Celebration/Orlando Dining-Help BOB!!!

[elisa]

My husband and I will be staying in Celebration this upcoming weekend and need some close by dining recs (last minute trip, so no time to plan). We have a car, but do not want to go too far. We prefer dining in non-chain restaurants and price is not a factor. Can you help???

[Bill]

In case Bob is too busy to reply :)

In Celebration are some ok options; lunch at the Market Street Cafe is good and Cafe D'Antonio is fine. Columbia is also an ok option. A short drive away you have mostly chains, but Bob recently recommended a very high-priced fine dining option in the Carib Royale hotel called the Venetian Room. It's a special occassion type place, but you said price is no object:)

Also, you might try to get to the Animal Kingdom Lodge and try Jiko. Unique food and a wondeful wine list.

[elisa]

Does anyone have any opinions about Manuel's on 28th in the Nations Bank Bldg??????

[Bob Mervine]

Thumbnail reaction -- If you choose a restaurant for the view, it's great.

Bob

[Bill]

It's very romantic and the food was very good the one time we visited, but that was over 2 years ago. Quite pricy too.

[Bob Mervine]

Quickly -- and probably belatedly -- let me add a few more suggestions to the excellent ones already received.
The Gaylord Palms hotel is worth a trip just to visit the giant, Florida-themed lobby. Their steakhouse, Old Hickory, is adequate and expensive. Their all day dining, Mediterranean-themed buffet does a nice Sunday brunch. Sunset Sam's, their seafood restaurant, offers a variety of an item surprsingly hard to find in Central Florida -- good seafood.
In Celebration is a small hotel, the Celebration Hotel (duh). The Plantation Room is a showcase for the chef -- a spot currently held by Chef DeJuan Roy -- and I would suggest it is both good and convenient. At least check out the bronze alligator sculpture, have a drink in the lobby bar, and peruse the menu.
Finally, just a few minutes down the road (I-4) is the Omni at ChampionsGate, a year-old property with a nice, if not spectacular, Pan-Asian restaurant called Zen. This is another cuisine in short supply in your neighborhood -- although Seito Sushi in downtown Celebration has some good points.

Hope this is helpful. When you are short of time like this, feel free to email me off line -- I check that account at least once a day.

Bob

[alpinethedog]

Have you tried Celebration Hotel? They have a great restaurant that alot of people do not seem to know about. Very easy to get a reservation here. The food and service are outstanding. The executive chef is very friendly and prepares an fantastic diverse menu. This is our new hangout. My husband and I go on weekends to hear the piano player in the lobby and drink martinis and have dinner. I have also brought some business associates for lunch. We had lunch on the lake and it was so beautiful. This is really a hidden gem. Try it you will not be disappointed.