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Fourth of July Weekend – Staying Socially Distant with 7 Outdoor Activities at Grande Lakes Orlando Resort

Ricky Ly
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Fourth of July Weekend – Staying Socially Distant with 7 Outdoor Activities at Grande Lakes Orlando Resort
Equal parts luxury resort and recreational oasis, Grande Lakes Orlando is the unmatched upscale retreat of Central Florida. Comprised of two world-class hotels, The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott, the sprawling 500-acre Grande Lakes campus is the ultimate destination for relaxation, recreation, and reconnection. Built on the principles of community, conservation, and sustainable hospitality, Grande Lakes Orlando has become the most coveted luxury resort in the region.
  • Sports & Recreation at Grand lakes Orlando resort, Florida

With more than 500 tropical acres to explore, including a golf club that’s been designated a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Natural Habitat, the Grande Lakes resort grounds are a haven for sports and recreation.

Whether you’re looking for a serene fishing or boating outing on Shingle Lake, a falconry adventure, or to learn about the ecological history while encountering wildlife on a tour, you’ll find plenty of outdoor activities, sports, and recreation without leaving the resort.

Reservations required 24 hours in advance for all Grande Lakes Sports experiences. 866-435-7627

Here are 7 Outdoor Activities to Stay Socially Distant at Grande Lakes Orlando Resort

Tennis at Orlando, Florida

1. Tennis

With three lighted courts and a comprehensive tennis instruction program, getting in the game is a breeze at Grande Lakes. Play a friendly match or take a lesson, no matter your skill or age. Break a sweat by enrolling in a tennis cardio clinic, where you’ll learn the basics of the game while receiving a full cardio workout.
Eco Tours at Grand lakes Orlando resort, Florida

2. Eco Tours

Explore the incredible ecological surroundings of Grande Lakes with a guided two-hour tour of Shingle Creek. Paddle through Old Florida’s Shingle Creek on your own canoe, led by a Florida Master Naturalist, to learn about the history of the creek and its inhabitants.
Fishing at Grand lakes Orlando resort, Florida

3. Fishing

Take to one of eleven private lakes and ponds on the Grande Lakes Orlando grounds, including the 48-acre Shingle Lake, for fishing excursions or angling expedition by boat or from the shore. Not sure how to cast a line? Fly fishing instruction is available to teach you all the fundamentals and have you hooking bass in no time.
Mountain Biking at Grand lakes Orlando resort, Florida

4. Mountain Biking

Traverse the two-mile trail by Hidden Lake on the resort grounds by mountain bike to encounter wildlife and the animal residents of Grande Lakes along the way. Embark on your own adventure or go on a ride guided by the Grande Lakes resident “Trail Boss.”
Falconry Experiences at Orlando, Florida

5. Falconry Experiences

Get up close to birds of prey and experience one of the world’s oldest traditions. Take a falconry class to learn about the history and rules of hunting with birds of prey and to hold one yourself. Guests can also “walk with a hawk,” and learn how to call down and interact with falcons in the field.
Sunrise Safari at Orlando, Florida

6. Sunrise Safari

Take a ride on the wild side with an early-morning two-hour tour of the resort’s 500-acre campus. Hop aboard an all-terrain golf cart led by a certified Florida Master Naturalist to observe and encounter the wildlife of Grande Lakes, including whitetail deer, bobcats, alligators, and owls.
Kayaking & Pedal Boating at Grand lakes Orlando resort, Florida

8. Kayak and Pedal Boating

Explore the serene and scenic waters of the Grande Lake on your own kayak, canoe or pedal boat
BONUS: Even More Luxuries Await At Grande Lakes Orlando

  • The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, a championship-level 18-hole golf course designed by Greg Norman
  • The Ritz-Carlton Spa, a luxury wellness center with 40 treatment rooms, private lap pool, and fitness center with exclusive programming and classes
  • Three sprawling swimming pools, a lazy river, and designated kid’s and adults-only pool areas
  • Twelve dining destinations, ranging from casual to-go markets to refined restaurants and lounges
  • 500 acres of pristine natural beauty, including a 43-acre lake with fishing access, hiking trails, environmentally protected areas, and natural wildlife habitats
  • Over 100,000 square feet of event space, including outdoor and mixed-use venues for any occasion
  • Whisper Creek Farm, a 7,000-square-foot harvest house with a garden, chicken coop, and apiaries whose produce is used throughout the property

Central Florida Firehouse Subs restaurants donate more than 2,100 meals to local heroes

Ricky Ly
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Central Florida Firehouse Subs restaurants donate more than 2,100 meals to local heroes

To thank healthcare workers and first responders for their service during this time of uncertainty, Firehouse Subs franchisees across Central Florida have partnered with the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation to donate more than 2,100 meals to local healthcare workers, first responders and individuals in need.

Franchisees Don Davey and Scott Anthony donated more than 300 meals to healthcare workers, first responders and employees at Advent Health Hospital in Apopka, Deland Police Department, Orlando Police Department, City of Altamonte Springs Police Department, Orange County Fire Rescue Station 36, Osceola Regional Medical Center, Solaris Healthcare in Ocoee, Advent Health in Kissimmee, Orlando Health in Winter Garden and Nemours Hospital. The two own 13 Firehouse Subs restaurants in the Orlando area and are honored to give back to the communities who have supported them for nearly two decades.

“Supporting public safety efforts and our local heroes has always been a part of what we do at Firehouse Subs,” said Davey. “It’s more important than ever in these times, and we have to do what we can to support each other.”

“We want our local heroes to know that we appreciate what they do for us,” Anthony said. “If we can brighten their day by providing a hearty, flavorful meal, we are more than happy to do that.”

Area Representatives and Franchisees Mike and Suzanne Kelly oversee all of the Central Florida Firehouse Subs restaurants and own restaurants in Leesburg and Lake Mary. Seeing a need in their communities, the Kellys partnered with the Foundation to donate hundreds of meals from both of their restaurants, including more 200 meals to healthcare workers at Advent Hospital and South Seminole Hospital.

Over on the coastline, Franchisees Jeff and Britt Diaz have donated more than 100 meals to the Titusville Fire Department and people in need. The couple own three Firehouse Subs restaurants located in Titusville, Rockledge and Indian Harbour Beach.

Meliany VanNostrand, owner of five Firehouse Subs restaurants in the Orlando area, provided 400 meals to feed the entire staff at Advent Health in East Orlando after hearing from a local nurse that most healthcare workers are too busy to eat lunch some days.

“When I heard that our local healthcare workers were struggling to find time to take a break and eat a hearty meal, I knew we had to help,” said VanNostrand. “I called Advent Health in East Orlando the next day and asked what day is typically the busiest for them. We prepared and delivered meals to feed all of the nurses and doctors in the hospital that day. It’s the least we can do to thank the people who selflessly keep our communities safe.”

Over 1,100 meals were donated from Firehouse Subs Franchisees Doug and Heather Hubbard to feed medical professionals at St. Cloud Regional, Advent Healthcare in St. Cloud, Advent Healthcare Celebration Hospital and deputies at the Osceola County Sheriff’s Department. The Hubbards own two restaurants in St. Cloud and Orlando.

Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has partnered with Firehouse Subs restaurants to feed tens of thousands of healthcare workers and first responders across the U.S. on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as individuals and families in need and seniors who are unable to leave their homes through the Foundation’s COVID-19 Disaster Relief Fund. Throughout the month of April, all funds collected by Firehouse Subs restaurants through Round Up, canister donations and recycled pickle bucket donations will support immediate COVID-19 disaster relief efforts through the Foundation.

Since March 18, this partnership has provided more than 39,000 meals to firefighters, police officers and healthcare workers, as well as individuals and families in need and seniors who are unable to leave their homes.

Visit www.firehousesubs.com to find the closest restaurant and order online. Donations to support Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation’s relief efforts can be made at https://firehousesubsfoundation.org/donate/.

 

 

Family Meal Deal

– At a time when consumers are at home with family or roommates and craving an easy way to fulfill their comfort-food fix, Firehouse Subs has launched a limited-time offer that allows guests to mix-and-match some of their Firehouse favorites.
– Firehouse Subs Family Meal Deal is available now for a limited time at U.S. locations, excluding Alaska.
– Family Meal Deal features a choice of three medium subs – any combination of the iconic Hook & Ladder, Italian or Firehouse Meatball – three bags of chips and three freshly-baked cookies for $24, plus tax.

– To order the Family Meal Deal, visit FirehouseSubs.com or download the Firehouse Subs app to order and have it boxed, bagged and ready for pickup at the Rapid Rescue To Go station inside at your nearest Firehouse Subs location
– Even better, the Family Meal Deal helps save lives. At Firehouse Subs, the steaming hot subs have substance with a portion of every purchase going directly to Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation® to provide lifesaving equipment to first responders. To date, the Foundation has donated more than $50 million to hometown heroes across the U.S.

Father’s Day Specials Round Up in Orlando 2020

Ricky Ly
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Father’s Day Specials Round Up in Orlando 2020

Here is a list of Father’s Day Specials going on locally here in Orlando!

Tabla Indian Cuisine

Taverna Opa

Daily 1 – 10 p.m. 407.351.8660

https://opaorlando.com/fathers-day/

Dad eats free with a family style menu for four or more people. Or, celebrate Dad at home with Papa’s Feast for $69 to serve two or three with a Greek salad, Spanakopita, a meat platter with lamb chops, chicken kebob, beef kebob, pork loin and sliced gyro and much more.

Tapa Toro

Reyes Mezcaleria and The Osprey

Reyes Mezcaleria is offering a Cowboy Steak (first come first serve), and The Osprey a Prime Rib Dinner. The Prime Rib Dinner from The Osprey can also be pre-ordered for pickup for those who want to celebrate at home: https://www.theospreyorlando.com/online-ordering

The Capital Grille:

The Capital Grille is offering a three-course family-style Father’s Day dinner for takeout, featuring a Whole Roasted Rack of Ribeye served alongside Grilled Asparagus, Mashed Potatoes, a freshly baked Cheesecake and a jar of Housemade Steak Sauce. Dinner starts at $135 for two and $245 for families of four. Pre-order available while quantities last. The restaurant is also offering a selection of hand-carved uncooked steaks to be prepared at home. Guests can pair with a bottle of wine or the restaurant’s iconic Stoli Doli martini, in select locations. View the full menu and order online at www.thecapitalgrille.com.

