We turned up at a busy time with 4 of us but to our amazement we only had to wait about 15 minutes. That impressed us straight away.

We were served within minutes of sitting down and were forewarned that the portions were going to be large. But our friends decided to do the usual English thing and order separate meals. We heeded the advice and we are glad we did.

When the meals arrived we were astonished on how large the portions were. Our friends had the pasta with chicken and there were four chicken breasts sitting on the plate. Amazing. The food was great and the deserts were just as glorious. We recommend the Cheesecake Factory to anyone.

One final word for those woman amongst you it is right by the Millenia shopping Mall as well. As an extra bonus there are threee or four other restaurants there that we are yet to try.

Don’t miss out on the Cheesecake Factory!!

It’s a question we regularly ask ourselves when we are intending to eat out either for breakfast, lunch or evening meal.

A variation of that same question can often come from guests. Usually guests who are visiting for the first time.

Like many who have been the area more than once you soon become aware that the choice of eating establishments is enormous.

Breakfast is easy. If we want to fill up prior to a days activities it would be one of the ‘eat as much as you like’ establishments, usually Ponderosa (192 opposite the old town).

Lunch time eating out would depend on where we were. If we were at the house the choice would be between Beef O’Bradys, Chili’s or Applebee’s

Evening dining out can be a little more difficult.

If we had a family debate every time we ate out for our evening meal we would be never get out to eat.

In our family depending on who is making the final decision where to eat for an evening meal it’s usually a forgone conclusion for the rest of us where that person would choose.

Carol, my wife would choose chili’s (Champions Gate) or Applebee’s (H27). Her reasoning would be that both places have a good choice on the menu at very reasonable prices. However the deciding factor for her would be that they are both with in a few minutes drive from our house so she could get back, pour a red wine, soak in the spa and chill out.

My eldest daughter would probably choose either Antonio’s or The Columbia Restaurant both in Celebration.

The menu is more expensive than other eating establishments but in our experience the food has always been excellent and if I’m picking up the bill what do the others care what it costs.

For my youngest daughter and me it would have to be Logan’s roadhouse (opposite the old town 192). If their was one thing I could bring home to the UK it would be a Logan’s roadhouse.

The menu choice is good but for me you could take everything off and just leave the stakes.

The pub / sports bar set up is excellent, we have never been rushed, the staff are laid back, you can drink beer or spirits and you get the bonus of walking over to the old town to check out the old cars and motorbikes (if you pick the right evening) and spend forever deciding which one I’m going to buy and ship home.

In your dreams (as carol would say).

Eating out in Florida is not as easy as you may think.

Although the address is Celebration, the ‘Shack’ is easier to get to than the town itself, right on 192 by the water tower.

The Shack gets very busy and it is well worth booking a table if you can. The interior is a sight to behold – the ceilings are hung with what appear to be the contents of a jumble sale, which all adds to the atmosphere of the place. The music can be very loud indeed, so try to get a table that’s not immediately under a speaker. Our favourite place to sit is outside on the wooden balcony, especially since one of the restaurant’s highlights is a children’s playground housed on a sandpit , so the children can play there safely and don’t even notice they are waiting for their food.

The Shack’s signature dishes are both crabs and shrimp, and the menu is mind-boggling with its choice, with plenty more in addition to the crabs and even some non-seafood choices. We would recommend you order either starters or mains, or at least do one at a time before you decide you have room for both, as the portion sizes are very generous.

Some of the specialist cocktails the bar serves are a talking point in themselves, especially the famous Shark Bite, made from Bacardi, vodka, blue curacao, and grenadine.

The atmosphere in the Shack is never what one would call sedate, in fact it’s probably the liveliest restaurant we’ve ever been to, with loud music and a real party atmosphere. The waiters are more like performers and woe betide if you visit on your birthday and they find out – they are highly likely to break into a song and dance which will soon involve the entire restaurant. This is definitely a restaurant for a large family occasion or a party, not for a quiet, romantic dinner for two. Make sure you don’t leave it until your last night to try it, as you will probably find you’ll want to return!

To get to Boca Grande we would take the causeway from the Mainland.  On Placida Road we saw this cluster of buildings just after the causeway and discovered amongst other things a restaurant called the Fishery.  It looked a bit of dump from the outside and what was the Fish Market which serviced 18 fishing boats is now a derelict building, around the corner you come to the charming restaurant. There is now only one fishing boat as time marches on.

