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First Look: Tasty Chomps x Orlando Foodie Forum – A Taste of… Taverna Opa Secret Menu – April 29th thru May 9th

“A Taste of… presented by Tasty Chomps x Orlando Foodie Forum” is a new secret menu for foodies to get a “Taste Of…” a local Orlando restaurant with a special pre-fixe menu (similar to Magical Dining) for dine in or take out for a limited time.

Starting April 29th – May 9th, 2021, guest can get a 3-course dinner at Taverna Opa for just $39.  Price does not include tax or gratuity.

Choose one appetizer, entrée, and dessert from the menu below:

APPETIZERS

SAGANAKI

Vlahotiri cheese flamed tableside with brandy.

CRISPY CALAMARI

Crispy fried with lemon.

TRADITIONAL GREEK SALAD

Fresh vine ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, peppers, kalamata.

ENTRÉES

LAMB CHOPS

Lamb chops marinated for 36 hours with fresh herbs and garlic, served with lemon potatoes and yiayia’s vegetables.

FILET MIGNON

10 oz. of tender filet medallions, served with lemon potatoes and yiayia’s vegetables.

LAVRAKI BRONZINO

Fresh from Greece, grilled and served with lemon, olive oil, wild greens and spinach rice.

DESSERTS

BAKLAVA

Walnuts, cinnamon, cloves and honey.

OPA EKMEK

Kantaifi shredded phyllo dough, walnuts, custard cream, and whipped topping.

LOUKOUMADES

Greek style donuts with honey syrup.

Belly dancer Stephanie Gibson

Taverna Opa‘s secret menu offers authentic Greek cuisine at a great price.  Belly dancing entertainment is available nightly.  Guest can enjoy fine Greek cuisine in a festive atmosphere and dance alongside the belly dancers as a confetti of napkins surround you.  Everyone is encouraged to participate – the more the merrier!

To make a reservation, call Taverna Opa and mention the “Tasty Chomps Taste of Taverna Opa Secret Menu” from April 29th thru May 9th, 2021.

Parking is FREE at the Pointe Orlando parking garage with validation from the restaurant.

Taverna Opa Orlando
9101 International Dr #2240, Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 351-8660
opaorlando.com

Now Hiring – Orlando Food and Beverage Job Opportunities – Spring 2021

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As Orlando’s economy begins to re-open and people get vaccinated, there seems to be light at the end of this year long pandemic tunnel.

Here are a few job opportunities in Orlando’s Food and Beverage industry for those looking –

Patina Group – Disney Springs

images of food and employees at restaurant

Up to $500 Sign On Bonus

Join the Patina team at DISNEY SPRINGS® for your chance to enter the exciting and fast paced world of hospitality as a food and beverage professional!
We’re hiring at multiple fan-favorite locations for a variety of positions and skill levels, and we’re ready to welcome you and invest in your growth.
Back of house cooks will receive a $500 sign on bonus. Front of house employees, excluding service staff, will receive a $300 sign on bonus.
Check out the opportunities below to start your career with Patina Restaurant Group and Delaware North! Or, share this exciting opportunity with your family and friends to launch their culinary career.
woman on computer searching online job listings

Online Job Listings

View listings of all culinary opportunities currently available with Patina Restaraunt Group.
APPLY ONLINE
Morimoto Asia exterior

In Person Job Fair

Morimoto Asia – DISNEY SPRINGS®
Thurs, April 29
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
APPLY IN PERSON

 

Marlow’s Tavern – Pointe Orlando

Ongoing hiring is underway for front and back of the house team members, the driving force behind the company’s number one value of hospitality. Candidates are invited to text workatmarlows to 85000, visit www.workatmarlows.com, or stop by the tavern to complete an application. 

Cuba Libre – Pointe Orlando

Cuba Libre Orlando – We’re Reopening in early June!

Apply now for all positions here.

We’re Open in Fort Lauderdale & Hiring immediately for all positions. 
Apply online hereOR, come see us at our Job Fairs this month –
When: April 19 & April 26, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar – Fort Lauderdale
800 E. Las Olas Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Inside Look: The Whiskey on Restaurant Row

The Whiskey, located on Sand Lake Road’s “Restaurant Row”, offers award-winning gourmet burgers that are always ground fresh and cooked to order as well as craft cocktails.

If you are a big fan of burgers and whiskeys for a great price, look no further than The Whiskey’s happy hour menu.  Their happy hour runs daily from Monday through Friday from 4-7pm and offers a variety of appetizers, burgers, and $6.50 Jack Daniels every day.

Their culinary team continually strives to put out the most visually stunning plates, while offering an elevated twist to your palate.  To accomplish this, they use local ingredients from their eggs, produce, grass fed game meats, hormone & range free chicken and organic produce.

As you may expect from an establishment named The Whiskey, the restaurant proudly serves over 600 kinds of its namesake whiskey, including Bourbon, Scotch, & Rye so guests can explore the whiskeys of the world.

Katie Zagaroli, owner of The Whiskey, explained to us how the restaurant came to fruition: “It got started on the way to a Motley Crue concert! We knew we were opening a whiskey bar/restaurant and wanted to offer the best burgers.  On the way to the show we were thinking of names and “Down at The Whiskey” by Motley Crue came on and we decided on The Whiskey.  Obviously we knew we wanted to offer live rock music as well!”  They host live band music at the restaurant, playing each night from 8pm-11pm.

Here Are Popular Dishes at The Whiskey:

Herb Goat Cheese

House made, topped with our tomato sauce, fresh basil pesto and served with warm pita.

Bangin’ Shrimp

Lightly tempura battered, fried, sriracha aioli, scallions, sesame seeds. HH price ($10).

Fried Pickles

Crispy fried pickles with ranch. HH price ($4.25).

Fried Mushrooms

Crispy tempura battered, served with ranch. HH price ($6).

Cheese Curds

White Cheddar cheese curds, breaded and fried, served with side of house marinara or ranch. HH price ($6).

Whiskey Chips

House cooked chips, Chunky smoked blue cheese sauce, Smoked blue cheese crumbles, bacon crumbles, balsamic glaze, diced tomatoes, and scallions.

The Royale

Wagyu, Arugula, Tomato, Bacon, Whiskey Onions, Smoked Gouda, Garlic Aioli.

The Camel

100% Ground Camel, Arugula, Tomato, Whiskey Onions, Hummus, Provolone Cheese.

The Elk

Ground Elk-Cooked Medium Rare, Arugula, Tomato, Whiskey Onions, Smoked Chunky Bleu Cheese Cream.

The BBQ Smokehouse

House Patty, Arugula, Tomato, Sliced Smoked Brisket, Cheddar Cheese, Onion Rings, BBQ Sauce.

The Steak & Bleu

Organic Spring Mix, grilled Coulotte Steak, Smoked blue cheese crumbles, beef steak tomatoes, sliced onions, balsamic glaze and Chunky smoked blue cheese sauce.

Cheesecake

Garnished with fresh strawberries.

The Whiskey also has quite the hand selected drink menu, proudly serving over 200 kinds of Whiskey, Bourbon, Scotch, & Rye including 85 Whiskeys & Rye, 66 Bourbons, 52 Scotches, 21 Irish Whiskeys, and 10 Rare & Limited.  They have special whiskey bottles that were made just for The Whiskey.

Here Are Some Special Whiskey Cocktails at The Whiskey:

“The Whiskey” Old-Fashioned

“The Whiskey” Single Barrel Jack, orange bitters, rhubarb bitters, raw cane sugar, fresh orange, Traverse City black cherry and rock candy stir.

The Denver Old Fashioned

“The Whiskey” Stranahan’s, rhubarb bitters, smoked chili bitters, Traverse City Black cherry.

Gotham Smash

“The Whiskey” Hudson Manhattan Rye, sweet peach, fresh lime juice and mint.

Makers Boulevardier

The Whiskey’s own Maker’s Mark Private Select Barrel, campari, sweet vermouth, black walnut bitters & black cherry garnish.

Here Are Popular Cocktails at The Whiskey:

Motley Cue-Cumber

Crop Cucumber Vodka, muddled cucumbers, fresh mint, lime juice and sinple syrup.

Black Cherry Sour

Jim Beam Black Extra Aged Bourbon, Filthy black cherry juice, house made sour mix, fresh lemon and Traverse City black cherry.

The Annie Oakley

Heaven Hill Bottled in Bond Bourbon, fresh blackberries, Aztec chocolate bitters, smoked chili bitters, simple syrup and Traverse City black cherry.

The Piggy Back

PiggyBack 6 year Rye, Belle Isle Coffee Moonshine, Aztec chocolate bitters, black walnut bitters and rock candy stir.

Margarita

Be sure to check them out for amazing burgers and drinks the next time you are in the Sand Lake area!

The Whiskey
7563 W Sand Lake Rd. Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 930-6517
downatthewhiskey.com

Inside Look: Promenade at Sunset Walk Orlando hosts “Best Of” Appetizer Challenge

The Promenade at Sunset Walk hosted a “Best Of” Appetizer Challenge on Saturday, April 17th.

The Best of Challenge: Appetizer Edition showcased the signature appetizers of the Promenade’s Amazing Restaurants as well as Margaritaville Resort Orlando and Island H2O Live! Water Park.

The entire cast of The Jim Colbert Show from Real Radio 104.1 returned celebrity event hosts and local food bloggers and media outlets voted for the Critics Choice – Best Appetizer winner.

Guests of the ticketed event enjoyed street entertainment, live entertainment and activities hosted by The Jim Colbert Show and DJ Scotty B., the Promenade artisan market, a car show, and the live Rock & Roll of The Hooligans.

Participants dropped tokens in designated voting boxes for favorite appetizer and the top three restaurants received awards for Best Appetizer at Sunset Walk Orlando.

Participating Restaurants

BurgerFi – Fries

Capone’s Coal Fired Pizza – Meatball

Ford’s Garage – Boom Boom Shrimp

GameTime – Mac and Cheese Ball

Lizzie’s Memphis Style BBQ – Pork Slider

Rock & Brews – Jalapeño Popper

The Wharf – Clam Chowder

Yeoman’s Cask & Lion – Brussels Sprouts 

Euphoria at Margaritaville Resort Orlando – Lobster

Island H2O Live! Water Park – S’mores Funnel Cake

Estefan Kitchen Orlando – Mashed Potato Croquette

Winners

Critics Choice – Yeoman’s Cask & Lion

Third Place – Lizzie’s Memphis Style BBQ
Second Place – Ford’s Garage
First Place – Yeoman’s Cask & Lion

Be sure to follow for @promenadeatsunsetwalk on social media for more information on upcoming events!

Photos by Krystle Nguyen

Promenade at Sunset Walk
3251 Margaritaville Boulevard
Kissimmee, FL 34747

20 Best Brunch Spots in Orlando for Spring 2021

Springtime in Orlando means lots of warmth and sunshine, making it the perfect time of year to enjoy a delicious weekend brunch. Orlando’s food scene is vast, and that remains true when it comes to breakfast and brunch. From hearty bites to bottomless mimosas, here are the 20 best brunch spots in Orlando for spring 2021.

20 Best Brunch Spots in Orlando for Spring 2021

1. White Wolf Cafe

Located in Orlando’s Ivanhoe Village District, White Wolf Cafe offers a weekend brunch that is both delightful and affordable. Choose from a mouthwatering variety of specialty brunch dishes, salads, sandwiches and more. You’ll want to get there early though, as it’s almost always packed.

Photo by @fingerlickinguuud on Instagram

2. Maxine’s on Shine

Maxine’s on Shine serves up a tasty “Rejuicination Brunch” every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. This spot features outdoor seating, live music and most importantly: great food.

Photo by @melanineats on Instagram

3. Boca Winter Park

Boca Winter Park is a lovely food spot with a focus on farm-to-table and locally sourced ingredients. Brunch is available every weekend, offering fantastic eats as well as bottomless mimosas and bloody marys.

Photo by @treatyoselfwithashley on Instagram

4. The Stubborn Mule

The Stubborn Mule serves up brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Some crowd favorites include the $20 bottomless mimosas in addition to tasty menu items like the Chicken & Waffle and The Frenchmen french toast.

Photo by @madythefoody on Instagram

5. Santiago’s Bodega

Santiago’s Bodega offers a weekend brunch specializing in all-you-can-eat tapas for the price of $44.95 per person. You can choose from a variety of delicious hot, cold, sweet and savory tapas. Alcoholic beverages are available at an additional cost.

Photo by @givemebites on Instagram

6. The Glass Knife

The Glass Knife is a Winter Park staple, serving brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Choose from delightful menu items like the Ultimate Cinnamon Roll, Cheddar Biscuit Sandwich Plate, Avocado & Egg Toast (pictured below), Strawberry Lemon Waffles and much more.

Photo by The Glass Knife

7. The Ravenous Pig

The Ravenous Pig is brought to Central Florida by husband-and-wife duo James and Julie Petrakis. In addition to its impressive dinner, beer garden and wine menus, this restaurant also offers a brunch that is both delicious and unique.

Photo by @kaylasbeenhere on Instagram

8. Russel’s on Lake Ivanhoe

Russell’s on Lake Ivanhoe is an upscale dining spot offering guests a number of exclusive offers throughout the week, from happy hour specials to lady’s nights and of course; Sunday brunch. We recommend trying the Cinnamon Roll Waffle or the Breakfast Club.

Photo by Russell’s on Lake Ivanhoe

9. Tapa Toro

Every Sunday, enjoy a “Bottomless Brunch” at Tapa Toro Orlando. Unlimited sangria and mimosas, a la carte specials, all-you-can-eat paella and live flamenco dancing entertainment are all included in the price.

Photo by @michaelmassfoodie on Instagram

10. Soco Thornton Park

Soco Thornton Park is a downtown Orlando must when it comes to weekend brunch. From Brunch Burgers to Salmon Potato Cakes to Chicken -N- French Toast (pictured below), Soco Thornton Park is sure to have a breakfast dish for everyone to enjoy.

Photo by Tiffany Nguyen

11. Another Broken Egg Cafe

Another Broken Egg Cafe is the ideal brunch spot open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Whether you’re looking for traditional breakfast dishes or more unique menu items with a twist, you’ll want to check out Another Broken Egg Cafe.

Photo by @mindofmindea on Instagram

12. Loading…Gastrobrunch

Loading…Gastrobrunch is a charming brunch spot located right outside of Orlando in St. Cloud, Florida. With generous serving sizes, mouthwatering dishes and a variety of coffee sourced from Lineage Coffee Roasting, Loading…Gastrobrunch is certainly worth a try.

