Gwen, a local resident, has been a loyal customer at Cafe Murano’s for over 4 years.   Gwen describes this wonderful, local restaurant that currently has two locations, as “a kaleidoscope. The room is the tube, everything inside the room changes. Whatever mosaic is in the kaleidoscope changes often but is always fun and wonderful”. There is a core group of about 50 regular diners so even if you come in alone, you never stay alone for long. There are several bands that rotate throughout the course of six weeks or so; this rotation of bands appeals to a wide audience. The bands feature many genres of live music and play at the Altamonte Springs location every Friday and Saturday evening.   You can’t go wrong with any dish you choose on the menu. The menu tends to change regularly with special features added, so Gwen shared her favorites. The flavors of the Steak Salad are beautifully balanced and delicious.   Another favorite is the Stuffed Meatball appetizer; it is perfectly seasoned, stuffed with ricotta cheese, and topped with a delectable light tomato sauce. Gwen has found the portion generous enough to add a half salad to make the Stuffed Meatball appetizer a meal.   Maybe you’ll choose the Penne Vodka or the Eggplant al Forno as your meal. Most of the regulars will rave about the Lemon Cello Cake, sweet, delicious, and unique. It’s a signature dish that is made in house at Cafe Murano.   The bartenders serve up “martinis” that are reminiscent of a dessert sometimes, too, such as the Key Lime Pie or Tiramisu Martini. Delicious from start to finish!   Gwen says this is one of her favorite hangouts. The fun bartenders, good service, wonderful variety of music, and the creations of Chef Khai and Chef Scotty (as Gwen affectionately calls him) are unsurpassed.   Once you experience the kaleidoscope of Cafe Murano, you may call it one of your favorite places to eat and enjoy as well. Gwen shares her zest for life and food by saying at Cafe Murano, “It’s fun. You make your own fun!”. We invite you to come and try us soon.

As satisfying and productive as it might feel to sit in a meeting, I think we all at some point wished for a bit of variety when it came to our meetings. Even when your boss brings donuts or bagels, and somehow it just never seems that good, probably because the environment is the same   Instead grab a bite outside of the office. Discuss important parts of your new project, a possible promotion, and a new client while enjoying a caprese salad and light lunch. When you sit outside and let the vitamin D soak in, your meeting is guaranteed to be better than it would have been in the office!   Of course, a meeting doesn’t have to be a formal occasion where someone speaks, someone else takes notes, and others listen. It could be a casual lunch celebration or time getting to know your peers. These informal interactions are invaluable to organizations, for they improve company morale, and create a sense of belonging.     When you change the atmosphere, you change the meeting.     Are you courting a big client? Invite him or her to lunch! Seal a deal over our homemade rolls. This is one of my favorite strategies. Take your client, or prospective client out for a white-table cloth lunch. Show off your softer side while interacting with our staff, and make the ask over coffee at the end of lunch. Don’t worry, our reasonably priced menu won’t break the bank, so you can use this tactic multiple times!   Perhaps you need to confront your office mate about his annoying habit of tapping his pen while on the phone. Having the uncomfortable conversation over a wonderful lunch, where you can also learn more about one another, will make the conversation less awkward and moving forward more pleasurable. Often, people just need to take time to get to know one another, and what better way than over lunch!   Have you had a rough day? Relax outside and enjoy Cranes Roost Lake, while you sip a pinot grigio and munch on some fresh bruschetta. Nothing beats fresh air, a lake and good food and a drink. Even our soda is refreshing!   Are you new to your organization, or do you have a new coworker? Break the ice, with happy hour. With our varied selection of craft beer, wine and liquor, we are sure to have exactly what you want. Plus, our half-priced happy hour special on all drinks makes this the best happy hour in town!   Let us help your business grow, and support your relaxation. Come visit us at our Cranes Roost and Veranda Park locations, and be sure to tell us if you’re celebrating something special!

Guest post by “Bailey’s Mom”   Do you feel guilty about leaving your dog home alone all day and all evening while you go to work, happy hour, out to dinner, on a date, see friends or take your family out?   I do.   Rather, I used to. Now, I take my dog, Bailey! That’s one reason I love Cafe Murano! Their patio seating is dog friendly! Of course, the beautiful lake views, delicious food and polite service are nothing to scoff at… however the draw of bringing my dog tops the list. I know that I can sip a glass of wine at night or a soda during the day, eat scallops (my favorite) and order a side of pasta – I have to sneak something to Bailey! – and have a wonderful time.   Last time, I met a few friends who had dogs there and we made it a play date. We had the most fun! I can’t remember the last time I laughed so hard… never a dull moment when the dogs are there! Bailey and I live near Cranes Roost so we walk over.   Recently, I ventured to their Veranda Park location, and OMG it was *amazing*! I know I sound like a school girl, although it really was incredible! The interior is so intimate, perfect for a business lunch or date night. Of course, Bailey and I sat in the sun and had a relaxing lunch. We met some really great people on the patio, and of course the food was delicious. Although I was most impressed by the parking.   Bailey and I found a spot near the restaurant in the shade. It was perfect.   You might think I’m a crazy dog lady, and from reading this, I wouldn’t blame you. However I’m just a normal gal who likes to bring her dog whenever possible. Mine is small enough to fit in a large handbag, although he’s very friendly, so we hope to meet you and yours one day!

