RusTeak Restaurant and Wine Bar- 3.5/4 Stars

New restaurant, great location, and delicious food! RusTeak is a much needed and great addition to College Park. I have been waiting for something awesome to come and help bring College Park back to being a good place to go for food; RusTeak is doing just that.

While driving around and running errands for Christmas gifts (2014), my family and I got hungry. Being in College Park and knowing how my mom and sister in law love good food like me, I recommended RusTeak. I had heard from a few friends I needed to try it, so I decided this was a great time. I was excited when my mom parked and agreed to try it. We arrived at about 11:30 am, so it was not that busy yet for a Saturday. Parking lot was also pretty much empty, except for a few cars. I was happy because I was hungry! 

Truffle Fries and Sweet Potato Tater Tots

We all walked in and were immediately greeted by a hostess. She was very friendly. The tables and setup are really nice inside. It is also really clean, which is always a must if I am going to eat there. After we sat at the table, I decided to go check out the bathroom. It was also nice and clean inside. Clean bathrooms are important. As my mom says, "If they don't keep their bathrooms clean, then how do you think the kitchen probably looks?" Great to remember when going to a restaurant for the first time!

Food, food, food...the menu had so many mouth watering options. We decided to start with Sweet Potato Tots and Truffle Fries. Great decision! My sister in law and I couldn't stop eating the fries. The seasoning they use is unique and flavorful. My mom and niece loved the sweet potato tots! They were good; I could definitely taste that they were made from a real sweet potato. 

When it was time to order my entree, I had a hard time deciding. It was nice to see creative menu options; I love new and creative ideas. For example, instead of regular hamburgers, they have venison burgers. Looking for tacos? How about Duck Confit Tacos...sounds delicious! Their salads are also tasty. The Southern Gent has grilled chicken, egg, maple pepper bacon, cucumber, tomato, Gouda, roasted corn, edamame, mixed greens, and their honey mustard seed dressing. The Southern Gent according to my mom and sister in law is amazing! It definitely looked amazing! I decided to get the Blackened Mahi and Pear Sandwich. It was great! It tasted fresh out of a kitchen and the pear slices definitely were not from a can. It was better than I expected, I loved it!

Blackened Mahi and Pear Sandwich

A great experience was definitely had by all 4 of us! The staff and food were great! The waiters were very helpful with the menu and any questions we had. The only question they did not answer was about the different seasonings on the truffle fries. Chefs don't give away their delicious secrets! It was fun to try and figure out the ingredients and seasoning. They also have a gluten free menu, which was awesome because my mom has Celiac Disease. This made RusTeak even better to me.

Edamame is delicious

Update: I recently have gone back several times since my first visit. The truffle fries are still one of my favorite items on their menu; I love that they are a staple. They also have Daily Chef Specials that offer unique dishes (most of the time they are fish, but not always). Their fish entrees are usually pretty good, however, I have had a couple rough experiences lately. I ordered the special on my friend's birthday and it was delicious. But that same night my friend ordered a regular entree including fish and it was not as flavorful as it normally is. She was not impressed with the place and it saddened me because it was her first visit. The second time was after that. I went to dinner with my family and again chose to get one of the chef's specials. This time it was a different fish and included different side items. The meal was overall not anything I would order again. I couldn't finish the fish because it was just too salty. Sometimes chef's are a little too heavy on the salt; this was one of those times. The truffle fries are still really good and I recently tried and was very happy with their Edamame appetizer. To sum it all up, my update is to tell you it was a favorite of mine when I first started going, however, it has now moved down on my list. I really hope they work out some of their kinks that are starting to show because College Park needs a good place.

RusTeak is located in College Park, FL off Edgewater Drive and are open Monday- Saturday 11 am - 11pm. They also have another location in Ocoee, FL. For more information and for a look at their menu (it changes monthly), you can visit their website at: http://www.rusteakwinebar.com/.

Salads are always good! Pictured: House and Southern Gent. Honey Citrus dressing is the way to go!

The Briarpatch- 5 Stars

Have you been to Briarpatch in Winter Park yet? If your answer is no, then here is why you should. It has been a fav of mine to visit for breakfast, brunch, or just lunch for a long time now...I'd say about 6 years.

Sticky bun...yes!

Sticky buns, coffee, eggs, bacon, grits, omelettes, waffles, pancakes, french toast...Oh My! There's so much to choose from for breakfast, you won't be able to try just one thing. I personally love their sticky buns with a good cup of coffee; there is nothing better to start off a Saturday or Sunday morning with. But, if you prefer a full breakfast, then their omelettes are really good and definitely more than enough to satisfy your craving. Or maybe you feel like eggs, grits, fried green tomatoes and bacon...delicious as well. I found myself eating my friend's grits even though my omelette was sitting right in front of me unfinished. But, I am a country girl at heart, so grits are a must when eating breakfast. The Raspberry and Brie Stuffed French Toast is always another great option. You won't leave a bite on the plate! Whatever you choose, you will leave "fat and happy!"

