Leisure … more than a word, it's a lifestyle

September is a busy month in Central Florida with lots of events happening. Here’s the highlights:

First off is Orlando Magical Dining month that runs from 1st to 30th September. I covered this event in a blog last week here. Over at the theme parks “Halloween” seems to be the thing on everyone’s mind even though the day itself isn’t until 31st October.

DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

Night of Joy

September 10 – 11, 2010: One of the top contemporary Christian music events in the country, the Night of Joy now at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will feature some of the best Gospel Music singers.

DISNEY’S MAGIC KINGDOM

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

September 14 – November 1, 2010:  Disney characters are decked out in their Halloween finest, and guests are invited to do the same on 23 evenings when Magic Kingdom hosts this popular after-hours event. September 14, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30, October 1, 3, 7, 8, 11, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29, 31, November 1, 2010.

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

Rock the Universe
September 10-11, 2010: Chart-topping Christian music stars from across the nation highlight the annual concert.

Halloween Horror Nights
September 24, 25, 30, October 1-3, 7-10,1 4-17, 20-24, 27-31, 2010:  Possibly the world’s most elaborate Halloween celebration with specially designed haunted houses, inescapable scare zones and hundreds of street performers.

Elsewhere, there’s a lot to choose from:

• September 02, 2010
  1st Thursday’s
  Themed happy hour on the first Thursday of each month at the Orlando Museum of Art from 6pm – 9pm.
  For more info: 407-896-4231
  Admission charge.
• September 03, 2010
  Date Night at Leu Gardens
  Bring a picnic basket and a blanket to enjoy a movie under the stars at beautiful Leu Gardens.
  More info: 407-246-2620
  Admission charge: $7 for adults, $2 for children
• September 03, 2010
  Friday Night Live
  Friday nights at Uptown Altamonte, from 7 – 9 pm enjoy outdoor entertainment in a beautiful setting. Local artists perform Jazz, Pop, Big Band and Contemporary music weekly.
  More info: 407-571-8180
  Free admission
• September 04, 2010
  Jazzed in Sanford
  Monthly Jazz Concert series held the first Saturday of the month in Magnolia Square, downtown Sanford from 4 – 7pm.
  More info: 407-688-5004
  Free admission
• September 05, 2010
  “Music at the Casa”
  Casa Feliz Historic Home Museum in Winter Park, open house and live music on Sundays from 12 – 3pm.
  More info: 407-628-8200.