Eddie V’s:

Eddie V’s is offering a four-course family-style Father’s Day dinner for takeout, featuring a choice of Rye Whiskey Glazed Salmon or Oven-Roasted Tenderloin with Morel Mustard Crust served alongside Truffle Macaroni and Cheese, Grilled Asparagus and Potatoes Au Gratin, and a Bananas Foster Butter Cake. Dinner starts at $125 for two and $195 for families of four to six. Also available are uncooked signature cuts of steak hand-carved and ready for guests to prepare as they wish. Wine and champagne are also available to order in select locations. View the full menu and order online at www.eddiev.com.

Elize

Father’s Day take out box available for pickup on Saturday, June 20. The box includes a mimosa kit, light bites, fresh fruits, croissants and meats for $45.

Ruth’s Chris

Prime Ribeye Surf & Turf starting at $59
Dad’s choice of 12 oz., 16 oz. or a bone-in Cowboy Ribeye with a cold-water lobster tail
Choice of salad and side
Available 6/19 – 6/21
Reservations are open – please contact Ruth’s Chris for details
Father’s Day Gift Card
Surprise him with a gift for a night out and receive $50 bonus card for every $250 spent

Café Tu Tu Tango

Food, art and fun are on deck for the first 50 dinner reservations at Café Tu Tu Tango for June 21. Those who score a reservation will receive a free custom art piece from one of Tango’s in-house artists (see attached for proof), and a free growler of draft beer to enjoy at home.

Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill at Disney Springs

will be open for reservations!
The restaurant will be open from 12PM – 8PM and we ask for reservations in advance via SevenRooms
https://www.sevenrooms.com/reservations/wolfgangorlando

Olive Garden:

Make Dad’s day with abundant, craveable Italian classics from Olive Garden, featuring Giant Chicken Parmigiana — measuring in at 11.5” — served with Fettuccine Alfredo and available starting June 20 for a limited time while supplies last. Guests looking to plan ahead can enjoy Olive Garden’s Family-Style Take & Bake Bundles, with options of Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells (serves up to 5) or Classic Lasagna (serves up to 8), starting at $40. Bundles include a jumbo house salad with a bottle of signature Italian dressing, one dozen ready-to-bake breadsticks and choice of homemade Alfredo or Marinara dipping sauce. And, enjoy a $10 bonus gift card for every $50 gift card purchased. For more information, and to order early to secure your ideal Carside Pickup or delivery timeslot at www.OliveGarden.com.

Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen:

This Father’s Day, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen is offering to take care of dinner for Dad with scratch-made Family Bundles to go. Starting at $24.99, bundles include entrées like hand-breaded Chicken Tenders, House-Smoked Baby Back Ribs and Grilled Salmon, as well as two family-sized sides and a half-dozen signature Honey Butter Croissants. Alcoholic beverages are also available to go where permissible. Order online at Cheddars.com for same-day or future curbside pickup. As an additional gift idea, Cheddar’s is offering an extra $5 for every $25 in eGift cards purchased online.

Seasons 52:

Seasons 52 is offering a three-course Father’s Day dinner to go featuring either a Rack of Dry Rubbed Pork Loin or Whole Side of Sriracha-Glazed Cedar-Plank Roasted Salmon, which comes with salad, whole corn on the cob, choice of an additional side and Mini Indulgences. Options start at $130 for family-style or $75 for two. Guests can pair with a bottle of wine in select locations. View the full menu and order online at Seasons52.com.

Bahama Breeze:

Bahama Breeze is offering a Caribbean Father’s Day Bundle for takeout featuring entrées like Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Jerk Chicken Pasta, Baby Back Ribs or Seafood Paella, served alongside a choice of Broccoli, Mashed Potatoes, Yellow Rice or Rice & Beans. Guests may also choose two from an assortment of appetizers including Yuca Cheese Sticks, Coconut Shrimp or Jamaican Jerk Wings. Bundles serve four and are available for preorder through June 20. Beer, wine and cocktails are also available to order in select locations. Guests can call their local restaurant or order online at BahamaBreeze.com.

Yard House:

Treat Dad to what he really wants this Father’s Day — a crisp, refreshing draft beer from Yard House available to go in 64-ounce beer growlers in select locations. Choose from guest favorites such as House Honey Blonde, House Golden Pilsner, Yard House Cuvée and more. Pair with a Rib Eye to make the celebration complete. Wine, spirits and cocktails also available to go in select locations. To view the menu and place an order, visit YardHouse.com.

The New Standard

DINE-IN:

Father’s Day Special: Prime Rib with truffle whipped potatoes, asparagus, demi-glace and horseradish compound butter. $40 per person, $75 for two, $150 for four.

Horse Soldier Bourbon Flights: Includes three Horse Soldier bourbons with tasting mat and tasting notes for each bourbon. The tasting is $35 for three 1.5-ounce pours.

Reservations strongly suggested. Please call 407-316-2278, or reserve via OpenTable.

VIRTUAL BOURBON TASTING:

The New Standard is pleased to partner with Horse Soldier bourbon for a Virtual Bourbon Tasting on Friday, June 19, at 7 p.m. via Instagram Live.

Guests have the choice of either a Charcuterie + Cheese plate OR a full, three-course meal to go with their bourbon tasting.

Tastings come in 187mL, 375 mL and 750mL options of three Horse Soldier Bourbons:

Straight Bourbon
Small-Batch Bourbon
Cask Strength Bourbon

ROY’S GRILL TO GO PACKAGE

Curbside Carryout
Friday, June 19 – Sunday, June 21

For the ultimate Dad’s Day at home, celebrate with Roy’s “Grill To Go” Package. Enjoy our signature Szechuan Spiced Pork Ribs, Blackened Shrimp Skewers and Huli Huli Chicken ready to grill at home*. Each dinner for four comes with Hawaiian Dinner Rolls, your choice of two sharable sides, and dessert for only $125.

Roy’s “Grill To Go” Package is offered for pick up Friday, June 19th – Sunday, June 21st. We request all orders be placed one day in advance. Happy Grilling!

Maggiano’s Little Italy

Daily 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. 407.241.8660

https://orders.maggianos.com/menu/orlando

Pick up a cold-prepped Father’s Day bundle for an easy and delicious family meal. Cold-prepped means our chefs have done all of the hard stuff – just heat and enjoy when you’re ready. This bundle is $99 and generously serves four including Mini Meatballs in Marinara Sauce, Chicken Piccata, Mom’s Lasagna, New York Style Cheesecake and much more.

The Pub Orlando

Sunday–Thursday Noon – 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday Noon – 11 p.m. Dine-in and patio seating available as well as a curbside menu and cocktails and growlers to go. 407.352.2305 Complimentary valet parking.

https://experiencethepub.com/orlando/food/all-day-menu/

The Pub offers a unique combination of British hospitality and American flair. The gastropub style menu incorporates brilliant pub fare with an extensive beverage selection.

  Oceanaire Seafood Room

Sunday–Thursday 5 – 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday 5 – 10 p.m. The Oceanaire Seafood Room 407.363.4801 Complimentary valet parking.

https://www.theoceanaire.com/location/orlando-fl/

The Oceanaire® Seafood Room offers an inviting, high-energy atmosphere and features a spacious and comfortable dining room. The Oceanaire® Seafood Room offers ultra-fresh seafood and shellfish flown in daily from around the world. Menu changes daily. Celebrate Dads with a family meal and 15% off your gift card purchase.

Halpern’s Steak and Seafood in Orlando – Purveyors for Restaurants, and now the Public

Ricky Ly
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Halpern’s Steak and Seafood in Orlando – Purveyors for Restaurants, and now the Public

This week, we spoke with Richard Starke, Sales Manager at the family run and operated Halperns’ Steak and Seafood. The company began over 50 years ago when Howard Halpern arrived in Atlanta to start his own perishable food distribution business.

In Orlando, Halperns’ Steak and Seafood purchased Gary’s Seafood and Specialties a 25 year old family business in 2012 and in 2014, they built a brand new 65,000 sq foot state of the art facility in Orlando.

On site in Orlando, they have a USDA Beef cut shop, seafood production, freezer storage, live lobster tanks and 2,000 specialty products all under one roof.

Halperns’ sources only the finest artisan products available from boutique suppliers around the world and delivers them at their peak of freshness or aged to perfection, with a team of buyers committed to procuring the most delicate meat, game, poultry, and seafood products available.

Halperns’ sources product for some of the finest restaurants in Orlando, including:

Boathouse
1921 mt dora
Luma
Prato
Kabooki Sushi
sixty vines
H Cuisine
Eddie V’s
California Grill
Narcoossee’s
Rocco Taco
Del Friscos
Paddlefish
Arthurs Catering
Ritz Carlton
HIlton
Hyatt
Marriott
Whole Foods

Interview with Richard Starke of Halperns’

Tasty Chomps: How have things changed since the beginning of COVID-19?

Richard Starke: When conventions canceled, air travel stopped, hotels and theme parks closed, that was a huge blow to our industry. We had to work hard to “right size” our business immediately. We furloughed 75% of our staff and we took an 80% decrease in sales for a few weeks.

We had to come up with some ideas to help keep the business viable and the retail sector of our business was booming so that’s when we started the parking lot sales. It has been a long 3 months but we are slowly seeing signs of life again and hopeful June and July will be a turning point to recovery for hospitality. We have begun to bring employees back from furlough and things are looking slightly better each week.

Tell us about the mobile pick up days – how have they been going?

The parking lot sales have been going great. We have been holding them every Friday since the beginning of March. Most weeks there are 7 sales across the company in other parts of the country happening simultaneously. We even at one point took the sales on the road into different parts of central FL in the middle of the week.

The community never knew our name before. We have always operated behind the scenes of great restaurants, award winning chefs and prestigious hotels. This has developed a huge local brand recognition almost overnight. Our social media followings have tripled in growth. This Friday will be our last “parking lot sale” we will be converting to a “curbside pick up” process starting next week Friday June 26th.

