Orlando Food

Gotham Foodie

Nov 29

My one and only daughter Sasha decided to up and over to Orlando! I miss my sidekick so much, my foodie in crime, best friend. I hate that I can't just take an Uber to her house now. Of course I had to take the first chance I got, and booked a flight to Florida, so we can reconnect. And the first thing we did, was GO TO DINNER! Besides of course going to Universal Studios (which was a ton of fun), you already know that I had lots of fun planned, as in a few restaurant reservations right in Orlando. Not only was it so good to reconnect with my first born, but the weather (even though it was raining) was a welcome break from the late fall weather here in New York City. And, needless to say, the food was just as great as I expected it to be. Here are my recommendations...

Knife & Spoon

Knife & Spoon is located in the Ritz Carlton in Orlando, so that gives you an idea how upscale this restaurant is. Chef John Tesar, one of my favorite prior contestants of Bravo's Top Chef, has built a little empire of restaurants all over the US, and has been immensely successful. This particular restaurant has recently been awarded one Michelin Star, which is no easy feat, and once you have dined there, you will not wonder why. It is such a classy, beautiful spot, with amazing staff, and even more amazing food. We picked whatever we liked, threw caution and dollar bill to the wind, topped it off with a bottle of wine, and jut enjoyed the experience. It was such a great reunion...

We started out with oysters of course. They're ususally a must when we go out to dinner, and they are on the menu, so this was an automatic choice. They were big and juicy, the mignonette was made with cucumber and seaweed. Delicious. Next we had the Knife Steak Tartare, made from tenderloin with cornichons, capers, allium potatoes and egg yolk. Superb. Sasha was feeling extra fancy, so she had the Lobster Tail with brown butter soubise, yuzu and bitter greens. The lobster was super fresh and velvety, the sauce different and so tasty. I went with the 10 oz Filet Mignon, which was exquisite. So tender, so perfectly seasoned, just unbelievable. Hands down, it was one of the best steaks I ever had.

Four Flamingos

Well. You already know, that the first thing I do when traveling out of town, I will alway see if there is a restaurant owned by a former Top Chef Contestant. And lo and behold, Orlando's food scene (which is more impressive than I anticipated) just added Four Flamingos by Richard Blais, one of the most talented and successful chefs to have started out on Top Chef. He also has a little armada of restaurants all over the US. Most of these restaurants are too far for me to have a little day trip, so I was so happy to see that he made his mark in Orlando. I immediately made reservations. This pretty, tropical themed restaurant is located in the Grand Hyatt Orlando.

After spending a day at Universal Studios, we were extra hungry, so we spoiled ourselves with an extra appetizer. Our first choice were the Ham & Cheese Croquettes, a play on the traditionally Spanish delicacy, served with sweet plantains, cheese, and a sunflower romanesco. Very different and delicious. Then came the Oxtail & Fois Gras Empanada, served with a mango chutney, which was to die for. So yummy. Then I saw Pork Belly on the menu, and if you know me, then you know how much I love pork belly. This one was accompanied by a kumquat and sour orange dressing. It was nice and crispy on top, the dressing a perfect addition. Sasha chose the Shrimp Bucatini with Canaveral Shrimp, Ouzo cream and tomatoes. The seasoning was perfect, the pasta al dente, it was unique and delicious. I ordered the Florida Seafood Moqueca, not knowing what it actually was (other than that it was a Brazilian dish). I was served with an assortment of fish and seafood, accompanied by a serving of coconut rice. It was without question the best thing I ate in 2023, and that means a lot, being that I'm always out to dine. Absolutely amazing.

Another Broken Egg

My trip was only a couple of days, so I wanted to have brunch before I caught my 2:20 flight back to New York City. Brunch on a Tuesday isn't easy to find, but after researching for a while, I found a breakfast restaurant named Another Broken Egg, which served brunch and breakfast all day. They have several locations, so I chose the one closest to the airport, on Semoran Blvd. What? I was lucky (again) to pick just the right place, we loved everything about this one.

Being from the North East, certain breakfast items are not as easily available to me. On a trip down south many years ago, I tried my first biscuits and gravy, and it was love at first bite! I was so happy to see they were on the menu, and obviously I had to order them. There was homemade breakfast sausage on the side, so a delicious addition. Sasha followed suit with the Broken Egg Biscuit sandwich, served with yummy pickle, and may I say: that was a pretty big biscuit! The obligatory Bloody Mary was absolutely perfect, and the Mimosas, which come in several different flavors, were unique and refreshing. Last but not least, there were beignets on the menu, and since we hadn't had any since our trip to New Orleans, of course we had to take some to go. It was a perfect last travel day meal.