(Judson's Live, Orlando FL) Do yourself a favor, and book a brunch at Judson's Live at Dr. Phillips as soon as you can.
This past weekend marked the 2nd time I was able to sample this very unique brunch offering at Judson's Live. Each of these brunches is themed, so as you scroll through Dr. Phillips' website, find a genre of food and music that you like, book it, the prepare to be immersed in that world for 1-2 hours.
On this particular date, Blackcat Zydeco was the musical act. This band admitted to having driven 13-hours to make this particular performance. I'm not entirely certain where they were coming from, but having lived in Louisiana for a little over 7 years myself, I'll say that this group embodied the lively, festive, and soulful sounds of the New Orleans music scene that I greatly missed. For only having 3 members, they offered up quite a full sound, filling all musical air with either an accordion or a bass guitar, backed by the driving beats of the drumset. If I closed my eyes, I actually felt transported right there back into the French Quarter of New Orleans.
The menu offered up some excellent selections in the way of some perfectly Cajun-spiced gumbo, some flamed beignets, and a flank steak that may have made me visit that carving station 3 times.
It's one thing to visit a great restaurant which has a great brunch. But what Judson's does here is that they then take it a step further. Here, not only do you have some amazing food that differs from weekend to weekend, but they do it in a very unique setting (think: jazz club / speak-easy / lounge hangout). THEN, they layer on a music act that now completes the sensory experience... this is genuinely a brunch experience that I have yet to see or hear in any other offering here in central Florida or even elsewhere.
There are some constant staples from brunch to brunch: the made-to-order omelet station is a happy and comfortable place where you can fully customize your egg. I have also grown accustomed to the healthy salad offerings in the backroom of the main hallway. BUT, I do appreciate how they subtly offered up some special salad dressings to complement the theme (in this case this past Sunday, there was Creole-inspired seasoned dressing).
In full disclosure, I have now visited Judson's on 4 separate occasions, and sincerely have not grown tired of visiting this space. Judson's in general is making all the right moves in terms of musical act selection, and delightful food offerings. The staff there has been warm and inviting each time, and although there are constant familiar qualities about this venue, each experience has been unique and enjoyable.
So, book your brunch experience and get immersed in this wonderful place!
Bailey Guinigundo
This past weekend marked the 2nd time I was able to sample this very unique brunch offering at Judson's Live. Each of these brunches is themed, so as you scroll through Dr. Phillips' website, find a genre of food and music that you like, book it, the prepare to be immersed in that world for 1-2 hours.
On this particular date, Blackcat Zydeco was the musical act. This band admitted to having driven 13-hours to make this particular performance. I'm not entirely certain where they were coming from, but having lived in Louisiana for a little over 7 years myself, I'll say that this group embodied the lively, festive, and soulful sounds of the New Orleans music scene that I greatly missed. For only having 3 members, they offered up quite a full sound, filling all musical air with either an accordion or a bass guitar, backed by the driving beats of the drumset. If I closed my eyes, I actually felt transported right there back into the French Quarter of New Orleans.
The menu offered up some excellent selections in the way of some perfectly Cajun-spiced gumbo, some flamed beignets, and a flank steak that may have made me visit that carving station 3 times.
It's one thing to visit a great restaurant which has a great brunch. But what Judson's does here is that they then take it a step further. Here, not only do you have some amazing food that differs from weekend to weekend, but they do it in a very unique setting (think: jazz club / speak-easy / lounge hangout). THEN, they layer on a music act that now completes the sensory experience... this is genuinely a brunch experience that I have yet to see or hear in any other offering here in central Florida or even elsewhere.
There are some constant staples from brunch to brunch: the made-to-order omelet station is a happy and comfortable place where you can fully customize your egg. I have also grown accustomed to the healthy salad offerings in the backroom of the main hallway. BUT, I do appreciate how they subtly offered up some special salad dressings to complement the theme (in this case this past Sunday, there was Creole-inspired seasoned dressing).
In full disclosure, I have now visited Judson's on 4 separate occasions, and sincerely have not grown tired of visiting this space. Judson's in general is making all the right moves in terms of musical act selection, and delightful food offerings. The staff there has been warm and inviting each time, and although there are constant familiar qualities about this venue, each experience has been unique and enjoyable.
So, book your brunch experience and get immersed in this wonderful place!
Bailey Guinigundo