Julie A.

Dos Amigos Cuban Restaurant

Dos Amigos has tasty food and a very nice staff. Their specials are good and moderately priced. Some menu items seem quite price ($2.25 for a soda, for example). The atmosphere is strip mall and while the music lends a Cuban flair, it's not as decorated as it might be. All in all, it's a nice meal with wonderful service and good variety. You should try it and share your thoughts!

PROS: Delicious food, friendly staff, good service
CONS:

Yellow Dog Eats

Yellow Dog Eats is in a historic neighborhood in downtown Gotha. The atmosphere is quaint and interesting, and the food it tasty. This is an "afternoon drive" place if there ever was one. Don't miss it!

PROS: Nice ambience, delicious food
CONS:

Gatorland

Gatorland is a long-time "tourist attraction" that should be seen by everyone--visitors and residents alike. They not only exhibit alligators and other animals, but they provide a lot of education about them and their native habitats.

Because they actually "farm" alligators, visitors can see gators from birth to full-grown, including photos of some sizeable record-holders. The Godwin family did Central Florida a great service with this venue, and it's a good place to see alligators up close and, if you're so inclined, to even taste gator meat or buy a gator souvenir (handbag or briefcase).

Prices are reasonable for the entertainment they provide. Convenient, accessible location with a fun gift shop and plenty of parking.

PROS: Educational, interesting, amazing
CONS:

Orlando Dodge

Orlando Dodge is a long-time business in the Orlando community, and they obviously care about keeping their customers happy. The sales staff is helpful and knowledgable. Chris in Service has been there for years and does a great job on a consistent basis---a real problem solver.

If you're a Dodge truck (or car) person, they deserve a shot at your business.

PROS: Honest, good prices, good service
CONS: None

Sun State Ford

The staff of Sun State Ford has been absolutely fantastic to deal with. I've purchased two cars (one used, one new) there in the past 3 years, with zero pressure from sales staff. The finance team worked to get me a deal I was happy with (I'm a tough customer when it comes to money), which was no small feat. Service is first class EVERY TIME. I had a dent on the seam of my car door and the body shop dent-puller made it look as good as new for a ridiculously low price ($150--can you believe it? They could've taken the door off and painted it...the quote was more than three times the amount of the actual repair cost. These folks are real pros!).

In addition to doing a good job when the vehicles are in for service, this dealership actually calls back after every service visit to ensure I'm satisfied. They really do care about keeping their customers, and I highly recommend Sun State Ford. I've purchased Fords on both sides of the highway and while the one out east is pretty darned good, SUN STATE FORD IS THE BEST!

PROS: Superb service--fast and friendly
CONS:

Benchwarmer's Sports Bar

This is a great sports bar--good food, okay prices, nice staff. Lots of fun to be had here. Don't go if you're "allergic to second-hand smoke" but, if not, it's a great place to party with your friends.

PROS: Great food; allows smoking in Facility
CONS: Allows Smoking in Facility

Bear Rock Cafe

This is my favorite soup-and-sandwich shop, and I've visited many. The menu is diverse and tasty. The restaurant is always clean and comfortable. The staff is friendly. Prices are good. Portion size is above average. Definitely should try this place when in the neighborhood of Mall at Millenia (it's across the street, in the plaza next to Target). Kind of an out-of-the-way location but a well-kept secret!

PROS: Delicious soups and sandwiches, good prices, very clean
CONS: Hidden location

Healthy Pets Veterinary Hospital Pa

I am very pleased to recommend the services of Dr. John Clifton and his staff at Healthy Pets Veterinary Hospital.

We started taking our pets there the first week after Dr. Clifton took over the practice, after our cat had a severe hip/leg injury of unknown origin, very late at night. New to town, we weren't sure what to do or where to go. An emergency clinic stabilized our cat and then referred him to "our local vet clinic," which turned out to be Healthy Pets (then under the old name). We found them because they were the first pet care provider we passed on the way toward home.

From the very first visit, Dr. Clifton has always been outstanding. He talked the unnerved "kitty parents" through the surgery and recovery. Monster cat got such great care that he recuperated without incident and has never had another problem with the hip/leg thereafter (whew!).

Since then, Dr. Clifton and staff have provided total care for all of our fur children--two dogs and two cats. He recognizes the important place our animals hold in our lives, and he cares enough about our babies to make recommendations regarding their diets, exercise, and overall well-being. It doesn't get any better than this!

He has a wide variety of pet foods and supplies available right at the office. Reasonable prices. Good hours. Nice boarding service. Good location. Always-clean and safe facility. Good staff. Did you call yet? 407-292-5900. Oh, and when I drove by yesterday, the sign says they now have pet insurance plans. Guess what I'll be calling about next?

PROS: First class pet care and boarding services by great people
CONS: Absolutely none

Carrabba's Italian Grill

This location always has very good food (with HUGE portions), but there are many other issues that make this a "maybe" location. Feel like taking a risk, then go there.

When you walk through the door, you might be seated in the nice dining room (or you might get stuffed in the bar, where they never seem to get the hint that the small children are screaming at the tops of their lungs because of the rowdy drunks at the bar and the televisions are all blaring football games, making it impossible to talk to your date).

Your server might be very attentive and quick (or he/she might have too many tables located too far apart. It might also be near time to go home, in which case forget it. We actually had our server swapped out once during a meal...NOT good.)

Parking is ALWAYS A PROBLEM at this location, no matter what time of day or night.

Best advice? If you're hungry for good Italian and you have an above-average amount of money to spend, if you happen to be near State Road 434, stop by. If you can find a parking spot, you're a third of the way home. Next , when you go inside the lobby, it's your responsibility (so the manager told me) to tell the host that you do not want to be seated in the bar area if, in fact, you find that location objectionable.

Finally, when you get a server, give them a big, friendly smile and warm greeting with lots of eye contact. If they're quiet (and they usually are at this location, for some odd reason), work on drawing them out in a pleasant manner. Hopefully they'll warm up to you and decide to give you great service. Several times we've had great wait staff, but twice we didn't fare as well.

If your stars align, you will have one of the nicest meals in the area. If not, you may be writing a review as lukewarm as mine (and I hope that doesn't happen for you!).

PROS: Food is consistent and always tasty
CONS: Inconsistent and occasionally inconsiderate staff

Great Clips

I have been having my hair cut by Lila for years. She recently moved to this location from the closed Rosemont store , and she is dependable, talented, and a very nice gal. Always a pleasure to go to Great Clips for a haircut and some friendly girl talk.

PROS: They have a great employee--LILA!
CONS: none