Thursday, June 5, 2025

Home Blog Page 29

Teak Neighborhood Grill Celebrates 2nd Annual Burger World Tour

0

Teak Neighborhood Grill is known for it’s award-winning burgers, and with over 20 unique and delicious burger selections to choose from, it’s no wonder Teak has become a go-to spot among locals and visitors alike. This month, Teak is celebrating it’s 2nd Annual Burger World Tour, showcasing a different burger each day for $5 throughout September, and we got an insider look.

Starting on Monday, September 7 through Thursday, October 8, Teak announces the return of their “Burger World Tour” featuring a different burger every day for 30 days for only $5 (burger only, sides available for purchase for a small charge). From Teak’s popular “Drunken Monk” and “Donut Burger” to the eye-catching “Idaho Burger” and “Cronie Burger” featured on the hit television shows “Food Paradise” and “Late Night Eats”, all of the mouthwatering burger favorites from Teak’s ever-evolving main menu and Underground Menu will be showcased in Teak’s 2020 Burger World Tour. Guests can order featured Burger World Tour items via safe dine in/out, take out or curbside pickup at Teak Orlando and Maitland.

“We can’t wait to bring back our Burger World Tour and give everyone a chance to try our incredible, original burgers for the first time and enjoy their favorites at a discounted price,” says Teak Neighborhood Grill Owner Jon Proechel. “As the restaurant industry continues to navigate through these crazy times, we want to do everything we can to continue to provide our loyal guests with the very best offerings and safest service. We hope everyone takes advantage of our awesome annual promotion, and we look forward to seeing many new and familiar faces at Teak Orlando and Teak Maitland jump on the Burger World Tour.”

The Fundamental Burger: an 8oz patty topped with tomato, Bibb lettuce, melted provolone, a thick cut beer battered onion ring, and house bistro sauce, served in a brioche bun, and paired with extra crispy Teak chips. All the classic essentials for a perfect burger.

The Drunken Monk: A local favorite. This burger includes house-made Angry Orchard onion jam, roasted cherry tomatoes, smoked bacon, herb mayo, and both provolone and white cheddar cheese. Served on a pretzel bun for an added twist, and with sweet potato tots, it’s no wonder why the Drunken Monk is so popular

The Brazilian: This was my personal favorite, consisting of An 8oz patty topped with tender slices of ham, crispy potato strings, provolone cheese, Bibb lettuce, tomato, and ranch dressing, with an over-medium egg to top it all off. All sandwiched in a brioche bun and served with a side of onion rings. 

The Kobe Burger: The star of this show was the 8oz certified American Wagyu beef patty, elevated by the accompanying ingredients of Swiss cheese, a healthy coupling of sautéed mushrooms and onions, herb mayo, and spring mix, on brioche. I might add, The bistro winders were a table favorite.

The Spicy Veronica: a staff favorite according to our server, and one that we were particularly excited to try. This all beef patty is served with ghost pepper cheese, pickled jalapeños, sriracha mayo, crispy potato strings, tomato, and spring mix on brioche. Absolutely delicious, particularly if you enjoy a bit of heat on your burger. Helpful hint: don’t skimp on the truffle mash.

The Mike Bison: For those looking for a leaner cut without compromising on taste, this is the burger for you. 8oz of 100% bison meat, accompanied by a delicious remoulade aioli, smoked Gouda, sautéed mushrooms, and lettuce, on brioche. For best taste, the chef recommends ordering medium-medium well.

With such a wide array of burgers to choose from, it’s not hard to see why food enthusiasts and critics alike have touted Teak as a staple amongst the Orlando food scene. Indeed, it has even garnished awards and TV appearances on the Travel Channel and the Cooking Channel. If you happen to find yourself there on a Tuesday or a Friday night, stay for the Trivia. Our group had a blast participating in The Office Trivia night.

Make your way before the end of the month to try one of their signature burgers, in celebration of their 2nd annual Burger World Tour. And if, for some reason, you just cant find exactly what you’re looking for on their menu, ask for the secret menu, a list of over 15 additional burgers (PB&J, Godzilla, and Sensory Overload burgers, to name a few!). Here you’ll find even wilder ingredient combinations that one might not think would work, but trust us: they do. Pro-tip: the secret menu is kept under lock and key, and you’ll need a password. Check Teak’s facebook page, as their password changes monthly. 

Enjoy Teak’s 2020 Burger World Tour September 7-October 8 at Teak Orlando located at 6400 Time Square Avenue, Orlando, FL 32835 and at Teak Maitland located at 901 South Orange Avenue, Maitland, FL, 32751. To place an order for pickup at Orlando, call 407-313-5111. To place an order for pickup at Maitland, call 407-335-4835. For more information, visit www.teakorlando.com

Fall Returns to PDQ: Must-Have Menu Items

The fan-favorite Fall Menu has officially returned to PDQ. For a limited time, guests can order the Crispy Turkey Sandwich, Sweet Potato Waffle Fries and a Pumpkin Spice Milkshake in addition to the already impressive list of menu items. We were invited to try out the Fall Menu as well as some PDQ staples available all year. We had high expectations, and PDQ did not disappoint.

Must-Have Fall Menu Items

Crispy Turkey Sandwich

Crispy double-stacked Butterball turkey is paired with cranberry relish, lettuce and herb seasoned mayo all sitting on a toasted potato bun. Simply put, this sandwich tastes like Thanksgiving.

Sweet Potato Waffle Fries

The Sweet Potato Waffle Fries are a Fall Menu must-have. The crispy fries come with a mouthwatering Spiced Marshmallow Dip that combines all the best fall spices into ooey gooey goodness.

Pumpkin Spice Milkshake

We highly recommend trying the Pumpkin Spice Milkshake. The flavor is reminiscent of fresh-baked pumpkin pie, and it’s a wonderful fall treat for pumpkin spice fanatics and milkshake lovers alike.

Year-Round PDQ Staples

Chicken Tenders with Waffle Fries

One thing PDQ consistently gets right is chicken. Their classic chicken tenders were simple yet delicious. The chicken is fresh and high quality, and it certainly shows. The true star of the show was the selection of signature sauces to choose from.

Honey Butter Chicken Sandwich

Another chicken must-have is the Honey Butter Chicken Sandwich. The crispy chicken is dunked in PDQ’s homemade honey butter and paired with butter pickles, giving this sandwich a delightfully sweet twist.

Cali Bowl

The Cali Bowl consists of rice, black beans, chile-lime corn, broccoli, guacamole, a signature sauce and your choice of crispy or grilled chicken. We opted with crispy, and it did not disappoint. For a healthy fast food alternative, we recommend going with grilled.

Zucchini Fries

If you’ve never tried PDQ’s Zucchini Fries, you are certainly missing out. We love pairing these must-haves with the Sweet Sriracha signature sauce, and we definitely love how generous the portions are.

Orlando-area PDQ’s have partnered with Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida during Hunger Awareness Month. Now through Sept. 30, when you visit a Central Florida PDQ, you’ll have the option to either round your total up or donate directly to the cause.

For more information, visit EatPDQ.com or follow @PDQFreshFood.

Magical Dining + The Generous Pour at The Capital Grille

We were invited to The Capital Grille to experience their Magical Dining menu + The Generous Pour offerings and we enjoyed our visit.

The Capital Grille is a fine-dining restaurant that offers dry aged steaks, fresh seafood, an award-winning wine list and professional service in an atmosphere of relaxed elegance.  They are best known for their expertly prepared steaks, which are custom-aged in-house and butchered on premise daily.

The restaurant’s wine list features more than 350 selections, and its floor-to-ceiling wine kiosk regularly houses 3,500 – 5,000 bottles.

This year during their annual “The Generous Pour” event which ran from July 6 through September 20, guest were able to enjoy unlimited wine pours featuring seven different wines by Dave Phinney – Wine Enthusiast’s Winemaker of the Year for just $28 and pair it with Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining three-course menu for $35 to get the best bang for their buck.

What is Magical Dining?

  • 3 courses – Appetizer, Entrèe, and Dessert
  • Price: $35 per person, price does not include tax or gratuity.
  • Over 70+ participating restaurants
  • August 28 – October 4
  • Through Visit Orlando, one dollar from each meal will benefit Feed the Need Florida, which works to help feed people who have struggled with getting access to healthy food during the COVID crisis.

Here are our favorites from the Magical Dining menu at The Capital Grille:

New England Clam Chowder – Cup (GF).  It was rich, flavorful and chunky. Simply amazing!

Wedge Salad – with bleu cheese and smoked bacon.  It was light, crispy, and refreshing.  I really enjoyed this appetizer.


Bone-In Dry Aged NY Strip 14oz
with Bone-In Kona Crusted Dry Aged NY Strip with shallot butter (+10).  You know it is good when your dining companion, who usually does not eat leftovers, asks for a to-go box.


Double Cut Lamb Rib Chops (+15).  
Delicious!

Cheesecake – their cheesecake is done lightly brûlée over the top like crème brûlée and the inside features ricotta cheese and mascarpone so it is nice and light, with a vanilla wafer crust, strawberry sauce and fresh fruit.

Chocolate Cake –  their chocolate cake has a chocolate ganache right over the top with port wine infused cherry, raspberry and sweet cream.

A huge thank you Executive Chef Keith Hank and our wonderful server Stan for taking care of us.  We had a fabulous time!

Magical Dining ends on Oct. 4. For more information, visit: visitorlando.com/en/magical-dining/restaurants/the-capital-grille-mall-at-millenia/38042

The Capital Grille – Mall at Millenia 
4200 Conroy Rd.
Orlando, FL 32839
(407) 351-2210

The Capital Grille – I-Drive
9101 International Drive
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 370-4392
thecapitalgrille.com/locations/fl/orlando

 

“Fall on the Farm” at Grande Lakes Orlando Resort – Weekends throughout October and November

0

 Grande Lakes Orlando, the sprawling 500-acre resort, home to The Ritz-Carlton Orlando and JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes, is hosting “Fall on the Farm” – a new family  friendly fall-themed outdoor event –  every Saturday and Sunday throughout the months of October and November between 10am-3pm.

With so many folks wanting to go outside for some socially distant activities with family and friends, this seems to be a great opportunity – one filled with kid-friendly arts and crafts, corn hole games, mazes, and more.

Throughout the event, guests can enjoy family-friendly, autumn-centric activities including a hayride, pumpkin picking, and pumpkin carving and painting workshops with the resort’s Olympic medalist and two-time World Champion culinary artist and carver, Victor Dagatan.

There will also be a farmer’s market to purchase a taste of Grande Lakes Orlando including locally produced and homemade items such as honey, Surplus Beer, jams, BBQ sauces and rubs, popcorn and more.

