And the Foodster Award for Best Restaurant Overall goes to…

Morimoto Asia, the splashy pan asian restaurant at Disney Springs. The venerable Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa was second, and Baldwin Park’s Osprey Tavern, also from the Chins, was third.

 

The restaurants listed here are nominated for Best Restaurant Overall in Scott Joseph’s Foodster Awards for Independent Restaurants. The nominees were chosen based on past performance and critical review, previous nominations and votes, and standing in the culinary community.

Unlike other categories, write-in candidates for Best Restaurant Overall will not be accepted.

To vote for a restaurant, click the box next to its name and then click the VOTE button. you may vote for only one restaurant. If the VOTE button does not show, it means that you’ve already voted for that category.

After you place your ballot, leave a comment below telling us why you think it’s the Best Restaurant Overall. Be sure to give the name of the restaurant in your comment, otherwise we won’t know which one you’re referring to.

To thank you for participating, Scott Joseph’s Orlando Restaurant Guide will give away a $100 gift card to the winning restaurant. The winner will be selected by random drawing from among the list of Scott’s e-letter recipients. If you already receive the weekly mailing, you’re already entered to win. If not, click here and enter your email address; simple as that.

Voting will continue through Jan. 10 and the winning restaurant will be announced in the Jan. 11 edition of the e-letter.

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Bowigens Beer Company of Casselberry has been voted Best Microbrewery in our Foodster Awards for Independent Restaurants and will be awarded the Platinum placque.

Hourglass Brewing, the Longwood beermaker that recently announced a second location for Orlando, took second place for the Gold.

Red Cypress Brewery of Winter Springs was third, just squeaking ahead of Titusville’s Playalinda Brewing Company.

Best Microbrewery was one of the most hotly contested of all our Foodster Award categories. Seeing as how it there have been so many small breweries opening in Central Florida lately, that shouldn’t come as a surprise.

In placing her vote, Maria DiCesare said, “Bowigens has the best rotating selection of craft beers in the area! I love going there and always trying something new as well as enjoying their staple brews which are consistently delicious. Plus the staff is super friendly and always suggests the best new beers to try!”

Dan Dominguez added, “Bowegins Beer Company is by far the best Florida Brewery I’ve been too. They do a wonderful job of producing quality beer and usually have a TON of their own beers on tap! Very impressive.”

Farris Riggsbee voted for Hourglass “because they have Michael DeLancett, one of the most dedicated Brewmasters in The microbrewery business. His dedication to the micro cause is unmatched.” While Robert Persons stated simply, “Hourglass is the best by far.”

In all, more than 30 businesses vied for the title of Best Microbrewery Foodster Award.

 

It’s hard to think of a food & beverage category that has seen a more explosive expansion locally than microbrewing. It might sound like an oxyrmoron, but microbrewing is big.

The nominees listed below are leaders in the microbrewing movement and take the art of handcrafting beers and ales quite seriously (while still having a bit of fun).

To vote for your favorite, check the box next to the name and then click the VOTE button at the bottom of the list of nominees. You may vote for only one nominee and you may vote only once. After you have voted, the VOTE button will no longer appear on the page.

You may write in the name of a business that you’d like to nominate. But remember: The Foodster Awards are exclusively for independent businesses, defined as having three or fewer locations — no chains. Any nominees that don’t meet that definition will be removed from the list. Also, do not write in the name of a restaurant or lounge that is already named in the list — by doing do you may actually reduce the number of votes that business might receive because only the votes on the first listing will be counted.

And after you vote, leave a comment below telling us why you like your nominee (be sure to tell us who you voted for or we won’t know who you’re talking about). We may use your comment when we announce the winners.

Polls close on this category on Wednesday, Nov. 29. The winner will be announced in the Nov. 30 issue of Scott Joseph’s Orlando Restaurant Guide’s e-letter.

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Victoria & Albert’s has been voted Best Fine Dining in Scott Joseph’s Foodster Awards for Independent Restaurants. Bull & Bear at the Waldorf Astoria was your second favorite and Norman’s at the Ritz-Carlton was third.

Good choices, all. Each could be considered the epitome of fine dining, with luxurious tablecloths, a relaxed atmosphere, slow pace, impeccable service and, of course, exquisite food.

You’re not the only ones that think V&A is tops. Tripadvisor included it on its Top 10 Fine Dining list last year, second only to Alinea in Chicago, and ahead of such iconic fine diners as Per Se, Bouley, Daniel and the French Laundry (as, in my opinion from having dined at those, it should be). Under the direction of executive chef Scott Hunnel, Victoria & Albert’s has earned enough AAA Five Diamond awards to open a jewelry store and enough stars from Forbes and Mobil for its own galaxy. Israel Perez is the gracious general manager and sommelier who leads the well-trained staff. (Hunnel is shown in center above with cooking staff in a photo from Walt Disney World.)