13. American Social

Located on Sand Lake Road, American Social offers everything you could wish for in a brunch menu, from small bites to heartier breakfast dishes. We recommend trying the Avocado Toast with Egg (pictured below), the Donut Holes and the Smoked Salmon Benedict.

14. First Watch

First Watch is a Central Florida staple, and for good reason. It’s a wonderfully reliable spot for all things breakfast and brunch. First Watch offers menu items made from quality ingredients that you can trust, and they taste just as great as they look.

Photo by Tiffany Nguyen

15. Hamilton’s Kitchen

Hamilton’s Kitchen, located within The Alfond Inn in Winter Park, offers a lovely weekend brunch. Brunch is offered every Saturday and Sunday, featuring brunch classics, salads and so much more.

Photo by Hamilton’s Kitchen

16. Yard House

Yard House has locations all over the country, but that doesn’t make the weekend brunch at the ICON Park Orlando location any less wonderful. The food is delectable, and the drink deals are fantastic (you can enjoy bottomless beer in addition to the typical bottomless mimosas and bloody marys).

Photo by Yard House

17. Bulla Gastrobar

Brunch at Bulla Gastrobar consists of your choice of breakfast tapas, small plates and three courses of brunch must-haves. Specialty brunch cocktails are available in addition to bottomless mimosas.

18. Omelet Bar

Located right by UCF, Omelet Bar offers an extensive menu of breakfast must-haves from its famous omelets to waffles, pancakes, crepes, sandwiches, wraps and more. Bottomless mimosas and Bellinis are also available every Sunday Funday.

Photo by @theaestheticchef on Instagram

19. Briarpatch

Briarpatch is a quaint breakfast restaurant conveniently located in Winter Park right on Park Ave. Open daily until 5 p.m., Briarpatch features a charming atmosphere and tasty brunch bites.

Photo by @simplychiqueshelby on Instagram

20. Delaney’s Tavern

For a less traditional brunch, try Delaney’s Tavern. Whether you’re craving something sweet or savory, light or hearty, Delaney’s Tavern has it.

Photo by Tiffany Nguyen

Orlando offers an impressive variety of tasty brunch bites. With the warmer months approaching, you’re going to want these 20 spots on your list of foodie spots to keep in mind.

 

 

 

 

First Look: Tasty Chomps x Orlando Foodie Forum – A Taste of… Tabla Secret Menu – April 15th thru April 25th

We were invited to Tabla Indian Chinese Thai – Winter Park on Park Avenue to check out “Tasty Chomps x Orlando Foodie Forum – A Taste of… Tabla” secret menu and we enjoyed our experience.  The service was very friendly and every dish that we tried was insanely good.  We highly recommend this limited-time secret menu if you are looking for authentic Indian food with an amazing taste for a great price.

“A Taste of… presented by Tasty Chomps x Orlando Foodie Forum” is a new secret menu for foodies to get a “Taste Of…” a local Orlando restaurant with a special pre-fixe menu (similar to Magical Dining) for dine in or take out for a limited time.

Starting April 15th – April 25th, 2021, guest can get a 3-course dinner at Tabla for just $30.  Price does not include tax or gratuity.

Choose one appetizer, entrée, and dessert from the menu below:

APPETIZERS

Chili Paneer

Marinated Paneer Cheese with Onions, Bell Peppers and Indo-Chinese Chili Garlic Sauce.

Mixed Pakora

Spiced Cauliflower, Potato, Paneer and Onion Fritters – can be made Vegan & Gluten free.

Chicken Manchurian

Crispy Cauliflower or Chicken Fritters tossed in Tabla’s Signature Manchurian Sauce.

Served with Mint Chutney & Sweet Tamarind Chutney.

ENTRÉES

Vegetable Navratna Korma

Vegetables in creamy almond based curry sauce.

Chana Masala

Chickpeas cooked home style with Onions, Tomatoes & Ginger – Can be made Vegan & Gluten free.

Butter Chicken

A North Indian Delicacy. Chicken cooked in a flavorful Tomato Cream Sauce

Served with Pulao Rice, Tadka Dal, Naan, Pappad, Pickle.

DESSERTS

Cassatta Ice Cream

Chocolate Samosa with Chai Latte Ice Cream

Gulab Jamun Brûlée

To make a reservation, call Tabla and mention the “Tasty Chomps Taste of Tabla Secret Menu” from April 15th thru April 25th, 2021.

Tabla Indian Cuisine currently has two locations.  The secret menu will be available at both Winter Park and Kirkman Rd. locations.

Tabla Indian Chinese Thai – Winter Park
216 N Park Ave Ste H, Winter Park, FL 32789
(321) 422-0321

Tabla Indian Restaurant
5847 Grand National Dr., Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 248-9400

Inside Look: Happy Hour at Tapa Toro in ICON Park

We were invited to experience Tapa Toro’s happy hour menu and we enjoyed our food, friendly service, and energetic ambiance.

Tapa Toro’s happy hour is available at the bar daily from 3-6pm and offers unique dishes that will take you on a culinary journey of Spanish flavors and culture.

Tapa Toro and Taverna Opa owner Vassilis Coumbaros met with us and walked us through their tasty happy hour menu.

The bold and dynamic menu includes ground lamb sliders, pork belly, mussels, a variety of other delicious dishes and drink specials so there is surely something for everyone to enjoy all for a great price.

Here are all the culinary offerings on Tapa Toro’s Happy Hour menu:

SLIDERS

Ground lamb/cilantro yogurt/pickled cucumber. $7

FIERCE POTATOES

Spicy tomato sauce/lemon aioli. $4

PORK BELLY

Crispy pork belly/local honey/seasonal nuts. $5

MEATBALLS

Beef meatballs/tomato sauce. $5

POTATOES WITH CHORIZO

Chorizo/potatoes/fried egg. $5

HAM CROQUETTES

Ham/béchamel/alioli. $5

MUSSELS MEJILLONES

Mussels/garlic/white wine/tomatoes/baguette. $7

EMPANADA

Chickpeas/tomato/potatoes/ cilantro yogurt. $2

FRIED CALAMARI

Peppers/jalapeños/tomato sauce. $6

Everything we tried was delicious but our favorites were the ground lamb sliders, pork belly, and ham croquettes!

Executive Chef Bennie

Chef Abelardo & Executive Chef Bennie

DRINK SPECIALS:

2-FOR-1 DRINKS

1/2 OFF HOUSE BEER, WINE + SANGRIA

1/2 PRICE COCKTAIL PITCHERS

PASSION FRUIT

FRESCA LEMONADE

Flamenco dancing is available nightly, shows begin at 7pm and 9pm.

Tapa Toro is located at the heart of ICON Park, next to the Museum of Illusions.  Be sure to check them out the next time you are in the area!

For more information, visit: tapatoro.restaurant/menus/happy-hour/

Tapa Toro
8441 International Drive Orlando, Fl 32819
(407) 226-2929

Look Ahead 2021: Tabla Indian Cuisine in Winter Park / I-Drive

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As the economy and our community continues to make strides against the coronavirus pandemic and as vaccination programs ramp up, we are checking in with some of our favorite local Orlando restaurants to see how they are doing and what their plans are as we move out of 2020 and into 2021 and the future ahead.

We recently spoke with Nora Jain, owner of Tabla Indian Cuisine who recently opened their second location in Winter Park right off of Park Avenue in 2020 to get her insights. The restaurant is named after the Indian drum and features a fusion of Indian, Indo-Chinese, and Thai cuisine.

Tasty Chomps Interview with Nora Jain, owner of Tabla Indian Cuisine

Tasty Chomps – What are your operational/business goals for the restaurant in 2021?
Nora Jain – Tabla has been able to survive the Pandemic only because of our Loyal Customers who supported us wholeheartedly through 2020. We are so thankful to each and every one of them! Tabla‘s main goal for 2021 is to add at least two more locations to our portfolio, if not more!
GOBI MANCHURIAN – $12.00
Crispy Cauliflower or Chicken Fritters tossed in Tabla’s Signature Manchurian Sauce
What are some lessons you have learned during 2020?
The main lesson we learned in 2020 is the importance of Take out and Delivery in today’s world. That is why we are making some back end changes to start our own Delivery and make the Take out process more user friendly!
GARLIC NAAN – $4.00
What are some personal resolutions you have for 2021? 
Personally I would like to grow more spiritually as a human being. That’s a huge personal lesson I learned during the lockdown. Being able to have more control on your thoughts and just doing what you do, the very best you can peacefully. Not to worry about the end result and just live in the present moment.
TABLA’S LAMB CHOPS – $32.00
Tender Lamb Chops flavored with Chef’s Special Marinade

What are some things you have noticed change this year in the front of the house?
I saw the importance of Touchless QR Code menus, making our old style fancy printed menus almost redundant. I think the Front of the house has become more clean, more organized and clutter free. I kind of like that, as we are so much more aware of how to be safe for our Guests and our staff. I like the whole Tech upgrades that have come in our industry.

 

BUTTER CHICKEN- $18.00 – A North Indian Delicacy. Chicken cooked in a flavorful Tomato Cream Sauce

What are some things new guests to the restaurant can expect when they come to dine at the restaurant? How does your restaurant stand out from other restaurants in your mind?

I believe we stand out because of our commitment to Quality, Freshness and Creativity. Those were the founding principles of Tabla and have remained our strength through every thick and thin.

What are some of your favorite dishes on the menu right now and why?

I love our Tandoori fish, which is whole Pompano marinated and cooked in Tandoori Oven. It is very flavorful and takes the Indian Seafood scene to the next level! My second favorite these days again is our Salmon Fish Tikka and Tandoori Shrimps! I guess I am into seafood these days!!

What are the most popular dishes right now ?

I would say Tandoori Lamb Chops, Mixed Grill Platter, Tandoori fish and Salmon Fish Tikka

Tabla Indian Cuisine
216 N Park Ave Ste H, Winter Park, FL 32789
5847 Grand National Dr, Orlando, FL 32819
https://www.tablacuisine.com/

Inside Look: Steak and Seafood Dinner at Tap Room at Dubsdread Golf Course in College Park

The award winning Tap Room at Dubsdread in College Park may have one of the longest histories in Orlando, dating back to when the golf course first opened in 1924, eventually becoming a popular hangout spot for officers during World War II and popular ever since.

Today, under the guidance of owner Steven Gunter and Chef Stewart Barney, the Tap Room has gained recognition for some of the best burgers and outdoor dining in town (they actually recently added extra outdoor dining space with a gorgeous gazebo and firepit area).

Tap Room at Dubsdread has continued to receive both local and national recognition, most recently as Kayak and OpenTables list of the 25 Restaurants in the World Worth Traveling For in their “Will Fly for Food” compilation in 2019.

The Tap Room has also recently begun featuring a new expanded list of high-quality steaks and seafood options as well as a superb wine and cocktail list to accompany dinner.

One thing you can expect at The Tap Room is exceptional and friendly service to go along with their made-from-scratch dishes. On a recent visit, this continued to be true.

For our appetizers, we began with the Fresh Prince Edward Island Mussels, steamed in white wine and garlic butter with grilled artisan bread. The mussels are expertly cooked and plumped with a lovely touch of squeezed lemon provided. And that grilled buttered bread comes in handy when you want to sop the entire garlic butter wine sauce after finishing the mussels.

Fresh Prince Edward Island Mussels – 12.4
steamed in white wine and garlic butter with grilled artisan bread

The cocktails and drink list has some new and old favorites like the Old Fashioned made with Maker’s Mark and refreshing raspberry mojito.

The “Langston” Old Fashioned – 9
Nicely muddled with Makers Mark

Raspberry Mojito – 9

If you are a fan of steaks, make sure to put The Tap Room on your list of must try’s – especially with their great variety of hand cut steaks and chops. All entrees are also served with your choice of 2 sides.

Prime Grade Delmonico Cut 14oz Ribeye – 38

Filet Mignon and Maryland Style Lump Crab Cake – 6oz/39 | 8oz/45

Grilled Filet Tips – 28
angel hair pasta tossed in roasted garlic butter sauce with heirloom tomatoes

Parmesan Encrusted Grouper – 28
topped with lemon beurre blanc

Make sure to leave some room for dessert – made – in – house of course – particularly the signature Tap Room luscious chocolate cake drizzled with chocolate syrup and almond chips.

Menu

Exterior / Interior Shots

Taproom at Dubsdread
549 W Par St, Orlando, FL 32804
(407) 650-0100
taproomatdubsdread.com

Second Harvest of Central Florida expands with new Mercy Kitchen production kitchen

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Approximately one in seven adults across Central Florida could experience food insecurity in 2021 due to the ongoing economic fallout from COVID-19. Neighbors in our community are struggling to put food on the table – many facing this difficult reality for the first time in their lives.

The food bank has been distributing enough food for 300,000 meals a day for the past year – that’s double pre-pandemic hunger relief efforts.

Due to the heightened and sustained need for food assistance caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Second Harvest outgrew its existing kitchen and needed to find an additional location. As a result of CARES Act funding through Orange County and financial support from the community, the food bank expanded into the new 20,000-square-foot facility, two miles from its main warehouse.

Mercy Kitchen includes an expanded production kitchen, a cooler and freezer area, dry storage, and six receiving and distribution bay doors to support Second Harvest’s operations.

Mercy Kitchen

Volunteers and staff at this location support hunger relief efforts by producing more than 115,000 meals a week, including:

  • 7-Day Breakfast and Lunch Boxes
  • Chef-inspired Family Meal Boxes
  • Kids meals for the Kids Café Program and Summer Food Service Program

Additionally, Mercy Kitchen is home to Second Harvest’s social entrepreneurial endeavors, such as providing contracted meals for private schools and its signature product line, A Spoon Full of Hope. These programs, along with Drop and Go Catering, and Catering for Good services, have allowed Second Harvest to diversify its funding stream and continue providing necessary resources to help sustain hunger relief efforts in Central Florida.

Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign. 

Walmart and Sam’s Club are supporting the Feeding America® nationwide network of food banks, including Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida through the Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign.  Now in its eighth year, the campaign has been a way for Walmart and Sam’s Club to partner with suppliers, customers and members to help provide food to people in need.

The Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign will run in store and online from April 5 – May 3, 2021. There are three easy ways for customers and members to participate:

  • Donate at check-out in stores and clubs, or at either www.FeedingAmerica.org/Walmart or www.FeedingAmerica.org/SamsClub.
  • Round-up at check-out on Walmart.com and the Walmart app.
  • For every participating product purchased in store or online at Walmart.com or SamsClub.com, the supplier will donate the monetary equivalent of at least one meal ($0.10) on behalf of a Feeding America member food bank at Walmart and five meals ($0.50) at Sam’s Club, up to applicable limits. See specially marked packages for full details.

“Central Florida has faced a number of challenges this past year and we have worked hard to serve our neighbors in their time of need. Walmart and Sam’s Club have been a true partner in this effort,” said Dave Krepcho, president and CEO. “Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida is grateful for Walmart, Sam’s Club and their suppliers, members and customers for their generous support because it will allow us to continue operating at levels we have not seen for as long as we have been.”

Since March 2020, Second Harvest has been distributing enough food for 300,000 meals a day – double the amount from before the pandemic. In that time, the food bank has provided 96 million meals across Orange, Osceola, Lake, Seminole, Volusia and Brevard counties.

“Fighting hunger means more than just feeding people. It means helping them on a path to fulfill their potential, because nutritious food is the foundation for good health and wellbeing,” said Kathleen McLaughlin, executive vice president and chief sustainability officer for Walmart. “Central to our mission at Walmart is helping people live better and that includes ensuring they have access to nutritious food. In its eighth year, Fight Hunger. Spark Change. continues to provide communities a way to support local food banks alongside their neighbors, trusted brands and their local Walmart and Sam’s Club.”

Each Walmart and Sam’s Club will partner with at least one local Feeding America food bank, and the 27 participating suppliers include: Abbott, Bodyarmor, Bush Brothers & Company, Campbell Soup Company, Clif Bar & Company, Ferrera Candy Company, General Mills, Great Value, Iovate Health Sciences, J.M. Smucker, Kellogg’s, Keurig/Mott’s, Kitu Coffee, Kraft Heinz, Materne North America, Mighty Spark, Monster Energy, PEPSICO, Post Consumer Brands, Purina, Simply Good Foods, Strong Roots, The Coca-Cola Company, The Clorox Company, This Saves Lives, Unilever and United States Nutrition.

To learn more about the campaign visit www.FeedHopeNow.org.

Orange County and Visit Orlando Announce Return of ‘#407Day’ Campaign to Support Local Restaurants

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Today marks the return of “#407 Day” this Wednesday, April 7 (4/07), giving residents an opportunity to show support for local restaurants and their employees, which make up 84% of the vital hospital industry in Central Florida.
The campaign – inspired by the county’s longtime area code – encourages residents to dine-in or order takeout/delivery from their favorite local restaurants and post their personal recommendations, experiences and photos on their social media channels using the hashtag #407Day.
Details below:

Orange County and Visit Orlando announce the return of “#407 Day” on Wednesday, April 7 (4/07) as an opportunity for residents to show support for local restaurants and their employees, which make up 84% of the vital hospital industry in Central Florida. The campaign – inspired by the county’s longtime area code – encourages residents to dine-in or order takeout/delivery from their favorite local restaurants and post their personal recommendations, experiences and photos on their social media channels using the hashtag #407Day.

“Our restaurant community has always represented a vital part of who we are as a region,” said Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings. “This year, we are proud to continue to show our support for our restaurants through ‘#407 Day.’ Although it has been challenging, we are resilient and we continue to always have a neighbors helping neighbors philosophy. I encourage our residents to enjoy the time out or order takeout or delivery.”

“Our local restaurants are part of the fabric of Orlando’s community, creating jobs for over 100,000 residents, and offering a wide variety of cuisine from nearly 40 countries from around the world,” said Visit Orlando President and CEO Casandra Matej. “We have over 6,000 restaurants in our region, and 407 Day is a great way to show your local favorite that you appreciate them by dining in or ordering out and lifting them up on social media.”

Since late December 2020, dozens of local restaurants have also stepped up to help essential workers in our local community during the COVID-19 crisis in meaningful ways ranging from lunch, dinner and snack donations for the workers working long shifts at the Orange County Convention Center vaccination site.

Residents are encouraged to share images of their local favorites on @VisitOrlando’s and @OrangeCoFL’s social media channels, including Twitter, Instagram and Facebook using #407Day.

The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes Resort Launches Second “Curated Experiences” Weekend April 23-25, 2021

After very first and very successful Curated Experiences weekend in February of this year (see our recap of this epic event-filled Curated Experiences weekend here), Curated Experiences returns to The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes on the weekend of April 23-25, 2021.

In one perfectly planned weekend, guests at Grande Lakes Orlando can enjoy the ultimate mix of relaxation and inspiration, along with master classes, guided workshops, immersive demonstrations and more led by an array of award-winning chefs, winemakers, jewelers, artists, athletes and wellness experts.”

New this time – Two-time James Beard Award Winning Chef Melissa Kelly will lead both the Italian Cooking class and headline the Saturday evening Wine Pairing Dinner, along with Chef John Tesar of Knife and Spoon and special guests including local Orlando restauranteur Eddie Nickell (of Bites and Bubbles) and  Chef Kathleen Blake (The Rusty Spoon).

Something new that Grande Lakes is offering in April that they did not have in February is multiple tiered ticket options, including:

FOUR PACKAGES TO CHOOSE FROM

COMPLETE CURATED
EXPERIENCES WEEKEND
Friday-Sunday
$750 per person

FULL DAY SATURDAY & DINNER
Four Curated Experiences
with Wine Pairing Dinner
and Entertainment
$600 per person

SATURDAY EVENING
Wine Pairing Dinner
and Entertainment Only
$300 per person

FULL DAY SATURDAY & LUNCH
Four Curated Experiences
with Chef Curated Lunch
$300 per person

Register Now: https://web.cvent.com/event/388d19d4-816b-4934-9778-1e4db02ec615/summary

CURATED EXPERIENCES

WHEELS, WATCHES, WHISKEY & WINE RECEPTION

6:00pm-10:00pm | Friday, April 23

A casual Friday kickoff welcomes guests to Wheels, Watches, Whiskey & Wine. Guests will indulge in a Taste of Grande Lakes featuring an array of small plates from the resort’s on-site award-winning restaurants. Makers will invite guests to amble among the wine and whiskey carts to taste and learn. Exotic Cars Display to fire the imagination and fuel the conversation, and fine jewelry makers will display their exquisite creations.

EXOTIC CARS DISPLAY

6:00pm-10:00pm | Friday, April 23
6:30pm-10:00pm | Saturday, April 24

A display of both vintage and contemporary vehicles including modern exotics, vintage luxury brands and other rare and unique examples. Names like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Aston Martin, Porsche and others will be on display. Representatives, owners and others who work in the automotive field will be onsite to educate guests on the history and performance of each vehicle.

YOGA & MIMOSA/WINE BAR

8:00am-8:50am | Saturday, April 24
8:00am-8:50am | Sunday, April 25

Morning yoga session to start the day followed by a complimentary glass of mimosa or wine. The Ritz-Carlton Spa enables guests to experience elements of nature and emerge refreshed, relaxed and revitalized. Between or post-treatment, relax in the outdoor lap pool or enjoy a healthy meal at Vitale, a Spa Café. Signature therapies, including massages and body treatments, incorporate CBD and herbs from the resort’s organic garden, honey from its resident bees, citrus from local orchards and other homegrown ingredients.

MEET THE WATCHMAKERS

9:30am – 10:45am | Saturday, April 24

A boutique display of 30-50 vintage and contemporary timepieces will be on display presented by experts in the field who will introduce these interesting timepieces in a fun and educational manor allowing for those who may not be watch collectors to appreciate the craftsmanship and elegance of each piece. Included in the display will be some rare and unique timepieces many collectors may have not seen before.

ART OF PASTRY

9:30am-10:45am | Saturday, April 24

Perhaps more than any other culinary genre, pastry requires the perfect combination of technical skill and creative artistry. Every day, Grande Lakes Orlando’s pastry team creates edible works of art from scratch to serve all over the resort. Pastry pros must master flaky croissants, airy soufflés and an array of breads – along with tempering chocolate, cooking cream and pairing fruits, spices and other essences to add memorable flavor notes to their creations. Enjoy a glimpse into this fascinating world that goes way beyond butter.

BRUNCH MIXOLOGY

9:30am – 10:45am | Saturday, April 24

Gone are the days when simply adding orange juice to a drink made it brunch-worthy. From aromatics to ABV, master mixologists consider several elements when crafting the perfect libation to pair with a relaxed daytime meal. Learn methods for mixing the best Bloody Mary and the ultimate brunch margarita, including ratios, technique and garnish preparation.

FLY CASTING DEMONSTRATION

9:30am – 10:45am | Saturday, April 24

Captain Mark Benson and a representative from G. Loomis will lead the G. Loomis Fly Fishing Experience at the resort’s casting pond, where guests can cast dry and wet flies and learn all about essential gear. Mark Benson, a native of Central Florida, caught his first fish at the age of four, and he’s been hooked on the sport ever since. It’s Captain Mark’s job to transport guests away from the luxurious setting of the resort and let them experience genuine nature.

DRY AGING: PERFUME AND PROCESS WITH JOHN TESAR
Lunch Included

11:00am-1:00pm | Saturday, April 24

Take an in depth look at the John Tesar signature dry aging method that has made Knife & Spoon so successful and taste the difference. John Tesar was called “the single most talented cook I ever worked with” by Anthony Bourdain. He has garnered praise from Food & Wine and The New York Times, has appeared on The Today Show and The Early Show, and is a two-time contestant on Bravo’s ”Top Chef.”

ITALIAN COOKING DEMONSTRATION
Lunch Included

11:00am – 1:00pm | Saturday, April 24

Experience contemporary, fine Italian cuisine inspired by the original Primo, a world-class restaurant in a 19th century Victorian house in coastal Maine. With a “homegrown” concept, we emphasize the freshest local ingredients to create imaginative and dazzling recipes. Our primo chefs will present the art of pasta and pizza-making.

CAVIAR & PEARLS FROM THE SEA
Lunch Included

11:00am – 1:00pm | Saturday, April 24

Joined by Michael Passmore, founder of Passmore Ranch, an ever-growing 86 acre ranch nestled in the rolling grasslands of Sloughhouse, California, shadowed by the Sierra mountain range. Passmore Ranch is known for its sustainably raised and sourced fish, and perhaps more so, for the making of some of the world’s finest small batch caviar for his chefs. Passmore Ranch fish have received “Best Choice” rating from The Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program, its highest ranking possible for sustainable practices and positive environmental impact.

THE FLAVORS OF WHISPER CREEK FARM
Lunch Included

11:00am – 1:00pm | Saturday, April 24

Enjoy a truly unique farm-to-fork experience, handpick ingredients and watch them transform into an unforgettable meal. Learn about the art of farming through guided tours and interactive cooking lessons from our JW Culinary Team. Whisper Creek Farm is a 7,000-square-foot fruit and vegetable garden with an adjoining 11,000-square-foot outdoor event space, barn, apiary and chicken coop. Products produced on the farm are featured in restaurant dishes, beverages, and even spa treatments at the resort.

THE ART OF CHOCOLATE

2:00pm-3:15pm | Saturday, April 24
3:30pm-4:45pm | Saturday, April 24

The Art of Chocolate with World Champion Ice Carver/Chocolate Sculptor Victor Dagatan. Chef Victor Dagatan’s ice carving skills have brought him accolades from around the world including 2014 Silver Medalist in the Cultural Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. He is also tasked on the resort with creating large chocolate showpieces, fruit and vegetable carvings, and crafting anything out of edible sugar.

WINE BLENDING EVENT

2:00pm-3:15pm | Saturday, April 24
3:30pm-4:45pm | Saturday, April 24

Take a deep dive into terroir with an expert in wine blending. Sip and sample as you learn how vintners combine varietals from different regions, harvests and fermentations to create signature blends. The definition of a “perfect” blend is very personal, so you’ll enjoy the opportunity to create your own with assistance from someone at the top of their craft.

WHISKEY TASTING

2:00pm-3:15pm | Saturday, April 24
3:30pm-4:45pm | Saturday, April 24

Iron Smoke Whiskey tasting, Taste Cask Strength whiskey as well as their award winning natural elixirs. Forbes Magazine review states, “A must try for those who are delving into bourbon but have a hard time with the sweetness found in most expressions.” Rocker/Musician Tommy Brunett (formerly of Modern English), came up with the concept of combining two great American past times: great bourbon/whiskey making with an added subtle hint of Applewood BBQ’s smoked goodness.

MASTER MIXOLOGY

2:00pm-3:15pm | Saturday, April 24
3:30pm-4:45pm | Saturday, April 24

Experience a truly craft cocktail experience with our Bar Chef, Brenda Mulero and our mixologists Anna McElroy and Alexa Delgado from Knife & Spoon. The cocktail program at Knife & Spoon is quite extensive and not only involves the basic classic cocktails, but also the flavor profiles, pairing with the entrees, visual presentation, aroma, the way it looks when carried on a tray, and ultimately the presentation to the guest. Guests will learn how to create handcrafted syrups, juices and bitters, hand cut cubes and beverage presentation.

TRANSFORM YOUR LOOK WITH FIVE SUMMER MUST HAVES
Presented by The Mall at Millenia

2:00pm – 3:15pm | Saturday, April 24

Meet Marianne Ilunga of The Mall at Millenia’s Personal Stylist team to learn secrets that can transform your look from day to night, formal to informal, professional to casual, or breezy to WOW! Marianne will share five can’t live without pieces – to enhance any outfit! This fun and interactive presentation is sure to inspire and entertain!

TENNIS AND PICKLE BALL CLINIC

3:30pm – 4:45pm | Saturday, April 24

The Ritz-Carlton Golf & Tennis Club offers the year-round opportunity for players of all levels and experience. We feature three lighted hard courts, drills, clinics, and personal instruction from our USPTA certified tennis professional, Joey Puleri. Get tips on proper grip, swing and stance and enjoy a game of Pickle Ball.

WINE PAIRING DINNER

6:30pm – 10:00pm | Saturday, April 24

Grande Lakes Orlando is home to an extensive agricultural operation, Whisper Creek Farm. This 7,000-square-foot fruit and vegetable garden also features local chickens and an apiary to create a truly authentic farm-to-fork experience. This culinary highlight will be a sit-down dinner with farm-fresh ingredients featuring menu items by Chef Melissa Kelly, Chef John Tesar and guest chefs along with a wine pairing.

