Hot Olives   

Head away from posh Park Avenue for simple gourmet eats in Winter Park's 'other' hip locale, Hannibal Square. The chef dishes up inspired yet simple fare at Hot Olives, an airy eatery that resembles a California bungalow, complete with charming gardens and a shaded, outdoor terrace. Chalk this spot up as an idyllic date locale -- the music is always set low enough for conversation, and the peppy vibe and colorful decor are welcome backdrops for a romantic night. Start with the namesake appetizer: the spicy fried olives, breaded and oozing with spicy asiago cheese. The lunch menu focuses on salads and sandwiches, with a few fish and pasta options. For a light lunch, opt for the popular bleu cheese and spicy pecan salad. For dinner, the offerings are more substantial. Seafood dishes include fried catfish, herb-encrusted grouper and the Asian-influenced ahi tuna. Steak lovers can scarf Tuscan filets grilled in caramelized shallot reduction. The atmosphere is casual but eclectic; colorful paintings of olives decorate the wooden walls. Lots of greenery brings the garden feel inside. -- Terry Ward