The holidays tend to be the busiest so we expect a very busy weekend and are ready to serve over 300 cars! The sales team wears masks, yes outside in the heat, gloves, we take the orders and load the trunks so folks never have to leave their cars. It’s a drive thru process that has been very popular especially during the meat shortages and processing facility shutdowns.

 What are some of the most popular items that are being picked up to go lately?

Live lobsters, king crab legs, fresh oysters, wild Alaskan halibut, 32oz tomahawk chop steaks, surf and turf packages, Chuck Brisket Shortrib Blend Burgers, Shrimp and bacon.

What are your upcoming plans for Father’s Day weekend at Halpern’s?

We will have, for now, our last parking lot sale. Menu attached. Some great items on there for the Dad’s that want to take charge of the BBQ this weekend. Sales is 10-4pm

What are your future plans?

We will be converting the parking lot sales into a curb side pick up similar to the way a restaurant would have you pick up an order. The community has been enjoying great steaks and seafood for over 3 months now. We do not want to shut that down we want to keep it going!! They have been a part of our success now for the 1st time ever.

Halperns’ never sold to the public prior to this so the local community is now a part of our history. We are also looking forward to bringing back more employees and getting back to business as usual, or as close to usual as possible in this new world we live in.

Halpern’s Steak and Seafood
2412 W Sand Lake Rd, Orlando, FL 32809
https://www.halperns.com/

First Look: U & Me Revolving Hot Pot opens near Disney Springs

Tiffany Nguyen
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First Look: U & Me Revolving Hot Pot opens near Disney Springs

We were invited to check out the new U & Me Revolving Hot Pot, which just opened last month in the former spot of Dragon Court Chinese Buffet on 535, located just minutes away from Disney Springs, and overall we had a great experience.  The restaurant is owned by the same family that owns Chuan Lu Garden.

When you first arrive, you are greeted by a friendly employee and then a talking robot is programmed to walk you to your table.

He was so cute!

The initial concept of U & Me Revolving Hot Pot is to utilize a conveyor belt to conveniently bring authentic Chinese hot pot ingredients straight to your table but due to COVID-19, they have temporarily suspended the conveyor belt service but hope to resume it in a week or so.  In the meantime, they are using a talking robot to deliver food to your table.  The same robot also brought us our menus, bowls, and utensils!

To order, you first choose your soup base.

And then select your choice of combo since the all-you-can-eat conveyor belt is temporarily suspended.

They also have a boba menu, which I highly recommend ordering while you are there.  They were incredibly good.

They serve alcoholic beverages as well.

I ordered the Taro Milk Boba Tea and it tasted amazing!  They used popping boba instead of the usual tapioca boba and it made a world of a difference, even though I enjoy both!

Our server recommended the Super Fruits Tea so we ordered one and it tasted really good!  After we retrieved our food (seafood combo that came with hoisin dipping sauce) from the robot server, we were excited to cook it!

We brought our broth to a slow boil and then gradually added in all of our ingredients.

Then we used the soup ladle to transfer the ingredients into our bowls and then enjoyed our meal while watching their entertaining robots interact with other guest.  The robot would also get mad at anyone who was in its way while it was trying to walk.  It was pretty funny.

Clean restaurant, good food and drinks, and welcoming service.  Reservations required.  Be sure to check them out next time you are in the Lake Buena Vista area!

U & Me Revolving Hot Pot
12384 SR-535 S Orlando, FL 32836
(407) 778-1017

Lam’s Garden Chinese Restaurant Celebrates 45 Years in Orlando in 2020 – Interview with the Mark Family

Ricky Ly
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Lam’s Garden Chinese Restaurant Celebrates 45 Years in Orlando in 2020 – Interview with the Mark Family

Lam’s Garden opened its doors in 1975 and is now the oldest and longest running active Chinese restaurant in the heart of Orlando. It was originally owned by the Lam Family, who are related to the Mark family that bought the restaurant in 1989.

Continuing under its original name, the current owners have expanded its menu from Chinese American food to authentic Chinese food, specializing in Cantonese cuisine, live seafood and finally dim sum in 2008.

The Orlando staple has been a part of the memories of many who come to celebrate special occasions, to catching up with an old friend over a cup of tea and dim sum.

Lam’s Garden is proud to be a part of the growing foodie community in Central Florida, and looks forward to many more years of delivering a culinary experience unlike any other.

They recently re-opened following COVID precautions, including staff will wear masks and gloves at all times and delivery options include contact-less delivery.

Shannon Mai, daughter of the Mai Family of Lam’s Garden, interviewed her father Kwong Mai regarding this great milestone, how they came to America, and what’s next for the restaurant.

Mr. Kwong Mai of Lam’s Garden

Note: Mark and Mai are the same last name in Chinese, however Mr. Kwong Mai just decided to phonetically spell it in Mandarin rather than using the Cantonese roots which is more similar to Mark. So really their family name is Mark – and that’s how Shannon wil refer to them in the answers to these questions!

Tasty Chomps Interview with Lam Garden’s Mark Family through Shannon Mai

Tasty Chomps: Tell us more about the Mark and Mai family and how they came to Orlando

The Mark family came from Guangdong, China to escape communist rule and to create a new future in the United States. Mr. Lam, Mama Mark’s brother-in-law, offered a job to Papa Mark as a chef at Lam’s Garden, while her father granted them citizenship. While Papa and Mama Mark worked at Lam’s Garden, their son’s Chun-Wah and Kwong worked restaurant jobs around Florida, cooking and serving.

What were some struggles in the beginning and how did you overcome them?

Language was the biggest barrier in both Kwong’s business and personal life. He would force himself to go to English school early in the morning, then immediately worked 12 hours shifts at the restaurant afterwards. However, Kwong was motivated and inspired by the friendliness of American people, who worked with his little English. They never laughed at his communication barriers, and in fact helped him speak along the way. Slowly, he became proud to call this country his own. He is very grateful for the open arms and the opportunities this country has given him to grow from a poor kid to a successful business owner today. The biggest challenge he faces with his business now is dealing with the impacts of COVID-19.

How has the Orlando food scene changed since 1989?

Back when the Marks arrived in Orlando in 1981, trendy places to eat at were American steak houses. Popular dishes served at the time included staples like steak and potatoes that came with A1 and Worcester sauce to accompany the steaks. Now, most steaks are already flavored and don’t require adding salt and pepper at the table. In fact, the new generation (pointing at me) loves fusion food that mixes a variety of flavors and cultures.

Mark and Mai Family of Lam’s Garden – April, 1995

What was on the menu back then?

(A ton of weird dishes if you ask me! Although these are no longer on the table, we still get a few old-timers who come in asking for it.)

Wor wonton – house special soup with mixed veggies, shrimp pork, and chicken with wontons
Roast pork yat gaw noodles – heart of bok choy, roast pork, and lo mein in soup
Rumaki – chicken liver wrapped in bacon (which was just eliminated from the menu last year!)

How have tastes changed since then?

There has been a tremendous shift in tastes since the restaurant open. Specifically, people are more interested and open to trying authentic foods and new flavors after travelling around the world. What’s even more enlightening is people are more interested in eating their vegetables! Like our seasonal veggies commonly stir fried with garlic sauce.

What are some of the most popular dishes right now at Lam’s Garden?

Our most popular dishes range from fresh seafood dishes like fish and lobster w/ ginger scallion sauce, to a happy family and orange chicken. Popular dim sum dishes include shrimp dumplings, shu mai, and sesame balls.

For a full list of what’s popular: walnut shrimp, beef chow fun, snowpea tips stir fried w/ garlic, steamed jumbo oyster, pork fried rice, lo mein, pan fried dumpling, fried shrimp balls, spare ribs w/ black bean sauce

What is the secret to great Chinese food?

Fresh ingredients and passion for what we do: cooking and serving delicious food, and that accomplishing moment when we see our customers enjoy the experiences of flavor and culture that creates a mutual respect for one another.

What are your plans for the future? Do you have plans to take over the restaurant in the future??

Continue doing what we do best – serving the Central Florida community in and out of this difficult situation.

The Mark and Mai Family’s dreams of building a new future in this country included having children who would attain higher levels of education in college. As such, it is part of our immigration success story to have the third generation work professional careers outside of the restaurant business. It is a celebration for both the family and the restaurant. Although none of the Mark or Mai children have plans to take over the restaurant, I am proud of my culinary roots and will take them with me to become a registered dietitian that alters nutrition policy nationwide.

What are some “new” dishes on the menu if any?

Steamed lobster with roasted garlic, on a bed of vermicelli noodles.

Photos Courtesy of Bryan from @OrlandoFoodSpots

Interview with Chef/Owner Jenn Ross of DaJen Eats

Ricky Ly
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Interview with Chef/Owner Jenn Ross of DaJen Eats

What first began in a gas station a few years ago, DaJen Eats founded by Chef Jennifer Ross has now grown into a popular restaurant located in historic Eatonville, Florida. Chef Jenn grew up in Jamaica but left for America when she was 16, and along the way, she studied food science in great detail to get a better understanding of how food works. She began to enjoy cooking more and more and adopted a vegan lifestyle because living a compassionate life in which human and non-human animals are treated fairly is important to her.

We were able to have a wonderful chat with Chef Jennifer Ross of DaJen Eats via e-mail about her inspiration, veganism, and life in Eatonville –

Tasty Chomps Interview with Chef Jenn Ross of DaJen Eats

Tasty Chomps: What are some of the greatest influences in your life in becoming a chef?

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

Vegan Special Irie Platter – curry chikin , jerk chickn, mango scotch bonnet boneless “ribs”, rainbow broccoli slaw, rice and peas, and grilled pineapple

Tasty Chomps: What are some of your favorite food memories growing up?

Chef Jenn: Having 3 Sunday dinners. Sunday dinners are sacred in Jamaica. That’s the time the family comes together and a special meal is prepared. Any given house on the island will almost always have Rice and Peas (red kidney beans) and some sort of meat. My family always lived within walking distance of each other. My mom and aunt had houses on the same property and my grandmother was 3 minutes down the road. I would first have dinner at my mom’s house, then go to my aunt’s because she would prepare something different, and then finish at my grandma’s house. I mean, does it get any better than that? 3 special dinners in one day. That was the life.

What are some of the most popular dishes right now at DaJen Eats?

