Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza and Piccola Gelato Cafe

As if the holiday season didn't hold enough savory concoctions and mouth-watering sweets; then to add to the special foods, a spontaneous lunch the day after Christmas at Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza. I love pizza; it's my if-you-were-stuck-on-a-deserted-island food. And I've had all sorts: from Mellow Mushrooms chewy crusted pie to a completely crunchy Sicilian crust at Mamma Rosa's in Dothan, AL.

Anthony's, newly added to the shopping center off Turkey Lake Road down the road from Whole Foods, is a sporty clean restaurant that warns that it's crust is "well-done". Heated to 800-900 degrees F. in a coal oven, they weren't lying -- the crust is a combination of crunch and chew. The bottom is charred and crunchy but right underneath to toppings is a nice soft bread.

The decor of the place is a movie and music hall of fame. Black and white photos of Audrey Hepburn, the Beatles, Muhammad Ali, and others hang on the walls. Several flat screen TVs distract from the food at hand. The bathrooms are another story. Men beware: scantily clad females were the story reported (now all of you are going to go use the bathroom; really, just go before you leave the house). The woman's room is a bit safer, just poor pictures of Brad Pitt, George Clooney in the main entry and Elvis, Johnny Depp, and James Dean in the stalls (all fully clothed, mind you).

The waitress informed us that you can get half and half on any pizza except the one with eggs. We got the Paul and Young Ron (meatballs, sausage, ricotta, and sweet or spicy peppers--definitely would go with spicy peppers next time); Tomato, Basil, and Mozzarella; and pepperoni. I enjoyed all three but the T,B, & M had the best crust because there wasn't any sauce for it to absorb. FYI: you can get sauce on the side for no extra charge. The waitress ended up bringing the first pizza to the table and serving. That sure threw me off! I'd prefer to pick my own slices but I had to remind myself that the intentions were good. I took a look around and none of the others waiters seemed to be doing. Maybe it was just her style or maybe that's what they do for bigger groups; either way I can handle serving it up myself.

In the end, the two 16 inch pizzas fed all 6 of us. We agreed it was a decent pie and I wouldn't moan if we decided to go back.

Across the street is the sinfully delicious Piccola Gelato Cafe which we entered at my request. Mostly white with accents of black the petite cafe was sadly empty (I hope that isn't the norm). Our server said we could try samples, "as many as we liked" (they had me at hello). I stuck to the traditional flavor of chocolate chip for my sample; but flavors ranged from lemon to a nutella flavor. While we split a small cup, my mom inquired regarding the production process. All the flavors (24 daily, 100 in all) are made on the premise with milk, sugar, cream, and vanilla. (How many desserts these days are made with just a few basic ingredients? Just goes to prove that you don't need corn syrup and hydrogenated oils to make something taste good.) Then depending on the flavor, additional ingredients are added to this base. Let me tell you: it's better than ice cream. Cleaner, fresher, denser but not heavy, gelato is my new favorite. How is it that Italians know how to do it better? Better version of ice cream and always better pizza. Take a trip and check out both of these places: dinner and dessert. Hmm, this might be conspiracy...

Anthony's must have: Tomato, Basil, and Fresh Mozzarella (with sauce on the side)

Anthony's next bite: Paul and Young Ron with spicy peppers

Piccola's must have: Gelato, I don't think any of their flavors could be bad

Piccola's next bite: can you guess? Gelato!

4Rivers Smokehouse

It was a good sign: the line was out the door; we had to park down the street and walk. This seems to be the only way to properly experience the phenomenon that is 4Rivers. My brother and I made a date of it and knew before hand what we wanted. Of course I had read the review in the Orlando Sentinel and my brother had enjoyed 4Rivers' catering at an event earlier in the year but both of us were eager to try out the deli ourselves.

Warning to all vegetarians and vegans: this may convert you. I ordered the brisket sandwich with fried pickles and baked beans. My brother ordered the burnt end sandwich with potato salad and coleslaw. Finding a spot out back at the picnic tables was a bit tricky but eventually some people left and we got a more comfortable seat.

I delved into the brisket sandwich first. Smokey goodness. It was like having a bonfire in your mouth. Drizzled with a little of the bar-b-q sauce, and Ooo, la, la. The pickles that are added I could do without but the chopped jalapenos provide a nice little kick. The carver will ask you if you want the fat cap left on. Doooo it. Ignore all inclination to cut it away. This little morsel melts in your mouth like butter and holds a lot of the smokey spice rub that covers the outside. The brisket is the 4Rivers classic, what they are known for so don't leave there without trying one.

Next I loosened my belt for the burnt end sandwich. It just melted; it is baked in the BBQ sauce and then more is added when you order. A mix of brisket and pork it is just down right tasty. Seriously, how do all these other BBQ chains stay in business?

As I was sitting there eating, I thought, "This has to be the best bun ever." I wouldn't want a fancy whole grain bun (and I'm a whole grain nut, let me tell you!) trying to steal the show from this awesome meat.

Now the sides were decent in flavor, generous is serving. The baked beans were by far the best of the four sides we got (I got a nice chunk of fat; more faaattt!!). Fried pickes, nah, coleslaw, nah, potato salad, ok. The sandwiches on there own are incredibly filling so I think I'm going to skip the sides next time I go.

When you go (not if, but when; you won't be able to stay away), pray there is a line and cars parked down the quiet neighborhood street. It makes it an experience. Be respectful of property markers and driveways but other than that you should be good to go. Excellent food, nice people;a full tip jar (seriously, a sign of a good restaurant is how full their tip jar is). I am incredibly envious of Winter Park citizens who have this place right in their backyard.

Must Have: Brisket, on or in anything (note for those who don't dig buns: get your meat naked, sans the bun)

Next Bite: Messy Pig (and brisket, of course)

Harmoni Market

I wanted to like this place. I really wanted to like this place. What's not to like? Beautifully furnished with an urban feel serving meals made of local ingredients--breads from an artisan bakery in Casselberry, house-made mozzarella. I found it shortly after it opened, searching the web for good restaurants in College Park. "Local ingredients" is music to my ears. So when I went for lunch for the first time a few years ago, my expectations were peaked.

Granted it was a few years ago and I remember ordering a flatbread and a sandwich which had tomatoes and basil pesto on it. It was good, but I don't remember it being great. Subsequent visits for lunch on Sundays have also not proven to be an incredible taste bud experience. I've had a roast beef and cheddar panini, a tomato, basil, and house-made mozzarella cheese sandwich; an egg, bacon, and cheese flatbread; the avacado ranch dressing, bacon, Gouda cheese, smoked turkey sandwich; and a fried egg with cheddar and bacon on a fresh brioche bun. The flavors were nice but weren't popping. I expected more flavors; these were, well, boring. Actually, the food, I found, often tasted better the next day, cold.

The shining item on the menu that I have had so far has been the potato salad. The first time was absolute glory: bacon, potato, chive goodness. It hasn't tasted as good as that first bite but the last time I went it was better.

With two locations, Longwood and College Park, Harmoni proves it has a concept that works and provides meals people want. The feel and concept are excellent and the more types of restaurants in Central Florida like this there are, the better. Just need more flavor.

Must Have: Potato Salad (comes as a side with most of the sandwiches/paninis)

Next Bite: Hamburger (with potato salad, of course).