The Bull & Bear at Orlando’s Waldorf Astoria is an offshoot of the original in New York. They are the only two B&B’s, so it qualified as an independent restaurant for our purposes. (Foodster Awards are open to restaurants with three or fewer locations.) Chef de cuisine Richard Brown takes the Orlando menu beyond the steakhouse mien of the Manhattan original. General manager Rafael Frederick leads the dining room staff.

Norman’s is well suited to occupy a room at the Ritz-Carlton. Executive chef Andres Mendoza heads up the kitchen, turning out Norman Van Aken’s iconic and trailblazing cuisine. Yusuf Yildiz has been the congenial manager and sommelier for much of the restaurant’s 14 years. (And congratulations to Van Aken and team on the recent anniversary.)

There are fewer fine dining restaurants these days, not only here but also in places like New York and Chicago. Like so many other things in culture, the definition of fine dining and special occasion restaurants is being rewritten by a younger crowd.

But one hopes there will always be restaurants like these for the times when we feel like being extravagant.

 

The restaurants listed here have been nominated for Best Fine Dining.

So what constitutes fine dining? It’s a higher level of fod quality along with an elevated style of service. Tablecloths are usually employed, and quiet conversation is possible. Good wines are available, often with a sommelier to make recommendations. You know a fine dining restaurant when you’re eating in one!

These nominees fit the bill. 

Voting is open through Oct. 4. The winner will be announced in the Oct. 5 edition of the e-letter.

Place your vote by clicking the box next to your choice and then clicking the Vote button. Only one vote per person is allowed — if you’ve already voted, the Vote button will not appear.

You may write in the name of a restaurant that you’d like to nominate. But remember: The Foodster Awards are exclusively for independent businesses, defined as having three or fewer locations — no chains. Any write-in nominees that don’t meet that definition will be removed from the list. Also, do not write in the name of a restaurant that is already named in the list — by doing so you may actually reduce the number of votes that restaurant might receive because only the votes on the first listing will be counted.

After voting, leave a comment below telling us who you voted for and why. We may use your comment if your favorite is the winner. (Be sure to put the name of the restaurant in your comment or we won’t know which one you’re referring to.)

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The readers of Scott Joseph’s Orlando Restaurant Guide have voted Nora’s Sugar Shack as having the Best Craft Beer in our 2017 Foodster Awards for Independent Restaurants. Second place goes to Sloppy Taco Palace and Rogue Pub came in third.

Nora’s, located in an old converted house on Virginia Drive near Orlando’s Ivanhoe District, has many passionate fans. “Nora’s Sugar Shack is so unique it’s difficult to do it justice with words,” said Marlene MacMillin in casting her vote, “it needs to be experienced in person, spend a relaxing bit of time soaking up all there is to be seen and felt and take your time choosing from the vast selection of beer and wine while you meet all the many friendly people who meet there.” She also requests that people remember to pet the dogs on the patio.

“Best Craft Selection hands down at Nora’s Sugar Shack and its dog friendly!!!” exclaimed Missy Bettis. “Plus Nora is the best person ever!!” even though she rated only two exclamation points from Missy.

Bren Bedford “Voted for Nora’s Sugar Shack. Quaint, eclectic environment, exterior dog-friendly patio, with Key West-ish feel.”

Although it got the second most votes, Sloppy Taco Palace, on South Kirkman Road, received no comments from its fans. But one commenter said of Rogue Pub, a relative newcomer on Curry Ford Road, “Rogue Pub hands down. Awesome local spot great beer selection and they have the best staff.”

Congratulations to the winners.

These venues have been nominated in the Best Craft Beer category of the Scott Joseph’s Foodster Awards for Independent Restaurants. Voting will continue through August 23, 2017, and the winner will be announced in the Aug. 24 issue of the SJO e-letter.

To vote for your favorite, check the box next to the name and then click the VOTE button at the bottom of the list of nominees. You may vote for only one nominee and you may vote only once. After you have voted, the VOTE button will no longer appear on the page.

You may write in the name of a business that you’d like to nominate. But remember: The Foodster Awards are exclusively for independent businesses, defined as having three or fewer locations — no chains. Any nominees that don’t meet that definition will be removed from the list. Also, do not write in the name of a restaurant or lounge that is already named in the list — by doing do you may actually reduce the number of votes that business might receive because only the votes on the first listing will be counted.

And after you vote, leave a comment below telling us why you like your nominee (be sure to tell us who you voted for or we won’t know who you’re talking about). We may use your comment when we announce the winners.

