Customer Reviews

Orlando Chow: Restaurants for the Rest of Us

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"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!!

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.