50's Prime Time Cafe at Hollywood Studios

To complete my dining adventures in Disney World, I want to share my experience at 50's Prime Time Cafe at Hollywood Studios. We stepped in and I immediately felt like I was a character in a 1950's sitcom. To start, the host called us by saying "Salas kids....time for dinner!" and took us to a table in a kitchenette-like area that was nostalgically decorated with a cool-looking black and white TV at one end. I, of course, was sending a quick text on my cell phone and the host gave me two options...either put it away to engage in family conversation or risk having it confiscated. I looked at him and thought I had just stepped into "Father Knows Best"; regressing back to my teenage years and getting some straightening out from my dad - all of course in a good-natured, funny way. I liked it! So, after putting the phone in my purse, I settled into my 50's table, and sat back to enjoy some old-time TV favorites, like "Dennis the Menace", while I waited for the waitress to stop by. Turns out she was our "Cousin Quinn", (I guess from a side of the family we didn't know we had) and she'd be bringing us our food, but we had to set the table ourselves (we couldn't very well expect her to do everything around here). She was really funny, going over some of the dining behavior she expected from us (no elbows on the table, etc.) and then she gave us the menu.

Blue Claw Crab Cake

Coke Float

I looked through the appetizers and saw what I wanted on the spot: Blue Claw Crab Cake. It was a lump crab cake, served on succotash with bacon, chili sauce, crispy onions and lima beans. Three words to describe it: Mmmm Mmmm Good!!! We ordered a second one because it truly tasted amazing. I looked around and saw another customer had ordered a float that looked so inviting I had to have it. So, I asked Cousin Quinn for a Coke float. (I'm not a fan of Root Beer). Delicious! Really thick with lots of ice-cream.

Grandma's Chicken Pot Pie

For an entree, she suggested we try a Sampling of Mom's Favorite Recipes which brought three of the signature staples here: Crispy Fried Chicken, Fork Tender Pot Roast, and Traditional Meatloaf with all the fixings. Being the rebel that I am, I decided I wanted to go a different route. I ordered Grandma's Chicken Pot Pie, which was a creamy cheese mixture of chicken, mushrooms, carrots, celery, onions, and peas topped with a flaky pastry. I'll tell you, while the Pot Pie wasn't bad, it wasn't too flavorful and the chicken wasn't seasoned enough for me. You gotta listen to your relatives!

Aunt Liz's Golden Fried Chicken

Dad's Traditional Meat Loaf

Because the rest of my party was more obedient, I had the indescribable pleasure of trying two of the three famous recipes in Mom's Sampling dish. They ordered Aunt Liz's Golden Fried Chicken, which was served with mashed potatoes, chicken gravy, and southern greens with bacon and Dad's Traditional Meatloaf, a blend of beef and pork topped with tomato glaze and served with mashed potatoes and green beans. I thought it might be too much food but Cousin Quinn said not to worry, she'd sit down in a couple of minutes and help us eat it. Hilarious!! Can somebody say, "I can't believe I ate the whole thing!" These two dishes were spectacular!! The chicken had so many flavors, it made my mouth water. The skin was crispy, the meat was tender and I just couldn't put it down! The meatloaf was mind-shattering. It tasted like it was made at home with the kind of secrets passed down from generation to generation. I enjoyed it so much, I actually had to get the recipe and am going to attempt to make it at home. I'll have to let you know how that goes later!

50's Boston Cream Parfait

I told Cousin Quinn I thought I was done; nothing else was fitting in my jeans, but she reminded me there was always room for dessert and being that I don't need much coaxing, I budged (and so did my pants!) I ordered the 50's Boston Cream Parfait, and closed my eyes to enjoy it. It had layers of chocolate fudge, vanilla ice-cream, and pound cake, all topped with whipped cream. Sweet, creamy and addicting are three words I can use to describe this dessert.

Dining at 50's Prime Time Cafe is a fun, memorable experience that will be enjoyed by the whole family. The service is superb and all the staff works hard to make the 50s experience complete. I loved their food and the decor is true to Disney's standards. Since I didn't have a chance to try their pot roast, I can't wait to return. When you come, make reservations ahead of time since this is a place many people want to dine in and gets filled quickly. Oh and don't forget to wash your hands before dinner...Cousin Quinn might just check if you did.

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Boma at Animal Kindgom Lodge in Disney World

There is always something magical about a visit to Walt Disney World. It happens in the four theme parks, in the hotels and even in some of  the restaurants. Whether it's transporting us back in time, or to another land, Disney has a unique way of taking the ordinary and making it extraordinary. The same happens when you embark on a unique dining adventure at Boma, located in the Animal Kingdom Lodge.