Chef Jenn: Our Identity Crisis is by far the most popular sandwich. When we were at the gas station, people would come in and stand in line for 5 minutes trying to decide between our Jerk Chick’n Sammich, and our Buffalo Chick’n Sammich. So we created the best of both worlds, and shorted the ordering time. The Identity Crisis is our half jerk, half buffalo sandwich. Our bowls are also pretty popular. Start off with thyme-infused Jamaican Rice and Peas (red kidney beans), add your choice of crispy (air)fried chick’n, jerk chick’n, sweet and spicy cauli, buffalo cauli, or brown-stew cauli (you can pick 1, 2, 3, 4 or all 5 of these). All bowls come complete with rainbow broccoli slaw and grilled pineapple.

What does Irie mean?

Irie is a Jamaican expression of happiness and contentment. It’s a choice to approach life from an insanely mellow, and optimistic perspective despite whatever challenges arise.

Tell us all about Irie cream?

Chef Jenn: Irie Cream is our line of deliciously dairy-free ice cream. It came by completely by accident and has blossomed into its own. We have 14 core flavors (like Roll Out The Red Velvet Cheesecake, Unleash The Dragon Stout, and Rum Raisin The Roof , which was chosen as one of the top 50 desserts in the US by VegNews magazine.)

What are some of your favorite dishes on the menu that people should try?

Chef Jenn: Oh my goodness, we cracked the code on vegan curry goat. Ugh, can you imagine that?! Somehow we managed to recreate all the gameyness and shredded goodness of traditional goat in a plant-powered way. And we made it gluten-free to boot. It really doesn’t get much better than that. That heady curry sauce is the stuff you want poured all over your life.

What is the secret to cooking great vegan and Caribbean dishes?

Chef Jenn: Spices!!!!!! Luckily they are almost always vegan. Caribbean food is know for thyme, pimento, scotch bonnet peppers, browning, and escallion. You have to honor those traditional flavors and season your food with these traditional herbs and spices until the ancestors whisper “Enough my child.” Caribbean cooking is quite generous with the spices and revere braising and colorful food. That’s 2/3 of the battle.

What are some “kitchen” tools that you can’t live without?

Chef Jenn: I am a pretty laid back kind of chef. I like basic stars. Does that even make sense? Ha! But there’s very little a chef’s knife cannot do. Still, the rice cooker is a worthy team player.

What are some ingredients that you love working with right now? –

Chef Jenn: I loooove working with heart of palm. It’s bland versatility makes it the perfect canvas for lots of spices. We soak it in a thyme-infused brine, add seaweed powder, saute with nori and it becomes the “saltfish” (traditionally salted cod) in our very traditional Jamaican breakfast dish of Ackee and Saltfish. Switch up the spices, add old bay, pulse a bit and it creates the most decadent crab cakes.

How has the transition been moving to the new space in Eatonville?

Chef Jenn: We love it! The extra space is fantastic. The privacy of having our own space has allowed us to incorporate more community focused events, like our monthly book club called Dinner and A Story, our educational movie night, Kwaanzaa, and cooking classes.

What makes Eatonville a special place for you?

Chef Jenn: Eatonville is the nation’s oldest, all-black incorporated municipality. For me, being able to bring vegan options here is such an honor. Our entire purpose is to add to the faces of veganism, to represent people of color in the vegan community, and to make veganism accessible to EVERYONE.

Have you seen more trends towards plant based diets in recent years?

Chef Jenn: What have you noticed in the industry? Plant-based is all the rage, dahling. There are myriad reasons for people to come to the vegan table and with the plant-based options becoming more plentiful and much tastier than the earlier versions, people are choosing to stay at the table. Even staunchly veg-opposed restaurants and celebrity chefs are now acknowledging that plant-based eating is not a fad and will perhaps be here for a long time, and have started adding plant-based options to their repertoie. No one wants to lose the veto vote with diners.

What are some reasons people choose to eat plant based food?

Chef Jenn: Ah, so many. For vegans in the purest sense of the definition, it’s about compassion, right? It’s a way of living that causes the least amount of harm as far as its practicable and possible to human and non-human animals in the way we eat, clothes we wear, and the entertainment we seek. Plants are notorious for lacking cholesterol but having a host of health benefits, so some get to the vegan table for health reasons. Others are here because we want to save the planet. Raising animals for meat is very taxing on the environment. Plant-based food use far less resources and give off far less undesirable by-products.

What are some common misperceptions of vegan food?

Chef Jenn: VEGAN FOOD IS GRASS AND SAWDUST! Ha! That is probably one of the biggest misconceptions. Vegan food isn’t bland. It isn’t foreign and it isn’t “other”. It’s simply food, food without animal products but when we stop focusing on what’s not there, we realize the 500 million things that are there or even the things we’ve always known but now look at differently, like jackfruit. There is also the perception that vegan food will not provide enough protein. But the animals we consume for protein get protein from plants.It is a terribly inefficient way of converting protein. Vegan simply skip the middle animal and get protein for a plants, – and there are sooooo many sources.

Where do you like to go eat when you aren’t working?

Chef Jenn: I could eat 5 times my weight in sushi. I like having plant-based analogues to the traditional rolls. So I really enjoy Kiko because of their vast vegan sushi options. I love Market on South, as well because their Orange Bird is my soul-mate, I’m convinced. Really, though, I don’t go out much and there are so many places I know I ought to try.

What do you make when you have no time or when it is really late at night – some thing that just hits home?

Chef Jenn: I don’t. Ha! I almost always order in. After my divorce and foray into singlehood again, it was blissful not having to cook for anyone at home. So I went the opposite route. I cooked NOTHING. I am really reigniting my love affair with myself and subsequently with food. The idea that I am worthy of taking the time to prepare a meal just for me, and the idea of preparing a meal that’s not for sale, not for others, not for the restaurant is a a new concept that is coming back to me. Since owning the restaurant, food became routine and calculated but I am starting to get away from that and falling in love again. Fancy that, eh?

DaJen Eats
323 E Kennedy Blvd, Ste F, Eatonville, FL 32751
https://dajeneats.com/407-775-5791

Hatozaki Whisky at ABC Fine Wine and Spirits

Ricky Ly
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Hatozaki Whisky at ABC Fine Wine and Spirits

We recently spoke with ABC Fine Wine and Spirits and their Hatozaki Whisky expert on recent trends. They have started an online tasting class via facebook which has been quite popular. Educational tastings seem to have been a big hit as it has become a new portal for guests to learn and even become a small community.

Some Trends

Largest spirit brands are excelling due to guests not being able drink these in bars or restaurants. Categories that have seen the largest uptick in sales recently are Tequila, Bourbon on the spirit side (as well as Japanese Whisky on a much smaller scale) and Rose/Sparkling on wine side.

Plans for the Future?

Continue to supply guests with interesting wines/spirits and beers at great prices. They are the one that decide the direction for the future.

Hatozaki Whisky

Over 150 years ago in 1856 in the coastal town of Akashi City, Japan, the Yonezawa family established their first sake brewery. Past masters of fermented rice liquor, the Yonezawas built upon their deep knowledge of the grain: they began to produce a distilled rice spirit – shochu – in 1917. The Yonezawa family has been in the Japanese Spirit business longer than most other Japanese whisky producers.

Today, the Yonezawa family continues the tradition through Master Distiller and Blender Kimio Yonezawa who is not only a master-distiller of whisky – but also brews sake as well (Akashi Tai) – and just launched his first Japanese Gin (135 East). In 2017, he celebrated the centennial of the House’s distilling tradition with the release of two Hatozaki Japanese Whiskies (Finest & Small Batch). They named their whiskies Hatozaki, after the oldest stone lighthouse in Japan, a symbol of safety, guidance.

Tasting Notes of Hatozaki Whisky

FINEST

Hatozaki Finest Japanese Whisky is a premium blend of whiskies, aged up to 12 years in barrel with a minimum malt whisky content of 40%.

Light in style with a rich backbone of malt whisky character. Cereal notes and a light sweetness allow for the whisky to be used in both highball and straight pours.

SMALL BATCH

Hatozaki Small Batch Whisky is a vatting of 100% malt whiskies which have been aged in imported bourbon casks, imported sherry casks and native Mizunara oak barrels.

Rich profile of sweet cereals and malty dried fruit with a light touch of smoke and honey on the finish.

Some Cocktail Suggestions with Hatozaki Whiskey:
Neat, On the Rock, Hatozaki Highball (Pour 4cl of Hatozaki Japanese whisky, top of tonic or soda water, garnish with lemon peel, enjoy!)

Food Pairing Suggestions with Hatozaki Whisky

Cantonese Style Chicken Thighs, Peking Duck, Mongolian Beef

For more information, visit https://www.abcfws.com/ and

 

Big Fin Seafood Kitchen Managers Donate $5000 in Tips to Out of Work Servers

Ricky Ly
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Big Fin Seafood Kitchen Managers Donate $5000 in Tips to Out of Work Servers

BIG FIN Seafood Kitchen faced the same news as the other restaurant row brands when they were forced to close their dining area by state mandates in March. And, like everyone else steadied to find a stable ground from which to operate.

BIG FIN, along with many of the other non-chain national brands, had to temporarily release most of their team.

In fact, of their 50 person staff-family they struggled to even maintain their six-person full time management team.

During the following 41 days, this core team was responsible for cooking, cleaning, management, delivering food and more.

After, 10+ years in the same Dellagio location, BIG FIN has a loyal following of locals – who tipped generously over the slow period.

In total they collected over $5,000 in tips. The management team will be proudly presented the entire tip jar to the staff when they return back to work next week.

Big Fin Seafood Kitchen recently celebrated 10 years at Dellagio by renewing for another 10 years.

