So...I've been pre-occupied for the past month or so with buying a house, so I really haven't been cooking as much as I used to.  While I love a good desert or homemade meal, when I'm busy...a little something on the grill (even a hotdog or hamburger) certainly cuts it for a quick meal.  However, I decided to take the time to start a "Restaurant of the Week" column, as I do love to go out to eat, as well as cook my own meals.

On that note, I thought I would recognize some of my favorite places that I feel really do not get the attention they deserve.  To start out the column, I'd love to recognize Bavarian Restaurant Bar & Grill.  

Located on 300 South Hwy 17-92, Longwood FL, the name and building may turn off some people at first.  Apparently the building used to be a Hardy's Burgers or similar establishment...explaining the random drive through window which is unused and the name is appropriate, but certainly does not do their restaurant justice.  The environment is laid back with a friendly owner, cook and waitstaff who are some of the nicest people you will ever meet when you take the time to chat.  Owned by a husband and wife team from european backgrounds, they are celebrating 38 years of love for eachother and great cuisine.  For anyone who knows the secrets to great cooking, you know that this will lead to a truly unforgettable dining experience.  

The menu is filled with a host of german wine and beer, succulent deserts and some of the best german / european food you will ever have.  Their menu has entire pages devoted to 30 or so types of Schnitzel, a myriad of sausages, rouladen, goulash, beef stroganoff and even a steak au poivre...my dish of choice for the evening.  Traditionally, Steak Au Poivre, in my humble opinion, should be made with an 8-10 oz filet mignon, but they were serving it on a 10 oz sirloin.  A minor detail, as I enjoy a good cut of sirloin as well.  And in the end...it was a very minor detail.  I don't think I've ever had a sirloin which was quite that tender, nor have I had an Au Poivre sauce that rich in my life.  Not to mention, at a price point of $17 with two sides, as opposed to a Filet Au Poivre in the 30-50 range...it was quite the bargain.  Just remember, if you like your steak medium, order an Au Poivre-style steak medium rare or rare, as the sauce that is on top of the steak is extremely hot when it is poured on top of your steak.  It will cook your steak at least half to a full level of 'doneness' on its way to the table.

Most dishes come in around the $13-20 range, so it is certainly not the cheapest meal...especially with a good glass of wine and desert, but it is certainly worth every penny.  It is also not a quick meal, so be prepared to invest an hour or more into a full dining experience.  As their sign says as you walk in, "Good food takes time, as we prepare everything from fresh ingredients to order, please pardon any delays".  The last time I went, we went as a party of 20 and basically took over the entire restaurant.  While Chris (the chef) was more than willing to oblige in cooking, he would not dare sacrifice the quality of any persons meal.  From start to finish, it took us about three hours...but as I said, their food is certainly worth the wait.  Oh, and don't forget to try the Schnitzel as well...old germany style is a 'to die for' dish as well!

So, if you ever happen to be in northern central Florida and have an undying urge for good german food, bring an empty stomach and enjoy the company and food at Bavarian Restaurant Bar & Grill!

• Location: 300 South Hwy 17-92  Longwood, FL 32750
• Phone: 407-332-7029
• Website: http://bavarianrestaurantbarandgrill.com
• Hours: closed Mondays, Tuesday-Sunday: Lunch - 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Dinner: 4:30 p.m.- 9:30 p.m.
• Price:  Lunch ($9-15), Dinner ($15-25)
• Reservations requested for large parties

I hope you enjoy and stay tuned for the next restaurant review!

~Chris