Manny’s Original Chophouse was not what I was expecting. I’m not sure it was what Baldwin Park was expecting, either.

Manny’s is a franchise operation that originated in Haines City. And before we go any further, it’s necessary to mention that the Manny in the name is Nikolaidis, not Garcia. Nor Tato, for that matter, even though the latter at one time had a place called Manny’s Chophouse on Markham Woods Road in Longwood. That was in 2006. According to the website for the new chophouse in Baldwin Park, Nikolaidis opened his first one in 2004, so apparently he has legitimate claim to the Original designation.

But back to expectations. I was expecting classy, I was expecting serene, both befitting the lakefront location in the upscale development.

Mount Dora is a pleasant drive on a Sunday afternoon. It’s even pleasanter when the destination is 1921 by Norman Van Aken.

I went to the restaurant recently to present the Foodster Award for Best New Restaurant to Van Aken and combined the trip with brunch. (See the video below for Van Aken’s acceptance of the award.)