Funky Monkey Wine Company

First time going here since Funky Monkey re-​did their menu, and it was excellent. It has become a hidden gem here!
I had the stuffed avocado to start (which is highly recommended) which had fresh ahi tuna in the center. So delicious.
The pork tenderloin was my entrée, with a soy-​ginger glaze AND bacon wrapped… need I say more?
The service was very personable and the server knew the menu very well. Definitely going back for more.

While killing time before meeting up with some of my fellow Unilocalers, my wife and I took a walk on Mills Ave and FINALLY found the Funky Monkey Wine Company that we tried to find one night on a whim after our daughter told us about her experience there with some friends.
We walked in and it was completely empty at 6:15 pm which seemed a bit unusual. The place was beautifully decorated and all of the tables were perfectly set. The server was kind enough to tell us about the place, the menu and the chef. She was very polite and professional and after reading some of the other reviews, I can’t say anything bad thus far.
From what I saw on the menu and the way I was treated just walking in and being curious, I will be back to give them a try. Since my wife and I tend to just pick places at random, you never know when we’ll pop in for dinner but rest assured, we’ll be back with an appetite…

I was so glad to discover this hidden gem in my favorite neighborhood, Mills/​50! I went in on a Monday and was pleasantly surprised to learn all the sushi rolls were half off every Monday. I got a sea monkey roll which had ahi tuna, cucumber, and cream cheese inside and was topped off with warm baked crab salad and eel sauce. My girlfriend got a bacon wrapped pork tenderloin glazed with sweet and savory soy ginger sauce atop garlic mashed potatoes and sautéed zucchini and squash. It was ridiculously good. It’s nice that the Funky Monkey menu features not only sushi but also a variety of Asian inspired entrées. I’ll definitely be back to try their filet mignon. Overall: great food, great atmosphere, and great experience.

Nick’s Italian Kitchen–
We came here tonight, for what we thought would be a nice Valentine’s dinner out. My husband graciously surprised me and booked at your restaurant via the open table website. We were warmly greeted and told we were the 1^st of 120 reservations. Mind you, it was 6:00 pm and that was a bit surprising to me that we were the first to arrive. It is definitely a quaint space– which made it really warm and cozy, but too warm. As we were seated we waited at least 10 minutes for water and were told a wine list «had not been printed yet» and we would be able to look at it soon… I never saw a wine list. Upon ordering our first of four courses (which was the appetizer) we waited another 10 – 15 minutes for an antipasti cheese plate and small bites, while my husband waited for a simple Caesar salad. We got the cheese plate and were able to finish it, but were extremely disappointed that the salad arrived not even 2 minutes before our entrees. I ordered a shrimp scampi that was brought to me practically raw, and undesirably cold as well. I was so disappointed! :(I was however, able to send the dish back and substitute it for the lasagna, which pretty good. After finishing the meal, a line had begun to gather at the door, and since our experience was already sub par, we decided to ask for the dessert course to go. We both ordered the cheesecake and waited about 20 minutes for it to arrive in a to-​go box. After we arrived at home, we opened the cheesecake to find that it was not packaged «with care» and honestly, looked like it had been thrown into the box and was broken. Very disappointing. For a relatively expensive place to dine, I expected much more. I will say, we did have a kind server, and none of this is her fault, but needless to say we will not return to your restaurant. A refund would definitely be appropriate…

The food did not live up to the price. I had visited this establishment only one other time before it become Italian and it was very good then. Our meal started with the fried goat cheese for an app. The cheese came with toasted sliced bread which did not work well with the breaded and fried cheese. The Chicken Milanese tasted like any deep fried chicken and the simple spring it was served with did not add any depth to the dish. It is sad to say that I will not be returning here solely because of the quality of food. Atmosphere, music, and service were all fine.

Had reservations for 8:00 pm on a Saturday night. I am glad we arrived early because there was only one other couple in the entire restaurant. After they left, my date and I were the only ones after that. The first choice of wine for us, they were convienently out of which forced us to a more expensive choice. Food was ok. Bruschetta was the highlight of the meal which is the only reason I gave 2 stars. Chicken Parm was ok. I would not recommend this place. Prices were astronomic. I will never go there again.

