The Smiling Bison- 5 Stars

The Smiling Bison​ is a great place located in Baldwin Park off Bennett Rd. If you are looking for a good burger, I'd say try here. Their burgers are delicious!

My first visit was a couple months ago, in January. I went with some friends, after a run, to celebrate a birthday. The place was busy and parking was difficult, but to me that is a good thing. Busy means it is a good place. After walking in, I noticed right away I was going to like the place. They had a live Jazz band playing and the ambiance was casual. Definitely a place to go with friends or even on a date.

Bison Burger with fries

The food. I decided since it was my first time, and that they are known for them, I should try a Bison Burger. I was definitely pleased. It is hard for me to find a place that cooks a burger the way I ordered, and they did. The burger was cooked perfectly! The bread, Texas Toast, is a favorite of mine. It makes the burger taste even better. Imagine a group of people who are chatting, having a good time. Then the food comes out, and everyone is quiet. That's how good the burgers are. We all were definitely enjoying them!

Along with the burgers, they have many other options as far as food goes. Don't want a burger, no problem. They also have a roast beef, smoked chicken sausage, or crispy fish roll sandwich. Prefer a salad, pizza, ravioli, ribeye, or a small plate (like meatballs), they have that too. There are many choices when it comes to dinner. Don't forget dessert, they have a few that sound delicious. I am looking forward to trying the Mascarpone Brownie next time I go.

On Sundays they have brunch from 11 am to 3 pm. For brunch they offer anywhere from fish & grits, banana bread french toast, biscuts & gravy, to a breakfast burrito, basic breakfast, or brunch poutine. I have not been for brunch yet, but the menu looks really good.

Drinks? There are many choices of beer and wine to choose from. Happy hour? Every weekday from 5:30-7 pm. Special events/music? They have a calendar on their website: http://thesmilingbison.com/.
Check it out to see what's happening each month.

Great food, good time, & definitely a hidden gem, The Smiling Bison is a place I will visit again! And it should be a place you visit soon and frequently. Let them know Local Girl sent ya and recommends the Bison Burger.

Don't forget to try the pickles! They are so good, I bought a jar to go.

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!

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!

Santiago's Bodega - 2 Stars

My first visit

Hidden on Virginia Drive here in Orlando, Santiago's Bodega is a neat place. The staff is welcoming and friendly. The original Santiago's Bodega is located in Key West, but they opened one up here July 3rd, 2013.

Being a Tapas style restaurant makes it a neat experience! You can try many different things. I enjoy food, so tapas style restaurants are some of my favorites to visit.

I first visited on July 24th (three weeks after they opened). I went on a Wednesday night. I was surprised to find it was busy on a Wednesday night, but I can see why. The restaurant has a different type of atmosphere and with it being kind of hidden, it makes it a neat place to sit and eat at or just hang with friends or family while enjoying a nice meal. It can also be a nice place for a date. My friend and I were next to two big birthday get togethers, so it was pretty loud where we were, however, we still had a nice time.

Seasoned Grouper

Food, food, food...time to share the delicious food I got to enjoy! Well, to start we ordered a bottle of wine. You've got to have wine when enjoying a nice meal of course. The wine was good. We got a bottle of Riesling (my favorite type of wine), and it wasn't too sweet, just right for me. My friend is more of a red wine drinker, so he didn't like it as much as me. After that we decided to try a few things. Many things on the menu sounded really good so it was hard to decide. We eventually decided to get the Lamb Patties, Croquettas, and Seasoned Grouper. I do have to say we made some good choices. My favorite of the 3 was the Grouper. They are filets encrusted with coriander, fennel seed, and lemon pepper. I am a lover of grouper and wanted to try it to see if they made it well. I was very pleased! So light and tender, it was mouthwatering good. Next I would say the Croquettas are second on my list. They were absolutely delicious! Cayenne spiced pan fried patties of potatoes with prosciutto and provolone cheese (also includes scallion cream) equals yum in my book. Who isn't a fan of potato patties with cheese...then put in some prosciutto, scrumptious is all I can say. Third would be the Lamb Patties. They were good, but I'm not a fan of lamb so that is why I made it third. But if you like lamb, they are tasty (my friend said they were his favorite) and very tender.

