September is a great time to visit Florida - the weather is generally good and the summer crowds are receding.
Take advantage of some last minute availability at my vacation home and get yourself a great rate. I have availability in my beautiful home from 16th September to 9th October 2010.
Save $$$ with a fantastic late deal of onl US$800 per week during this time. This rate includes all taxes and final cleaning. Pool & spa heating is available for $180 per week or choose just spa heating for only $110 per week.
And we don't take a huge damage deposit from you either - a small one-off payment of $54 secures an insurance policy which covers you against any accidental damage for your entire stay. Peace of mind and no worries about getting your damage deposit back.
Looking for that last minute getaway to Florida - then look no further for luxury accommodation at a great value price. Visit http://www.floridaorlandovilla.com/ for more information or email Angela at ang@floridaorlandovilla.com to secure your booking now.
Wednesday, 15 September 2010
Friday, 2 July 2010
Restaurant Review - Disney's Victoria & Albert's at the Grand Floridian Resort
If you're looking for somewhere really special to eat while on holiday in Orlando then Disney's Victoria & Albert's restaurant is the perfect choice. The restaurant has been awarded the AAA Firve Diamond award which reflects its great food and service.
We've eaten there twice now, once as a couple and once with friends and both evenings were wonderful and I can really recommend giving it a try.
It's not a cheap night out but if you are looking for something special, I think it's worth every penny. Let's get the financial stuff out of the way first - it costs $125 per person which includes tax but drinks and tips are extra. They offer a wine pairing service - where you get a glass of wine to accompany each course - this is $60 per person. However, valet parking at the hotel is free if you are dining at the V&A so take advantage of this little perk.
The restaurant is open from 5pm to 9.45pm. Oh and this is one of the few Disney restaurants with a strict dress code. Gentlemen must wear a jacket, dress pants and shoes (a tie isn't compulsory though) and ladies are asked to wear evening wear - a cocktail dress or elegant trouser suit would be appropriate but long dresses will fit right in too. Definitely no flip flops, jeans, shorts, sandals, capri pants, tennis shoes or sneakers. So this is somewhere you need to go home and change after a day out and about in the sun. Dress to impress as they say!!
It's a very grown up environment and the meal itself takes between 2 and 2 1/2 hours so not really suitable for children. Well-behaved children over the age of 10 are admitted but strictly no under 10s. On our first visit there was a young boy (probably about 13/14) on the next table to us with a wedding party and he was a delightful young man - perfectly behaved and beautiful manners. If your child is like that I'm sure he'll be very welcome - if they're like my two boys - think food is for eating as quickly as possible so as not to interrupt their games and activities then it's definitely best to leave them at home. There is a kids club at the Grand Floridian where you can leave children up to 12 for supervised play while you dine.
Rather than eat in the main restaurant you can opt for the Chef's Table. I've not done this but I've read great reviews - you get to dine inside the kitchen and interact with the chef - tasting all the food etc. It doesn't appeal to me at all as I much prefer not sitting in the kitchen to eat my meal and I like the more formal nature of the main dining room but if you love cooking and want to take the opportunity to chat with the chef then you might enjoy this option. It does book up fast though so ring early.
In the main dining room, you'll be served by your own personal Victoria and Albert (yes, really - all the waiting staff are coinidentally called either Victoria or Albert! - how do they find them all I wonder?) - you get a personalised menu as well to take away as a souvenir.
So, now to the important stuff - what's on the menu? One of the highlights of the meal for me and my husband is the smallest course - the amuse bouche. My husband doesn't eat meat so they offered him the choice of choosing non-meat dishes from the main menu or ordering from the vegetarian menu (or he could mix/match - they are very accommodating). He chose to have the veggie menu so his amuse bouche was an even smaller morsel than mine because mine had a solitary prawn on it. But it's not meant to fill you up - it is just something to get your taste buds into anticipatory expectation - and it does. Such a tasty little morsel - and beautifully presented and served.
Starters included cavier (at an extra cost of from $60) - I'm not a huge fan myself so certainly wouldn't want to pay extra for it but it's there if you want it. More to my taste is the Gulf Shrimp or Minnesota Elk Carpaccio.
Then there is a fish course - options included Wild Turbot, Salmon and Halibut - all beautifully presented with tasty garnishes.
This was followed by a Zucchini-Tomato soup, White Asparagus or Duck confit. Each course seems quite small but it is surprising how full you get after just a few - and there are plenty more to come.