 The minute you step inside, the decor is reminicent of an African lodge, featuring high polished carved wood on the walls and rustic furniture. Boma offers a buffet that includes an array of dishes from over 50 different African countries! Each exotic dish has a unique combination of flavors that allow you to savor the culinary traditions of the different regions; making them come alive. Since they change their menu daily, it is quite possible to come here several times and be able to try out different dishes each visit.

Carving Station

Salads and Bread

As in most buffets, there are several different stations or "pods" with about four or five choices per pod; each with chefs nearby to answer any questions you may have. Since tonight was a cold night, I'll begin with the soups. There are at least five soups and stews available every evening! Although there were so many choices to pick from, such as the Butternut Squash and the Curried Coconut Seafood Stew, I decided to go for the Chicken Corn Porridge. The main reason I chose this one was that since I wasn't in the mood for spicy food, I asked one of the chefs which one he recommended, and he suggested it. However, he also explained that the others were only mildly spiced so I really could've chosen any. It was delicious! It turned out to be a thicker soup, similar to a chowder, filled with chunks of chicken, corn, onion, red pepper, and potato in a creamy broth.

Braised Pork Shoulder

The carving station included two different kinds of meat. This particular evening they were Rotisserie Beef, and Braised Pork Shoulder. I didn't find the Rotisserie Beef extremely flavorful but the Braised Pork Shoulder was divine and quickly became my favorite. It was very tender and juicy with just the right amount of seasoning. Although it needed nothing else, there were four dipping sauces available in case you wanted to give any of the meat an additional punch.  These were the Boma Mustard,
Tamarind Barbeque, Masi Mara  and Sambal Sauce.

Durban Spiced Chicken

For those who prefer fish or chicken, Boma offers a roasted salmon dish and a Durban Spiced Chicken which I adored. I had the pleasure of speaking with Vee, a hostess at Boma, who happens to be from Durban. She explained how this delicious dish is made,  and how each time she has it here, it always reminds her of home. There are 12 spices used in this recipe, and the chicken is slow roasted to achieve the right amount of tenderness without losing any of the flavors.

Bobotie

The same goes for a special dish called Bobotie. This dish is similar to a "shepherd's pie". It is made with ground beef, lamb, curry and cumin. It is then set in a semi-sweet egg custard. The final result? A flavor explosion!! I had to go back for seconds!

Fufu

Other delicious side dishes that I truly enjoyed sampling were the Fufu, a sweet and white potatoes dish mashed with coriander and cinnamon, Cous cous with dried fruit, rice, and several African breads, including my favorite, Mealie Bread. There were also several different hummus to choose from. These were White Bean, Black Olive and Sun Dried Tomato hummus. An entire pod was dedicated to salads, which included a watermelon rind salad and an avocado, grapefruit and papaya salad that had many people coming back for more.

Sampling of Desserts

Zebra Domes

Finally, I reached my grand finale for the evening: the dessert pod. Boma has a wide variety of bite size desserts to choose from which happens to be perfect, because you can sample several (or all of them) and still walk (not roll) out of the restaurant. My three favorites (yes, I said three) were the Peanut Butter Mousse, the Caramel Cheesecake and the world famous Zebra Domes.  The Zebra Domes are a coffee/ Kahlua flavored mousse on top of a tiny dome shaped sponge cake, all covered with a thin white chocolate/gelatin, and striped with chocolate to resemble a zebra. If I could have, I would have walked away with an entire tray or at the very least, hidden a couple dozen in my purse to munch on later. Unfortunately, I didn't bring a purse.

My dinner at Boma was a tribute to the senses and an introduction of how wonderful a traditional African dinner is. If you come to Disney, I highly recommend a stop at the Animal Kingdom Lodge and an awe inspiring dinner at Boma.

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Crossroads at House of Blues at West Side Downtown Disney

When I first sat down at the House of Blues and began to read over the menu, I started to panic. Where were the Crispy Catfish Nuggets served with sweet potato fries and spicy tartar sauce I loved so much? What about the crab and artichoke dip? Wait a minute...something looked totally different! I called the waitress over in a frenzy and as she eased my nerves she calmly replied, "This is the new menu put together by Chef Sanchez". I realized immediately who she was referring to: Celebrity Chef Aaron Sanchez, cohost of Chopped, Heat Seekers and other shows from the Food Network.

