There’s something metaphorical about sitting on the rooftop of a tall building while dining on the most premium cuts of meat able to be sourced. Whether dining early to catch the sunset or dining late to gaze at the stars, Eleven is a place that makes its patrons feel on top of the world in more ways than one.
The restaurant is only open for dinner, as it shares the pool deck of the rooftop pool that is open during the day for guests and residents of the Reunion resort community.
Location: 7593 Gathering Drive, Kissimmee, Florida. Named for its location, Eleven is on the 11th floor of the Reunion Grande.
Menu: Eleven is a traditional steak and chops restaurant. All the beef is USDA Prime. According to the public service announcement on the menu, less than 2% of beef produced in the United States has this distinction. Be prepared to pay for it. If you’ve got the money, this is a great place to spend it.
The restaurant attempts to source food seasonally and locally, when it is available. But even Florida has its seasons, and the hot, hot summers aren’t always the greatest for growing.
Name your cut. Order a Filet in the 8 oz or 10 oz size. The New York Strip is 11 oz, a clever tribute to the restaurant name. The ribeye is pricey, but it is 16 oz. Then, there is the more modest 8 oz sirloin.
Beef isn’t the only great meat offered. Signature cuts of Grass Fed Rack of Lamb, a Berkshire Port T-Bone and a Grilled Veal Chop are on the menu, along with a Surf and Turf at market price.
Thoughts: Considered the crown jewel of the Reunion Resort, Eleven is a place to celebrate. Catering to families visiting area theme parks and golf groups, the restaurant is full of guests celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, great golf scores, and time together. It is also an evening gathering place for golf groups.
The resort atmosphere and warm weather lend itself to casual dress, but a romantic dinner under the stars might also be an occasion to dress to the nine. Either direction appears to be acceptable.
I prefer a high-quality piece of meat to be grilled and served plain. But, for those who like enhancements, you can add a Tagarashi Rub, Peppercorn Glaze, Tarragon Béarnaise or Crab Oscar for an additional $10.
Other sauces are an additional $3 and include Chimichurri, Truffle Balsamic Glaze, Jalapeno Hoisin Sauce or a Blue Cheese Crust.
The Filet Mignon Eggroll as a starter came highly recommended and did not disappoint. I believe this was the first time I’ve had beef in an eggroll. If you don’t have the fortitude for a full-size steak, ordering the eggroll is a good way to taste the high-quality filet on a smaller scale.
Seafood is available, including a Crab Crusted Florida Grouper. Joyce Farms of North Carolina supplies the birds for the roasted chicken, with their esteemed all-natural Naked chicken. The mission to begin with the highest quality ingredients available applies to more than just the beef.
Side dishes are all a la carte and served in large portions designed to be shared with the entire table. There are the predictable sides for a steak like roasted mushrooms, grilled asparagus, Boursin whipped potatoes, and baked potato. Then, there are some slight variations to remind the diner you are in Florida. Creamy organic grits in aged cheddar, sautéed Malibu carrots, and citrus garlic parmesan cheese fries all have a bit of Sunshine State goodness in them.
There are certain soups and salads that are just meant to be paired with a great steak, and Eleven has them. The Lobster Bisque and Caramelized Onion Soup are quite traditional. The Wedge, Caesar and Caprese salads are classics. The use of locally sourced greens and tomatoes assures the freshest of flavors.
Even if you don’t have room for dessert, ordering one and asking for spoons or forks for the entire table is a great way to end a rich meal with just a small taste of sweetness. There is a wide variety of options, from chocolate to fruity to gooey.
I always think of bread pudding as something plain. But, top it with Whiskey Glaze and Spice Pecans and it becomes a Southern specialty. You can never go wrong with a bit of chocolate. The Dark Chocolate Wedge served with ganache and chocolate shavings will most definitely fulfill a craving. Then, there is a Vanilla Bean Crème Brulee topped with fresh berries for those who want a comparatively mild ending.
Stargazing poolside or getting a peek at the nightly Disney fireworks are reasons many people choose Eleven. So, it is only fitting that a variety of Dessert Martinis and Cordials are available. Perfect for sipping slowly and taking in a beautiful evening, a Chocolate Raspberry Martini or Almond Joy might be the right choice. Feeling tired? Then the Espresso Martini might give the needed jolt. An after-dinner drink as dessert certainly feels lighter.
Price Range: This is an a la carte menu. Appetizers $14-19. Soups and Salads $10-16. Steaks and Chops $35-70. Sides $7-9. Desserts $9
Disclosure: The writer was a guest of Experience Kissimmee.
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