The entree course included a delicious Ranch Lamb, Pork Tenderloin or Veal - of the "Kobe" Beef for an extra $35. All served with potatoes and fresh veggies.
Now for the most serious course - you know what I mean - yes, that's it - DESSERT. Now everyone knows that dessert should be the largest course in a meal and this is something they get spot on at the V&A - their desserts are delicious, spectacular and very large! Particularly when you've already eaten quite enough already. But one has to have dessert!
The Kona Chocolate Souffle is heavenly, so is the Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee - and you won't be surprised to hear that so are the Grand Marnier Souffle, Banana Gateau and Chocolate pyramid. The spun sugar and other decorations make these such hugely special desserts.
Oh, I forgot to mention the cheese course. A small selection of delectable cheeses. Are you hungry yet?
Just time to relax with a coffee - even this is a spectacle at the V&A.
If you like the sound of it and want to try it for yourself, you can book a table at the V&A by ringing 407-939-3862
Disney's Victoria and Albert's - the perfect place for that special meal while staying at our fabulous vacation villa in Orlando, Florida - http://www.floridaorlandovilla.com/
We've eaten there twice now, once as a couple and once with friends and both evenings were wonderful and I can really recommend giving it a try.
It's not a cheap night out but if you are looking for something special, I think it's worth every penny. Let's get the financial stuff out of the way first - it costs $125 per person which includes tax but drinks and tips are extra. They offer a wine pairing service - where you get a glass of wine to accompany each course - this is $60 per person. However, valet parking at the hotel is free if you are dining at the V&A so take advantage of this little perk.
The restaurant is open from 5pm to 9.45pm. Oh and this is one of the few Disney restaurants with a strict dress code. Gentlemen must wear a jacket, dress pants and shoes (a tie isn't compulsory though) and ladies are asked to wear evening wear - a cocktail dress or elegant trouser suit would be appropriate but long dresses will fit right in too. Definitely no flip flops, jeans, shorts, sandals, capri pants, tennis shoes or sneakers. So this is somewhere you need to go home and change after a day out and about in the sun. Dress to impress as they say!!
It's a very grown up environment and the meal itself takes between 2 and 2 1/2 hours so not really suitable for children. Well-behaved children over the age of 10 are admitted but strictly no under 10s. On our first visit there was a young boy (probably about 13/14) on the next table to us with a wedding party and he was a delightful young man - perfectly behaved and beautiful manners. If your child is like that I'm sure he'll be very welcome - if they're like my two boys - think food is for eating as quickly as possible so as not to interrupt their games and activities then it's definitely best to leave them at home. There is a kids club at the Grand Floridian where you can leave children up to 12 for supervised play while you dine.
Rather than eat in the main restaurant you can opt for the Chef's Table. I've not done this but I've read great reviews - you get to dine inside the kitchen and interact with the chef - tasting all the food etc. It doesn't appeal to me at all as I much prefer not sitting in the kitchen to eat my meal and I like the more formal nature of the main dining room but if you love cooking and want to take the opportunity to chat with the chef then you might enjoy this option. It does book up fast though so ring early.
In the main dining room, you'll be served by your own personal Victoria and Albert (yes, really - all the waiting staff are coinidentally called either Victoria or Albert! - how do they find them all I wonder?) - you get a personalised menu as well to take away as a souvenir.
So, now to the important stuff - what's on the menu? One of the highlights of the meal for me and my husband is the smallest course - the amuse bouche. My husband doesn't eat meat so they offered him the choice of choosing non-meat dishes from the main menu or ordering from the vegetarian menu (or he could mix/match - they are very accommodating). He chose to have the veggie menu so his amuse bouche was an even smaller morsel than mine because mine had a solitary prawn on it. But it's not meant to fill you up - it is just something to get your taste buds into anticipatory expectation - and it does. Such a tasty little morsel - and beautifully presented and served.
Starters included cavier (at an extra cost of from $60) - I'm not a huge fan myself so certainly wouldn't want to pay extra for it but it's there if you want it. More to my taste is the Gulf Shrimp or Minnesota Elk Carpaccio.
Then there is a fish course - options included Wild Turbot, Salmon and Halibut - all beautifully presented with tasty garnishes.
This was followed by a Zucchini-Tomato soup, White Asparagus or Duck confit. Each course seems quite small but it is surprising how full you get after just a few - and there are plenty more to come.
