Slowing things down
There was a time when Andy Golubic probably had football plays running through his mind in his spare time. That's what football coaches do. They coach in the autumn and then think football during the other three seasons of a year.

Orlando has hundreds if not thousands of restaurants to choose from. This is not surprising considering it is one of the most popular tourist destinations and convention meccas in the world. So how do you go about determining which restaurants to choose for your dining experiences?

There are several options:

1) You can go to Google and type in the type of cuisine that you want along with the word Orlando.

2) You can look in the many Orlando based magazines that offer suggestions.

3) You can ask your concierge for recommendations.

Be specific. If you want fine dining then make sure that you specifiy this. If you are into organic or vegetarian style cuisine state that, as well. Also if you have certain food allergies, make sure to call the restaurant ahead of time to make sure that they can accomodate you.

Here are a few suggestions as to Orlando restaurants that we love:

Casual Organic restaurants:

Dandelions - this is a counter based organic cafe that uses only locally grown produce.

The Drunken Monkey - despite the name this is not a bar. Here you will find organic cuisine with an emphasis on home made soups. The soups here are so goo that the chef has been nicknamed the Soup Khan.

Casual Italian:

We have many chain restaurants here that specialize in casual Italian like Olive Garden, Bucca de Beppo and Macaroni Grill.

Fine Dining:

Victoria and Alberts: Located on Disney property, this restaurant focuses on course after course of gourmet cuisine. Make sure that you are not on a tight schedule as the menu is designed to be eaten at a leisurely pace.

Christinis Ristorante Italiano- One of the most awarded restaurants in the country, this is where celebrities, dignitaries and even royalty choose to town, when they are in town.

French Cuisine:

The French Bistro - located on Park Avenue in Winter Park, this new bistro is quickly gaining a loyal following. The food is simple and delicious.

Chefs de France - Located in Epcot, this is one of our favorite French restaurants in Orlando. The food is consistantly fantastic and the staff is gracious and accomodating. Children will love this restaurant as well, as they bring out an animated Rattatouie to interact with them.

Mexican Restaurants:

Chevys - A chain restaurant located in the Lake Buena Vista area, near Disney's Pleasure Island, this fun Mexican restaurant has some of the best Margharitas that you have ever tasted.

Disney Restaurants worth Checking Out:

Jiko - Located in the Animal Kingdon Resort, this African based menu will excite your pallate. It is like experiencing a taste explosion. You also get to look out the window, as animals pass by. It is quite an experience.

The House of Blues - Located in Pleasure Island, this New Orleans style restaurant has amazing cornbread and beer soaked shrimp and a bread pudding that you must save room for.

Wolfgang Pucks - Named for its famous owner, this restaurant has a large selection of American based cuisine. Try the butternut squash soup to start and cap off the meal with one of their freshly made desserts.

These are simply a few of our suggestions. There are countless other restaurants that you can try. Remember to ask around once you get to Orlando and make reservations in advance for the Disney, and fine dining restaurants.

Caterina Christakos is a published author and reviewer. Find out more about her favorite fine dining restaurant in Orlando or read her latest review on where to get a free automobile insurance quote.