Email reply from business regarding my review:
«Instead of complaining to the table next to you in the dining room maybe a comment to both the server and supervisor would have been appropriate. both asked you if everything was good and you said fine…
The wine prices are marked up like every other restaurant. Did you not see the price on the menu before you ordered it?
Thanks for your comments
Not
Eddie Nickell
Owner/​Operator
FMI Restaurant Group»

How they still open? Men bathroom was down. It’s smell nasty and when u open the door, the smell just hit whoever in the dinning room. Some of the food is not even available on the menu. What’s available didn’t taste good. My chicken Parmesan tasted way too sour. No Togo box. My food is wrap in plastic wrap on a paper plate. One server doing the bar. Serving and basically about all. Surprise he didn’t went inside to cook. Well, there only one other table beside us, so yep. Maybe they are closing soon, so what else matter right.

Not a good value for the money food was ok portions were small and over priced. I could make most of the dishes myself

Italian not sushi. Why?
I had dinner here several times when it was sushi/​Asian inspired. First few visits here. loved it. Great sushi and vegetarian friendly dishes. Then had dinner with a friend and suddenly it’s Italian? Drastic change. Also, they ran out of Malbec and Cab by the glass. Isn’t this a wine bar? Parking was horrible too. Used to be able to park at bar next door. So disappointing. I won’t be back.

Few things:
1. Unilocal shows this restaurant as American.
2. I personally, have had sushi here several times… good sushi!
3. Today I went and found Italian…
4. Make up your mind, funky monkey!!!
After being fully disappointed that the FM company has changed ventures, yet again, ive decided to head to my regular sushi joint. Next time I’m in the mood for Italian, maybe I’ll give FM a try again, but an Italian menu is not what a girl wants when she’s got sushi on the mind… fail.

Had a very disappointing experience. Our server didn’t bring water when requested, didn’t take drink orders from some of the members of our table, we were missing plates and glasses and then we had a different server take over. The new server was much better. But then the food came
Out and it was like warm, reheated, and/​or inedible. The meatballs were tough, the lasagna tasted like meatloaf in the lasagna and the pasta vodka was underwhelming. When we made the reservation they said Nicks, and we said we thought it was Gunky Monkey and they said same thing. But it’s not. They completely changed it. Very disappointed and will not be back.

Cute place. Inside is cozy and romantic. Service was great. We were the only people there at 8pm. They said they had a busy day. Fried goat cheese was pretty amazing. Lasagna as you can tell was slightly on the overdone side covered in salty sauce. It was a mission trying to slice it. I did not complain because I usually dont. So I shouldn’t be whining on here, but I felt like the public needed to be warned :-) I’m sure they would have corrected the issue if I would have said something but really it shouldn’t have been put on the plate in the first place. If I have to use neck muscles to slice something up, we have a problem!

In putting my money where my mouth is, I am a heavy Unilocal user; both as a contributor as well as getting my information and dining tips from. On that note, I should have followed the gut feeling I got when I read the more recent reviews before I returned to Funky Monkey.
I had chucked the first time to a bad experience and was willing to give them a second chance despite the fact that it was a petty expensive proposition at over 150. oo for a dismal dinner for two.
Second time around was no different than the first, place is half empty on a Saturday night, but the hostess wants to be mysterious sort of like the night clubs in South Beach where the club is empty but there is a line outside. We waited about 5 minutes until an empty table magically became available– fail number 1, this technique, simply does not work.
The menu looks good, but overpromises and under delivers. Good Copywriting in the description of the dishes is not followed up by presentation, flavors, or portions. On its face, it appears like they are trying to reinvent themselves as Nouveau cuisine by going minimalistic and trying to stay interesting. Wake up Funky Monkey, it is 2014, the 90’s have been over for 20 something years now.
If I can sum it up in one word, I would choose: complacent — It seems like there were good at some point but somewhere down the line, someone lost the passion for excellence.
Our overall feeling was disappointment because this place has promise, but they are sitting on potential.
Typically, I don’t write too many negative reviews, I just don’t write anything, but here, I was fooled twice… so shame on me.

I have been here many times and have always had the best experience. However, I’ve never come here for the sushi which is the reason for the lower rated reviews.
I come here for the wine, apps, entrees, service, and playlist. Love the wine selections, apps and entrees. They are very accommodating to my food allergy, just ask and they’ll work with the chef. Anoop (spelling?) is great! Very knowledgeable in wine and food pairing, he’s been there forever.