Initially it did not particularly appear attractive at all despite backing onto the bay.  We steered clear, but we read reviews and spoke to some people who recommended it, so we thought we would give it go.

We went midweek one evening and entered the restaurant to be pleasantly surprised, the staff were friendly and the place was busy with a mixture of locals and tourists, it oozed character we were shown to a table by the large picture window which overlooked Gaspiralla Sound, and the other small islands in the area.  There was a long dock where people who had come by boat could tie them up. There was a car park for us mere mortals.

We ordered from the extensive menu, there is lot of fish as you would expect but also steaks for the likes of me, I was impressed by the basket meals they did as well, portions were huge, and prices were average and did not break the bank.

Before our food arrived on that first visit, we went out onto the dock and marvelled at view, it was so relaxing watching the pelicans dive bomb in the water for their tea. Then we saw a dolphin swimming close to shore looking for his tea as well.  

We went back inside and promptly told the waitress about the dolphin, we were excited to see dolphins in there natural environment, which was quite simply amazing.   She was unmoved and commented they were there most nights.  She added that when she was a kid around 20 years ago she would go down the Fish Market which at that time was the home to the fishing boats and feed up to 20 dolphins who would gather waiting for the local fishermen who landed there catch in the hope of getting some titbits, that must have been some sight!!. On another visit when we came out there was mother racoon with her cubs and mother cat with her kittens.  It is obviously a routine that diners bring leftovers from the meals out for them and on this occasion the racoon and the cat were in competion for the food while their young continued to play together in the bushes.

It was lovely to watch them and added to charm of the place, so if you are ever in this part of Florida then we can recommend a trip to the Fishery not only for the food but to see some of the Florida Wildlife.

The Fishery continues to serve good food and dolphins can be seen on a regular basis.

There are lots of these band type lights here in the UK at our Pound Stores so it may suit some visitors to stock up before they leave, making sure they are in their suitcases and not their hand luggage.

Our American guests also recommended booking the Disney Character Dining seats at The Parks,  before their vacation as the availability is so hard to get on the days just before you go to The Parks. They are really Special experiences, When we visited, even at our age, Larry & I joined in the Dancing Chains & Napkin waving with Mickey & Minnie and all of their Friends. Great fun, just to see the little one’s faces and to get as many close up photo’s as you want.

Happy Holidays

Mary & Larry

The VIP treatment starts on your arrival when you can enjoy complimentary valet parking. Much nicer than hunting for a parking space, as this place does get busy and so does the car park. You may have to wait for a table at peak times, but it’s worth the wait! It also gives you a chance to enjoy their huge outside terrace which has two bars, lots of seating and a stage where steel drums play reggae music all night long.

What’s better than a little island music while you sip one of their fabulous speciality cocktails? My favourite is their Bahamarita, which consists of colourful layers of assorted fruit Margaritas. Others worth trying are their Ultimate Pina Colada or their Mojito Cubano which has a perfect blend of white rum, lime, mint and sugar cane. They even have their own house beer called Aruba Red which is brewed by Anheuser Busch and produced only for Bahama Breeze.

Inside the restaurant the lush tropical plants and decor, thatched roofs and colourful wicker style furnishings all add to the feeling that you’re actually dining in the Bahamas. The service is always friendly, and the staff are happy to help you with food and drink choices.

As for their delicious food, we normally start off by sharing some fresh coconut shrimp and a giant stack of their island onion rings and dips. They do some great seafood and steaks for entrees, but I’m a sucker for their West Indies Ribs or their Jamaican Grilled Chicken Breast which comes with cinnamon sweet mashed potatoes.

A dessert is often out of the question by this time, but if you can manage one you won’t be disappointed. I can’t resist their traditional Key Lime Pie, or their Bananas Supreme which has fresh banana served over warm banana nut bread with vanilla ice cream and brandy butterscotch sauce.

If you’re drooling at the mouth by now, why not treat yourself to dinner and cocktails at Bahama Breeze on your next visit to the Orlando area.

Have Fun!

 T.G.I. Fridays has a varied menu with something to please everyone.   They do a great job with the run of the mill menu items such as burgers and steaks, but if you want to try something unique, go for one of their signature Jack Daniels grill selections, one of their special pasta dishes like Bruschetta Chicken Pasta or a seafood entrée such as Tortilla-Crusted Tilapia.  Or maybe a Southwest selection may be more to your liking such as Sizzling Chicken Fajitas or Double-Stack Quesadillas.  They often have special promotions with limited time menu offerings that make it a great restaurant to go back to time and time again.  And if you’re watching your carb intake, there are specially prepared Atkins diet entrees for you to choose from as well.

