Orlando - eats.

I've spent a great deal of time in Florida lately, I know it seems like I hate the place, which really - I do, but I DO have some nice points for the area too.

 

We all know I love to eat.  My inner fatty wins a lot of battles.

 

If you are in the Orange County/Orlando area, you know there are a gazillion places to choose from - one shitty chain after another, and trust me, as transient as that area is the service and food SUCK.  Why would they care, you aren't going to be there long and not likely to complain.

 

Here are my top 3 spots in the area.

 

Breakfast HAS to be Keke's.   I cannot say enough great things about Keke's.  Their french toast, fresh OJ and bacon are dream worth.  Clean facility, easy atmosphere and fantastic service.  I am actually kind of bummed out I don't have a Keke's in Atlanta.

 

For lunch or dinner, I've become a regular at The Gnarly Barley.  I have had nearly everything on the menu now and haven't found anything I don't like.  The beer selection is impressive.  The atmosphere is relaxed and a lot of fun, there are stacks of board games for your enjoyment, everyone is laid back, there are usually sports on the tv's and there are several picnic tables outside if you prefer the fresh air (and by fresh, I mean FL swamp stink).  I had driven past this place several times, it looks like nothing - like a mobile home next to the post office, presumably yet another casualty of the economy.  SO wrong!  Still looks like nothing, but go inside, it's like unwrapping a really cool gift on your birthday.

 

My last choice is a little more "chainy" and is in the Florida Mall.  Wasabi Sushi.  I love sushi, and while there are plenty of places to choose from in the area, Wasabi has been a favorite for a while.  I love the conveyor concept, the food is always spot on and they have MOCHI.  I'm a sucker for a good green tea mochi.  If you don't like people watching you eat, this may not be for you.  This is situated in the center of the mall and draws a lot of attention.  There will be a lot of people watching while they try to figure out the concept of how this works and some will even ask you about it and about the food.  I've had nearly everything on this menu and have to say I like most of it, there are some of the vegetarian dishes that I could do without - not bad, just not my cup of tea.