The entree course included a delicious Ranch Lamb, Pork Tenderloin or Veal - of the "Kobe" Beef for an extra $35. All served with potatoes and fresh veggies.
Now for the most serious course - you know what I mean - yes, that's it - DESSERT. Now everyone knows that dessert should be the largest course in a meal and this is something they get spot on at the V&A - their desserts are delicious, spectacular and very large! Particularly when you've already eaten quite enough already. But one has to have dessert!
The Kona Chocolate Souffle is heavenly, so is the Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee - and you won't be surprised to hear that so are the Grand Marnier Souffle, Banana Gateau and Chocolate pyramid. The spun sugar and other decorations make these such hugely special desserts.
Oh, I forgot to mention the cheese course. A small selection of delectable cheeses. Are you hungry yet?
Just time to relax with a coffee - even this is a spectacle at the V&A.
If you like the sound of it and want to try it for yourself, you can book a table at the V&A by ringing 407-939-3862
Disney's Victoria and Albert's - the perfect place for that special meal while staying at our fabulous vacation villa in Orlando, Florida - http://www.floridaorlandovilla.com/
Tuesday, 29 June 2010
Why is staying in a vacation villa better value than staying in a hotel?
A lot of people who go to the Orlando area on holiday still stay in hotels. Perhaps it's because staying in a hotel is the obvious choice when you go on holiday - but is it?
There are so many more benefits to staying in a vacation villa but is it still bette value to stay in a hotel? Let's compare:
One of the nearest big hotels to my villa is Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge - and a very impressive hotel it is too. I've chosen it because it makes sense to use a hotel in the same general location - although we are a few minutes drive west of the AKL the same restaurants, shops, theme parks are close to both of us.
My villa sleeps up to 10 in 4 bedrooms and a sofa bed in the lounge but for the purposes of this comparison we'll say 8 so we won't use the sofa bed. Let's take a large family group - Grandma and Grandpa, Mum and Dad, 20 year old son with his new wife and two younger children. Just the kind of family group that enjoy a fabulous vacation in sunny Orlando, Florida.
Staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge for this group would need at least 3 rooms - unless the newly-weds don't mind sharing with Grandma and Grandpa - but we'll assume that's not a popular option.
That means the cheapest option is 3 x standard rooms (with Mum and Dad sharing with the kids) -the total cost for the 3 rooms for a week in August is £4074 - thankfully, that includes tax.
Now let's look at the cost to stay at my villa for a week for this group of 8 people - the same week in August would cost the grand total of £695. That's not per person - that's for the entire villa. And you get 4 rooms so Mum and Dad can have a room to themselves.
So now I've got your attention - well that's a saving of £3379 - think what you can do with that on your vacation.
Just as an aside - even for a couple - (or for a family of 4 all sharing one room) there is a saving of £663 to stay at my villa - and of course no sharing - well not unless you want to.
So cost for cost it's just obvious isn't it - staying at my vacation villa makes perfect sense. So how to the facilities compare - we've already looked at the issue of space and in the villa you get so much more for your money.
At the AKL you get a room with two double beds, a bathroom, TV, coffee maker, fridge, safe, iron and board, hairdryer.
At the villa you get cable TV in every bedroom - our master bedroom has a king-sized bed and it's own bathroom, in addition there is a 2nd bathroom, double bedroom and two bedrooms with twin-beds. Like Disney we like a little bit of theming so we have a beautiful Mickey & Friends bedroom with wrought iron Mickey ears beds, Disney artwork and little touches like the ears rug. We also provide hair dryers in both bathrooms.
We also provide a coffee maker, fridge and iron and board but unlike the hotel, my villa has a full kitchen with full-size fridge-freezer, cooker, microwave, kettle, pots/pans etc, crockery and cutlery - plus a full size washer and dryer - and plenty of space to sit and eat - we have seating for everyone - with 6 seats at the main dining room table and 4 seats at the smaller nook table.
So far it's looking good for the villa isn't it? And, remember that £3379 you're saving!!!!
The hotel has a nice pool area - well so do we. Ok, our pool isn't quite as large but then you don't have to share ours - and it doesn't close. In the cooler months, you'll also find ours is much warmer if you have the pool heating on. The hotel has plenty of loungers and chairs to relax but if you want to use one you'll have to get up early and put your towel down. In my villa you can wander out whenever you want and sit in the sun - these loungers - very comfortable padded ones too - are exclusively for you and the only people sitting on them will be you.