Croquettas and Lamb Patties

After we finished eating, I was actually still hungry, which gave me a good excuse to try some dessert. The waitress recommended their bread pudding because they are known for it...so I got it. Well, after her recommending it and then reading the description on the menu, I was sold. Who wouldn't want to eat fresh baked croissants drizzled with a caramel bourbon glaze with English custard ice cream and fresh berries? Seriously, just reading that description made my mouth water. Oh, and I think I ate it all too...no joke. My friend may have had 2 bites, but I took over and he didn't get another bite. It was exquisitely delicious...seriously it's probably one of the best bread puddings I have had! If you go, don't forget to try the bread pudding.

Bread Pudding...delicious!

There are a few things I hope they will fix. First, the staff was very nice, however, they were confused as to where to bring the food apparently that night. We got our first tapas meal and then had to wait probably about 20-30 minutes for the next. During that time we probably had about 4 different visits with the wrong food...it got kind of funny after the second time. We looked at the guy and said we will take it (this did not happen the second time I went). The second thing I hope they would change is their Sangria. I love sangria and have never had a bad experience with it, but I do not like theirs. A couple of my friends were surprised that I thought it wasn't good because they liked theirs when they went. It tastes like a cinnamon candle, I know weird, but I couldn't drink it. I was disappointed...I know everyone makes their drinks different but it was not good. The second time I went, I tried their sangria again to see if it had gotten better. It still tasted weird. The waitress was nice and brought me out a glass without the cinnamon in it. All I could taste was syrup. I won't get their sangria again.

Will I go back...I may try it again one day to see if the food has gotten better. The second time I went, I had great service, but the food has changed. I wasn't as happy with the food. They had a good soup (it was a chowder) and the cheese and fruit plate were good, but the croquettas weren't as good as the first time and the mahi wasn't on the menu anymore.

It really is a neat place and I love the atmosphere, but it isn't on my list of places to go back to. The staff is very nice and their bathrooms are really clean. Those are important. My recommendation is for you to try it for yourself. I have friends who like it and go, but I have not been back due to my not so good experiences. I hope to one day try the one in Key West to compare. Sometimes the original just cannot be copied.

Visit their website for further information: http://www.santiagosbodega.com/orlando/

White Wolf Cafe- 3.5-4 Stars

White Wolf Cafe is amazing! Everything I have tried, I have enjoyed! It is one of my favorite breakfast places...but it also has a great lunch and dinner menu. It is located on North Orange Avenue near Lake Ivanhoe. Every time I have gone, I never have had leftovers because the food is so good. :) You should definitely visit if you've never been!

I first started going probably about 3 years ago. I went with friends after a 5K in Winter Park. It was delicious! The choices on the menu all looked so good I had a hard time choosing, ha. After running your appetite is big so I was excited to eat there. They are known for their cinnamon rolls and so of course I had to get one that day. It was awesome! I ate one there and then left with a box of half a dozen for my two roommates (and maybe another one for me later). The breakfast was really tasty! Overall it was a great first visit and they definitely sold me on the place!

Egg, cheese, turkey bacon sandwich

Since my first experience I have been back to White Wolf many, many times. I have had breakfast, lunch and dinner. Some of the things I have enjoyed on their breakfast menu are cinnamon rolls, different egg breakfast meals, biscuits & gravy, french toast, breakfast sandwiches, and pancakes. Everything has been very good! I really love their cinnamon rolls (as I've mentioned before) and biscuits & gravy. They also have great mimosas to enjoy with breakfast (or brunch).

I have been for lunch and dinner a few times. One time I met my mom for lunch. I was happy to see that they had gluten free options because my mom has Celiac Disease, which means she cannot eat gluten. Gluten free choices are becoming a necessity with restaurants because people like my mom cannot go out to eat much if there are no gluten free meals. The few times I have been for lunch and dinner the food was really good. I really like their Fresh Fish Sandwich...it's delicious! But looking at their menu again, I definitely need to try a few more things that have caught my eye lately.

My cousin's meal (Caprese Sandwich)

White Wolf Cafe really is a great place. The atmosphere is neat and inviting! They have all kinds of cool decorations inside and a great outside eating area as well. The service has always been really good, I've never left unhappy. I even got to meet one of the owners the last time I went! I have been for breakfast after a race, breakfast with a friend, brunch on Sunday with friends, lunch with family, and even dinner on a date...it really is a neat place for any occasion or meal. Oh, and when you go, make sure (girls) to stop by the bathroom because they have really awesome hand salts to try when washing your hands. :)

So...if you've never been, give it a try! You will definitely be pleased, taste buds and all. If you happen to go for brunch on Sunday, there may be a wait. Just stop by their new place next door and have a mimosa or bloody mary while you wait. Enjoy!

