Thank you Frankie Messina for having me as a guest on Apartment E Live radio show and podcast.
If you missed it you can listen at the link, We talked about local restaurants old and new.
Eat Local Orlando, Orlando food blog, focused on finding new locally owned non-chain restaurants and food trucks in Orlando and Winter Park, documenting, photographing and reviewing them and their foods.
Sunday, March 1, 2026
Vines by H
Vines by H has officially reopened on Orlando’s Restaurant Row, and it’s a polished, jazz-filled spot for prime steaks, seafood, and cocktails that feels perfect for both locals and visitors.
Vines by H sits right on Restaurant Row at 7533 W Sand Lake Rd, Orlando, FL 32819, in the Dr. Phillips area. The space has been fully renovated, with warm lighting, and a lively bar that makes it feel upscale. During the grand opening, live jazz was played and sung, creating a relaxed atmosphere that was fun and energetic.
Bites from the Grand Opening -
We sampled a range of bites that gave a nice preview of the menu’s modern American dishes with Mediterranean and European touches. The shrimp skewers were a standout: big, juicy shrimp with a great charred flavor and just enough seasoning to let the smoke shine. The beef skewers were equally good, tender and moist with a nice sear and a bit of roasted pepper for sweetness.
I also tried mini sliders, which packed a surprising amount of flavor into a few bites—well-seasoned patties, melty cheese, and soft buns that held up nicely. A small smoked salmon bite topped with caviar hinted at the more refined side of the menu, balancing salty, buttery, and creamy elements.
Another favorite was a tuna and avocado spoon finished with a crisp chip on top—fresh, rich, and fun.
Cocktails, Wine & Happy Hour
The bar has a cocktail list that blends classics and house signatures. My espresso martini was silky and balanced, not overly sweet, with a strong coffee backbone and a creamy head, garnished simply with coffee beans.
Vines has an extensive wine list, plus a lineup of classic and signature cocktails like the Vines Carajillo and French 75, along with a few mocktails.
Happy hour runs daily from 4-6:30 p.m, with select wines, beers, $10 classic cocktails, and discounted appetizers and flatbreads.
Live Jazz & Atmosphere -
Live jazz is a big part of the experience at Vines by H, and it really shapes the feel of the room. From 6-9 p.m. nightly, the band helps make the space ideal for date night, a celebratory dinner, or a relaxed evening at the bar with friends.
With a cigar lounge, a serious wine program, and multiple seating zones—bar, dining room, and patio—the restaurant works just as well for lingering over cocktails as it does for a full steak-and-seafood dinner.
Vines by H is open for dinner seven nights a week at the Sand Lake Road address in Dr. Phillips.
Current hours are:
Sunday – Wednesday: 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Thursday: 4:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Friday – Saturday: 4:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
According to the restaurant, the concept brings together prime meats, fresh seafood, live jazz, and an internationally curated wine program in a redesigned 7,800-square-foot space, with private dining rooms available for events.
If you’re an Orlando local looking for a refreshed Restaurant Row favorite or a visitor wanting a polished night out with great food, cocktails, and music all in one place, Vines by H would be a good choice
Vines by H - Prime Steak & Seafood - Orlando Fine Dining I-Drive https://vinesbyh.com
Vines by H (@vinesbyh) Instagram https://www.instagram.com/vinesbyh/
Menu: https://vinesbyh.com/menu/dinner/
Sunday, January 18, 2026
Palm Beach Meats, 1 year anniversary party
Palm Beach Meats, 1 year anniversary party today. Free delicious meat skewers, Wagyu meat discounts, raffles, donuts. DJ and fun!
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
D’Amico & Sons Italian Market & Bakery
D’Amico & Sons Italian Market & Bakery at Oviedo Mall
D’Amico & Sons Italian Market & Bakery is located inside the Oviedo Mall and combines a café, deli, and grocery in one space. The environment is bright, clean, and well-stocked, making it easy to explore everything they offer.
The market includes a coffee bar and deli where customers can order breakfast sandwiches, subs, and coffee drinks.
For those looking to take food home, there’s a selection of premade Italian entrées ready to heat and serve.
Shelves are filled with various pastas, Italian cookies, biscotti, and snacks, along with a modest but diverse wine selection.
A covered outdoor seating area offers a comfortable place to sit and enjoy a drink or meal. Longtime locals may remember the location from when it was home to Chamberlin’s.
During a recent visit I had a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich and a latte both were very good.
Prices for both grocery and food were fair, and staff were kind and attentive.
Details:
Address: 1700 Oviedo Mall Boulevard, Oviedo, FL 32765
Hours:
- Monday–Saturday: 8 AM – 8 PM
- Sunday: 8 AM – 6 PM
Website: https://damicoandsonsmarket.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/damicoandsons
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
Saturday, November 22, 2025
The Glass Knife Park Avenue
Recently I attended the preview for new location of The Glass Knife on Park Avenue in Winter Park. We were greeted with a glass of sparkling wine.
During the event, servers walked around with the chicken salad croissant and pimento croissant sandwiches. I also got to try the whipped feta spread on a house made focaccia with roasted tomatoes and an olive oil drizzle. All of those were very tasty.
The Glass Knife is known for their sweet treats. The sweets table had gourmet chocolate macaroons and tiramisu. They offer the tiramisu seasonally.
The Park Avenue location will be focusing more on savory foods. They served Royal Ossera Caviar on blinis with crème fraiche which is always a favorite of mine. Another favorite of mine is cheese and charcuterie board which was provided by Simply Cheese. Simply Cheese on Aloma along with Winter Park Honey are female owned business that will be supplying The Glass Knife.
The Glass Knife is the exclusive provider in Florida of Onyx Coffee Labs out of Arkansas. Besides the traditional coffee beverages, they have delicious specialty drinks such as a S’more Cortado which is a 4oz cortado with toasted marshmallow syrup, a hint of chocolate, and topped with crushed graham cracker. The drink is paired with a freshly torched mini s’more.
The have variety of wine-based cocktails using Klir wine-based vodka. Some of their offering include an espresso and passionfruit martinis. The passionfruit martini was a popular choice at the preview.
The wine list is reasonably priced. They offer several of the Wagner family portfolio such as Sea Sun, Caymus, Conundrum, and Mer Solei. Other notable wines on list include Miraval Rose, Far Niente Chardonnay, Mumm Brut Rose and Veuve Clicquot. Wine is available both by the glass or bottle.
Both locations of The Glass Knife are open until 10pm weekdays and 11pm weekends.
212 N Park Ave
Winter Park, FL 32789
Sun–Thurs 7:30am-10pm
Fri & Sat 7:30am-11pm
https://www.instagram.com/theglassknifewp
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