KNIFE & SPOON ROSÉ CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH

10:30am – 1:00pm | Sunday, April 25

Voted #1 2020 Best New Restaurant in Orlando (Orlando Weekly) and one of the Top 3 2020 Best New Restaurants in the U.S. (USA Today 10 Best), Knife & Spoon features New American steak and seafood conceived and led by award-winning chef, John Tesar. Enjoy a spread of fresh fruits, desserts, pastries, fresh breads, an omelet bar and a steak carving station.

FALCONRY SCHOOL

9:30am – 10:30am | Sunday, April 25

The pursuit of wild game in its natural habitat, using a trained bird of prey is one of theworld’s oldest traditions, and a closer look at this intriguing ancient practice has now cometo Grande Lakes Orlando for our guests to experience. With our resort situated on over 500 acres of the most enchanting natural surroundings found in Florida, the opportunity to participate in a Falconry class is an exciting addition to our ecological and outdoor activities. Following a short introduction about Falconry, participants are taken to the field for actual interaction with the bird.

Photos by Tiffany Nguyen

Register Now Here: https://web.cvent.com/event/388d19d4-816b-4934-9778-1e4db02ec615/summary

Food Lover’s Guide to What’s New at Promenade at Sunset Walk for Spring 2021

Promenade at Sunset Walk is a spacious outdoor dining and shopping plaza located in Kissimmee, Florida right next to Margaritaville Resort Orlando. The plaza offers a unique variety of restaurants, with all kinds of eats from barbecue to seafood.

Recently, several new restaurants and shops joined the lineup at the Promenade at Sunset Walk (check out our Foodie’s Guide to Promenade at Sunset Walk here). Lizzie’s Memphis Style BBQ has joined The Promenade’s vast array of dining options, providing a variety of smoked and barbecued meats with all the fixings. If you’re in the mood for seafood, check out the newly-opened restaurant and bar, The Wharf. Offering expertly prepared seafood dishes for the whole family, belly up to the oyster bar for fresh shellfish daily. For those ready for something sweet, check out the new River Street Sweets — Savannah’s Candy Kitchen for their World-Famous Pralines®, saltwater taffy, crunchy hand-stretched peanut brittle and homemade pecan pies.

The Market, Sunset Walk’s Artisan and Farmer’s Market, has also returned every Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Market features the best local craft and specialty vendors from across Central Florida, including fresh produce.

We were invited to taste our way through the plaza, trying appetizers at Lizzie’s Memphis Style BBQ, entrees at The Wharf at Sunset Walk and some dessert treats at River Street Sweets. Here is our food lover’s guide to What’s New at Promenade at Sunset Walk this Spring 2021.

Food Lover’s Guide to What’s New at Promenade at Sunset Walk in Kissimmee, FL for Spring 2021

Appetizers at Lizzie’s Memphis Style BBQ

We started out our foodie adventures with some appetizers at the new Lizzie’s Memphis Style BBQ. Lizzie’s is a casual barbecue eatery offering everything from traditional barbecue favorites to dishes with unique twists. Lizzie’s menu also consists of an impressive number of gluten-free items, benefitting individuals with different dietary needs.

Oscar Peña, corporate director of culinary, greeted us at Lizzie’s. Peña oversees all culinary strategies at not only Lizzie’s Memphis Style BBQ, but at The Wharf at Sunset Walk too. He prepared two of Lizzie’s most popular appetizers for us to enjoy.

BBQ Pork Sliders

The BBQ Pork Sliders are prepared with tender pork, pickles and fried onions layered in between slices of sweet Hawaiian bread. Lizzie’s has their own name-brand BBQ sauce made in-house, and it features the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. These sliders are fantastic, and they’re also available with smoked brisket as an alternative to pork.

Smoked Bacon Wrapped Jalapeños

Another delicious appetizer dish at Lizzy’s is the Smoked Bacon Wrapped Jalapeños. Crispy smoked bacon is wrapped around grilled jalapeños filled with herb cream cheese and topped with sweet strawberry jam. The sweet and spicy flavors complement each other excellently, resulting in a mouthwatering treat you’ll need to try for yourself.

Entrees at The Wharf at Sunset Walk

The Wharf at Sunset Walk is a new casual seafood restaurant with a coastal atmosphere and an impressive menu fusing traditional seafood dishes with New Orleans classics. Live entertainment sets the mood and the extensive menu offers something tasty for everyone.

Charbroiled Oysters

We started with a crowd-favorite: the Charbroiled Oysters. As expected, these oysters were decadent. Cooked with cajun butter, this dish has also a subtle New Orleans flare, which only improved the flavor.

Fisherman’s Platter

If you’re interested in sampling multiple menu favorites at The Wharf, we recommend ordering the Fisherman’s Platter. This entree features Gulf Shrimp, Mahi Mahi, Fried Oysters, fries and coleslaw. It’s also served with lemon garlic butter, comeback sauce, cocktail sauce as well as fresh lemon. This dish is tasty, flavorful and very filling.

Grouper Po’ Boy

A unique take on a NOLA classic, the Grouper Po’ Boy is tremendous. Made with a toasted po’ boy roll sourced from Louisiana, grilled grouper, mayo, comeback sauce, lettuce, tomato and pickles, this sandwich is a must-try.

Dessert at River Street Sweets – Savannah’s Candy Kitchen

River Street Sweets is a world-famous sweet shop originating in Savannah, Georgia on the popular River Street. Serving up homemade pralines, fudge, taffy, hand-dipped chocolates, ice-cream, gelato, candy apples and more, the new River Street Sweets is definitely worth stopping by on your next trip to Promenade at Sunset Walk.

We were welcomed by Lucia Lubbock, franchise owner of River Street Sweets’ Kissimmee location. Lubbock walked us through some of their most popular sweet treats, from pralines to gelato and everything in between.

Lucia Lubbock has the unique opportunity to work at River Street Sweets alongside her daughter. Both are pictured below.

Homemade Gelato & Ice Cream 

River Street Sweet offers homemade gelato and ice cream in many tasty flavors. We tried the Banana Pudding Ice Cream, and it blew us away. It was rich, creamy and simply delicious. Both the gelato and ice cream are great treats to help you cool off from the Central Florida heat.

World-Famous Pralines

We couldn’t leave River Street Sweets without sampling what they’re world-famous for: pralines. We tried the classic praline, pictured below, and it was superb. River Street Sweets also offers a variety of specialty flavored pralines, so you’ll want to check those out as well.

The Market

Every Saturday, Promenade at Sunset Walk hosts an artisan and farmer’s market from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Market is a wonderful way to support local small businesses. Many vendors offer free samples of their products as well. We recommend stopping by and taking a stroll around The Market before or after a hearty meal at Sunset Walk.

Other eateries at Promenade at Sunset Walk include: Ford’s Garage, Flower Cafe, Estefan Kitchen Orlando, Yeoman’s Cask & Lion, Capone’s Coal Fired Pizza, El Jefe Tequilas Taco Cantina, Bahama Buck’s, Bento Asian Kitchen + Sushi, Rock & Brews and BurgerFi.

To learn more about the many restaurants and events at Promenade at Sunset Walk, visit SunsetWalk.com.

 

 

A List of 33 New Orlando / Central Florida Restaurants that Opened in 2020

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2020 restaurants are a special breed – opening in the middle of a global pandemic where things were so uncertain by the day. Despite all that happened in 2020, there have been quite a few new restaurants who have opened in Orlando – if you haven’t gotten tried these new restaurants yet, it might be a good idea to put them on your list soon!

Here is A List of 33 New Restaurants that Opened in 2020

Bao’s Castle
45 West Crystal Lake St. suite 180 Orlando, Florida 32806
https://www.baoscastle.com/

Uncommon Catering and Eatery
2942 Curry Ford Rd Orlando, FL
https://www.uncommoncatering.com/

Papa Llama
2840 Curry Ford Rd, Orlando, FL 32806
https://www.papallamaorl.com/

Sixty Vines Winter Park
110 Orlando Ave #12, Winter Park, FL 32789
https://www.sixtyvines.com/location/orlando-fl/

Mason Jar Provisions
805 E Washington St, Orlando, FL 32801
https://www.masonjarprovisionsorlando.com/

Photo Courtesy of Gary Lau of Asiatrend.org

Mei’s Kitchen
10169 University Blvd, Orlando, FL 32817
https://www.meiskitchenorlando.com/

The New Standard
1035 N Orlando Ave #101, Winter Park, FL 32789
https://newstandardwp.com/

Tabla – Winter Park
216 N Park Ave # H, Winter Park, FL 32789
https://www.tablawinterpark.com/

Hungry Pants
3421 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32806
https://www.eathungrypants.com/

Boku Sushi Maitland
140 Independence Ln, Maitland, FL 32751
https://www.bokusushi.com/

Financier Patisserie
212 N Park Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
https://financierpatisserie.com/

VLC Vegan Eatery
504 N Alafaya Trail #113, Orlando, FL 32828
https://www.vlcveganeatery.com/

Knife and Spoon at Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes
4012 Central Florida Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32837
https://www.facebook.com/ritzcarltonorlando/

Osphere Neighborhood Grill and Bar
407 E Central Blvd, Orlando, FL 32801
https://ospheregrillbar.com/

Sear + Sea Wood-fire Grill at JW Marriot Bonnet Creek
14900 Chelonia Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32821
https://www.marriott.com/

Walk On’s Sports Bistreaux
8151 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819
https://walk-ons.com/

Gogi Korean Grill
7800 Dr Phillips Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819
https://www.koreangogigrill.com/

Russell’s Royale Burger with Cheese at Russell’s on Lake Ivanhoe

Russell’s on Lake Ivanhoe
1414 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32804
https://www.russellsorlando.com/

K Town Cafe
7800 Dr Phillips Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819
https://www.ktowncafefl.com/

Babbi Babbi Korean Kitchen
8015 Turkey Lake Rd ste400, Orlando, FL 32819
https://babbibabbi.net/

Feather & Quill
4757 The Grove Dr, Windermere, FL 34786
https://www.fqwindermere.com/

Spettos King
5685 Vineland Rd, Orlando, FL 32819
https://www.facebook.com/spettosking/

FK Your Diet
5406 Hansel Ave, Orlando, FL 32809
https://www.fkyourdiet.com/

BoVine Restaurant
319 S Park Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
https://bovinesteakhouse.com/

What the Chuck? Burgers
212 W 1st St Sanford Fl 32771
https://www.henrysdepot.com/wtc

Neon Beach
131 N Orange Ave Ste 104, Orlando, FL 32801
http://neonbeachfl.com/

@ The Diner
9938 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819
https://www.atthediner.com/

Quesa Loco
4780 W Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32808
https://www.facebook.com/quesaloco/

Lineage Cafe and Bakery (University Blvd)
11556 University Blvd, Orlando, FL 32817
https://www.lineageroasting.com/

Aurora Restaurant at The Celeste Hotel
4105 N Alafaya Trail, Orlando, FL 32826
https://thecelestehotel.com/

Loading Gastrobrunch
1023 New York Ave, St Cloud, FL 34769
https://www.loadinggastrobrunch.com/

Mount Vesuvio Italian Grill
5414 Deep Lake Rd Ste.1152, Oviedo, FL 32765
https://www.montevesuviorestaurant.com/

Something Fishy Apopka
2107 East Semoran Blvd, Apopka, FL 32703
https://www.somethingfishyapopka.com/menu/

Inside Look: Happy Hour at Russell’s on Lake Ivanhoe

Russell’s on Lake Ivanhoe is an upscale casual dining restaurant with unique menu items, a full-service bar and unparalleled views of the lake. The atmosphere is relaxing and elevated, making it the perfect place to stop by after a long day at the virtual office.

Russell’s is currently offering a new Happy Hour menu, available daily from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. We were invited to try some of the most popular Happy Hour drinks and dishes, and they did not disappoint.

Inside Look: Happy Hour at Russell’s on Lake Ivanhoe

Early Grey Gin Fashioned – $6

For a creative take on the Bourbon classic, try the Early Grey Gin Fashioned. This drink is just as strong as the original, with notes of Earl Grey tea, lemon and lavender.

Watermelon Basil – $6

The Watermelon Basil is a refreshing gin cocktail that is both light and tasty without being too sweet. It’s the perfect way to cool off from the Florida heat, and the watermelon complements the lime and basil flavors decadently.

Zen – $6

Yet another gin cocktail, the Zen features flavors of honey, matcha green tea, lime and mint. It’s a delightful drink option that matcha lovers are sure to appreciate.

Cucumber Honeydew Agua Fresca – $6

Similar to the Watermelon Basil, the Cucumber Honeydew Agua Fresca is incredibly refreshing, although this beverage is made with cucumber vodka. The flavors of honeydew and fresh lime combine to create the perfect summer cocktail.

Julius Caesar Fries – $5

If you can only order one food dish, it should be the Julius Caesar Fries. These fries are the most popular Happy Hour menu item, and for good reason. Caesar dressing and parmesan are served over warm and crispy shoestring fries. You’ll need to be careful with these, because you’ll likely be tempted to finish the entire bowl yourself.

Potato, Bacon & Cheese Croquettes – $6

This is a unique yet delicious take on a Cuban classic. The combination of potato, cheese and bacon flakes creates a flavor reminiscent of a tasty breakfast, in the best way.

Blackened Scallops – $9

The Blackened Scallops are fantastic. The combination of quality, flavor and seasoning really elevates this Happy Hour dish. If you’re a fan of scallops, run to Russell’s and order these immediately.

Pork Belly Bao – $6

The Pork Belly Bao is another amazing menu item featuring shredded pork belly, barbecue sauce and greens served in fluffy bao buns. This dish is nothing short of exquisite, and definitely worth a try.

The Happy Hour menu also includes a variety of $5 wines by the glass as well as $4 beers.

Russell’s is located right on Lake Ivanhoe, providing the perfect opportunity to soak in some rays and enjoy the charming views. Once you’re full from the Happy Hour eats and drinks, you can take a stroll around Lake Ivanhoe Park, or watch the sun set over the water.

In addition to its daily Happy Hour, Russell’s also offers brunch every Saturday and Sunday, prime rib specials every Tuesday, Wine Down Wednesdays and Ladies Night Thursdays. For more information, visit RussellsOrlando.com.

First Look: Tasty Chomps x Orlando Foodie Forum – A Taste of… Delaney’s Tavern Secret Menu – March 25th thru April 10th

We were invited to Delaney’s Tavern to check out “Tasty Chomps x Orlando Foodie Forum – A Taste of… Delaney’s Tavern” secret menu and we enjoyed our experience.  The service was friendly and every dish that we tried was beautifully plated and equally delicious!

