Dinining tips for Orlando, again, please

Hi folks,

My wife and I are attending a conference next week in Orlando and I seem to remember Manny saying something about the dining establishments in that area. Something like avoid Internatl Blvd. like the plague. OK so please refresh my memory, where is good to really enjoy the local flavor? Cuban? Italian? Other?

Any help would enrich our experience and give me something to write about when we get back.

At least we won't have to deal with -10 wind chills for a wk. BBRRRRR!

Thanks in advance--John

By Snuffaluff (Snuffaluff) on Sunday, January 25, 2004 - 09:11 am: Edit

don't know the answer, but I'm curious too since I'm moving there in late Feb.

By Chefmanny (Chefmanny) on Sunday, January 25, 2004 - 09:05 pm: Edit

Yes, avoid International Dr. ....tourist trap!!!!
There is no good Cuban in Orlando!...food that is!
Italian you have to go to Positano's on Colonial Dr. just East of the turnpike!
Let me know what else you are interested in, I'll let you know!
Doug, why are you moving here?...job or just a place to go????
If you need any tips on where to move or not to move let me know!

By Chefrev (Chefrev) on Sunday, January 25, 2004 - 10:09 pm: Edit

Thanks Manny!

I like American Cuisine but nothing too pricey since we're already going to Epcot and the Magic Kingdom *insert image of money flying out of my wallet here*.

See ya when we get back!

By Chefmanny (Chefmanny) on Monday, January 26, 2004 - 06:09 am: Edit

At Magic Kingdom, everything sucks!
At Epcot it's hit and/or miss!
Try the Ocean Reef at Epcot, it's the best and most consistent.
Do you have kids? Ocean Reef is kind of under an aquarium and you can see all kinds of fish and sea life swimming in front of you while you eat.
Don't sit too close to the aquarium glasses though, you won't see much, it's like a several big movie screens, the further back, the more you see!!!
When you go to the parks, try top have a big breakfast before you go and just have lunch there.
At MK, lunch is OK at The Plaza...that's it!!!!
You may consider buying a Disney dining club card, it's like $40 but it pays for itself in 2 meals, it is only accepted at sit down restaurants mostly.
Where are you staying????

By Chefrev (Chefrev) on Monday, January 26, 2004 - 07:58 am: Edit

We're staying at the Sheraton World Resort. No kids this trip, hehe. They're at home w/ granma. *sigh* I don't know WHAT we'll do without them...

Thanx for the tips, Manny! Positano's sounds cool. The other info will be helpful to know.

It's a Mickey world down there, and nothing is as it sems.

By Steve9389 (Steve9389) on Monday, January 26, 2004 - 10:26 am: Edit

Manny, I'm now heading to Orlando twice in the next five weeks. The first time I'm staying at the Caribe Royale, which has the fancy-schmancy-looking Venitian Room. Is that any good (keeping in mind this is on my employer's dime, so expensive is OK)?

The second time I'm staying at the Royal Pacific at Universal Studios. They've got a new Emeril restaurant called Tchoup Chop (pronounced "chop chop," apparantly). Heard anything?

Is there anything else decent nearby either of these places? I don't think I'll have a car either time.

- Steve

By Snuffaluff (Snuffaluff) on Monday, January 26, 2004 - 11:30 am: Edit

Hey manny, yeah I might move over there for ajob offer I got. Not a chef job ofcourse, but a good paying job w/ lots of benefits none the less. Wouldn't it have to be to move 1/2 way across the country? lol
If I get it, I'll be moving to melbourne.?. Not sure exactly where that is, but I'll be running around all over the place down there to junkyards and new residential subdivisions making sure they are keeping clean and saving them from the EPA.

By Chefmanny (Chefmanny) on Monday, January 26, 2004 - 02:18 pm: Edit

Cool! let me know when you are headed down and I'll make sure we show you around!

By Snuffaluff (Snuffaluff) on Tuesday, January 27, 2004 - 09:40 am: Edit

When/if I get the job, I'll be moving in mid to late Feb. (next month)

By Chefspike (Chefspike) on Wednesday, January 28, 2004 - 11:10 pm: Edit

snuff, your going to go work for the E.P.A. ?
wow.
big change from going to Chef's School, what gives?

By Snuffaluff (Snuffaluff) on Thursday, January 29, 2004 - 09:15 am: Edit

against the EPA. Helping companies avoid fines by the EPA.
1st off, it pays way more.
2nd I'd be reconnected w/ an old friend
3rd I'll get to start my life over and "revamp" it.
4th I'm not in school anymore.
5th I'm mental
6th I'm mental
7th I'm mental

By Chefspike (Chefspike) on Friday, January 30, 2004 - 09:47 pm: Edit

ok.....................

By Chefspike (Chefspike) on Saturday, January 31, 2004 - 10:40 am: Edit

let us know when your done with the mental tearing down of your mental state......
cause ya don't sound happy there little brother.

By Snuffaluff (Snuffaluff) on Sunday, February 01, 2004 - 11:35 am: Edit

lol... I think everyone is mental to a certain extent. I just happen to be on the + side.

By Chefspike (Chefspike) on Monday, February 02, 2004 - 01:06 am: Edit

I think your right, Snuff.
but, I'm not.

By Snuffaluff (Snuffaluff) on Friday, February 13, 2004 - 10:59 am: Edit

*been on a 1wk road trip*

Just the simple fact that you think you're not makes you all the more. *;)

By Chefspike (Chefspike) on Friday, February 13, 2004 - 11:38 pm: Edit

right back at ya buddy....right back at ya.