I love to eat great food… so I will NEVER EAT HERE AGAIN!
I ordered 3 or 4 sushi rolls and they were all horrible! I’m a pretty easy guy and can put up with a lot but this was just terrible!
Good had no taste at all.
Just bad, bad, bad. Went with a co worker and we both agreed it’s worse than pre packaged sushi.
Steer clear people!
Plus it was over priced.
Garbage!!!

First of all — I love this place. Every time I go, I am treated like a queen, and the food actually surpasses the service. Last night was no exception. I brought a few friends to the monthly Taster’s Guild Orlando wine pairing dinner. I’ve attended these dinners in the past and they keep getting better and better! You sit at communal tables, giving the chance to make new friends, and the other couple at our table was awesome, we were all friends by the end of the evening.
Last night’s extravaganza was «A Taste Of Italy»; a four-​course meal perfectly paired with beautiful wines. I love wine. I am FAR from an expert, can’t pick out the nuances of this flavor and that flavor, but I know what I like, and I appreciate anyone who can successfully combine those flavors with just the right food. Eddie Nickell and Nick Olivieri did an AMAZING job.
We began the night with a beautiful Bocelli Prosecco put out by the family of Andrea Bocelli; (as a child, he apparently used to sing to the grapes in the fields that his great-​grandfather planted many years ago) it was delicious — dry and crisp; a perfect palate cleanser for what was to come.
The first course was a Panzanella salad with a lovely, tart champagne vinaigrette, paired with Banfi — Lerime Pinot Grigio. I’m not usually a fan of white wines, but this put together with the acid of the dressing was great; a testament to my appreciation of those who know how to pair the flavors!
The second course was a Paccheri Peperoncia pasta with Mahi in a spicy garlic sauce. I don’t eat seafood, they were happy to accommodate me by leaving the fish off of my dish. The tender ribbons of pasta with a generous portion of lupini beans was served with a lively, spicy red garlic sauce — just the right amount of spice and paired with another Banfi wine — my favorite of the evening — Rosso di Montalcino. A beautiful, smooth red that went down WAY too easily — it accented without overpowering the pasta; so good!
Our third (main) course was a bone-​in Pork Osso Buco, with little square ribbons of pasta and a light but flavorful tomato based jus, paired with Michelle Chiarlo Barberesco Reyna. This was PHENOMENAL. The meat had it’s own super-​rich flavor, it was fall-​off-​the-​bone tender, no knife needed — the smooth sauce and the big red wine was, again, a heavenly pairing. I think the best part is that I have the rest of it in my refrigerator right now, and will have another amazing dinner tonight!
The entrée was the only thing I packed to take home, because I had to save room for dessert! Dessert was served with a Rosa Regale Brachetto; a surprisingly full-​flavored rose sparkling wine, a little too sweet for me on its own. However, Eddie and Nick chose to pair it with a tart Lemon Ricotta cake — not a cheesecake, but a light sponge with a fluffy ricotta and lemon layer served with a blueberry reduction and fresh berries on top. The tart lemon and the sweet wine were so good together!
All in all — I left with a very full belly and some very happy memories (not to mention the fabulous dinner that I get tonight)! Thanks, Eddie and Nick for another wonderful night!