Guests will have the opportunity to learn about falconry from the property’s Master Falconer and the resort’s resident Director of Fly Fishing will also be sharing ‘how-to’s’ about the beloved sport.

Additionally, Grande Lakes Orlando’s diverse dining outlets will be providing visitors with an array of food and beverage offerings including pulled pork and beef sliders, a hot dog stand, warm pretzels, popcorn, bagged chips, candied apple and Dipping Dots.

Families and friends can also schedule a photography session with The Photography Concierge to capture your fall family portrait, packages start at $30.

The “Fall on the Farm” events are all taking place at Whisper Creek Farm, an 18,000 square-foot farm located on-property at Grande Lakes Orlando, open year-round to visitors for tours and culinary programming.

The farm features all the culinary bounty of Central Florida: from the on-site apiary, which produces honey for Grande Lakes Orlando’s restaurants and spa, to the vast assortment of fruits, vegetables, and herbs, to the dozens of chicken, ducks and quail, Whisper Creek Farm is one of the largest farms open to the public in the Orlando-area.

Access to Fall on the Farm is only $35 per person.

Reservations will be required for all guests and space is limited.

Call 407-206-2400 or email guestrelations.orlando@ritzcarlton.com to purchase tickets.

For overnight guestrooms or more information, please visit Grandelakes.com.

Orlando is the perfect place for a relaxing staycation or a retreat within driving distance.

The resort’s Family Escape Package guests buy one king guestroom and receive a second guaranteed connecting guestroom with two queen beds at 50% savings as well as self-parking and a 5 pm late checkout.

Alternatively, reserve a King Executive Suite and receive a complimentary connecting Lakefront View guestroom with two queen beds as well as self-parking and a 5 pm late checkout. Enter Online Promotional Code MAJ to reserve.

Grande Lakes Orlando is committed to providing guests with a clean environment that aligns with expert protocols aligned with CDC, Florida, and Orlando guidelines.

About Grande Lakes Orlando

The 500-acre Grande Lakes Orlando estate features a 582-room Ritz-Carlton and 1,000-room JW Marriott hotel situated at the headwaters of the Florida Everglades. Guests at both hotels can enjoy all the facilities and services at Grande Lakes Orlando, including an 18-hole Greg Norman-designed championship golf course and the 40,000-square-foot Ritz-Carlton Spa as well as three pools including the winding lazy river at JW Marriott and the new AquaCourse 360 interactive water feature. Experience a wealth of dining options throughout Grande Lakes Orlando, where the cuisine is as diverse as the resort.

  Twelve outlets to choose from featuring a brand new steak and seafood restaurant, Knife & Spoon led by award-winning chef John Tesar, southern-inspired cuisine at Highball & Harvest and Mediterranean Italian at PRIMO led by multiple time James Beard award-winning chef Melissa Kelly, a leader in the city’s farm-to-fork movement. The resort sources ingredients from its on-site apiaries and 18,000-square-foot Whisper Creek Farm.

On-property activities include Grande Lakes Sports Experiences offering kayaking, eco-tours on Shingle Creek, falconry, mountain biking and fishing school. Conference and meeting attendees have their pick of a selection of meeting space options located across 150,000 square feet that connects the two properties plus more than 100,000 square feet of outdoor space.

 Grande Lakes is located 15 minutes from the Orlando International Airport, five minutes from the Orange County Convention Center and minutes from the major theme parks. Follow Grande Lakes Orlando on Twitter at @RC_Orlando and @JW_Orlando, Instagram @ritzcarltonorlando and jwmorlando and Facebook ritzcarltonorlando and jwmarriottorlando. For more information about Grande Lakes Orlando, visit www.grandelakes.com.

About JW Marriott

JW Marriott is part of Marriott International’s luxury portfolio of brands and consists of beautiful properties and distinctive resort locations around the world. The impressive array of award-winning hotels cater to sophisticated, mindful travelers seeking The JW Treatment™ – the brand’s philosophy that true luxury is created by people who are passionate about what they do. These experiences help guests to be fully present, foster connections and feed the soul. Inspired by the principles of mindfulness, JW Marriott is a haven designed to allow guests to focus on feeling whole – present in mind, nourished in body, and revitalized in spirit – through programs and offerings that encourage them to come together, act with intention and experience every moment to the fullest. Today there are over 80 JW Marriott hotels in more than 25 countries and territories. Visit JW Marriott online, and on Instagram and Facebook. JW Marriott is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy™, the new name of Marriott’s travel program replacing Marriott Rewards®, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards®, and Starwood Preferred Guest®(SPG). The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including earning points toward free hotel stays and nights toward Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit MarriottBonvoy.marriott.com.

Local Orlando Cheeseburger Specials for September 18th – National Cheeseburger Day

0

September 18th is National Cheeseburger Day, so what better time to showcase where to find the best of this all-American classic.

Whether you’re a plain-Jane burger fan who keeps it simple with only cheese and ketchup between your buns or you like yours smothered in all of your favorite toppings and condiments galore, we’ve got a road map of options to guide you on your quest to hamburger heaven.

Here’s a list of restaurants and destinations, perfectly suited for to dive-in to a juicy burger – some are doing some big discounts!

Salty Rim Bar & Grill at Margaritaville Resort Orlando:
Double “Cheeseburger in Paradise” – DISCOUNT: Only $8 + FREE Onion Rings on National Cheeseburger Day! ($13 Regular Price)
Two 4oz Short Rib & Brisket Blended Patties, Lettuce, Tomato, Red Onion, Kosher pickle & American Cheese on a Brioche Bun

Gotta Try It Chef_Burger_Intro FNL

Finns Restaurant at Encore Resort at Reunion – Orlando, Fla.
Finns Burger –DISCOUNT: Only $5 On National Cheeseburger Day!
Seasoned beef patty topped with American cheese, herb mayo, lettuce, tomato and red onion between buttered brioche buns.

Euphoria at Margaritaville Resort Orlando
Wagyu Burger – DISCOUNT: Only $14 on National Cheeseburger Day! ($18 Regular Price)
Hearth-Baked Roll, Caramelized Onion, Lettuce, Tomato, Aged Cheddar Cheese, Truffle Herbed Frites

Rock and Brews at The Promenade at Sunset Walk – Orlando, Fla.
Gastropub Burger
8oz Angus Patty
2 tsp Kosher Salt & Black Pepper Mix
2 Tbl Carmelized Onions
1 Slice Swiss Cheese
2 Tbl Baby Greens
1 Slice 5×6 Vine Ripe Tomato
2 Tbl Garlic Aioli
1 Ea Sunny Side Up Egg

BurgerFi at The Promenade at Sunset Walk and other participating locations – Orlando, Fla.
Classic Cheeseburger – DISCOUNT: Order through the BurgerFi App or scan at the register and get $10 BurgerFi Rewards
Double All-Natural Angus Patty
American Cheese
All-Natural Potato Bun
House made Fi-sauce
Crown Leaf Lettuce
Tomato


Mooyah

Rewards app members get a FREE Build Your Own Cheeseburger with purchase of fries and drink or shake.

Paddlefish at Disney Springs – 50% off their cheeseburger during lunch only

Don’t forget to save the date for Sunset Walk Orlando Presents “Best of” Challenge: Burger Edition on October 3rd – Tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sunset-walk-orlando-presents-best-of-challenge-burger-edition-tickets-118952563319

New Opening: Island Fin Poke in East Orlando / UCF / Oviedo Area

Island Fin Poke, a fast-casual chain that serves Hawaiian-style poke bowls in a comfortable laid back beach shack environment founded in Winter Springs in 2017, recently opened its fourth local restaurant at 4250 Alafaya Trail in the East Orlando / UCF / Oviedo Area.

The Oviedo location is being opened by Alessandra Carvalho, a mother of two and a long-time guest of the original Winter Springs location. Suffering from celiac disease, she struggled to find a restaurant that provided plenty of options for someone on a limited diet.

Owner Alessandra Carvalho

Island Fin Poke’s healthy, high-protein menu helped her on her fitness journey where she lost 100 pounds. After two years of being a loyal supporter and eating at Island Fin Poke multiple times per week, she heard about the brand’s franchise opportunity and decided to open up a location of her own.

“Island Fin Poke played a significant role in my life over the last few years, and I am excited to be able to bring that same experience to the people in Oviedo,” said Carvalho. “The menu offers something for everyone and the food is delicious, locally sourced, and always fresh.”

With the help of her teenagers working at the restaurant, Carvalho plans to create a close-knit community at the Oviedo restaurant. The family business is currently hiring teens from local schools and is excited to welcome staff and guests into the Ohana, which is Hawaiian for family

The Hawaiian-style restaurant provides guests with farm-to-fork, locally and responsibly sourced ingredients for each individual to create their own perfect poke bowl. With eight proteins, over 25 toppings, house-made sauces and specialty mix-ins, the endless possibilities allow guests to get creative and try something new every visit.

Spicy Tuna Bowl – one of the most popular menu items

In the restaurant’s comfortable themed beach-shack environment, Carvalho hopes to bring Oviedo residents straight to the tropics as they enjoy a fresh meal and delicious dole whip for dessert.

“Alessandra has always been a part of the ohana as a valued guest, and we are so proud to watch her take on this role as a local owner,” said co-founder Mark Setterington. “She and her family embody our restaurant’s values and we couldn’t be more excited to expand to Oviedo.”

The new location comes at a time when Island Fin Poké continues to rapidly expand its national footprint. In addition to its open restaurants, Island Fin Poke has 25 locations in various stages of development across the country.

For more information, visit www.islandfinpoke.com.

Interview with Katie Zagaroli, Owner of The Whiskey on Orlando’s Restaurant Row

This year has been quite an unexpected one, but they are doing their best at The Whiskey to keep to the CDC and local government guidelines for safety during the pandemic including keeping capacity at the restaurant down to 50% and also converting their menus to a QR code which takes people to their online menu.

If you never tried using a QR code before, try it now by taking out your phone, turning on the camera, and aim at the square code in the photo below. A link should show up and if you click on that link it should take you to The Whiskey’s Menu!

They are hoping more people do take-out to help off set the reduced capacities.

The Whiskey – House Patty, Smoked Gouda, Bacon, Arugula, Tomato, Whiskey Onions, Dill Aioli.

A native of Michigan and alumni of Auburn University and Western Michigan University, Katie Zagaroli first came down to Orlando in 2009 as a part of the Disney internship program. After graduation, she stayed on in Orlando and worked on the business side at Hard Rock Cafe at Universal Orlando. With her love of great food, rock and roll music, and whiskey, she opened The Whiskey on Sand Lake Road in November of 2014.

