| When you enjoy the vacation of your life in Orlando, | | | | dishes include coconut shrimp and paella. Lake Buena |
| Florida you may want to treat yourself and your family | | | | Vista 1 Grand Cypress Blvd. $41 |
| to a meal at some of the finer restaurants in the area. | | | | Morton's of Chicago |
| Here is a pick of some of my favorites. | | | | If price is no object to a good meal then this |
| California Grill | | | | steakhouse is the place for you. When was the last |
| Located on the 15th floor of Disney's Contemporary | | | | time you've had beef so tender and full of flavor that |
| Resort this restaurant was voted Orlando's Most | | | | you have to remark after every bite? While the |
| Popular restaurant. Its renowned chef Clifford Pleau | | | | steakhouse is particularly close to the Central Florida |
| continually reinvents his "unique seasonal menus", | | | | theme parks, it is tucked away in the quaint Doctor |
| creating "divine" dishes paired with an "equally eloquent | | | | Phillips Marketplace, a respite of sorts from nearby |
| wine list"; add "impeccable" service and "spectacular" | | | | tourist hangouts. The clientèle is made up of |
| views of the park and its fireworks, and the result is | | | | Orlando executives and Orlando business travelers. |
| truly great, even if it is accompanied by tourists | | | | They are all here to drink martinis and sink their teeth |
| wearing shorts and Mickey Mouse ears! Location: | | | | into the juicy porterhouse, sirloin and Maine lobster. As |
| Disney World, Contemporary Hotel, $41 | | | | for side dishes, don't pass up the specialty, potatoes |
| Christini's | | | | Lyonnaise. Location: 7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd. $60 |
| This restaurant has been called "a treasure among | | | | Venetian Room |
| restaurants", and is located in the in the Dr. Phillips area | | | | This is a fine-dining restaurant that prides itself on |
| of South Orlando. It is well-known for lavish meals, | | | | offering an elegant experience of the highest level. The |
| complemented by a 450-label wine list. The food is | | | | chef de cuisine is Khalid Benghallem, a former sous |
| served in a romantic setting with strolling musicians | | | | chef at Emeril's and the opening chef at Shula's |
| giving you the ambience of a night out in Italy. | | | | Steakhouse in the Dolphin Hotel. The menu is typical |
| However, the feasting here does not come cheap and | | | | for an upscale restaurant in this category and includes |
| the prices are "high" even by "expense-account" | | | | foie gras, crab cake, lamb rack, veal chops and other |
| standards. South Orlando 7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd., $52 | | | | dishes. However, it is the special preparation of these |
| Hemingways | | | | common items that makes this restaurant special. You |
| If you have always loved the mystique of Ernest | | | | will, however, have to pay for this unique treat. This is |
| Hemingway then this is the place to go. The | | | | not a cheap restaurant and appetizers range from $14 |
| Hemingway-at-Key-West decor (rods and reels, a | | | | to $17, and six of the seven entries are more.than $30. |
| stuffed marlin, nautical trinkets) at this Lake Buena | | | | Location: Caribe Royal Hotel 8101 World Center Drive |
| Vista hotel seafood house makes you feel like you've | | | | There you have it. If price is no object, and you just |
| spent the day fishing with Hemingway. Guests | | | | want to enjoy a fine meal at a great restaurant, then |
| describe it as "a nice place to bring clients" or to | | | | one of these Orlando restaurants will certainly satisfy |
| celebrate "special occasions" and some of the favorite | | | | you. |