Orlando Foodie Awards
The 2009 Orlando Foodie Awardsfrom Orlando Sentinel have just been announced. They’re always an interesting read because I’m always on the look out for great new restaurants.
Central Florida is home to many diverse and interesting eating houses from fine-dining establishments to small cafes
There are many new dining options for you in 2010 and a lot more independent restaurants are using locally-grown foods. Exceptional newcomers such as Anatolia, Big Fin Seafood Kitchen, Bull & Bear Steakhouse at the Waldorf-Astoria, Wa Restaurant and Sake Lounge and Four Rivers Smokehouse have added intriguing choices to the mix. We have seen Journey’s make an exciting move to Alaqua Country Club in Longwood and said “welcome back” to Chef Henry’s. And we have watched longtime local icons such as Enzo’s on the Lake and Le Coq au Vin maintain the course with consistent fine dining.
So let’s raise a glass to the best of 2009 – there’s plenty to celebrate.
African/Soul/Caribbean
Boma – Flavors of Africa
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, 407-WDW-DINE (939-3463)
Runners up: Jiko – The Cooking Place at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and a tie between Mama Nems and Johnson’s Diner
Bar
Seasons 52
Two locations including 463 E. Altamonte Drive (State Road 436, near the Altamonte Mall), Altamonte Springs, 407-767-1252; seasons52.com
Runners-up: The Oceanaire Seafood Room, Orlando, and Miller’s Ale House, various locations.
Barbecue
Bubbalou’s Bodacious BBQ
Runners-up: Sonny’s, various locations and O’Boys (Orlando and Winter Park)
Breakfast
First Watch
Various locations including 249 W. State Road 436 ( Ethan Allen Plaza), Altamonte Springs; 407-682-2315; firstwatch.com
Runners-up: White Wolf (Orlando) and Peach Valley Café (Orlando, Heathrow and Ormond Beach)
Brunch
Dexter’s
Three locations including 808 E. Washington St. (Thornton Park) in Orlando; 407-648-2777;dexwine.com
Runners-up: First Watch and La Coquina at the Hyatt Grand Cypress
Buffet
Sweet Tomatoes
Various locations including 4678 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando; 407-896-8770; souplantation.com
Runners-up: Golden Corral (various locations) Texas de Brazil (Orlando)
Burger
Five Guys
Various locations including 4821 New Broad St. (Baldwin Park Town Center), Orlando; 407-219-3366; fiveguys.com
Runners-up: Hamburger Mary’s (Orlando) and Back Yard Burger (various locations)
Chain
Seasons 52
Two locations including 7700 Sand Lake Road (Plaza Venezia) Orlando, 407-354-5212; seasons52.com
Runners-up: Olive Garden and Outback (both various locations)
Chinese
PF Chang’s
436 N. Orlando Ave., Winter Park, 407-622-0188; and 4200 Conroy Road, Orlando, 407-345-2888 ; pfchangs.com
Runners-up: Pei Wei Asian Diner (various locations) and Imperial Dynasty (Longwood)
Cuban
Black Bean Deli
325 S. Orlando Ave. Winter Park; 407-628-0294; myspace.com/blackbeandeli
Runners-up: Numero Uno (Orlando) and Rolando’s (Casselberry)
French
Le Coq au Vin
4800 S. Orange Ave., Orlando; 407-851-6980; lecoqauvinrestaurant.com
Runners-up: Paris Bistro and Chez Vincent (both Winter Park)
We’ll continue with the list tomorrow. ..
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