As of January, BIG FIN has new owners, Philippe Villain and Kevin O’Donnell – who are the energy behind several other Central Florida Hot Spots. Philippe says of the power of their new Sand Lake Road investment, “We always admired BIG FIN, a hot spot for locals and a favorite for special events. And there is no place like restaurant row in all of Central Florida, in terms of capturing the diversity and dynamics of the Orlando culinary scene – its where you want to be – at BIG FIN we are dedicated and immersed in genuine Hospitality”

With new ownership will come enhancements to the current menu, the addition of farm to table menu items, interactive cooking classes and an enhanced special events menu.

bartaco – dr phillips area – tacos

Ricky Ly
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bartaco – dr phillips area – tacos

Located in Orlando’s Dr Phillips area, bartaco offers a bevy of tacos plus rice bowls, sides, desserts, and a family pack menu, now including delivery and pick up. Beer, wine, and margarita mixes are also available for pickup.

bartaco is finding big interest in its two family meals – the taco pack makes 16 tacos with toppings, sides, chips & salsas; and the roasted chicken pack, a whole roasted chicken with all the sides and toppings for a family. $39.50 per pack – feeds four

I love that their is a new #bartacosecret taco every month to try! The new crispy avocado taco paired perfectly with guacamole, spicy cucumber salad and margaritas!

Enjoy the latest #bartacosecret crispy Avocado avocado taco with home—tempura battered crispy + creamy avocado on a tangy + crunchy veracruz slaw topped with cilantro vinaigrette + sprinkled with cotija Cheese wedge cheese. Order now at http://order.bartaco.com

#bartacosecret – crispy avocado taco
tempura-battered avocado on a tangy + crispy veracruz slaw topped w/ cilantro vinaigrette + cojita cheese

baja fish
spicy tempura battered cod served over chipotle slaw

mojo pork carnitas
slow-roasted pork shoulder topped w/ tangy mojo sauce + tomatillo sauce

portobello
portobello mushrooms roasted with poblano peppers and garlic, served with queso fresco

tuna takato
ancho-crusted tuna, asian slaw, thai basil vinaigrette, soy glaze, lettuce shell (served chilled)

crispy oyster
two shucked and fried oysters served over a remoulade sauce

glazed pork belly
braised pork belly caramelized in a sweet arbol chile glaze, topped with cilantro and pickled red onions

guacamole + chips
hand-mashed avocado, lime juice, serrano chiles, onions, and cilantro

mojo pork carnitas
slow-roasted pork shoulder topped w/ tangy mojo sauce + tomatillo sauce

glazed pork belly
cured and braised pork belly marinated in a sweet and mildly spicy arbol chili sauce
topped with: cilantro, pickled red onions

key lime pie
key lime custard, graham cracker crust, topped with house-made vanilla whipped cream and lime zest. our version of this classic is served in a jar.

Margaritas to go

all alcoholic beverages must be purchased with a minimum order of one food item in order for the transaction to be completed

marg carafe for 4
$28.00
marg carafe for 6
$42.00
single margarita
$7.75

order online in just a few clicks at order.bartaco.com.

Hinckley’s Fancy Meats at East End Market

Ricky Ly
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Hinckley’s Fancy Meats at East End Market

Picked up some Memorial Day Weekend Carnivore feast meal from Chef Matt Hinckley at Hinckley’s Fancy Meats at East End Market – delicious pork belly, chicken thighs, and beer brat w braised cabbage, mac and cheese, and cornbread slathered w some maple bourbon pork butter and cookies for dessert.

Bonus

Look inside Freehand Goods at East End Market

  • Local Artisanal goods

Oh My Gyro! – Longwood – Q and A with Tanaz Kermali

Ricky Ly
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Oh My Gyro! – Longwood – Q and A with Tanaz Kermali

At Oh My Gyro, they serve authentic New York Halal Cart Food, which mainly consists of gyro meat, and chicken served on a bed or rice and lettuce topped off with the famous white and red sauce.

Tasty Chomps Q and A with Oh My Gyro’s Tanaz Kermali

TastyChomps: How has business changed for you since the stay at home orders?
Tanaz Kermali, Oh My Gyro: Business has changed drastically like everyone else .

We used to get a lot of people from offices around but because they started doing work from home we lost 70 % of customers.

We had to take major steps to get /attract people like discounts, curbside ,OMG app for contactless pickups and payments. Also since people are still not familiar with where we are , it got even more difficult for us to pull in people.

What are some of your most popular items to go?
Hands down our signature Gyros /sandwiches and platters.

Tell us about your family’s cultural foods – what foods are on the menu that are very unique? 

Apart from Gyros and also serve Tandoori Chicken which is a popular dish from India. It’s eaten with salad and our in house Tamarind chutney. This is one of our best sellers apart from Gyros .

We also have Mishkaki which is a very popular dish in East African community. Mishkaki is basically beef cubes marinated in our secret spices , grilled and again served with our In-house Tamarind Chutney.

Then, we have our take on Chicken SHISH Tawook with our signature white and hot sauces . Our signature white and hot sauce goes with almost Everything on our menu.

Tell us your family’s story – how did you all come to America? What were some hopes and dreams you have?

We have a very unique family story. It all started with my in-laws who moved from East Africa to USA in the early 1980’s and started with small businesses from laundromat to Music cd stores to restaurants !

Things changed and they sold the restaurant, and my Mother in law had been working as a cook in a school / Mosque in New York for the past 30 years now . The three sons Hussein , Sikandar and Abbas were raised in Queens, New York and then moved to Long Island.

The oldest brother Husein along with his wife Rukhsana moved to Orlando first ,followed by brother Sikander, his Wife Sukaina, brother Abbas and my self (Tanaz) moved in 2010 and2012 respectively to Orlando

Since we really missed Halal cart food in New York, we decided to open one ourselves closer to home in 2016. At that time there were not many halal places closer to north side of Orlando. We have a huge Muslim community, hence this led us to open one here.

Like everybody else we had dreams to make it big in USA .This is the same thought i had when i came here after marriage, especially coming from the city of Dreams: Mumbai India!

Oh My Gyro!

1150 W State Rd 434, Longwood, FL 32750

https://www.facebook.com/ohmygyro/

#OrlandoToGo – Sonny’s BBQ Family Meal Deals To Go

Ricky Ly
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#OrlandoToGo – Sonny’s BBQ Family Meal Deals To Go

During these difficult times, Sonny’s BBQ has unveiled a list of new family meal deals to go – Feed the whole family starting at $29.99.

You can order online and pick it up curbside. Enjoy the comforts of slow-smoked BBQ from the comfort of home.

Sonny’s makes it so easy to get something everyone will love with their family meal deals. We even had really great leftovers for lunches the next day.

  •  Enjoy a meal deal for four with a whole chicken, pound of Pulled or Sliced Pork, three pint Sidekicks and choice of bread for just $29.99. OR
  • Build a BBQ feast at home with Sonny’s new Grab & Go Kits for $47.99. Includes 2 lbs of Pulled or Sliced Pork, 6 buns, 4 pint Sidekicks and a full rack of Sweet & Smokey or House Dry-Rubbed St. Louis Ribs.

Corn Nuggets

Beef Brisket

Baby Back Ribs

Order online at https://www.sonnysbbq.com/

Food Preservation Tips presented by Southeast Steel

Ricky Ly
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Food Preservation Tips presented by Southeast Steel

Preserving foods enables you to create delicious, flavorful, and nutritious food at home that can be enjoyed year-round. More importantly proper food preservation allows for fewer trips to the grocery store, therefore saving time, reducing food waste, and less time spent in public places during the COVID-19 pandemic, said Joell Eifert and Melissa Chase, food safety experts with Virginia Cooperative Extension.

“If you experience challenges with finding canned and frozen foods at the grocery store, you may find an abundance of fresh produce available. Safely preserving these foods at home can provide a sense of personal satisfaction with a readily available supply of food for you and your family,” said Melissa Chase, the consumer food safety program manager for Virginia Cooperative Extension and the state coordinator for the Master Food Volunteer Program.

To preserve foods now, freezing food is a preferred method since it eliminates the need to purchasing additional equipment and utensils that are required for canning. Freezing also extends the shelf life of a product with little to no change in nutritional content.

Virginia Cooperative Extension and the National Center for Home Food Preservation have instructions for safe and up-to-date home food preservation methods.

To safely freeze fresh fruits and vegetables, it is important to:

  • Select proper food packaging, such as rigid containers or flexible bags or wraps.
  • Select food for freezing. Choose young, tender vegetables or well-ripened fruits for freezing.
  • Blanch all vegetables (minus peppers and onions), but do not blanch fruits, prior to freezing.
  • Properly prepare fruit for freezing.
  • Properly store food for freezing.

Additionally, there are other foods that are suitable for freezing:

  • Raw meats, such as poultry, beef, and pork.
  • Breads (such as baked breads, rolls).

Although the list is long for foods that freeze well, not all foods are well-suited for this method of food preservation. Some of these include fresh lettuce, salad greens, tomatoes, onions, and some spices. The National Center for Home Food Preservation has a more detailed list of foods that are suitable and not suitable for freezing.

Getting the most shelf life out of your food is important given that most are likely making fewer grocery trips.  Some simple steps can be taken to increase the longevity of some of your refrigerated foods.  For instance:

  • Know the temperature that your refrigerator runs. It is important to keep refrigerated food at or below 41°F to keep your food safe and of high quality, with freezers at 0°F or lower. The higher the temperature of a refrigerator or freezer, the shorter the shelf life of perishable items like milk will be. Not all refrigerators run at the recommended temperature and purchasing an inexpensive thermometer for your refrigerator can provide information to accurately set the thermostat.
  • Know that your refrigerator temperature is not consistent throughout. In general, refrigerators are coolest toward the back and warmer towards the front, especially on the door shelves. Keeping milk on a door shelf may lead to a short shelf life and by moving milk toward the back of the refrigerator, shelf life can be extended by two to three days. As a rule of thumb, milk and eggs should never be kept on a door shelf.
  • Keep berries from being damp. Once berries become damp, they will spoil more quickly. Wash berries just prior to eating.
  • Fresh herbs should be kept like fresh cut flowers – stems in the water and refrigerated.
  • Certain produce like uncut onions and potatoes will do better unrefrigerated.
  • Bread should not be stored in the refrigerator. This causes it to stale faster. Bread should be kept at room temperature or frozen for a longer shelf life.

“Food preservation and cooking is a great family activity that can be done together at home that utilizes both science and math skills – and you can end up with some great things to eat,” Eifert said, director of the Food Innovations Program in the Virginia Tech Department of Food Science and Technology and Extension specialist in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Updates from Southeast Steel Appliance Warehouse

Refrigeration and freezers have been in HUGE demand. In particular freezers, they get some in weekly, and they sell them out in a couple of days.

