TIME TO DINE

You Are Where You Eat

Lunch in a medieval castle, party on a pirate ship or dance the Texas Two-Step between bites of ribs at these Orlando-area restaurants.

BY RONA GINDIN

Worlds of Whimsy

Mythos Restaurant
MYTHOS RESTAURANT THE LOST CONTINENT, ISLANDS OF ADVENTURE, UNIVERSAL ORLANDO
www.universalorlando.com; 407-224-4012
A full-service restaurant featuring American food with creative twists, Mythos is designed to look like the inside of a cave. Its elements are based on Greek mythology, with a faux River Styx running through the dining room and the likenesses of mythological fi gures “carved” into the “stone.” You’ll fi nd top-quality burgers and fries for lunch, with more innovative options for dinner (be sure to try the dessert shots). To dine at Mythos without paying the theme park entrance fee, make reservations in advance and an employee will escort you to the restaurant. FAN FAVE: Blueberry- and pistachio-crusted grilled pork with blue cheese and port wine sauce

OLD HICKORY STEAKHOUSE
GAYLORD PALMS RESORT & CONVENTION CENTER KISSIMMEE, FL (23 miles from Orlando)
www.gaylordpalms.com; 407-586-1600
You may be in a high-end hotel, but you’ll feel as if you’re roughing it at an Everglades homestead. The dining rooms are spread among a handful of shacks, which appear to be of weatherworn wood, and on stilts. Faux-shabby wooden bridges connect the rooms, and lush landscaping in a glass-covered atrium completes the outdoorsy feel. While this fi ne dining establishment is designed to look rustic, its service and menu are decidedly upscale. Take in the environment while sipping a signature martini and tasting artisanal cheeses. FAN FAVE: 10-ounce, 100% grass-fed, center-cut beef tenderloin

Dinner Theater

MEDIEVAL TIMES DINNER & TOURNAMENT
Kissimmee, FL
www.medievaltimes.com; 407-396-2900
Step into the 11th century with a meal at this knights-of-armor-themed dinner theater. While guests sup on dinner served by serfs and wenches, they root for one of six dueling knights on horseback, who spar and display accomplished horsemanship. The exterior looks like a castle, and medieval artifacts like coats of arms and weaponry are displayed in the Hall of Arms. Price: Adults, $57; 12 and younger, $36. FAN FAVE: Roasted chicken and spare ribs

ARABIAN NIGHTS
Kissimmee, FL
www.arabian-nights.com; 407-239-9223
This fairy tale dinner centers around the birthday festivities of Princess Genie—with a modicum of good-versus-evil mixed in. The real stars are the 65 horses, an impressive collection of Arabians, Andalusians, Belgians, Percherons and quarter horses, which perform in the world’s largest indoor equestrian arena. Chariot races and acrobatic stunts are among the acts. Price: Adults, $46; ages 3-11, $20. FAN FAVE: New York strip steak

PIRATE’S DINNER ADVENTURE
Orlando
www.piratesdinneradventure.com; 800-866-2469
Take to the high seas with a show about a brood of buccaneers who perform acrobatics and duel with swords—all on a mighty four-story ship that flies the skull-and-crossbones. More than 100 of the 800 guests get into the act, donning costumes of their own. When the lights dim, the party continues at the Buccaneer Bash Dance Party, which invites the whole family to get their groove on. Price: Adults $58; ages 3-11, $38. FAN FAVE: Roasted pork or seafood medley with marinated chicken

Kitsch & Kitchens

NASCAR SPORTS GRILLE
UNIVERSAL CITYWALK
www.nascarcafeorlando.com; 407-224-7223
Get your fill of race-car madness, and fi ll up on all-American fare while you’re at it. Actual autos dangle from the ceilings, and museumquality memorabilia covers the walls-well, the ones not sporting top-quality plasma screens for watching races and games; the 37-foot media wall is a highlight. Try out electronic speed simulators and games, and on the way out, buy some NASCAR souvenirs to take home. FAN FAVE: The Philly “Winners Circle” Cheesesteak 

HARD ROCK CAFÉ ORLANDO
UNIVERSAL CITYWALK
www.hardrock.com; 407-351-7625
Hard Rock’s largest café-a commanding Roman Coliseum-like structure-houses not only a restaurant, but also more rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia than any other location, Plus, it has a 3,000-seat concert hall to boot. Music fans should allot extra time to check out Buddy Holly’s iconic glasses, an Elvis suit from Viva Las Vegas, a James Brown jacket and a suit from Queen lead singer Freddie Mercury, a favorite during the 1978 US “Jazz” Tour. FAN FAVE: Certified angus beef Legendary burger

CHEYENNE SALOON & OPERA HOUSE
DOWNTOWN ORLANDO
www.cheyennesaloonandoper. house.com; 407-839-3000
You needn’t wear spurs to feel like a cowboy at this newly reopened eatery, which mixes dining with dancing, Western-style. More than 250,000 board feet of golden oak lumber from a century-old Ohio barn were used in the lovingly constructed restaurant, which is fi lled with handmade carved rails, imported stained glass and six 1895 chandeliers from the Philadelphia Mint. Live bands play Grand Old Opry-style songs while guests line dance. Hungry folks can get their fix of barbecue. FAN FAVE: Black Jack’s baby back ribs

Dining with the Stars

Many of America’s most-respected culinarians serve their signature fare in Orlando. Here are four can’t-miss celebrity-chef restaurants.

Primo
At JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes
www.grandelakes.com; 407-206-2300
After gaining national acclaim for creating mostly organic, Italian-influenced specialties in a Maine farmhouse, Melissa Kelly opened an equally ambitious refuge, where your tender fried zucchini blossoms might have been grown right on the premises.

Norman’s
At The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
www.normans.com; 407-393-4333
A trailblazer who helped create New World Cuisine, Norman Van Aken wows adventurous eaters by offering ultra-inventive, Latin-Caribbean-tinged feasts in a suave setting.

Emeril’s Tchoup Chop
At Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando
www.emerils.com; 407-503-2467
The flavors of the South Pacific meld with others from around the globe— including a nod to Emeril Lagasse’s native New Orleans —at this dramatically designed hotel restaurant.

Raglan Road
Downtown Disney Pleasure Island
www.raglanroadirishpub.com; 407-938-0300
The pub gets classy at Raglan Road, where Ireland’s renowned Kevin Dundon delivers uptown takes on old-time classics (think shepherd’s pie made with angus beef) in a sprawling room with four mahogany bars and lots of lager on tap.