Don Jefe's Tequila Parlor- Half a Star

Walk on by and go to Ceviche or Urban Flats...bad experience, poor service, and not the best food. To rate this place, I'd give it half a star just because my tacos were decent, but that's all they were...decent.

When my cousin, friend and I got there we were excited for our night out together. We walked in and were seated. It seemed kind of busy and happening. The waitress came over and took our drink orders. I am not a big tequila fan (I know tequila parlor) so I asked about the sangria. They had a special sangria called the Blood Sangria and two other sangrias listed. I asked the waitress what the difference was between the other two and she said the wine. I asked if one is sweeter or more bitter...no answer. I was left dumbfounded. Seriously you should know if you work there. We also ordered appetizers...their house guacamole and fried plantains. I am not a guacamole fan, but my friend and cousin liked it. I ate the fried plantains...disappointed! They were supposed to have some sweet sauce and the waitress didn't tell us they had run out. She told us later when we asked, "Wasn't there supposed to be something else with them?" She replied, oh yeah but we ran out, sorry. At this point, not happy.

Later we ordered our entrees. I got the fsh tacos, which was mahi. I was looking forward to it, being that mahi is one of my favorite fish. The menu had stuff listed under it and so I asked the waitress what was actually on the taco, not on the side. She replied with some cabbage stuff and sauce that's good. Another example of not knowing the menu. When my tacos arrived, I was not happy, but I'm not a big complainer. They had cabbage, onions, peppers, tomatoes, and yes the sauce. The sauce is actually good, but I don't like peppers, onions, or tomatoes and therefore had to take it all off. Never did the waitress say sorry or comment about me taking it off in front of her. I have been to other places and they have apologized or offered to remake it, not here. At this point I was just completely disappointed and wanted to tell the waitress learn your menu.

And to make things worse, my cousin and friend didn't get to order another drink for at least 10 minutes because she didn't come back. Her reason was she had a huge party and they all were seperate checks. Not a good excuse. Then when we all got our checks, I noticed my drink was actually not the correct sangria. That made sense as to why I didn't like it. I didn't finish it because it just wasn't that good.

So to wrap everything up...I will not go there again. I definitely say go somewhere else, don't waste your money or taste buds.

Stonewood Grill & Tavern- 4 Stars

I have driven by it several times, thought about it, forgotten, then thought about it again and again. And finally...I went last night! I do have to say, if you read some of the reviews of Stonewood and listen to them on Urbanspoon and even some Yelp reviews, you will be missing out! I read the reviews, however, I like to make my own opinions and so I went. I was very happy that I went even though apparently some people have felt "disappointed" or called it "lame." I had a very nice experience at Stonewood Grill & Tavern on Dr. Phillips Blvd.

When I got there, it was nice, quiet and darker inside than most places, but in a good way. I am starting to realize I really like the places that are quieter and darker...it makes eating dinner out nice! I can have a good conversation with whomever I am with and it makes me feel relaxed and at home (I tend to keep the lights off in my house a lot). It makes it great for date nights too! Don't get me wrong, I do love noisy places sometimes, but it is nice to find the quiet, relaxing restaurants. They also were not very busy so there wasn't a wait...which was nice. We did go around 8:15 though, so they may have been busier earlier. Especially if their happy hour is popular...that only lasts till 7 (happy hour is only on drinks).

Delicious Calamari

My friend and I were sat at a table right away. The tables are very nice and comfortable. They are also not close, which is nice for conversations. :) We decided to start with ordering drinks. I first ordered a glass of wine, but then changed my mind. I got lucky when the waitress came back, because they had not made my order yet. So I got a glass of sangria like I had hoped. I was a happy girl! My friend already had his beer from the bar...he had to wait a few minutes for me to arrive...oops. He did later order a glass of wine...we both enjoyed our drinks. We also got an appetizer and it was delicious! We got the Calamari. The nice thing about their calamari is they don't include the tentacles...so if you've never liked the tentacles, then this calamari is perfect for you. The dipping sauce was different too. It was a mustard jalapeno flavored sauce. It was just all in all deliciousness! We were both enjoying it so much that I forgot to take a picture of it until we were almost finished. Sorry about the mostly eaten Calamari picture.

