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.

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!