Denise's Corner

Harry’s Poolside Bar & Grill Opens at Rosen Centre; Convenient Choice for Conventioneers and Locals

Harry’s Poolside Bar & Grill has opened at the Rosen Centre on International Drive! Situated close to the Orange County Convention Center, Harry’s is a great choice for those who are visiting for a convention, with the Rosen Centre Skywalk offering easy access. Locals will also enjoy the relaxing atmosphere and delicious food and drinks (along with validated parking). We were invited to check out this new restaurant!

There is a sign posted about the history of Harry’s. Family is very important to founder Harris Rosen, and Harry Rosenofsky was his paternal grandfather. Their story of the family coming to America begins in the early 1900’s. Many of the Rosen restaurants are named after family members.

Mojitos at Harry’s Poolside Bar & Grill.

A steel drum band played music for the grand opening.

The weather was hot but otherwise beautiful, with the clouds reflected off the Rosen Centre.

Harris Rosen spoke about the history of Harry’s before cutting the ribbon.

Rosen was joined by two of his sons for the ribbon cutting ceremony.

The ice sculpture helped chill the shrimp and crab claws in front of it.

Crab legs were a huge hit, though I didn’t see these on either the lunch or dinner menu.

Sumptious macarons and chocolate covered strawberries were served.

There are a variety of desserts on the menu, we had the chance to try some of them.

We chose to dine outside, there are plenty of comfortable tables with the pool in view.

The Turks Island Chicken Slider was one of the favorites at our table. It is described as “Fried Chicken topped with Grilled Pineapple, Tomato, Sweet Red Onion and Spicy Cayman Aioli Served on a Mini Sweet Island Bun”.

The Chicken Pasta Martinique has a kick to it – this is another one of my favorite items. It includes “Penne Pasta served with Jalapeno Cream Sauce, Grilled Peppers and Annatto Seed, Served with Baked Garlic Ciabatta”. I’ve never had pasta with this much spice to it, and I would order it as an entree.

Unfortunately, we’d just returned from a trip to Maryland and Bubba’s Mango Crab Cake suffered in comparison. However, Jeff still enjoyed this Crab Cake topped with Lettuce, Yellow Beefsteak Tomato and Mango Chutney drizzled with Spicy Cayman Aioli Served on a Sweet Island Bun.

Here is a look at some of our desserts.

Harry’s Poolside Bar & Grill includes seating for nearly 100 inside, along with a bar. There is plentiful seating outside as well.

Sam & Bubbe’s is the Lobby Bar & Lounge. We tried some tastes from here too, everything was excellent! Sam and Bubbe’s is named after the maternal grandparents of Harris Rosen.

The Rosen Centre Hotel is located  at 9840 International Drive. It is situated not only near the Orange County Convention Center, but very close to where the Orlando Eye, Madame Tussauds and SEA LIFE Aquarium are being built. Locals and visitors alike should find much to enjoy at the Rosen Centre, whether staying overnight or just stopping in for a relaxing bite to eat.