Chef Aaron Sanchez at the House of Blues Orlando

I should start by saying we love AMC movie theaters. We either go to the one at Universal City Walk or Downtown Disney. Seeing a movie usually begins with something to eat or drink while walking around the tourist area, saying how lucky we are to live here and do this as much as we want.

For awhile this past summer/fall we went to Universal City Walk more and more instead of Disney. We had grown bored with the menus and what the restaurants had to offer. Not that they have anything bad, we just seemed to find more of what we were looking for at Universal.

So before Christmas we ventured to Downtown Disney and headed to the House of Blues, figuring we would have the usual Voodoo Shrimp and Catfish Fingers, an old favorite, but nothing to write home about.

We were eagerly greeted by Brian, a bartender we know.  Apparently, he had been wondering where we were and happy to see locals. On the way in I saw an A-frame sign announcing they had a new Chef. I recognized him for the food network, so I was pretty excited since I am one of the millions addicted to watching food all the time. Celebrity Chef Aaron Sanchez has revamped and reworked the tired old 1990’s menu all of the House of Blues' had before and brought them into the foodie future.

What surprised me was how excited and knowledgeable Brian was about the food. If I wasn’t already thrilled to try something, Brian definately put me over the top.

Chile Braised Short Ribs, Lobster Mac and Cheese, Street Tacos, and the Juicy Lucy Burger (a burger stuffed with cheese and jalapenos) are just some of the contemporary offerings.

We decided on some appetizers so we could try several things instead of two entrees. The Hand Stretched Grilled flatbreads are awesome. We had two, one with goat cheese and prosciutto and another with tomato and basil, as well as Seared Tuna Tostadas. Everything is fresh and delicious. All the ingredients tasted real and flavorful.

I know there are folks out there, especially locals that loved the Voodoo Shrimp etc….but I really think everyone will enjoy the new menu. I watched a lot of food come out and the portions are a good size, and everything was hot and fresh.  Huge salads, fresh fish, sandwichs, burgers, wings, flatbreads, and tacos, it is just what Downtown Disney needed to stay on top of the game with Universal City Walk.  Now if they can get someone to revamp Wolfgang Pucks we would be all set.

I can’t wait to go back and have the Juicy Lucy Burger; I haven’t stopped thinking about it!