GOOD EATS By Michael A. Miller I n each issue of Radiantly Black Orlando, we feature restaurants representing the different cuisines of the Black diaspora in the greater Orlando area. In this issue, we are featuring seafood restaurants. We decided to choose one sit-down restaurant, a take-out restaurant, and a food truck that features seafood. We know there are many more seafood offerings in the greater Orlando area, but we wanted to provide some of the options our readers have recommended. (info@www.radiantlyblack.com)
OUR RATING SYSTEM * If you’re in the area stop
by and have a meal ** It’s worth a drive across town *** Get in your car now and get there!
SEAFOOD BANDITS** 1923 Bruton Boulevard, Orlando FL 32811
Seafood Bandits operate a food truck on the west side of Orlando. They’re open Thursday though Sunday. Visit their website (www.myseafoodbandits.com) for the hours of operation and extensive menu. We ordered the fish and shrimp dinner and the fried lobster tail dinner. The fish was nicely seasoned and very tasty. The jumbo shrimp was de-veined, had a nice batter coating, and was mouthwatering. The fried lobster tail is 8 ounces and delightful. The seasoning was not overwhelming but just right. The food is well-cleaned and seasoned to perfection. The person taking our order was very friendly and answered our questions with ease. The prices are reasonable. If you can’t wait to get home to enjoy your food, there’s a small picnic area adjacent to the parking lot. The location is easily accessible and well worth the visit. Check them out; you will not be disappointed.
VIRGINIA’S SEAFOOD AND WINGS* 203 West State Route 434. Longwood, FL 32750 Virginia’s is a take-out only restaurant. The food is freshly cooked. To avoid a long wait, we recommend calling in your order (virginiasseafoodwings.com). While waiting for our food to be prepared, we enjoyed the wonderful aromas emanating from the kitchen. I ordered the Fish and Jumbo Shrimp dinner (fried), and my wife had the Seafood Rice. The fish was excellent, crispy on the outside and moist inside. The jumbo shrimp was seasoned to perfection and scrumptious. The seafood rice contained jumbo shrimp, sausage, onions, peppers, and Virginia’s seasoning. We enjoyed it greatly. Although the menu listed dessert offerings, they had none the day we visited. We didn’t order wings, but we’ve heard they are very good and one of their most popular items. Visit their website, and you’ll see they have a nice selection of seafood dishes and wing choices. If you are in the area, you will enjoy their offerings. arrived uniquely presented in the form of a top hat with creole sauce surrounding the plate. The portion was generous, and the dish was exceptional. Plenty of flavor and tasty ingredients. The gumbo was very spicy but good. One of our team members ordered the Lake Pontchartrain Etouffee and loved it; the blackened catfish topped with crawfish etouffee over jasmine rice blew him away. His wife had the Cajun fried rice with lobster and shrimp, which she thoroughly enjoyed. Overall, food was great. We had excellent service, and the prices were reasonable. We invite our readers to try it for a wonderful New Orleans experience.
THE BAYOU KITCHEN & LOUNGE** Spring Plaza, 165 Wekiva Springs Rd, Longwood FL 32779 We visited the restaurant in the late afternoon on a Friday. As we entered the restaurant, we could immediately feel the “Nawlins” atmosphere and vibe. The staff was friendly, and the restaurant was spacious and very clean. There was plenty of seating inside and outside. It was chilly the day we were there, and no patrons were outside. I ordered the jambalaya, and my wife ordered the gumbo. The service was timely and courteous. The jambalaya
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