu on the El Potro website.

Location deets:

El Potro
501 North Orlando Drive
Suite 217
Winter Park, FL 32789
407.975.9132
OrlandoElPotro.com

Sun, music, people and Chili … what better way to spend a Saturday? The fourth-annual Chili Cook-off is this Saturday, February 9, at Festival Park just west of the Orlando Executive Airport.

Not only can you sample Chili from a variety of vendors, but for 6 gut-wrenching minutes amateur and pro eaters will attack the best tasting chili to seek the top prize of the eating the most chili in those 6 minutes.” Now we know why the event is presented by Pepto Bismol!

The Chili Challenge features 12 of the biggest and baddest eaters in the world alongside 3 amateur eaters.

You still have a couple days to buy pre-sale tickets, or you can wait to buy them at the door.  Cash is recommended for inside the cook-off, but credit cards will be accepted for entrance fees.

Best of all, the cook-off benefits Special Olympics Florida!  See you there!

I was recently downtown for an event at Amway Center, and decided to grab a quick bite to eat before said event started. Draft Global Beer Lounge & Grill seemed like a logical place, given it’s located directly across the street from the arena. And I’m glad I went, for sure, but I’m torn about this place. Let’s talk through it….

The Food

I’ll start with the good. At least, from my perspective. I didn’t want to eat anything too heavy (which did not turn out to ultimately be the case) and ordered sliders and mac-n-cheese from the appetizer side of the menu. Oh, wait – that’s FRIED mac-n-cheese. Anyway, my food turned out to be quite tasty:

Kobe Sliders

Fried Mac-N-Cheese (thank you very much!)

My dining partner’s food was not quite as satisfactory, being very bland with little taste (the dipping sauce provided for the fried shrimp was not a good fit). That’s a bummer.

Fried Shrimp w/French Fries

The Atmosphere

I think I’m gonna have to give this one thumbs [nearly] down on atmosphere. While it’s certainly clean and tidy, Draft really has no personality. I can see why someone might want to visit during a sport game (there are several big screen televisions sprinkled throughout the dining room), and I think it’s trying to be a little sheik, but other than that I can’t really get a sense of identity.

One thing I do like–albeit sort of funny and odd–is the counter in the men’s restroom. It’s clear glass/plexi with etching underneath, and it’s lit from the sides to really display the etchings. Obviously I don’t know if the women’s restroom mirrors this but I can only assume.

Another thing to note is the lighting in the dining room. Pay a visit and you’ll see what I mean.

The Location

I have to admit Draft is in a great location. Any event at Amway would lure its attendees to grab a bit to eat or something to drink just prior. During my visit it wasn’t crowded at all, and our party was immediately seated.

I can imagine during large scale events this place would get really, really packed. The service is/was somewhat quick, though, so that’s a good thing to consider.

So, have you been to Draft yet? If so, we’d love to know your thoughts and experience.

Location deets:

DRAFT
301 / 333 West Church Street
Orlando, Florida 32801
Tel: 407.826.1872
Fax: 407.826.1875
DraftOrlando.com

My first experience with Marlow’s Tavern was in Midtown Atlanta. The late-night dining experience was a hit and a miss, but I didn’t let it stop me from checking out their newest location right here in Central Florida.

Located on the first level of Pointe Orlando, Marlow’s is a great addition to the I-Drive destination. I can’t say much about the menu overall, because we only stopped in for a small bite (see the drool-worthy Truffled Parmesan Fries below) and a beer, but the experience was great.

Any time a bartender introduces themselves to me, it’s a win in my book. And Marlow’s bar staff did just that. Our visit was on a Saturday night and they had Live Music which definitely helped to liven up the place.

Have you been to Marlow’s? What did you think?

Hi. It’s me again. Talking about food…AGAIN! It’s a miracle I’m not 300 pounds at this point, but I just can’t help myself. Can I get an “AMEN”?!?!

And if you’ve never been to College Park Café in College Park, then you’re missing out. True, this place is somewhat of a whole in the wall. It’s been around for quite some time, and beloved by College Park residents and Central Floridians all around. The perfect place to find a down-home breakfast or deli sandwich at any time!

Sadly, I couldn’t seem to locate an official website for the restaurant, so if there’s anything info you need besides what you find here, check out the College Park Café page on Yelp.

Let’s dive in, shall we?

Pancake!

Bacon, grits, and eggs. Oh my!

Dining Room

Aside from the good food and enjoying support local business, there’s a great story behind College Park Café. When you visit be sure to check out the backside of the menu:

Location deets:

College Park Café
2304 Edgewater Dr
Orlando, FL 32804
407.420.9892

More delicious places to feast on food in Central Florida can be found in our “Food” category.