Note:  All A ratings were given to superior gourmet food.  A+’s were only given to food that actually made us make noises of joy.  In my roommates’ case, anything that made her cry (in a good way) got an A+.  Above average, very respectable food received B ratings.  C’s were average food that was a cut above McDonalds.  D ratings are of the processed, fast food variety and F’s are things that I would not feed my dog.

SERVER - (Sam) I could write a book about how Fabulous Sam is! Incredibly attentive, fun, knowledgeable and he’s from San Francisco – so you can’t go wrong there. His overall attention to detail is incredible. He was the ONLY server to include a fork in our to-go container. Ask for him – he made our trip!
NOISE LEVEL – Low. Nicely spaced tables.
KIDS – Not many kids but the ones that were there were so well behaved you didn’t even notice them.
ATMOSPHERE – Elegant but casual. The restaurant was beautifully appointed with linen tablecloths and napkins. This is an ideal romantic dinner destination, with their lovely views of the grounds and the lake. They also feature a view of their show kitchen where you can see them creating these wonderful dishes. If you can't do Victoria and Albert's, this is an excellent alternative and it's right next door.
COST - Moderately Expensive $$$

NOTES: Last year Citricos was ranked #2 overall for dinner restaurants. While I enjoyed myself, I didn’t rave. I decided to give it another try and I am SO glad I did. New chef Grey Byrum has set fire to this place (in a good way) and brought the food into the stratosphere earning an A+ rating. More dishes from Citricos made us weep with pure joy, our taste buds doing a happy dance in our mouths. NOTHING we ate ranked below an A (and I grade hard). I can’t wait to get on a plane and go back. Why are they a whole continent away? If they were out here in San Francisco I would be there at least once a month with all of my friends in tow. As it is, I will be recommending this culinary castle very strenuously and counting days until I am back and bringing my family and when I am out for leisure as well.

Citricos Bellini - $8.50 (A)
A traditional Bellini is a mix of white peaches and champagne. This version adds a raspberry/peach blend to the sparkling wine. Luscious.

Sauted Shrimp with Tomato,Lemon and Feta Cheese - $13 (A)
“You know when your eyes roll back in your head? It’s that kinda good” After a recommendation like this from Sam the Fabulous Waiter, how could I refuse. It was so true. A perfect marrying of flavours. This dish achieved a rich balance.

Warm Onion Tart with Walnut Vinaigrette - $8 (A+)
Rated 2nd Place – BEST APPETIZER 2001>
“I could cry it’s so good” – My roommate set the bar for A+ ratings. (it’s so good it makes you cry) with this dish. The smooth blend of sweet onion with the nutty tang of the vinaigrette. The balance of all the ingredients had this large appetizer living on our table until we finally finished – “NO!! You can’t take it yet!” This dish took slid to second place by a slim margin. (They were so close) I would highly recommend this dish as well.

Goat Cheese Gratin with Tomatoes and Kalamata Olives - $7 (A+)
Rated 1st Place – BEST APPETIZER 2001
Chef Grey recommended this simple dish that is our 1st place winner in its category. He said that an Old Italian women once told him “Never confuse simplicity with a lack of sophistication.” Never screw with Old Italian women, they know their stuff. Hot and creamy, simple yet robust in flavor. Words do not do this dish justice. Just order it – trust me, trust Chef Grey, trust the Old Italian Woman – it’s worth it.

Garden Vegetable Soup with Pesto - $7 (A+)
One of the most perfect broths with tender vegetables. Exactly hit the spot. Not too salty or too watery. The right amount of body and flavor.

Roasted Maine Lobster with a Ragout of French Lentils and Sweet Garlic - $54 (market price) (A)
An interesting dish. The whole lobster is deshelled, the meat is cut into manageable pieces and plated with the lentils and garlic. A combo that I didn’t think would work and it really surprised me. While not a traditional take on lobster, the lentils added a hearty flavor to balance the full-fleshed crustacean.

Basil Crusted Rack of Lamb with a Ragout of Spinach, Shiitakes and White Beans - $31 (A+)
The lamb positively melts in your mouth. Lovely lamb taste without being gamey or strong. Order Rare or Medium Rare – too much heat would ruin this dish. Trust your Native Guide (and Chef Grey).

Sorbet Trio - $8 (A+)
Cranberry and other tropical flavors (I was so overcome while eating I forgot to write them down). Suffice it to say that they were all yummy, light and satisfying.

Tropical Creme Brulee - $8 (A)
The pressing question has been answered, the quest is over. HARD SHELL CARMALIZED SUGAR!!! And what a shell it was. When they heard of my quest – that shell could cut glass. My fork bounced off its surface at my first foray to break through and taste the bounty within. I was not disappointed. BEST CREME BRULEE that I have had. The tropical taste gave it a lovely tang that was not too tart or too sweet. Wonderful!

Sarcastic Remark of the Evening by my Roommate: “I could really use something to clean my palette between courses – something cleansing. Too bad we don’t have any Beverly!” If you have no idea what I’m talking about, consider yourself lucky! If you are curious, read my Epcot trip report and if you know – then you should be laughing your ass off right now.

to Grand Floridian Food Page