Owner Katie Zagaroli of The Whiskey

Owner Katie Zagaroli tells us, “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!”

True to their music and entertainment roots, they host live band music at the restaurant, playing each night from 8pm-11pm.

The Whiskey, known for their fantastic “Best of Orlando” burgers, 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. There is even a cabinet with special whiskeys bottled and made just for The Whiskey.

Top Five Most Popular Burgers at The Whiskey

1. The Whiskey
House Patty, Smoked Gouda, Bacon, Arugula, Tomato, Whiskey Onions, Dill Aioli.

2. The All American
House Patty, Arugula, Tomato, Sliced Onion, Sliced Pickles, American Cheese, Special Sauce.

3. The Whiskey Dip
Shaved Ribeye, Provolone Cheese, Whiskey Onions, Garlic Aioli, Au Herbed Jus.

4. The Salty Pear
House Patty, Arugula, Tomato, Whiskey Onions, Bourbon Poached Pear, Maplewood Smoked Bacon, Creamy Brie Dollop, Garlic Aioli.

5. The Southerner
House Patty, bourbon bacon, whiskey onions, pimento cheese and fried green tomatoes

Top Five Drinks At The Whiskey

1. The Whiskey Old Fashioned
2. The Old Fashioned
3. The Elderberry
4. The Denver Old Fashioned
5. The Texas Mule

The Whiskey Orlando
downatthewhiskey.com
7563 W Sand Lake Rd, Orlando, FL 32819

Paddlefish + Terralina Crafted Italian Release September Specials

Paddlefish  + Terralina Crafted Italian at Disney Springs, are pleased to announce their promotions for the month of September.  Each restaurant will host a separate set of promotions, while also hosting a set of promotions applicable to both restaurants throughout the month.  They have also both increased their Annual Passholder Discount to 20%.

At Paddlefish, Executive Chef Steven Richard and his staff prepare fresh seafood dishes in one of Disney Springs’ most elegant dining rooms overlooking a breathtaking lake that will leave guests speechless.

Paddlefish will celebrate National Guacamole Day (Sept. 16) with their popular Crab Guacamole (serves four) on special all day for $30.

During National Cheeseburger Day (Sept. 18), Paddlefish will offer lunch diners their 9 ounce proprietary blend burger, topped with house-made pickles, red onion and pimento cheese for $9.50.

The team wouldn’t let National Lobster Day (Sept. 25) pass without a crustacean celebration, so for lunch only, the Lobster Corn Dogs will be $8.

Paddlefish is also pleased to present their Paddlefish Private Label Knob Creek Bourbon in the new Kentucky Mule cocktail, combined with lime juice and ginger beer, for $20.

Next door at sister concept Terralina Crafted Italian, led by Chef Justin Plank, will feature their handmade pastas on National Linguine Day (Sept. 15) with a special Shrimp, Scallop and Seafood Linguine special for $22.

September truly is the month for pizza lovers, as National Pepperoni Pizza Day (Sept. 20) falls in the same month, and Terralina Crafted Italian will offer their crusty, delicious wood-fired Pepperoni Pizza for $10 all day.

From the bar, guests can enjoy Sangria Happy Hour throughout the month of September with pitchers of the house signature Sangria for $20 from 4 to 6 p.m. daily.

Wine Down Wednesdays also continues through September, featuring $25 bottles of Citra Cabernet and Vielo Pinot Grigio.

Both restaurants are also participating in Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining prix-fixe menu, which offers three courses for just $35 plus tax and gratuity through Oct. 4.

Lastly, throughout the month of September, both Paddlefish and Terralina Crafted Italian will treat teachers and school faculty to a Back-to-School Special Discount, taking 35% off the food and beverage total check amount with valid school ID.

For more information about Paddlefish, please visit PaddlefishRestaurant.com, and for more information about Terralina Crafted Italian, please visit TerralinaCraftedItalian.com

Opening Soon: New Orlando Restaurant Russell’s on Lake Ivanhoe

0

A new upscale casual dining restaurant and bar featuring craft cocktails is having their soft opening this Friday September 18th in the Lake Ivanhoe District in the location (1414 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32804) which once held Mesa 21 and Gargi’s Lakeside.

The restaurant, Russell’s on Lake Ivanhoe is brought to us by partners Philippe Villain, Kevin O’ Donnell, and Chef Emmanuel Clement.

Chef Clement and Mr. Villain of Russell’s on Lake Ivanhoe

Mr. Philippe Villain has a long history in the restaurant industry including Wolfgang Puck Catering, ARAMARK, Planet Hollywood, and Euro Disney working within the resorts, hotels, and food and beverage management.

Chef Emmanuel Clement apprenticed at “Le Grand Veneur”, the most prestigious restaurant in Barbizon, France. Then onto the luxurious “Le Mazagran” and “Chez Edgard” in Paris, working closely with famous Michelin starred master chefs such as Alain Senderens in Paris and Christian Delouvrier in New York.

As Area Managing Chef for Disneyland Paris, he ran the test kitchen, created, developed concepts and menus from fast casual to fine dining and gastronomic for all the restaurants on site. He also served as Executive Chef International for Planet Hollywood and most recently was the owner and chef of “La Bodeguita del Centro” in Mallorca, Spain.

The name of Russell’s on Lake Ivanhoe and its pineapple symbology comes from Lake Ivanhoe’s history. Once upon a time, an industrious entrepreneur named Mr. George Russell settled on Lake Ivanhoe back in 1885 and began growing pineapples in the area, developing a booming pineapple industry that would become one of the largest and well-known producers of pineapples in the United States until imported varieties from Hawaii and Cuba made it unprofitable.

Mr. Russell then opened one of Orlando’s first amusement parks, a water park named Russell’s Point – also called Ivanhoe Park or Joyland – in 1910, complete with a dock, water slides, a dance hall, picnic area, and 50 boats for fishing and enjoying the lake.

The restaurant is having some finishing touches and should be open this September.

Sneak Peek at their Menu

Russell’s On Lake Ivanhoe Food Menu

Russell’s On Lake Ivanhoe Drink Menu

The Monroe Food + Drink coming in 2021 to Creative Village in Downtown Orlando

0

From the Press Release:

Jason and Sue Chin, owners of Good Salt Restaurant Group (which includes award-winning restaurants Seito Sushi Baldwin Park, The Osprey, and Reyes Mezcaleria), are excited to announce they will open a new concept on the ground floor of The Julian Apartments at Creative Village in Downtown Orlando.

The restaurant name is “The Monroe” and it is scheduled to open in 2021. The Monroe pays homage to Dr. William “Monroe” Wells, an African-American physician who opened the Wells’ Built Hotel in Parramore in 1926 as a safe place to be welcomed amongst friends and have fun. With his legacy in mind, The Monroe will be a mixed-use space of thoughtful dining, drinking, and socializing, including the main dining room, bar, lounge/study, semi-private dining area, expansive front porch and backyard patio.

Jason Chin, who sits on the advisory board of the Valencia College Walt Disney Center for Culinary Arts and Hospitality, plans to engage The Monroe in curriculum programs and grow the Central Florida culinary community through mentorship programs to attract and retain talent at the restaurant.

Jason Chin stated “We are very grateful for the support that Good Salt Restaurant Group has been shown over the years and are looking forward to being a part of the Creative Village community. The opportunity to participate in a project of this magnitude and potential does not come around very often and we are working hard to design and operate The Monroe as a diverse gathering place for the neighborhood.” Chin went on to say, “We are also excited about engaging and developing new talent in Orlando’s culinary community.”

The Julian Apartments is a new 14-story, 409-unit, $108 million apartment building that opened in August 2020. It was co-developed by Ustler Development, Inc. and The Allen Morris Company. Craig Ustler, president of Ustler Development, Inc., specifically sought out Jason and Sue to deliver the first full-service restaurant at Creative Village as the highly visible ground floor tenant at The Julian Apartments.

The Monroe Restaurant and The Julian Apartments are located at 480 North Terry Avenue in the heart of Creative Village in Downtown Orlando.

Opening Soon: Mamak Asian Street Food Expands to East Orlando / UCF Area

0

Mamak Asian Street Food, a local family-owned restaurant specializing in Southeast Asian street food, has officially announced that it will be opening its second location next month. The 80-seat, 3,300 square-foot eatery will be located at 3402 Technological Ave near UCF in the University Shoppes next to World of Beer and Lazy Moon. This new location will take over the spot previously occupied by Pei Wei on University Blvd.

We are told that the restaurant expects to open delivery/take out within the next two weeks, and then dine-in next month pending the current situation

The second Mamak will mark six years since the opening of the concept’s original location in October of 2014 in the Mills 50 District.

“My family was homesick for Malaysian food, and the home-cooked meals my grandparents used to make for us as kids. After living in New York and Cincinnati, we recognized the lack of Malaysian cuisine in Orlando, and my Mom, Dad, and I came together to open up the first Mamak,” says Alex Lo, co-founder.

The concept’s Southeast Asian street-style fare, coupled with its modern night-market aesthetic, make it a unique addition to the local food scene. Its vast menu, punctuated with distinctly Malaysian specialties, includes dishes such as the Roti Canai, a traditional crispy flatbread, the charcoal-grilled Satay chicken or beef skewers, and Char Kway Teow, a signature street-dish made with wok-tossed rice noodles, egg, and bean sprouts. Along with a selection of house-brewed tea, Asian beers, sake and craft cocktails, the menu comes reasonably-priced with all dishes under $14.

Mamak’s second location will be overseen by a new managing partner, Jurel Serrana, a seasoned veteran in restaurant expansion and quick-service dining with 18 years of experience under the Orlando-based Bento Group.

“With the success of the original Mamak that opened in 2014, we recognized the demand for a second location but needed the extra guidance to facilitate it. We’ve always been a family-owned and operated business, so partnering with Jurel, who has had a lot of experience in growing restaurant concepts, has made the opening process a lot easier,” says Alex.

“We’ve watched the popularity of Asian street food grow over the years, and saw a great opportunity in Mamak. It’s one of the very few places in Orlando to get Malaysian-influenced street food, and we hope expanding the concept will help enrich the local food scene even further, especially in East Orlando. Opening a restaurant during a pandemic is tricky, but we’ve adjusted to cater to the overwhelming demand for quick, off-premises options without compromising quality or service,” says Serrana.

