Eats in Orlando

I spent the last week in Orlando at a conference with Golden Crown Literary Society. Unfortunately, while the conference was great, I didn't get much of a chance to eat away from the hotel.

Andiamo Italian Bistro had incredibly large portions and prices to match. The calamari was exceptional but the sauces were a little bland. My Lemon Piccata Chicken with fettuccine was very good. My Mom got the Shrimp Fra Diavolo with Angel Hair Pasta and it was very tasty but too big for either of us to finish.

Benihana Steakhouse and Sushi does put on quite a dinner and a show. We had dinner after the Board meeting here and the pomegranate margarita was tasty, the edamame salty, and my shrimp and steak was cooked perfectly. The rainbow sherbet at the end was a lovely palate cleanser.

Chevy's is a chain but, boy oh boy can they make a mean margarita. Their guacamole is fabulous as well. Of course, after pigging out on chips and drinks, it was hard to finish my fajitas. Mom had the same trouble with her tacos but we were both feeling no pain, so it was ALL good!

Rain forest Cafe is amusement park eats. The animatronic creatures, rain fall and numerous aquariums helped take one's mind off the food which wasn't very memorable anyway. I had a steak and shrimp plate and the shrimp were with pure white, farm raised flavorless varieties made worse by the weak garlic butter sauce. The garlic mashed potatoes were good as was the volcano brownie dessert that served 4.

Chick-fil-a makes a great chicken sandwich. Those two pickles are crucial and, add a lemonade, and you've got one of the best fast food lunches on the planet.