I decided to give this a chance. While I enjoyed several dishes from the House of Blues (now renamed Crossroads at House of Blues), I understood we should always have an open mind to change and welcome new opportunities (although I really wanted a mouthful of catfish at that point). I perused the menu and found it to be rather interesting. It was bold and classic yet contemporary; incorporating flavors from around the world. There were still many of the staple items such as the jambalaya, burgers, cornbread and pulled pork sandwich but I noticed there appeared to be some changes in the preparation of these as well.

Crispy Prosciutto Grilled Flatbread

New signature dishes such as the shrimp and grits, short rib meatball sliders, hand stretched grilled flatbreads, and street tacos caught my eye and made my ability to choose a bit more difficult. I finally decided to start off with the Crispy Prosciutto Hand Stretched Grilled Flatbread.  It was made with roasted garlic puree, blue cheese mozzarella, oven dried tomatoes, pine nuts and crispy fried prosciutto. It sounded out of this world and I was really hungry! Believe me when I tell you it was a very generous appetizer. I thought it would be a small flatbread but it really could've been an entree in itself. It was scrumptious, the ingredients were fresh and it was gone within a couple of minutes.

Lobster Mac & Cheese

Next I ordered the Lobster Mac & Cheese. This was by far the most amazing dish I had. Imagine maine lobster meat in a creamy cheese sauce and topped with crunchy panco breadcrumbs.  Divine! The macaroni was tender, the cheese very creamy and there was a generous portion of lobster meat.

Jambalaya

I also tried the Jambalaya.  Always finding it delicious, I was glad to see it remained on the menu. Full of flavor, you could taste  the marinated chicken, spicy andouille sausage, sweet peppers and roasted green onion in the traditional jambalaya sauce. However, I did notice the absence of shrimp. While it was still extremely tasty, and I especially love how the rice is completely immersed in the seasoning, making it achieve the color it does, I do enjoy shrimp in my jambalaya.

Since I find comfort in familiarity, I couldn't help but order a side of their famous Sweet Potato Fries. As always, they didn't disappoint. They were crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside, without  being too sweet.

Sweet Potato Fries

To my disappointment, I realized I was just too full for dessert. I guess I never expected the flatbread to be quite that size and the rest of the dishes came in generous portions as well. I did see one particular dessert that I plan to try when I return. It was the Molten Chocolate Cake. It looked tantalizing but unfortunately, I couldn't indulge this time. No worries... I grabbed a schedule of upcoming concerts since not only is there amazing food here to satisfy your cravings, but also music for your soul. I had a wonderful dining experience at Crossroads at House of Blues and I will come back again to try some more of  Chef Sanchez's creations; this time leaving some room for dessert.

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Johnny V Restaurant and Lounge

I always love to visit Las Olas and take in the ambiance of the picturesque strip of stores and restaurants that line the street.  I was especially excited this evening to be having dinner at Johnny V Restaurant and Lounge, located at 625 E. Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, and co-owned by award winning Chef Johnny Vinczencz. When we first arrived, I noticed the restaurant had a nice seating area outside, where most of the people were sitting. After debating whether to join them "al fresco" or go inside where it was warm, we decided to bypass the people watching and enjoy the cozy surroundings inside.

Lobster, Lobster, Lobster

The waitress came over to our table right away and brought the menu. It had several items we wanted to try and it took us a while to make up our mind. Finally, we decided to go for the  Lobster, Lobster, Lobster as one of our appetizers.  It sounded rather interesting since I love lobster and would be enjoying it three different ways: in a Sherried Lobster Bisque, Baby Chilled Lobster “Roll”, and a  Lobster Crab Cake. Of the three preparations, I was particularly fascinated by the Lobster Bisque. It was very flavorful, with an appropriate amount of lobster meat, and without having a strong sherry taste or being too heavy. The "roll" was actually more similar to a lobster salad, but tasty nonetheless; and the lobster crab cake was a mouth-watering treat that came alive in a combination of flavors, especially when joined with the sauces that accompanied it.

Breast of Duck Meatballs

For a bit of variety, the next appetizer we ordered was Breast of Duck Meatballs.   The three "meatballs" were sitting on a Portobello Mash with Pesto, Pine Nuts, and a Demi Glace.  All of a sudden, I regressed to my early childhood and  decided I didn't want to share my meatballs! They were that succulent! After those tender moments of bliss, we ordered our entrees.

They were the Sage Grilled Mahi Mahi  and the Venison Three Ways: Venison Chop, Sliced Venison Tenderloin and Venison Blueberry Sausage.  