• September 06, 2010
  Storytelling at Leu Gardens
  Stories at 3 times for different aged children on the first Monday of the month.
  More info: 407-246-2620
  Free admission
• September 09, 2010
  Popcorn Flicks in the Park
  Each month the Enzian Theater features free movies on the second Thursday of the month at Central Park.
  More info: 407-629-1088
  Free admission
• September 09, 2010
  Alive After Five
  The second Thursday of each month, enjoy themed entertainment and activities.
  For more info: 407-302-2586.
  Admission charge
• September 10, 2010
  Movie in the Park
  On the second Friday of the month, the city of Mount Dora presents a free outdoor movie at Donnelly Park on the corner of Donnelly Street & 5th Avenue.
  More info: 352-735-7183
  Free admission
• September 10, 2010
  Friday Night Live
  Friday nights at Uptown Altamonte, from 7 – 9 pm enjoy outdoor entertainment in a beautiful setting. Local artists perform Jazz, Pop, Big Band and Contemporary music weekly.
  More info: 407-571-8180
  Free admission
• September 10 – 11, 2010
  Night of Joy
  Listen to some of today’s most powerful voices in Contemporary Christian music at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
  Admission charge
• September 10 – 11, 2010
  Rock the Universe
  Excitement and inspiration for music fans as Universal Studios showcases the best Christian rock performers.
  Admission charge
• September 10 – 12, 2010
  Orlando Home & Garden Show
  Hundreds of vendors will be on hand at the Orange County Convention Center during this annual show. There will be plenty of remodeling ideas for your home.
  Admission charge.
• September 11, 2010
  Cranes Roost Sunset Cinema
  Bring your blankets and chairs and enjoy a family friendly movie on the lawn in front of the tower. Bring the entire family for a fun, free evening together under the stars. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Sorry, no pets are allowed in the Plaza area.
  More info: 407-571-8180
  Free admission
• September 12, 2010
  “Music at the Casa”
  Casa Feliz Historic Home Museum in Winter Park, open house and live music on Sundays from 12 – 3pm.
  More info: 407-628-8200.
• Free admission
• September 17, 2010
  Friday Night Live
  Friday nights at Uptown Altamonte, from 7 – 9 pm enjoy outdoor entertainment in a beautiful setting. Local artists perform Jazz, Pop, Big Band and Contemporary music weekly.
  More info: 407-571-8180
  Free admission
• September 18, 2010
  Children’s Expo
  Orlando’s annual expo for parents and kids sponsored by Winn-Dixie with FREE ADMISSION! Featuring exhibits, entertainment, parent seminars, children’s safety information, face painting, games, child safety ID cards, car seat check stations, bicycle helmet fitting, character visits, book readings, bounce house, special offers and free product samples! Attendees can save 50% on parking by pre-registering.
  More info: 407-889-8902
  Free admission, parking charge
• September 18, 2010
  Jazz Jams Uptown
  The City of Altamonte Springs and WLOQ Smooth Jazz 103.1 present a jazz concert series at the Eddie Rose Amphitheater from 7pm – to 10pm at Uptown Altamonte.
  More info: 407-571-8180
  Free admission
• September 18, 2010
  Cinema in the Park
  Family movies on the third Friday of each month at 9th Street and Park Avenue in Sanford. Bring the family and a blanket or chairs for the 7:00pm showing of this month’s movie.
  More info: 407-688-5004
  Free admission
• September 18, 2010
  Celebration Art and Wine Stroll
  The streets of Downtown Celebration will transform into 60+ art galleries on one special night between 6:30 and 10pm.
  More info: 407-566-4007
  Free admission
• September 18 – 19, 2010
  Jazz at the Winery
  Lakeridge Winery has live jazz, food and of course wine at this annual event.
  More info: 1-800-768-WINE.
  Admission charge of $2.00.
• September 19, 2010
  Music at the Casa
  Casa Feliz Historic Home Museum in Winter Park, open house and live music on Sundays from 12 – 3pm.
  More info: 407-628-8200.
  Free admission

• September 21 – 26, 2010
  Global Peace Film Festival
  Celebrate the art of film and its power to promote new understanding. Held in conjunction with the UN’s International Day of Peace, the festival promotes the art of motion picture to further the goal of peace on earth, beyond anti-war, ideology and activism. Events will take place at Gallery at Avalon Island, Rollins College, Winter Park Public Library and the Orlando Science Center and will include film programs, panels, parties and a special concert.
  More info: 407-224-6625.
  Admission charge
• September 24 – 26, 2010
  New Smyrna Beach JAZZ Festival
  Music fills the air along the seaside streets during this annual Jazz Festival. Various performance venues along Flagler Avenue.
  More info: 386-423-9760
  Free admission
• September 24, 2010
  Friday Night Live
  Friday nights at Uptown Altamonte, from 7 – 9 pm enjoy outdoor entertainment in a beautiful setting. Local artists perform Jazz, Pop, Big Band and Contemporary music weekly.
  More info: 407-571-8180
  Free admission
• September 25, 2010
  Museum Day
  Free admission to Orlando area museums including:
  > Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens in Winter Park
  > Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales
  > Gillespie Museum of Minerals at Stetson University in Deland
  > Maitland Historical Museum and Telephone Museum in Maitland
  > Mennello Museum of American Art in Orlando
  > Mount Dora History Museum in Mount Dora
  > Orange County Regional History Center in Orlando
  > Waterhouse Residence Museum in Maitland
• September 25 – October 3, 2010
  Fashion Week at The Mall at Millenia
  Preview spring 2011’s hottest fashion trends with a week-long series of in-store events, such as trunk shows and in store specials.
  More info: 407-363-3555
  Free admission
• September 26, 2010
  “Music at the Casa”
  Casa Feliz Historic Home Museum in Winter Park, open house and live music on Sundays from 12 – 3pm.
  More info: 407-628-8200.
  Free admission
• September 30, 2010
  Velvet Sessions
  Rock & Roll Happy Hour held the last Thursday of the month.
  Admission charge

