Building on observations that have been turned into a moon over and over by one of my Orlando Sentinel predecessor Scott Joseph, locals at the Everglades restaurant at the Rosencentre Hotel rarely see them like the elusive Florida Panther.
But just like this precious subspecies of mountain lions, the latter population has also made a comeback over the past 20 years. Rosen Center Food and Beverage Director Adrian Lee has no doubt that Orlando’s magical meals have something to do with it, at least where the restaurant guests are.
In fact, the Everglades was the only restaurant and was part of a two-year, two-year, run-wide program.
From the beginning, she says that the late Harris Rosen, founder of Rosen Hotels, had succumbed to his heart when he came to a restaurant dedicated to preserving the Everglades.
Harris Rosen, Orlando Hotel, Charity Titan dies at age 85
“Restaurants still give back to the Everglades Foundation (a nonprofit organization that works to restore and protect America’s Everglades through science, advocacy and education), but the love and care they put in the restaurant will also return to the community.
And the charity element of the program was introduced only in 2009, but before that it was repaying the favor – to participating restaurants. For Rosen Center, being on international driving has been a major challenge.
“Unless you live in Williamsburg or Dr. Phillips, you’re not normally going to go out for dinner on I Drive,” she says.
Interestingly, the addition of a higher priced tier of $60 actually brought more guests, says Lee. Executive chef Michael McMullen believes that it is the guest’s perception.
“I think they might see the $40 menu and we’re underestimating the food because we’re a great dining venue. At $60 it seems like the price of a high-end restaurant they’d like to try.”
It offers solid value for enthusiastic menu items such as 8 ounces of Black Angus filet with Pinot Noir demi, and baby vegetables, as well as beloved menu items such as fire-fried corn, tomatoes and green onions, black garlic sauce and salmon caviar.
Lee says a typical three-course meal at Everglades averages between $80 and $90.
This year, we also have a special 20th anniversary appetizer. Seafood volvent, shrimp and scallops come in a butter sauce with a petite French pastry.
Harris Rosen’s favorite: Everglades’ signature alligator bay chowder features alligators and applewood smoked bacon grown on a Flora farm.
“It’s a heartfelt soup,” says Lee. Magical food and winter holidays are consistently top of the Everglades locals, accounting for 40-50% of the business, and rarely appearing on the endangered list.
We will be a perusing review of all participating restaurants this year, including several other Rosen hotel restaurants on OrlandomagicalDining.com.
Do you want to reach out to me? Find me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram @Amydroo or the Osfoodie Instagram account @orlando.foodie. Email: amthompson@orlandosentinel.com. For more fun, join Let’s Eat and Orlando Facebook Group.
If you’re going
Everglades Restaurant: 9840 International Drive, Orlando, 407-996-2385; evergladesrestaurant.com
