Orlando: Cafe Tu Tu Tango
Orlando is a city of theme parks, tourists, and is frequently plastic and sterile. It’s also the angriest city in America. I guess that fake smile starts to grate after awhile.
Since I’ve been stuck at a hotel near the major theme parks, it’s been hard to find a restaurant that is enjoyable, has good food, is fairly priced, and is not too over the top touristy,
I may have found such a place in Tu Tu Tango.
Before I go any further, Tu Tu Tango is a concept chain restaurant. There are locations in several states and in Canada. The restaurants are all themed around Spain’s bohemian artist culture. It’s like being in an artist’s loft, and here is where the restaurant breaks from the standard mold of a chain.
Each restaurant features local area artists who have a small studio area set up within the restaurant. With completed artwork hanging on the walls (it’s all for sale), and works in progress on easels, you actually feel like your gathering in someone’s studio for food, drink, and conversation.
Upbeat music plays throughout the restaurant, and you will occasionally see a musician wandering among the tables or set up playing in the corner. It’s the uniqueness of the artists and the musicians that help move the restaurant from a predictable chain to a charming local watering hole.
The Orlando Tu Tu Tango opened in 1990. The menu, as at all the other locations, focuses on appetizer size share plates, with food and flavors from around the world. Prices range from $4 for a delicious black bean soup to $11 for Baby Chipotle Lobster Tails or Grilled Baby Back Lamb Chops, and are priced reasonably enough for you try a variety without exceeding your food budget.
After a couple of visits to Tu Tu Tango, I’ve developed a few reliable favorites, as well as still having a list of items to try. Here are a couple of menu combinations that have adequately fed two women.
- Start off with Roasted Pears on Pecan Crisps ($6, these are delicious and work well as dessert, too), have a bowl of black bean soup ($4), and share a Sesame Grilled Chicken Salad ($6). Total for two people: $20, not including beverages, tax and tip.
- Share a Duck and Mixed Green Salad ($6), then add Oriental Marinated Steak Skewers $7), and some Shrimp Spring Rolls (9). Total dinner price: $22.
- Share a Caesar Salad ($5), add a smoked chicken Quesadilla ($7), then add some Cajun Chicken Eggs Rolls ($8, and consistently the most popular menu choice). Total dinner price $20.
A child’s menu is also available and features more traditional “kid food.”
Don’t feel like you joi de vivre comes at the expense of the artists. Tu Tu Tango is proud of its “Starving Artist Program” which offers artists a place to paint, draw or sculpt in exchange for food. The art on the wall is sold, with all proceeds going to the artists. This seems to be a true “will work for food” arrangement.
The Orlando Tu Tu Tango is located 8625 International Drive, Orlando, Florida. Phone: (407) 248-2222.
Hours of service: 11:30 am-11 pm, Sunday-Thursday, open till 1 am on Fridays and Saturdays.
All major credit cards accepted.
Tags: Art, b5media, flight+attendants, Florida, flyaway-cafe, food, Orlando, travel, vacationRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Food & Beverage
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