Orlando, with a population of just 238,300, shouldn't have as many fine-dining
establishments and high-end steak houses as it does. But thanks to all the
tourists here for Walt Disney World, Sea World, and Universal, and to all the
conventioneers here on a regular basis, we locals really do enjoy world-class
dining - even with our city being only the 79th largest in the United States.
One of my
favorite upscale dining spots is The Capital Grille. Yes, it's in a touristy
area (on I-Drive and right across from the Orange County Convention Center at
Pointe Orlando), and yes, it's a chain (owned by Orlando-based Darden - keeping
the jobs local), but it really is a great restaurant to visit.
The atmosphere is
dark yet inviting - definitely clubby. The service is impeccable. The menu is
diverse (shout out to the lobster mac and cheese). The wine list extensive.
And, above all, the steaks are fantastic.
Oh, and yes, it
can be expensive. Order a cocktail, a salad, a steak, and a bottle of wine and
the bill will be pricey. Certainly warranted for what you'll get, but pricey.
One of my top
tips for visitors to Orlando, or to anyone really, is to hit up expensive
restaurants for lunch. You'll get the same atmosphere, service, and food but
with smaller portions and a smaller price tag. And no reservations required.
The Capital
Grille offers a fantastic lunch menu, and their winter "Plates" menu
recently debuted with three new selections: Wagyu Cheeseburger with
Fried Egg and Crisp Onions, Roasted Pepper Soup and Roasted Root
Vegetables. But as always, guests of The
Capital Grille can customize their lunch, choosing from nine “plates” offerings
– three soups or salads, three sandwiches and three sides – all for just $18. Yep,
18 bucks. You can't beat it.
According to Executive Chef Matthew Price, the Wagyu
Cheeseburger with Fried Egg and Crisp Onions features premium Japanese Wagyu
beef blended with the right amount of seasoning, and is the kind of fresh twist
on an American classic The Capital Grille is known for. Root vegetables are at the peak of their
flavor in the winter, which makes the Roasted Root Vegetables a hearty addition to
any lunch entrée selection. And speaking
of cold weather, guests can warm up deliciously with a generous bowl of either
Roasted Pepper Soup or The Capital Grille's popular Clam Chowder, which
combines New England’s finest, freshly shucked clams and tender potatoes.
For guests with a limited amount of time at lunch, The
Capital Grille ensures they can enjoy the personalized service and
mouth-watering cuisine that characterize a Capital Grille dining experience and
still be on their way in about 45 minutes.
The Capital Grille is located at 9101 International Drive,
Suite 100. Reservations can be made by
calling 407-370-4392 or by visiting TheCapitalGrille.com. In addition to its main dining room, The
Capital Grille also features private dining rooms for up to 36 guests, as well
as a Chef’s Table accommodating up to 10 guests, with a frontline view of the
open kitchen.
5 Sommeliers out of 5
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