The “B” in B Resort Orlando MUST Stand for BBQ!

Talk about your innovative restaurant choice. In a sleek, contemporary resort hotel… put in an upscale BBQ joint. And, in the vein of naming things with one letter highlighted, call it American Q.

I had the pleasure of tasting my way through the menu with other local food/restaurant/travel bloggers last week, and may I just say… if you’ve a “hankering” for southern flavors set in style, give it a try.

When you walk in, you kind of get the feeling you’re not in a run-of-the-mill restaurant. Smack dab in the front is an old ’51 Ford F1 red pick up and on the back is the bed. Not just ANY bed, but the “Flat Bed Bar,” an all-you-can-eat assortment including an incredibly tender chili con carne, a potato bar, peel-and-eat shrimp, assorted salads, soups, and other seasonal favorites. It’s $34.95 for adults and $10 for kids age 7 and under. Oh, and did I mention it includes “Cowboy Carvings”? Nine different items are brought right to your table. Save room for Brisket Of Beef with Texas Bark and Picanha Of Beef. Fans of chiaroscuro will be in heaven. (Say… with these options, the paleo diet seems doable.)

If, however, you want to have a couple of courses, start with some down-home appetizers and bar treats. First, make sure you try the crab deviled eggs. Not too “crabby.” Not too “plain ‘ol” egg flavor. They’re just the right combination of creamy egg goodness with the unmistakable texture and flavor of blue crab and rémoulade. Unusual, yes. Delicious? (Yes, please. I’ll have another!) Make sure you also give the Swine Candy a try. It’s bacon: spiced and candied with molasses. Bacon lovers: You’re welcome. You could also try the alligator boudin with roasted tomatoes, peppers & okra. Yeah, you read that right!

Entree selections include every kind of ribs you can think of, house-made sausage, Texas Bark Beef Ribs, chicken, salmon, and a Gulf Shrimp, Blue Crab & House Made Andouille Sausage Cajun Boil. Executive Chef Justin Leo and staff have created quite the varied selection. Sauces include Kansas City, Carolina, Texas Mustard, and Mango Heat. Try ’em all and pick your favorite. Did I mention you should arrive hungry?

Crafted cocktails should not be missed, either, especially the thyme cucumber martini. It’s light and refreshing. Just what the doctor ordered to balance the meal, though the lavender margarita was a good fit, too. How ever will I decide? (I guess I’ll have to go back again!)

If you’re in the mood for BBQ and want to up the anti on ambiance and quality, check out American Q. It’s the place to B for down home, and up town all in one.

Barnie’s Coffee Kitchen… Not Just Coffee, But Dining

When I first heard “Coffee Kitchen,” my first thought was “oh, my mom would like this.” She and my step-dad are coffee NUTS. They must drink a pot a day. I, on the other hand, like coffee as a special occasion (or black and mixed with local honey for a cough, but that’s another topic). I wasn’t sure what would be “on tap” at the Eat, Meet, and Tweet-up, but as a food lover and “adventure eater” I looked forward to sampling all they had in store and expected mainly… coffee. Boy were my expectations limited!

Barnie’s Coffee Kitchen is a new concept. It’s not “just” a coffee shop, nor is it like most restaurants. The Winter Park location has alley-way seating (perfect for Florida’s lovely summer evenings) and is a great place to unwind while enjoying Farm-to-Table creations. Don’t expect coffee and a pastry or ready-made sandwich, either. Barnie’s Coffee Kitchen is a place to leisurely dine. Breakfast and Sunday brunch offerings include quiche that’s been described as “best ever” by a loyal customer, and specialty organic egg dishes like the Israeli Shakshuka, featuring one of my favorites: feta cheese.

For lunch, enjoy one of their “shared plates.” I’m partial to the Avocado Mash (because, let’s be honest, avocados are just plain awesome). The Caprese Tartine is has wonderful heirloom tomatoes and mozzarella with a balsamic glaze. Also quite lovely is the Fig & Brie Tartine with Duck Prosciutto.

For dinner, served Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Barnie’s offers mouthwatering seasonal choices like Scallops with Spring Alliums paired with perfect wine selections (in this case, Au Bon Climat – Pinot Gris/Pinot Blanc).

I’m a soup person, so it’s no surprise that the Carrot Soup with Ginger and Coriander is a stand-out in my book. Chef Camilo Velasco generously shared his recipe which is perfect for Spring! (Easter dinner, anyone?)

Carrot Soup with Ginger and Coriander

Ingredients:

2 1/2 lbs of carrots, sliced

1/4 oz ginger

1/2 tsp coriander

1 small onion, diced

1 QT vegetable broth

4 oz butter

Heavy cream

Directions:

Sauté the carrots and onions in butter until onions are translucent. Add the vegetable stock. Incorporate ginger and coriander to taste and simmer until the carrots are tender. Blend in a blender and then strain. Add additional seasoning if desired.

To finish: add heavy cream while hot until desired consistency is reached.

Florida’s “original coffee company” offers over 40 hand-selected coffees, many of which are single origin, Fair Trade, Organic or Rainforest Alliance Certified.

Check out their two Florida locations:

Park Avenue – Winter Park
118 South Park Avenue
Winter Park, FL 32789
Tel: (407) 629-0042

City Arts Factory
29 South Orange Avenue
Orlando, FL 32801
Tel: (407) 722-8363