What is the first thing that comes to mind when the word NBA is tossed around? Possibly a bunch of fun and some highlight reels right? If you watch any game or highlight of the night, the fun and amazement will leave you stunned. This is exactly what we found when we went to NBA City in Orlando, Florida. The fun and of course the food was all around.
For starters, this is not your everyday theme restaurant. It is not dedicated to all kinds of movie stars and stuff people can see everywhere. It is simply a restaurant that caters to showing the love of the game of basketball while having a good meal.
Once we had taken the time to look over the entire restaurant we decided that the idea was to make each patron feel like they were seated on the club level at one of the NBA's newest arenas. From the appetizers to the entrees or the fundamentals as NBA City calls them, this experience, like a live basketball game will last you for sometime to come.
As in any basketball game, there is a starting five of well rounded basketball players. What we found at NBA City was a starting five of well rounded appetizers. From the Chicken Wraps to the Stuffed Quesadilla, no player, oh we mean appetizer will be less than an all-star.
Our staff decided on the the Chicken Wraps, which is shredded chicken breast and shitake mushrooms stir fried with ginger, scallions and a splash of plum wine. Then the ingredients were wrapped in crisp bibb lettuce leaves with wonton straws and peanut lime sauce. This definitely was the winning bucket on the starting five portion of the menu. The wraps are available for $8.95 and based on the quality and amount received they could easily be priced for more than $10.00.
After the chicken wraps, it was tough to pass up the a standard at a lot of NBA games, the Phoenix Wings or Buffalo Wings for those who are not familiar with the NBA teams. The meaty drummettes were broiled and finished with a honey glaze that was not too sweet, but had just enough spice to liven up the game. We must mention that the presentation on both of the items was very impressive with no need to call to the bench for a timeout to discuss the items. The Phoenix wings are priced at $6.95.
After you have inserted several of the starting five players, we mean appetizers into your stomach it is important to remember about the fundamentals of the game or dinner. From the fundamentals portion of the menu there are four outstanding choices from fish to steak, no choice will be an easy one.
We decided to take the middle of the road and try the Double-Thick Pork Chop. Who ever decided to put this on the menu must have thought of your stomach going up against Wilt Chamberlain in the paint, because the double will have some for you to take home.
The grilled 12oz. pork chop is glazed with NBA City's signature maple mustard sauce and topped with apple peach chutney and served with mashed potatoes, sweet onion gravy and a fresh vegetable of the day. This will be enough to hold you over until the fourth quarter. For the amount of food received here and the $14.95 price, the pork chop definitely wins the MVP for best fundamental on the menu.
For those who are looking to go with the smaller line-up we recommend the Fire-Roasted Chicken Breasts. The two 8 oz. breasts are fired roasted in garlic and lemon pepper, then oven baked for a taste that is unbelievable. This is another steal off the menu for $12.95.
If you looking for a middle of the menu item, perhaps the pasta or the sandwiches will be a nice option. The fresh grilled salmon filet which is rubbed with fennel seed and cracked black pepper and grilled on an open flame will give you a taste you would expect at a fine seafood restaurant. Combine this with the Bowtie pasta and wow, what a choice. The salmon and pasta is available for $13.95.
Now to the sandwiches. We can not figure who stacked this line-up, but it is tough to beat. The grilled steak sandwich is the winner. With the six ounces of top sirloin sauteed in red wine garlic butter and served focaccio bun, how could you pass up on this draft pick.
With that load off the bench, who could ask for any more except for another arena favorite, pizza. No fans, we mean patrons, this is not some Dominos or Papa Johns generic pizza. These 10 inch thin crust brick oven pizzas are a great choice and it is for sure that the kids will love any of the pizzas on the menu.
At this point if your dinner had gone into overtime, may we suggest one of NBA City's succulent desserts. Don't let time expire off the clock by missing on the pies and ice creams and even an old fashioned milk shake. Believe us, the time will be well spent in your four quarters of enjoyment.
Lastly, if you have not been off the bench yet, we recommend walking around the restaurant to get the arena feeling and check out the bar upstairs, the interactive games or the gift shop which will have all of your NBA city merchandise for those desiring to add to their collection.
NBA City is located in Orlando, Florida at Universal City Walk. For Directions to NBA City from all major Orlando attractions contact NBA City directly at (407) 370-5900