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Pig Floyd’s Urban Barbakoa has been voted Best Barbecue in Scott Joseph’s Foodster Awards for Independent Restaurants. Porkie’s Original BBQ of Apopka was second, and write-in candidate Ellie Lou’s Brews and BBQ was third.

“Very tough choice,” wrote John Frost. “In the end I voted for Pig Floyd’s not just for the portions and flavors, but for the diversity of BBQ options from around the globe.” Pig Floyd’s is at 1326 N. Mills Ave., Orlando, and recently opened a second location in Lake Nona at 9680 N. Narcoossee Road, Orlando. If it keeps growing, it won’t be eligible for a Foodster Award — only non-chains with three or fewer locations may be nominated.

David Waits enthusiastically filled out his ballot and said, “Porkie’s Original BBQ in Apopka can’t be beat!”

Ellie Lou’s had many voters but few commenters. Shane Crain wrote in the comment section, “Where is Ellie Lou’s?” It’s unclear if Shane was wondering why Ellie Lou’s wasn’t in the original list of nominees or if he didn’t know where Ellie Lou’s is located. If it’s the latter, I have to admit I didn’t know either. But I know now that it is in Ocoee, and it’s on my list of places to check out.

Congratulations to the winners and to all the nominees. As John Frost said, very tough choice.

 

 

The restaurants listed here have been nominate in the Best Barbecue category of our Foodster Awards for Independent Restaurants.

To vote for your favorite, check the box next to the name and then click the VOTE button at the bottom of the list of nominees. You may vote for only one nominee and you may vote only once. After you have voted, the VOTE button will no longer appear on the page.

You may write in the name of a restaurant that you’d like to nominate. But remember: The Foodster Awards are exclusively for independent businesses, defined as having three or fewer locations — no chains. Any write-in nominees that don’t meet that definition will be removed from the list. Also, do not write in the name of a restaurant or lounge that is already named in the list — by doing so you may actually reduce the number of votes that restaurant might receive because only the votes on the first listing will be counted.

To learn about some of the candidates and to get a coupon, click on a Campaign Button on the right side of the page.

After voting, leave a comment below telling us who you voted for and why. We may use your comment if your favorite is the winner.

Voting ends at midnight on July 19. The winner will be announced in the July 20 edition of Scott Joseph’s weekly e-letter.

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Tap Room at Dubsdread won the 2017 Foodster Award for Independent Restaurant’s Best Power Lunch category. Second place went to Nona Tap Room and third to TR Fire Grill. I can on guess that the TR stands for Tap Room.

 

 

 

 

For years, Citrus restaurant was the go-to power lunch restaurant. On any given weekday, you’d find the movers and shakers of the business community scattered throughout the restaurant, talking meetings and making deals. Mayor Buddy Dyer was such a frequent luncher that the restaurant even names a salad after him.

Now that Citrus is gone, it’s time to find the new Power Lunch spot. 

The restaurants listed here are ready contenders. 

To vote for your favorite, check the box next to the name and then click the VOTE button at the bottom of the list of nominees. You may vote for only one nominee and you may vote only once. After you have voted, the VOTE button will no longer appear on the page.

You may write in the name of a restaurant that you’d like to nominate. But remember: The Foodster Awards are exclusively for independent businesses, defined as having three or fewer locations — no chains. Any write-in nominees that don’t meet that definition will be removed from the list. Also, do not write in the name of a restaurant or lounge that is already named in the list — by doing so you may actually reduce the number of votes that restaurant might receive because only the votes on the first listing will be counted.

To learn about some of the candidates and to get a coupon, click on a Campaign Button on the right side of the page.

After voting, leave a comment below telling us who you voted for and why. We may use your comment if your favorite is the winner.

Voting ends at midnight April 19, 2017.

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For Best Mexican, the readers chose Garibaldi Mexican Restaurant. This is the restaurant on North Semoran Boulevard, just north of Colonial Drive. It is not associated with the similarly named Garibaldi Mexican Cuisine. Here’s the review I did of Garibaldi just after it moved into its larger space not very long ago.

Second place went to Agave Azul and voters chose Rick Bayless’s Frontera Cocina at Disney Springs for third place.

These restaurants are nominated for Best Mexican and hew more closely to the traditional cuisine of that country. (Click here for Best Tex-Mex.)

Note: Best Tacos will be a separate category to be announced later.

To vote for your favorite, check the box next to the name and then click the VOTE button at the bottom of the list of nominees. You may vote for only one nominee and you may vote only once. After you have voted, the VOTE button will no longer appear on the page.

