Orlando is filled with restaurants and fun attractions

Orlando, a vibrant piece of the Sunshine State, has no shortage of creative culinary choices for a special night on the town or dinner on the cheap while in the city for Academy 2009 Orlando.

Expect the sights-to-see to extend well beyond the massive Walt Disney World mecca, and don't forget to sample some nightlife while in town.

DINING SELECTIONS

Restaurant highlights follow, including their respective neighborhoods.

BAY LAKE
Victoria & Albert's
407/WDW-DINE (939-3463)
Victoria & Alberts' formal dining room has an intimate setting with just 20 tables. On the menu are the freshest ingredients from the market, and items change daily. Examples include chorizo-crusted shrimp with white beans and Australian Kobe beef.

COLLEGE PARK
Jade Bistro
407/422-7968
Try Pan-Asian delicacies at this College Park bistro. The restaurant combines Chinese, Thai, and Japanese cooking methods into a fusion style.

COLONIALTOWN NORTH
Thai House
407/898-0820
Start with a bowl of tom yum gai, a lemon-lime chili broth filled with chunks of chicken and vegetables. If ordering family style, try whole fish selections, such as a whole, deep fried snapper topped with pork, ginger, and mushrooms.

Funky Monkey Wine Co.
407/427-1447
The eclectic menu in the tight, but intimate quarters features designer sushi rolls. Check out the panko-crusted yellowtail snapper with tomato, garlic, wild mushrooms, and ginger.

Doctor Phillips Christini's Ristorante Italiano
407/345-8770
Old-fashioned specialties abound at this Italian classic, including signature veal chop with fresh sage and filet mignon with Barolo sauce.

Samba Room
407/982-1423
Sample delightful petite desserts at this Latin steak/seafood restaurant. Offerings include sweet carrot cake, banana brulee, chocolate mousse, and Key lime pie.

DOWNTOWN
Doc's
407/839-3627
Simple dishes featured include the classic Reuben and chicken salad with grapes, red onion, and currants. More elaborate dinner preparations include the grilled filet mignon with a wild mushroom and truffle demi-glace.

Ichiban Japanese Restaurant
407/423-2688
The restaurant will fix your sushi craving and will be easy on the wallet.

Shari
407/420-9420
Try sushi in a très chic setting. Save some room for the banana egg roll.

EAST ORLANDO
Linda's La Cantina Steak House
407/789-4491
You can't go wrong by simply ordering a steak accompanied by a salad and baked potato at this long-standing Orlando spot.

EDGEWOOD NEIGHBORHOOD
Le Coq Au Vin
407/851-6980
This restaurant, run by a husband-and-wife team, concerns itself with food more than reputation, yet it's equally a success at both. The menu, which changes seasonally, always features a range of seafood, steak, poultry, and veal dishes.

FAIRVIEW SHORES
Del Frisco's Prime Steak & Lobster
407/645-4443
When dining here, expect to go for the prime beef, cut to order, like the prime porterhouse. Breads, dressings, and desserts are made from scratch.

I-DRIVE/SAND LAKE
The Capital Grille
407/982-3749
Another steakhouse classic, this venue is known for its dry-aged steaks, seafood, and fine wines.

Emeril's Orlando
407/224-2424
Chef Emeril Lagasse's culinary crew creates unforgettable meals in an intimate setting at Universal's CityWalk. Although Lagasse's signature dishes feature spice-and the hotter, the better-milder options are included on the menu.

Norman's
407/206-2400
The chef blends ingredients from Latin America, the Caribbean, the southern United States, and Asia. Don't be surprised to find blackened Florida grouper with crawfish, Tasso ham, French lentils, or grilled pork Havana with smoky plantain crema.

Timpano Italian Chophouse
407/982-2592
Check out this classic chain steakhouse with Italian flavorful twists.

METRO ORLANDO
La Coquina
407/239-1234
Known for its breakfast/brunch, diners can feast on an elaborate spread featuring waffles and pancakes, fresh fruit and cheeses, pastas, salads, chicken and seafood dishes, decadent desserts, and made-to-order entrees served up with a spectacular view of Lake Windsong.

PARK LAKE/HIGHLAND
Citrus
407/373-0622
Restaurant-goers will find regionally inspired and locally sourced New American such as shrimp and lobster fritters and grilled Atlantic salmon.