Blown Glass in a Variety of Colors
Driving down the busy boulevard, past the Saturday morning Farmers' Market, we came upon a contemporary, box-structured building with lush vegetation and a hedge that matches the clean angles of the
Glass Knife's building.
Photographs of Outdoor Space Give You a Flavor of the Restaurant
Stroll beneath the glamour lit awning to view through the porthole into the porch seating area, covered with gently moving fans to stir a cooling breeze in the Florida heat.
Take Time to Relax on a comfy bench
They know you're likely to have a wait, if you don't make reservations, as they have a comfy 3-seat bench with "Come sit a spell" invitingly written across the top slat.
Bustling Brunch Service at the Glass Knife
Enter the glass front doors, conveniently providing the names of Kristy Carlucci, Executive Chef, and Bianca Hinksman, General Manager. These ladies know how to dance the pandemic pivot offering a cash free (and smoke free) environment that will get your weekend off to a lovely start. The typical chaos somehow feels inviting at the entrance, but that's likely due to the hostess Jasmyn who, upon learning we have a reservation, takes us to the star-studded, velvet walled booth with a reserved sign on the table.
We walk past displays of season specific items and look to the glass display cases filled with decadent croissants, pastries, and cakes. Rows of freshly made doughnuts line the walls behind the cash register beneath the menus for brunch and beverages.
While it'd be impossible to miss the long, butcher block table with the rectangular chandelier base and dropped pendant lights that line the entire 12 seat table, it's easy to miss the glass display in the center of it. Therein lie several of the eponymous glass knife in multiple colors. I've blown glass and knew how difficult it is to make flatware with precision. Turns out, it's the imperfections that make them stunning.
Art on the wall provided my first glimpse of what to order for breakfast. Most of my readers know I struggle when traveling to maintain the gluten-free diet required for celiac disease. A lovely hat of macarons on the first picture to the right led to my first question for our server, Carmae. "Do you have macarons?" "Yes, of course, multiple flavors, strawberry, lemon, passionfruit, salted caramel and (a coffee-based concoction)." Sold!
Lucious Macarons from The Glass Knife
I order three macarons, strawberry, lemon, and waffle between a second lemon or … when Carmae recommends the salted caramel. Okay. Stacey and Paula both order the passionfruit. I must say it makes for a colorful dish. The salted caramel is dark and chewy. The ladies declare the passionfruit exquisite. It's one of Stacey's favorite flavors. She's written about the history of the passionfruit and explains to us it was used in Brazil by the Jesuits who came from Spain. They chose the passionfruit to exemplify the Passion of Christ. You just never know when or where you're going to learn a fascinating new fact.
Do you enjoy coffee art?
Menus found on the QR code, our first orders for drinks, black tea, a late they returned with a sweet little heart, and an iced coffee blend allowed us to chat. Accompanying me on this day are Visit Orlando's Paula Ramirez, who organized the trip, and Stacey Wittig, of Unstoppable Stacey, a travel journalist visiting from Flagstaff, Arizona with an adventurous palate.
Light and Fluffy Quiche
Paula chose the specialty of the morning, quiche. Everything has to wait until photos are taken, but it was thoroughly enjoyed and quickly consumed.
Croissant Ham and Cheese Tastes Even Better Than It Looks
Based on the server's recommendations once narrowed to two choices, Stacey chose a ham and cheese croissant, served with lightly pickled cucumbers, which she declared "utterly delicious." Paula ordered the quiche, more than an inch high, accompanied by fresh greens and some of the reddest tomatoes I've ever seen.
Gluten-Free BLT
My brunch entrée was the BLT without the bread. It made me really miss bread. Though lovely, the butter lettuce it was served on fell to pieces quickly. It was a mess I couldn't easily eat with the lettuce wrapped or with a fork and knife, but the bathroom is just around the corner with an outside sink ready for use. The bacon was beautifully prepared, not crisp at all, but layered to grand effect over the lush tomatoes. When I, too, was provided with the lightly pickled cucumber thin slices, I added them to my "sandwich." Just a touch of the garlic aioli was all it needed for that extra kick.
Visit Orlando to Meet Great People
The bathrooms are well appointed with a picture of an old-fashioned, coin-operated public telephone welcoming you into the region.
Carmae Kept Us Well Fed and Entertained
Carmae returned regularly to fill our water glasses and check for any questions. The few things she didn't know, usually historical questions, she found for us quickly. JR, the manager on duty that morning, remained ready to assist.
I took the opportunity to examine the glass knives running the center of the butcher block table. The craftsmanship present offers a pleasing display with shocks of changing color. I'm so glad I thought to ask why the restaurant had that name, so I was led to examine these pieces of art.
The outside space is comfortable and spacious. It's a great place for families or large families to relax with friendly dogs allowed on leash. They can see through that entry porthole to welcome newcomers.
Orchids Decorate the Exterior Space at The Glass Knife
The row of orchids by the exterior door stands strong against the heat and humidity in Florida this time of year.
Geometric Shapes Flavor Your Stay at This Homey Restaurant
Reluctant to depart, it was time for us to get to the docks for our journey across the chain of lakes with
Scenic Boat Tours. As the Tour was a great introduction to the region, The Glass Knife is a great introduction to your day.
