If you're not hungry yet, you will be after reading this post!

If you like to eat (and really, who doesn't?), there are several fine establishments in Lake Mary that recently won "Best of Seminole" Restaurant Awards and were featured in the Fall 2008 edition of the Seminole Magazine.

Considering I've lived in Seminole County and worked in the Lake Mary area for more than half of my life, I've been fortunate enough to enjoy most of the restaurants featured.

Some of my favorites listed (and award winners too!) were:

Ruth Chris Steakhouse, which won "Best Restaurant Overall," "Best Restaurant for Special Occasions," Best Romantic Restaurant," "Best Restaurant for a Business Meeting," "Best Service," Best Steakhouse," and "Best Overall By City" awards...wow, pretty impressive, don't you think?

Although I think that no steak is as good as my husband's cooked on our grill at home, whenever I have dined at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, I have always been impressed by the service and the "melt-in-your-mouth" quality of meats. For residents who live in Lake Mary or Sanford, Ruth's Chris is conveniently located in the Colonial Town Park area just off of I-4 and H.E. Thomas Parkway. Based on the number of "awards" they earned in this month's magazine, I'd say you should make reservations now! (407) 804-8220. Can you add one more to your party? Just tell me when to be there, and I'd love to join you!

Liam Fitzpatrick's, which is also located in the Colonial Town Park area, won the "Best New Restaurant Award."  As the new Irish Pub in town, they offer a variety of lagers and their portions are plentiful. If you are looking for a great place to take a date, Liam's would be a good choice. Their bar area is stunning and they offer indoor and outdoor dining.

TooJay's was voted as the "Best Family Restaurant" and "Best Breakfast Restaurant".Honestly, I would have never thought of TooJay's as a & "family restaurant," as I think of going there when I want a bagel, lox and cream cheese...not for a kid's cheeseburgers and fries...but I guess now I'll have to add that to my list of  places to those hollow-legged boys of mine! There is a TooJay's in Lake Mary and in Altamonte Springs which is quite convenient for those of us who want bagels in the morning and Killer Chocolate Cake at night :) By the way, TooJay's also won an award for "Best Desserts" too...I bet it was that chocolate cake!

Dexter's...one of my all-time favorite places to eat spinach salad...was voted "Best Outdoor Dining", "Best Wine Bar", and "Best Restaurant for a Business Meeting."

If you've read my previous posts, you already know how much I like Delano Everyday Cafe! Delano is located in Olde Lake Mary, behind the City Hall and they make the very BEST chicken salad I've every eaten anywhere! I'm telling you this because I really do love their food and because as the "Best Kept Secret" award winner, I know they'll appreciate the recognition!

Peach Valley, home of the fresh baked donuts, also won an award for "Best Breakfast."  I haven't been to Peach Valley in a couple of years, but when I read that they were awarded a Best Breakfast award, I wasn't surprised!

Lastly (and certainly not because they are not worthy), Amura, which is also located in, won the "Best Sushi" award. If I had my choice, this is where I would eat every day. They have great sushi rolls (I love the spicy tuna, the Super Mexican Roll, the Bubba Roll and the Pink Lady) and the ambiance is very relaxing and trendy.

To know which other Lake Mary restaurants topped the list, you can get your very own copy of the awards by contacting Bill Ernst at Seminole Magazine. Bill can be reached by email at Bill@seminolemagazine.com or by phone at (407) 788-5159.

When working with a REALTOR, some say it doesn't matter if the agent is locally focused. I'd disagree. Local Real Estate agents know neighborhoods, schools, hospitals, roadways, shopping and most importantly, dining!

As a Seminole County resident for more than 35 years, I'd welcome the opportunity to share with you all that Lake Mary and the neighboring cities have to offer! Feel free to call me at (321) 377-0157 or email me at LaShawn@LaShawnNorden.com to find out the best place to live and the best place to eat!

I focus my business on representing Buyers and Sellers who want a local agent with proven results in Lake Mary, Sanford, Winter Springs, Longwood, Altamonte Springs, Casselberry and Oviedo.