7 Great Things To Do In Kissimmee

By Nigel G. Worrall

Most visitors to Central Florida only think one thing “Walt Disney World, Orlando”. What most don’t know is that there is another area that makes up the Walt Disney World area and that is the area known as Kissimmee.

More likely than not, most visitors will stay in properties in the Kissimmee area if they don’t stay directly on Walt Disney World property. So with that in mind, here’s the top 7 things you can do while staying in the area that is closest to Disney:

1.      Old Town

Old Town is a great place to visit for all members of the family and is a favorite attraction for shopping, dining, and entertainment in Kissimmee as it features specialty shops, restaurants, and great amusement park rides.

There are over 40 shops featuring an amazing variety of merchandise, around a dozen places to eat and drink and some great rides to blow you away. Rides such as Windstorm Roller Coaster…1,437 feet of steel tracks which twist and turn over 80-degree banks! There’s the colorful & exciting Wave Swinger and you can see Orlando from sixty feet in the air on the Century Ferris Wheel.  If that’s not enough adventure for you then spin your wheels around the Happy Days Family Go-Kart Track or try out Super Shot where you’ll feel like you can touch the stars as you slowly inch up to 150 feet and then get dropped suddenly!

On the lighter side, you can take the little ones on the uniquely painted horses of the Merry-Go-Round, spin on the Tea Cups, leap into fun on the Frog Hopper, and ride the Wacky Worm Kiddie Coaster.

Old Town is also the place to be on Friday and Saturday nights as its “Cruise Night”. The Friday Night Cruise is a car show that features 1975–1987 cars and trucks while The Saturday Night Cruise will bring back memories of your first car, your first date and your first kiss as the “pride and joys” from 1974 and earlier bring back ‘lots of memories’ as an average of 300 classic cars, hot rods, street rods and antiques parade down the brick streets of Old Town. Completing the bill is some fabulous live entertainment as some great bands come to Old Town – Kissimmee to play some great tunes.

2.      Horse World

Blue sky, hundreds of acres to explore and a good horse beneath you are just some of the delights that will greet you when you visit Horse World.  If you love horse riding or enjoying the peaceful Florida countryside then a visit to this trail riding adventure will invigorate your soul. A chance to experience what it was like when life was simple!

3.      Lake Lizzie Nature Preserve

This 950-acre nature preserve is one of Florida’s best sites for hiking, horseback riding and nature viewing. The preserve offers marked trails through a variety of habitats leading to the shores of Lake Lizzie and Trout Lake.

4.      Boggy Creek Airboat Ride

An airboat ride offers you the chance to glide through the beautiful Florida wetlands and get up close and personal with exotic birds, turtles and of course, the Florida alligator in their own natural environment. You’ll also get the chance to fly like the wind into the swamps experiencing the awesome feel of an airboat ride traveling up to 45 miles per hour.

5.      Green Meadows Petting Farm

“Everyone milks a cow” at Green Meadows Petting Farm, where you can interact with more than 300 animals during a two-hour guided tour throughout the farm. Everyone is encouraged to have a “hands on” experience during the tour by petting a variety of pigs, chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, donkeys, and more as tour leaders teach kids about the farm and its animals. Kids can also take a pony ride and experience a tractor-drawn hayride.

