Florida restaurant recommendations

Maggiano’s is alright. They’re at the same level to me as Olive Garden. I have one down the street from my office where lots of vendors prefer that place when taking me out to eat, but I direct them to much better chains like Earl’s, which is also in Orlando.

Shopping the Greater Denver Area, Colorado Springs and in-between in Colorado. 33 year old male and willing to travel!

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Maggiano's started in Chicago with Rich Melman and Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises. (LEYE) He does things with a twist, whimsy, sense of humor often. Semi-retired now, his adoptive next gen kids are in development, He sold that Maggiano's out to Brinker, I think, years ago. He has done Corner Bakery, he was behind TRU, with Rick Tramonto and Gale Gand, and I haven't checked but I think Everest could still be open. His portfolio covers a full spectrum of unique and chain like restaurants or evokes the look and feel of retro Wisconsin supper clubs or retro steakhouses. He developed restaurants with partners for a unique perspective, like one with Oprah where they had the most decadent mashed potatoes, definitely not on the Weight Watcher healthy alternative spectrum.
I have not dined in one in years, but I would think Maggiano's is still better than Olive Garden any day. More than pushing filling up on breadsticks, he always had a knack for straightforward food, good portions, and great side choices to build a check and customize the dining experience if it wasn't a fine dining restaurant. So I think Brinker liked that formula to roll it out to other markets.

I am in Ormond Beach, just north of Daytona. Our favorite Italian is Marios on US1. They have bee there, at the spot for at least the 44 years we have lived here. You will not find a bad review!

Someone mentioned Oprah's restaurant...when my daughter was at Northwestern, we ate there (20 years ago)
The sides were great ,art on the walls and comfortable booths. Chicago has amazing food. Oprah went out not too long after opening. Maggiano's is levels above Olive Garden (the pits) but still a commercial chain. We have a decent one in the Grove near L.A.'s farmer's Market the famous one, gets lots of tourists, but I prefer individual restaurants or having two or three, with owners watching over and great chefs is always my preference when spending good money. Lettuce entertain you does marketing, and good design. Red in L.A. run by a famous Chicago chef (forgot name) is the bomb. We have so many fabulous restaurants, Wolfgang Puck's Chinois, asian fusion to die for. My town has Silicy, great Italian and one of a kind with the chef/owner winning all kinds of awards. I could go on and on but the chains we do, well, if they need mystery shoppers, what more can I say.

Live consciously....

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/21/2018 01:19AM by Irene_L.A..

Waiting to hear how the OP's dinner at Chatham's went, hope it was fabulous!

Hi everybody,
Sorry for the late response. We’ve had some family stuff going on and I had to reschedule. We’re going to Chatham’s tonight and are all looking forward to it. I’ll be sure to check in when we return. I’m really hoping for a thumbs up.

Chatham’s was amazing!! My son loved it!! The place was packed, but we were still seated within two minutes of our reservation. The service was impeccable, the food was impeccable, dessert... So good!
It is a little pricey, but well worth it. As my son said... It’s a keeper. :-}

Oh, I have been waiting to hear about it, great!!!!

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Florida restaurant recommendations

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