Okay guys and gals, you've got some serious foodie talk coming your way so brace yourself. I don't believe in perfection but without a doubt, this next restaurant gets pretty close. 😋 And, not to toot my own horn, but as someone who frequents as many restaurants as I do, one could say I'm pretty qualified when it comes to finding some of the best culinary spots. I'm not even kidding, if I had a super power, this would totally be it. I just know good food okay? Now, it's true, I definitely have a lot of favorites but there's only one true place that I can call my fave of all faves. Foodie friends, meet my #1 on THE infamous foodie list:
Firebird's Wood Fired Grill
I must say, I was legit scrambling to make Mother's Day dinner reservations when I stumbled upon this place. Little did I know that I just discovered the diamond of all culinary gems. Granted, I have not tried every single restaurant in the whole entire world, but in my little vicinity of Orlando, Firebird's is my top dog. I think what I love most about it is how diverse the menu is, like there's literally going to be something for everyone. This is why I always recommend Firebird's to my friends. Not to mention, they have a killer happy hour from 4-7pm Monday-Friday and 1-5pm Saturday & Sunday. I'm talking stellar drink and bar bite deals people.🔥
Pro Tip: make reservations!! I'm not the only one who's a dire fan of this place so just plan accordingly if you're wanting to eat during prime lunch/dinner time. Better safe than hungry. 👍
Also, can I just give a shout out to how wonderful Firebird's has been to my family and I on our birthdays?! ❤️ Not only do they sing and bring out a lit candle for your dessert but they give you a personalized Happy Birthday card signed by everyone there. It's literally the sweetest surprise ever. Not to mention, every time we have been here, our waiters and waitresses have been top notch, so friendly, and always on top of things. Plus, they put up with my jokester of a dad so you know they've gotta be real patient too with a good sense of humor. 😂 If that doesn't scream quality service then I honestly don't know what else will. Much love for you, Firebird's, for being so darn awesome and I have't even gotten to the food yet! 🎉
In case y'all didn't realize, I may have a slight obsession with mojitos. I blame my good friend Mykala for that one. There's just something so fresh and delicious about them. Perhaps it's the limitless flavor combinations that appeals to me or the fact there's mint in them (YAS), I honestly couldn't tell ya. All I know is, Firebird's Ginger Basil Mojito is irrevocably my favorite mojito thus far. It sounds a bit earthy but I promise it's worth a try. It's not super strong or super sweet which I love, and it really plays up the citrus. I swear, it tastes like it might actually be good for me (HAH.) and so I definitely don't feel bad when I order seconds. 💁
Pro Tip: Although not pictured, I can totally vouch for Firebirds Signature Martini: The Double Black Diamond which includes fresh pineapple that has been infused for 21 days with New Amsterdam Pineapple Vodka and garnished with a sweet pineapple slice. Like seriously, how great is that? 🍍
On top of having the best mojito, naturally Firebird's would have the best bread too. What gets me every time is that it's literally just plain white bread with a semolina crust. Like please tell me how something so simple can taste SO GOOD?! Fun Fact: I've personally eaten 2 whole loaves of this bread...by myself...in one sitting. Case. in. point. 👏
Up next came the BLT Salad with it's crispyapplewood-smoked bacon, chopped tomatoes, and super delicious roasted garlic ranch dressing. Everything about this salad just works. My only suggestion would be to ask for the dressing on the side if you are one of those people who fear a salad with "too much dressing." I personally like my salads more on the drenched side, because otherwise, it tastes way too much like plants--I'm weird--but to each their own. 😂
As for the main event, I always stick to my usual Wood Grilled Salmon basted with key lime butter. I take after my dad when it comes to loving salmon, especially when it comes with a yummy glaze of sorts. Firebirds' is definitely on point with flavor and it has the perfect char crunch on the edges. I mean c'mon people, look at those grill marks?! 😍 This beaut comes served with parmesan mashed potatoes, which are honestly some of the best mashed potatoes ever I might add, and plenty of fresh veggies.
My parents do enjoy a good steak every now and then and their latest fave has been the Pepper Encrusted Sirloin. This center-cut, sliced wood grilled sirloin comes served with a peppery au poivre sauce and your choice of side. This time, they went with the garlic mashed because hello, they are the best. I personally did not try this dish simply because I'm not a huge steak fan (I blame my TMJ for that LOL), but the parentals both loved it. 👌
I swear, my little brother does not stray from the four main kiddie food groups: burgers, pasta, pizza and chicken tenders. 😂 Like any kid, he is definitely picky so we scoured the menu for something "Michael approved." The Firebird's Chicken Pasta ultimately won although we had to make some modifications. #typical. The penne pasta was perfectly covered in it's spicy asiago cream sauce along with some very tasty pulled chicken and applewood-smoked bacon--we left off the green onions and tomatoes because according to my brother, "ew veggies." Now I definitely sampled this one--a few too many times actually--and holy smokes was it delicious. Like seriously, that sauce is spectacular; not too spicy but more on the smokey side (probably due to the bacon). 10/10 recommend.
Ah, my favorite part!! Dessert! I swear, we look forward to this every time we come here because Firebird's desserts are the actual bomb.com. We literally order two desserts too because we can't decide on just one. 💁 Up first is my mom and I's fave, the Big Daddy Chocolate Cake that comes with vanilla bean ice cream and a raspberry coulis (that's raspberry sauce in fancy chef speak btw). I've tried a lot of chocolate cakes in my 21 years but this one certainly takes the cake--pun 100% intended. Six moist layers of pure chocolate decadence paired with the most perfect chocolate frosting ever. Not to mention, that tart raspberry sauce goes perfectly! I kid you not, my mom and I battled forks over this cake because we are legit animals. 😂
Then of course we couldn't resist Firebird's Warm Chocolate Brownie either aka my dad and bro's fave choice. This supa fudge-y brownie comes with vanilla bean ice cream, salted caramel sauce, AND dark chocolate sauce. Let me just say, that warm caramel sauce smells just like butterscotch and I'm immediately reminded of butter-beer. SO GOOD. 😍 Lately I've been in such a brownie mood myself, so I may have battled forks with the guys that evening too but it was so worth it.
Seriously you guys, you MUST go visit Firebird's Wood Fired Grill the next opportunity you have!! There is not one bad thing I could say about this restaurant and I only hope you can say the same...once you go...because you're so going. Make those reservations right now people, chop chop! You can thank me later. 😉
Foodie Fast Facts:
Service: Sit-down
Type of Food: American
Price Range: $$-ish
Location: 1562 North Mills Avenue, Orlando, FL 32803
Menu: click here!
Overall Foodie Girl Rating: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥out of 5
~FoodieGirl💕
Firebird's Appreciation Post:
(literally me the first time I ate here...no big deal)