Sage Grilled Mahi Mahi

The Mahi Mahi was served on top of a Rock Shrimp Plantain Stuffing, which was bathed in Lobster Pan Gravy. To bring an exotic flavor to the dish, there was a hint of Cranberry-Mango Chutney, and all was paired with Baby Green Beans and Carrots. Absolutely divine! The taste of sage was very prominent in the fish and when this flavor mixed with the sweetness of the Cranberry-Mango Chutney, there was a serious explosion in my mouth. Definitely took my time savoring each bite!

Venison Three Ways

The Venison was no exception.  The meat was tender and bold and the distinct fashion in which each of the three portions of venison was prepared, gave a totally different rendition of this tasty meat. Being that I like mixing sweet and salty, I especially enjoyed the Venison Blueberry Sausage. The dish came with a trio of baby Baked Potatoes with Three Cheeses, Grilled Leeks and Black Berry Demi Glace.

Chocolate Sampler

Finally, came the time I always await with a childlike anticipation: Dessert! Succumbing to my weakness for chocolate, I caught a glimpse of two words on the menu that held my gaze and made me look no further: Chocolate Sampler. I had the pleasure of sampling a Cheesecake Bar, Brownie with Nutella Ice-Cream, Peanut-Butter Cup & Chocolate Pudding with Biscotti. Remember my regression into childhood earlier in the dinner and my refusal to share? For some reason, it resurfaced now! This is definitely a tantalizing dessert I highly recommend and would have over and over without hesitation. Needless to say, I really enjoyed my evening at Johnny V and find his take on mixing Latin flavors with bold Caribbean influences a very refreshing twist on American cuisine.  For reservations, call 954-761-7920   http://www.johnnyvlasolas.com/.

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CVI.CHE 105

Mystic Drink

If we were to look up the words Perfect Ceviche in the dictionary, I sincerely believe CVI.CHE 105 would be right next to them. 105 NE 3rd Ave, Miami, FL 33132. It's a Friday night and I have my usual  craving for some kind of seafood. I'm flipping channels with my remote wondering where to go and a program on Peru and its great fishing grounds pops up. That's it! I know what I want to eat: Ceviche and Chaufa. I bound for a place that is hot, hip and happening and whose food has been nothing short of delectable every time. Once again, I am not disappointed. I ordered the Mystic Drink to start the evening. It is a combination of Pisco, Champagne, Grand Marnier, Orange Juice and Cranberry Juice served by the half bottle and smoking up a nice mist. The waiter makes sure to keep my glass filled with ice throughout dinner so that my drink continues to be nice and cold, which I found to be very attentive.

Causa Makki Especial

 I am giddy and jumping out of my seat because since it is Friday, the chef has prepared a very special sushi "roll" only available on the weekends. The type of roll varies every weekend, and this time it is called Causa Makki Especial. It is a causa roll filled with smoked salmon, avocado, cream cheese and guava mermalade, all made with a base of yellow pepper.  When I bite into the soft, sweet and salty creation, time stands still!

Seafood Orgy 

Next up is their Seafood Orgy; a delicious ceviche of mixed seafood and shrimp blended with the traditional Tiger milk. Full of flavor and texture, it is a great pairing with the roll.

Chaufa Mixta

What follows is just as enticing to the palate! We order their Chaufa Mixta Seafood Rice and get a generous portion of delicious rice mixed in with a variety of seafood and steak. I notice the steak has a unique seasoning and discover from the waiter it is cooked first in the wok, giving it its smoky flavor.

Although I am having difficulty breathing at this point from all the food I have ingested, I figure I want to give you guys a complete review and decide in order to do this, I must sacrifice myself and have some dessert!

Trilogia de Sabores Peruanos

We order their Trilogia de Sabores Peruanos, which consists of a sampling of three tasty desserts: Suspiro a la Limeña, Merengado de Chirimoya and Mousse de Lúcuma. While all three were amazing, my favorite was the Suspiro a la Limena; a combination of smooth dulce de leche with cream on top and a hint of cinammon. To seal the deal, I order a cortadito and sit back to replay in my mind the intoxicating gastronomical experience I just embarked on. Although the meal was an awe inspiring treat of Peruvian delights accompanied by great service, the journey there required some patience. Since they do not accept reservations during the weekends, it is best not to arrive too late and avoid peak dining hours on Fridays and Saturdays. Otherwise, you could be waiting in line for over an hour. I must say, however, that although the restaurant was extremely packed, the pacing of the food was good, and the flow from course to course was perfect. When all is said and done, CVI.CHE 105's dining experience is superb and definitely worth the wait.  305-577-3454   http://www.ceviche105.com/
                                                                                                                                                                             