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Mamak’s second location will take a fast-casual dining approach with a pared-down menu featuring the concept’s cult favorites. The concept’s takeout and delivery-friendly setup will feature a carryout entrance, and eventually outdoor patio seating. The new location will also accommodate off-site dining and contactless order fulfillment by offering a mobile text-to-order takeout option along with delivery on all major platforms, including UberEats, Doordash, Postmates and GrubHub.

The second Mamak will be the only Southeast Asian concept to open in East Orlando, and its proximity to UCF, new hotels, and large corporate offices will cater to the area’s growing demand for more takeout-friendly options from its active student, family and office lunch crowd.

An official Grand Opening, which will feature specials and giveaways, will be announced once dining capacity restrictions have opened up further.

About Mamak: The Lo Family – Mama Jenny, Papa Ken, and their son, Alex – founded Mamak Asian Street Food in the fall of 2014 in Orlando, Florida.

As first-generation Malaysian-American immigrants, Mama Jenny and Papa Ken moved to New York in the early 80s and made a living doing what they knew best, which was food. Their first jobs in the US began at restaurants, and this first-hand industry experience combined with their determination and faith in family would eventually pave the way for the opening of four of their own restaurants – one in New York and three in Cincinnati – before relocating to Florida, where Mamak would be born.

The concept’s namesake, pronounced “Mah-Mahk,” comes from the term for a street vendor or food stall – mostly in Southeast Asia. These stalls are owned and operated by Chefs putting their own spin on traditional recipes. The Lo Family built Mamak upon this idea and brought their homegrown recipes to the table, many of which came straight from Alex’s grandparents.

With influences from Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia, Mamak’s menu is an homage to traditional Southeast Asian street food, and has become a one-stop-shop for street-style eats unique to each country.

With the success of the first Mamak and the much-anticipated opening of the second location under their belts, the Lo family with the help of new managing partner, Jurel Serrana, have plans for further expansion.

“These are unpredictable times, but we have been receiving great support from the community. And with that, a lot of perseverance, and a little luck, we hope to open more locations in Orlando and across Florida,” says Alex.

Photos Courtesy Mamak

September Pasta Promotion & Happy Hour Drinks at BRIO Italian Grille – Mall at Millenia

We were invited to BRIO Italian Grille at the Mall at Millenia to experience their current in-store promotions and we enjoyed our experience.  The ambiance was beautiful and relaxing, the service was friendly, and the food was delicious.

Here are the current specials at BRIO Italian Grille:

Pasta alla Vodka – Ricotta-filled pasta, spicy tomato cream, pancetta.

September Pasta Promotion – When you purchase any entrée for dinner, you’ll receive your choice of one complimentary pasta to take with you after your meal.  Choose from Spaghetti Pomodoro, Spaghetti Bolognese or Pasta alla Vodka to enjoy later.   This offer is available for dine-in guests only.

Lemon Basil Crush, Tropical Cosmo, Peach Bellintini

$5 Martini Wednesdays – Every Wednesday from 3 – 6 p.m., guest can enjoy $5 specialty cocktails like BRIO’s Lemon Basil Crush, Flirtini, Tropical Cosmo, Razzbertini, Lemontini and Peach Bellintini.

Lemon Basil Crush: SVEDKA Citron Vodka, crushed basil and fresh-squeezed lemon juice.

Tropical Cosmo: Pineapple infused vodka, Malibu Coconut Rum, cranberry juice, and lime juice, up.

$5 Wine Thursdays – Every Thursday from 3 – 6 p.m., guest can partake in a variety of $5 whites by the glass including the crisp, apple flavors of Chateau Ste.  Michelle Riesling or the bright citrus notes of Lunardi Pinot Grigio.  If you are in the mood for red wine, enjoy the balanced black fruit flavors of Placido Chianti DOCG or Picco Rosso, a rich red blend.

Here are some of our favorites dishes at BRIO Italian Grille:

Carpaccio – Shaved tender beef, field greens, capers, mustard aioli.  This is only $6 during Happy Hour on weekdays from 3pm – 6pm.  Regular price – $13.99.

Lobster Ravioli – Lobster cream sauce, scallions.

Gorgonzola Crusted Beef Medallions – Marsala sauce, asparagus, mashed potatoes.


Chicken Limone – Lemon, broccolini®, mashed potatoes.

For the Happy Hour menu, visit: https://locations.brioitalian.com/us/fl/orlando/4200-conroy-rd

BRIO Italian Grille – Mall at Millenia
4200 Conroy Rd, Orlando, FL 32839
(407) 351-8909

 

Inside Look: World’s Largest Hard Rock Cafe at Universal Studios Orlando’s Citywalk

0

We were invited to experience the world’s largest Hard Rock Cafe right here in Orlando at Universal Studio Orlando’s Citywalk and our experience was legendary!

I usually dine outside nowadays but I felt incredibly safe dining inside Hard Rock Cafe Orlando because of all their health & safety measures in place to ensure that everyone has a safe visit.  Masks were mandatory for everyone, signs were on all of the tables that had been sanitized, they offered digital menus and gave a plastic bag to every guest to place their mask after they were seated, foot pedals were installed on the bottom of restroom doors, and all the employees were wearing a mask and gloves.

While dining at Hard Rock Cafe Orlando, you will be surrounded by the largest collection of memorabilia from music’s greatest talents.

The memorabilia and the history behind it is nothing short of amazing.

I could definitely spend a few hours here just getting lost in the memorabilia alone.

You will definitely have to visit Hard Rock Cafe Orlando to see the entire collection for yourself.  It is truly spectacular.

While walking around and looking at all the amazing memorabilia, you will develop an appetite.  Luckily at Hard Rock Cafe Orlando, the service is very friendly and the food offering is great.

Original Legendary® Burger

The burger that started it all!  The Original Legendary Steak Burger comes with applewood bacon, cheddar cheese, crispy onion ring, leaf lettuce and vine-ripened tomato.  It is served with fresh toasted buns and seasoned fries. 10/10!

There is nothing better than the Legendary® Burger at Hard Rock Cafe Orlando, but if you’re not in the mood for burgers, there are plenty of other dishes to satisfy your cravings.

Baby Back Ribs – Seasoned with their signature spice blend, then glazed with our house-made barbecue sauce and grilled to perfection, served with seasoned fries, coleslaw and ranch-style beans.  It was very flavorful and the ribs fell right off the bone.  The fries were addicting as well.

Grilled Norwegian Salmon – Grilled salmon with herb butter and house-made barbecue sauce, served with fresh vegetables.  A delicious, light and healthy dish!

Since the summer turned out to be such a bummer due to COVID-19, Hard Rock Cafe Orlando is bringing the first-ever Hard Rock Cafe Festival 2020, taking place from Saturday August 29 through Friday September 25 2020 at participating restaurant locations worldwide where guest can experience a special limited-time menu of music festival inspired food and cocktails perfect for sharing.

We ordered the Fresh Agave Margarita from the Festival cocktail menu and it was really good.  I’m sure the other limited-time cocktails specials are just as great!

For guests joining in from home, Hard Rock Cafe will feature a memorable 10 day social media line up on the Hard Rock Instagram and Hard Rock Facebook so make sure you are following their pages to get front row seats to all 10 days between August 29th – September 7th. This will feature live curated DJ sets, VIP online backstage passes to gain access to exclusive content with Hard Rock Cafe chefs, a fun take on a silent disco and a virtual Ferris wheel ride along with other rockin’ sets. Share & follow the festival through our hashtag #HardRockCafeFestival2020

For more information about Hard Rock Cafe Festival 2020, visit: hardrockcafe.com/hard-rock-festival-2020.aspx

Hard Rock Cafe Orlando
6050 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 351-7625
hardrockcafe.com

Lombardi’s Seafood in Winter Park Announces New Addition of Two Acclaimed Chefs

Mike Lombardi, owner of Lombardi’s Seafood, announced today that the fine Winter Park-based seafood market and cafe (1888 W. Fairbanks Ave.) has added two new members that have joined the team.

Mike Lombardi of Lombardi’s Seafood

Chef Austin Boyd will be in charge of revamping Lombard’s Cafe menu as well as creating a myriad of new items for their Retail Market. Chef Austin’s past executive chef positions include the well known group of restaurants from Jason and Sue Chin: Seito Baldwin Park, Osprey Tavern and Reyes Mezcaleria. Keep an eye out for some new menu items and specials, including a new Nashville hot Catfish sandwich that is currently on the menu as a special.

Chef Yoshi and Chef Austin Boyd

Secondly, they have hired Chef Yoshi Pintar known by many as “Sushiman”, and who has had several stints in some of Orlando’s finest hotels including the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress and more. Chef Yoshi actually once sourced fresh seafood from Lombardi’s decades ago for Sushiman.

Mr. Lombardi says, ” I have known Chef Yoshi for 20+ years and couldn’t be more excited for him to be bringing his sushi skills to Lombardi’s. Starting today, Yoshi is taking the freshest seafood available and started making sushi in our cafe. It is available in our cafe and for takeout.”

The sushi menu is below as well as a few shots of their new poke bowls, sushi rolls, and the classic Lobster roll from our visit today:

Rainbow Roll
Chef Yoshi’s classic artistic touch

Salmon Poke Bowl

Chef Boyd’s New Menu

 

Classic New England Lobster Roll

Virtual Event: Hidden Orlando: Secret Spots and Local Haunts with Local Orlando Bloggers and Orange County Library System

0

 

The Orange County Library System (Facebook Website) will host a virtual panel of local influencers at 2 p.m. Saturday, September 5, as they discuss their favorite restaurants, shops, and hangouts in Orlando.  Dive in and discover your new nearby favorites…they were right there all along!

Dive-in with Ricky Ly of Tasty Chomps (Facebook Website), Katie Johnston of Pulptown (Facebook Website), and Brendan O’Connor of Bungalower (Facebook Instagram) who serve as panelists for the Hidden Orlando: Secret Spots and Local Haunts.

This event occurs online through Facebook.

For more events in this series go to: www.ocls.info/bigread.

NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in partnership with Arts Midwest.

Second Harvest Asks Supporters to Help “Stock The Shelves” For September – Hunger Action Month

0

One in Six Central Floridians May Struggle with Hunger This Year

Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida is accustomed to providing tens of millions of meals each year in the fight against hunger, but this year, the need for donations is greater than ever due to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A recent national survey conducted by Feeding America estimates that one in six Central Floridians may struggle with hunger this year – an anticipated 49% increase.

In honor of Hunger Action Month, Second Harvest is asking the community to help “Stock the Shelves” this September.