  • A refrigerator that can be simple and affordable is a great addition to expand your food storage in your garage too.
  • Freezer’s come in Chest (biggest demand) and No Frost Uprights. Many of the chest style freezers are not frost-free.
  • Bosch is the world’s most advanced refrigerator, expensive but they also have GE, Frigidaire and many, many other affordable brands here.
  • New PureAir Fridge purification system extends food life and eliminates odors – It kills bacteria that cause odors, removes gases with decay foods, reduces mold & mildew, and neutralizes pesticides using activated oxygen and ionization. So if someone needs extra freezer space now, but perhaps not so much later – this refrigerator is cool because it has FLEX Space that can be freezer or refrigeration. Sometimes you just don’t have the space to have s stand-alone freezer – this can help.

Orlando Foodie Forum Lunch Meet up at The Strand in Mills 50

Ricky Ly
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Orlando Foodie Forum Lunch Meet up at The Strand in Mills 50

Before the beginning of the pandemic, a group of the Orlando Foodie Forum visited The Strand in Mills 50 for a delicious lunch!

The Strand specializes in local, seasonally changing dishes that include fantastic burgers as well as steak frites and fish and chips.

Founded by Alda and Joe Rees, The Strand was inspired by a sentimental nostalgia for meals from their childhood.


steak frites / seasonal vegetable 17

fish & chips / coleslaw 15

grilled salmon / grain, seasonal vegetable, arugula 14.5

Visit them soon!

The Strand Orlando
https://www.strandorlando.com/
807 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803

Inside Look: Staycation at The Delaney Hotel + Delaney’s Tavern

Tiffany Nguyen
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Inside Look: Staycation at The Delaney Hotel + Delaney’s Tavern

We were invited to stay overnight at SoDo’s newest boutique hotel The Delaney Hotel, located across from Orlando Health just south of downtown Orlando, and it was simply amazing, to say the least.  We absolutely loved our experience.  The Delaney Hotel is hospitality reimagined.  It is like home, but so much better. Delaney’s Tavern restaurant on-site is just icing on the cake.

The 54-room boutique hotel features new, innovative designs such as over-sized rooms, walk-in showers, room service – combined with advanced technologies – in-room tablets, digital concierge, mobile keys, room automation, bathroom mirrors with integrated clocks, 55″ smart tv’s with guest-device streaming, as well as a state-of-the-art fitness center and business center.

Although they just opened this past August, they certainly know what they are doing in terms of giving guest the ultimate hotel experience.

The Delaney Hotel strives to create a new commitment to authentic hospitality and genuine service with individualized accomodations.

Charcuterie board compliments of The Delaney Hotel

In regards to COVID-19, your safety is their first priority.  

The Delaney Hotel + Delaney’s Tavern is founded by local physicians that own their own practice right next to the hotel property so they are very active with their business ventures.  They want to keep guests informed about the precautions that they are taking to ensure a healthy and relaxing stay.

Some of their guidelines are as follows:

“Housekeeping: Our staff uses an EPA registered Peroxide product to quickly and effectively disinfect our guest rooms. This solution kills 99.999% of germs and bacteria – including Norovirus and Coronavirus in as little as 45 seconds!  An additional layer of protection is employed through the use of BetONE RTU – a broad spectrum disinfectant cleaner designed for hard, non-ports inanimate surfaces.

If that wasn’t enough to kill these germs, Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) is a disinfection method that we deploy which uses short-wavelength ultraviolet (UV-C) light to kill or inactivate microorganisms by destroying nucleic acids and disrupting their DNA, leaving them unable to perform vital cellular functions.

All of the air filters throughout the hotel have been switched to MERV 13 rated, anti-bacterial/viral air filters from Nordic Air.  We’ve installed Advance Gel Sanitizer Stations throughout the property to provide fast, proven antimicrobial efficacy against a wide range of microorganisms.” – The Delaney Hotel

Julius Meinl Gourmet Coffee Maker and Chocolate-Covered Oreos.

All rooms include:

  • Express Check-in + Checkout
  • 55″ Smart TVs
  • In-Room Tablet
  • In-Room Safe
  • Julius Meinl Gourmet Coffee Maker
  • Herbal Bath Amenities
  • Private Work Space
  • Individual A/C Controls
  • Complimentary Super Fast WiFi
  • Complimentary, Local & Long Distance.
A bottle of chilled Veuve Clicquot Brut Rosé was waiting for us in our room as soon as we arrived.

To enhance our stay, we upgraded in style to their Posh Luxury Suite.  Extra space, extra spiffy, and only for a bit extra.  With a generous, separate living area including a super-comfy sofa, dining table, and luxury amenities that combine the luxurious and the local.

I was so grateful for the LED mirror with a digital clock on it.  It was very helpful in making sure I was on time to all of my appointments.  This hotel is family-friendly or business professional-friendly for individuals like myself.

I thought this complimentary amenity was very thoughtful.  I have never seen makeup remover available in any hotel room before.  I definitely used them to wipe my makeup off at the end of the night.

Modern and sleek walk-in shower.

My overnight stay was so peaceful and relaxing.  I honestly did not want to leave.

Cheers!

The in-room tablet was very resourceful.  It was nice to have everything right at my fingertips.  You could look up hotel information on it and order anything on it from food to complimentary toiletries like q-tips, shaving kits, ear plugs, etc.

It even had the Bible app on it.

Room service breakfast the next morning was a real treat.

Breakfast was prepared by the hotel’s on-site restaurant Delaney’s Tavern, which provides all of their room service and catering.

Beef Short Rib Skillet with Over Easy Egg.  This is their #1 breakfast item and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Texas Style Brioche French Toast.  I had some leftover so I took them home and reheated it the next morning for breakfast.  They were amazing, even the next day.  Highly recommended!

3 Egg Omelet.  It was fresh and scrumptious.

Poblano & Potato Hash, Sausage Links, Pecan Smoked Bacon.  I ordered these as my sides items and they were all delicious!

I washed everything down with fresh-squeezed orange juice.  Yum!

Breakfast in bed.  There is no better way to start the day than like this.

The fitness center was conveniently just a few steps away from our room.

It was very clean and had every equipment that I needed.

Their business center is located next to the fitness center.

The Tavern and staff are applying the same precautions as the hotel to insure the safety of their patrons.  Every employee wore masks and they have transitioned to single-use menus.

If you decide to not take a menu, you can scan their QR code on your phone and view the full menu from there.

Small plates and shareables featuring New American cuisine is the cornerstone of Delaney’s Tavern.

Delaney Tavern’s microbrew and craft cocktail menu.

Champagne and wine list.

New Fashioned & Delaney Rita.  Recommended by the bartender.  My dining companion consumed these and although he is picky about his cocktails, he approved of these and gave them both two thumbs up.

Tuna Tartare with Wonton Chips. Executive Chef Anthony Albino let me preview this new dish and it was perfection.  There was not a speck left behind.  If you are a tuna lover like me, you will love this appetizer!


Lychee gastrique, raspberry chipotle, avocado, green onion, cucumber, micro greens, sesame seeds, black sesame seeds.

Blue Crab Beignets

Apple fennel slaw, horseradish aioli.  It was light and savory.

Vegetarian French Onion Soup.  It was warm and comforting.

Diver Scallop, Shrimp & Grits – Local Jacksonville parmesan purple grits, tasso ham, sun-dried tomato cream sauce.  It was rich and creamy.

Tavern Burger.  I have had this twice and it my favorite dish.  Highly recommended!


Brisket, chuck, short rib blended patty, smoked gouda cheese, chipotle bbq, caramelized onion aioli, crispy onion frizzle, brioche bun.  I ordered mine with a side of crispy seasoned potato wedges.

Tiramisu.  Executive Chef Anthony Albino let me preview this new dessert and the presentation was super cool.  Chef Anthony Albino had the tiramisu in a cylinder container and then he lifted the cylinder to let all the sauce fall down into the dessert for a cool dripping presentation.

Lounge areas with plush seating and walls decorated with vibrant Orlando paintings and celebrity paintings provide a chic atmosphere.  They offer fun outdoor seating as well.

Playful, unscripted experiences awaits you.  Take a break from your typical 9-to-5 and pamper yourself in lush accommodations, swanky service, and convivial ambiance.  You will not regret it.  Highly recommended!

For more information, please visit: staydh.com & eatdt.com

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

Inside Look: Rocco’s Italian Grille – Winter Park

Tiffany Nguyen
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Inside Look: Rocco’s Italian Grille – Winter Park

Rocco’s Italian Grille is a charming, romantic and intimate Italian restaurant inside a vintage 1940’s building in Winter Park located next door to The Glass Knife.

The neighborhood has changed some since the opening of Rocco’s fourteen years ago but one thing has remained the same – the consistency of Rocco’s award-winning authentic Italian cuisine prepared by their experienced native chefs.

Rocco’s has a full bar and a cozy cocktail lounge where you will find wines ranging from Aglianico to Zinfandel.  Happy Hour runs Monday through Friday from 5:00pm to 7:30pm (excluding holidays) where bar beverage favorites are discounted ranging from $1 to $3 off.

Proprietor Rocco Potami was born and raised in Italy and he has always been passionate about cooking.  His restaurant offers recreated recipes of his homeland which he has spent years researching, developing, and perfecting.  Mr. Potami has almost 40 years of experience cooking in Central Florida and it is evident when you indulge in his extraordinary dishes.

We were invited to try Mr. Potami’s favorite menu items, as well as their weekly special, and it all exceeded our expectations.  We were also pleased to see employees wearing a face mask and guest practicing social distancing by sitting at least six feet apart from each other.

Their menu is composed of a variety of appetizer, pasta, seafood and meat dishes that recreate old favorites and brings out new flavors.

They use only the freshest meats, imported pastas and sauces made from scratch to serve a broad selection of dishes from each of Italy’s regions.



GAMBERONI AL GORGONZOLA – Shrimp flambéed with a Vecchia Romagna Brandy and finished in a Gorgonzola cheese reduction.

I enjoyed this appetizer so much I was even licking the Gorgonzola cheese reduction off my fingers every time my server turned around so he would not notice my questionable manners.  It was that good so I did not want to hold back.

