| When you enjoy the vacation of your life in Orlando, | | | | favorite dishes include coconut shrimp and paella. |
| Florida you may want to treat yourself and your | | | | Lake Buena Vista 1 Grand Cypress Blvd. $41 |
| family to a meal at some of the finer restaurants in | | | | Morton's of Chicago |
| the area. Here is a pick of some of my favorites. | | | | If price is no object to a good meal then this |
| California Grill | | | | steakhouse is the place for you. When was the last |
| Located on the 15th floor of Disney's Contemporary | | | | time you've had beef so tender and full of flavor |
| Resort this restaurant was voted Orlando's Most | | | | that you have to remark after every bite? While the |
| Popular restaurant. Its renowned chef Clifford Pleau | | | | steakhouse is particularly close to the Central Florida |
| continually reinvents his "unique seasonal menus", | | | | theme parks, it is tucked away in the quaint Doctor |
| creating "divine" dishes paired with an "equally | | | | Phillips Marketplace, a respite of sorts from nearby |
| eloquent wine list"; add "impeccable" service and | | | | tourist hangouts. The clientele is made up of Orlando |
| "spectacular" views of the park and its fireworks, and | | | | executives and Orlando business travelers. They are |
| the result is truly great, even if it is accompanied by | | | | all here to drink martinis and sink their teeth into the |
| tourists wearing shorts and Mickey Mouse ears! | | | | juicy porterhouse, sirloin and Maine lobster. As for |
| Location: Disney World, Contemporary Hotel, $41 | | | | side dishes, don't pass up the specialty, potatoes |
| Christini's | | | | Lyonnaise. Location: 7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd. $60 |
| This restaurant has been called "a treasure among | | | | Venetian Room |
| restaurants", and is located in the in the Dr. Phillips | | | | This is a fine-dining restaurant that prides itself on |
| area of South Orlando. It is well-known for lavish | | | | offering an elegant experience of the highest level. |
| meals, complemented by a 450-label wine list. The | | | | The chef de cuisine is Khalid Benghallem, a former |
| food is served in a romantic setting with strolling | | | | sous chef at Emeril's and the opening chef at Shula's |
| musicians giving you the ambience of a night out in | | | | Steakhouse in the Dolphin Hotel. The menu is typical |
| Italy. However, the feasting here does not come | | | | for an upscale restaurant in this category and includes |
| cheap and the prices are "high" even by | | | | foie gras, crab cake, lamb rack, veal chops and other |
| "expense-account" standards. South Orlando 7600 Dr. | | | | dishes. However, it is the special preparation of these |
| Phillips Blvd., $52 | | | | common items that makes this restaurant special. |
| Hemingways | | | | You will, however, have to pay for this unique treat. |
| If you have always loved the mystique of Ernest | | | | This is not a cheap restaurant and appetizers range |
| Hemingway then this is the place to go. The | | | | from $14 to $17, and six of the seven entrees are |
| Hemingway-at-Key-West decor (rods and reels, a | | | | more.than $30. Location: Caribe Royal Hotel 8101 |
| stuffed marlin, nautical trinkets) at this Lake Buena | | | | World Center Drive |
| Vista hotel seafood house makes you feel like you've | | | | There you have it. If price is no object, and you just |
| spent the day fishing with Hemingway. Guests | | | | want to enjoy a fine meal at a great restaurant, then |
| describe it as "a nice place to bring clients" or to | | | | one of these Orlando restaurants will certainly satisfy |
| celebrate "special occasions" and some of the | | | | you. |