Variety truly is the spice of life. Having options is the thing that makes living so fun. You have the freedom to accomplish whatever you like, in as many ways as possible. If you’re unhappy with a song on the radio, you can just switch over to one of the other hundred stations and not have to endure that overplayed song for the twenty-eighth time that day. If you’ve grown tired of something you’ve binge-watched on television, there are about a thousand other things to choose from. These days, there is no room for boredom or tedium because there is always another option to bide the time.   Imagine living in a world where you only had one option for everything. One song to listen to, one meal to eat, and one outfit to wear. A person would go insane with the repetition of it all. We all need change. We all need a second choice in case the first doesn’t work out. Fortunately, we don’t have to live in such a world. Here at Café Murano, a truly authentic Italian restaurant, you have a number of options at your disposal, ranging from our food to our drinks. Our craft beer selection is especially impressive, with breweries hailing from all over the country.   Among the craft beer breweries we have available are: Oskar Blues Brewery from Colorado; The Fort Collins Brewery; SweetWater Brewing Company from Atlanta, Georgia; Cigar City Brewing; Terrapin Beer Co. from Athens, Georgia; Bell’s Brewery; Green Flash Brewing Co. from San Diego, California; Brewery Ommegang; and Breckenridge Brewery from Colorado. This large assortment of craft beers means you’re guaranteed to find something to your liking. All of the listed breweries have seasonal offerings as well, so you’ll want to make it a point to visit us throughout the year in order to try them all.   We currently have two locations in the Central Florida area. The first is in Altamonte Springs at Cranes Roost Park, set by a lovely lake. The second is another lakefront setting at Veranda Park, in the Metro West area of Orlando, just a short drive away from Universal Studios. Both locations offer a Happy Hour on Fridays from 4:00pm to 7:00pm. Be sure to take advantage of the discounted drinks and sample all of the craft beers we have to offer.

Some days, you just really need a drink. Between the stresses of work, family, love, and anything else that might drive you a little bit crazy, the perfect cap to a rough day is a delicious alcoholic beverage. If you’re an Orlando native, then you’re most likely familiar with the traffic and the hectic nature of the city’s tourism. If you’re anything like me, you understand what I mean.   Fortunately, here at Café Murano, an inspired Italian restaurant, we know exactly how your feel. That’s why we have the best happy hour in town: every drink is half off during happy hour.   We offer a selection of barrel-aged cocktails to help you relax after a hard day. If you’re wondering what a barrel-aged cocktail is, it’s probably because it’s a new trend in the art of mixology. Pre-mixed cocktails are placed in wooden barrels for a specific amount of time, anywhere from a couple of weeks to a few months. This method softens the harshness of some drinks and brings out layers of flavor. It can also pave the way for new drinks, drinks you’ve never tasted before. For example, if a barrel is used to store a whiskey-based cocktail and then used for a gin-based drink, then the second drink might contain elements of whiskey. It makes for a very cool and original drinking experience.   Among the options of barrel-aged cocktails we offer are the Negroni and the White Hook. The Negroni is traditionally made from gin, vermouth rosso and Campari, and garnished with orange bitters. It’s typically served before or after a meal. The White Hook cocktail contains white whiskey, sweet vermouth, and maraschino liqueur.   We currently have two locations in the Central Florida region. The first is located in Altamonte Springs, at a beautiful lakefront setting at Cranes Roost Park. The second location is in the Metro West area of Orlando, at Veranda Park, also with a lovely lakefront setting. This location is just a short drive away from Universal Studios theme parks.   Both locations offer a Happy Hour on Fridays from 4:00pm to 7:00pm. If you’re drinking on a budget but are eager to give these barrel-aged cocktails a try, then make us your destination.