The hotel has a spa - but you might have to wait to get a turn in it. And when you do get your turn, you may well have to share. Oh, for exclusive access to the spa - where you can relax for as long as you like - even take a glass of wine perhaps without getting glares from impatient people waiting for their turn. Remember, there is no waiting your turn at the villa - every facilty we have is exclusively for you!!! Go on - you deserve it!
If you want a larger pool for laps we can provide that too - although I can't guarantee you won't have to share the community pool, it's always much quieter than a hotel pool. The community also have a tennis court and basketball court - both of which have been recently refurbished and are in excellent condition and available only to residents and guests.
So, where was I? What other facilities does the hotel have on offer? Well there's the lounge and bar areas. The lounge areas have some nice comfy sofas to relax in although it's a bit public to put your feet up and there's no TV - back to your room for that. The lounge area in my villa is perfect for relaxing - comfy sofas - a convenient coffee table for your drinks - and a large 37" LCD TV with extended cable package - which means you can relax and catch up on British sport - yes, premiership football (England and Scotland) - no need to drive all over Orlando looking for a pub with the British sport on it when you stay in my villa. For those who're not so keen on sport, our cable TV shows a huge range of movies/sitcoms/comedy/cartoons etc as well - and best of all you can watch a different channel is every bedroom if you want to - so no more arguing over what to watch.
The hotel offers a video games room which is great but unless your kids are older you'll have to go down and supervise them so no putting your feet up. On the other hand, in my villa we have a games room - with pool table and a multi-activity fussball table - plus magnetic darts (no pointy bits!) and we have a playstation 2 with games as well. So plenty to keep the kids amused - and when the kids are happy!!!!!!!
What about restaurants and bars? Well, the hotel does have these - and the villa doesn't - sorry!!! BUT - we are within 2 minutes of Super-Walmart (open 24 hours a day) and two other supermarkets so you can stock up on beer/wine/soft drinks and bring them back to the vila with you where they will chill very nicely in our large fridge (and there's an ice maker in the freezer too). We even supply plastic glasses (even wine glasses) so you are very welcome to take drinks outside and relax on the pool deck (or in the spa) - I love a really cold glass of sparkling wine in the evening while lounging in the spa.
If it really has to be a bar, then there is one within walking distance - less than 5 minutes - which has a full liquor licence.
There are restaurants within walking distance although if you don't mind driving for 5-10 minutes you'll get such a huge selection it's hard to choose. And, there's always the option of eating in at the villa - either cooking yourself - how about a bbq? Or there are plenty of take aways nearby - many of which will deliver to the villa.
Have I convinced you yet? You've got to admit it's far better value to stay in a villa than a hotel - even if your party is a small one. All that space, all those exclusive amenities. Try it, you'll like it!
Now the only decisions to be made are when do you want to stay? Contact me now and I can help you with availability and provide a personal quote - http://www.floridaorlandovilla.com/
And, what are you going to spend that £3379 on that you've just saved? You can contact me about that too if you like - perhaps you'd like to stay an extra week!
There are so many more benefits to staying in a vacation villa but is it still bette value to stay in a hotel? Let's compare:
One of the nearest big hotels to my villa is Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge - and a very impressive hotel it is too. I've chosen it because it makes sense to use a hotel in the same general location - although we are a few minutes drive west of the AKL the same restaurants, shops, theme parks are close to both of us.
My villa sleeps up to 10 in 4 bedrooms and a sofa bed in the lounge but for the purposes of this comparison we'll say 8 so we won't use the sofa bed. Let's take a large family group - Grandma and Grandpa, Mum and Dad, 20 year old son with his new wife and two younger children. Just the kind of family group that enjoy a fabulous vacation in sunny Orlando, Florida.
Staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge for this group would need at least 3 rooms - unless the newly-weds don't mind sharing with Grandma and Grandpa - but we'll assume that's not a popular option.
That means the cheapest option is 3 x standard rooms (with Mum and Dad sharing with the kids) -the total cost for the 3 rooms for a week in August is £4074 - thankfully, that includes tax.
Now let's look at the cost to stay at my villa for a week for this group of 8 people - the same week in August would cost the grand total of £695. That's not per person - that's for the entire villa. And you get 4 rooms so Mum and Dad can have a room to themselves.
So now I've got your attention - well that's a saving of £3379 - think what you can do with that on your vacation.