You may write in the name of a restaurant that you’d like to nominate. But remember: The Foodster Awards are exclusively for independent businesses, defined as having three or fewer locations — no chains. Any write-in nominees that don’t meet that definition will be removed from the list. Also, do not write in the name of a restaurant or lounge that is already named in the list — by doing so you may actually reduce the number of votes that restaurant might receive because only the votes on the first listing will be counted.

To learn about some of the candidates and to get a coupon, click on a Campaign Button on the right side of the page.

After voting, leave a comment below telling us who you voted for and why. We may use your comment if your favorite is the winner.

Voting ends May 4, 2017, and the winners will be announced in the May 5 edition of my eletter.

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In the Tex-Mex category, Winter Park’s Pepe’s Cantina took the Platinum award while the charming JJ’s Grille took the gold. Cocina 214, whose very name unabashedly identifies it as Tex and not authentic Mexican (214 is the area code for Dallas), was a show, to use a racing term. (Cocina 214 hosts an annual May 5 race of chihuahuas, with, I can only imagine, teeny tiny jockeys.)

These restaurants are nominated for Best Tex-Mex. (Click here for Best Mexican.)

Note: Best Tacos will be a separate category to be announced later.

To vote for your favorite, check the box next to the name and then click the VOTE button at the bottom of the list of nominees. You may vote for only one nominee and you may vote only once. After you have voted, the VOTE button will no longer appear on the page.

You may write in the name of a restaurant that you’d like to nominate. But remember: The Foodster Awards are exclusively for independent businesses, defined as having three or fewer locations — no chains. Any write-in nominees that don’t meet that definition will be removed from the list. Also, do not write in the name of a restaurant or lounge that is already named in the list — by doing so you may actually reduce the number of votes that restaurant might receive because only the votes on the first listing will be counted.

To learn about some of the candidates and to get a coupon, click on a Campaign Button on the right side of the page.

After voting, leave a comment below telling us who you voted for and why. We may use your comment if your favorite is the winner.

Voting ends May 4, 2017, and the winners will be announced in the May 5 edition of my eletter.

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Congratulations to Hunger Street Tacos, winner of the platinum Foodster Award for Independent Restaurant for Best Craft Tacos. I presented owner Joseph Creech with his plaque, which will be displayed at the restaurant at 2103 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park. Black Rooster was second.

 

The restaurants listed here have been nominated for Best Craft Tacos in our Foodster Awards for Independent Restaurants.

To vote for your favorite, check the box next to the name and then click the VOTE button at the bottom of the list of nominees. You may vote for only one nominee and you may vote only once. After you have voted, the VOTE button will no longer appear on the page.

You may write in the name of a restaurant that you’d like to nominate. But remember: The Foodster Awards are exclusively for independent businesses, defined as having three or fewer locations — no chains. Any write-in nominees that don’t meet that definition will be removed from the list. Also, do not write in the name of a restaurant or lounge that is already named in the list — by doing so you may actually reduce the number of votes that restaurant might receive because only the votes on the first listing will be counted.

After voting, leave a comment below telling us who you voted for and why. We may use your comment if your favorite is the winner. (Be sure to put the name of the restaurant in your comment or we won’t know which one you’re referring to.)

Voting ends at midnight June 7.

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In one of the most hotly contested categories to date, the Best Brunch Platinum Foodster Award for Best Brunch goes to Santiago’s Bodega. Taking the Gold Award is Two Chefs Seafood and Oyster Bar.

Only a few votes behind, Tap Room at Dubsdread came in third with Soco even closer for fourth place.

In all over 1200 votes were cast.

In placing his vote for the winning brunch, Mark Hirsekorn wrote: “Santiagos Bodega is hands-down the best! Best: food/drinks/ambiance/service!”

But many other voters were just as passionate about their favorites. You can read some of the comments that were left on the Best Brunch Foodster page — they might entice you to try something new.

 

 

The restaurants listed here have been nominated for Best Brunch in our Foodster Awards for Independent Restaurants.

To vote for your favorite, check the box next to the name and then click the VOTE button at the bottom of the list of nominees. You may vote for only one nominee and you may vote only once. After you have voted, the VOTE button will no longer appear on the page.

You may write in the name of a restaurant that you’d like to nominate. But remember: The Foodster Awards are exclusively for independent businesses, defined as having three or fewer locations — no chains. Any write-in nominees that don’t meet that definition will be removed from the list. Also, do not write in the name of a restaurant or lounge that is already named in the list — by doing so you may actually reduce the number of votes that restaurant might receive because only the votes on the first listing will be counted.

After voting, leave a comment below telling us who you voted for and why. We may use your comment if your favorite is the winner. (Be sure to put the name of the restaurant in your comment or we won’t know which one you’re referring to.)

Voting ends at midnight June 14.

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