Website for more information! http://www.whitewolfcafe.com/

My cousin and I with the owner, Michael (we visited while on a bike ride)

Mimosas!

OLV in SODO - 3 Stars (due to lack of consistent schedule)

OLV is a really great place to eat, drink, and be merry! I love this place for brunch or dinner. If you have never been to OLV, then you are definitely missing out! I have been many times and keep going back for more.

So to begin... here is my OLV journey. I first went probably about a little less than a year ago. A friend of mine invited me to join him. My first thought was what is this place? With it being in the SODO area I was kind of shocked I had never been or heard of it before. I trusted my friend's opinion of course. I really liked it. I went for dinner and just really enjoyed the place. It was quiet and clean inside. They also have several wines to choose from to add to your dinner (Yum!). I had a flatbread (don't remember which one due to it being so long ago) and definitely remember liking it a lot. I also had a glass of wine...a delicious white wine. Our waitress was very friendly and helpful. Overall, my first experience was really good. I went home telling people about OLV and then got responses like, yeah it's a really great place and their brunch is amazing! How was I out of the loop being such a foodie?

Delicious assortment at brunch

I decided I needed to go back to try out their "amazing" brunch (my cousin's response after my first visit). I went with a Meetup group of girls. We were a party of about 10 people and our table was outside. For us being such a big party, the staff was very nice and helpful. Brunch is amazing! So many choices for food and mimosa juices. I was so excited about being able to choose the juice I wanted to make my mimosa with. The even better part is it is all you can drink mimosas (or champagne if you just prefer champagne). Yum! Then I even found out I could order stuffed french toast...yum again! I was definitely pleased with brunch and so was my palate with all the delicious flavors I enjoyed. After that I haven't stopped going for brunch and you won't either once you try it!

The next couple of times I went, I again enjoyed the different choices of juices. A couple juices I have used are orange juice, cranberry, peach, and pear, but of course there are many other choices as well. I have even gotten creative the last few times and mixed a couple juices together to make my mimosas. I also noticed that they change the french toast. How often I don't know, but it is nice to try the different kinds of stuffed french toast. I have had strawberry cream cheese, pumpkin spice (or maybe it was pumpkin cream cheese), and regular cream cheese stuffed french toast. I always get the french toast because it is a fav of mine. And when you go to OLV it isn't about trying to be healthy so I indulge.

Great outside seating!

Each time I have gone, the service has been really good and the staff has been really nice and helpful. The last couple of times I have gone, I realized I could ask for strawberries even though they didn't have them out on the buffet table. I was definitely pleased that they accommodated my love for strawberries since I'm not a melon, pineapple, or cantaloupe fan (the fruit they've had out the last few times). All in all, OLV is a great place and a great deal for the price!

A couple neat and important things you should know before you go to brunch are... 1) Call and make a reservation for brunch before you decide to go (a day before is good for a small group) because it is a busy place on Sundays. 2) They have a live DJ there for brunch on Sundays and it can get loud outside with the speakers and music, but you can request a table inside or away from the speakers. 3) It is a popular place and can get pretty crowded on Sundays. 4) You should definitely go with an empty stomach and big appetite. AND 5) Enjoy yourself and the mimosa bar!  If you want to check out their menus or find more information about OLV before you go, I have included the website below. They also have other specials throughout the week that you can check out on their website. So...get a friend, boyfriend, husband, girlfriend, family, or a group together and experience OLV!

Website: http://olvcafe.com/

*Update: OLV is currently not open at the same times/days they used to be. I have tried to go once on the weekend and it wasn't open. Their website says they are open certain times and they aren't. You need to call them before you go to see if they are open! I unfortunately do not go anymore due to their inconsistent schedule. Once they can get everything worked out, I might go back. What they are going through is sad because they definitely had a good thing going a while ago.

A couple brunch pictures:

Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast and...

Another picture of the choices on the buffet table

 

The Yummy Juice/Mimosa Bar!

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/