Last weekend I spent a very enjoyable weekend in Orlando, Florida. In addition to getting my bumbling body thrown around the Universal Studios rollercoasters (and soaked on the Jurassic Park ride), I got to try two great restaurants thanks to the recommendations of my host and friend Bryan. One was for brunch, the other for dinner.
More on both those places in a moment. But a quick note to also praise Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville at Universal Studios, where I had dinner Saturday night. I already sang the praises of the original Margaritaville in Key West, Florida, a few months ago, and the Orlando venue is worthy of the same plaudits.
DEXTER’S
808 East Washington Street
A popular place. My friend and I were looking for a mildly boozy Sunday brunch, and he suggested Dexter’s. The crowd of people waiting for seats had me worried for a long wait, but we were seated fairly quickly. All the usual brunch standbys are on offer — omelets, French toast, mimosas. My ham, cheese and tomato omelet was very well done, thick cuts of meat and so much cheddar cheese it oozed out following a first cut of the omelet. All washed down with delicious flavored mimosas, the mango mimosa being my favorite.
CEVICHE
125 West Church Street
Faultless meal at this tapas bar and restaurant. A warm and welcoming place serving small plates of Spanish food. Calling the plates “small” is a little misleading because the generous servings at Ceviche mean that you’ll probably be feeling full after the third or fourth plate. My friends and I tried a wide range of fish dishes (octopus, anyone?), meat and more. It was all excellent, flavorful food served by an incredibly friendly waiter. The flan dessert and the red wine sangria were also great. Definitely worth a visit.