Last fall we spent a long weekend with friends in Orlando.

Mythos – Universal Orlando: There are a ton of food options in Orlando. There are a ton of food options at the theme parks. While visiting, convenience often is preferred over waiting in line for the restaurants. While I would have preferred The Kitchen at the Hard Rock or Emeril’s Tchoup Chop, this day we decided that we would eat at Mythos. Located in The Lost Continent section of Islands of Adventure right near the entrance to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.  It’s website boasts the winning several awards, including “Best Theme Park Restaurant.’ We booked on Open Table and were able to walk right in without a wait.

Mythos Filet

Buffalo BBQ Fried Chicken Wrap.

The service was decent, the chairs were ungodly heavy, but the food overall was solid. Conclusion: A good place to stop for a decent meal at Islands of Adventure. Make a reservation and avoid the wait, especially during peak hours.

Deets: Mythos, The Lost Continent, Universal Studios Islands of Adventure, Orlando, Florida

Cafe Tu Tu Tango: We stopped here based on a recommendation of a good friend who travels frequently to Orlando. He loves Cafe Tu Tu Tango and knew that we would enjoy it too. Inside you will find an eclectic fusion of artists at work creating original pieces of art while surrounded by diners enjoying their dinner.

One of the delectable items I had on the Cafe’s menu was the Duck Confit Salad. Interestingly enough, when it arrived I didn’t expect it to be more of a flatbread with a salad on top. However, the description on the menu was accurate “Dried cranberries, goat cheese, pine nuts, balsamic vinaigrette; on caramelized onion flatbread.” I must have just been thrown by the word “salad.” Regardless, it did not matter. After my first bite I was in heaven. It was amazing. The onion flatbread was hot and crispy. The duck was juicy and tender. Everything on this dish worked together to make me a very happy man. Chad was lucky to get a bite of this one. As I type, my mouth is watering. Conclusion: A must stop just for this flatbread if nothing else… well the drinks, and the art, and the dancing. Just go.

Deets: Cafe Tu Tu Tango, 8625 International Drive, Orlando, Florida

We took a day trip to Cocoa Beach. A shorter trip from Orlando than the famous Clearwater Beach, but  for a guy from the land locked Midwest it was great. A great day on a beautiful beach.

Cocoa Beach Tips

1. Check out Lori Wilson State Park for free parking, restrooms, and easy access to the beach.

2. Research your food options and business hours before you get to your destination. Especially if you are on a tight time frame. We were going to enjoy lunch at Jazzy’s Mainly Lobster. We arrived and find it closed for the day due to some bad info on the internet. Have a back up plan.

3. Check out the huge Ron Jon Surf Shop, they have a huge selection for all your beach needs. A huge selection of Toms and OluKai footwear.

4. Dolphins. We were lucky enough to spot some while eating lunch at the Sunset Waterfront Grill & Bar on the river side of the island.

More adventures to come…