Bluegreen Colorful Places

With so many restaurants to try during your Bluegreen vacation to Orlando, how do you ever choose? Let us narrow the field by pointing out a standout. Of all the downtown Orlando restaurants, Ceviche is a must-see. This Spanish-style tapas restaurant and Flamenco bar stays true to the cultural tradition by serving appetizer-sized plates (tapas) and entertaining guests with live Spanish guitarists and Flamenco performers. A great time is to be had at this lovely establishment, with great food, fantastic Spanish wine and excellent entertainment.

For many, the words food and Spain are synonymous. The country has a very unique palate to match its eclectic, energetic lifestyle. While you certainly won’t have to wait until 10 or 11 pm to enjoy a leisurely dinner - as you would in Spain - your evening here will be like a whirlwind trip to exotic Barcelona.

The moment you spy the historic building which houses Ceviche (pronounced suh-VEE-chay), the magic of Spain will begin to envelop you. Ceviche serves several varieties of its namesake nightly: salmon, oysters, tuna, or shellfish - each one a delight, and prepared in a different manner. Some are paired primarily with fresh Florida citrus, while others, like the Salmon, cozy up to more exotic ingredients, like caviar. If you want to lean toward the wild side, jalapeno and cilantro give a zesty kick to the tuna ceviche.

Before you dive in to the food, however, it’s always nice to unwind with a light and fruity sangria. But Ceviche also offers more than 100 Spanish and Portugese wines. Fans of bubbles will note the tantalizing selection of cavas, white or pink sparkling wines from Catalonia, which are produced in the French Methode Champenois style.

If you're unfamiliar with Spanish wines, now's your time to try. What good is venturing out if you don't venture out of your comfort zone? Try something Spanish! If you think all blush wines are sweet, think again and try Ernest Hemingway’s favorite, a Rosado. This complex Spanish wine surprises with its moderate to dry finish. The entire wine list is a pleasure to read, in fact, as it is composed like a European travelogue, full of rich historical and geographical details.

And while you're trying new wine, try new foods: jamon Serrano (air-dried ham which hails from the mountains of Spain), rich Manchego cheese, hummus, octopus, chorizo sausage, paella, and papas fritas (homemade potato chips served with Maytag blue cheese). If you want to try the meater side of Spanish life, Ceviche offers some serious selections, from baby lamp chops and jumbo shrimp to short ribs and duck breast.Many dishes are crafted with products held dear in Spain, including sherry, almonds, garlic, and olives. Tapas Tuesdays is a treat, with over 30 tapas for $4 a pop.

Of all Orlando restaurants to try during your Bluegreen vacation to The Fountains or Orlando's Sunshine Resort, this one may offer the most memorable entertainment, showcasing talented Spanish guitarists and live Flamenco shows. The stage is near the bar, so choose how close you want to be. An online calendar spells out the musical options. Most bands play toward the end of the week and start at 8:00 or later.

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