My friend and I at first got to talking so much that we forgot to decide on our entrees...but our waitress was very patient and nice! She came back a few times, not too much, but also not waiting forever because we couldn't decide. She told us about a couple good choices on the menu (this was both of ours first visit) and she definitely knew her stuff. She was very friendly and we were never without drinks, two important things when it comes to dining experiences with me. She also later asked us a little about what we do and told us a little about her. We really had a great experience with her.

Herb-Encrusted Grouper

Onto the savory meals! I ordered their Herb-Encrusted Grouper and my friend ordered the Cedar Plank Roasted Salmon. Both entrees came with rice pilaf and green beans. My friend also ordered a side ceasar salad (which is an extra cost, just an fyi).

Cedar Plank Roasted Salmon

The Herb-Encrusted Grouper had herbs and a balsamic reduction glaze around it...I made a great choice! I am a huge fan of Grouper though and well Balsamic too. The rice pilaf was pretty much yellow rice and I'm sure some spices or herbs in it. The green beans were sautéed. I usually don't eat green beans out, but honestly, these taste just as good as my sister or her husband (who is a Sous Chef) make, so I enjoyed them! They also tasted fresh, not canned by any means. The rice pilaf was good, I actually ate it all first.

My friend's entrée consisted of salmon topped with an apricot mustard glaze and of course as mentioned above, rice pilaf and sautéed green beans. I am not a salmon fan so I didn't try it. He liked it a lot though. I would definitely recommend it if you are a salmon fan, it really looked amazing.

How was Stonewood Grill & Tavern? Awesome. Great food, great service, and a clean and quiet atmosphere. I was satisfied! Seriously, the ambience last night was perfect for a nice dinner out! If you are looking for a new date place, girls night out, anniversary, birthday, or even just a random dinner out, Stonewood Grill & Tavern would be a great choice. Before you decide to go, do know their meals range between $20-$25 unless you decide on a salad or burger, however, do not let that keep you from going. I honestly will go back again (hopefully very soon) because I had such a great experience overall. I also didn't leave room for dessert, so I do have to go back and try a few (Bananas Foster Cake, Chocolate Bread Pudding) of course!

For more information or to browse their menu...their website is: http://www.stonewoodgrill.com/

Lido's Italian Restaurant - 4 Stars

A hole in the wall with good food...Lido's is a place I have been going to for years. It has been around since 1970 and the prices are not too bad. Since I've been going, the inside has not changed much. It is kind of nice to go in and see that some things/places have not given into the unnecessary changes of the outside world.

Lido's is a little Italian restaurant off Orange Ave in Orlando. When you get there, you may think it is really little on the inside...but it is actually cozy and nice. The tables are not very far from each other, but far enough away that people near you cannot hear your conversation (unless they are quiet and tuning in on purpose). The music is soft, therefore, helping it to not get too loud. Many restaurants play their music too loud which then makes people talk louder. Or they have such a big place that so many people are talking, which in turn makes it loud inside. Then you just have a really noisy place. With Lido's being smaller and more of a local spot, it is a nice place to go when you are on a date, want to have a nice, quiet meal, or just want to be away from the loud crowds. Parking can be a problem during their busy times, but it is worth it.

Cute little set up

Tonight I decided that I wanted to go back since it has been a while...so I dragged my mom and dad with me (they like it too, it's just not good for my mom who has Celiac Disease). Parking was actually not too bad tonight, but we did go for an earlier dinner, at 6:30. When I got there it was nice to see the cozy, soft atmosphere had not changed. They still had the red and white tablecloths, plants, and candles on the tables. It also was not too dark, but definitely not full lighting...just enough to make it feel inviting and romantic (if you're on a date). When I am inside, I tend to forget about what is going on outside, even with being that close to the busy Orange Ave.

