celebrity eating in orlando

My mom and stepdad LOVE Orlando, so since I've had some time off, they invited me along on their most recent trip.  For some restaurant dining this trip had a specific theme - restaurants owned by celebrity chef.  We started off with lunch at Emeril's restaurant in Universal CityWalk.  They had a great prix fixe lunch menu - three courses for $22.

My mom had the fish of the day - salmon with a slightly crispy skin on top of a yummy green sauce and a bed of okra and tomatoes.

To see what I had...

delivery, anyone? (the wok and grubhub)

The Wok

Rating: ***

Location: Oak Lawn

Price: $

Reviewed: Dinner, Lunch, Delivery

Attire: I was definitely in PJs...they came to me!

Reviewer: Jenn

After watching the TX/OU game (hook 'em!) on Saturday (which had a way too early kickoff time), I was exhausted and too disheartened to brave the crazy Dallas traffic...or look presentable.  Thus began my hunt for a great delivery place.  (I originally searched for good Indian takeout...but was disappointed. I won't give up, however.)

I stumbled upon a great and free app for the iPhone called GrubHub, which searches for takeout/delivery near your location, gives you the menu, and lets you order all at once.  Be forewarned however, once I got my order (with the requisite menu for next time), I noticed that The Wok doesn't charge for delivery, but I definitely paid a $2 fee (which is how GrubHub makes their money, of course).  However, some places don't have a fee on the app.  Check it out!

For the review of this American Chinese fare...

The Counter--LOVES IT!

Variety is the spice of life and every meal at the counter starts with this GIANT clipboard of options.
It took me FOR-EV-VER to order, so for the fickle at heart, you may be staring at this menu for awhile! :)

Rating: *****

Location: The Heights
Menu

Price: $$

Reviewed: Dinner

Attire: Casual

Reviewer: Yas 
The Counter is a swanky diner that serves up amazing burgers, made any way you like it!  With great service, an awesome ambiance, and even better food, there is no way you can go wrong. Think Chilli's prices with way better burgers!

manny's uptown tex mex - Yes Please!

Rating: ****

Location: Uptown

Price: $$

Reviewed: Dinner

Attire: Casual, but feel free to get a little jazzy

Reviewer: Jenn 

Manny's Uptown Tex Mex is a cute little spot off Lemmon Avenue with great standard enchiladas and delicious drinks.  No muss, no fuss Tex-Mex at a great price!

hattie's double whammy! (brunch and lunch)

One of our friends ordered the buttermilk fried chicken with tasso ham gravy.  OMG, TASSO HAM IS THE BEST!!!

Rating: ****

Location: Bishop Arts District

Price: $$

Reviewed: Brunch, Lunch

Attire: Dressy Casual (Brunch), Business Casual (Weekday Lunch)

Reviewer: All 3 Foodies! 

Up-YES, please!

Rating: ****
Location: Highland Village
Menu
Price: $$$
Reviewed: Dinner
Reviewer: Yas
Attire: Chic--Dress code enforced!
Up is one of Houston's newest restaurants and "hot spots."  This place has a "Sex and the City" vibe to it, has good food and a great view of the city.  However, there is a strictly enforced dress code for men: collared shirt, no open toed shoes and no shorts. While there is no dress code for women, Up definitely has a lounge atmosphere so if you are too casual you will definitely stick out.

taco diner - meh/yum

Rating: ***

Location: Uptown

Price: $$

Reviewed: Dinner

Attire: Casual, but feel free to get a little jazzy

Reviewer: Jenn

Taco Diner definitely embraces the diner ambiance while serving mostly tacos and Mexican food.    The mambo taxis are strong and delightful, but the tacos somewhat missed the mark for me.

Straits-YES, please!

Rating: **** 
Location: City Centre
Menu
Price: $$$
Reviewed: Dinner
Attire: Jazzy! 
Reviewer: Yas
Straits is a swanky Singaporean restaurant with an interesting fusion of Southeastern Asian flavors.  The food was unique and delicious! Perfect for a girl's night out or date night! You can even bust a move in the lounge after dinner because Straits has a DJ spinning hotness from 10p-2a Thurs-Sat.

PINKBERRY COMES TO HOUSTON! Yes, you're reading this right!

That's right, folks! Pinkberry has finally come to Houston, TX! Anyone who knows me (Yas), knows that I am OBSESSED with the fro-yo franchise! So, it's no surprise that while I was stuffing my face with the creamy heaven in Dallas, and the cashier told me 6 LOCATIONS would be opening in Houston, I freaked out, did a happy dance, and embarrassed my friends. BEST. NEWS. EVER.  Apparently, Eater-Houston reports that the first location opened up yesterday in Webster, TX and more locations are expected to open soon. For now, here is the addy to the first location and I will keep you all updated as we get more:


1. 19325 Gulf Freeway Webster, TX 77598


GET EXCITED HTOWNIANS! (yea, I just made that up...just go with it!) :) XOXO, Yas

Can't believe I stopped eating long enough for Cat to snap my picture!