FUNGHI RIPIENI ALLA JOJO

Their attention to detail on every dish’s presentation did not go unnoticed – the symmetry was simply stunning, almost too pretty to eat.

A Calabrian treasured recipe of roasted mushroom caps filled with a mixture of sausage, red bell peppers, shallots and mascarpone cheese.

VEAL & BEEF RAVIOLI – with imported white truffle cream imported from Italy, parmesan, finished off with black truffle shaving.  It was incredibly delicious.  This was the special of the week, but it really should be on the permanent menu.

SCALOPPINE DI VITELLO ALLA ROCCO – Veal scaloppine topped with roasted peppers, prosciutto and Fontina cheese, deglazed with white wine, finished with a rich demi-glace sauce and served with vegetables of the day.  I was so excited to try this dish out of them all since it has Rocco’s name at the end of it, therefore it must be good.  When it came out, it actually exceeded my expectations.  The veal was tender and the sauce was rich.  The potato wedges with julienne vegetables complimented it very well.  Every bite was pure perfection and there was not a speck left behind on my plate.

PROFITEROLE – A sweet, light-as-air cream puff pastry filled with chocolate and chocolate cream inside.

ITALIAN RICOTTA CHEESECAKE – with strawberry sauce then topped with sliced strawberry over powdered sugar.  Its silky texture tastes both rich and light at the same time.

Rocco’s Italian Grille is an exquisite gem that has a beautiful and welcoming ambiance, exceptional dishes using the highest quality of fresh and imported ingredients, and five-star service.

Be sure to check them out the next time you are in the Winter Park area, you will love it!

Rocco’s Italian Grille
400 Orlando Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
(407) 644-7770
roccositaliangrille.com

Inside Look: Tabla Indian Cuisine

Tiffany Nguyen
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Inside Look: Tabla Indian Cuisine

We were invited to Tabla Indian Cuisine located inside Clarion Inn & Suites near Universal Studios to try their food and we enjoyed our experience.

At Tabla you will find authentic Indian food with an amazing taste.  Their menu offers a wide variety of Indo-Chinese and Thai food that can be prepared for individual preferences such as healthy vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, and jain.

Guest can find the restaurant located on the first floor in the lobby.

Tabla attributes its success to great food prepared by passionate chefs.  Over the years they have taken traditional recipes and enhanced them with a modern approach using progressive cooking techniques to bring the taste of Indian, Thai, and Indo-Chinese together.  They have been creating memories as a premium Asian caterer at events for past years and now they are bringing the same creativity and uniqueness to both of their restaurants in Central Florida.

Executive Chef Sajan Prem

Mixed Pakora – Spiced Cauliflower, Potato, Spinach and Onion Fritters.  This dish was tasty and fun to eat.  It was also gluten-free, which was a pleasant surprise to my dining companion and I since he is gluten-free.

Mint Chutney 

Sweet Tamarind Chutney.  Both sauces were good, but I enjoyed this sauce the most.

Garlic Naan.  It was fresh, moist, and tender.  The bread absorbed the spices from the other dishes very well.  I ordered mine with Chana Masala, Chicken Tikka Masala, and Jerra Rice which were all great.  I enjoyed the Chicken Tikka Masala which was prepared medium hot and I loved the chickpeas cooked home style with onions, tomatoes & ginger in the Chana Masala.  It was my first time trying it and it was unique and healthy.

Tandoori Chicken – Roasted, Young, Bone-in Chicken Marinated in Tandoori Masala.  It was succulent, juicy, and perfectly smoky from the grill and smoked paprika they used.  Every bite boasted a tapestry of earthy flavors from garam masala to ginger to garlic.

A refreshing Mango Smoothie. 

Tabla Indian Cuisine currently has two locations.  Be sure to visit them at this location off of International Drive or at their new location on Park Avenue.

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

Supporting Local Farms in Central Florida during and after COVID-19

Ricky Ly
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Supporting Local Farms in Central Florida during and after COVID-19

The farming industry is Florida’s second-largest economic driver, according to the Associated Press, yielding $155 billion in revenue and supports about 2 million jobs. With much of the state shut down to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the restaurants and other foodservice businesses that Florida’s farms and food growers rely on to stay afloat aren’t open for business, or simply aren’t seeing enough of a demand right now to come close to meeting the supply of perishable products agricultural producers have to offer.

To support our local farmers, go and buy direct from the farms, and maybe try to demand our local grocers to stock more local produce from here in Central Florida.

Here is a small list of local farms to support here in Central Florida:

Long and Scott Farms: Zellwood Sweet Corn

??Scott’s Country Market is located on our farm with a wide variety of produce and goodies.
Tuesday-Saturday 9-5 Cash and card accepted.(26216 County Road 448A, Mt. Dora, FL 32757)
??Our 441 roadside stand across from the North Orlando Airpark has corn only. Cash only.
Thursday-Friday 10-6, Saturday-Sunday 9-5 (4185 N Orange Blossom Trail, Apopka, FL 32712) Closed this Sunday for Mother’s Day

Tom West Blueberries

A locally owned and operated blueberry farm in Ocoee, FL. Father and son team, Milton and Scott West, own and manage the farm, supplying blueberries to the Florida market each spring. The Wests believe that quality and safety are paramount, and adhere to Good Agricultural Practices.

324 E Orlando Ave, Ocoee, FL 34761
http://tomwestblueberries.com/more-info/varieties/

Lake Meadow Naturals

10000 Mark Adam Road, Ocoee
321-206-6262

Known for their farm fresh eggs and chicken, Lake Meadow Naturals also includes a Farm Market stocked with fresh eggs, raw honey, meats, bread and vegetables. The market is open but only allowing 6 customers at a time in the store.

Southern Hills Farms

16651 Schofield Road, Clermont
321-239-3137

The farm is open for online orders and curbside pickup, but you-pick is closed for now. You can order fresh blueberries, peaches, sunflowers, blueberry donuts and more.

Mick Farms

4261 Canoe Creek Road
Saint Cloud, Florida
(407) 791-6873

A farm stand from their on site farm sells  fresh berries, greens, tomatoes, squash and onions alongside honey, canned goods and more. The farm is currently open Monday-Saturday from 10am-6pm and Sundays from noon-4pm.

To place an order, visit square.com/store/southernhillfarmsmarket.

Everoak Farm

2335 Carrington Dr.
Orlando, FL,32807
(407) 879-3338
everoakfarm@gmail.com

Sunday 9:00am – 1:00pm

For more farms, visit:

https://www.ffva.com/consumersales?fbclid=IwAR2cX7WHHBrSoKr3jZB_EuijOjoKRb04IQeg8nddZ4Vprlb3pp-YOjycNPs

Check their social media pages for latest information.

Mother’s Day Special DIY Kit at Sweet by Holly

Ricky Ly
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Mother’s Day Special DIY Kit at Sweet by Holly

Sweet by Holly in East Orlando is offering a special Mother’s Day DIY Kit featuring 6 classic cupcakes (vanilla and chocolate), 4 color buttercreams, and 4 toppings available for pick up – it’s a fun activity for the whole family.

Mother’s Day DIY Kit
$21.00

Kit Includes:
6 Classic Cupcakes
4 Buttercreams
4 Toppings
3 Specialty Tips

Order here: https://sweetbyholly.com/product/mothers-day-decorating-kit/

Also Join Sweet by Holly this Saturday for a special LIVE Mother’s Day Decorating Class with Miss Holly on instagram live. (can’t make it? Don’t worry, the video will be available online!)

Order your DIY Kit here
https://sweetbyholly.com/product/mothers-day-decorating-kit/

Over 40 Local Orlando Restaurants and Shops for Mother’s Day Specials 2020

Ricky Ly
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Over 40 Local Orlando Restaurants and Shops for Mother’s Day Specials 2020

Mother’s Day is this Sunday May 10 – lots of restaurants are offering take out / pick up for Mother’s Day Brunch at home, meanwhile many restaurants have also opened up indoor dining at 25% and outdoor seating per County and State guidance.

Below are over 40 Local Orlando Restaurants and Shop Specials for Mother’s Day 2020:

Pig Floyd’s

Cress Restaurant

Mother’s Day Celebration

3-Course Menu $26
course one
Cress Salad
Local lettuces, Smoked Tomato, Roasted Grape, Toasted Walnut, Cranberry,
Aged Manchego Cheese, Ginger & Local Orange Emulsion

course two
Entrees (Choose One)
Marcona Almond Encrusted Local Smart Catch
Caribbean Inspired Rice Pilaf, Local Cucumber & Tomato Salad, Sweet Plantain, Citrus Beurre Blanc
Wagyu Beef Short Rib Bourguignonne
Exotic Mushroom, Caramelized Pearl Onion, VoLasalle Farm Ratatouille,
Truffle Smashed Yukon Potato, Beef & Burgundy Jus
Bell & Evans Chicken Piccata
House Made Pappardelle Pasta, Sauvignon Blanc, Lemon, Capers, Olives,
Garlic Crumb, House Made Ricotta, Sautéed Local Greens, Grilled Bread
Exotic Mushroom & Aged Gouda Quiche
Local Organic Eggs, Roasted Local Vegetables, Sautéed Exotic Mushrooms,
Beurre Blanc, Fresh Picked Local Herbs

course three
Dessert
Caramel Apple Bread Pudding
Dark Rum Bananas Foster

Shellfish Bisque (optional – additional $8) – Jumbo Lump Crab & Local Shrimp, Roasted Corn, Local Peppers, Yukon Potato, Herbed Croutons

Rocco’s Italian Grille

Rocco’s is back for your Dine-In pleasure.
Yes, under the recommended social distancing and other state and local guidelines
we are re-opening our dining room as of Monday May 4th.
And it’s not too early to reserve a table for Mother‘s Day, this Sunday the 10th.
Rocco’s is ready to make Mom feel extra-special with seatings from Noon til 8pm.
 
Join us for dinner and night this week and choose between our dining room or one of our spacious
outdoor dining areas. We are open our normal operating hours and our regular menu will be served.Our kitchen is already buzzing with preparations for all of your menu favorites.
And of course we will still offer our popular take-out offerings if you prefer.Please call for reservations, as tables will be limited. (Tel. 407-644-7770)
Hope to see you Monday or any evening next week.Review our menu at roccositaliangrille.com

Big Fin Seafood Kitchen

Delaney’s Tavern

American Social

Make your Mother’s Day Reservation’s now!
Call (407)454-9992!

