Taste of the Town

Few things are more satisfying than enjoying a perfectly seasoned meal full of flavors with good company. Southwest residents are lucky enough to live within one of the most diverse and celebrated dining districts in the country. This year’s Taste of the Town showcases some of the best dining options to be found in Orlando. Whether you are looking for a relaxed night out with friends or to be wined and dined, you won’t be disappointed with any of the following restaurants. You may even find your new favorite!


Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza
407-363-9466 • www.acfp.com
8031 Turkey Lake Road, Orlando, FL 32819

When it comes to a “well done” dining experience, look no further than Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza. With a focus on using fresh ingredients and authentic recipes, Anthony’s signature menu includes traditional and specialty pizzas, fresh coal-oven-roasted chicken wings, large homemade meatballs, a classic Italian salad, and other Italian soul food specialties. Visit Anthony’s and experience the “well done” difference for yourself. Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza is located off Turkey Lake Road in the Phillips Crossing shopping center.

Open Sunday-Thursday from 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.


Black Fire Brazilian Steakhouse
407-477-7771 • blackfirebull.com
8594 Palm Parkway, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32836

At Black Fire Brazilian Steakhouse, diners will find unlimited meats and a gourmet buffet. The restaurant serves several cuts of grilled beef, lamb, chicken and pork. Not only will you leave completely satisfied, but they guarantee you’ll leave a little more Brazilian than when you came in! Capturing the boldness and vivacity of São Paulo, Black Fire’s unique menu and dining experience reflect the rich culture of Brazil’s largest, most influential culinary city. Experience firsthand a whole new world of dining today when you visit Black Fire Brazilian Steakhouse. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at the various wonderful experiences you will have all in one place! Open daily from 5-10 p.m.

Your search for authentic Brazilian cuisine ends here!


Cala Bella/A Land Remembered
407-996-6336 • calabellarestaurant.com • landremembered.com
9939 Universal Blvd., Orlando, FL 32819

This September, diners can delight their inner foodies with a choice of two incredible Magical Dining experiences at Rosen Shingle Creek. Enjoy a gourmet three-course, prix fixe menu at the hotel’s two AAA Four Diamond restaurants for one delicious price of $35, plus tax and gratuity. At Cala Bella Italian bistro, indulge in Italian favorites like Sicilian shrimp scampi, pan-seared grouper or chicken Parmesan. At A Land Remembered, delight in blackened red snapper with crawfish cream sauce, citrus grilled chicken and the award-winning restaurant’s acclaimed Harris Ranch prime 6-ounce filet mignon.

To book, please call 407-996-FOOD or visit rosenshinglecreek.com/magicaldining.


Drafts Sports Bar & Grill at Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa
407-352-9293 • draftssports.com
9500 Turkey Lake Road, Orlando, FL 32819

Bringing together the popular concepts of brew pubs and gourmet burger bars is Drafts Sports Bar & Grill at Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa, an exciting new restaurant. From gripping entertainment on its 39 high-definition TVs to specialty drafts to a state-of-the-art Mission Control Game Room and six lanes of bowling, guests will find something compelling and delicious for everyone in the family! This family-friendly sports bar features a variety of mouthwatering burgers, tender steaks and appetizer selections everyone will love. Its unique setting creates a casual, yet stylish, sports bar environment, where you can catch the game while enjoying memorabilia throughout the entire restaurant. Check out the establishment’s selection of 32-degree draft beer, or start the evening with your favorite cocktails at a fully stocked bar. After dinner, go head-to-head at the six-lane bowling alley, loaded with games that put a twist on traditional bowling. Or try your skills in the Mission Control Game Room, right inside Drafts. The fun never stops at Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa! In addition, Drafts’ private party room makes this the best place for all your celebrations, including sports teams, school groups, family outings and even birthday parties — you’ll be sure to have a great time at Drafts!

Open daily!


Everglades Restaurant at Rosen Centre
evergladesrestaurant.com
Rosen Centre, 9840 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819

This September, escape on a culinary adventure at Everglades restaurant at Rosen Centre! In addition to the award-winning restaurant’s traditional fall fare, enjoy a sensational three-course, prix fixe special Magical Dining menu for just $35 (plus tax and gratuity). Experience the authentic taste of the Florida Everglades, and choose from delectable dishes like Alligator Bay chowder, watermelon and pistachio-crusted goat cheese, grilled angus filet, succulent Chilean sea bass, and sweet endings like classic Key lime pie and double chocolate fudge overload. Make your dining experience even more magical and include an overnight stay package for two that includes Magical Dining and deluxe accommodations for one night for just $219 (plus applicable taxes). Valet parking is complimentary for all fine dining guests.

For Everglades Magical Dining reservations or to access OpenTable, call 407-996-2385. For overnight stays, call 407-996-9842 or visit rosencentre.com/magicalnights.


Giordano’s Famous Stuffed Pizza
www.giordanos.com
Orlando, 407-377-0022 • Lake Buena Vista, 407-239-8900 • Kissimmee, 407-397-0044

Giordano’s Famous Stuffed Pizza was chosen by NBC’s Today Show as the best pizza in the U.S. The restaurant’s pizza concept was created in northern Italy in 1967 from a 200-year-old recipe. Giordano’s offers a wide variety of Italian cuisine, from its world-famous Chicago-style stuffed pizza to its fettuccine alfredo recipe and classic bruschetta. All of the restaurant’s family-friendly offerings are served in a pleasant, old Chicago-style dining atmosphere.

Giordano’s offers delivery, takeout and catering services.


