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 "Pisces
Rising-Fresh Florida Seafood and Steakhouse" is a new restaurant with an
innovative menu, interesting architecture, and a great view of Lake
Dora.
The restaurant is located in a corner building that was originally a
private residence that was completed in 1920. The open porch was
enclosed and the outside deck was added in 1999, so it is actually a
building within a building.
Mrs. Anney Winters purchased the property in July of 2003, and completed
all of the renovations for an early December opening. The stained glass
windows that surround the entrance are over 100 years old. They were
salvaged by Anney's father over 50 years ago. The Winters purchased the
restaurant when they moved to Mt. Dora from Key West to "retire".
Seeking the fresh Florida seafood that is an important part of their
diet, Anney incorporated recipes that she has developed over the years
for the menu. She has also included some of their favorite Cajun,
Caribbean, Cuban and Creole recipes, to offer a variety of choices.
Named after Mrs. Winter's astrological sign, "Pisces Rising" seats about
150 people on two levels. There is a cozy, romantic room that is set
aside for couples celebrating special occasions, and their indoor
lounge/bar has been dubbed "239", in honor of the address of their
former home.
An additional fifty patrons can be seated on a raised wooden deck
outside. The deck, which includes "Hemingway's Island Bar", offers a
nice view of the lake. Many of the decorations at the restaurant are
from their previous home.
 Lunches
offer a wide variety of appetizers, such as Bailey's West Indies Salad Ð
a marinated crab dish at $8. Real Seafood Gumbo, and Caribbean Conch
Chowder are the featured soups. Po' Boy sandwiches, served on
freshly-baked French bread, with a choice of ingredients such as pot
roast or oysters are available. The extensive luncheon menu includes
such choices as 8-oz burgers with fries or hand-cut potato chips, and
hot and cold sandwiches such as Cubana Mix or Caribbean Crab Cake. Most
lunches are under $10.
 For those
desiring a heartier meal at lunch time, there is a 10 oz hand-cut strip
steak, Filet Mignon, or a choice of several seafood platters with
accompaniments at a slightly higher price. All of their beef is Buckhead
Angus Beef., and they offer pork and chicken entrees as well.
On a recent visit for dinner, I enjoyed a fresh Grouper Garner, which
was dusted with Macadamia nut flour, pan sautŽed with ginger, tomatoes
and caramelized sweet onions, and served with a Key lime, coconut milk
and Chardonnay sauce @ $18.
For lunch, we have also enjoyed their spinach salad with chopped egg,
pine nuts, mushrooms and Bermuda onions - perfect for us to share as a
salad course. We also chose the day's special - a fried catfish platter
with lettuce, hush puppies and fries. A light and tasty meal for just
$9.
All of our meals at Pisces Rising have been delicious and fresh, and
their service has been attentive and professional. No matter what your
appetite, you're sure to find something satisfying at Pisces Rising.
They are open daily for lunch from 11-3 PM, and dinner hours begin at 5
PM. They are located at the corner of 4th Avenue and McDonald Street in
beautiful downtown Mt. Dora.
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