6.      Forever Florida

This 4700-acre eco-ranch and wildlife conservation area offers approximately 10 miles of hiking trails and a chance to step into Florida’s past. The Florida National Scenic Trail runs through this property and you’ll experience natural streams, forests, pastures, wetlands and learn about the wide array of Forever Florida’s wildlife including alligators, black bears, white-tail deer and the endangered Florida panther.

You can visit the Crescent J, a picturesque Florida ranch featuring a living museum of Spanish Colonial Cattle and Florida’s unique Cracker Horses and enjoy three fully guided adventures that are offered through Florida EcoSafaris: Coach Safari, Horseback Safari and, Florida’s first and only Zipline Safari. The Zipline Safari will take you on a two and a half hour adventure like no other, reaching heights of 55 feet and speeds up to 25 mph as you sail above it all on this breathtaking aerial nature tour.

7.    Take in a Dinner Show

Kissimmee is home to three of the best Dinner Show’s you’ll ever see. Capone’s Dinner Show is a cheerful mishmash of Broadway Show, nightclub cabaret, sketch comedy revue and an all you can eat Italian buffet set during the prohibition era while Medieval Times Dinner Show is a dinner show set in the times of lords and ladies. Sit down and enjoy a royal four course meal as you watch six brave knights compete and battle for your favor. With daring exhibits of valor, metal to metal sword fighting, and high speed jousting, you will be on the edge of your seat. Over at Arabian Nights Dinner Show you’ll experience a “Storybook Tale of Romance and Adventure” as the Broadway-style production featuring over 60 of the world’s most beautiful horses pulls off amazing stunts, state-of-the-art special effects and a delicious prime rib feast.

There’s a lot to do in Kissimmee…go do it!

Today marks the day when the Obama family vacation comes to an end.  The family spent its summer vacation last year at a vacation home on the Blue Heron Farm, in the sleepy enclave of Chilmark, and they enjoyed it so much that they returned this year.  All good things come to an end though and now it’s back to the White House after a relaxing 10 day stay on Martha’s Vineyard.

It’s been quite interesting to see how the media have covered the story of the President going on vacation. On one hand Obama has been catching so much grief from the common taxpayers for taking vacations that the White House is asking for these vacations to not be called vacations! And on the other hand we have the White House trying to defend his vacation time by comparing the time spent on vacation by George W. Bush. It’s comical.

The Obamas Martha’s Vineyard vacation includes a stay at Blue Heron Farm, a lavish $20 million, 28.5 acre compound in the town of Chilmark that rents for $50,000 a week. Chilmark, by the way, was named the most expensive small town in all America by Business Week back in 2007.

The Blue Heron Farm has a swimming pool, a small basketball court, horse paddocks, an apple orchard, and even a golf tee for the President to practice that sketchy swing of his. There are four homes to choose from which considering the secret service, aides, and guests sure to be invited, seems about perfect for the extravagant needs of the Obamas.

Blue Heron Farm also has private access to a stretch of Squibnocket Beach — which may keep those ‘Obama topless’, ‘Obama bodysurfing’, and ‘Michelle Obama shorts’ photos to a minimum.  Oh and a fun fact about Blue Heron Farm? This is strictly business. The owners, registered Republicans, contributed money to Fred Thompson’s and John McCain’s 2008 presidential campaigns!

One thing’s for sure though… the President clearly understands that vacation homes are the best way to enjoy a family vacation.

International Drive, otherwise known as I-Drive, is the main tourist strip in the Orlando area. It is located southwest of Downtown Orlando and stretches approximately 15 miles over two counties, Orange and Osceola. It is home to many tourist attractions, restaurants and shopping areas.

If you have your own transport then you’ll find it easy to navigate your way from one venue to another but if you’re on foot you’ll want to utilize the I-Ride trolley that runs along I-Drive at regular intervals.