The month-long effort encourages Central Floridians to take action in the fight against hunger. Second Harvest is also making it easy to get involved by featuring at-home and socially distanced activities, such as:

  • Donate 30 non-perishable food items representing each day of the month
  • Host a virtual food drive or FUNdraiser
  • Wear orange on Sept. 10 for Hunger Action Day
  • Donate $30 for 30 days of hunger
  • Donate your Buy One, Get One (BOGO) deals after shopping
  • Sign-up to volunteer
  • Dine or shop at local establishments, such as Black Rooster Taqueria, Action Gator Tire and Kendra Scott on select days; a portion of each sale will be donated to Second Harvest

Ways to get involved will also be posted on the nonprofit’s Facebook page throughout the month. Second Harvest encourages participants to share how they’re helping “Stock the Shelves” on social media by using #StockTheShelves.

“Now, more than ever, the community should come together to help those in need stock their shelves,” said Dave Krepcho, president and CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.

“With every donation we receive, we are able to help our network of more than 550 feeding partners serve 66,000 people each day across six counties. Every canned good, every volunteer and every awareness effort makes a difference.”

To learn more about the “Stock the Shelves” campaign, Hunger Action Month and other ways to get involved with Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, visit www.FeedHopeNow.org.

About Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida

SHFBCF is a member of Feeding America – the largest charitable domestic hunger-relief organization in the United States. SHFBCF secures and distributes food and grocery products to approximately 550 local nonprofit feeding programs throughout Central Florida. Last year, with the help of food and financial donors, volunteers and a caring, committed community, the food bank has distributed enough food for 76 million meals to partner programs such as food pantries, soup kitchens, women’s shelters, senior centers, day care centers and Kids Cafes. In addition, Second Harvest’s 16-week culinary program teaches foodservice-based technical, life and employability skills to economically hard-pressed adults. Second Harvest is distributing enough food to feed 66,000 people a day. To learn more about SHFBCF, visit www.FeedHopeNow.org.

First Look: BENTO – Oviedo

One of my favorite restaurants BENTO recently opened their 6th Orlando location in the Alafaya Square Retail Plaza near Planet Fitness, Publix and Chase Bank.

Located just few miles north of UCF, this location is the perfect quick-casual spot for both families and students alike.  By concept and design, BENTO creates an inviting, sleek, and friendly dining experience.

BENTO offers a fresh approach to classic Pan-Asian dishes.  They strive to honor timeless flavors and techniques with a refreshing twist and with an extensive menu, there is something for almost every craving from delightfully sweet boba teas, wok-fired noodles to freshly made sushi.

BENTO was founded in the summer of 2002 in Gainesville by the Tung brothers, Jimmy and Johnny, with managing partners like David Yu joining the team as the family-owned company grew.  BENTO is now in at 16 locations — going on 17 with BENTO Tampa coming up in less than a month.

They are also opening stores in Dania Beach, Wellington, Jacksonville Riverside, Downtown Jacksonville, Sarasota, and Lake Nona before 2020 comes to a close. Additional Orlando locations opening in the future include one in the Mills 50 area, and at Disney’s Flamingo Crossing.

We were invited to check out the new BENTO in Oviedo and were pleased to see all the safety precautions in place including masked employees, social distancing markers in the floor, digital menus, tables socially distanced, and all the food packaged in recyclable containers.

I used to work for The BENTO Group back when I was in college and I enjoyed everything they made.  During my visit I ordered some of my long-time favorites including the Pao Pao Spicy Cream Noodle Bowl with chicken and udon noodles and the Sushi Combo Box that comes with 8pc California Roll and your choice of two 4pc Classic Rolls (Rainbow Roll & Mt Fiji Roll).  I also always order a side of their delicious spicy mayo sauce and dip pretty much everything into it.

BENTO is offering a special offer for the whole month of September.  Receive a FREE mini poké bowl with $25 online order when you use the code “POKEPARADISE” on the mobile app or http://order.eatatbento.com.

For more information about the new location, visit: eatatbento.com/orlando-oviedo/

Bento – Oviedo
15 Alafaya Woods Blvd Ste 107
Oviedo, FL 32765
+1 (689) 999-4423

12 Must-Try Dishes at SeaWorld Orlando’s Craft Beer Festival 2020

SeaWorld Orlando generously invited us out to experience their Craft Beer Festival. The festival is currently running on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays now until Sept. 30. The festival runs from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays, and from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Over 100 locally crafted brews are available at SeaWorld Orlando’s Craft Beer Festival, along with over 20 food items to pair with your brew of choice.

SeaWorld Orlando Craft Beer Festival 2020

SeaWorld Orlando Craft Beer Festival 2020

While the extensive list of craft beers is impressive, we at Tasty Chomps were focused on the food. We received a Craft Beer Festival Sampling Lanyard, which allows guests to sample 8 or 12 food or craft beer samples for $45 and $60 respectively. Sampling Lanyards can save guests over 40% throughout the festival, and can be purchased either online or at SeaWorld Orlando. With our lanyard, we tried 12 of the best food dishes the festival has to offer, and we were not disappointed. Here are 12 Must-Try Dishes at SeaWorld Orlando’s Craft Beer Festival 2020.

12 Must-Try Dishes at SeaWorld Orlando’s Craft Beer Festival 2020

SeaWorld Orlando Craft Beer Festival 2020

SeaWorld Orlando Craft Beer Festival 2020

1. Buffalo Chicken Empanada

Starting off strong, the Buffalo Chicken Empanada was the first food item we tried at the festival, and probably our favorite. The outer later is crispy, and it is filled with a delicious shredded buffalo chicken mix. The buffalo flavor is not too overwhelming, and the actual chicken was cooked perfectly. It’s topped with a buttermilk celery dressing that blew us away.

SeaWorld Orlando Craft Beer Festival 2020

SeaWorld Orlando Craft Beer Festival 2020

2. Pepper Smoked Brisket Slider

The Pepper Smoked Brisket Slider was next on our list, and it did not disappoint. It’s served with a Sam Adams® infused bbq sauce, tobacco onions and a large pickle. This slider was smokey, hearty and surprisingly filling.

SeaWorld Orlando Craft Beer Festival 2020

SeaWorld Orlando Craft Beer Festival 2020

SeaWorld Orlando Craft Beer Festival 2020

3. Banana S’mores Bites

There’s nothing bite-size about these Banana S’mores Bites. Graham crackers, caramelized bananas, roasted marshmallows and fudge are skillfully layered to create this incredibly tasty dessert dish. It was beautiful to look at, and even better to eat.

SeaWorld Orlando Craft Beer Festival 2020

SeaWorld Orlando Craft Beer Festival 2020

SeaWorld Orlando Craft Beer Festival 2020

4. Cinnamon Sugar Nuggets

These Cinnamon Sugar Nuggets from Mama’s Pretzel Kitchen were shockingly good. The fried dough was warm and fluffy, and the outer later of cinnamon sugar was mouthwatering. Most cinnamon pretzel bites pretty much taste the same, but there was something special about these, and we highly recommend trying them out.

SeaWorld Orlando Craft Beer Festival 2020

SeaWorld Orlando Craft Beer Festival 2020

SeaWorld Orlando Craft Beer Festival 2020

5. Yuengling® Golden Pilsner Cured Chicken Wings

If you’ve never tried Yuengling® Golden Pilsner, it’s a golden colored brew with hints of sweet grain. We were curious how this would pair with chicken wings, and were pleasantly surprised at the outcome. The wings were cooked well, and the flavor was similar to orange chicken. If you are not a fan of sweet flavors on your chicken, this may not be your favorite dish. But, as big orange chicken fans, we loved them.

SeaWorld Orlando Craft Beer Festival 2020

SeaWorld Orlando Craft Beer Festival 2020

6. Yuengling® Traditional Lager Battered Crispy Onion Rings

These onions rings were surprisingly crispy, and more seasoned than you’d expect, likely due to the Yuengling® Traditional Lager batter. The Ale and Cheese Sauce added great flavor. Ultimately, this dish made for a great theme park snack.

SeaWorld Orlando Craft Beer Festival 2020

SeaWorld Orlando Craft Beer Festival 2020

SeaWorld Orlando Craft Beer Festival 2020

7. Rainbow Cheesecake Cone

If you’re looking for a sweet treat during your visit, the Rainbow Cheesecake Cone is a wonderful choice. The waffle cone is filled with a generous serving of creamy rainbow cheesecake, topped with whipped cream and rainbow sprinkles. Sometimes cheesecake can taste a bit too rich, and that wasn’t the case here. This treat was light enough to snack on in the Florida heat, and we definitely enjoyed doing so.

SeaWorld Orlando Craft Beer Festival 2020

SeaWorld Orlando Craft Beer Festival 2020

SeaWorld Orlando Craft Beer Festival 2020

8. Impossible Burger™ Slider

The Impossible Burger™ never ceases to amaze us. This burger was indistinguishable from the real thing. It was served on a lightly salted pretzel bun, topped with a generous amount of lemon hummus and a root relish blend. This dish will impress both vegans and meat-lovers alike.

SeaWorld Orlando Craft Beer Festival 2020

SeaWorld Orlando Craft Beer Festival 2020

SeaWorld Orlando Craft Beer Festival 2020

9. Sam Adams® New England IPA Drunken Shrimp Tacos

These shrimp tacos had an unexpected kick, and were great for a lighter bite during the day. Serrano and coriander salsa verde topped the taco. The shrimp was cooked to perfection, and the Sam Adams® New England IPA added a ton of flavor. Overall, these drunken shrimp tacos are a wonderful option for those who don’t want anything too heavy or hearty.

SeaWorld Orlando Craft Beer Festival 2020

SeaWorld Orlando Craft Beer Festival 2020

10. Hot Chicken Slider

As tasty as this Hot Chicken Slider looked, we weren’t expecting this dish to have such an appetizing kick. The chicken was extra crispy (just how we like it) and topped with habanero jam and a diced pickle relish. The spice wasn’t overwhelming in the Orlando humidity. The combination of flavors was particularly impressive for a theme park bite.

SeaWorld Orlando Craft Beer Festival 2020

SeaWorld Orlando Craft Beer Festival 2020

11. Brussels Sprouts

We decided to try something on the lighter side, and settled on the Brussels sprouts. They were cooked with bacon bits, smoked salt and lemon mint yogurt. As a result, this veggie dish is not vegan or vegetarian friendly, but it is worth a try for any bacon lovers out there. We found that the bacon flavor overwhelmed the dish, which can definitely be a pro if you’re a fan of the flavor. If not, this may not be the best choice for you.

