Orlando Chow: Restaurants for the Rest of Us [Paperback]

Bob Mervine (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 8, 2005

Searches out the real deal in Central Florida's tourism mecca.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This will amaze and expand your perceptions about the cuisine that is available in the Orlando neighborhoods a standout. " -- Mark Sedenquist in RoadTripAmerica.com, June 5, 2005

About the Author

Bob Mervine has been an active observer of Orlando’s food scene since 1969 and looks back on those exciting three and a half decades with pleasure. For the last five years, part of his job has been to write about the food service and restaurant industry in Central Florida (and occasionally turn into an opinionated critic) for the "Orlando Business Journal." During that time and for many years before, while traveling and working in the hospitality industry, Bob had the opportunity to enjoy the best and learn from the worst of a great many restaurants.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: The Intrepid Traveler (March 8, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1887140557
• ISBN-13: 978-1887140553
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,382,239 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Yes, there are outstanding dining options OUTSIDE the theme parks!!!, August 8, 2005

By 

Louis A. Mongello (New Jersey) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Orlando Chow: Restaurants for the Rest of Us (Paperback)

"Wait a minute... what do you mean eat OUTSIDE of Walt Disney World? Are there even places to eat between here and the airport?!"

That's not far from what I was thinking when I was invited to dinner last December, to a restaurant called "Seasons 52". When I read the name, I ran through the list of WDW restaurants in my head, and even checked a guidebook to be sure i didn't miss a new one. Nope. Not in WDW. Much to my dismay, it was off WDW property. "Why, oh why?", I asked. There are SO many incredible restaurants right here in property? Who would want to venture outside these hallowed grounds to eat when... OK. You got the point.

Well, I went, and was blown away. Yes. You can get an incredible meal outside WDW. In fact, you can get hundreds of them. But you might not know where to find them. Until now.

Bob Mervine's new book: "Orlando Chow: Restaurants for the Rest of Us" single-handedly made a believer out of me.

This pocket-sized book reviews about 100 restaurants (most of which are not in WDW property) in the Orlando area, ranging from $10 entrees to the very high-end (where you may pay upwards of $50 per plate). However, he chose not to "rate" them, as he feels that if it's in the book, it must be "darn good chow."

And this book is not just a "where do I go" collection of reviews. Instead, it let's you know where and WHEN to go, including how to get the best out of what the restaurant has to offer. The casual tourist might never find some of the out-of-the-way places, which is a shame, as they offer not only great cuisine, but a wonderful local dining experience. (I need to go to "Toucan Willie's and "Johnny's Fillin' Station", just so I can find out what a "redneck burger" really is!). Follow the included maps to really get a taste (pardon the pun) of all the "Other Orlando" has to offer.

The Chow book, one of a series highlighting eateries around the country, is also a nice read, as the author infuses some well-placed humor throughout. Bob calls himself a "Professional Eater" (how do I get that gig?), and also works as a food service and restaurant analyst for the Orlando Business Journal. And for all you Disney fans, who might swear (as I did), to never venture outside the gates of WDW, don't worry, he reviews some of WDW's finest, including the California Grill.

Oh, and I must highly recommend Seasons 52, as the food and ambiance were outstanding. (And if you like desserts, hoo-ahh!). And since I (along with half of America) am on my health kick of the week, it's important to note that here, the chefs use no butter or sauces on any of their delicious selections (which change regularly according to what's fresh). In fact, each entrée is under 475 calories!!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Find "Real Food" in Orlando, August 7, 2005

By 

Virginia Allain "(retired librarian)" (Poinciana, FL) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Orlando Chow: Restaurants for the Rest of Us (Paperback)

This author writes restaurant reviews for the local paper, so I trust his judgement. This book covers around 100 restaurants in all price ranges. Use it to find a good lunch spot or to plan a special occasion/splurge meal.
This clues you in to the specialties of the restaurants, how good the service is, etc. There are maps to help you find the places.