“A Taste of… presented by Tasty Chomps x Orlando Foodie Forum” is a new special “underground” menu for foodies to get a “Taste Of…” a local Orlando restaurant with a special pre-fixe menu (similar to Magical Dining) for dine in or take out for a limited time.

Starting March 25th – April 10th, 2021, guest can get a 3-course dinner at Delaney’s Tavern for just $39.  Price does not include tax or gratuity.

Choose one appetizer, entrée, and dessert from the menu below:

APPETIZERS

Brie in Puffs

Maple brie apricot gastrique, orange pistachio crumb, spiced amareno cherries.

Honey Chili Pepper Roasted Brussel Sprouts

Roasted shallot, pecan smoked maple bacon, choice of creamy balsamic or shoyu glaze with sweet chili aioli.

ENTRÉES

Blackberry Hoisin Pork Tenderloin

Served with Purple Sticky Rice, Pan Seared Greens.

Tavern Burger

Blended Patty with smoked gouda cheese, chipotle BBQ, caramelized onion aioli, crispy onion frizzles on brioche bun.

Almond Crusted Salmon

Orange Honey Glaze, Coconut Bamboo Rice, Grilled Asparagus, and Spicy Plum Sauce.

DESSERTS

Brookie

Blend of Brownie Batter and Cookie Dough, topped with house-made rocky road ice cream and whipped cream.

Espresso Martini 

Stoli Vodka, espress, simple syrup.

Also pictured from their weekly Happy Hour Menu:

Prosciutto and Fig Flatbread

Topped with a herb feta and balsamic glaze.

Mojito & Rum Punch

Delaney’s Tavern is located inside The Delaney Hotel, across the street from Orlando Health.

Parking is free in the Delaney Plaza garage with validation from the restaurant.

To make a reservation, call Delaney’s Tavern (1315 S Orange Ave Suite B, Orlando, FL 32806) at (407) 849-0801 eatdt.com and mention the “Tasty Chomps Taste of Delaney’s Tavern Secret Menu” from March 25th thru April 10th, 2021.

First Look: First Watch releases new menu items for the spring

Change is in the air – from fall to spring, the seasons are changing and so is the seasonal menu at First Watch.

First Watch, the popular daytime café serving breakfast, brunch and lunch daily from 7am – 2:30pm has officially released their new seasonal menu and we were invited to experience and savor their spring flavors.

New on the spring menu are the following yummy items:

1. Shrimp & Grits

Their take on this Lowcountry classic features sautéed shrimp and Cajun andouille sausage reduced with chicken stock, house-roasted tomatoes, onions, green peppers and scallions, and served over Bob’s Red Mill Cheddar Parmesan cheese grits, with artisan ciabatta toast.

2. Pork Carnitas Omelet

Savory pork carnitas, house-roasted onions, fresh avocado, Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Topped with tomatillo hollandaise, chive cream, Cotija cheese, pico de gallo and fresh cilantro. Served with a side of black beans.

3. Loaded Smoked Salmon Bagel

A toasted NY everything bagel (made in da’ Bronx) topped with scallion cream cheese, sliced cucumber, tomato, Wild Alaska Smoked Sockeye Salmon, house-pickled red onions and lemon dressed arugula. Served with a side of fresh fruit.

4. Golden Glow Juice

Pineapple, turmeric, orange, coconut water and lemon.

Also pictured:
(M) Kale Tonic – Kale, Fuji apple, cucumber and lemon.
(R) Morning Meditation – Orange, lemon, turmeric, organic ginger, agave nectar and beet.

My favorite was the Loaded Smoked Salmon Bagel!  The toasted NY everything bagel (made in da’ Bronx) was perfection and the smoked salmon topped with scallion cream cheese, sliced cucumber, tomato, Wild Alaska Smoked Sockeye Salmon, house-pickled red onions and lemon dressed arugula took everything to the next level.  Each bite was delicious and bursting with flavor!

Of course, there are still old favorites on the menu available for take out or dine in at First Watch, including:

Tri-Fecta

Two fresh cage-free eggs any style, we chose scrambled,with either a light and airy Belgian waffle or a multigrain pancake. Plus your choice of bacon, savory chicken sausage patty, turkey or pork sausage link.

Floridian French Toast

Thick-cut brioche with wheat germ and powdered cinnamon sugar, covered with fresh banana, kiwi and seasonal berries.

A.M. Superfoods Bowl

Coconut milk chia seed pudding with fresh bananas, berries, blackberry preserves and housemade granola. Served with whole grain artisan toast topped with almond butter and Maldon sea salt.Coconut milk chia seed pudding with fresh bananas, berries, blackberry preserves and housemade granola. Served with whole grain artisan toast topped with almond butter and Maldon sea salt.

For more information, visit: firstwatch.com

9 of the Best Women-Owned Restaurants in Orlando for 2021

March is Women’s History Month, where we celebrate the incredible contributions women have made throughout history. In honor of the occasion, we are shining a spotlight on some of the best women-owned restaurants in Orlando for 2021.

9 of the Best Women-Owned Restaurants in Orlando for 2021

1. Tabla Indian Restaurant, Nora Jain

Tabla Indian Restaurant serves up some of the best Indian, Thai and Chinese dishes in all of Central Florida. Nora Jain owns Tabla, which has one location in Orlando and one in Winter Park.

“I believe being a woman, we add a fine touch to our industry,” said Nora Jain. “We are driven by passion so we bring perfection and creativity to our dishes. I have had a very comfortable learning curve because I feel most of the chefs are like artists so as long as I understood their vision they are very cooperative with the menu side of things. However, the difficulty I faced was more with operations. Being a lady I feel they do not want to listen and follow instructions related to day-to-day working style. Over the years, I feel I have earned enough confidence from my team that they know that it only makes their life easy if they follow a system. Now they do listen and follow the processes built into our day-to-day operation.”

“Advice for my fellow friends wanting to join culinary will be to know your food, follow your passion, follow your dreams and never ever give up.”

2. Tapa Toro and Taverna Opa Orlando, Katerina Coumbaros

Katerina Coumbaros is the owner of Tapa Toro and Taverna Opa Orlando, two restaurants with unique and delicious menus. Tapa Toro focuses on traditional Spanish food from paellas to tapas, while Taverna Opa offers a variety of Greek eats.

“Traditionally, women have held the position of “chef” at home, but there is a huge discrepancy within the professional world,” said Coumbaros. “In restaurants around the world, men oftentimes dominate, but I’m committed to changing this narrative. As a restauranteur, I consider it my responsibility to serve as a role model for the women I encounter to show that they can own restaurants, run kitchens — and do it well. I’m hopeful for the year ahead and the continued impact we can collectively make to inspire the women of today and tomorrow in the culinary industry. Cheers to progress!”

3. Pom Pom’s Teahouse & Sandwicheria, Pom Moongauklang

Pom Pom’s Teahouse & Sandwicheria is a lovely spot to enjoy an assortment of hand-crafted teas and sandwiches. Pom Moongauklang is the owner of the eatery located in Orlando’s Milk District.

“(A) challenge in my journey 25 years ago was being the only female executive chef while working at Lucky Cheng’s. At that time, it was very rare to have a female in that position. Then moving to Florida and opening Pom Pom’s Teahouse and Sandwicheria in the time before the food scene took off.”

Moongauklang also lists the lessons she’s learned in her role. “Do not get comfortable. Be prepared for anything. Navigate and pivot.”

4. Buttermilk Bakery, Taissa Rebroff

Taissa Rebroff owns Buttermilk Bakery, which is a quaint bake shop located in Winter Park offering freshly prepared baked goods. Whether you’re craving something sweet or savory, Buttermilk Bakery has got you covered. We recommend trying the Strawberry Almond Croissant, the Monkey Bread or the Morning Bun, but you’ll want to get there early because food items are made fresh daily and sell out often.

5. Se7en Bites, Trina Gregory-Propst

Trina Gregory-Propst is the owner of Se7en Bites, which is located right in the heart of Orlando’s Milk District. This restaurant features a unique menu of southern comfort food, breakfast and brunch favorites, coffee and homemade sweet treats.

Photo Credit: Se7en Bites

6. DaJen Eats Cafe & Creamery, Jenn Ross

Jenn Ross owns DaJen Eats Cafe & Creamery, a quick-service vegan eatery offering traditional Jamaican favorites. Ross grew up in Jamaica, and cites her grandmother as the greatest influence in her life and her main culinary inspiration.

“She had lots of kids and so for most of her adult life cooked giant pots of food,” Ross told us. “When all the kids grew up and left home, she never adjusted. She kept right on cooking giant pots of food and would literally call strangers off the side of the road to eat. Her spirit of community has been such a huge influence to my approach to food, being a chef and running a restaurant. I feel food fosters community, right? Let’s get you to the table with a hot meal, and then solve the world’s problems. Differences in opinions are much easier to digest on a full stomach with a dining mate.”

7. The Whiskey, Katie Zagaroli

The Whiskey, owned by Katie Zagaroli, is located right off Sand Lake Road. The Whiskey offers an impressive menu full of gourmet burgers and whiskey-inspired craft cocktails. Some popular menu favorites include the Whiskey Burger, The Southerner, Sweet Potato Waffle Fries, Whiskey Chips and more.

“Starting a business is easy,” said Katie Zagaroli. “Keeping a business is the tricky part. It takes leadership, dedication, patience and… whiskey. Lots of whiskey.”

8. Loading Gastrobrunch, Jahnae Allen

Jahnae Allen is a co-owner Loading Gastrobrunch, located right outside of Orlando in St. Cloud, Florida. Loading Gastrobrunch features southern style breakfast and brunch dishes with a Spana-Flora flair. Some must-have menu items include any of their Omelettes, Pancakes and Avocado Toasts.

9. Tamale Co. Mexican Street Food, Jennifer Tamayo

Jennifer Tamayo owns Tamale Co. with her husband Fernando. The charming hole-in-the-wall is located in Hourglass Social House, and it serves up a variety of authentic Mexican street dishes. They’re known for their tamales, so those are a must-try. Other popular bites include the Elotes, Tacos and Churros.

Photo Credit: Tamale Co.

Women continue to make impressive waves in the  culinary world, and we are excited to watch as the Orlando food scene continues to grow in both diversity and inclusion.

 

 

Tasty Chomps x Orlando Foodie Forum – A Taste of… Delaney’s Tavern in SoDo – Special Underground Menu – March 25 thru April 10th – Updated

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Tasty Chomps X Orlando Foodie Forum
presents
A Taste of …

Delaney’s Tavern in SoDo District

“A Taste of… presented by Tasty Chomps x Orlando Foodie Forum” is a new special “underground” menu for readers and followers to get a “Taste Of…” a local Orlando restaurant with a special pre-fixe menu (similar to Magical Dining) for dine in or take out for a limited time.

Now up…

Delaney’s Tavern
1315 S Orange Ave Suite B, Orlando, FL 32806
(407) 849-0801
eatdt.com

Starting March 25th till April 10th, 2021, for just $39 (plus tax and tip) you can get a 3-course dinner at Delaney’s Tavern in SoDo District.

About the Restaurant:

Located directly across the street from Orlando Health, known locally as ORMC, and situated in Delaney Park, Florida, Delaney’s Tavern fills a much needed gap for restaurants and bars in South Downtown Orlando. As a New American Tavern, Delaney’s specializes in “friendly fare & spirits,” providing patrons stylish cuisine in both small plates and shareables while serving amazing wine, custom cocktails, and a wide selection of craft beers.  The menu is led by Executive Chef Anthony Albino (formerly of Santiago’s Bodega Orlando).

Price:
$39 dollars plus Tax and tip

Dates:
March 25th – April 4th, 2021

For Take Out or Dine In

1. Starters (Choose 1)

Brie in Puffs – Maple brix apricot gastrique, orange pistachio crumb, spiced amareno cherries

Honey Chili Pepper Roasted Brussel Sprouts – Roasted shallot, pecan smoked maple bacon, choice of creamy balsamic or shoyu glaze with sweet chili aioli

2. Entree (Choose One)

Blackberry Hoisin Pork Tenderloin – served with Purple Sticky Rice, Pan Seared Greens

Tavern Burger – Blended Patty with smoked gouda cheese, chipotle BBQ, caramelized onion aioli, crispy onion frizzles on brioche bun

Almond Crusted Salmon – Orange Honey Glaze, Coconut Bamboo Rice, Grilled Asparagus, and Spicy Plum Sauce

3. Dessert (Choose One)

Brookie – Blend of Brownie Batter and Cookie Dough, Topped with house-made rocky road ice cream and whipped cream

Espresso Martini – Stoli Vodka, espress, simple syrup

To make a reservation, call  Delaney’s Tavern (1315 S Orange Ave Suite B, Orlando, FL 32806) at (407) 849-0801 eatdt.com and mention the Tasty Chomps Taste of Delaney’s Tavern Menu from March 25 thru April 4th, 2021.

The Delaney Hotel + Delaney’s Tavern
1315 S Orange Ave Suite B, Orlando, FL 32806
(407) 849-0801
eatdt.com

The Ultimate Foodie’s Guide to Historic St. Augustine, Florida: Our 4-Day Itinerary

St. Augustine is a city rich with history, culture and culinary adventure. Originally founded in 1565, St. Augustine really is America’s Oldest City.

Charming restaurants and celebrated architecture can be found all around the city, which continues to serve as a cultural mecca as it has for hundreds of years prior. The cultural and ethnic diversity of St. Augustine is made evident from the vast array of cuisine available at every turn. St. Augustine was recently named one of USA TODAY’s Readers’ Choice 2020 “Best Historic Small Towns” and lonelyplanet.com’s “Top U.S. Destinations with European Style.”  Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an educational adventure, St. Augustine is a wonderful choice.

We were invited out by Florida’s Historic Coast to discover the city and enjoy the impressive array of food available. Here is The Ultimate Foodie’s Guide to Historic St. Augustine.

The Ultimate Foodie’s Guide to Historic St. Augustine, Florida: Our 4-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Check into the Edgewater Inn

St. Augustine is home to many quaint hotels filled with beauty and history. We stayed at the Edgewater Inn, which is a comfortable bed & breakfast located right on the water, and only steps away from St. Augustine’s historic downtown district. The Edgewater Inn only offers a handful of rooms, so we recommend making your reservation as far in advance as possible.

We stayed in a king room with waterfront views and a patio. The hotel room interior was clean, spacious and homey.