So onto the food. Tonight I actually decided to try something new! I usually get the manicotti or chicken alfredo because they are two of my favorite meals. Their manicotti and chicken alfredo are really good. I like the taste of Lido's alfredo better than Olive Garden's because it tastes more homemade. Tonight I went with Chicken Picante...breast of chicken sautéed in a delicate white wine and lemon butter sauce with a side of pasta. I was very pleased! The chicken was so tender that when I was cutting it, it fell apart before I could finish cutting the piece. The sauce was delicious. The wine gave it a sort of bitter taste with the lemon and butter making it a little sweet too. It honestly is a great idea for a sauce...I could never come up with the right mix of butter, white wine, and lemon to make it taste that good. The side of pasta was angel hair pasta in marinara sauce. I love their red sauce; it's sweet with just a hint of spicy. I was very happy with my decision to try something new!

My dad went with the chicken cacciatore...which is chicken with some veggies (peppers, mushrooms) in their marinara sauce. I may have forgotten a few ingredients in it, sorry. He said it was good, although he likes his friend's wife's chicken cacciatore better (she's Italian and makes it a different way). Overall he was pleased...he ate it all. My mom ate some salad and had a breast of chicken on the side (she cannot eat Italian because of the gluten in it).

With our meals we also got salad and breadsticks (they come with the meal). They come out before the entrees. I love their breadsticks because they aren't too greasy. To me they are just right. :) The salad is good as well, however, my mom and I were disappointed that it didn't have pasta in it tonight. When we used to go, they used to put spiral pasta in their salad...made it different in a nice way. But, I think that it may be something you have to ask for now...don't know.

Tonight was a nice night. We had a nice meal in a clean and cozy place. The server was not great tonight, however, I have had better service before. Lido's is a place people go back to because of the atmosphere and food. It is definitely a place I would recommend everyone try at least twice because if you are used to and a huge fan of Olive Garden or other chain Italian restaurants you might not understand it the first time. Go back a second time and you might just forget about Olive Garden like me. I will continue to go back and dine at Lido's because it is a good little, local Italian Restaurant and I'm all about supporting the independent places!

A couple pictures to make your mouth water...

  

  

Salad and breadsticks (much better than a certain place)

Chicken Picante and Chicken Cacciatore

My Breakfast of Champions

On days that I do not venture anywhere I like to eat a healthy breakfast at home. I am a huge fan of Greek Yogurt with Blueberry Flax Granola that I buy at Whole Foods, but when I want to spoil myself with a change this is what it looks like...

I love to make oatmeal with a good cup of coffee! As you can see I add cinnamon, dried cranberries, and honey (now only use unfiltered, raw, local honey) to my oatmeal. Honey is my sugar. :) In my coffee I put vanilla almond milk, a little sugar, and honey. If you want something tasty, filling, and healthy...well you can try my breakfast of champions. AND it's a great start to your morning before a workout, run, or bike ride. :)

407 Cafe - 4 Stars

Located in the Lake Nona area...it's really a cute place with great food!

I first visited 407 Café back in April with my sister-in-law. We were going to the nail spa right near it and after decided to just go next door to eat. My sister-in-law had been before, but this was going to be my first experience...I was definitely pleased!

I then last weekend took my mom to 407 Café when I took her to get a pedicure. I remembered how delicious my Panini was last time I went and told my mom she had to try it. So we went! I again got the smoked turkey Panini...mmm...it is really amazing! Sweetly smoked turkey breast, fresh baby spinach, melted swiss cheese, and cool tangy cranberry sauce on...you get to choose: Ciabatta, Baguette, Multigrain, Pumpernickel, or Foccacia Basil Cheese. The first time I went I had it on the Foccacia Basil Cheese bread...it was good! I also deleted the spinach because I didn't know if I'd like it. Last week I went with the spinach and Ciabatta...much better! The Foccacia Basil Cheese is delicious, but I personally liked the Ciabatta better this past time. It is really an amazing sandwich! I eat the whole thing because it's just one of those sandwiches you can't put down! My mom got the same thing, but like me the first time, she didn't get spinach for her first time. :)

While dining there, I met one of the owners, he was very nice! He took the time to talk to my mom and I about the place and how long it's been there. He was also the one who got me to break down and get the gelato (was trying to stay healthy). All he had to do though was let me taste a few, ha! It was worth the calories though...