Looking for lunch instead, I would recommend their burger. But if you like it medium well, make sure to say well done (but not burnt) because the beef they use (Wagyu Beef from Snake River Farm) cooks differently than regular beef. But it is delicious and really good! They also have great options for salads with a unique blend of fruit, nuts, protein and greens. Or maybe you are looking for a sandwich? Well, have no fear, they have plenty of great options there too! Grilled Chicken Breast, Corned Beef Reuben, Three Cheese Grill, Turkey, Brie, & Raspberry Croissant...Yum is all I have to say to that! Their menu offers many great choices for lunch.

Stop in and give Briarpatch a try sometime! While you are there, make sure to save room for dessert or some of their Homemade ice cream! These have to be tried, otherwise you will leave forgetting to try something amazing!

Located off Park Ave in Winter Park, it is a happening place, so you may want to go at an off time for breakfast or lunch. Or you can be like me, just wait, because it is worth the wait. Don't forget to mention Local Girl sent you!

Want more information or a chance to see the menu before stopping in, check them out on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/thebriarpatchrestaurant?rf=172885909437805

Eggs, grits, bacon and fried green tomatoes or...an omelette with toast and potatoes, it isn't easy to choose! 

Vanbarry's on Orange Ave. - 2 Stars

Vanbarry's Public House. If you have not been or are thinking about going soon to eat, my recommendation would be to skip it. I went about a month ago and was really excited to try it. I have a friend who posts about going all the time and so I went. My experience was, well I will just say, not what I expected.

My first impression was, it's a neat place. Parking was not bad. Walking up I noticed the outdoor seating and decorations were nice. It's a seat yourself place, we sat inside. It was a warmer kinda night and we wanted to stay cool. After about 3 minutes a waitress came over and took our drink order. We also ordered an appetizer, the mac n cheese with prosciutto. The beers and mac were good, but the mac was too salty. I know prosciutto is salty, but it was too salty for my liking. 

We then moved onto entrees. I ordered fish tacos. I love Mahi and was really looking forward to eating some delicious Mahi tacos. After my first bite I could tell I should have chosen something else. The Mahi was too fishy, which I have been told (by my brother in law who is a chef) means "old fish". I did not ask the waitress, but am certain it had to of been frozen Mahi. The one time I cooked frozen Mahi, it was fishy tasting, not good. My friend ordered the Taco, Mama. He liked his and ate both with no problem. I did not finish mine due to not enjoying them. Guess I should have ordered differently.

For the last part of my experience, my friend talked me into ordering a dessert to help redeem my opinion of the place...to give them a chance to make up for the bad fish tacos. I ordered the s'mores. The waitress told us it's a favorite at the place. Out came graham crackers, marshmallows, and a Hershey bar on a plate with a little fire in the middle. It looked delicious and it was. I love chocolate. Was it unique, no. The little fire on the plate was cute, but I can make the same s'mores at home.

Vanbarry's...a bar with not so good bar food. A few people who have gone have told me they like it and continue to go back, but I most likely will not return. I look for and enjoy places with great food. It is part of the family of FinnHenry's and Ollie's...just not my types of places or food.

Update: I decided to give it a try again to see if it had changed. I met up with some friends this past Saturday night (May 30, 2015) for dinner and drinks. When first arriving, I noticed it was packed like it usually always is. That's a great thing for a business, especially this location. The multiple places that had been there before have not been able to stay open. So, on the outside Vanbarry's is still doing well. However, I was again disappointed with the food. I ordered the nachos; I love nachos. Their nachos come with cheese, chips, quac, chicken, sour cream, and pico. I am not an onion fan, so I ordered it with tomatoes instead of pico and no guac. I wish restaurants would start offering quac without onions. How were the nachos? Not good, just very plain. The chips were okay, the sour cream was some kind of southwestern flavor, and the chicken was not fresh. Would I order them again, no. I apparently need to try their burger, according to my friend. Maybe one day.

But, I do have to say their Moscow Mules are good. Their bartenders can make a good Mule. They also have homemade ice cream sandwiches for dessert. I have to say they are pretty good. The ice cream is homemade. It tasted just like the ice cream I used to make with my grandpa where we had to churn it. It was really good. I would definitely recommend going for dessert and drinks. Bathrooms were also clean (just a side note that I find important). New score: 2 Stars, just because the meals have been disappointing the two times I have been.

If you decide to try it for yourself, it is located on Orange Avenue near the Racetrac and across the street from Julie's Waterfront. They also have a Facebook page you can check out for more info.