The north end of I-Drive is where the action starts or finishes, depending which direction you are going and its the home of Prime Outlets Orlando. Just south of there are other outlet malls as well as the increasingly popular Festival Bay Mall. As you journey south you’ll come across such attractions as Fun Spot, Titanic – the Experience, Wet and Wild, Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, WonderWorks, Congo River Golf, Train Land International, as well as over 485 designer, brand name and outlet stores.

Food wise you’re absolutely spoilt for choice as there are over 150 fabulous restaurants as well as two dinner shows at Pirates and Sleuths to enjoy.

There’s so much to see and do, I thought I’d just make a  list of the Top 25 for you to pick from:

25. Visit Monkey Joe’s where kids can let loose and bounce around like a Monkey.

24. Beat the heat in the Iceberg Room while discovering treasures of a sunken ship at Titanic – the Experience.

23. Enjoy a cold, swirly, Twistee Treat with sprinkles on top on a hot summer day or night.

22. Sit back, relax and experience the sights, sounds and tastes of the Caribbean while watching the Junkanoo dancers and musicians perform at Kafe Kalik.

21. Have your picture taken in front of a 1934 replica Ford Woody at Ron Jon’s Surf Park at Festival Bay Mall.

20. Take a ride from the air in an Air Florida Helicopter Charters and see world famous attractions.

19. Learn to Belly Dance or just fill your belly with authentic Greek food at Taverna Opa.

18. Experience an explosion of dynamic effects on the all new BLACK HOLE; The Next Generation at Wet ‘n Wild.

17. Satisfy your inner pirate at the giant galleon at Pirate’s Dinner Adventure.

16. Eat a burger and fries in the world’s largest McDonald’s Play Place!

15. Sing pop classics at Howl at the Moon.

14. Enjoy dinner while listing to the Great Blues of yesterday and today at B B Kings.

13. Watch live European sports via satellite at a British pub, Cricketers Arms Pub, at Festival Bay Mall.

12. Be serenaded by singing waiters at Bergamo’s Italian Restaurant at Festival Bay Mall.

11. Escape the ordinary at Ripley’s Believe it or Not with its Orlando Odditorium filled with the unusual.

10. Let your imagination run wild at WonderWorks, Orlando’s only upside-down building! Land the space shuttle. Design a roller coaster. Fly a fighter jet.

9. Been bowling lately?  Check out the 32-lane bowling alley right in the heart of the I-Drive area, the World Bowling Center.  The wacky decor features murals of astronauts bowling, among other whimsical touches.

8. Enjoy nonstop recreation at Vans Skate Park at Festival Bay Mall, Orlando’s premier skateboard park.

7. Skydive in a wind tunnel at iFLY Orlando.

6. Golf under a waterfall at Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf.

5. Solve a murder mystery at Sleuths Mystery Dinner Theater

4. Catch a movie at Regal Cinemas Stadium 20+ IMAX.

3. Have an elegant dinner in the highly acclaimed Capital Grille at Pointe Orlando.

2. Check out the nation’s second largest convention center, Orange County Convention Center.

1. Shop for bargains at designer outlets ( Prime Outlets Orlando, Festival Bay at International Drive, Orlando Premium Outlets and Pointe Orlando)!

Here’s a video tour of the I-Drive area:

Traditionally Labor Day is celebrated by most Americans as the symbolic end of the summer. The holiday is seen as a day of rest or of parades but more recently it has also become known as a great time to go shopping and secure some bargains.

With that in mind, I decided to get out early and take a look at one of the outlet malls closest to our vacation rental homes. Located just 10 to 15 minutes drive from most of our vacation homes is the Orlando Premium Outlets. It is situated about a mile away from the Downtown Disney area and is always one of the most popular shopping venues in Orlando.

It lays claim to having the highest sales per square foot of any of the Premium Outlets located around the world and in retail that’s a very big deal!

There are 150 designer and name brand outlet stores located in the Mediterranean style village and you’ll find all the well known brand names here such as :

Ann Taylor, Barney’s New York Outlet, Burberry, Coach, Diesel, Fendi, Gap, Giorgio Armani, Kenneth Cole, Lacoste, MaxMara, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren, Salvatore Ferragamo, Theory, Tommy Hilfinger and many others. There’s also a good sized food hall for those hungry moments and there’s plenty to do for young and old alike.

