When we attend the big dive show in Orlando, our last night tradition is to dine at the Everglades in the Rosen Center. It is the “fine dining” choice at the hotel and always a pleasant experience. As I’ve previously posted, the experience should be the whole package of food, service, and ambience and the Everglades meets all the criteria. I don’t know who they brought in for the décor, but in addition to a wonderful mural on the wall and the aquarium, they have a series of sculptures although I’m not entirely sure of the medium used. A Florida panther is poised with egrets in the background, an alligator winds along another section, a mother and baby manatee are suspended from the ceiling, etc.,  and the room  has a cozy feel.

The menu is not extensive, focusing instead on freshness and innovation with alligator chowder being their signature appetizer/first course. As with the Funky Monkey Restaurant, they had a salad that featured pieces of grilled pineapple, so I don’t know if that is a local trend or something new in the overall industry. Even though we frequently opt for the buffalo or wild game choices, we stuck with seafood last night – swordfish for me and grouper for my husband. We also indulged in a dessert sampler, splitting it as we always do with desserts. There are many fine dining experiences in Orlando and I wouldn’t say that the Everglades is so far above them that it is “the place” to go. After all, just down at Point Orlando is an Oceanaire and a Capital Grill. Everglades is well worth what you spend though and it does deliver that complete package that we look for in that price point.