Dinner and a Show in a Swanky Setting!
We had a chance to finally check off The H Cuisine from our list and #MakeSomedayHappen thanks to Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month!
The H Cuisine located in The Marketplace at Dr. Phillips, is one of 70+ restaurants participating in this campaign which kicked off on August 28th and runs until October 4th.
The program aims to not only benefit local charities ($1 per meal will benefit Feed The Need Florida) but also help drive traffic into local restaurants. It began 15 years ago to encourage local foodies to dine out during a traditional low tourism volume month. In 2020, it’s all low volume so, the program is needed more than ever. And restaurants are even offering takeout as well as dine in!
One of the best things about Magical Dining Month is to be able to check out new (or new to you) restaurants at a fraction of the cost.
Here’s a recap of our Magical Dining Dinner at The H Cuisine, where dinner came with a very nice show…
It’s All About The Show at The H Cuisine
The Turkish Steakhouse, which opened in 2018 to much fanfare and critical reviews, bustled with activity. More than we’ve seen in months. Here, it’s all about the show!
From the open kitchen which showcases various styles of fire cooking methods…
To show-stopping table side presentations of pasta tossed inside a flaming parmesan wheel…
Carvings of giant Tomahawk steaks and chateau filets, set aflame with the signature salt sprinkle at the end.
Even a glass of champagne was offered tableside. We were definitely entertained!
Dining at The H Cuisine In Times of Covid
Since the first question I get is about safety, let me tell you about the experience in the dining room.
Inside The H Cuisine, once you pass the host stand’s temperature check and giant bottle of hand sanitizer, the only reminder of the pandemic was the masks covering the staff’s faces.
The place on a Sunday night was busy. Every table full, inside and out in the corridor like patio. Reservations are a must.
If you prefer to dine far removed from other tables, I must mention that this setting may not suit you. We easily conversed with the two-top next to us. (Who BTW shared they are frequent diners and loved The H!)
The outdoor seating area is comfortable and we would have chosen it but it was mostly used for smokers. It would have been great if they had a non-smoking section too.
The restaurant does offer take out as part of their Covid initiatives. Although I think you’d be missing out on their biggest appeal – the show!
What’s On The Magical Dining Menu at The H Cuisine?
The $35 per person 3-course prix fixe menu has 3 options to choose from for each course, one of which is vegetarian. It features selections representative of what you normally find on the Mediterranean style menu to give you a taste of what their kitchen can do.
They did not offer any enhancements as other restaurants have done, but did offer the option to upgrade your entree to enjoy the Pappardelle pasta in the flaming parmesan wheel show (an extra $16) and get a larger portion of steak with a 12 oz Bone-in NY Striploin (+$20).
Click here to see the full Magical Dining menu.
The Starters:
Baby Artichoke in a lovely brodo with charred beech mushroom and large shavings of parmesan cheese is a “Must Eat!”
When I see Burrata on the menu, I order it! It was served over arugula salad, cherry tomato, caramelized onion, and pesto sauce. Burrata was lovely and so creamy but we laughed and wondered if “salt bae” was in the kitchen (It was a tad bit overly salted)
FYI: The restaurant is not affiliated with Nusret “Salt Bae” Gökçe, the Turkish chef / social media star. Although there were plenty of comparisons made when the restaurant first opened due to the timing and popularity of Turkish steakhouses.
The Main Courses:
Risotto di Mare with littleneck clams, octopus, shrimp, and herbed panko was also lovely. The risotto had a nice textured bite and a pleasant seafood flavor. I only wish the dish had a few more bites of seafood.
The star at H Cuisine are the meats. After all, they are one of few restaurants in town with a Josper oven.
We enjoyed The Lokum – grilled sliced tenderloin aged for 25 days in butter! The steak was so tender that although it came out a medium temp and we prefer med rare, you could still cut it with a butter knife. Served with brussels sprouts and firik rice – a popular ancient grain used in Turkish cuisine similar to pearl barley pilaf. This dish is normally $39.95 on the menu, so to get it for $35 with an added appetizer and dessert for Magical Dining is a great deal!
The Desserts:
For a sweet ending we chose the brownie with turkish wafer, gingerbread cookie crumble, and vanilla ice-cream topped with berries. The brownie had a nice chewy and dense texture and rich chocolate flavor. Just the way I like it!
The Silk Road of passion fruit sorbet enrobed in torched Italian meringue was a nice fruity alternative for the non-chocolate fans.
The Restaurant Ambiance:
The restaurant is gorgeous, in a modern yet comfy vibe. High ceilings, lots of light, with wood tables and banquettes that could be examples of a woodworking master class. The glass case showing the meats aging in salt blocks is a focal point you can’t miss.
Don’t Miss The Cocktails!
Cocktails at The H Cuisine are also nicely done. I enjoyed a refreshing Cucumber Basil Martini with Uncle Val’s gin, lemon syrup and muddled cucumber and basil. Perfect on a hot day!
I must return to try the Smoked Old Fashioned served with a preserved Turkish fig and an Espresso Martini.
Make Reservations and Go!
Our Magical Dining Dinner at The H Cuisine was a delightful evening. We loved the show! The food overall was flavorful and nicely presented.
Although we found portions for Magical Dining to be on the smaller end of the scale. This was in line with other reviews I’ve read. If you have a big appetite you may want to upgrade to those larger cuts of beef.
Service was friendly and attentive. Our server Andrew Cole was as nice as can be and guided us through the experience. I can see why The H Cuisine has been a popular addition to Orlando’s restaurant scene.
Not surprising, the restaurant comes with “Restaurant Row” prices. Our Magical Dining dinner a la carte would have cost $121.80 vs. $70. A 43% discount!
If like me, you’ve wanted to check them out since they opened in 2018 but hadn’t gotten around to it, Magical Dining is a great time to go #MakeSomedayHappen at a considerable discount. I look forward to going back. They are currently expanding their bar area, so that should be a great time to return for that smoky old fashioned.
For more information, visit their website.
I hope you’re inspired to continue to celebrate life and cross fun things off your someday list – while following all safety precautions and staying socially distanced during these stressful times. Go #MakeSomedayHappen one delicious bite, sip and trip a time.
Cheers!
Go Epicurista
Disclosure: I have been hosted as a media guest for promotional purposes. I am under no obligation to share this post. As always, all opinions are my own. I only share with you products and experiences I love to inspire you to safely get together with family and friends, celebrate life, and go #MakeSomedayHappen one delicious bite, sip, and trip at a time! You can read more about my guidelines in my disclosure policy. Cheers!
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