Greetings All!
Have very recently booked a two-week trip to Orlando with my best friends, which I could not be more excited about!
I first visited back in June 2012, and fell in love - aside from the world renowned theme parks and gorgeous weather, I have to say that the food was a huge part of what made our trip so exciting.
Don't get me wrong, my suggestions are far from haute cuisine, and you will be hard-pressed to find much that won't send your cholesterol rocketing, but if you can't throw caution to the wind on holiday then when can you!?
With less than two months until my return trip, my friends and I are starting the obligatory food discussions which go a little something like this:
Me: OMG we have to go back to -such and such-
Friend 1: YESS! AND remember the wings in -such and such-
Friend 2: Oh and that dessert in -such and such-
Thus, I thought I'd share some of my excitement with you and write a little about the places we'd definitely recommend, and the ones we might skip, in hopes that it might be useful to some of you!
As a general rule of thumb, take for granted that all restaurants listed offer:
- Good value
- GENEROUS portions, especially for British expectations
- Free refills on drinks
DESSERTS AND SWEET TREATS -
Best for Donuts: DUNKIN' DONUTS
Few things are more American than the humble donut, and DD's is the place to go for your sugary fix!
The range of donuts this place offers is extraordinary (if you don't believe me, check out their online menu) and they certainly experiment with their coffee - Iced Butter Pecan Latte to beat the heat, anyone?
For the more adventurous among us, DD serve the eccentric 'Glazed Donut Breakfast Sandwich', combining sweet treats and breakfast staples in a mouth-watering marriage. If you're a fan of pancakes with bacon and maple syrup, as is common in the states, I think you'll love this!
Give it a miss: Krispy Kreme - there are a growing number of them popping up all over the UK so they're less of a novelty for a tourist, and personally I think DD's donuts are better!
Best Cinnamon Rolls: CINNABON
I won't dwell on this, because cinnamon rolls speak loud enough for themselves. Just please, try one! In my humble opinion they are about a thousand times better than the flaky, danish cinnamon nonsense that Britain seems to prefer.
Best Desserts: CHEESECAKE FACTORY
One of America's favourite restaurant chains, the Cheesecake Factory does a hell of a lot more than Cheesecake, but as the name implies, it's what they do best!
Everything about this place is massive - the menu reads like the New Testament and the portion sizes probably weight about the same as the New Testament. Oh, and their cheesecakes, they should be written about in the New Testament!
At last count I think they make 37 varieties, fresh everyday, of course. Whether you're a traditionalist, fancy something fruity, or crave all-singing all-dancing chocolate, brownie and peanut-butter layered number, the Cheesecake factory will provide a fat slice of satisfaction.
My personal recommendation is Chris' Outrageous Cheesecake which is a sinful combination of chocolate-chip coconut cheesecake, layered with brownie and chocolate cake and topped with a coconut pecan frosting. Literally dribbling writing this down.
In terms of value this place is probably the priciest, not to say it's expensive as such because it isn't, especially compared to what I pay for a meal out at home. Just, in comparison to say, Denny's, it's a fair bit more.
As a friendly word of advice - book a table, as it's usually packed, wear your loosest clothes and prepare to be as full as an egg.
FAST FOOD -
For Southern-Style Grub: KFC
Forget everything you think you know about KFC - the KFC's in the states are actually pretty different!
Gone are the fries and baked beans, replaced with Southern-Style green beans, Biscuits and spiced wedges.
My recommendation would definitely be the KFC Famous Bowl - it's totally unlike anything they serve over in the UK and it's totally amazing.
Picture this: a big bowl of creamy mashed potato, loaded with popcorn chicken and sweetcorn, drizzled with chicken gravy and topped with grated cheese. The ultimate comfort food (although I must admit, it's not always what I crave in 40 degree heat!)
Best to grab on-the-go: TACO BELL
Before I give you the run-down on Taco Bell, suffice it to say that I actually emailed their English headquarters a couple of months ago begging them to open one in my City. Yeah, they're that good.
It's probably not authentic, but it tastes good - which, now I think about it, encompasses pretty much all American restaurants except American-themed ones!
It's cheap as chips (I think I paid about $3.50 for a burrito meal), and really tasty. Also it's very customisable - you can choose from soft or hard taco, burrito, salad bowl, with various fillings.
Unlike most Fast Food joints they don't serve their meals with fries, but with a bag of Doritos. I kind of liked this as the meals are unhealthy enough as it is without a portion of fries, I feel.
For a Healthier Option: PANDA EXPRESS
One thing the UK seems to have a lack of is a chain of Chinese fast-food. Don't get me wrong, I know there's an abundance of delivery businesses, but not the sort of Chinese equivalent of Subway, which Panda Express is.
