Mimi's Cafe

One of the US's lesser known, but rapidly expanding restaurant chains is Mimi's Cafe.

Founded by the Simms family in Anaheim CA in 1978, it is now owned by the Bob Evans Farm group and there are now 100+ establishments across the US.

The restaurant was named after a French woman who served artichokes and champagne ( all that was available) to the allied forces after the liberation of France, and in Mimi's the Simms family set out to create an eatery which had the atmosphere and service attributed to a good restaurant, combined with the convenience and value for money of a coffee shop.

The exterior of the Mimi's Cafe properties are designed to resemble a country cottage with lace curtains and shuttered windows, the interior however is modeled on a European cafe with checked tablecloths, wrought iron balconies, brick walls and beamed ceilings. On top of this is laid a mix of New Orleans Mardi Gras with jazz paintings, colored beads and other memorabilia and thought this sounds like a bit of a hotch potch, it seems to work.

Whilst there are several Mimi's locations scattered across the state of Florida, you will not find one in the central Orlando tourist locations of International Drive or highway 192. There are, however, three that I would recommend you try as they combine easily with excellent shopping opportunities.

Mimi's cafe at The Loop is situated on Hunters Creek at the junction of the John Young Parkway and Osceola Parkway West. Mimi's at on Millennia Boulevard, right opposite The Mall at Millennia, or the one we chose was Mimi's at Winter Garden Village just a short trip down the 429.

The menu consists of US restaurant favorites such as burgers, salads and pasta dishes, but also features classic "comfort" foods such as meatloaf, pot-roast and to my husbands delight, liver and onions with mashed potatoes! ! There is also a seasonal section to the menu featuring a couple of appetizers, entrees and desserts which change regularly and although I promised myself to save room for the seasonal dessert "Mimi's Smores" - layers of toasted marshmallow cream chocolate crunch and cinnamon graham crust, served warm and topped with chocolate and caramel sauces - I was defeated long before it came to the event!

The value for money was tremendous, 2 soups, 2 entrees, 2 glasses of wine and an iced tea cam to a little over $40 with a large proportion going on the beverages!

The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is a Lifestyle menu for those who are watching their weight or simply choose to eat more healthily, a kids menu, and also vegetarian options.

This is a casual restaurant with choices for even the pickiest of diners which I can strongly recommend.