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Recently, some friends of ours returned from a delightful ten-day river
cruise in China. Since they could eat nothing but Chinese food on the
ship, they were anxious to get back and try something a little
different. This piqued our thoughts about writing a review or "recap"
about some of the restaurants we’ve sampled here in Central Florida over
the last couple of years. We decided to compile a list of some of our
"favorites" - many of them offering ethnic or regional fare.
Our choice for the best prime rib in the area is the Rusty Fox in
Clermont. Their special offers two 10.oz prime rib dinners, including a
starch, bread and salad or homemade soup, plus a bottle of house wine
for under $25. We have found it to be consistently flavorful and tender
in the many years we have dined there.
Sonny’s BBQ on Rt. 27 in Leesburg wins "hands down" for baby-back ribs.
Their "half-rack order" is more than enough to satisfy us when we get
the urge for tasty ribs. And at about $8 per person with all the
trimmings, it’s a good bargain.
More
recently, we have been enjoying Mexican food at Santiago’s in Clermont.
We’ve learned a lot about their traditional flavors and cuisine, and
we’re enjoying a much wider selection of menu items.
Our
favorite spot for Chinese food is located in nearby Eustis on Route 19.
China Lane Restaurant has been there more than 25 years and they feature
an extensive hot/cold buffet on Friday and Saturday nights. Peel-and-eat
shrimp usually begins our meal there, followed by a variety of ribs,
duck, pork, beef, chicken or seafood specialties, as well as a salad
bar. Ice cream completes the feast.
When
Greek or Italian food comes to mind, we’re off to a family-owned spot on
Route 27 in Leesburg called Stavros. They have the best pizza in the
area. Taki’s on Route 441 also has a nice selection of Greek and Italian
dishes.
Our
favorite Japanese food can be found at Osaka, also on Route 27 in
Leesburg, and for a German meal, we look forward to the Sauerbraten at
the Dinner Bell, located just north of Leesburg.
In our
opinion, the best "variety" menu, including fresh seafood, steaks,
chicken, veal and other choices, can be found at Vic’s Embers on Route
441. Try their Bananas Foster prepared tableside for dessert.
For an
upscale seafood buffet, Nickers can’t be beat. Located at Mission Inn at
Howie-In-The-Hills. The Saturday night presentation (priced at $23 per
person) is beautiful. Another local favorite in this area is Café In The
Hills. This small restaurant has a great boneless Breast of Duck served
in a raspberry-peach sauce.
The
Pier House in Clermont is a great seafood choice - their fresh grouper
in either a luncheon sandwich or the dinner selection (stuffed with
crabmeat), is delicious.
Italian food... Naples or Angelo’s, both on Hwy 441 in Leesburg, are
very enjoyable.
We are
very fortunate to have so much diversity and quality so close at hand.
Our suggestion, whether you’re visiting or making Central Florida your
new home, is to try them all, then create your own list of local
favorites. (It may be a long list!)
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