Orlando is a city of theme parks, tourists, and is frequently plastic and sterile. One year it was named the angriest city in America – I guess that fake smile starts to grate after awhile.  When you’re ready to take a break from the theme parks and angry mobs, chances are you’ll be looking for a restaurant that is nearby everything, has good food that’s fairly priced, and has an enjoyable atmosphere.  And if you’re traveling with the family, you want something that’s kid friendly but offers up more than hot dogs and fries.

In Orlando, one of the restaurants that may just fit this description is Tu Tu Tango, a concept chain restaurant with locations in several states and in Canada.  The restaurants are all themed around Spain’s bohemian artist culture – it’s like being in an artist’s loft.  If that were all there was to it, it would be one more blasé chain restaurant.  But, each Tu Tu Tango restaurant features local area artists who have a small studio area set up within the restaurant.  With completed artwork hanging on the walls (it’s all for sale), and works in progress on easels, you actually feel like your gathering in someone’s studio for food, drink, and conversation. Upbeat music plays throughout the restaurant, and you will occasionally see a musician wandering among the tables or getting set up to play in the corner. It’s the uniqueness of the artists and the musicians that help move the restaurant from a predictable chain to a charming local watering hole.

The Orlando Tu Tu Tango opened in 1990. The menu, as at all the other locations, focuses on appetizer size share plates, with food and flavors from around the world. Prices range from $3 to $12.50, and are priced and sized reasonably enough for you try a variety without exceeding your food budget. After a few visits to Tu Tu Tango, I’ve developed a few reliable favorite combinations, although I still have a list of items I’ve yet to try. Here are a couple of menu combinations that I think work particularly well for sharing.

• Light & healthy:  Start off sharing Roasted Pears on Pecan Crisps ($7, these are delicious and work well as dessert, too), have a bowl of black bean soup ($3) each, and share a Spinach Salad ($9). Total for two people: $22, not including beverages, tax and tip.
• Meat Loving:  Share a Duck Confit Salad ($9), then add Oriental Marinated Steak Skewers $9), and some Cajun Chicken Egg Rolls ($10, and consistently the most popular menu choice). Total dinner price: $28.
• Ethnic Variety:  Share some Tango Hummus ($4), a couple of orders of Sopa de Leon ($4), and share a smoked chicken Quesadilla ($7), then add some spiced Alligator Bites ($8).  Total dinner price $19.

A child’s menu is also available and features more traditional “kid food.”  A full bar is available, although I’d recommend trying the Tango Sangria or one of the specialty margaritas or mojitos.  And if it’s hot weather outside, you can’t go wrong with an ice cold beer.  Stop in for Tu Tu Tuesday specials, every Tuesday 9 pm-1 am.  The bar features live music, drink and food specials, including $3 mojitos, margaritas, martinis, and draft beer.

As you’re enjoying your time at Tu Tu Tango, look around at the art on the wall.  The restaurant is proud of its “Starving Artist Program” which offers artists a place to paint, draw or sculpt in exchange for food. The art on the wall is sold, with all proceeds going to the artist, a true “will work for food” arrangement.

Location:  8625 International Drive, Orlando, Florida.

Hours:  11:30 am-11 pm, Sunday-Thursday, open till 1 am on Fridays and Saturdays.  Reservations not required, but are available through Open Table.

Dress:  Casual

Photo credit:  Author’s personal collection

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In Boston’s North End you’ll find the small wooden home that was the starting point for Paul Revere’s infamous ride.  He lived in the home with his wife, five children, and mother, remaining in the home long after the ride that made him a legend.  The house was eventually sold around 1800.

Paul Revere House in Boston's North End

The Paul Revere House still stands today and is downtown Boston’s oldest building.  The home was opened as a museum in 1908, one of the first historic house museums in the country, and today it is one of the few buildings remaining from the colonial era.

Although it has been renovated substantially over the years, about 90% of the building is original back to 1680.  Some of the original items include two doors, three window frames, and portions of the flooring and rafters.  The heavy beams and large fireplaces were typical interiors of colonial homes, and the upstairs chambers contain furniture believed to have belonged to the Revere family.

This is a popular spot for school groups and families, and during spring break and summer there can be a long wait to get in.  Once inside the house, it will take about a half hour for a leisurely walk through.

Location:  19 North Square (map) on the Freedom Trail between Faneuil Hall (map)  and the Old North Church.

Hours:  Self-guided tours are available April 15th – October 31st, 9:30 am – 5:15 pm, and November 1st – April 14th, 9:30 am – 4:15 pm.  Closed on Mondays, January through March.

Admission:  $3.50 adults; $3 seniors and college students; and $1 children (ages 5-17).

Take the T: Take the green line to Government Center or Haymarket, or the blue line to Government Center of Aquarium, or the Orange line to State or Haymarket.

Special Note:  There are no public restrooms on site, so plan accordingly.

Photo credit:  Wikimedia Commons

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I’ll be heading off to Las Vegas tomorrow, and exploring the family-friendly side of Sin City.  While the city once promoted itself as a family-friendly destination, it has long since abandoned that idea, and has had great success (and fun) with “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.”

The Fountains at Bellagio, Las Vegas

With so many families wishing to vacation close to home this year, and often trying to find a destination that keeps both adults and kids satisfied, Las Vegas seems to be cropping up as destination that’s starting to appeal to families once again.

Las Vegas offers bargains galore, on food and accommodations, has shows suitable for all ages, and hotels that sport some pretty great pool areas.    Although Las Vegas will never shed it’s well-deserved party reputation, and I enjoy the city for a weekend getaway, there are lots of families and adults who want to take advantage of the many amenities the city has to offer, while bypassing the more  risque activities.

That’s my mission for the next few days.  To spot out what’s G-Rated in Sin City.

I already have a pretty decent list to choose from, along with a couple of shows, but if you have some favorite all age-appropriate Las Vegas spots, please leave me a comment with your suggestions.

Photo credit:  The Fountains of Bellagio courtesy of MGM Mirage

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