VIRGIN OLIVE MARKET

You ever have that special toy that you never wanted to share with your friends when they stopped by to play? Not even your BEST friend? What about the time you got a new gadget and you flipped out every time someone looked at it the wrong way?

That's how I feel about Virgin Olive Market! I've eaten at Virgin Olive Market  no less than 100 times! I'm not exagerrating! Ask ANY photographer at Channel 9. Read my Twitter feed. Ask Fiona. She's the clerk/counselor/cook, who has my order memorized. And on the off occasion that I think about ordering something different, she asks if it'll be one of two recipes taped to the cash register. Both are special order items, just for me.  There are two locations: Orange Avenue, next to Citrus and Central Avenue, between Hue and Cityfish, in Thornton Park. I LIVE at the Thornton Park location.

All of that being said, I can't figure out why it's taken me THIS long to write about my all time FAVORITE downtown eatery. Perhaps, I've been selfish. I didn't want to have to worry about them running out of chicken, long lines or sharing the cozy couches with others.  I had the same problem when I recommended Freesia Beauty Spa to a few friends. Now, I can barely get a nail appointment because she's always "booked."

I digress...

It was a Sunday after church. I slipped on a pair of capris, a wrinkled white polo and a pair of comfy flip flops. Laptop in hand, I walked a few blocks, and decided I'd write about why YOU too should experience Virgin Olive Market. I always feel like I'm on an episode of Cheers when I walk in. Now, Virgin Olive Market is a little more modern, and it's not exactly a bar. It's tucked inside a renovated space called "Urban ReThink." So more likely than not, you'll find people in offices, holding meetings. It was designed so that people who work from home, can rent office space if they need to have small meetings. It's also a good spot to find city leaders (tip for my reporter friends) at lunch time. On this particular day, a group of Rollins College  students occupied the downstairs meeting room, and two older businessmen were working on laptops in the main eating area.

I ALWAYS get the breakfast burrito on a whole wheat wrap with scrambled eggs, red peppers, swiss cheese, turkey sausage--oh it is DELICIOUS, and so moist! It's a slight variation from the breakfast burrito listed on the menu. I also LOVE the yogurt bowl, mixed with strawberries, blueberries and HOMEMADE granola...

On this Sunday, the owner, Tiffany Harris cooked french toast. It was topped with strawberries, blueberries and came with a side of scrambled eggs. It wasn't on the menu, but again, that's what I like about this place, they're flexible, and they always aim to please the customer.

Once you get hooked on the breakfast, it's all uphill (yes, uphill) from there because the lunch is even better! From the hummas wraps to the DIVA (my favorite) to the tuna. Everything is so healthy, and made with fresh ingredients, and just about everything on the menu includes some sort of fresh vegetable. And they kill the stereotype associated with healthy eating because--it's REASONABLY priced! Tell me where can you go and have a GOOD roasted turket breast/swiss/alfalfa sprouts/cucumber slices/tomato/onion/pesto on wheat bread for $5.95...

The owners, "Berto & TIffany Harris" have come a long way from the old cramped space on Clay Street, in Winter Park. This "NEIGHBORHOOD NOSHERY"(as they like to call it) really is ---a place where good friends and good food come together.

You'll notice, I haven't posted any pictures with this post. This time, you'll just have to trust me. Stop by, and try it for yourself :)

Price for 2: $15
Parking: It's downtown. You can walk from home if you live nearby, or try the garage on Eola Drive

NICK'S ITALIAN KITCHEN

Tortelloni

NICK'S ITALIAN KITCHEN is the newest fine dining spot in downtown Orlando's Thornton Park neighborhood. The location is risky. In the last three years, I've witnessed at least two other restaurants move in and out in a matter of months. The restaurant is underneath the Sanctuary condominium complex on Eola Drive. And there are quite a few other condos nearby, so it makes you wonder what went wrong with the other restaurants. Maybe it was the  bad food! You don't have to worry about that at Nick's..at least ...not from what I've tasted.