Again, not the most authentic dining experience around, but the food is cheap, fast and yummy. Favourites include Broccoli and Beef and Orange Chicken. Sides include chow-mein, white and brown rice, and steamed veg. Where you'd be hard pressed to find a meal in most fast-food chains with less than 800 calories, Panda Express makes it quite easy to eat well.
The excitable tourist in me also got really excited about their cardboard containers, like the ones you see in movies when they get 'take-out'!
RESTAURANTS -
For A Cheese Feast: OLIVE GARDEN
Somewhat of an American institution, these restaurants serve up great American-Italian food in the classic big portions. Think pastas, pizzas and PLENTY of cheese on everything.
If you're spoiled for choice - why not try the belly-busting 'Tour Of Italy'; a trio of lasagna, chicken parmesan and alfredo fettuccine!
Olive Garden is such good value for money; just for ordering any entree you get the choice of free salad or soup to start, served with garlic bread-sticks (not only this, they happily refill your soup and bread-sticks as much as you want). Drinks, as usual for the US, are refillable too.
The first time I visited, I was so impressed with the delicious minestrone (they are famed for it!) and AMAZING soft, warm bread-sticks, that by the time my main-course came I could literally eat no more!
My suggestion is to wait until you're extra hungry before you go.
Give it a miss: TGI Friday's. Though cheaper than the UK equivalent, the food was nothing too exciting.
For Lovers of Buffalo Chicken: BUFFALO WILD WINGS
If you like your atmosphere chilled and your chicken wings HOT, then make sure you stop by BWW.
For those of you who have heard of Hooters, it's a little like that (Sports games on TV, lots of beers), minus the scantily clad ladies.
Since my first American holiday I have been obsessed with buffalo sauce - I mean obsessed! If you've never tried it, it's very hard to explain the taste - spicy, vinegary, a little buttery. Sounds like it shouldn't work but it definitely does.
But even if my sauce of choice doesn't appeal, they offer a range of 22 sauces from mild to scorching, including Thai Curry and Salt and Vinegar!
This place isn't fancy, your food is brought to you in cardboard baskets, but it is lots of fun and the food tastes good.
For a cheap Diner Experience: DENNY'S
Open 24 hours, cosy leather booths and specialising in Breakfasts, Denny's is exactly the kind of place you see in American movies.
If the holiday budget has taken a battering in the Disney gift-shop then Denny's is perfect for you, offering a 2,4,6,8 menu composed exclusively of dishes ranging between a measly 2(!!) and 8 dollars. For as little as 4 dollars you can have unlimited pancakes, which by the way are amazing, fluffy affairs.
They also boast a comprehensive range of 'combo' meals in which you can choose exactly what you fancy - whether that means pairing cinnamon French toast with bacon, or a more health-conscious omelette and fresh fruit.
I wouldn't really recommend coming here for dinner, but if you're looking for a big breakfast to keep you going through a busy day at the parks, then Denny's is your man!
Give it a miss: IHOP. Whilst it is still a good destination, the value for money is far worse.
Best Mexican: CHILI'S
Between Olive Garden and Chili's, I am truly torn.
I'd describe Chili's the American Las Iguanas or Chiquito's, but much better!
As with most US restaurants, the staff are friendly, the drinks are refillable and the portions are generous- mmm.
American's do Chipotle really well so I'd suggest trying the Fajitas or the Crispy Honey-Chipotle Chicken-Crispers (a mouthful in more ways than one!)
Give it a miss: The Rainforest Cafe. The atmosphere is pretty awesome and it's a good place to take kids as there's plenty to keep them entertained but my friends and I felt the food was below-par and pretty pricey compared to most places.
Best for something a little different: BOB MARLEY: A TRIBUTE TO FREEDOM
This restaurant is in Universal City Walk and definitely deserves a visit.
The atmosphere is really chilled, as you'd expect, it's a half indoors, half outdoors type affair which obviously suits Florida's weather well!
The food, mainly Caribbean stews and curries, is really nice and good value considering it's a Universal restaurant. Goat, pineapple and plantain are all on the menu, offering a refreshing change from the swathes of burger and fries joints. The dishes are served in chunky wooden bowls which is a cool touch.
I'm not sure if this is the case every night, but the night we went there was a Bob Marley tribute act who seemed stoned out of his face but was wonderful regardless.
That's about it!
Not to say I haven't missed some great restaurants out, I'm sure I have, being as I enjoyed the vast majority of my meals.
One thing I would say is try not to eat in the parks' kiosks and canteens if you can help it; they largely churn out pretty low-quality food for at over-inflated value.
For example when at Wet & Wild, you may as well nip across the road to KFC. When at Universal, pop back to City Walk at the main entrance where you'll find Panda Express, Taco Bell, Subway etc.
After bringing back such delicious memories, I'm off to get some snacks!
Until next time,
Lucy xx
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