Two things really enrage me about servers at good restaurants: when they see I need fresh silver and don’t bring it, and when they see the table needs to be bussed and they don’t bother. Funky Monkey has managed to to throw me over the edge on that latter one. The service was lazy at best and rude at worst and I likely won’t be back. The food was decent but the service was lacking in some essentials. I’ll sum up in case you don’t feel like reading any more: You can do better (Luma, Ravenous Pig).
So, I had been here before several times. All, «eh.» Not bad, not great. But tonight the Orlando Weekly reminded me is the last weekend of Restaurant Month and FM had a $ 25 3-​course fixed price menu that looked good, so why not give it another try? I made a reservation. When I called to say we were running late, they knew nothing about our reservation, but kindly made us another one. Ok, I should probably have cancelled at that point, but mistakes happen. We got there and the place was mostly empty on a Saturday night at 8pm. The hostess was friendly but unfortunately she did not wait on us. The woman who did was friendly enough until we asked for the Restaurant Month menu. Note that we had to ASK for it, which was odd. Service was downhill after that. She came back about 10 minutes later (why 10 minutes you ask? Great question. It wasn’t like she was busy) for our drink order, then went ahead and took our dinner order at the same time. She clearly had decided we were THOSE PEOPLE, the cheap Restaurant Week people who don’t tip, and she could barely be bothered to string together three polite words after that. Later, when we ordered a second glass of wine she perked up momentarily, but not for long.
The food was pretty good. The stuffed avocado with tuna was a nice appetizer; the salad was fine. The salmon was perfectly cooked, although there was some real underperforming on the one side dish, basic green beans with no seasoning, barely warmed up much less cooked. I am a fan of a good crunchy green bean, but at least pretend you made an effort. The duck breast was ok. Not great, not bad. Same hard green beans. The dessert bread pudding and bananas foster, both fine. Nice dishes to cut down your food cost.
But seriously throughout all of this: our server could not be bothered to lift a finger to bus our table. She and the hostess walked by multiple times for various reasons with nothing in their hands, looked right at our plates, and walked on by. Dessert dishes sat on our table even after we left, server had brought and taken and returned the check, stared at our dirty dishes, and just left them there. Was coffee offered? No.
Basic service 101, people: bring fresh silverware, bus a table, and don’t assume that people who take advantage of a special YOU decided to offer aren’t good tippers. We happen to be great tippers. And also great Unilocalers. Bus the damn table.

Wow! It had been awhile since we had stopped in for Sushi Monday, where sushi is ½ off. Why?! After being seated we were greeted and received the delicious (complimentary) edamame, flavored with salt, garlic and key lime. Addictive! The server was informative about the wines offered and we settled into a bottle and ordered the Monkey Ball appetizer. (Sushi rice, soy, cream cheese and fried scallions– formed into balls, panko crusted and fried. Served with Spicy Mayo. Delish!)
The sushi is always spectacular. Our group ordered the Spicy tuna, Eruption roll, Funky Monkey roll, Lobster roll and the Orange Blossom roll. It was my first time trying the Orange Blossom and I’ll be ordering that again very soon! (Crab (not Krab), avocado, orange segments in a roll topped with salmon and seaweed salad) I’m not a big fan of Salmon or seaweed salad– but with the orange, the flavors popped and everyone at the table agreed this was an awesome roll. Thanks to our server for the recommendation.
The table ordered the bananas foster and the bread pudding for dessert. The bananas foster has raw bananas, which is not detailed in the menu nor mentioned by the server. We loved the sauce and ice cream, but the raw bananas didn’t gain any fans at our table and we agreed that we’d skip it next time. The bread pudding flavors rotate and was apple flavored on our visit. Yummy, but all agreed the apples should be peeled before incorporating in the bread pudding. Noticed the table next to us commenting similarly.
We arrived right after work to a quiet restaurant. Midway through our meal, the place was popping. If you plan to arrive around/​after 6:30pm, I’d be sure to make a reservation.

Late night dessert stop? YES PLEASE!
After leaving sip last night, Alexis N and I were in the mood for yummy desserts, first though, Funky Monkey! It was right around the corner and we are very familiar with their amazing dessert selections. All made in house, they are always fresh and delicious.
There are so many good options I wish they had a dessert sampler because I would house one of those each time I was within 20 miles of the place ;o) What can I say? I’m a SUCKER for sweets!!!
We were juggling 3 options, Bananas Fosters, Chocolate Cake or the Banana Split. We went with the Bananas Fosters and Chocolate Cake. We asked how large the Banana Split was and our waiter said the Bananas Fosters was larger but the spilt is listed as «Family Style» on the menu and about $ 5 more than the Fosters so we pointed that out to him, he said oh yeah… that’s right, i haven’t seen that one in a while. That was disappointing, would have liked a hard sell on the Banana Split — would have made me feel better about consuming so many calories, like i HAD to have it or I was a failure at life for not giving it a run. Oh well.
I was also very disappointed that they are STILL out of my favorite Riesling from Wente. Sigh… but the waiter assured me he would work on getting that back… let’s hope he was telling the truth cause that would be DOPE! I am not sure of the name of the other Riesling I had but it was pretty good. Not too sweet and was great with dessert!
When we arrived we mentioned we would like dessert only and were seated with dinner menus, that was odd. Also after ordering wine, my wine glass was taken away. I am writing this off as Tuesday night mishaps at the Monkey because service is usually mucho better. Our waiter was very friendly and attentive though so that made up for the other snafus.