Stores like Disney’s Character Premiere, Carter’s and Strasburg Children cater for the kids while adults will enjoy wandering the aisles with stores carrying designer fashions, sportswear, jewlery, accessories, gifts and specialty items.  The Outlets also have a VIP club so be sure to check that out at this link … VIP

Finally, here’s a short video I filmed recently to give you a flavor…

Over the years Orlando has evolved into a true culinary hot spot. The city has numerous award-winning restaurants and celebrity chefs serving exciting fare from all across the globe. The good news is that as September arrives you get the chance to indulge in Orlando’s haute cuisine at an even hotter price!

The 5th Annual Orlando Magical Dining Month is a culinary celebration presented by the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau. From September 1-30, participating restaurants will feature three-course, prix fixe dinners at an exceptional value of just $30. It’s your chance to savor Orlando’s best cuisine at an unbeatable price, and also contribute to a great cause as this year, $1 of every Magical Dining Month dinner served will benefit the Arts & Cultural Alliance of Central Florida.

More than 60 Orlando area restaurants are participating this year and your $30 three course dinner includes the choice of: an appetizer, entrée and dessert from the restaurant’s specially-prepared Magical Dining menu. Tax and gratuity is not included.

This is a special offer and no other discounts or offers can be used in combination with the Orlando Magical Dining dinner promotion and you don’t get to split your meal with another person. The price is $30 per person for the three course meal!

Here’s the list of those participating this year

It’s that time of year again. Central Florida schools will be back in session starting tomorrow, 23rd August and there’s a good side and a bad side to this.

If you’re dashing off to a theme park them you might get delayed a little by the yellow school buses that will be sure to be clogging the highways. On the other hand, the theme parks will be quieter.

It’s this time of year that international visitors love the most. Orlando’s kids are back in school and that means anyone flying in from around the globe to enjoy Central Florida’s attractions are going to have an easier time. Lines will less and getting around the theme parks is so much nicer. It’s certainly a great time to visit Orlando’s newest attraction “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” for example but you can also expect fewer people at all the area’s favorites; Disney World, Sea World, Gatorland, Discovery Cove, etc.

As you know, we were able to help out a family that had been scammed on a recent vacation trip to Orlando. The scam is pretty simple and it involves an online vacation rental booking agency luring unsuspecting people to make a reservation by paying for their accommodation by check.

The crooks tell people they will get a bigger discount, usually $50,  if they pay by check.

So the customer sends a check to an address that looks legitimate but is in fact a P.O. Box in the Orlando area. The customer then thinks everything is taken care of. They then receive an email giving them details of where to go to collect the keys to their vacation home.

Naturally, the big day soon arrives and the family set off for what they hope will be a great vacation. Only that vacation is about to be ruined. They arrive at the address given and find there is no key, there is no house and worse, the phone number to call is now disconnected.

What to do?

Some families decide to stay in a hotel or look for another vacation rental home… but of course, they have to pay all over again.

So what should you do if this happens to you?

Well, the first thing to do is call the Sheriff and report the crime. This is a very important step. It is important that everyone works together to stop these crooks doing this and to help protect other people.

Now, watch this video and learn from the Calderon families experience. The video contains some tips on how to protect your family on their next vacation…no matter where you decide to visit.

While this story has a happy ending, not all stories do. Some people get scammed and do nothing. Hilda and her family did something. We then followed through as a company with the Osceola County Sheriff. Today, as I write, the three web sites luring visitors to the Orlando area and then sucking them in to the scam are no longer working.

Watch this video to see who the winner of the Orlando Sweepstakes is….

Orlando has more than 4,000 places you can go to eat and despite rumors to the contrary, they aren’t all chains or fast food establishments. There are a good number of fine independently owned restaurants and many of them within easy reach of your vacation rental home.