Just as an aside - even for a couple - (or for a family of 4 all sharing one room) there is a saving of £663 to stay at my villa - and of course no sharing - well not unless you want to.
So cost for cost it's just obvious isn't it - staying at my vacation villa makes perfect sense. So how to the facilities compare - we've already looked at the issue of space and in the villa you get so much more for your money.
At the AKL you get a room with two double beds, a bathroom, TV, coffee maker, fridge, safe, iron and board, hairdryer.
At the villa you get cable TV in every bedroom - our master bedroom has a king-sized bed and it's own bathroom, in addition there is a 2nd bathroom, double bedroom and two bedrooms with twin-beds. Like Disney we like a little bit of theming so we have a beautiful Mickey & Friends bedroom with wrought iron Mickey ears beds, Disney artwork and little touches like the ears rug. We also provide hair dryers in both bathrooms.
We also provide a coffee maker, fridge and iron and board but unlike the hotel, my villa has a full kitchen with full-size fridge-freezer, cooker, microwave, kettle, pots/pans etc, crockery and cutlery - plus a full size washer and dryer - and plenty of space to sit and eat - we have seating for everyone - with 6 seats at the main dining room table and 4 seats at the smaller nook table.
So far it's looking good for the villa isn't it? And, remember that £3379 you're saving!!!!
The hotel has a nice pool area - well so do we. Ok, our pool isn't quite as large but then you don't have to share ours - and it doesn't close. In the cooler months, you'll also find ours is much warmer if you have the pool heating on. The hotel has plenty of loungers and chairs to relax but if you want to use one you'll have to get up early and put your towel down. In my villa you can wander out whenever you want and sit in the sun - these loungers - very comfortable padded ones too - are exclusively for you and the only people sitting on them will be you.
The hotel has a spa - but you might have to wait to get a turn in it. And when you do get your turn, you may well have to share. Oh, for exclusive access to the spa - where you can relax for as long as you like - even take a glass of wine perhaps without getting glares from impatient people waiting for their turn. Remember, there is no waiting your turn at the villa - every facilty we have is exclusively for you!!! Go on - you deserve it!
If you want a larger pool for laps we can provide that too - although I can't guarantee you won't have to share the community pool, it's always much quieter than a hotel pool. The community also have a tennis court and basketball court - both of which have been recently refurbished and are in excellent condition and available only to residents and guests.
So, where was I? What other facilities does the hotel have on offer? Well there's the lounge and bar areas. The lounge areas have some nice comfy sofas to relax in although it's a bit public to put your feet up and there's no TV - back to your room for that. The lounge area in my villa is perfect for relaxing - comfy sofas - a convenient coffee table for your drinks - and a large 37" LCD TV with extended cable package - which means you can relax and catch up on British sport - yes, premiership football (England and Scotland) - no need to drive all over Orlando looking for a pub with the British sport on it when you stay in my villa. For those who're not so keen on sport, our cable TV shows a huge range of movies/sitcoms/comedy/cartoons etc as well - and best of all you can watch a different channel is every bedroom if you want to - so no more arguing over what to watch.
The hotel offers a video games room which is great but unless your kids are older you'll have to go down and supervise them so no putting your feet up. On the other hand, in my villa we have a games room - with pool table and a multi-activity fussball table - plus magnetic darts (no pointy bits!) and we have a playstation 2 with games as well. So plenty to keep the kids amused - and when the kids are happy!!!!!!!
What about restaurants and bars? Well, the hotel does have these - and the villa doesn't - sorry!!! BUT - we are within 2 minutes of Super-Walmart (open 24 hours a day) and two other supermarkets so you can stock up on beer/wine/soft drinks and bring them back to the vila with you where they will chill very nicely in our large fridge (and there's an ice maker in the freezer too). We even supply plastic glasses (even wine glasses) so you are very welcome to take drinks outside and relax on the pool deck (or in the spa) - I love a really cold glass of sparkling wine in the evening while lounging in the spa.
If it really has to be a bar, then there is one within walking distance - less than 5 minutes - which has a full liquor licence.
There are restaurants within walking distance although if you don't mind driving for 5-10 minutes you'll get such a huge selection it's hard to choose. And, there's always the option of eating in at the villa - either cooking yourself - how about a bbq? Or there are plenty of take aways nearby - many of which will deliver to the villa.
Have I convinced you yet? You've got to admit it's far better value to stay in a villa than a hotel - even if your party is a small one. All that space, all those exclusive amenities. Try it, you'll like it!