SeaWorld Orlando Craft Beer Festival 2020

SeaWorld Orlando Craft Beer Festival 2020

12. Mojo Roasted Heritage Pork Waffle Potato Nachos

This hispanic take on nachos features deliciously seasoned waffle fries topped with mojo roasted heritage pork, avocado crema, cotija cheese, red onion and cilantro. Again, the amount of flavor was outstanding. The avocado crema was heavenly, and it paired perfectly with the Cuban-style pork. The waffle fries managed to remain crispy, and despite being full from the other 11 food items, we had no choice but to eat every last crumb of this dish.

SeaWorld Orlando Craft Beer Festival 2020

SeaWorld Orlando Craft Beer Festival 2020

SeaWorld Orlando Craft Beer Festival 2020

For more information about SeaWorld Orlando’s Craft Beer Festival 2020, visit SeaWorldOrlando.com or follow @SeaWorldOrlando on Instagram and Facebook.

 

Inside Look: Tuun Pop Up at Sea Thai Orlando with Chef Jack Jone Tawa Chavitranurak

0

Sea Thai started in 2007 when K Shavitra and wife Fay wanted to open a small Thai restaurant that can create jobs for their family. We spoke to brother and chef Chef Jack Tawa Chavitranurak about their new Tuun pop up project inside Sea Thai.

Sea Thai recently underwent renovations to make it more fresh and modern looking. They have also started a new menu to offer more modern Thai with authentic flavor for the chef specials.

Chef Jack tells us, “I just want to add some alternative and authentic Thai food that you never ever have tasted in the other Thai restaurants in Orlando. I feel like the food scene in Orlando is getting better and better everyday. People are more open minded and willing to accepted the new food culture.”

Tuun features regional Thai dishes such as – Spicy basil braised beef fried rice with fried garlic and soft poached egg, Gaeng Hung Lay Northern Style braised Pork Belly Red Curry with fried shallot, Khao Soi, a chicken curry noodle dish, Tuun wings coated in tom yum sauce and kaffir lime and lemongrass. The menu is available every Friday – Sunday at dinnertime.

Interview with Chef Jack Tawa Chavitranurak – Sea Thai / Tuun

Tell us about your background and your earliest memories around food.

I was born and raised in Bangkok, Thailand. I came to Orlando in 2007 when my brother was opening his restaurant and he needed my help so he called me to come here and work with him – that’s how I got to start working in kitchen.

Since I was a kid, I always saw my mom in the kitchen cooking food for us. She is a great cook – whatever we wanted to eat, she will try to get the recipe and cook it. We always had at least 3-4 dishes on the table every meal. That’s how I remembered my earliest memories around the food.

Spicy basil braised beef fried rice with fried garlic and soft poached egg

What inspired you to become a chef?

Me and my wife (@snackswag) are passionate about food. When we first got to the states and were working at my brother’s place (Sea Thai), we always talked and shared the ideas about what we want to do with our food. Then one day, we were like why don’t we go to school and go to work somewhere else to learn the new cooking techniques and the other cuisines. I went to obtain a degree in Culinary arts management from Valencia College in 2013.

My first American kitchen job started at Hyatt Grand Cypress hotel (Hemingway Restaurant), then I moved to work at Four Seasons hotel (Capa) for a couple years, and finally at 1921 Mt.Dora with Chef Camilo Velasco.

Gaeng Hung Lay Northern Style braised Pork Belly Red Curry with fried shallot

What were some challenges that you faced in the beginning and how did you overcome them?

For my first American kitchen , the most challenging aspect was how to make people accepted me to be apart of the team.

It was really hard for a couple months to get people to understand my accent and know what I can do in the kitchen, so I had to work harder and learn faster than anyone’s in the kitchen until they accepted me to be a part of the team.

Khao Soi, a regional Thai chicken curry noodle dish

What are your favorite memories from working there and what were some of the things you learned through your experiences?

There are so many great memories from working at 1921 beside working with a lot of talented people or cooking with a great product. I had an opportunity to go cook at the James Beard house in New York. It was an honor for me to cook in such a long storied and legendary kitchen.

From my experience that I’ve been working in this industry for 10 years, some things that  I learned from my experience is to never stop learning and be humble to people you work with. You will learn.

Tuun wings coated in tom yum sauce and kaffir lime and lemongrass

Find Sea Thai Restaurant at 3812 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32803 -(407) 895-0985 – @tuunorlando Created by chef @jack.jone22 available for pick up @seathaiorlando every Fri-Sun at dinnertime.

First Look: Magical Dining at Tap Room at Dubsdread – College Park

Conveniently located on Par Street just off Edgewater Drive, The Tap Room at Dubsdread is the gathering spot for all.  Although Tap Room is located on the 95-year-old Dubsdread golf course, the restaurant is open to the public.  You will enjoy the friendly and upbeat atmosphere while you relax in their beautiful and unique woodsy setting, nestled among the high trees with hanging moss, overlooking the historic course.

We were invited to Tap Room in College Park to get a first look at their Magical Dining menu and everything we tried was delicious.

Tap Room’s Magical Dining menu proudly offers fresh seafood, prime cuts, and house-made desserts.  Along with a three-course meal for $35, you will also have the option to enhance your meal with add-ons such as Crab Cake Maryland Style ($9), Sea Scallops ($8), and Cowboy Style – bleu cheese crumble, onion straws, balsamic glaze ($3).

This special dinner menu will be available for dine-in starting today, Aug. 28 through Oct. 4.  No carry outs.

What is Magical Dining?

  • 3 courses – Appetizer, Entrèe, and Dessert
  • Price: $35 per person, price does not include tax or gratuity.
  • Over 70+ participating restaurants
  • August 28 – October 4
  • Through Visit Orlando, one dollar from each meal will benefit Feed the Need Florida, which works to help feed people who have struggled with getting access to healthy food during the COVID crisis.

Here are our favorites from the Magical Dining menu at The Tap Room at Dubsdread:

Hot Jumbo Lump Crab & Cheese Dip – topped with fresh tomato & scallions, served with toast points.  This meaty and cheesy dip blew my mind.  It was an amazing starter.

Fresh Seared Tuna Sashimi (GF) – seared sushi grade tuna with a peppercorn and seasame crust, served with soy horseradish.

Filet Mignon (GF) – 8 oz, barrel cut, bacon wrapped.  A excellent cut of steak!  The mash potatoes were light and fluffy.  We enhanced this dish by adding on the sea scallops for an additional $9 and it was worth it.

Crab Cakes – 2 Maryland style, jumbo lump with house-made rémoulade.  The crab cakes tasted amazing.  It was pure perfection.

French Macarons (V) – raspberry, pistachio, coffee.  A fun and colorful treat to end a wonderful meal!

Brownie Sundae (V) – house-made fudge brownie, vanilla ice cream, whipped cream with cherry.  A very filling dessert!

For more information, please visit: visitorlando.com/en/magical-dining/restaurants/the-tap-room-at-dubsdread/47554

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

6 Hidden Gems in Winter Park: A Foodie’s Guide

Winter Park features some of the most unique and underrated food spots in all of Central Florida. With a quick stroll down Park Ave., you’ll pass numerous restaurants ranging from Indian cuisine to dessert shops, and everything in between. We’ve decided to shine a spotlight on some of the lesser known eateries in Winter Park. Some of these spots recently opened, and others are just a bit off the beaten path. Join us as we explore some of the very best hidden gems in all of Winter Park.

6 Hidden Gems in Winter Park: A Foodie’s Guide

1. KrungThep Tea Time

KrungThep Tea Time earns a spot on this list based off of its tea menu alone. This sandwich and tea shop also offers a long list of delicious bites, all with a Thai twist. Our personal favorite food item is the Gra-Prow Chicken pressed sandwich, which features chicken, mozzarella, fresh basil, red pepper, onion and the tastiest spicy basil mayo we’ve ever had. It’s worth noting that all signature sandwiches are served with a show-stopping side salad tossed in a house dressing that is so tasty we wish they sold it by the bottle. The Thai Tea is unmatched, and for anybody looking for a more refreshing drink, we recommend the Nom Yem. It’s sweet, creamy and best of all: pink!

2. Garp & Fuss 

Nestled within The Hidden Garden on Park Ave., Garp & Fuss offers one of the dreamiest restaurant atmospheres we’ve experienced. The best seating area is without a doubt the beautiful brick wall atrium. As far as food goes, our personal favorite menu item is the Fuss, which is a fried chicken sandwich topped with marinated cucumber, arugula, hot honey, blueberry relish and boss sauce. We also highly recommend the Mac & Cheese as a starter.

Credit: @GarpAndFuss on Instagram
Credit: @GarpAndFuss on Instagram
Credit: @GarpAndFuss on Instagram
Credit: @GarpAndFuss on Instagram

3. The COOP

Central Florida natives already know 4 Rivers Smokehouse. But did you know about its Southern sibling specializing in comfort food? The COOP in Winter Park offers a a variety of Southern Staples from shrimp and grits to fried chicken buckets. The large selection of sides doesn’t disappoint either. From the warm mac n’ cheese to the gooey cinnamon bread pudding, you really can’t go wrong at The COOP.

4. Pannullo’s Italian Restaurant

A Winter Park staple, Pannullo’s opened over 25 years ago and remains a must for all things Italian. From pasta to pizza and all things in between, Pannullo’s offers delectable Italian cuisine with a cozy Tuscan-inspired atmosphere. Let’s be honest, it isn’t difficult to find an Italian restaurant in Central Florida. However, Pannullo’s level of authenticity and theming is hard to come by. It’s refreshing to find a food spot that provides a genuine escape through its simplistic yet intentional ambiance. We recommend the Ravioli Terracina and honestly any of their massive pizzas. 

Credit: @FeedingAims on Instagram
Credit: @pannulos on Instagram
Credit: @pannulos on Instagram

5. Light on the Sugar 

Light on the Sugar is a lovely family owned bakery and coffee shop, offering a delightful assortment of pastries with an Asian twist. The best part is all of their menu items are made with high quality ingredients that are — you guessed it — light on the sugar. Believe us, you can taste the difference. Our top two dishes are the Cream Puffs (the Earl Grey and Ube flavors are our favorites) and the Japanese Cheesecake. If you’re a fan of Panna Cotta, you’ll also want to try one of their many flavor combinations, like Matcha Strawberry or Coffee Vanilla. They come packaged in the sweetest little plastic jars, which is clearly a plus. Nearly the entire baked goods menu rotates day to day, so you never know what exciting new flavors will be available at Light on the Sugar. 

