what do I know

So in my usual strong spirited battle to save money and eat lunch in, I succumbed to peer pressure yet again and went out for lunch. Well let me tell you, I’m glad I did. Spawn has been recommending this place called Bella Cafe next to his house for a while now and I couldn’t pass it up after seeing the menu online. Dan told me the place had been around for a while and I can tell why. It’s funny, their menu actually reminded me of a place we used to go to called Saucy Bella (on Sand Lake a little south of OBT, now closed). Bella Cafe has a good variety of salads, sandwiches, flatbreads, and pastas. The service was a little slow but we had a party of 8, so I’m willing to give them another shot with a smaller party later. The wait staff was friendly and the vibe of space was really great.

The soups of the day were Lobster Bisque and Hearty Vegatable. I ordered the “Choice of Two” ($8) with the bisque and Capannoli sandwich as well as a water. The sandwich was made from fresh grilled tuna with red onion, carrot, celery, a little mayo, and herbs grilled on pumpernickel bread with aged cheddar. The soup tasted like a heavy cream-based bisque but the puree used in the soup was well seasoned. The portion size of my meal was just right. When I finished I wasn’t stuffed but I was full, I mean flip that (full but not stuffed).

In the spirit of getting a fuller experience, and because I don’t know when to stop eating, I ordered dessert as well. I got what seemed to be a 7-Layer Bar ($2.25) filled and topped with coconut, giant chocolate chips, caramel, flaky pastry, nuts, and chocolate sauce. It came out plated at room temperature and tasted great. It was a nice sweet cap to the end of the meal.

When the bills came for our party we noticed that even though sodas were served in cans, everyone was charged (~$1.25) for one soda regardless of the # of refills. Additionally, they were willing to split up our checks which is always an essential step for Web Team lunches. Overall, all of the ingredients were really fresh and the quality of the food was very good. I would not hesitate to eat there again and try out what appears to be (especially having seen my colleagues orders) a great tasting menu. Keep up the great work Bella Cafe.

Bella Cafe is located in the Metrowest Village At Veranda Park, 2447 South Hiawassee Road, Orlando, FL 32835

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