I knew Pointe Orlando (a dining, shopping and entertainment complex located on the tourist-centric International Drive) had completely lost its way when anchor store FAO Schwarz closed down, along with a hefty percentage of the other merchants located nearby, and yet Hooters was still alive and well. By this point I had stopped finding reasons to visit Pointe Orlando long ago, though I did watch the owners of this property try to work with their new crowd that was less family-friendly and more “hard rock” by adding some ill-conceived night clubs (that I never saw anyone visit - perhaps it was the presence of some seriously menacing-looking body guards who stood outside these joints) and an arcade/café. When the colorful teddy bear-clad building that had once housed a giant toy store Mecca was torn down I was positive that whatever went up in its place would be of no interest at all to me.

Fortunately I was wrong … and pleasantly surprised.

Today Pointe Orlando is undergoing an image overhaul. A trip to this multi-level district will leave you walking through an unsightly construction zone, but look harder and you’ll see the beginnings of what could be a great future for this section of I-Drive. While FAO Schwarz is gone, what stands in its place is a delicious up-scale restaurant, The Capital Grille. Bouncing balls, stuffed bunnies and Lego’s have been replaced with wine lockers, crisp table linens and the absolute best calamari I have ever tasted (not to mention steaks that melt in your mouth).

And that’s just the beginning!

The Chicago-based (though nearly nationwide) chain of Maggiano’s Little Italy also has been added to the Pointe Orlando scene. With it’s delicious Italian-American fare and hefty portions (and fairly reasonable prices), Maggiano’s is a perfect place for tourists and locals alike to enjoy a hearty meal. And while you may not know this (I didn’t), Tommy Bahama’s sells more than just overpriced tropical clothing - they also have a select line of restaurants that feature food with a tropical flair. One of these Tommy Bahama’s Tropical Café & Emporiums can now be found at Point Orlando as well.

Plus, new eateries are popping up all the time. A recent visit to the Pointe Orlando Web site listed several restaurants and bars that I now feel compelled to try out, including a Greek restaurant featuring belly dancers and table dancing, a wine bar, an upscale seafood place and a restaurant that promises “American cooking in a high-energy atmosphere,” complete with an exhibition kitchen.

Yes, Hooters is still there. As are some other shops that don’t exactly reflect an “upscale” atmosphere. With all of the construction still underway it’s also safe to say that it will be awhile before we can truly get a sense of what the future of Pointe Orlando looks like. But, so far I like the direction it’s headed.

And did I mention that the calamari is to die for?

Popularity: 3% [?]