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