6. Tabla Indian Cuisine

For even more delicious bites in Winter Park, Tabla Indian Cuisine offers traditional Indian dishes from rich curry to perfectly seasoned kabobs. We recently visited Tabla and had the chance to chat with the owner, Nora Jain. You can read more about our visit here

Feature Image Credit: Camels & Chocolate 

Editorial: Orange County Has ‘Got You Covered’ during COVID-19 Pandemic

0

By Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings

Wearing a mask during the COVID-19 pandemic is not a political statement or a personal opinion. It is a moral and civic obligation to yourself, your family, your neighbors and your community, so that we can slow the spread of the virus and ultimately, contain it.

Since there is not an FDA-approved vaccination at this time for COVID-19, the CDC experts say wearing a face covering or mask is our best chance at stopping the spread of the virus.

To make sure everyone is masking up, I issued an Executive Order in June. It mandates the wearing of face coverings for anyone working, living, visiting or doing business in Orange County. It will remain in effect until further notice.

My other priority is to keep all of you informed. I have led more than 60 news conferences reporting the latest COVID-19 information for our residents. At each update, the Florida Department of Health Orange County’s Health Administrator Dr. Raul Pino stresses the importance of the three W’s:

• Wear a mask or covering over your nose and mouth
• Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer
• Watch distance— stay six feet apart, avoid close contact and large crowds/gatherings

These actions are working. Our numbers are going down, but we must all continue to follow the CDC guidelines and wear a mask. We cannot stop now! We are finally seeing our efforts pay off in this war against the coronavirus.

To that end, I am proud to announce Orange County Government’s latest public health campaign: We Got You Covered. It is a reminder to protect yourself and others by doing the right thing and wearing a mask. This initiative will strengthen our coordinated response to the virus’ impact on Orange County.

In addition to protecting the health and well-being of our residents, we want to make sure our local businesses are safe as well. The Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force’s Consumer Confidence Survey found that 69% of consumers are more likely to patronize a business that requires its employees to wear facemasks.

In order to improve adherence to CDC guidelines, we formed “Strike Teams,” which are made up of code enforcement officials and others to make sure businesses are in compliance. So far, they have visited over 1,100 establishments and were delighted to find nearly 85% of business owners following the rules to help keep customers and employees safe.

Please know that Orange County Government is working hard to keep you safe during this unprecedented time. Thank you for your commitment in helping us grow stronger and safer together! For more information on the “We Got You Covered” campaign, visit ocfl.net/WeGotYouCovered.

Do you have photos of yourself to share? Send some to us at tastychomps (at) gmail.com!

Here are some photos of our favorite folks around Orange County masked up for the “We Got You Covered” campaign:

Allison McCarthy of Halpern’s Prime Meat and Seafood
With Quay Hu, owner of Qreate Coffee in Orlando’s Mills 50 District
Chef Jack Jone of Sea Thai / Tuun Restaurant
Chef Matt Hinckley of Hinckley’s Meats at East End Market
Chef Nat Russell of Tennessee Truffle
“Easy” – owner and chef of Light on the Sugar Bakery
Owner Daniel Dang of Quickly Boba Tea Cafe by UCF
Chef and Owner Joseph Creech of Hunger Street Tacos

Inside Look: Mooyah Burgers in SoDo with Owner Angel Flores

MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes is a fast-casual, “better burger” concept that just opened in Orlando’s SoDo District (3155 South Orange Avenue) in March, right before the coronavirus pandemic lockdown came into effect in Florida.

The Plano, Texas-based company specializes in mouthwatering made-to-order 100% Certified Angus Beef burgers, French fries hand cut from Idaho potatoes, and real ice cream shakes. They also have all natural Jennie-O® turkey burgers and Dr. Praeger’s black bean vegan burgers.

MOOYAH’s non-GMO potato and multigrain buns are baked in-house daily, and guests can choose from five real cheeses, bacon, avocado and 20 free sauces and toppings made from garden-fresh veggies. MOOYAH Guests can choose from seven flavors of 100% real ice cream shakes, including vanilla, Hershey’s chocolate, Reese’s, Oreo and more.

New franchisees Angel and Sebnem Flores were frequent Guests at the Walnut Creek, California MOOYAH, where they fell in love with the restaurant’s overall experience and strong marketing efforts.

“We lived in Walnut Creek and that’s where we first discovered the brand,” Angel Flores said. “We knew from our very first visit; our first bite of the burger, first sip of the shake; and first reach into family size fries that this is a special place. Our first experience convinced us it would not be our last.”

After several visits to Walnut Creek’s MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes, Angel and Sebnem decided to download the MOOYAH mobile app and began looking at franchise opportunities. After researching the franchise and meeting with the corporate team, they signed on to bring four locations to Florida in Orlando.

The Flores’ previous career in military aircraft parts distribution had allowed them to travel the world, but they were ready to leave California and establish roots in Florida near extended family who had moved there decades earlier from Wisconsin. Their location is in the south downtown area of Orlando across from the Orange Avenue Shopping Center in a highly commercial area.

This restaurant is one of 14 MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes locations opening this year featuring the new design. The location includes dining room seating zones created to accommodate community dining, dedicated third-party delivery and pickup shelving, closed kitchens, digital menu boards and an overall more modern vibe. The redesign, which includes a refreshed logo, was created in collaboration with Madrid-based design company Livit—a team of architects, designers and developers who describe themselves as “global experts in Guest experience and design.”

At MOOYAH, Guests have the advantage of choosing from a variety of bun options, such as baked-in-house artisan potato or multigrain wheat non-GMO buns and hand-crafted lettuce buns called Iceburgers to accompany the never-frozen, 100% Certified Angus Beef® burgers, all natural Jennie-O® turkey burgers and Dr. Praeger’s black bean vegan burgers. Each gourmet burger can be customized with five real cheeses, bacon, avocado and 20 free sauces and toppings made from garden-fresh veggies.

MOOYAH’s hand-cut fries come together in a six-step process that takes a total of 24 hours to completely prepare. Guests also have the choice of savory sweet potato fries.

Never one to forget dessert, MOOYAH offers 100% real ice cream shakes, allowing Guests to choose from seven flavors of 100% real ice cream shakes, including vanilla, Hershey’s chocolate, Reese’s, Oreo and more.

Interview with Mooyah SoDo Owners Sebnem and Angel Flores

Tell us about your background.

Sheb: I’m originally from Turkey and moved to Greendale, WI, a suburb of Milwaukee, to which my mom was an exchange student 20 years prior, when I was ten years old. I didn’t speak a lick of English but by the end of our first summer, I’d learned enough from television, our friends and neighbors to start off the school year and never looked back. I met Angel at the University of Wisconsin, we were great friends and our friendship grew when we began to work together at our first aerospace job and this year, we celebrated our twenty-second wedding anniversary.

We’ve always felt like the world was our oyster and consider ourselves lucky to have friends all over the world. We both traveled a lot for our jobs but now with school age children, we want to be more homebound and our move to Florida brought our immediate family much closer to our extended family while beginning a new venture with MOOYAH.

Angel: I was born and raised on the south side of Milwaukee. After high school, I took some time off and worked in retail and restaurants. I met Sebnem when I went back to college at the University of Wisconsin. Upon graduation, I landed a job with AT&T in Minneapolis. I wasn’t totally happy with my job there and when I ran into a college friend whose brothers had started a company in Milwaukee, I came back to Milwaukee and started my career in aerospace sales. The company was an aviation and aerospace distribution company that provided quality Original Equipment Manufactured aircraft parts to militaries worldwide. It was a small company, but it was fast paced and demanding, and I loved it!

About six months after my joining the company, Sebnem graduated and joined the company as well. That’s when we reconnected and grew our friendship into something very special. We worked there for about 15 years and during that time, we helped grow the company to $250 million/year with about 400 employees. The company was sold to Sikorsky Aircraft in 2002.

After the sale of the company, we stayed on until 2004 when we were recruited by a similar aerospace company in California. They were a small competitor with sales in approximately 10 countries and were looking to expand into different regions. We made the cross country move to beautiful California and started our family. We helped grow this company from $40 million/year to $170 million/year with sales into more than 60 countries and assisted in the sale of the company twice to two different private equity companies.

We were not happy being away from family and the company was going through changes so we decided now would be the best time to try something for ourselves and that is when we were fortunate enough to discover MOOYAH.

What was it like opening in the middle of the pandemic?

Opening our first location in our new city, new industry with a new team was nerve racking to begin with; opening our first location while hearing all the news around the world and around the country about a pandemic was terrifying. We opened on Monday, 9 March 2020 to a very solid and productive day followed by three more consecutively stronger days. However by Friday, 13 March 2020, businesses in the area began to shut down and it was clear our business was about to decline quickly.

What lessons did you learn and how did you adapt?

We knew the importance of having and keeping a strong team so very quickly, we focused on keeping the business running with a reduced, core staff while keeping high standards in food production and food service. Food service had to be adjusted to increased 3rd Party deliveries, On Line Ordering and Curbside rather than dine-in.

What makes Mooyah burgers special and so delicious?

We offer highest quality, fresh products (daily fresh baked bread, never frozen 100% Certified Angus Beef ®, the freshest produce for our toppings, 100% milk and 10% butter milk in our shakes and a lot of love and fun ) when preparing our ridiculicioooous burgers.

Tell us about your first time eating at Mooyah?

We were living in the San Francisco Bay area at the time. One night after work and after the kids’ swim practice, we took advantage of a coupon from the local school and walked into our local MOOYAH and immediately recognized families from the neighborhood. Like so many at that age, our kids are picky eaters but each found something they liked on the menu while my husband and I ordered different burgers to try and at first bite, I remember looking up at my husband, smiling and saying “this is delicious!” We knew we’d found our family’s burger joint; little did we know we’d be owning our own franchise across the country in couple of years from then.

What are some of your favorite memories growing up around food?

Family meals ( I am Puerto Rican and my wife is Turkish so we both grew up around the table enjoying some of the world tastiest meals with friends and family. We’ve always said to truly get to know anyone you must break bread with them. We were both very fortunate to travel around the world in our previous careers. It certainly allowed us to experience many different cultures and cuisines.

What are your upcoming plans for Mooyah?

We signed a lease on 10 March 2020 in the new, upcoming O Town West development. We have a commitment to open a total of four restaurants in an exclusive Orlando area territory and look forward to going beyond the four throughout Central Florida…

Tell us about the limited run burgers!

The Campfire Burger and other “Hall of Dang” Burgers and Hotdogs are some of the most creative and flavorful burgers you’ll ever put in your mouth. We have fun making them!

Since opening, what are some of the most popular orders at Mooyah?

By far the crown jewel is the MDC “MOOYAH Double Cheeseburger”; two ¼ pound patties, two slices of American Cheese, lettuce, tomato, MOOYAH Sauce in our fresh baked Potato Bun. It’s a favorite for returning guests and it’s what we recommend to first time guests which never disappoints. Or we make whatever our guests dream up to their liking; our build-your-own board allows people to create their favorite burger.