The Mister is an Italian food fanatic! He is also extremely picky. We stopped by Nick's one night after Bible Study. It's a weekly ritual. Thursday Bible Study and then dinner. It's like a pre-date night, to our official Friday date night :)

What impressed me about Nick's was the manager. Remember this place is owned by the same people who own the Funky Monkey, the Prickly Pear and Bananas (see last review). The manager at Nick's greeted us when we walked in. Now, it was a slow night. But he couldn't been sitting in back, chilling with a glass of wine (they have quit the selection). Instead, he was greeting guests, and trying to protect an image that I hope the place can maintain. It's like the boyfriend who starts out opening your car door, months later, you're standing there waiting, looking like a fool...I digress.

The atmosphere of NICK's is so romantic. Low lighting and quiet. All they need is a nice jazz band (hint..hint).  There was a table full of suits at a table across the room, but there was another couple near us, so don't feel like this is only a place for couples.

Polla al matone

There are more wine selections than food, but there are enough options...What's interesting is that you won't find your typical Italian dishes at Nick's. In fact, the Mister diverted from the menu and ordered Chicken Alfredo.  It came with linguine noodles, instead of fettuccine, which is what he expected. I blame him. You should never order something that's not on the menu. It's risky, no matter how simple. That's why it's called a menu..LOL! The Mister said he didn't hate the dish, just won't venture off the menu, again..LOL! We went back a week later. He ordered the Pollo al matone, and loved every piece of the boneless chicken, smothered in wine grape sauce, surrounded by roasted shallots!

Tortelloni

I stuck to the menu both times we visited! And it's a good thing I did! The tortelloni was divine! So much so, I had it both times!  It melts in your mouth!! This dish is filled with butternut squash, biscotti, with a sage truffled butter sauce. Now listen, I've never had squash, and thought twice about trying it for the first time before I ordered it. But this tortelloni was so sweet and succulent, I forgot I was eating squash!

You know I'm a stickler for good service. During our second visit to Nick's, the manager actually  remembered us! The waiter thanked us for stopping by, again.  Most restaurant servers/owners/managers don't realize that little things like that will make a customer feel at home, and almost certainly guarantee a return visit...and a large tip. The icing on the cake: we declined dessert because we were stuffed! The chef sent us out samples, anyway! And we cleaned the tiny glasses of tiramisu and crema caramella. You should definitely leave room for these delights.

Tiramisu & Crema Caramella

The Mister is so funny! He didn't want them to know we enjoyed the meal and dessert too much, so he left a little bit of his wine on the table. "You can't let them know you enjoyed EVERYTHING!" LOL!

Downside to this spot..it's a bit pricey. But hey, it is "fine dining.."

Dinner for 2: $50
Parking: Forced to valet, unless you can find street parking, which can be slim pickings downtown.
Dress: Don't feel like you have to dress up. Some were in jeans, including us!

Bananas

Bananas is BANANAS! I immediately fell in love with this place when I walked in! It's location is somewhat hidden, unless you'e familiar with all the quaint spots in Orlando's Colonialtown neighborhood. The demographic is similar to what you will find in downtown Orlando. You, single, eclectic crowd...there is a lot of character in this neighborhood! There are a few consignment shops nearby too, if you're in the mood to shop...

The Mister and I were having dinner at Nick's Italian Kitchen, recently. The manager recommended we try Bananas! Both restaurants are owned by the same people. They also own the Funky Monkey next door. Bananas is alright with me, first off, because it serves breakfast 24 hours/day on weekends! I don't know what it is, but breakfast on Saturday or Sunday afternoon makes my mouth water! It's strange because I'm not a big fan of breakfast during the week.

The inside of BANANAS is eclectic! Nothing fancy, dark, and different...if you look closely, you'll be able to tell the beautiful women on the walls are actually men, dressed in drag....
The Mister and I got excited when we saw the sign up front, advertising a "Gospel Brunch" on Sunday, until we found out, it's actually a "drag" show, featuring tons of vulgar language, and sometimes near naked men/women, pretending to be on Broadway in New York City's Times Square!

