It is always fun to find a new Happy Hour spot around town. Recently I had the chance to check out the new happy hour at Hurricane’s Lounge. Hurricane’s Lounge is located in Hemingway’s restaurant at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress. But I know what you are thinking, hotel bars don’t have happy hour – well this one does! And it is pretty fantastic!
They have six amazing appetizers under $10 available along with drink specials that include house wines, house spirits, draft beer, house-made sangria, and their famous Popa Doble cocktail. On our visit we able to sample five of the six happy hour appetizers, the house-made sangria, and even learned how to make the Popa Doble.
Chicken Satay — Rubbed With Tropical Inspired Blackening Spice and Grilled, Peach-Sunflower Satay Sauce and Lightly Pickled Carrots (3) $9
Barbeque Scallops — Caribbean Jerk Seasoned Scallops with A Touch of Barbeque, Chimichurri, and Pine Nuts (3) $9
Plantain Chips and Avocado — Fried Plantain Chips, Avocado Aioli $6
Hurricanes Cheese Board — Truffle Pecorino, Manchego, Spanish Chorizo, Marcona Almonds, Olives, Crackers, and House Made Jam $12
Truffle Herb Popcorn — Light Air Popped Popcorn, Tossed In A Blend of Truffle Zest, Herbs, Parmesan and Olive Oil. $6
My two favorite appetizers were the Plantain Chips and Avocado Aioli and the Truffle Herb Popcorn. Yes I love scallops, and cheese, and chicken – but these two were simple and AMAZING. I jokingly told the chef that he could serve cardboard with the avocado aioli and it would be fantastic. I was joking, but it is probably true.
The Popa Doble cocktail includes Bacardi Light, Captain Morgan’s Spiced Rum, Orange Juice, Pineapple juice, Grapefruit juice and Grenadine. What I loved most about this cocktail is that no one flavor over powered the rest. So often cocktails with numerous ingredients either taste just like the liquor or just like the mixers, but in this case you could pick out all the flavors. Pair that with a bartender who has been working at Hurricane’s for close to 33 years and you have the perfect cocktail!
So next time you are looking for somewhere a little different, check out Hurricane’s Lounge. But keep in mind that Happy Hour truly is only an hour, from 5:30 – 6:30 pm, at Hurricane’s. If you are worried about parking, don’t be. There is a self-parking lot (no charge) that is just a short walk from Hurricane’s.
If you are looking to extend your evening at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, you might want to think about trying out Hemingway’s as well. From now until October 2nd they are participating in Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month and you can get a three course meal for just $33. Happy Hour at Hurricane’s and then Magical Dining at Hemingway’s sounds like the perfect night out to me!
