Orlando Counter Society

Fine dining in orlando used to take place at a table. Not so now. In many of the citys restaurants the best seats in the house are to be had at the counter where a front row seat to the action in the kitchen along with food and drink is the order of the day.

jiko

Nab one of eight counter seats facing the kitchens giant, twin clay ovens at one of Disneys most exciting restaurants. Nosh on the off-the-menu sampler platter of appetizers, move on to the smoky wood-grilled pork tenderloin with sweet potato dumplings and a brothy mushroom ragout, and dont leave without ordering the unbelievably wonderful chocolate-filled beggars purses, one of Disneys best desserts.

California Grill

This may be the most difficult ticket in town, but Disneys legendary dining mecca located high atop the contemporary Resort offers two seats at the kitchen counter, four seats in front of Yoshies sushi counter, and two facing the pastry counter (YUM!). You can request your preference when reserving a table, but nothing is guaranteed. Try to time your meal to see the magic kingdom fireworks from the restaurants observation deck afterward.

Emerils

Perched in front of the exhibition kitchen are the eight seats of the Chefs Food Bar. Pick from the 2,000-bottle wine display (awarded the Wine Spectator best of Award of Excellence), then kibitz with the chefs and catch the up close action of this exciting restaurant. Make your dining reservations up to six months in advance to assure yourself a place.

Tchoup Chop

At this gorgeous restaurants ten-seat counter guests may order off the regular menu or choose the $48, 4-course Chefs Tasting Menu. But those in the know set aside the second Saturday of the month for the 5-course Teppanyaki dinner where the lightning quick chef provides the show.

Tempura Kiku

Devotees of tempura will love this delightfully cozy space in Epcots world Showcase where theyll find the lightly battered, deep-fried meats and vegetables so popular in Japanese restaurants. Compensating for its compact size is charming barstyle seating around a U-shaped counter rimming the cooking space allowing a view of the chefs as they prepare the tasty tidbits. No advance reservations taken so get in line.

Cara Goldsbury is the author of The luxury guide to Walt disney world resort. For more information visit her online at http://www.luxurydisneyguide.com

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