For the little ones, there’s a really good kiddie menu with plenty of choices including hot dogs, pizza, burgers and even ribs.   For sides, in addition to the usual fries, there are 3 healthy choices including carrots and dip, salad, or mandarin oranges.  A beverage is included.  Be sure to ask your server about enrolling your children in the birthday club because they will receive a post card annually for a free kids meal.

Hopefully when you have finished a great meal, you will have left room for dessert, though you may have a hard time choosing which creation to finish it off with.  The Brownie Obsession and the Vanilla Bean Cheesecake are excellent! 

If you don’t have time for a leisurely meal, T.G.I. Fridays offers curb side take-out service.  Call ahead to place your order and tell them what type of vehicle you’re driving.  When you arrive, there are special reserved parking spots for take-out patrons.  Pull in and they’ll bring your order right out to your car!

If you’re a bargain hunter, you may be interested to know that T.G.I. Fridays participates in the Gold Points network.  Ask your server how you can sign up and get a Gold Points card at no charge.  Every time you visit T.G.I. Fridays, present your card and you will earn 10 points for every dollar you spend.  Your accumulated points can be redeemed for free appetizers, desserts or gift certificates.

We had never visited the Cheesecake Factory restaurant before. We found the one in Orlando outside the entrance to the Millenia Mall.

As we arrived it looked very busy and with 7 of us we thought we have will not get a table for some time. To our surprise we were seated within 20 minutes.

We had been warned that the portions were enormous and some of use decided to share a meal. What a good decision.

The atmosphere was fantastic and the service very good. We had a superb meal and all of our party were very impressed.

There were a number of restaurants along the front of the Mall and we will certainly be back.

Wal-Mart Supermarket

Locations –

1.        Corner of 192 and Bass Road Close to the villa.

2.        Corner of North Poinciana Boulevard and 535 (near The Official Ticket Center)

Target Supermarket.

 Please note Super Targets sell fresh food

Locations –

1.      Super Target between 192 Market 13 and 12 past Sam’s club

2.      Target - East on Highway 192 on left near K Mart and Home Depot.

Publix Super Market

Locations –

Corner of 192 and 535 (marker 12) in the Shopping Plaza

Between Marker 8 and Marker 9 near and on the same side as Bennigan’s

Restaurants & Fast Food Outlets

These are just a small selection of Restaurants along the Highway 192

Before Marker 15

Outbacker Steak House -Casual dining steak restaurants with an atmosphere suggestive of the rustic Australian outback

Between Markers 13 and 12

Applebee’s - Applebee’s® was founded in Atlanta, Georgia, by Bill and T.J. Palmer. The Palmers envisioned a restaurant that would provide full service, consistently good food, reasonable prices and quality service in a neighbourhood setting.

Between Markers 12 and 11

Smokey Bones - Smokey Bones has a wide variety on their menu. There is the “traditional” (usually slow-smoked) barbeque menu, including burgers, chicken and BBQ Baby Back and St. Louis Ribs, as well as a line of salads, other non-barbeque entrees, and desserts.

Cattleman’s Steak House

Taco Bell

Pizza Hut

Between Markers 11 and 10

Perkins - Family restaurants that feature in-store bakeries and serve a variety of distinctive entreés

Ramono’s Macaroni Grill - serves a wide variety of Italian food and offers a children’s menu.

Cracker Barrel Store & Restaurant

Uno Pizzeria, Restaurant – Famous for Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza but also offer a varied menu

Chili’s Grill & Bar, Restaurant - Offers both Mexican style food and typical American food. Includes fajitas, quesadillas, salads, baby back ribs, buffalo wings, grilled shrimp

Longhorn Steak House – Capture the flavour and fun of the wild west. Great steaks, burgers and fresh salads. We really enjoy the fresh bread delivered to your table.

Between Markers 9 and 8

Bennigans - Neighbourhood American tavern with an Irish twist, includes appetizers, sandwiches, steaks and lots more.

Logan’s Roadhouse – Well known for mesquite-grilled steaks, chicken, fresh burgers, baby-back ribs, seafood, and specialty salads. Enjoy the bottomless buckets of in-shell peanuts.