This fall, a business trip took me to the Magic Kingdom in Florida for a conference. As I arrived at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, it was disturbing enough to see the feral kids (prodded by their fruitful parents) running and screaming all over the place. But, worse, the hotel was hosting the Republican Party of Florida’s 2012 “Victory Dinner” that night, with Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell serving as the keynote speaker. (Last year it was Sarah Palin.) At one point, Congressman Allen West (last month voted out of office) stood outside my elevator. I invited him in, explaining that it was the elevator of the 99%, to which he waved me off.
The hotel was a nightmare, with numerous problems making it the unhappiest place on earth. (Adding to the misery: Every phone call for help starts with “Hope you are having a magical day.”) And if you’re looking for good food, I suggest you go far away. It’s worth the price of a car rental to not be stranded in Culinary Wasteland—which sounds like an actual park on the property.
Luckily, there is loveable food to be found, especially if you think “Winter.” Let’s start with the best, and work our way down.
The Ravenous Pig: Consult the food message boards, and this is easily the most recommended restaurant in the area for those seeking quality cooking. From Disney, you’ll have to travel through Orlando to Winter Park, but it’s worth the trip. Sitting solo? There’s a chef’s counter where you can strike up conversation with your neighbors, or just enjoy watching the food come out of the kitchen. The Ravenous Pig has a great list of craft beer by the glass and bottle, and lots of bold dishes on a frequently changing menu. Sardines and pork belly were my savory choices (I also enjoyed dessert) for the first of a two-part dinner. Next was…
Cask & Larder: This is the new, sister restaurant of The Ravenous Pig, just up the road in Winter Park. Calling itself a “Southern Public House,” the restaurant features an on-site brewery, oyster bar, ham-slicing station, and an incredibly eclectic menu. As good as The Ravenous Pig was, I might find myself more interested in returning here to explore more of the menu. For part two of my dinner, I enjoyed pickled beef tongue, grilled lamb heart, a southern type of poutine, and yet another dessert.
The Tasting Room at The Chef’s Table: Another recommendation I received from food message boards was The Tasting Room at The Chef’s Table in Winter Garden. Located in the historic Edgewater Hotel (definitely explore around), The Tasting Room is a casual place for drinks and small plates. I sat at the bar, but unlike The Ravenous Pig and Cask & Larder, service was a little less friendly (not cold, but not the most inviting). The food had hits and misses, with Rita’s fried chicken livers a highlight, Chef Kevin’s famous boudain’s balls decent, and roasted beet salad a miss. And then there were the candied collard greens.
Pom Pom’s Teahouse and Sandwicheria: It sounds like a place you’d find in the Magic Kingdom, but this little hangout is actually by the Executive Airport in Orlando. I love that you can get sandwiches (and all kinds of tea, including milk tea) until 10 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, until 5 a.m. on Thursday night/Friday morning, and then all night long on Friday and Saturday nights, when the shop doesn’t close until 6 p.m. on Sunday for its only evening off. You can customize any of the standard sandwiches to your desires, or create one from scratch. My order: the Fu Man Chu Sandwich.
Back at Disney: Stuck in the hotel while the staff tried to work out my Internet connectivity problems, I took one meal at Disney, hoping for that so-called “magical” experience. It didn’t happen. At a place called The Wave…of American Flavors (what kind of name is that for a restaurant?) I ate a grilled chicken breast sandwich that was a bit baffling. And at the bottom of the receipt: “Have a Magical Day.”
See the slideshow above for all the photos of the food.