Now the only decisions to be made are when do you want to stay? Contact me now and I can help you with availability and provide a personal quote - http://www.floridaorlandovilla.com/
And, what are you going to spend that £3379 on that you've just saved? You can contact me about that too if you like - perhaps you'd like to stay an extra week!
Saturday, 26 June 2010
Orlando Restaurant Review - Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant
Raglan Road restaurant is located at Downtown Disney and is open for lunch, dinner and late-night snacks. You can find it just through Pleasure Island if approaching from the Cirque de Soleil end or just before Pleasure Island if approaching from the Disney Marketplace end.
This is a great location - plenty of free parking and easy to get too. We usually find there is more available parking if you drive to the Cirque/Disney Quest end of the parking lot as the Marketplace parking can get quite full - it's no further to walk.
Raglan Road has become one of our favourite eating places at Disney. The atmosphere is relaxed and fun and the service is good. It is popular so well worth calling ahead for a reservation although we've always managed to get next-day and same-day reservations so it's quite doable. You can ring Disney Dining for reservations on 407-939-3463 - and you can also book online at http://www.opentable.com/ - which I find particularly convenient.
The food is good and the menu has something for everyone. Themed around authentic Irish food created by one of Ireland's celebrity chefs, Kevin Dundon - the menu includes such favourites as fish 'n' chips, Irish beef stew, bangers and mash and of course you can get a pint of Guiness here too.
Other dishes include Crock 'o' Mussels, Shepherd's Pie, Sirloin Burger, Ribs, Sirloin Steak. They do a fabulous Chowder called 'It's not bleedin' chowder' full of musells, prawns, scallops etc - very tasty.
Desserts include Bread and Butter pudding, Strawberry and apple crumble, Bailey's Creme Brulee, Trifle or there's a fruit basket with yoghurt and honey. Dunbrody Kiss is an absolute stunner - made of chocolate and chocolate - and more chocolate.
There's also an all-day Bar menu featuring soups and some of the pub classics and there's a kids menu too with burger, chicken goujons and small versions of the shepherd's pie and fish and chips.
In addition to the Guinness they have a full drinks list - the best of Irish and European beers which includes Murphy's, Smithwick, Newcastle Brown and Boddington's Ales plus a range of lagers such as Harp, Stella and Kronenbourg.
They also feature a range of both Irish Whiskey and Scotch Whisky and some great cocktails - 'One for the Road', 'Double Berry Tini', 'The Dubliner' and 'Chocolate Martini' - oh so much chocolate - notice a bit of a theme here!!! Of course, they also have a full bar menu and soft drinks.
The music is lively Irish music and guests are encouraged to get up and dance if they want to.
The perfect place to eat when staying at our beautiful vacation villa in Orlando Florida - http://www.floridaorlandovilla.com/
This is a great location - plenty of free parking and easy to get too. We usually find there is more available parking if you drive to the Cirque/Disney Quest end of the parking lot as the Marketplace parking can get quite full - it's no further to walk.
Raglan Road has become one of our favourite eating places at Disney. The atmosphere is relaxed and fun and the service is good. It is popular so well worth calling ahead for a reservation although we've always managed to get next-day and same-day reservations so it's quite doable. You can ring Disney Dining for reservations on 407-939-3463 - and you can also book online at http://www.opentable.com/ - which I find particularly convenient.
The food is good and the menu has something for everyone. Themed around authentic Irish food created by one of Ireland's celebrity chefs, Kevin Dundon - the menu includes such favourites as fish 'n' chips, Irish beef stew, bangers and mash and of course you can get a pint of Guiness here too.
Other dishes include Crock 'o' Mussels, Shepherd's Pie, Sirloin Burger, Ribs, Sirloin Steak. They do a fabulous Chowder called 'It's not bleedin' chowder' full of musells, prawns, scallops etc - very tasty.
Desserts include Bread and Butter pudding, Strawberry and apple crumble, Bailey's Creme Brulee, Trifle or there's a fruit basket with yoghurt and honey. Dunbrody Kiss is an absolute stunner - made of chocolate and chocolate - and more chocolate.
There's also an all-day Bar menu featuring soups and some of the pub classics and there's a kids menu too with burger, chicken goujons and small versions of the shepherd's pie and fish and chips.
In addition to the Guinness they have a full drinks list - the best of Irish and European beers which includes Murphy's, Smithwick, Newcastle Brown and Boddington's Ales plus a range of lagers such as Harp, Stella and Kronenbourg.