This place is definitely worth driving to no matter where you live...I definitely recommend! Not only do they have paninis and gelato, but they are also known for their Crepes...Savory or Dessert. My next trip will definitely be for a crepe (and of course another yummy mimosa)!

If you want to look them up and see what else they have to offer click below for their website:

http://www.407cafe.com/index.php

Outside View

My mom and I enjoying our time together

Iza Tapas Bar

If you've never been, you should definitely try it! Great place, atmosphere, food, sangria, and owner...

Went to Iza Tapas Bar last night with my cousin. We like to try new places together and just enjoy our time and food, of course. :) We began with sangria, it was Happy Hour till 7...only $2 a glass. The sangria was great, not too sweet, but not bitter. Then we decided on something lite to start. Being a tapas bar, you can try different things because they are not huge portions. So we got the Tomato & Pesto Crostini...and we both were very happy! It had Goat Cheese (also comes with Mozzarella, but we asked for no mozzarella), Pesto, and Roma Tomatoes on Toasted Artisan Bread...delicious! It wasn't too heavy, just the right beginning to our meal. Then we both decided on our main dish. I got the BBQ Pork Flatbread and my cousin got the Mango Shrimp Ceviche. Both were very good! The BBQ Pork Flatbread was just that, smoked pork shoulder, mozzarella cheese, red onion (which I had taken off, not an onion fan), and BBQ...it was really good and definitely filling. I couldn't finish it, even though I wanted to. The Mango Shrimp Ceviche was a lot lighter for an entrée: Lime Juice, Serrano Peppers, Mango, Red Onion, Cilantro, Shrimp, and served with Plantain Chips. My cousin was very pleased. She ate almost all of hers! I had to try it of course! The plantains were amazing and then when I put on the mango shrimp salsa, it was nice how deliciously light it was. If you are looking for a lighter meal when you go, the Mango Shrimp Ceviche is definitely a good choice.

Not only was the food and sangria amazing, the atmosphere and owner were very nice as well. We sat outside, it being in the Thornton Park area and not being too humid for an Orlando night. The outside seating area was cute. We were not too close to others, but close enough that we could start up a nice conversation with the other diners. We had a great chat. The owner came out and talked with us as well about his place, the food, his future plans...great owner! He was very nice and easy to talk with. You don't get to talk to the owners of very many restaurants, especially really never of chains...so it was definitely nice to meet him.

Overall, I would recommend Iza Tapas Bar! Our experience was amazing! My cousin and I had a great meal and dining experience. I definitely plan to go back!  I can't wait to try the Sautéed Calamari and Chicken Skewers...Mmm!

Getting to know local girl...

Hi, I am Jessica. This is my blog, I'm new, and this is my passion...finding local/independent places with great food. I have lived in FL all my life. I grew up in Orlando (O-Town), went to Jacksonville for college, then moved back to Orlando after graduating and teaching for 2 years. I am a First Grade teacher, 10 years of teaching now (updated 2015). Love my job, love my kids, teaching is a passion!

Another passion is eating! I love to enjoy good food, whether it's alone, with family, or with friends. My passion is to support local places to support the local economy. I like to find new places that are independently owned, and then tell others about them to promote them.

I am also an avid gym girl! I love to work out. I love the gym, running, hiking, bike riding, anything to be active. I also like to eat healthy. I try to watch what I eat throughout the week, but then let loose a few nights and on the weekends. I do have to admit, I give into Ben & Jerry's quite frequently!

Follow me to enjoy some amazing local food and help me support the local economy!