When Greg Gentile opened this massive two-story restaurant in a renovated family steakhouse, everyone thought he was crazy and that the place would close in one year. That was about two decades ago. Why did it succeed? Simple: good food, good service and an atmosphere for everyone; fine dining upstairs and a casual deli down.
The best dish I sampled is the anitra con rosmarino all’agrodolce, which I’m sure you know is roast duck. The duck meat, free of bones, was moist and tender. Spit roasting gives it a terrific flavor, but to enhance the taste, there’s a wonderful sauce of balsamic vinegar, rosemary and maple syrup (yes, maple syrup). The syrup isn’t overpowering and the flavors are just meant for each other.
The downstairs deli is a wonderful place for friends to meet. It’s cramped, with tables set up throughout the market area, but it adds to the atmosphere.

Albert Eugene DeSue, formerly chef at the now defunct Yuki Hana, has taken over kitchen duties at Boku Sushi & Grill, one of several restaurants at the new Maitland City Centre.

Brick & Spoon is a breakfast, brunch and lunch spot, open only until 2 p.m. most days, 3 p.m. on weekends. The restaurant’s mission statement says that it wants to serve “unique meals with a spoonful of southern flair,” and the menu does have Louisianan touches here and there.

Additional location: Florida Mall, 8001 S. Oragne Blossom Trail, Orlando; 407-859-7844. This national chain was recently purchased by Orlando resident (and Planet Hollywood founder) Robert Earl, who is remaking the restaurant into a fun place for the family to dine. The menu has undergone a redo as well, with an eye toward freshness. For example, all sauces are made daily at each location. That’s pretty impressive.Portions are humongous, so have a little and save the rest for your next three meals.

A recent addition to the area’s only art movie house, Eden is an outdoor venue next to the theater. The menu is an odd mix but features some Austrian specialties. If you’re up for a splurge, ask for a shot of pre-Prohibition bourbon.

Fredster’s will find its audience in the many locals who crave a place to dine and dance – I’m frequently asked if there is such a place. The music, obviously, will change with the rotation of bands. It would be nice for the food and service to find their own consistent level.

It’s necessary for a hotel like the Sheraton Orlando North to offer a restaurant for its guests, and this property has had a number of restaurants over the year (most notable was an Irish pub that did a pretty good job). This latest effort is one that locals will want to try, too, especially for the special of prime rib, a 16-ounce tender slab of meat for $14.95, quite a bargain. Be sure to try the empanadas, too.

The newest project from the Luma on Park and Prato team is meant to be “classic American”; never mind the ceviches and French onion soup.

The Maitland location is a new outpost for the popular MetroWest burgermonger. And make no mistake: burgers are the forte here.