They also feature a range of both Irish Whiskey and Scotch Whisky and some great cocktails - 'One for the Road', 'Double Berry Tini', 'The Dubliner' and 'Chocolate Martini' - oh so much chocolate - notice a bit of a theme here!!! Of course, they also have a full bar menu and soft drinks.
The music is lively Irish music and guests are encouraged to get up and dance if they want to.
The perfect place to eat when staying at our beautiful vacation villa in Orlando Florida - http://www.floridaorlandovilla.com/
Friday, 25 June 2010
Orlando Restaurant Review - Seasons 52
I discovered this gem of a restaurant a couple of years ago and it really is a find. They specialise in serving really tasty, fresh food which is healthy and wonderful to look at. The menus are seasonal which means the foods are prepared when they are at their best. Using fresh ingredients means the colour of the food is spectacular, take a look at these photos.
Am I making you hungry? Wait until you see the fabulous desserts on offer. Because this is a restuarant which focuses on healthy eating they have these marvellous mini indulgences which are small versions of traditional desserts.
Favourites include: Key Lime Pie, Old Fashioned Carrot Cake, Rocky Road, Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse, Mocha Macchiato and Pecan Pie. From time to time they also feature seasonal favourites like Pumpkin Pie Mini with Double Gingersnap Crust in the Fall, Strawberry Shortcake in the Spring and Summer Blueberry Cheesecake in the Summer.
Add to this a well stocked wine list and a casually elegant and very welcoming atmosphere and you'll see why Seasons 52 is now on my must-do list for our stays in the Orlando area.
They also do a range of alternative menus for those with specials requirements including: low sodium, gluten free, garlic free, vegetarian and vegan. They even have a take out menu - beats any takeaway I've ever had.
There are restaurants all over Florida so look out for them in Altamonte Springs, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach Gardens and Tampa as well as Orlando.
You can find the Orlando restaurant at:
Plaza Venezia
7700 Sand Lake Road
Orlando, FL 32819
Phone: (407) 354-5212
Fax: (407) 345-1109
Restaurant Hours
Monday-Friday:
Lunch: 11:30AM - 2:30PM
Dinner: 5:00PM - 10:00PM
(11:00PM on Friday)
Saturday:
Open 11:30AM - 11:00PM
Sunday:
Open 11:30AM - 10:00PM
You can even book online:
http://www.seasons52.com/reservations1.asp
For all the details including sample menus, check out their website at http://www.seasons52.com/
The perfect place to eat while staying at our beautiful vacation villa in Orlando Florida - http://www.floridaorlandovilla.com/
Orlando Restaurant Review - Olive Garden
One of my favourite restaurants for lunch in the Orlando/Disney area. Although this is a very popular restaurant that often has queues in the evening for dinner it is usually much quieter for lunch. Not that it's not worth waiting for in the evening - and they deal with queues very efficiently using a pager. We find we can usually walk straight in at lunchtime and get at table for 4 or 6.
The lunchtime 'Soup and Salad' option is fantastic value and you get the wonderful garlic breadsticks as well. They keep them coming too so no danger of going home early. The fresh, green salad is one of the reasons I love this place so much.
If you want something a bit more substantial, then all the entrees come with choice of salad or soup and of course, the breadsticks. The minestrone soup is particularly popular with my family. You can also order a choice of dipping sauces for the breadsticks but they are just as wonderful on their own.
The lunchtime menu includes a good range of pizza and pizza dishes whilst the evening menu contains are rather more extensive range of meat and fish dishes as well. I've never been able to fit in a dessert after all those breadsticks but if anyone has and can offer an opinion let me know.
The perfect place to eat while staying at our beautiful vacation villa in Orlando Florida - http://www.floridaorlandovilla.com/
Wednesday, 23 June 2010
Free wifi at Orlando International Airport
Travellers to Orlando International Airport will be pleased to hear that the airport will be offering free wifi as part of a deal worked out with Google. There will also be up to 50 free internet surfing kiosks installed for those who don't have a laptop with them.
Free phone calls will also be available via Google VOICE for international travellers. There are rumours of British-style telephone boxes being installed.
There will, of course, be advertising but Google insist this will not be intrusive.
Sounds good.
Free phone calls will also be available via Google VOICE for international travellers. There are rumours of British-style telephone boxes being installed.
There will, of course, be advertising but Google insist this will not be intrusive.
Sounds good.
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