Have you noticed more orders for take out, delivery, dine – indoors, dine – outdoors?

Due to the pandemic we are seeing a lot of take out/delivery but many people want a destination and prefer to dine in when the food is hot and freshest. It’s by far the best experience when eating MOOYAH Burgers, Fries and Shakes.

What do you want people to know about your restaurant?

We want to make sure every customer is WOW’ed by the flavor and have an amazing dining experience; getting to know our new and returning customers (even though it’s a little tougher to identify folks with masks on these days) is what Sebnem and I and the rest of our team members enjoy the most and we appreciate the support from our neighborhood greatly.

Mooyah Sodo, SoDo District, 3155 South Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL – For more information on MOOYAH, its menu or franchising opportunities, please visit www.MOOYAH.com. Connect with MOOYAH on Facebook.com/MOOYAH, follow MOOYAH on LinkedIn, Twitter @MOOYAHburgers and Instagram @MOOYAHburgers.

First Look: Magical Dining at Taverna Opa – Pointe Orlando

We were invited to Taverna Opa at Pointe Orlando to get a first look at their Magical Dining menu and we enjoyed our preview experience.

Belly dancer Stephanie Gibson

Taverna Opa‘s Magical Dining menu offers authentic Greek cuisine with nightly belly dancing entertainment.  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!

Along with a three-course meal for $35, their Magical Dining menu will also have the option for add-ons such as Lobster Tail ($22) and a wine flight and/or cocktail flight (both $16) to enhance your meal.  This special menu will be available for take-out, delivery and dine-in starting this Friday, Aug. 28 through Oct. 4

What is Magical Dining?

  • 3 courses – Appetizer, Entrèe, and Dessert
  • Price: $35 per person, price does not include tax or gratuity.
  • Over 70+ participating restaurants
  • August 28 – October 4
  • Through Visit Orlando, one dollar from each meal will benefit Feed the Need Florida, which works to help feed people who have struggled with getting access to healthy food during the COVID crisis.

Here are our favorites from the Magical Dining menu at Taverna Opa:

Saganaki (GF, V) – Vlahotiri cheese flamed tableside with Brandy.  The sizzling cheese flame presentation was spectacular.  Watch our video above to see for yourself.

Crispy Calamari – Crispy fried with lemon.  It was super fresh and delicious.

Lamb Chops (GF) – Marinated for 36-hours with fresh herbs and garlic, served with Lemon Potatoes and YiaYia’s vegetables.  I normally do not eat lamb but I actually enjoyed their lamb chops.  The taste was very similar to steak.  It was not gamey at all because they use domestic lamb which is the most expensive, high-quality lamb that is fed grass and corn.

Lavraki Branzino (GF) – Served with lemon, olive oil, wild greens and spinach rice.  The fish is flown in twice a week from Greece.  It was delicious and huge. The flesh was light and flaky.  This one did not disappoint.  You really cannot find anything like this anywhere else in town.

Baklava (V) – Walnuts, cinnamon, cloves, honey.  A sweet lover’s dream.

Opa Emek (V) – Kantaifi shredded phyllo dough, walnuts, custard cream, and whipped topping.  It had amazing texture and just the right amount of sweetness.

Spinach & Feta, Roasted Red Pepper, Classic Hummus with Pita Bread

We also learned that Taverna Opa just relaunched Healthy Greek Eats, a line of housemade meze – hummus, Greek yogurt, etc.

If you love their spreads as much as I do, you can order here for delivery: https://opaorlando.com/healthy-greek-eats/

Taverna Opa Orlando
9101 International Dr #2240, Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 351-8660
For more information, visit: visitorlando.com/en/magical-dining/restaurants/taverna-opa/50066

2020 Taste of EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival plus Health and Safety Measures

The 2020 Taste of EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival is going on now (since July 15) until late fall, featuring 20 booths and it is kind of in combination with Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival this year due to the pandemic shutting down the parks back in March when the festival just began.

All 4 Walt Disney World theme parks and Disney Springs are now open. Park attendance is managed via the Disney Park Pass reservation system—to enter a park, both a park reservation and valid admission for the same park on the same date are required for guests ages 3 and up.

Disney Parks has taken enhanced health and safety measures, though there is always an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present.

We were nonetheless pleased to see all the health and safety measures in place to ensure a safe and magical experience. For a full list of measures, visit: disneyworld.disney.go.com/experience-updates/

Disney Parks has implemented their health and safety measures after considering the guidance of government and local health authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in addition to the U.S. Travel Association and Disney’s team of health experts.

Here are the new health & safety measures at Walt Disney World:

• Limited and carefully managed attendance: All guests will be required to make advanced ticket purchases and reservations.

• Reduced capacity and physical distancing: They have reduced capacity by letting fewer people enter their parks and adjusting experiences to allow for physical distancing. This includes physical distancing in dining experiences, attractions, queues and other locations. Additionally, physical barriers have been installed in areas where physical distancing may be difficult to maintain, like cash registers.

• Temperature checks: Quick temperature checks are required for all guests at entry to their theme parks.

• Face coverings: Are required by both cast members and guests ages two and older to wear a face covering – unless swimming or when eating or drinking.

• Handwashing and hand sanitizer: They have increased the number of hand sanitizer locations and handwashing stations throughout their parks and resorts.

• First Aid locations: Their first aid locations are staffed by experienced nursing staff responding to symptoms of illness.

• Increased cleaning & disinfecting:  Especially for frequently-touched surfaces and high-traffic areas. Following park close, each park will receive an enhanced cleaning before guests arrive the next day.

• Disney apps: With the My Disney Experience and Disneyland apps, guests can view hand sanitizer locations, explore digital menus, and more.


• Limited-contact options: From Mobile Order and cashless payments, to Walt Disney World’s MagicBands and online check-in at select locations, technology solutions can make it easier for guests to minimize contact and maintain physical distancing.

• Training: Cast members are receiving additional training on both new measures and the continued importance of personal health and hygiene, such as handwashing and of course, staying home when ill. For some, this includes training on how to help everyone who visits to follow new health and safety measures, including wearing a face covering and maintaining physical distancing.

• Health screenings: Cast members will self-screen for temperature and symptoms of illness before each shift and will stay home if they are not feeling well.

• Social distancing: Every other row was blocked off at the American Gardens Theater in the American Adventure Pavilion to ensure proper social distancing.

Overall, I felt very safe during my visit.

Seafood Boil – Shrimp, Mussels, Crawfish, Potatoes, Corn, and Andouille Sausage from Hops & Barley.

New England Lobster Roll – Warm Lobster with Fresh Herb Mayonnaise and Griddled Roll Southern from Hops & Barley.

To view Disney Parks’ Foodie Guide to the 2020 Taste of EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival click here.

Smokey Bones Rolls Out Two New Brands – The Wing Experience and The Burger Experience in 61 Locations

0

Not many restaurants can triple in size during a global pandemic, but Smokey Bones is doing just that by expanding its virtual restaurants, The Wing Experience and The Burger Experience, to all of its brick and mortar restaurants from Chicago to New York to Miami.

The virtual restaurants are delivery only and operate out of existing Smokey Bones’ brick and mortar kitchens, and out of the Smokey Bones’ ghost kitchen in Chicago. The menus feature Smokey Bones’ top selling burgers and wings, including unique recipes created specifically for each virtual restaurant brand.

“By opening these new virtual restaurants, we can shine a brighter light on the taste and quality of our burger and wing offerings”, said CEO James O’Reilly. “We are bullish about these products and confident in our expansion strategy, having already seen good results in our other virtual restaurant locations.”

The Wing Experience menu features two styles of wings: Signature Smoked Jumbo Wings and Jumbo Breaded Wings. Both offer a variety of 14 different flavors, including options that are not offered on the current Smokey Bones’ menu, like Maple Bacon BBQ wings, Peach Bourbon Wings, and “The Experience” wings, made for the expert wing eater.

Smokehouse Burger*#
BBQ sauce, cheddar, BBQ’d onions, peppered bacon, onion tanglers.
Smokehouse Burger*#
BBQ sauce, cheddar, BBQ’d onions, peppered bacon, onion tanglers.

The Burger Experience features a variety of premium half pound burger options, including a build-your-own burger as well as special signature burgers such as The Big Kahuna, The Experienced Burger and The Keto all of which can only be found on The Burger Experience. The Experience Burger includes Smokey Bones’ secret weapon … The Burger Experience Sauce. And, there is a reason they named The Big Kahuna as such … it’s big and delicious. This cooked-to-order premium burger is topped with Hawaiian BBQ pork, pepper jack cheese, grilled pineapple and our special Big Island BBQ Sauce.

Morning Glory Burger*#
American cheese, bacon, chipotle ketchup, fried egg.

Both concepts offer a variety of sides, including options like seasoned fries, a baked potato, coleslaw or mac & cheese, as well as desserts.

Smokey Bones launched its first virtual restaurants, The Wing Experience and The Burger Experience, in 2019 in partnership with Uber Eats. Guests can order through the Uber Eats app, and from the Chicago ghost kitchen on kitchenunited.com for The Wing Experience.

For those who are still interested in dining in, Smokey Bones is following CDC and state guidelines and take all necessary precautions to serve guests while keeping them and employees safe. Some of the safety measures include spacing tables farther apart to maintain social distancing; masks and glove usage for employees; and rigorous and frequent cleaning of restrooms, dining rooms and waiting areas.

To prevent guests from lingering in the waiting areas, the restaurants will also ask diners to wait outside or in their cars and be called in so they can go directly to their tables. All condiments will be removed from the tables and served individually upon request to eliminate touch points.

“We are committed to re-opening our restaurants in the safest way possible for our employees and guests,” said CEO James O’Reilly. “While the restaurant experience might be slightly different for a while, we want everyone to feel comfortable and enjoy the great Smokey Bones menu and hospitality they know and love. In addition, we are delighted to bring our team members back who elect to work.”

For those who prefer to continue dining at home while still supporting the restaurant, Smokey Bones will continue to offer takeout, delivery, and curbside pick-up for its Monday BOGO Wings, Wednesday BOGO Pulled Pork Platters, Family Feast, Rib Feast and Kids Eat Free with entrée purchase. The restaurant will also offer its new take-home meal kits called Bone Basics, which include uncooked meats and sides with all the ingredients to make Smokey Bones at home on the customer’s own schedule. Smokey Bones also sells essential boxes which contain regular grocery items such as milk, bread, eggs, and toilet paper.

For more info, visit: https://smokeybones.com/