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With droves of tourists coming from far and wide each year to visit this magical city, Orlando’s newest culinary feats are sure to keep them coming back for seconds. Sit tight for a roundup of the latest and greatest to hit the Orlando market.
Orlando BBQ
 There is a phenomenon that resides on West Fairbanks Avenue, and it has taken the city of Orlando by storm. When John Rivers first hit the smoker with his famous brisket, it was all in an effort of charity for a local family in need. Popular demand mandated a storefront, but before the doors of his flagship location of 4Rivers Smokehouse opened in October 2009, people were already lined up in droves with watering mouths. Today, as he serves between 700 to 900 hungry patrons daily, Rivers hasn’t forgotten what he barbeques for. “4Rivers has given us a great avenue to give back,” he says. In its first quarter alone, 4Rivers raised more than $40,000 for people in need across the community. For first-time visitors, Rivers recommends trying the brisket along with the baked beans and corn, which are always favorites. For dessert, if you are still in the game, try one of his signature bread puddings. When it is time to chow down, if picnic tables under a covered porch isn’t your forte, rest assured your barbecue can be perfectly packaged and awaiting your arrival at the take-out counter.
http://4rbbq.com
 Satisfy Your CRAVE-ing
Trendy, chic, and comfortable are three words Kam Talebi, owner of CRAVE, uses to describe his restaurant that opened April 12.Adding to the already saturated dining market around the Mall at Millenia, Talebi says he and the CRAVE team have a “bustling energetic atmosphere” from opening to close every day. Aside from ambience, CRAVE offers a diverse menu for its diners. Talebi recommends trying his favorite signature item, the pistachio-crusted salmon served with goat cheese risotto and grilled asparagus. But don’t let the risotto fool you; Talebi assures no diner shall be left behind. “There really is something for everyone at CRAVE … from local and vacationing families who come for burgers, pizzas, or brunch, or to the wine enthusiast who enjoys our selection of more than 120 bottles of wine, to those who enjoy sushi or fine dining, to small or large groups who seek a fun gathering spot, we have it all.” Whether looking for a family-friendly dining spot, or desiring a powerful atmosphere to close a business deal, CRAVE has much to offer.
http://fl.craveamerica.com
A Funky Alternative
 With a name that doesn’t mislead, Funky Monkey is certainly an unusual dining experience. Farm fresh food, a disc jockey, and a bit of cabaret, this is a dining experience unlike any other. “We always wanted a restaurant that was exciting and interesting and something that people talk about,” says owner Edward Nickell of how he and co-owner Nicholas Olivieri developed the concept. Funky Monkey’s newest location on International Drive opened in September 2009 has been bringing the funk ever since. But that is not all Olivieri has to offer. “Comfort food with a culinary twist,” is precisely how Nickell likes to describe his newest venture, Bananas: a Modern Diner. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Bananas has the potential to be Orlando’s newest late-night dining hot spot. And leave it to the creators of Funky Monkey to throw in a twist of the eclectic: Don’t miss the Gospel Brunch every Sunday. With an extensive menu and the promise of reasonable prices, Bananas is hitting the Orlando scene with an innovative concept that is sure to make waves.
www.funkymonkeywine.com
 Healthy Mediterranean
Greek food just like Mama made it— well, if your mama was steeped in the culinary traditions of Northern Greece, that is. Brother and sister Bob and Gail Givoglu opened Mediterranean Blue last March and haven’t looked back since. “The first day we opened up, we were completely slammed, packed,” Bob says. “And, honestly, we have been very busy ever since.” While business keeps booming, the Givoglus make a point to not have a similarly booming carbon footprint. Almost all of the containers and plastic they use are completely biodegradable. Bob and Gail not only created the restaurant with the health of nature in mind, but that of their customers, as well. “We are trying to go on more of the healthy side,” says Bob. The name Mediterranean Blue was inspired by the Blue Zone Diet, which consists more of whole grains and less meat. But fret not: if a lamb gyro is what your heart desires Mediterranean Blue has you covered. The laid-back, über-casual atmosphere of Mediterranean Blue puts the emphasis on the food, not the décor. Family friendly, but also a great stop for a casual and quick business lunch, Mediterranean Blue is an authentic Greek dining destination.
www.mediterraneanblue.net
A Slice of Wine Country
 At press time, The Peabody Orlando’s much-anticipated signature restaurant was scheduled to open its doors to hungry—not to mention thirsty— patrons for the first time Sept. 23. As its name implies, Napa will center on the wonderful wine country of California. Alan Villaverde, president of The Peabody Hotels Division and managing director of The Peabody Orlando, wants diners to know that even though The Peabody is one of the classiest hotels in town, Napa will keep true to that nature while instilling a more informal dining atmosphere. “It is not one big restaurant,” Villaverde said, “It is sectioned off so you don’t get the sense of a big dining hall. It is really an intimate experience.” In addition to its atmosphere, Napa will have an arsenal of kitchen expertise that will rival the country’s best and brightest. The hotel’s executive chef, Karl Edlbauer, along with the executive chef for Napa, Jared Gross, will be presenting a menu with a focus on only the freshest produce and products. With a selection like that it won’t be long before Napa has crowds of patrons waiting in line to partake in some California dreaming.
www.peabodyorlando.com
 K Restaurant: Second Location
While many Orlando residents and visitors alike may recall the name K Restaurant, its entirely new location on Edgewater Drive is reason enough to feature one of the culinary stars o f t h e c i t y. Owner and chef Kevin F o n z o has a proven track record for creating gastronomic masterpieces. A 2009 nominee for the coveted James Beard Award, Fonzo cooks up crowd-pleasing favorites every night that showcase his superior skill level in an unpretentious way. An Orlando mainstay, K Restaurant and its award-winning chef might have a secret to his success. “I think people keep coming back to K for the creativity, consistent food quality, and great service,” Fonzo says. He recommends starting with an order of fried tomatoes before moving on to his signature porcini-dusted filet mignon. “There is no average K patron,” he says. “We do have a lot of regulars. K draws a lot of guests from locals, foodies, tourists, business travelers, young, and old.” This might just be the place where everybody knows your name. In a locale with so much to offer, linger longer and you might be able to take a sufficient bite out of the city—and we were just talking about the food. http://kwinebar.com
Patricia Weigel, a University of Central Florida grad, has written for a number of magazines, including Southern Accents, Wake Boarding, and Neiman Marcus’ InCircle Entrée. Patricia currently resides in Tampa.
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