I-Drive Resort Area International Dining
www.internationaldriveorlando.com

It’s always fun to explore a new place to eat! Whether you are a serious foodie, more of a casual diner or prefer something that will appeal to the entire family, there are lots of options to suit any taste or budget. With a diverse array of epicurean delights, culinary choices include American, Brazilian, Caribbean, Chinese, Greek, Ethiopian, Irish, Italian, Japanese, Mediterranean, Mexican, Italian, Thai and more. Twenty-five top restaurants in the I-Drive Resort Area are participating in Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month, sponsored by American Express. Beginning Aug. 25, during a special preview week, and continuing through Oct. 1, these restaurants will offer prix fixe dinners for just $35. Indulge in imaginative appetizers, entrees and desserts sure to leave you spellbound. Through Visit Orlando, $1 from each meal supports Freedom Ride and BASE Camp Children’s Cancer Foundation. Magical Dining I-Drive Resort Area participants include A Land Remembered, Benihana, Cala Bella, Ciao Italia Ristorante, Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant, Copper Canyon Grill, Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar, Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House, Everglades Restaurant, Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse, Funky Monkey Bistro & Bar, Itta Bena, Jack’s Place at Rosen Plaza Hotel, Kobe Japanese Steakhouse, Mango’s Tropical Café, SeaWorld Orlando Sharks Underwater Grill, Shogun Japanese Steak House, Spencer’s for Steak and Chops, Tapa Toro, The Capital Grille — International Drive, The Grill, The Oceanaire Seafood Room, Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar, Urban Tide and Vincenzo Cucina Italiana.

To begin planning your dining adventure on I-Drive, visit www.internationaldriveorlando.com and search by type of dining and budget for details.


Lisbon Restaurant
www.lisbonorlando.com
8441 International Drive, Suite 290, Orlando, FL 32819 (Next to the Coca-Cola Orlando Eye in I-Drive 360)

Born and raised in Portugal, Rui Borges has fond memories of the elaborate, festive meals with his family that took place around their kitchen table on the island of São Miguel in the Azores, Portugal. From a young age, Rui knew that food was his first love and his passion. In August 2016, he opened Lisbon Restaurant in the heart of International Drive at the Coca-Cola Orlando Eye. Named after the capital of Portugal, the restaurant’s menu is inspired by Rui’s Portuguese heritage. Chef Rui has created a well-balanced menu that is both rustic and refined. Lisbon’s menu includes various preparations of bacalhau (salted-cod), unforgettable seafood dishes, fresh fish and traditional Portuguese meat specialties.


Mama Louise Restaurant
407-345-1000 • www.mamalouiserestaurant.com
7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Suite 12, Orlando, FL 32819

On behalf of Mama Louise; myself, Joe Esposito, her son; and the entire Mama Louise Restaurant staff, we would like to thank everyone for being so supportive, especially the local market along with the tourists and convention visitors, who want to eat and dine where the locals do. Whenever you, your friends and family members join us at Mama Louise, we want you to know we consider each and every one of you family, and we will treat you as if you are. If for any reason we fall short in doing so, please let me know. I am usually here all the time, and I will personally fix it, replace it or cook it for you myself, and that is a promise that I know my mother would want me to keep. Thank you, Joe Esposito

In true tradition, as they say in Mama Louise Restaurant: Bring your friends and family for some classic Italian favorites and “shut up and eat!”


Mo-Chica Ceviche-Peruvian Grill
407-723-8416
5700 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819

Peruvian cuisine is known as the best in the world, and now Southwest residents can enjoy it without leaving their own backyards! Orlando’s newest Peruvian restaurant, Mo-Chica Ceviche-Peruvian Grill, has opened on International Drive. Its owner traveled extensively to Peru as a child with his Peruvian parents and fell in love with its culture and flavors. He decided to open Mo-Chica after realizing the richness of Peruvian cuisine, and he delights in sharing the delectable cuisine with others. The owner, who opened his first Peruvian restaurant more than 22 years ago, and the executive chef, who has opened Peruvian restaurants around the world, are thrilled to bring their world-class skills to the heart of Orlando. Patrons can partake in perfectly spiced Peruvian dishes, including ceviches, soups, seafood/meats and award-winning rotisserie chicken, “pollo a la brasa,” without breaking the bank. There is even a special lunch menu. Mo-Chica offers the best quality cuisine with the richest ingredients at the best prices, so that everyone can enjoy the exquisite fare! The owner calls it a “Casa Alegre” for its cheerful music and warm, cozy atmosphere. If you’ve never sampled contemporary Peruvian cuisine, try it today, and let your taste buds fall in love! You’ll be back again and again!

Mo-Chica is open Sunday-Thursday from 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.


New Punjab Indian Restaurant
407-352-7887 • www.punjabindianrestaurant.com
7451 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819

Open since 1988, New Punjab was the first Indian restaurant in Orlando. It does not have a second branch locally. New Punjab offers a large variety of vegetarian, chicken, lamb, Biryani and Tandoori dishes, as well as fish and shrimp. It also serves beer/wine, and fresh Indian breads are cooked only to order. New Punjab is open daily until 11 p.m. for lunch and dinner. Food can be ordered mild, medium or spicy, and takeout and delivery are available. Catering services for all sizes are offered. Bring your appetite! New Punjab promises you’ll leave with a satisfied belly.

Celebrating 29 successful years!


Slate
407-500-7528 • slateorlando.com
8323 W. Sand Lake Road, Orlando, FL 32819

Showcasing the seasons of Florida through modern American cuisine in a stylish Restaurant Row venue, Slate is open daily for dinner. Slate’s beverage program features scratch-made cocktails, local craft beer and a sommelier-curated wine selection. A happy hour menu is available weekdays from 5-6:30 p.m. Slate serves a critically acclaimed weekend brunch every Saturday and Sunday.

Visit Slate during Magical Dining Month (from Aug. 25-Oct. 1) for a special prix fixe menu featuring popular signature dishes. ♥