The highlight of staying at the Edgewater Inn is the spectacular view you can get right from the comfort of your room. A patio door in our room opened up to the clear blue water of the Matanzas River, with the Bridge of Lions and historic downtown area visible. The view alone is undoubtably worth a stay at this hotel.

We were provided with two rocking chairs to sit and enjoy the view with. Bamboo dividers offered privacy from neighboring hotel guests.

Despite being small, the Edgewater Inn has some impressive amenities. A pool is available if you need a quick dip after a long day or if you simply want to lounge under the sun.

After checking into the hotel and getting ourselves situated, it was time to begin exploring St. Augustine.

Free Wine Tasting at San Sebastian Winery

San Sebastian Winery was originally founded in 1996, and today serves as a historic and beloved staple in the city of St. Augustine. This winery offers free wine tastings every day of the week, with no reservations required. Due to COVID-19, our tasting looked a little different than usual, but it was still a great experience for any wine lover. There’s also a rooftop restaurant you can visit for even more food and wine samplings. Two of our favorites were the Cabernet Sauvignon and the Pinot Grigio.

Dinner at Kingfish Grill

Kingfish Grill is a lovely marina-front restaurant with a generous amount of outdoor seating. The menu is pretty extensive, featuring an assortment of fresh seafood and sushi dishes.

We started off with a Sauvignon Blanc and a beer.

As an appetizer, we enjoyed the Fried Clams. They were very similar to a calamari dish, and were equally as tasty.

For entrees, we ordered the Fish Tacos as well as the Cry No Mas roll and the Ultimate Spicy Tuna roll. All three were spectacular. The fish tacos were fresh and seasoned to perfection, and the sushi rolls featured flavors both unique and delicious.

For dessert, we enjoyed the Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée and the Florida Key Lime Pie. The Crème Brûlée was phenomenal, and the key lime pie was both sweet and refreshing.

Kingfish Grill was a great dinner spot, with an impressive menu. During our visit, quite a few menu items were already sold out for the night so we recommend visiting earlier in the day if you can.

Day 2

Breakfast at the Inn

Another great amenity offered by the Edgewater Inn is the complimentary breakfast available seven days a week. Every morning, you can head to the dining room to enjoy a continental-style breakfast as well as some home-cooked additions which can be prepared fresh at your request. During our stay, we enjoyed the breakfast casserole made with egg, cheese, vegetables and ham.

Historic Red Express Tour

There are various historic tours you can take to learn a bit more about St. Augustine. We boarded the train for the Red Express Tour, where we learned all about the history of St. Augustine from the 1500’s to present day.

In the late 19th century, Henry Flagler (co-founder of Standard Oil) began leaving his significant impact on the city of St. Augustine. Upon arrival, he began building the Ponce de Leon Hotel. The hotel opened to the public on Jan. 10, 1888 with immediate success. It was one of the first buildings in the United States with electricity, even before the White House. Flagler was good friends with Thomas Edison, who installed the generators at the Ponce de Leon Hotel himself. When it opened, hotel guests were so unfamiliar with electricity and distrusting of light switches that children were hired to turn the lights on and off throughout the day.

The former Ponce de Leon Hotel is now home to Flagler College, pictured below.

Throughout the educational tour, we also passed by The Oldest House Museum and Gardens.

St. Augustine is famous for what are referred to as “love trees.” Pictured below, these trees form when two unique species of trees grow through one another. Legend says that if you kiss your loved one underneath a “love tree,” you will remain with that individual for the rest of your life. These particular love trees are located right in front of Bar Harbor Cheesecake Factory, which we stopped by later in the day.

The Red Express Tour lasted a little over one hour, and was a great way to quickly become familiar with the city.

Corks & Forks Strolling Tour with The Tasting Tours

The best way to experience a new city is through its food, and St. Augustine offers a number of unique food tours providing the opportunity to do just that. If you’re looking for a walking tour that covers the absolute best food and wine samplings St. Augustine has to offer, Corks & Forks Strolling Tour is the perfect choice. Hosted by The Tasting Tours, Corks & Forks combines delicious food and wine pairings with historical tidbits and educational opportunities along the way. Plus, it’s an excellent chance to make some new friends along the way.

The first stop on our Corks & Forks tour was Athena Restaurant. Athena is a family-owned Greek restaurant located right in the heart of St. Augustine. Their menu is full of authentic Greek cuisine and beverages, all of which are prepared fresh with care. If you’re a fan of Greek food, Athena is a St. Augustine must.

We were greeted with Kouros’ Agiorgitiko, a traditional Greek red wine.

We also sampled the Saganaki (flaming cheese) as well as some traditional Greek gyros. The wine and flaming cheese dish paired well together. After sipping the red wine, the flavor of the cheese seems to change before your own tastebuds.

Next on the tour was the Old City House Inn and Restaurant. Located within one of St. Augustine’s premier bed & breakfasts, this restaurant offers an outdoor dining experience that is both comfortable and elevated. We had the chance to sample a delicious Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc, which was paired with a lovely grilled salmon dish.

The next stop was the Cafe Alcazar, an elegant eatery located inside the Lightner Museum, in a space which originally housed the largest indoor swimming pool of its time. The cafe is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. only. During our visit, we sampled the Escargot Alcazar and the Sesame Shrimp, both of which were fantastic. The wine pairing was the Clifford Bay Sauvignon Blanc, which was equally as tasty.

Next on the tour was Casa de Vino 57. This spot, housed in a historic 1807 building, features a wide array of boutique wines. During our food and wine tour, we had the opportunity to sample three wines or draft beers of our choosing, while enjoying a lovely charcuterie board. Our favorite beer was the Lost Coast Brewery Tangerine Wheat Ale, and our favorite wine was the Sheep Creek Sauvignon Blanc (which we may have even purchased an additional bottle of).

Last and certainly not least on our tour was Bar Harbor Cheesecake Company. Originating in Maine, Bar Harbor Cheesecake Company offers an intimate eating and drinking experience. The St. Augustine location has 20 seats, and reservations are only given to returning customers. The restaurant offers over 40 flavors of home-cooked cheesecake as well as carefully-crafted European cheeseboards, soups, salads, appetizers, entrees and more.

It’s a lovely place to stop if you have the time to sit, relax and enjoy an entirely unique culinary experience. If you’re on a time crunch, you can stop by their take-out window and order your favorite items to-go.

We were greeted with a breathtaking presentation of beautiful charcuterie boards, hummus boards, crab and lobster dips, jams and cheesecakes. The level of care that goes into each and every menu item at Bar Harbor Cheesecake Company is spectacular.

We sampled the Island Grove Blueberry Moscato. It was smooth, with a slight sweetness that is flavorful while not overwhelming.

We also sampled three cheesecake flavors: blueberry lemon, chocolate espresso and amaretto. Each was exquisite. The blueberry lemon was sweet and refreshing, the chocolate espresso tasted rich and decadent while the amaretto was nutty and delicious. While we recommend trying all three, our favorite was the amaretto. The cheesecake samplings also paired wonderfully with the blueberry moscato.

We’d never been to a restaurant quite like Bar Harbor Cheesecake Company. If you only have time to stop by one eatery in all of St. Augustine, it should be this one. You won’t regret it.

The Tasting Tours hosts a number of separate food tours across St. Augustine and Jacksonville, Florida. To learn more, go to TheTastingTours.com.

Relax & enjoy the evening sunset

After an incredibly filling day of food of wine, we recommend a relaxing evening. You can walk around more of the historic downtown area, or head back to the inn. We decided to enjoy the sunset from the comfort of the back patio of our hotel room.

Late night Ghost Tours of St. Augustine 

With a city that dates back as far as St. Augustine, a somewhat spooky history is to be expected. If ghosts and ghouls are of interest to you, you’ll definitely want to consider one of St. Augustine’s many unique and thrilling ghost tours. We went with Ghost Tours of St. Augustine, which is a 75-minute walking tour that stops by some of the most haunting spots in the city.

We learned the chilling history of some of St. Augustine’s most haunted locations from the cemetery to haunted hotels, churches, alleyways and even the Castillo de San Marcos.

Once the ghost tour is over, we recommend walking around the empty streets of St. Augustine and taking in their beauty at night. You’ll likely remain full from the generous food and wine tour for the rest of the night, but if you work up an appetite for a late-night snack, we recommend checking out Burger Buckets. The Brauhaus Gourmet Pretzel and the homemade ice-cream deserve a chef’s kiss.

Day 3

Breakfast with a view 

Once again, we started our day off with a tasty complimentary breakfast at the Edgewater Inn. This time, we decided to take the food to-go and enjoy our meal on our water-front patio.

St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum

In order to really get a feel for the impact of St. Augustine’s historic past, we recommend visiting as many museums and historical sites as you can fit in your trip. We decided to stop by St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, where we had the opportunity to learn about the lengthy history of the lighthouse. With admission, you can climb to the top of the lighthouse for some remarkable views of the city, and you can also explore the premises and museum grounds.

St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park

To learn more about some of the species native to St. Augustine along with wildlife from around the globe, stop by the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park. Serving as an educational zoo, funds from the Alligator Farm go to wildlife research and conservation efforts. It’s a great place to stop by if you have any animal lovers or small children in your group.

Lunch at Meehan’s Irish Pub & Seafood House

For lunch, stop by Meehan’s Irish Pub & Seafood House, located right across the Matanzas River. You can find traditional Irish bites here, from the Shepherd’s Pie to the Meatloaf Dinner. Head upstairs to enjoy Johnny’s Oyster Bar on a spacious outdoor deck overlooking the water.

The Hand-Cut Irish Chips are unmatched. Perfectly crispy and tossed in garlic, parsley and parmesan, you’ll find yourself finishing off the entire bowl if you aren’t careful.

The Oysters Meehan are another must-try. These delicious fresh shucked oysters are baked with lemon garlic herb butter and topped with parmesan.

We also ordered the Fresh Catch Sandwich, which is served over fresh tomato and zesty slaw, and topped with a key lime aioli. During our visit, the featured catch of the day was Blackened Mahi-Mahi. Once again, this dish was fantastic.

Everything we tried at Meehan’s genuinely impressed us, and we’ll definitely return the next time we’re in St. Augustine.

Lightner Museum

After lunch, stroll over to the Lightner Museum for an afternoon of art and history. This historic museum occupies the old Alcazar Hotel, a Gilded Age resort built by Henry Flagler in 1888. Now, the Lightner Museum — named after Chicago publisher Otto C. Lightner — is home to an impressive collection of 19th and early 20th century fine and decorative art.

Free tour & tasting at St. Augustine Distillery 

St. Augustine Distillery is another exciting place to visit while in St. Augustine. It offers complimentary distillery tours and liquor tastings throughout the day. During the COVID-19 pandemic, tours are still happening but they are currently self-guided. Along the way, you can learn more about the brewing and distillery process while tasting some signature cocktails like the Florida Mule, New World Gin & Tonic, Rum Tiki and the Old Fashioned.

The Florida Mule featured all the best parts of a typical Mule cocktail, with an added layer of flavor. In short, we loved it.

The Gin & Tonic was our favorite of the four cocktails. It was refreshing, tasty and not too strong.

The Rum Tiki had all the flavors of a tropical beach beverage, and would only be made better by adding it to a frozen cocktail.

You either love or hate an Old Fashioned, and if you love them this is definitely one you’ll want to sample.

Vodka, gin, rum and bourbon are available to purchase at the end of the tour, as well as the cocktail mixes, all of which are prepared right on-site in the distillery.

Dinner at St. Augustine Fish Camp

For dinner, we stopped by St. Augustine Fish Camp. This new restaurant recently opened in 2020 with the goal of combining a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere with fresh and creative seafood dishes. From our perspective, it achieved just that.

To drink, we ordered the Cucumber Basil Gimlet which features Nolet’s Gin, St. Germain Elderflower Liquor, cucumber, fresh basil, simple and lime.

To start with, we ordered the Broiled Oysters. They were cooked to perfection with horseradish bacon cream. We highly recommend this appetizer.

For dinner entrees, we enjoyed The Catch of the Day, which was flounder, as well as the grilled salmon with horseradish hollandaise, steamed spinach and parsley new potatoes.

For dessert, the Signature Bread Pudding is a must. During our visit, the flavor was cookies & cream, but it changes day-to-day so be sure to ask. It was mouthwatering, and our only regret was not being able to finish the entire dish.

Believe us, it was even more delectable than it was beautiful.

Day 4

Check out of the Inn

As the trip comes to an end, it’s time to pack up your belongings and say goodbye to the Edgewater Inn. If you have the time, we highly recommend making a few more stops before you have to leave, though.

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

The Castillo de San Marcos is a famous national monument located right along the Matanzas River. The historic fort was originally built by the Spanish to defend Florida. The monument now preserves the oldest masonry fortification in the continental U.S. and maintains over 450 years of cross-cultural history. During your visit, you’ll get to see where soldiers once slept and where strong walls of coquina stone protected against cannon fire.

Wednesday Farmer’s Market at the St. Augustine Beach

If you’re going to be in St. Augustine on a Wednesday, we highly recommend making a quick trip to the Wednesday Farmer’s Market at the St. Augustine Beach. Local merchants and small businesses gather to sell fresh produce, homemade goods and more. It’s important to support local businesses, so this is a great pit-stop to make before you head home.

Calling all coffee lovers! Stop by the Growers Alliance booth for some freshly brewed Kenyan coffee, served both iced and hot. You can choose from a variety of flavors, sweeteners and milks (both dairy and nondairy options are available).

Founder of Growers Alliance, Martin Kabaki, grew up on a coffee farm in Kenya. Now a resident of St. Augustine, he created Growers Alliance Cafe & Gift Shop. Profits go to supporting coffee growers, clean water initiatives, orphanages, hospitals and education in Kenya. To learn more about how they’re giving back, click here.

If you’re not able to make it to the farmer’s market, you can still try some Kenyan coffee at the Growers Alliance cafe storefront located just down the street from the St. Augustine Beach, at 322 Anastasia Blvd.

You can also find other vendors selling products like fresh honey, jams and much more.

Lunch at Sunset Grille

For a final lunch in St. Augustine, we made our way to Sunset Grille on A1A. 2021 is Sunset Grille’s 30th year in operation, and it’s no surprise after you’ve tasted their food. Much of the menu is fairly simple, offering a variety of seafood dishes as well as more traditional American fare. But the quality of the food paired with the friendly staff at Sunset Grille truly sets it apart.

We started off with a classic, the Mozzarella Sticks. They were simple but delicious, served with a homemade marinara sauce.