Mac n Cheese Appetizer and Fish Tacos

      

Beer and Dessert: Sweetwater 420 and S'mores

903 Mills Market- 4.5 Stars

Hidden local gems are my favorite places to find, and 903 Mills Market is definitely one. It is tucked away in a beautiful neighborhood on S. Mills Ave. Whether you choose to plan your visit or just stop by on the fly, it is a great place.

Neighbors are lucky to have this place so close! Right in their backyard, they have a place with great food, beer, and a great view. People say that after you visit once, you will continue to go back again and again. Well, that is definitely true. All it took was once to get me hooked! The first time I went, I fell in love. Now whenever I am planning to go out after a race, bike ride, or just to enjoy a meal out on the weekend, 903 is always an option I throw out!

The 903 Breakfast Bowl is my favorite for breakfast. It is the perfect combination all mixed together: eggs, sausage, potatoes, and cheese, (onions and peppers also included)...mouth watering good! For lunch or even dinner, my favorite go to is now the Johnny Apple Jack Wrap. Hot roasted turkey, bacon, and pepper jack cheese, with sweet apple butter all in a wheat wrap (also comes with caramelized onions), it will bring a smile of happiness to your face! But those are just two of my favs. When it comes to food, they have a plethora of choices for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, depending on your craving. From bagels, to pancakes, to breakfast pizza, or flatbreads, to wraps or sandwiches, to salads, their menu is not disappointing. Their food is delicious.

The staff is also very nice. I have never had a bad experience. I have been when it was pouring outside and when they were busy; the staff both times were nothing but helpful and nice.

If you are looking for a little breakfast stop during the week, brunch with mimosas, a cute place to stop on a bike ride or walk, or maybe you are looking for a place to enjoy a quiet lunch or dinner with friends (and maybe a beer)...903 Mills Market is that place.

It is a great place, just give it a try once. Then like me, you will find yourself going back again and again. It's name is it's address. Your stomach won't be disappointed! Don't forget to tell them Local Girl loves them and sent you.

Johnny Apple Jack Wrap (and a Mimosa)

View of the outside seating area while hiding from the rain. Great stop on a bike ride (even on a rainy day)!

For more information or to check out their delicious menu stop by their website: http://903millsmarketcafe.com/ or you can stop by their page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/903-Mills-Market/62625427520?id=62625427520&sk=info.

Prato-Winter Park - 5 Stars

Mustard Spaghettini. Just saying the name of my favorite dish makes my mouth water! Prato in Winter Park is the genius behind this amazing dish! Located on Park Avenue and honestly one of my new favorite places to eat, Prato is a place to try!

If you have never been to Prato, then I will have to tell you, you are missing out on a really amazing experience! Inside they have a bar that stretches most of the restaurant and a very cool kitchen area. They also have several different sized tables all over. Whether you have a big group (call ahead to make reservations though), are on a date, or out with a couple friends, they have accommodations to meet your need. If you prefer to sit outside, they have that available as well. The bar and eating areas have always been clean, and inside has always been lit just right to make me feel at home. Bathrooms are also very roomy and clean. It is a nice place!

This is my favorite dish: Mustard Spaghettini.

Food, food, food. They have plenty to choose from! Their meals range from unique pasta dishes to pizza to salad. Their menu also changes daily, however, favorites are always available like my favorite Mustard Spaghettini. Their pizzas are also always available and they are delicious!

Drinks, dessert...plenty to choose from here as well! If you are a wine drinker, your options are limitless; they have several different choices whether you are a red or white fan. Prefer something other than wine, well they have a full bar. Just make your choice and your wish will be granted (frozen drinks you will have to check, I do not think I've heard them making those the few times I have been). They also offer several different types of beer and cocktails. Tiramisu, Mascarpone Pound Cake, Gelatto, Brown Butter Panna Cotta...delicious dessert choices! The tiramisu is very good. They make it their own by adding a little something special. As my waiter said when I ordered it, "It will make you happy."

How is the service? Very good! I have never had a bad experience the few times I have gone. The waiters/waitresses have always been very helpful and friendly. They also are very helpful with understanding the menu and what is great to try. I would never have tried the Mustard Spaghettini had it not been for the waitress the first time I went. She recommended it and I am so glad she did. It seriously is mouth watering good! The bartenders are fast and helpful as well when it comes to making a drink choice if visiting the bar or waiting for a table at the bar. You won't be disappointed with the service!

Pizza!

   

The Tiramisu is small but delicious!

If I haven't said it enough already, you need to try this amazing place! The food, drinks, dessert, and total ambiance are worth the wait and price. I will go ahead and say you're welcome because once you go, you will see why it has become a new favorite of mine! Make sure to make a reservation though, especially for dinner on the weekends, because it gets very busy and your wait will be long as a walk in.

To learn more, check out their menu, or make a reservation visit their website at:

http://www.prato-wp.com/

Make sure to tell them Local Girl loves them!