The Sandspur

Issue date: 10/14/05 Section: Arts & Entertainment

Media Credit: Brett Heiney

Media Credit: Brett Heiney

As Rollins' students, many of us have spent a fair amount of time strolling through the chic strip of little shops and restaurants along the famous Winter Park street referred to as Park Avenue.

Right in the heart of this charming area is one of those stylish and hip "seen-and-be-seen" hot spots known as 310 Park South. I am sure by now many of you like myself, have either walked by this trendy eatery or have experienced it for yourself by now. I myself had only seen this week's latest hot spot in passing, however instantly felt drawn to its dim lighting and intimate café like setting.

The restaurant's glass doors remain open at all times, and right outside of them lies a half a dozen small tables alongside Park Avenue's sidewalk. The fact that it is so open with café tables outside makes it an ideal spot to meet up with friends that may be strolling down Park Avenue or just simply take part in some innocent people watching while you get a quick bite to eat. It also has a very romantic setting making it ideal for the most special dates.

The chic restaurant is unique given the fact that it isn't obnoxiously loud like many bars and restaurants. (Making it a perfect place to get cocktails and enjoy great conversation with close friends.) The menu is fairly extensive and provides an American cuisine. As my eyes scanned up and down the menu I knew it would be one of those places where I couldn't go wrong with whatever I ordered. The menu includes delightful and savory pasta, chicken, beef, and pork dishes.

For those in the mood for a lighter entrée the menus has and extensive list of appetizers, sandwiches, burgers, and 310 Park South's signature salads. Most of the dishes ranged anywhere from 8-26 dollars (however most of dishes are only about 9-14 dollars). I was in the mood for a light evening dish and so I immediately asked the sociable and attentive server what they would recommend. Before I knew it I ended up with the most delicious Ahi tuna filet, which was seared to perfection and came with a bed of mixed garden greens, and extremely reasonably priced might I add. My dinner date had a little heartier of an appetite than I did that evening and ordered the filet mignon which was served with rice and mixed veggies.

Even though my appetite wasn't very big that night I will admit I tried quite a bit of my friend's dish while he wasn't looking and quickly discovered that it was cooked to perfection much like my Ahi Tuna. As if the cuisine isn't enough to get you to come try this gem of Winter Park., but the restaurant also has a full bar to the immediate left when you walk in for the 21 and up crowd to enjoy. I was also informed that the restaurant has local musicians add to the ambience during most evenings.

The reasonably priced restaurant has something on the menu for even the pickiest of eaters and also promotes an extensive brunch menu which is available every Sunday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.. 310 Park South is the type of place that will make any evening spent there a memorable experience. 310 Park South serves lunch and dinner daily seven days out of the week. Mon-Wed it is open from 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Thurs-Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m.-10 p.m (don't forget about Sunday Brunch!).

Its relaxed setting and attentive staff never make you feel rushed at any given point, making it a great place to simply enjoy great food, take part in stimulating conversation, and peer out through the glass doors and take in the beauty of our very own Park Avenue. Enjoy!

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