Gaylord Palms Resort 6000 West Osceola Parkway
Kissimmee FL 34746
(407)-586-1101
If you have ever been inside of the resort, you would be familiar with the hotel’s primary architectural feature that is a massive 4.5 acre glass enclosed atrium where guests can discover a variety of themed environments that depict popular Florida destinations like Key West, St. Augustine, the Emerald Coast and the Everglades, plus a unique area designed in the grand style of 19th century Florida resorts, known as Emerald Bay.
It’s inside this atrium where the vast majority of the hotels dining options are located. The Old Hickory Steakhouse features fine steaks and artisanal cheeses in an old backwoods Florida everglades setting, Villa de Flora offers seasonally inspired Mediterranean cuisine, Sora is the resorts modern sushi lounge, and for quite some time, there use to be a place called Sunset Sam’s that was basically a tribute to the Florida Keys and the laid back lifestyle with tropical drinks and reggae music.
Although Sunset Sam’s was kind of cool, in a Jimmy Buffet kind of way, I always felt that it was out of place in such an extravagant resort as the Gaylord Palms. Apparently so did the team at the Gaylord Palms as well. Aside from the towering mast of a 60 foot sailboat that was the indoor landmark for Sunset Sam’s, that restaurant is long gone and the space has been converted into the resorts latest dining attraction simply known as MOOR.
MOOR was inspired by the slow food, and farm-to-table movements and offers guests an opportunity to enjoy freshly caught seafood and locally grown ingredients in new and unexpected ways. The team at MOOR works with local farmers and fishmongers to find sustainable and seasonal ingredients for dishes that are regionally inspired with a focus on fresh seafood. Although the name “MOOR” seems simple, the restaurant’s new name is an acronym of sorts for “Mindful Of Our Resources”, and keeps a focus on using locally grown and sustainable foods.
During a preview event for MOOR we were treated to some tasty samples from some of the new restaurants vendors, such as Douce France Bakery in Winter Garden, Gary’s Seafood & Specialties in Orlando, and My Yard Farm in Winter Park. Of course we sampled some good craft brews from the likes of Funky Buddha Brewery and Crooked Can Brewing Company as well.
Specialty Chef Phillip Fisher is overseeing the kitchen at MOOR, and he is somewhat of a seafood specialist. Chef Fisher made a name for himself at the Ocean Key House Resort and Spa in Key West where he helped create a menu of fresh caught seafood and craft cocktails using only the finest ingredients. At Moor, Chef Phillip has taken his expertise to a new level as he creates locally inspired and fresh seafood dishes as well as some pretty amazing cocktails.
Although Sunset Sam’s was kind of cool, in a Jimmy Buffet kind of way, I always felt that it was out of place in such an extravagant resort as the Gaylord Palms. Apparently so did the team at the Gaylord Palms as well. Aside from the towering mast of a 60 foot sailboat that was the indoor landmark for Sunset Sam’s, that restaurant is long gone and the space has been converted into the resorts latest dining attraction simply known as MOOR.
MOOR was inspired by the slow food, and farm-to-table movements and offers guests an opportunity to enjoy freshly caught seafood and locally grown ingredients in new and unexpected ways. The team at MOOR works with local farmers and fishmongers to find sustainable and seasonal ingredients for dishes that are regionally inspired with a focus on fresh seafood. Although the name “MOOR” seems simple, the restaurant’s new name is an acronym of sorts for “Mindful Of Our Resources”, and keeps a focus on using locally grown and sustainable foods.
During a preview event for MOOR we were treated to some tasty samples from some of the new restaurants vendors, such as Douce France Bakery in Winter Garden, Gary’s Seafood & Specialties in Orlando, and My Yard Farm in Winter Park. Of course we sampled some good craft brews from the likes of Funky Buddha Brewery and Crooked Can Brewing Company as well.
Specialty Chef Phillip Fisher is overseeing the kitchen at MOOR, and he is somewhat of a seafood specialist. Chef Fisher made a name for himself at the Ocean Key House Resort and Spa in Key West where he helped create a menu of fresh caught seafood and craft cocktails using only the finest ingredients. At Moor, Chef Phillip has taken his expertise to a new level as he creates locally inspired and fresh seafood dishes as well as some pretty amazing cocktails.
Knob Creek Bourbon, Fonseca Bin #27 port wine, simple syrup, angostura bitters and tonic water.
I was really impressed with the design and layout of MOOR. The team at Gaylord Palms really outdid themselves here, and this is finally an establishment worthy of such a grand resort. Chef Phillip is quite the master of creative seafood and delectable cocktails and of course Tastes Of Orlando will have some MOOR please.
Whether you are from out of town, or are looking for a fun staycation, check out the Gaylord Palms Resort. They truly have everything under one roof, and you may not ever want to leave.
MOOR is in the Key West Atrium at Gaylord Palms Resort. The restaurant is open daily for lunch from 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and for dinner from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
The bar is open 11:00 a.m. to midnight.
