03/09/09

Right there with the best. period.

by DelH

We enjoyed some time in Orlando for our 5th anniversary, and while i was looking for a special place for dinner, i found Hemmingway's, which was only a few miles from the Hilton Grand Vacations Club where we were staying. And being a big Hemmingway fan, i was immediately interested.

We had early reservations, maybe around 6 or 6:30, and we arrived with plenty of time to check out the lobby of the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress. Make sure to talk to the birds, that was a real highlight.

We then followed the path up to the restaurant, which is perched high above the pools, waterfalls, and gardens of the hotel. Perfect setting for a romantic dinner.

The decorations and atmosphere is authentic, with a safari/Caribbean theme (this is not another theme restaurant) but just a warm ambient, well heeled (but not stiff) feeling. if you have money to spend on good food and atmosphere, this is a good place to do it. if you are gonna look hard at your bill and wonder if it couldn't be a little cheaper, this is not really the place for you.

Being on the early side for a weekend, they were not very busy yet, and we had immediate service, and as soon as each plate of food was eaten, some one immediately appeared and soon the next dish was

served. The food matched the quality of the location and atmosphere, and was served very attractively.

After dinner, be sure to walk down the path which exits from the back, and enjoy the views of the the rope bridge, the hot tubs in the caves, and the beautiful pools and garden, before you leave.

My next trip to Orlando, i would love to go back.

12/29/03

A culinary homage to Key West and its most famous resident at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort.

by Contributor

The Scene
A waterfall cascades into a babbling brook and images of Ernest "Papa" Hemingway with his hunting and fishing trophies line the walls at this choice spot for romantic dinners. There's a variety of small dining spaces beneath a high ceiling, each table illuminated by a hushed glow from brass hurricane lamps. If the clouds aren't rolling in, choose to sit on the screened wooden deck near the waterfall.

The Food
Begin with an appetizer of deep-fried baby squid and grilled eggplant in garlicky, herb-seasoned tomato coulis. Follow up with an entree of golden-brown, beer-battered coconut shrimp served with roasted potatoes, a colorful array of al dente vegetables and orange marmalade-horseradish sauce. Also recommended are the deliciously light, moist and fluffy crab cakes; try them with Cajun tartar sauce. For dessert, Key lime pie appropriately reaches its apogee here. The lunch menu offers similar fare, along with paella, sandwiches and salads.

10/27/03

Mr Jones

by rvjones

I made reservations for a romantic anniversary dinner we had to ask to be seated after waiting 30 minutes. Food quality real good, quantity for the money was poor. Service was unacceptible slow, waiter and busstaff just going through the motions. I would not recommend this restaurant for a casual dinner let alone a romantic evening.

• Pros: good tasteful
• Cons: expensive/quantity, not a good value, poor service

08/27/02

another world

by scmccormick

A very romantic setting with out-of-this-world food and unbeatable service!

• Pros: Good parking, Great food, Perfect Atmosphere