Recession, Schmession! Savor the best of Orlando during Magical Dining Month!

Its sad: I’ve been living in Orlando for over a year and a half, and there are still so many places I’ve yet to eat! A foodie at heart, I’m starting to take advantage of some of the most well-known places to dine in the City Beautiful, and the timing couldn’t be better. September is Orlando’s Magical Dining Month- some of the most popular dining destinations offer prix fixe menus for their patrons and in turn donate $1 per meal served to the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. Not only will you be satisfying your need for amazing food at a good price, but you’re supporting a fantastic cause with roots right here in Central Florida.

For $20 for more casual places and $30 for the crème de la crème you will get one appetizer, one entrée, and one dessert. And that’s not for sharing, like many places are offering lately! Bring 2 friends and you’ll get to sample one of everything on the menu, since most of the restaurants are offering 3 things to choose from for each course. With that much food being passed around, be prepared for plenty of bang for your buck and some late-night snacking!

And who all is on this list of amazing restaurants? Only the best! But if you can’t make it to all of them, here’s the highlights that you really should take advantage of:

Winter Park
Chez Vincent- French food on Hannibal Square. Need I say more?
Luma- Everyone I have ever talked to about this place raves!
Hannibal’s on the Square- Quite possibly the best deal in this part of town!

Downtown
Urban Flats- I went here with a friend and tore it up! We split the Loaded Potato Dip and Baked Cheese appetizers. Let’s just say the Baked Cheese gives tomato soup and grilled cheese a run for its money! The salmon was a huge portion and I could barely finish it. Go for the Lava Cake if you’re a chocolate junkie like myself!
310 Lakeside- You know how everyone has their default restaurant? Well-known in Lake Eola and Winter Park for their food, you have to try this place out. It will become your go-to place!
The Boheme- Located in the esteemed Grand Bohemian Hotel, this is upscale dining that you want to take advantage of while the price is locked at $30! Their Sunday brunch is well-known and also starts at $30.

Sand Lake Area
J. Alexander’s- My friend Raye went there and gave me fair warning! I ordered the onion rings, which literally were in a 2-foot tower! Needless to say I took most of them home (throw them under the broiler for about 4 minutes a side and they’ll be just as good as when you first ordered them). If you love beef, this is your place! The Maui Rib Eye and Filet with Bernaise were tempting, but they are known for their prime rib. I think at one point it literally melted in my mouth… I had to force myself to eat the hot fudge and vanilla ice cream since I knew it wouldn’t survive the ride home, and I had the chocolate cake boxed along with half of my entrée. All for $20! I sat up at the bar and had a wonderful conversation with the bartender Fred and caught up on my US Open highlights on their HD flatscreens.
Ocean Prime- Yet another place where you should believe the hype! I need to hit this place ASAP, since the prices are usually $30 just for the entrée. If you don’t get here before dining month ends, try out there Prime Hour Monday through Friday between 4p and 7p. Small plates are half off, etc.

Point Orlando
Cuba Libra- There’s a lot of buzz about this place, and it’s not only because of the grilled pineapple mojitos! Chef Guillermo Pernot is well-known for bringing Nuevo Cuban cuisine to the masses, and this place is a must for anyone who loves some Latino flair to their food.
The Capital Grille- Yet another upscale dining experience that you need to take advantage of while the prices are this low! Acclaimed by food critics, this is one chain restaurant that doesn’t have that ‘chain’ feel.

There are a TON of other restaurants on the list- I’ve only got time to highlight a few of them. Please no hate mail! LOL But check out the complete list HERE. You’ll recognize nearly every name, and there is a menu for all of us Foodies on a Budget (you liked that one, didn’t you?!) Go forth and conquer!

Cheers!