An Orlando Girl's Weekend

Description:

Just off the International Drive, lies the 500-acre Grande Lakes Orlando, at the Florida Everglades. The resort comprises of two magnificent hotels, the JW Marriott and the Ritz-Carlton. Panoramic lake views stretch before the rooms, each decorated with Italian furniture and topped with the group's quality amenities. Fine dining comes in the form of a poolside restaurant and a steakhouse, among others. Health nuts can partake of the offerings at the Café after a workout at the 40,000 square foot spa.

Our Local Expert Says:

Love the organic kitchen garden where much of the veggies are sourced

Description:

The Chef at Primo within JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes creates her own version of Italian contemporary cuisine. Imaginatively cooked, many recipes are new takes of old ones, sensible, good looking, great to eat, tasty and fulfilling. The ingredients are fresh and organic, plucked daily from the on-site garden. Fresh ingredients tend to give the food a very different flavor indeed. A good place for candlelight occasions because the chandeliers create a very sexy and sultry atmosphere.

Our Local Expert Says:

Love the valet parking located on the north side by Brio Tuscan Grill

Description:

Anchors at this 1.3-million-square-foot upscale center include Neiman Marcus, Macy's and Bloomingdale?s. In addition to the heavyweight anchors, Millenia offers 200 specialty stores that include Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel, Apple, Juicy Couture and Coach. It also features some of the better dining options around with restaurants ranging from fine dining to fast food; the Blue Martini, an upscale martini lounge, features regular live entertainment. The mall is 5 miles from downtown Orlando.

Description:

Evoke the tastes of the new American palate; familiar yet unforgettable. CRAVE delivers on one simple thing: Fresh and innovative cuisine along with an impeccable wine selection brought to life in a chic, casual, and vibrant atmosphere. The menu evokes the tastes of the new American palate featuring wood-oven pizzas, roasted meats, sushi, pastas and salads that are seasonally re-mastered utilizing the freshest ingredients. A grand sushi bar extends the dining experience appealing to both traditional sushi lovers and adventurous epicureans alike. The combination of the burnt earthen color palette, stone work and glass accents invites shoppers and destination diners alike to stop and linger; enjoying unforgettable meals with friends and family. An elegant floor-to-ceiling wine tower displays a 125+ wine selection. Rich hues and an open kitchen, light-dappled tabletops and an iconic bar create a familiar yet unforgettable dining experience.

Our Local Expert Says:

Best place to enjoy live music and drink delicious martinis

Description:

This classy Orlando nightclub has two bars; the outside is a large tiki bar and the inside is a fabulous disco venue with live bands. The signature drinks are flavored martinis. Bar seats are only feet from the band and the dress code is business casual. This bar is also located in the same building as Orlando's Mall at Millenia.

Description:

A big name, 40,000 square feet of tranquility, 40 treatment rooms, a heated lap pool, a Carita salon, boutique and a wellness center—sounds like the spa at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes resort. With the extensive range of treatments and services for both men and women at hand, you will emerge a new person. The Beauty Queen and Diva Packages live up to their names, while the toning massages liven up those tired limbs. Choose from a plethora of indulgences at the spa or the wellness center, enjoy the attentive efficient service, and watch the ol' bod get energized, just as your wallet gets depleted!

Description:

This 440,000-square-foot outlet center offers shoppers the atmosphere of a beautiful outdoor shopping mall filled with landscaping and natural lighting. It's inviting instead of outlet-ish. It's billed as Orlando's only upscale outlet and is by far the best choice for a great shopping experience in Orlando. It currently has 110 tenants, including Disney outlets, Coach, Kenneth Cole, Nike, Polo/Ralph Lauren, Timberland, and Tommy Hilfiger. Others include DKNY, Fendi, Hugo Boss, Nautica, Salvatore Ferragamo. Some of the best buys are at Banana Republic, and the selection at all the stores is fabulous. A major expansion that began in 2008 will add several more designer outlets to the already impressive lineup of stores. In addition, the center now offers a "Personal Stylist Service" package -- but at a price tag of between $500 and $750, this one's for serious shoppers only. Set just between S.R. 535 and I-Drive, it's easily accessible from either location.

Our Local Expert Says:

best desserts in Orlando- try the chocolate sampler platter

Description:

Looking for the most romantic and self-indulgent café in Orlando? Without a doubt, it's The Dessert Lady's Divinely Decadent Dessert & Wine Café. If Valentine's Day had a headquarters, this would be it. Decorated with rich fabrics and painted with red, pink and purple hues, this café is practically dripping with romance and sensuality.

When Patti Schmidt opened the cafe's doors in 2004, she threw away the restaurant catalog and created what she calls a "chic-modern, European flair with whimsical controlled clutter." As soon as you walk in, your eyes will be drawn to the various antique furniture pieces, the Italian glass used at the bar, or the striking, original art on the walls. These creations, all by local artists, are just as delicious and unique as the desserts. Whether you're visiting on a quiet weekday evening or on a busy Saturday night, you'll find the atmosphere to be intimate, alluring, and a little bit sinful (like everyone in the room is up to something naughty).

Then of course, there is what this café is most famous for…the desserts. No ingredient is spared, making each slice as sinful as possible. Chocoholics will love the Chocolate Zuccotto Cake, which is soaked in amaretto, has a dark and white mousse interior and is iced with ganache. You might also want to try the Coconut Brulee Cheesecake, the Six Layer Chocolate Cake, or the Chocolate Peanut Butter Torte.

Slices are large and perfect for sharing. When you just can't decide, go for one of the three sample
platters, such as the Dessert Sampler for Two. You'll be indulging in half portions of carrot cake, flourless chocolate torte, key lime pie, and bourbon pecan pie. There is also a Cheesecake Sampler and a Chocolate Sampler. Next, you'll want to pair your dessert with some wine or champagne from a generous list of options. If you prefer, coffee, lattes, and cappuccinos are available as well.

Located just a short drive from the many restaurants on Sand Lake Road, it's also the perfect post
dinner pit stop. Described by the owner as "wonderfully wicked, seriously seductive," The Dessert Lady is a place to indulge, to be naughty, and to break a few 'diet' rules.