Heat Tandoor & Lounge

Chicken Pakora

**NOTE: Heat closed in July, just four months after this review was written**

I can't BELIEVE the City of Orlando issued a PERMIT to the owners of a restaurant/lounge called "Heat"---just two blocks from the Amway Center! The nerve.....
But we should all be glad the city did it! The food at this tapas-style restaurant/lounge is delicious! Although, that was in March, shortly after it opened. Ask a few of my girlfriends, and they will tell you the food is garbage! And their service came with a whif of HOT GARBAGE (as they were seated by the men's restroom). Anyway...maybe I was taken by the  cocktails -- made with fresh fruit, none of that concentrate stuff.  Special thanks to my co-worker,
Q. McCray for turning me on to Heat!
My girlfriend and I went on a Tuesday night. Heat Tandoor and Lounge is tucked away, next to the 55 West condo building on Church Street. Even if you blink, you won't miss it! The outdoor patio is huge! And the space inside is going to be PERFECT for events during All Star Weekend in Orlando next year. And the owners are obviously prepared. They already have red velvet VIP ropes dangling around the private booths, draped with long sheers. This place is elegant and upscale, inside and out! And the service was right up my alley!

But let's get to the food! This is a "Tandoor" restaurant. I'm with MOST of you. I didn't know what it was, either. The manager was nice enough to explain..but here's the Wikipedia version... "A Tandoor is commonly used for cooking in the Middle East. It's a clay oven, and the heat for it is generated through charcoal or wood burning fire, which they have on display at Heat. If you reserve the right table, you can see the chef at work!  Your food is exposed to a live fire! The temperature can reach 900 degrees F! Hence, the name.."Heat.."

Mexican Simosas

Char Sui Chicken

Not to mention..many of the items on the menu (yes, the drinks, too) are seasoned with cayenne pepper, fresh peppers, curry seasoning, Asian and Indian flavors.  Our waitress had a super cute England accent, and she was so friendly. More than willing to go over the menu with us, being it was our first time. We decided on the Mexican Simosas, Char Sui Chicken  and Chicken Pakora. All three dishes, invited their own flavor! You can see I just couldn't wait to bite into the Char Sui Chicken (see picture above). I destroyed the presentation before I took a picture to show you all! LOL! I love the Watermelon Inferno, offered on the cocktail menu. I would suggest you stay far away from the "SPICY MARGAR-HEAT-A" ..unless you have a designated driver. We all have complained about watered-down drinks. This place has no problem sparring the alcohol, and this cocktail proves it! Now, who's to say that won't change when business picks up. But for now...all is good!

Now, I can't really tell you too much about the crowd at Heat because we were obviously there on a slow night, even the manager admitted they have stopped bringing in the live band on Tuesdays because it's too slow.  There is still a band on site Wednesday-Friday. Wednesday is "Latin Night." The best part about Heat is its proximity to the Amway Center. Sorry Magic Fans... And the happy hour specials aren't bad either.This is the downtown version of "Blue Martini.." Ladies..if you go..don't forget to ask for a VIP card :)

Cost for 2: $40
Parking: It's downtown. Suck up the cost to park in a garage and enjoy yourself.