There’s a brand-new restaurant joining the dining scene near Horizon West, and we got a sneak peek before the doors officially open.
Flatlands Bar & Grill opens to the public September 21 at FLAMINGO CROSSINGS Town Center, bringing a new modern American bar and grill to 124 Ruby Red Place in Winter Garden.
The Horizon West Happenings team was invited in for a preview, and from the food and cocktails to the atmosphere, Flatlands is one you’ll want to add to your list.
Meet Flatlands Bar & Grill
Flatlands Bar & Grill was created by legendary restaurateur Nick Valenti and is located directly across the street from its sister restaurant, Simply Capri.
While Flatlands is a new concept, its inspiration goes back nearly a century.
The restaurant draws from a chapter of Central Florida history dating back to the 1920s and 1930s, when the region’s citrus industry was booming and immigrants came to Central Florida in search of opportunity. Italian immigrants were among those who became part of the local citrus industry, working as growers, haulers, packinghouse workers, tradesmen and food operators.
That history helps shape the philosophy behind Flatlands today.
The restaurant isn’t an Italian concept, but its approach to food is influenced by Italian cooking principles: start with great ingredients, keep preparations simple, serve food fresh and never compromise on quality.
A Familiar Disney Chef Is Leading the Kitchen
There’s also a name Disney food fans may recognize behind the menu.
Executive Chef Dominique Filoni joins Flatlands after previously serving as Chef de Cuisine at Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera at Disney’s Riviera Resort.
Born and raised in Saint-Tropez, France, Filoni began his culinary career at an early age, graduating with honors from the Lycée Hôtelier in Hyères, France, at just 16 years old. He went on to cook throughout the French Alps, French Riviera and Paris before building an award-winning culinary career in the United States.
In 2003, Filoni was inducted into Maîtres Cuisiniers de France and became the youngest French Master Chef in the United States at the time. Food & Wine later recognized him as one of its 10 Best New Chefs in America.
Filoni joined Walt Disney World Resort in 2015 as Chef de Cuisine at Cítricos inside Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa before moving to Topolino’s Terrace, where he spent six years leading the culinary program.
Now, he’s bringing that experience to Flatlands.
Here’s What We Tried
Of course, we couldn’t give you a first look without trying the menu.
During our preview, we sampled the East Coast Oysters, Sweet + Spicy Cauliflower, Little Gem Caesar, Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Prime Flat Iron Steak Frites, Spaghetti Pomodoro and Florida Green Beans.
And yes, we made sure to try a few of the featured cocktails, too.
The menu brings together Chef Filoni’s classical French training, the generous spirit of American dining and ingredients and flavors inspired by Florida.
The result is a restaurant designed to work just as well for a casual night out as it does when you’re looking for an elevated dining experience close to home.
When Does Flatlands Bar & Grill Open?
You won’t have to wait much longer to try it for yourself.
Flatlands Bar & Grill officially opens to the public September 21.
Flatlands Bar & Grill
124 Ruby Red Place
Winter Garden, FL
FLAMINGO CROSSINGS Town Center
With an accomplished chef leading the kitchen, a menu rooted in quality ingredients and a location just minutes from Horizon West, Flatlands is bringing something new to the local dining scene.
We have a feeling you’ll be hearing a lot more about this one.
Welcome to the neighborhood, Flatlands!
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