For our entrees, we went with the Sunset Chicken Sandwich and the Baja Salad. Both were incredibly filling and made for a fresh, tasty lunch by the beach.

Wave goodbye to beautiful St. Augustine

Now it’s time to wave goodbye to a beautiful city full of history and culture. St. Augustine has a lot to offer, and it’s nearly impossible to do everything in just one trip. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an educational adventure, St. Augustine is worth your consideration.

To learn more about St. Augustine, visit FloridasHistoricCoast.com.

 

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts Announce Spring Food & Wine Classic – April 17 2021

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts have announced the return of their popular Food & Wine Classic, but for the first-time ever, this new edition will take place in the spring. The Swan and Dolphin Spring Food & Wine Classic will take place Saturday, April 17 as a one-night, limited-ticket event featuring unlimited food and beverage tastings and live music. Overnight packages and tickets are now on sale at www.FoodandWineClassic.com.

The event will offer culinary selections from the hotel’s award-winning restaurants as well as wine samplings from around the world and a selection of other beverages, all amidst a festive backdrop of live entertainment. As a limited-ticket event, guests will be able to socially distance themselves throughout the resort’s expansive, spacious and scenic outdoor spaces.

The event, taking place 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., will feature several themed stations including the Beer Garden, Chinatown and the luau-inspired The Pig & Poke. In total, there will be 12 food stations, including dessert from executive pastry chef and world pastry champion Laurent Branlard and more than 50 beverage selections.

Menu highlights include:

  • Sweet & smokey St. Louis style smoked ribs with macaroni & cheese from Executive Chef Dan Herman’s Smokin’ D’s BBQ
  • Salt roasted prime NY strip loin with roasted marble potatoes, onion purée and truffle veal jus from Shula’s Steak House
  • Vegetarian bao filled with glazed savory jack fruit, green onion, and ginger served in Chinatown themed area
  • Shrimp & Grits with sautéed Gulf shrimp, buttered white corn grits and tasso ham gravy from Todd English’s bluezoo

Event-only tickets can be purchased online at FoodAndWineClassic.com for $125 per person. Room packages start at $400 and include event access for two adults. To book, call 1-888-828-8850 between 8:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. weekdays; 5:00 p.m. on weekends. Events are limited to those 21 years and older.

Among the protocols implemented for the event are: Temperature checks for all attending guests; plexiglass walls for all food service areas; all cast members wearing PPE; socially distanced stations; touchless menus and clearly marked social distancing signage. Face coverings are required for all guests, including those who have received a COVID-19 vaccine, and must be worn at all times, except when dining. Guests may remove face coverings while actively eating or drinking but must be stationary and maintain appropriate physical distancing.

The spring event leads the way for the return of the fall Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic scheduled to take place this Oct. 29 & 30. More information to come.

With a variety of restaurants and lounges and a distinguished culinary and beverage team, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts continually earn national recognition for their food and beverage program. The resorts boast numerous certified wine sommeliers and 1,400 wine selections.

About the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts

In the heart of the Walt Disney World Resort, the award-winning Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts reside amongst the greatest theme parks and attractions in Central Florida. They are located between EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and nearby Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and Magic Kingdom Park. Guests can discover 20 world-class restaurants and lounges, sophisticated guest rooms and the luxurious Mandara Spa. The resorts feature six pools, three health clubs, nearby golf and complimentary transportation throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. The newest addition, the 14-story Walt Disney World Swan Reserve, opens summer 2021 and offers an upscale, boutique atmosphere as well as 149 suites ideal for families and two presidential suites. The resorts can be reached at 800-227-1500. For more information, visit www.swandolphin.com and connect via social media @SwanDolphin #swandolphin.

 

BONUS RECIPE

Osso Buco with Risotto Milanese

Risotto Milanese Ingredients:

6 cups chicken stock, high quality
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
Pinch of saffron threads
1 cup dry white wine
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley
Salt and freshly ground pepper

Risotto Milanese Preparation:

In a small saucepan, bring the chicken stock to a simmer; keep warm on the side. In a wide, large saucepan, gently heat the olive oil. Next add the onion, season with salt and pepper and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until tender and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the Arborio and cook for 1 minute, making sure to thoroughly coat rice with oil. Add the wine and saffron to the rice. Cook, stirring with a flat bottom wooden spoon, until the wine is absorbed making sure to get the corners of the pot. Add 1 cup of the warm stock and cook over moderate heat, stirring constantly, until nearly absorbed. You should be able to drag your wooden spoon across the bottom and the rice hold its place. Continue adding the stock 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly, until it is nearly absorbed and repeat additions. The risotto is done when the rice is al dente and suspended in a thick, creamy sauce, about 20 minutes total. Turn off your heat and check your seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper. Stir in the cheese, butter and parsley.

Osso Buco Ingredients:

4 (12-ounce) veal shanks
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup canola oil (or substitute another neutral oil)
1 yellow onion, medium diced (bite size)
4 carrots, peeled and medium diced (bite size)
2 celery stalk, medium diced (bite size)
6 garlic cloves, minced
3 bay leaf
1 rosemary sprig
2 thyme sprigs
8 oz tomato paste
10 cups veal stock or high quality beef stock
1 cup dry red wine
2 (14.5-ounce) can whole peeled plum tomatoes, drained and crushed
10 flat-leaf parsley sprigs, plus more, chopped, for garnish
1 tablespoon lemon zest, for garnish
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Osso Buco Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350°F. With butcher’s twine tie each veal shank once around the circumference so that it holds the bone and meat together in the center. Season the veal shanks with salt and pepper. Then dredge the veal shanks in flour, and pat off the excess.

Heat the canola oil in a Dutch oven or other heavy bottomed braising pan until shimmering. Add the veal shanks, and cook until well browned,4 – 5 minutes per side, adjusting the heat as needed to avoid burning the flour. Avoid overcrowding of the pan to ensure a proper sear. Once seared move and set aside.

In the same pan, add the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic, and cook over medium to high heat, stirring constantly, until slightly caramelized and translucent, 3-4 minutes. Add the tomato paste, and stir around to coat the vegetables. Continue cooking for another 4 minutes. Deglaze the casserole with the red wine. Bring to a boil, and cook until the wine is reduced by half. Add in the veal stock and add the crushed tomatoes, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, and parsley.

Return the veal shanks to the casserole, and bring to a simmer over high heat. Once the liquid simmers, cover, transfer to the oven, and cook for 2 1/2 hours, checking tenderness with a knife. Once tender remove from pot and set aside.

Using a colander remove the vegetables herbs from the braising liquid and reserve on the side. Continue to reduce the braising liquid until it comes to a consistency of your liking. While reducing skim any grease off the top with a large spoon. Check your seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper.

Place a bed of risotto in the bottom of a serving bowl. Next place a shank on top being sure to discard the twine before serving. Ladle the reduced braising liquid on top. Add a spoonful of braising vegetables in the bowl and garnish with lemon zest and chopped parsley.

Inside Look: Happy Hour at Big Fin Seafood Kitchen

Big Fin Seafood Kitchen, an award-winning seafood restaurant located in the Dellagio Town Center on Sand Lake Road’s “Restaurant Row” is one of the most popular spots for locals and tourist during Magical Dining every year.

But did you know they also have an amazing happy hour every day from 5-7pm?  They sure do!

We were invited to experience Big Fin’s new happy hour menu by their new Executive Chef Eric Enrique, formerly of Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, and we enjoyed our food, friendly service, and upscale causal environment.

Big Fin has also expanded their patio bar with additional al fresco seating overlooking the plaza’s lake, magnificent water fountain, Sand Lake Road, and neighboring businesses so we decided to sit in the new area to enjoy the good breeze and spectacular views.

Their Happy Hour is special and includes lobster, lamp chops, oysters, a variety of other delicious dishes and drink specials so there is surely something for everyone all for a great price.

Here are our Top 5 picks from the Happy Hour Menu:

1. Grilled 1/2 Dozen Oysters

Topped with garlic butter, parmesan cheese, and scallions. $12

2. Tuna Tanaki Roll

Micro cilantro, sesame ginger ponzu. $10

3. Honolulu Shrimp

Hand breaded jumbo shrimp, Thai chili glaze. $8

4. Fish Tacos (2)

Served either blackened or grilled with house made pico de gallo, shaved cabbage and fresh crema. $7

5. Filet Sliders

Filet, ground in house, topped with gruyere cheese and sauteed mushrooms. $3

To be eligible for Happy Hour prices, any beverage must be purchased.  The Happy Hour menu is only available at bar tops and cocktail areas which includes all outdoor seating areas.

For the full list of Happy Hour specials, visit bigfinseafood.com/happy-hour

Big Fin Seafood Kitchen
8046 Via Dellagio Way Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 615-8888

City of Winter Garden presents: Shop, Dine, & Stroll – March 27th

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City of Winter Garden presents: Shop, Dine, & Stroll – March 27th

Sidewalk Sale in Celebration of National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day!
All-Day (Open to Close)
Location: Winter Garden Downtown Historic District, 300 W. Plant St.

The Love Local campaign, launched by the City of Winter Garden last fall, continues in 2021 with a line-up of programs and activities to help small businesses recover from financial losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The intent of the Love Local campaign is to build awareness of the importance of shopping and dining local to support small businesses and community organizations that are vital to the city.

Winter Garden is well-known for its small town charm – and it’s no surprise with the plethora of mature trees and beautiful flowers to the authentic historic brick buildings that line the city’s downtown area. Winter Garden also features an award-winning farmers market and is home to many one-of-a-kind locally owned restaurants, unique shops, art, and entertainment. Local businesses are the heart and soul of Winter Garden, and they need our support.

Each and every one of us can have an impact. Every time you make a purchase, you are making an impact. Choose to go to a local restaurant over a national chain. Shop at local boutiques instead of big-box retailers. Shopping online and at national chains is convenient, but when you support local businesses, you are strengthening the backbone of a community. According to the organization Independent We Stand, for every $100 spent at local businesses, $68 will stay in the community. Whereas only $43 remains in the community when shopping at a national chain.

From now through the summer, the Love Local campaign will include monthly activities and programs that support local businesses and community organizations and on Saturday,
March 27th, Downtown Winter Garden and Citywide will celebrate “Shop, Dine, & Stroll”.

Shop, Dine, & Stroll – Saturday, March 27th

In celebration of National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day, come out to an outdoor shopping and dining experience to support the independently owned businesses that make Downtown Winter Garden so unique! The nationally observed holiday serves an even greater purpose this year as small businesses strive to recover from the pandemic.

March’s ideal weather makes it the perfect time to stroll the charming streets, shops, and outdoor dining areas. Peruse the outdoor sales racks, fresh spring apparel, accessories and home goods to get ready for the new season. The independently owned shops will also feature in-store and online specials/promotions, as well as curbside delivery.

Take a shopping break to enjoy freshly prepared menu items and beverages at Downtown’s one-of-a-kind eateries, and grab a seat at one of the many outdoor umbrella tables that line the historic streets to enjoy a side of Florida sunshine.

Shop, Dine & Stroll will be held rain or shine. Sales, special offers, delivery methods, and operating hours vary per merchant. For more information, visit www.downtownwg.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-shop-dine-stroll.

A Preview of Shop, Dine & Stroll special offers and seasonal menus include…

RESTAURANTS:

SWEET DEE’S CUPCAKERY
21 S. Main St.
www.sweetdeescupcakery.com

Featuring an assortment of popular Easter cupcakes this year including
carrot cake, Cadbury Easter basket, marshmallow peeps, and carrots and dirt, plus
a few new offerings this year!
– Paint your own sugar cookie egg kits
-“Carrot” Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
-Carrot and Dirt Pudding Cups

PAMMIE’S SAMMIES
121 S. Boyd St.
www.pammiessammies.com

Special Offers/Seasonal Menu:

“Angels & Demons” combo for $5 on 3/27 from 11am to 4pm
New sandwich and salad as a combo — something very good for you and another just…let’s just say thoughtfully sourced and leave it at that!

“Who’s Your Daddy?”
Shaved all beef bologna sautéed until it has some crisp parts. Topped with American Cheese, Fritos, Yellow Mustard and served on a locally baked ciabatta roll.

“Flower Child”
Locally sourced sprouts tossed with baby arugula in a maple vinaigrette topped with shredded beets, orange/yellow bell peppers, cucumbers, radishes, goat cheese and EDIBLE locally grown nasturtiums and broccoli flowers.

CHEF’S TABLE AT THE EDGEWATER & THE TASTING ROOM
99 W. Plant St.
www.chefstableattheedgewater.com

The Tasting Room and Chefs Table has a spring salad featuring Kalera Farms baby romaine,
heirloom tomatoes, lardons, Parmesan crisp, tarragon croutons and black garlic dressing.

We’ve got comfort food covered with our spring desserts:
Florida peach upside down cake with peach caramel and house vanilla bean ice cream.

Our spring fruit crumble dancing on the palate with macerated Florida berries, oatmeal streusel and vanilla bean ice cream.

THE ATTIC DOOR
28 W. Plant St.
www.facebook.com/theatticdoorlive

The Attic Door will offer a full afternoon tea experience, reservations required by calling 407-750-7063, and will feature some of the fresh produce in Florida including our very popular Florida cucumber cream cheese sandwiches and a savory Florida spinach & artichoke cup.

Our evening menu features fresh Florida tomatoes on our house bruschetta and other fun snacks, sliders and entrees.

RETAIL:

ADJECTIVES MARKET
137 W. Plant St.
www.adjstyle.com

Join us during the Shop, Dine & Stroll and meet some of our talented members in person! We will also have one of our local artists on hand for individual signings. This event is a great opportunity to see all of our spring arrivals, including brand new spring floral arrangements and larger-than-life special edition Easter Peeps!

WRITER’S BLOCK BOOKSTORE
32 W. Plant St.
www.writersblockbookstore.com

Promotion for Shop, Dine, & Stroll:
Free tote with a $75.00 purchase

Serving the Orlando area since 2014, Writer’s Block Bookstore is Central Florida’s full- service independent bookstore with locations in Winter Park and in Winter Garden. We specialize in new releases, New York Times best-sellers, Indie Next picks, and unique gifts and puzzles. We routinely host virtual and in-store author events with nationally recognized authors and offer discounts for educators and loyalty club members.

With new titles and merchandise hitting our shelves weekly, there is always something new to discover!

Writer’s Block commitment to literacy, reading, and community engagement for life-long learning is showcased through its events, book clubs, virtual book fairs, online Sunshine State and children book lists, and community partnerships.

