Menagerie offers a collection of creative, diverse fare
Menagerie Eatery & Bar is exactly as the name suggests. No, not an animal display (although there’s some wild animal art on the walls). The other definition: a diverse collection of things. Diners can eat everything from deviled eggs to a lobster and pasta dish at this South Eola neighborhood restaurant in Orlando. What I would try a second time
Leave it to a restaurant to take a healthy ingredient and turn it into a rich dish. The curry tempura cauliflower ($7) douses the florets in tempura batter and fries them to a crisp. The vegetable is well seasoned, and an accompanying piquant sauce makes it especially addictive.
What I didn’t like
It’s not that the Taiwanese Night Market ($8) dish was illcooked — the combination of fried chicken pieces, crisp basil and a garlicky sauce was just the least interesting bite of my two visits.
What I would put on Instagram
Menagerie pays particular care with its cocktails — and the presentation of those drinks. The refreshing Tea Party drink comes in a teacup, the Tight Rope cocktail itself is an eye-catching vibrant pink hue, and the old fashioneds are literally smoking.
Other eats
Menagerie’s wings ($9) were bathed in a blackberry-habanero sauce that transformed them into a lovely shade of magenta. Texture-wise, I would’ve like them with a bit more crunch, but I enjoyed the sweet-spicy flavor.
All of the crispness was saved for the squash and bacon fritters ($9). The orbs broke open to a spongy, savory batter made of acorn and butternut squash,
diced jalapeno, bacon and white cheddar.
Breaking away from Menagerie’s appealing appetizer selection, I tried one of the full-sized entrees, the Miso Coddy ($25). Thanks to a marinade of miso, the flaky cod had a slightly salty, earthy flavor that was balanced nicely with the accompanying sautéed spinach and cauliflower.
We also tried the kombucha chicken sandwich ($14). A kombucha barbecue-glazed chicken breast, manchego cheese and habanero-cabbage slaw were crammed between a brioche bun.
How I was treated
Service has been friendly and conscientious at each visit to Menagerie.
For those with special diets
Less than a handful of dishes are meat-free.
For bar-hoppers
Menagerie lets you get a little wild with its generous happy hour menu. Enjoy $7 signature cocktails and wines by the glass, $5 draft beer and $6 select small plates (which were the
Menagerie Eatery & Bar
Where: 101 S. Eola Drive in Orlando
When: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday and 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday
Cost: $13-$28
Beverages: Cocktails, wine, beer
Wine by the glass: Yes
wings, cauliflower, Night Market and fritters mentioned earlier in this story).
My next visit
An appetizer spread of those crisp deviled eggs, pork belly skewers and Attire: Casual Extras: Happy hour, brunch Noise level: Low Wheelchair access: Good
Credit: Visa, American Express, Mastercard and Discover
Call: 407-601-5219
Online: MenagerieOrlando.com
more curry tempura cauliflower is in my future.