Love Where You Live: Orlando Restaurants

Previously we've talked about why it matters to know your city. It's hard to live missionally if you don't  like where you live or don't know much about the places people go. But here's the thing, if you're unhappy with where you're at  or haven't been living a life of intention to the glory of God, all that can change today.

When we first moved to Downtown Orlando I prayed two simple prayers that God was faithful to answer:

" God, please help me see these people the way you see them and please help me fall in love with this city."

That's it. And it worked. I passionately love The City Beautiful and all it's diverse and wonderful people.

Robin lives in my second favorite city in our great country: Chattanooga, TN (it has something to do with countless family vacations there, their mountains and the fact that they have all four seasons, unlike Florida). Robin didn't always love her city but now it "has burrowed way under her skin and taken up residence in her heart." In the same way that Robin and I have fallen in love with our cities we'd love for you to do the same. Robin is hosting a Love Where You Live link-up for the next few weeks and this week we're talking about our city's restaurants.

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What you may not know about O-town is that we're much more than Disney and Darden. We have a burgeoning local food movement that includes everything form local farmers to vegan and vegetarian fare to a food truck for almost every menu you can think of.

Below is short list of some of my favorites:

For a fine dining experience: Citrus

For killer sandwiches: 903 Mills Market or Pom Pom's

For your sweet tooth: The Dessert Lady or Blue Bird Bake Shop

For vegan/vegetarian offerings: Dandelion 

For coffee and GF options: The Drunken Monkey or Rhaposadic Bakery

For an affordable gastropub: Avenue

For the best lobster mac & cheese in town: The Pour House

For the best (free range, organic) burger: Pine 22

For killer food truck fare: La Empanada or Big Wheel Provisions

For French pastries: Benjamin French

That's the really short list. If you're ever in Downtown Orlando I'd love to give you a personal tour.

If you want to read more about why it matters to love your city visit here and here.

So what do you love most about where you live? I'd love to hear all about it in the comments below.