SHOO SHOO BABY BOUTIQUE
117 S. Boyd St.
www.shooshoobaby.com

Promotion for Shop, Dine & Stroll:
20% off storewide and additional sale racks of $20 and $30 items.
Shoo Shoo Baby Boutique is a women’s clothing boutique
in downtown Winter Garden, named after the World War II plane
of Natalie, the store owner’s, father-in-law.

CURBSIDE PROGRAM/DOWNTOWN AMBASSADORS — Complimentary

The Downtown Winter Garden Curbside Program provides complimentary contact-free delivery of purchases from both shops and restaurants to the comfort and safety of your vehicle parked throughout downtown.

Sponsored by the City of Winter Garden, call Downtown Ambassadors at 407-576-1421, 1422, and 1423 to alert of your arrival and parking zone.

Winter Garden Farmers Market
8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Downtown Pavilion, 104. S. Lakeview Ave.

Expand your support of independent business owners to the farmers and vendors at the
Winter Garden Farmers Market – happening the same time as Shop, Dine & Stroll.

FREE PARKING – Always!
Convenient parking is always free throughout Downtown Winter Garden, including in its three-level parking garage, 160 S. Boyd Street.

For more information about Downtown Winter Garden, please visit www.downtownwg.com.

Orlando’s Most Historic / Oldest / Longest Running Restaurants

It’s no easy feat to survive in the restaurant world – so cheers to all who have made it this long and keep on going here in Orlando / Central Florida! Deepest gratitude to all who have helped shape our Central Florida community and food scene over the years.

How many have you been to?

Orlando’s Most Historic / Oldest / Longest Running Restaurants

Tap Room at Dubsdread – 1924
549 W Par St, Orlando, FL 32804
taproomatdubsdread.com
(407) 650-0100

Linda’s La Cantina – 1947
4721 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32803
http://www.lindaslacantina.com/
(407) 894-4491

Goff’s Drive-in Ice Cream – 1948
212 Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32805
(407) 286-3421

Red Wing Restaurant (Groveland) – 1948
12500 FL-33, Groveland, FL 34736
redwingrestaurant.com
(352) 429-2997
Lee & Rick’s Oyster Bar – 1950

5621 Old Winter Garden Rd, Orlando, FL 32811
leeandricksoysterbar.com
(407) 293-3587

The TownHouse (Oviedo) – 1955
139 N Central Ave, Oviedo, FL 32765
oviedotownhouse.com
(407) 365-5151

Gabriel’s Submarine Shop – 1958
3006 Edgewater Dr, Orlando, FL 32804
https://sites.google.com/view/gabrielssubs/home
(407) 425-9926

Kappy’s Subs – 1967
501 Orlando Ave, Maitland, FL 32751
kappyssubsfl.com
(407) 647-9099

Beefy King – 1968
424 N Bumby Ave, Orlando, FL 32803
beefyking.com
(407) 894-2241

Charlie’s Bakery – 1971
3213 Curry Ford Rd, Orlando, FL 32806
charliesbakery.com
(407) 898-9561

Art’s Sandwich Shop – 1972
1018 Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32805
artssandwichshop.com
(407) 425-7814

Lam’s Garden – 1975
2505 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32803
lams-garden.com
(407) 896-0370

Le Coq au Vin – 1976
4800 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32806
lecoqauvinrestaurant.com
(407) 851-6980

Bagel King – 1977
1455 Semoran Blvd #113, Casselberry, FL 32707
(407) 657-6266
1230 S Lakemont Ave, Winter Park, FL 32792
(321) 972-4267
bagelking.net

Enzo’s on the Lake – 1979
1130 S US Hwy 17 92, Longwood, FL 32750
enzos.com
(407) 834-9872

Olympia Greek Restaurant – 1979
8505 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32817
olympiaorlando.com
(407) 273-7836

The Briarpatch Restaurant – 1980
252 N Park Ave #3814, Winter Park, FL 32789
thebriarpatchrestaurant.com
(407) 628-8651

Korea House – 1982
koreahouseorlando.com
1155 W State Rd 434, Longwood, FL 32750
(407) 767-5918
4501 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32803
(407) 896-5994

Cafe De France – 1982
526 S Park Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
lecafedefrance.com
(407) 647-1869

Kobe Steakhouse – 1984
468 FL-436, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714
Multiple Locations
kobesteakhouse.com
(407) 862-2888

Christini’s Ristorante Italiano – 1984
7600 Dr Phillips Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819
Located in: Marketplace at Dr. Phillips
christinis.com
(407) 545-6867

Bubbalou’s Bodacious Bar-B-Que – 1986
5818 Conroy Rd, Orlando, FL 32835
kirkman.bubbalous.com
(407) 295-1212

Hot Dog Heaven – 1987
5355 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32807
hotdogheaven.com
(407) 282-5746

Little Saigon – 1987
1106 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32803
littlesaigonorlando.com
(407) 423-8539

Boston’s Fish House – 1988
6860 Aloma Ave, Winter Park, FL 32792
bostonsfishhouse.com
(407) 678-2107

TastyChomps.com's 28 Most Romantic Restaurants in Orlando 2014 | Tasty Chomps: A Local's Culinary GuideChatham’s Place – 1988
7575 Dr Phillips Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819
chathamsplace.com
(407) 345-2992

Victoria & Albert’s -1988
4401 Floridian Way, Orlando, FL 32830
Located in: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/grand-floridian-resort-and-spa/victoria-and-alberts/?CMP=OKC-90002336_GM_WDW_dining_victoriaalberts_NA
(407) 939-3862

Antonio’s La Fiamma – Maitland – 1990
611 S Orlando Ave, Maitland, FL 32751
antoniosonline.com
(407) 645-1039

Are we missing any on this list? E-mail us at tastychomps@gmail.com

First Look: Smokey Bones Debuts new “Global” menu plus Wing Specials for March Madness 2021

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Founded in Orlando 20 years ago, Smokey Bones has been known for its variety of meats, seafood and chicken – smoked and barbecued – using techniques and recipes from around the country including Texas, Memphis, St. Louis, Kansas City, and North Carolina.

In response to customers seeking a more diversified menu with more global flavors, Smokey Bones is introducing new flavors with global influences as well as street tacos and an industry-leading two-pound giant beef rib.

Smokey Bones, which has 61 locations in 16 states, features BBQ from different parts of the United States famous for their BBQ, including fan-favorite classic Memphis dry rub ribs, Texas-style brisket and North Carolina pulled pork. The new menu takes guests outside the United States to delight in the influences of Thailand, China, Japan and India.

Excellent Burgers

“We really leaned in hard on the “Meat Is What We Do” branding to what I call the “Protein Candy Store,” said Smokey Bones Chef Peter Farrard.  “Smokey Bones new menu is unapologetically ‘meat forward.”

The new menu items include:

Global Rib Flavors – House-smoked St. Louis ribs basted with choice of globally influenced sauce.  Choose two 1/3 racks from Chinese BBQ, Korean BBQ, Teriyaki, Spicy Mango Tandoori, Jamaican Jerk, classic Sweet & Smokey BBQ, Brown Sugar, or Memphis Dry Rub.  Includes two regular sides, garlic bread, and choice of soda, Blue Moon, Miller Lite, or Coors Lite Pint.  Priced from $19.99.

2 Pound Giant Beef Rib – Slow smoked and ultra-tender, 2 lb. beef rib served with sweet and smoky potato wedges, red wine demi-glace, house-made chimichurri, garlic bread and choice of regular side.  Priced from $39.99.

Korean BBQ Pork Belly Pops – Slow-cooked, tender pork belly, flash fried until crispy with a Korean BBQ sauce served with fresh cucumber salad and a spicy mayo drizzle.  Priced from $11.99.

BBQ Street Tacos – Slow Cooked Pork Carnitas served in a soft flour tortilla with chipotle mayo, onion, salsa, jalapeños, cilantro, and pickled red onions.  Crispy Fried Chicken served in a soft flour tortilla tossed with spicy mayo with onion, salsa, cilantro, and pickled red onions.  Or Crispy Pork Belly served in a soft flour tortilla with spicy Korean barbecue sauce with chipotle mayo, onion, cilantro, and pickled red onions.  Priced from $10.99.

½ Pound Fire Grilled Mahi Entrée – 8 oz. Mahi Mahi fillet served blackened with citrus butter and choice of two regular sides priced from $19.99, or a 5 oz. Fire Grilled Mahi Sandwich, served with one regular side, priced from $13.99.

“Smokey Bones new menu reads like a trip around the world and a visit several key BBQ states but with the meat options that Smokey Bones is famous for,” says CEO James O’Reilly. “We are giving diners what they are looking for quality ingredients and meats with authentic spices and sauces to satisfy their palate.”

In addition to the menu additions, Smokey Bones continues its partnership with American Cancer Society with their February Make Change For Cancer campaign. They launched three specialty beverages, two cocktails and one non-alcoholic with $2 from every purchase going to ACS for cancer research. A Taste of Haven, featuring RumHaven coconut rum; The Game Changer, featuring New Amsterdam vodka and Butterfly Potion lemonade all use color changing Butterfly Pea Flower Tea.

March Madness Wings at Smokey Bones

Smokey Bones and its delivery-only brand The Wing Experience have a line-up of dine-in, delivery and wing deals for March – just in time for March Madness. Deals are available directly from smokeybones.com and thewingx.com.

JUMBO SMOKED WINGS
Giant, juicy, rubbed, house-smoked to double the intense flavor, drizzled with a sweet glaze, dusted with house seasoning.

Smokey Bones

Receive free delivery for orders over $20 in March. Use promo code FreeDelClub.
On St. Patrick’s Day, purchase a 22-oz. green beer for only $3.99, a $5 single shot of Jameson, or $2 Fireball shots. (Dine-in only)

The Wing Experience

Use promo code FeelingLucky and received 8 free boneless wings with a $15 minimum order.
Receive free delivery during the month of March for orders of $15 or more.
Receive free delivery in March when you join The Wing Club. Sign up at thewingx.com/freedel.

UberEats

Receive free delivery with a $25 minimum order from Smokey Bones.
Receive free delivery with a $15 minimum order from The Wing Experience.
During March Madness tournament days, enjoy BOGO boneless wings from The Wing Experience or Smokey Bones – buy 8, get 8 free.

Door Dash

Throughout March, received 20 percent off your order from Smokey Bones or The Wing Experience with a minimum $15 order.
Spend $40 at Smokey Bones and receive a free bag of donuts.
Buy a 64 piece wings from The Wing Experience and receive a free XL order of fries.

Smokey Bones is available for dine-in and online ordering for curbside pick-up or direct delivery from its restaurants. For more information, visit Smokeybones.com.

Inside Look: Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park Reopens with New Food, Drinks & Merchandise

After shutting its doors nearly one year ago, Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park has officially reopened to the public. Guests can once again experience the park, which is themed around a ski resort built in Florida after a surprise snowfall, that is now in the process of melting away into Blizzard Beach Water Park.

Whether you prefer to lounge in the sun in front of Melt-Away Bay, get your heart racing down Summit Plummet or stuff your face at Lottawatta Lodge, Blizzard Beach has something for you. Disney invited us to experience a media preview of Blizzard Beach just days before it reopened on March 7, 2021. We sampled some new food and beverage items, and even got a sneak peek at the new merchandise available in 2021.

Inside Look: Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park Reopens with New Food, Drinks & Merchandise

Blizzard Beach is bringing back some of its most popular eats, while introducing other brand-new menu items to the various snack stands and quick-service restaurants throughout the park. Some of the best food and drink spots at Blizzard Beach include Lottawatta Lodge, Avalunch, Warming Hut, Cooling Hut and the Polar Pub.

Menu items throughout Blizzard Beach are diverse, offering many options for individuals with dietary restrictions. Vegan and gluten-free bites are aplenty throughout Blizzard Beach.

During our trip, we had the opportunity to sample some of the snacks and beverages available for purchase at the water park. Here are some of our favorites.

Honey Butter-Chicken Sandwich

Available at the Warming Hut, the Honey Butter-Chicken Sandwich is an appetizing dish made with tasty fried chicken, topped with honey and pickles. The honey is a sweet addition to a classic sandwich, and the combination of flavors is delicious. This sandwich is served with your choice of chips on the side.

Shrimp Louie Lettuce Wrap

Tasty shrimp and pico de gallo fill this lettuce wrap, making for the perfect healthy bite during your fun in the sun at Disney’s Blizzard Beach. It’s a light meal that’s surprisingly more filling than you might expect. The wrap is also served with a side of chips.

White Cap Flatbread

You can find this yummy white sauce flatbread at Lottawatta Lodge. It comes topped with chicken breast, bell peppers, parmesan, bacon and tomato. This menu item is filling without being too heavy, making it a great option during a long day at the water park.

Plant-Based Bratwurst Sandwich

This plant-based treat is a fantastic option for anybody looking for a heartier bite. Whether you’re a vegan or a meat-lover, the delicious flavors in this sandwich are sure to impress. This dish is served with roasted pepper, pickled onions and a side of house-made chips.

Banana Cabana Cocktail

The Banana Cabana cocktail is made with Cruzan Mango Rum, Parrot Bay Coconut Rum, Bols Crème de Banana, orange and pineapple juice and a splash of grenadine. This adult beverage is a great refresher on a sunny Florida afternoon. The cocktail is nothing short of delicious, and we highly recommend trying it the next time you find yourself at Blizzard Beach.

You can find the Banana Cabana as well as the Piña CoLAVA, Blue Blizzard Margarita, Rum Runner and many more at the Polar Pub.

Mark Dukes, general manager of Blizzard Beach Water Park, welcomed us and emphasized how excited he and the Blizzard Beach cast members are for the park’s reopening.

New Blizzard Beach 2021 Merchandise

Blizzard Beach has debuted a brand-new collection of merchandise for its 2021 reopening. From t-shirts to towels to bucket hats, there’s something special for guests of all ages. Some shirts and clothing items available at Blizzard Beach even have ultraviolet protection built in. Check out the newest merchandise for 2021 below.

Some of our favorite items in the collection include the Mickey bucket hat and the Blizzard Beach-themed towel.

With thrilling waterslides, relaxing lounge spots, delicious snacks, brand-new merchandise and so much more, Blizzard Beach is the perfect summer escape.

At this time, face coverings are required for all guests ages 2 and older, and must be worn at all times unless actively swimming or eating. To learn more about current safety precautions in place, click here.

For more information about Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park and to purchase tickets today, click here.