I'm not judging..just not my thing. And don't let that  sway you from missing out on some of the best breakfast I've had! If you're not into it, just don't go on Sunday. Saturday is free and clear of any shows..as far as I know :)

Our server was enthusiastic and engaging. She took time to explain the menu, and events being featured at the restaurant (even though they were swamped), which is how we found out about the "drag show".......

***clearing throat***

I mean "Gospel Brunch" ..... :)

Stuffed French Toast

EVERYTHING on the menu sounds FANTASTIC! I had a hard time deciding! You know there are some places where the menu is just overwhelming, but it all sounds like a bunch of garbage packaged on a nice plate...This is not the case at BANANAS! I settled on the Stuffed French Toast! It's coated with rice crispy's, stuffed with strawberries and creme cheese! Trust me...you don't need any sides with this item (although it comes with eggs, sausage, etc.). You will walk away satisfied, with a strong urge to press the speed limit, as you make your way to the gym! Don't fret about the LONG wait for your food (yes, it can be up to 30 minutes). I think it's well worth it. As the manager explained, everything is made from scratch! The manager also put a nice touch on the visit when he stopped by our table to explain a little more about the character and background of the restaurant. It's the little things...

That being said, I strongly recommend this place. It's not a chain (although the owners are in the process of opening a second location at Pointe Orlando), and that's always a plus!

Price: $20 (for two)
Parking: Can be cramped, depending on time of day. Very small parking lot is shared by Bananas and Funky Money, next door.
Dress: Very Casual

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!

Adriatico Trattoria

This authentic Italian restaurant reminded me of an episode of the Soprano's...minus to low down, dirty, mob mentality of Tony AND the drama. It's so quaint, I felt like everyone in the main dining room was all part of one family, sharing a meal. Adriatico Trattoria is 100% "mom and pop." I  LOVE THAT and the romantic ambiance!

Dexter's-Thornton Park

Meat Platter served with Plantation Breakfast

Dexter's is interesting. I have to be honest. I'm not a huge fan..not because the food is bad. Just don't like the rushed service and hurried atmosphere. I hadn't been in a while, but decided to check out the Thornton Park location on my day off, since breakfast is now served. Unfortunately, I was turned off, once the waiter told me turkey sausage is not an option. Hence, the big tin of pork you see here, mixed with scrambled eggs and cheese thick enough to give me flashbacks of the "government cheese" we used to eat when I was little....

Paxia

Enchiladas

¡ADORO Paxia! This UPSCALE Mexican restaurant stole my heart from the moment I walked in the door! And this is coming from a chica who's experienced "Tex-Mex" on the Riverwalk in San Antonio.  BUT if you have HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE (like me)..you can't make a habit out of eating here...

Twist Asian Fusion

Eating at Twist Asian Fusion & HIBACHI Bar was not planned! But you'll have to read my previous blog post about a recent experience at OLV Cafe to understand why my girlfriends and I were forced to make the short trip over to Twist Asian Fusion & Hibachi Bar  (which is right next door) for MORE food and DESSERT! The hostess was so excited to see us! I quickly found out why. There were more employees in the over-sized restaurant than customers...

Mi Tomatina

Honey Lavender Shrimp

I stumbled upon Mi Tomatina while working on a story in Winter Park. And boy, am I glad the owner forced my photographer and I to stick around for lunch! The Spanish-Style tapas restaurant was opened by a woman from Argentina, who BELIEVES in her food and SERVICE! And RIGHTFULLY so...

OLV Cafe

Lobster Bisque Soup

Ever had a Honeydew Mimosa? Probably not unless you've  been to OLV Cafe, in the growing SODO (south downtown) District of Orlando. The BEST thing about OLV Cafe is the STUFFED french toast and smoked salmon with capers, red onions and cream cheese! And the flatbreads are much better than Urban Flats! They're $5 on Mondays after 4:00. Plus..it's not a CHAIN! Just make sure they have food in stock when you go...