Orlando Introduces Siro Urban Italian Kitchen at Orlando World Center Marriott

Last week mystical forces lined up and a new restaurant called Siro: Urban Italian Kitchen opened at the Orlando World Center Marriott. Why do I say mystical forces were aligned? Because everything about the the place is out of this world.

In the heart of Orlando, Siro creates magic by transporting guests to a piazza-style bistro, expertly blending contemporary urban ambiance with the time-honored Italian custom of communal camaraderie.

At the recent media event we got to sample various menu items including artisan cured meats and cheeses, fresh market vegetables, thin-crust pizzas and so much more including some incredible libations.  This is not your normal hotel restaurant. One of the rare things Siro has to offer is an open, relaxed, and social atmosphere.  This is a great place to grab a bite and mingle without feeling “boxed” in like most hotel restaurants.  The fluidity of the dining area makes it perfect for even the local patrons to kick back and/or conduct business.  I will definitely suggest this location to my clients when they ask where to grab a bite while doing business.

Here are some menu highlights:

Any of their Boards are to die for and they are served with Siro Olive Bowl and the most delicious Pork Roast Almonds ever.  All the Boards sell for $12 and you can choose between the Campania, Americano, or Toscana.  I didn’t have a favorite but I will admit the Pork Roast Almonds got my attention and I would pay the $12 just for those.

The Anitpasti’s were out of this world (Fresh Picked $8).  My favorite were the Golden Beets with pistachio and soft goat cheese.  Although a few people at our table admitted they were not big beet fans they all raved about Siro’s Golden Beets.  Other hits worth mentioning were the Ripe Tomatoes and the Eggplant Caponata (look for upcoming recipe).  The Burdo’s Famous Veal Meatballs were juicy and flavorful, another great menu item.  The least of my favorites was the Tuna 2 Ways ($12) the combination of Ahi with tonnato just didn’t work for me, but others didn’t seem to have a problem with it as it disappeared quickly from the table.

The Pizza ($14) will have people talking with hits such as Green, Eggs & Ham to Al Funghi the combinations the chefs threw together are sure to delight the palate.  I have never had an egg on my pizza but the sunny side egg combined with the arugula and prosciutto was surprisingly good (and fun).

The menu highlights Plates such as a Urban Italian Kitchen pork ‘n beans (Braised Pork Shank and white beans – $24) that is tender and bursting with flavor and Pasta dishes such as their already famous Bucatini with the Red Lead (a traditional Sunday gravy – $20 full order).  There is something for everyone at Siro.

I don’t normally drink alcohol but the drinks amazing.  My favorite was the Aged Italia made with Breckenridge bourbon, blood orange aged balsamic, and blackberry syrup.  My favorite non-alcoholic drink was The Understudy made with fresh lemon, basil, simple syrup, and Fever Tree tonic water.

Dessert? Yes!  Try it all.  I especially loved the Chef’s Cookie Jar featuring a glass cookie jar filled with 8 Italian cookies.

Offering an unparalleled approach to dining, Siro will accommodate 199 guests – 143 in the main dining room and 56 on the patio – for everyday dining and special events. Set to be one of the hottest spots to see and be seen in Orlando, Siro’s “work hard, play hard” credo offers guests a loose-tie atmosphere to unwind and relax after a busy day. The space couples texture and warmth from reclaimed wood and other materials, while illuminating industrial elements to achieve an energized and inviting atmosphere, enlivened by music, the buzz of conversation and the clinking of glasses in toasts until 11 pm, seven days a week for dinner. The early-evening menu, from 4 – 6 pm, features Antipasti, small plates, pizza and blackboard specials, in addition to a full bar. Dinner, from 6 – 11 pm, features a full menu.

Disclosure: This event was sponsored by Siro.