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).