Retire in Paradise

I love theme parks. I have to, I live in Orlando, otherwise known as Theme Park Central. That’s why I know that, when you come to visit all the parks, you don’t have to restrict your dining to vending cart hot dogs. From something fast to gourmet dining, your options are varied and delicious.

When you’re at the Magic Kingdom and need a break, stop by Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe in Tomorrowland. Their homestyle menu is varied, and has some nice kosher options. I always get the chicken, served with perfect mashed potatoes.

There’s also Liberty Tree Tavern, in Liberty Square. Their pot roast and turkey plates are tasty, and the Butter Griddled Pound Cake is the best dessert in the entire Kingdom. On Main Street, make sure to try Tony’s Town Square. Sit down, relax, and definitely try the baked ziti.

For an additional taste of Hollywood while you’re wandering Hollywood Studios, go to the Brown Derby. They have a wide range on their menu, and you can gaze at the stars (so to speak). If you’re looking for something more mid western than coastal, then the 50’s Prime Time Cafe is where you want to head. And if you want to travel farther afield, the Italian at Mama Melrose’s Ristorante might be just what you’re traveling to find.

You could go anywhere for beef, chicken, burgers, pork, pasta, pizza, and so on, but to see a living rainforest, you have to go to the Rainforest Cafe in the Animal Kingdom. The animatronic animals all come to life when the thunder starts every twenty minutes, and that is what you are really paying for.

The buffet at Tusker House has a wonderful spiced tofu that will have the vegetarians singing and the carnivores trying to steal bites. The restaurants in Epcot Center represent food from around the world, and you should try a worldwide tour. Beware, though-everyone else has the same idea, so call ahead to see ifyou need reservations. Make one stop on your tour Le Cellier in Canada, and have one of the best steaks you’ve ever had. However, if you only stop at one place, make it Yorkshire County Fish Shop. It’s just a walk-up counter with very little seating, but for my money, the fish and chips are the best food in the park.