Just round the corner from International Drive is what the locals call ‘Restaurant Row’. It is effectively the stretch of Sand Lake Road west of Interstate 4 heading towards the famous Bay Hill area. It’s here you’ll find some excellent restaurants that will cater for every taste and flavor you can imagine.

If I may, I’ll start with my favorite(s) and then move down

Chatham’s Place — 7575 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Orlando; 407-345-2992
Chatham’s Place is small and upscale with a menu to match. The cuisine has touches of southern charm, and the pecan-crusted grouper is a local legend. You’ll enjoy the ambiance and top notch service if you go…and you’ll be sure to want a quick return.

Seasons 52 — 7700 Sand Lake Rd., Orlando; 407-354-5212
OK, I confess that technically this is really a chain with eight locations, but this is Darden’s latest concept and it’s a winner. I’ve eaten here on several occasions and I’ve never been disappointed. The original concept of the restaurant was that something, somewhere comes into season every week of the year, thus 52 seasons. Pretty much everything on the menu is superb but save a little room for the mini desserts as you’ll want more than one.

Vines Grille & Wine Bar — 7533 W. Sand Lake Rd., Orlando; 407-351-1227
If you love live jazz then this is the place for you. You can sit at the bar and enjoy a beer, a glass of wine or a cocktail and let the world drift by. If you prefer, enjoy dinner at one of the comfortable tables in the classy and upscale dining room.

Roy’s – 7760 W. Sand Lake Rd., Orlando; 407-352-4844
In Hawaii, there are two things of equal importance…food and the “aloha” spirit. The blending of these two dynamic principles is how Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion® Cuisine was born. European techniques and Asian cuisine meet Hawaiian hospitality to create a fine dining experience unlike any other. Where the “aloha” style of service comes straight from the heart, and where any occasion becomes an unforgettable evening.

Christini’s Ristorante Italiano – 7600 Dr. Phillip’s Blvd., Orlando;407-345-8770
This award winning upscale Italian restaurant is a favorite among the locals. The food is simply fabulous and the service unsurpassed.

Moonfish — 7525 W. Sand Lake Rd., Orlando; 407-363-7762.                                                                                                                           If seafood is more to your taste then Moon Fish has you covered. Daily fresh fish selections as well as Prime and Choice mid-western aged steaks cooked over a natural wood-burning pit and an intriguing sushi menu.

Those are just some of my favorite selections on “Restaurant Row” but don’t worry if they don’t appeal to you as there is so much more choice if you take a trip to the area. If you decide to make a trip there from your vacation home then allow around 20 to 25 minutes as you’ll pass the “Crossroads” area  which is where you’ll find  much of the tourist traffic around the Walt Disney World Lake Buena Vista entrance.

It’s important to remember that  “Restaurant Row” is split into three distinct areas;  Dr. Phillips Marketplace, The Fountains at Bay Hill, and Plaza Venezia.

The more established and long standing restaurants are located in The Dr. Phillips Marketplace since it was the only center in the area until about a decade ago and this is where some of the more long standing favorites can be found. Places like  Morton’s Steakhouse, Carreiras, and Christini’s.  But do lookout for some of the newer establishments that have come onto the scene such as Press 101, Pups, Einstein’s Bagel, Five Guys, and of course Starbucks.

The Fountains include Vines Grille & Wine Bar, Antonio’s, Moe’s Southwest Grill, The Melting Pot, Ruth Chris Steakhouse, and Moonfish. Over the road at Plaza Venezia you’ll find Timpano, Samba Room, Amura, Roy’s, Bonefish, and Season’s 52.  Timpano is an Italian Chophouse and the best place to listen to Frank Sinatra impersonators. Samba Room has great Cuban cuisine and on Fridays, as poetically coined by Gloria Estafan, a great place to shake your body to the rhythm of the conga until you can’t shake it any longa. If sushi and sake are to your taste then try out Amura.