Café Murano was featured in the fall 2014 edition of My City Eats. In this article they stated that we “share a common goal… commitment to quality.” We pride ourselves in creating an unforgettable experience with amazing food that is always fresh, never frozen. We are honored to have our chefs Scott Baade, George Jaramillo, Hector Rosado and Executive Chef Khai Nguyen featured in the recent article. Executive Chef Khai Nguyen: With a background in French cuisine, Asian cuisine and Italian cuisine our Executive Chef Khai Nguyen brings an signature spin on traditional dishes that can’t be missed. His love for cooking only with fresh ingredients was a perfect fit for Cafe Murano as all meals are made from scratch. As the executive chef, he personally oversees every aspect of your dining experience when you join us at Cafe Murano. Sous Chef Scott Baade: Coming to us from Maine, our sous chef Scott Baade mentioned that one of the biggest factors that brought him to Cafe Murano was the fresh ingredients. Chef Scott comes to us with a degree from the Florida Culinary Institute where he formed the solid foundation that he brings to the team every day at Cafe Murano. Sous Chef George Jaramillo: Sous Chef George Jaramillo came to Cafe Murano from his previous position at The Masion & Jardin Restaurant and runs a tight ship. Known for his dedication and mentorship, Chef George inspires younger chefs in the kitchen. With a background in French, Italian and Spanish cuisine, Chef George brings a unique spin to his dishes at Cafe Murano. Chef Hector Rosado: Chef Hector began his career in the kitchen at the early age of 15 with his culinary mentor, his mother. After being trained at the Florida Culinary Institute, for many years Chef Hector traveled around the country using his skills to delight fans at many sporting events from the PGA to Nascar. According to the article in My City Eats “His passion is enhanced by the gratification he gets from a happy guest.” Our Chefs are the backbone of our restaurant and the reason why we deliver the amazing quality meals created as if they were homemade. If you are near Cranes Roost in Altamonte Springs or Veranda Park in MetroWest Orlando we hope that you can stop by and enjoy the menu of Italian inspired cuisine that our chefs created.  

With the holidays coming up, wouldn’t it be nice to be able to let go for once and let someone else cook for you? Instead of spending half of the festivities in the kitchen, you can enjoy it with your loved ones. Rid yourself of the frustrations, stress and planning that comes with cooking for the holidays, when someone else can do it, and do it well! Cafe Murano is the best spot to spend the holidays, no matter the need. Our staff is courteous and well educated on the food they make, and they sure love what they do. They make the most amazing food and it is all from scratch! You know what that means, don’t you? It’s yummy and so fresh that you can’t be anything but full and happy once you leave. Even better is the fact that they have two convenient locations, so wherever you live you’re never that far from one of their spots. Few things make a hungry soul quite as happy as easy access to good food, that has been cooked right and that looks nothing short of phenomenal. If you love food as much as we do, we know you would love the coziness and ambiance these places possess,as both locations offer up a great atmosphere with a comfortable and homey feel and interior. They even offer catering, so if you would rather enjoy their good food in the comfort of your own home, you can! The two locations are in Orlando and Altamonte Springs, you will find Cafe Murano in Orlando on 7001 West Pointe Drive, and the Altamonte Springs location you can find on 309 Cranes Roost Boulevard. They cook up anything from golden brown, delicious mozzarella sticks and stuffed mushrooms, to something as classic as soup. And, we all love soup, don’t we? So, make the best of your holidays to come for the rest of this year, because you all deserve it. Grab your loved ones and your holiday cheer and make a reservation at Cafe Murano, indulge in some great tasting food and wine, and make these holidays the best ones yet. After all, you will be the talk of the family after making such an excellent choice and they will be sure to talk about it for a long time after. Make your holiday one to remember, and book your next big event at Cafe Murano!

Are you having one of those days, where the refrigerator contains nothing but condiments, and your freezer echoes empty? You might as well treat yourself to a meal that not only tastes home made, but even leaves your wallet happy. No one can turn down a good meal made all from scratch, don’t you agree?   Fast food is good now and then, I think we all indulge in that little grease packed meal every so often, but absolutely nothing beats a meal that is made from the best of core ingredients. Fresh vegetables, meat and so much more, all made in to one delicious meal cooked up just for you to enjoy. The quality difference between frozen foods and snacks and food that has been made with love, care and expertise at the same place where you buy your meal is outstanding and undeniable.   Even better is the fact that with freshly made food, you don’t lose any nutrients and deliciousness that your body wants and needs! You are really doing yourself a favor, when you think about it. Healthy and good food is food where you can tell exactly what is on the plate, and that is what is so good about from scratch cooking. So, not only will you be making your mouth and stomach happy with some of the best tasting food one could ever experience, you are also feeding your body exactly what it needs to fuel your e!very day life!   For me, a meal made from scratch is also so much more. To me, it is nostalgia, and it brings me back to my Grandmother’s kitchen, the feeling of being in the just exactly right spot, and smelling everything as it all comes together to create an unforgettable lunch or dinner. Plus, there is obviously the perk of enjoying a meal that tastes just like homemade, where you did not have to put a finger in to make it happen. Does it get any better than that? I did not think so!   So, instead of choosing that microwaved burger from that joint down the road, where they serve food up based on time rather than quality, make the wise choice of picking an establishment that cooks just like it was in your own kitchen. Choose a meal that will satisfy both body and heart, and let that freezer worry you another day when you have less on your mind. After all, you can not beat having your food served in a classy manner, while enjoying a nice glass of wine. Oh, and the best part? You do not have to clean up! In my mind, that is always a clear winner.