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Spanish Gardens Cafe

Capuccino

Mile marker 80.9

Every once in a while, I love taking a drive down to The Florida Keys. Sometimes, I just make it a day trip, going as far down as Marathon and then return. I have a little routine I usually follow, stopping at shops and having a drink at the bar of some of the local hotels. There is one hidden gem I always stop in for lunch at, that has a combination of charm, friendly ambiance and delicious food. This place is the Spanish Gardens Cafe in Islamorada, situated at 80925 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL 33036. Located in a shopping strip, it is easy to miss if you are not paying attention but once you have had the pleasure of eating here, you will not forget the experience. I've been enjoying Chef Jose's magical cuisine since his place was located in the Rain Barrel-Artisans' Village a few years ago. He had a small counter with outdoor seating he had set up in the gardens, with patio tables and chairs he made himself. The first time I tried his tuna salad sandwich, I was hooked! Using organic ingredients, everything he uses is so fresh and tasty, you can relish it in every bite. From there, he became a staple on all my Keys getaways. Now, he has a quaint little restaurant, where you can have indoor or outdoor seating, and admire all the beautiful paintings, also for sale, on his walls. It's a feast for the senses as you get a feeling you're having a great meal in a museum gallery! The decoration is old world charm, and the service is both friendly and familiar. You will see Chef Jose preparing his delicious fare in his signature colorful pants, and he will probably step out of the kitchen and come say hello. On his menu, you will find tapas, sandwiches, salads and a world class paella. Aside from the wine list, he can make a mean Sangria and Lemonade, depending on what you are in the mood for. The portions are all generous and the experience something to look forward to on the drive down to Islamorada. Whether you're a tourist or a local, if you're in the mood for some Spanish cuisine, or just a refreshing gourmet salad or sandwich, stop by Spanish Gardens Cafe. I bet you you'll be glad you did! Call them at 305 664-3999.

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Azul Restaurant at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel

Nuits-Saint-Georges

Before I venture off to sleepyland, I need to sit down and write about my experience tonight at Azul Restaurant at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel located at 500 Brickell Key Drive Miami, FL 33131. Let me start by saying "Pinch me please, I still feel like royalty..." The service and detail at Azul are perfect! From the moment you walk into the restaurant, throughout your dinner and as you walk out, you are treated with the upmost care and attention. After we were taken to our beautiful table overlooking the bay, and the waiter came to introduce himself and take our drink order, the wine sommelier came with the wine list and took the time to find out our preference and make recommendations. After we made our selection, and he brought us a bottle of an amazing  Nuits-Saint-Georges, he went on to tell us some very interesting stories of the wine region as well as his own personal experiences. Very nice!

"Carnaroli" Rice Risotto

Bacon Eggs and Toast

Our waiter was incredible as well. When we asked him about a few of the selections on the menu, he took the time to explain everything and actually took pleasure in pointing out each detail of the dishes. It was so motivating, we had to try each of the ones he suggested. And were we glad!! The two appetizers we had were a gastronomical combination of flavors that made you want to close your eyes and savor each bite. The first one was called Bacon Eggs and Toast!! Just imagine a 12 Hour Suckling Pig cooked to perfection, where you can actually see and savor each layer; a tasty Tempura Duck Egg on top, Speck Air, Black Truffle Pomme Puree, and Pork Jus. Amazing!! Then we had the "Carnaroli" Rice Risotto, which was made with Duck Prosciutto, Brandy Gel, Burgundy Truffle, and Pickled Onion; all mixed together to create a creamy dish that tantalized the senses.  Both are very popular items on  the menu and I can see why.

Moroccan Lamb

Pan Seared Bransino Bass

For entrees, we had the Moroccan Lamb, cooked to perfection and the Pan Seared Bransino Bass. They were very tasty but I was still reeling from my appetizer experience. 

Finally, we tried three desserts and I can honestly say you really can't go wrong with any. From the decadent chocolate, to the light, fruity cream, each one offered a wonderful ending to a culinary delight.  I highly recommend a night in this magical place, and you will not only receive celebrity treatment, but you'll go home with a reservation to return! Here's their contact      
                                        information (305) 913-8288 

                                        www.mandarinoriental.com/miami/dining/azul/.

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