Restaurant Review: Mimi's Cafe in the Orlando, Florida

Mimi's Cafe is a California-based restaurant chain that has slowly but surely trickled Eastward over the past 30 years. The upscale family dining restaurant serves a variety of homemade American classics, intermingled with the subtle flavors of France and even a dash of Cajun New Orleans. I have visited multiple locations throughout the United States, and have immensely enjoyed each and every dining experience. I have always been greeted by fresh, enthusiastic faces, served fresh, piping hot food, and treated respectably and professionally.

There are approximately three restaurant locations in the Orlando, Florida area. The restaurant located in Altamonte Springs is what I call my "home store." It is situated right between the Florida Hospital and the Altamonte Mall, easily accessible and conveniently close to the Interstate 4 interchange. They open every morning at 7:00 AM and close every evening at 11:00 PM. Though the store does not take reservations, they do offer call-ahead seating (which is especially convenient during the weekends). The lobby is airy and spacious, and if there is not enough room to wait inside, there is also a nice patio situated outside. On a busy night, the wait averages from 30 minutes to 1 hour. On a holiday, the wait can be up to 2 hours.

Mimi's Cafe is one of few upper-scale restaurants that serves breakfast all day. From eggs, bacon, waffles, and pancakes, to specialty benedicts, vegetable omelettes, and burritos - Mimi's has it all! The lunch/dinner menu is especially impressive! Their famous Spinach and Artichoke Dip is a great starter, and contains a savory blend of cheeses, spinach, artichoke hearts, and sun dried tomatoes, served with warm, sliced French bread and tortilla chips. All entrees are served with delicious, sweet carrot raisin walnut bread and a toasted sourdough baguette. Certain platters, such as specialty salads and quiches, are also served with a mammoth muffin (with choices such as Buttermilk Spice, Blueberry, Carrot Raisin Walnut, and Honey Oat Bran).

One thing is certain - you will never leave Mimi's hungry! The portions are hefty, and the vast selection will appease even the pickiest eater. Mimi's Cafe is also very child-friendly, serving a variety of children's meals - from turkey, to chicken fingers, to cheese quesadillas - all under $5.00. Each children's meal is served with a complementary drink, as well as a special dessert known as a "dirt cup," which contains a mixture of chocolate pudding, Oreo cookie crumbles, and gummy worms. For adults, the "Comfort Classics" section of the menu contains a variety American classics, including potroast, slow roasted turkey breast, and chicken pot pie. All are served with a freshly steamed vegetable medley of zucchini, squash, carrots, and broccoli, as well as choice of potato. I highly recommend trying the mashed potatoes - you may not be able to finish them, but they are made fresh everyday from real potatoes and are exquisite. When ordering, you also have the option to add on a cup of homemade soup or salad for only $1.00. What a great deal!

The decor of the restaurant is divided into three separate dining areas: the Garden, the Bistro, and the Winery. The Garden is a whimsical room with a high ceiling, checkerboard table clothes, breathtaking chandeliers, and decorative balconies reminiscent of the French Quarter in New Orleans. The Bistro is a hearty, often noisier, room with deep red tables, thick wooden columns, and glass panels. The Winery is a smaller, more intimate offshoot of the Bistro and contains a barrel-vault ceiling and numerous wine racks. Jazz music wafts throughout the restaurant during quiet moments.

The service at Mimi's is always pleasant. The hosts and hostesses are all very friendly and very chatty, even when they are busy. The waitstaff is full of fresh young faces, and they are always very well-kempt and very knowledgeable of the menu. My drink is always kept full, my dirty plates are always promptly cleared, and, of course, dessert is always offered. I always try to save room at the end of my meal (even if that means taking half of it home!) for a Mimi's classic - N'awlins Bread Pudding, topped with cool whipped cream and a sweet and sugary whiskey sauce. It is an excellent way to end an excellent dining experience.

I highly recommend Mimi's Cafe to anyone who appreciates eating great food, receiving outstanding service, and having a great night out!