Reyes Mezcaleria and The Osprey Tavern

Mother‘s Day Brunch packages that Reyes Mezcaleria and The Osprey Tavern will be offering for pickup or delivery on Sunday, May 10th.  Pre-Orders must be made by Friday, May 10th.
We will be offering an a la carte menu for day-of orders as well. At this time, we will continue to offer only our take-out menu, but our patio is available for open seating if guests wish to enjoy their take-out meal.  Please follow us on social media for updates on opening our dining room!
To Pre-Order:
www.reyesmex.com or  (407) 868 – 9007
www.ospreytavern.com or  (407) 960-7700

Tapa Toro and Taverna Opa

Canvas

Soco Thornton Park

Stefano’s Trattoria

Stefano’s Trattoria is ready to take orders for Mother’s Day! Orders need to be in by Saturday @5:00 pick up Sunday between 11:30 to 5:30.
Call 407-659-0101 – Until supply last!
Trays serve (6-8)
Mother‘s Day special
– Chicken Franchese over penne: $50
– Chicken Marsala over penne: $45
– Chicken Parm. over penne: $45
– Chicken Piccata over penne: $45
– Tortellini Di Stefano: $45
– Lasagna: $50
– Penne pesto and grilled chicken. $50
– Baked Ziti: $40
– Spaghetti Bolognese: $40
– Spaghetti and Meatballs: $40
– Lobster ravioli $80
– Shrimp Portofino over linguini: $80
SALADS 8-10 people
– Garden $25
– Cesar $25
– Greek $30

Arthur’s Catering To Go

The Ravenous Pig

Luke’s

Luma on Park

Coopers Hawk

Cooper’s Hawk is offering a special catering menu for Mother’s Day! I have included the details below.

We are offering two options to accommodate both smaller and larger families/households:

  • $149.99, serves 4-5, Includes pretzel bread and butter, house salad with choice of dressing, one choice for entrée, garlic green beans, Mary’s potatoes, and choice of dessert

OR

  • $199.99, serves 8-10, Includes pretzel bread and butter, house salad with choice of dressing, two choices for entrée, garlic green beans, Mary’s potatoes, and choice of dessert
  • Pickup is available in the restaurant or curbside. Cold pickup will be available on Saturday, May 9th and Sunday, May 10th, and hot pickup will be available on Sunday, May 10th.
  • Orders must be placed by 8pm on Friday, May 8th.
  • I have attached a menu including both options and below is a link to our website where all of this information, and more, can be found:

https://chwinery.com/mothers-day

  • We also have several Mother’s Day wine gift sets available for pickup to give mom the perfect gift!

Buca Di Beppo

Buca di Beppo is celebrating mom with packages available for curbside pickup and delivery. See below for details. Visit https://www.bucadibeppo.com/online-ordering/ to order online. 

Buca di Beppo Mother’s Day Package #1

(Feeds 3 for $45; Feeds 5 for $65; Half Pan/Feeds 10 for $120 & Full Pan/Feeds 20 for $215) and includes: 

Fresh Bread

Mixed Green or Caesar

Choice of Pasta: Lasagna, Baked Rigatoni, Spicy Chicken Rigatoni

Dessert: Cannoli (one per person)

Delicious Dessert for Mom

Buca Mother’s Day Package #2

(Feeds 3 for $55; Feeds 5 for $75; Half Pan/Feeds 10 for $140 & Full Pan/Feeds 20 for $255) and includes: 

Fresh Bread

Mixed Green or Caesar

Choice of Entrée: Chicken Parm, Chicken Limone, Eggplant Parm

Choice of Pasta: Spaghetti Marinara, Fettuccine Alfredo, Penne alla Vodka, Baked Ziti

Dessert: Cannoli (one per person)

Delicious Dessert for Mom

Cocina 214

The Mother’s Day Menu serves up to 6 people and comes with our Homemade Chips and House Salsa, Queso Blanco, Avocado Bites, Pescado Rico (made with Mahi Mahi and our Poblano Cream Sauce), and Achiote-Rubbed Rotisserie Chicken.

Sides:
Veggie Rice, and Sautéed Veggies

Dessert:
Mini Brownie Bites

Beverage:
Mimosas To-Go

Cheers to MOM!

You can Order Online at:

https://cocina214.com/shop/or you can Call the Restaurant at 407-790-7997 to Place your Order.

$140 for 6 people. Limited Availability.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Reunion Resort

Mother’s Day at Reunion Resort & Golf Club

WHO: Reunion Resort & Golf Club
WHAT: Enjoy brunch or an afternoon meal on Mother’s Day with dine-in or to-go options.

First Course (one option): Silver dollar buttermilk pancakes, fruit bowl, garden salad, Caesar salad

Main Course Brunch (one option): Warm stuffed banana bread, strawberry shortcake, French toast, rancheros huevos scrambled eggs, fresh spinach/ham/swiss quiche,

*all served with choice of bacon, sausage or turkey Sausage

Main Course Meal (one option):

Preserved lemon ricotta pasta (with lobster or chicken),
herb infused salmon (with roasted tomatoand goat cheese panzanella),
petite filet mignon (with roasted garlic mashed potatoes),
stuffed chicken breast (filled with crab, spinach, herbcheese, smoked red pepper broth; with saffron mashed potatoes)

Wine Choice: La Marca Prosecco Bouvet Rose

Bottomless Mom-osas: Available for $10.00 per person

PRICING: Brunch: $40.00 for two / $80.00 for four
Afternoon Meal: $50.00 for two / $100.00 for four
Mix & Match: $45.00 for two / $90.00 for four

WHEN: Sunday, May 10, 2020 from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

WHERE: The Clubhouse at Reunion Resort & Golf Club
7593 Gathering Drive, Kissimmee, Florida 34747

*Proper social distancing guidelines inside and outside on the patio are in place, as well as the 25 percent capacity, per the Governor’s Executive Orders.

HOW: Reservations are required for dine-in seating, (407) 557-4028.

ABC Fine Wine & Spirits Mother’s Day Virtual Tasting

Celebrate your mom this Mother’s Day with quality time, surprises and of course, some bubbly! ABC Fine Wine & Spirits is making it easy to splurge on mom this year by offering expert insight into higher-end wines you may have looked over before. Choose from champagne, rosé, reds and whites with the help of one of ABC’s wine experts with a simple breakdown of options here!

This Sunday, ABC will also offer select wines on sale for contactless curbside pick-up. Honor mom with quality time and quality wine with many favorites to choose from below.

  • Buy 2, save $5 on select Giorgi Costarosa, Jules Taylor and more
  • Buy 2, save $5 on all Block Wines 750mL or larger
  • Buy 2, save $5 on Stags’ Leap Wines 750mL

Mother’s Day may be a little different this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate! Join our experts in a virtual wine tastings and sample wines with Mom or get expert help to find her the perfect gift.

5/8 – 7:15 PM – 8:15 PM ET

Host: Dan Eddy & Dave Malone

Products being sampled
Dave’s Picks:
Stephen Ross Chardonnay
Beckmen Cuvee Le Bec
Dan’s Picks:
Les Lys Vouvray
Planet Oregon Pinot Noir

Availability varies by store.

Join the virtual tasting meeting.
Meeting ID: 945 1968 6186
Password: ABCFWS

Virtual tasting is limited to the first 100 guests who join.

Tabla Indian Cuisine

Complimentary Pineapple Pastry to Sweeten your Mom’s Day!!!
Prepared Fresh just for her by our Pastry Chef!!
Tabla is now Offering Online Ordering and Curbside Pickup!

La Boucherie

Sweet by Holly

Choulala

Mother’s Day Special

6 pack Puff Kit – choice of either dark chocolate or vanilla stuffed puffs with different types of sprinkles, different color marzipan, and glaze. The customers will be able decorate the puffs the way they want. It will be $18. They can place orders ahead of time by emailing stephanie@choulala-pastries.com

Bites and Bubbles

Mothers Day Brunch Specials at – https://www.bitesbubbles.com/mothers-day 

Sixty Vines

MX Taco

MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH PRE-ORDER: Creole Chicken (or Tofu), Blackened Sausage Potatoes (vegan sausage available), ‘Praline French Toast’, Breakfast Bread & Mini Cakes, Fresh Watermelon Juice & Champagne – $35 feeds 2 with leftovers!
Book for Saturday pick up by 8pm Friday or Sunday pick up by 8pm Saturday. Delivery available! (Order at 407-730-5241 – MX Taco Milk District)

David Ramirez Chocolates

Show Mom she’s essential in your life

Whether she’s been on the front lines fighting a virus, or at home, endlessly fighting mounds of dishes and piles of dirty laundry while simultaneously teaching long division, surprise her by preordering a sweet treat for Mother’s Day

All orders must be placed and paid for by Wednesday 5/6/2020

**This offer is preorder/prepay only**

Curbside pickup is Saturday, May 9th from 12-5 PM

6” Cakes $45 (serves 6-10 people)

All chocolate boxes and macarons are pre-assorted. No customized flavor choices at this time. Limited quantities available

Earl’s

Brunch Kit:

MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH WITH EARLS – Earls is making it easy for you to still treat Mom to a great Mother’s Day brunch. Order one of their many Brunch Kits – from classic Chocolate Chip Pancakes to their popular Avocado Super Brunch – and you can even bundle in a Mother’s Day card and bouquet of flowers for $20!

Available for pickup at your nearest Earls (and you’ll get 20% off your order). Visit earls.ca to learn more.

#EarlsAtHome

Dinner:

MOTHER’S DAY DINNER WITH EARLS – Earls is making it easy for you to still treat Mom to a great Mother’s Day dinner for two. For $60, get a three-course meal complete with two Oven Roasted Salmons with Earls’ Signature Mascarpone + Celery Root Ravioli, two Field Greens side salads, and two slices of NYC Cheesecake. You can also bundle in a Mother’s Day card and bouquet of flowers for $20! 

Available for pickup at your nearest Earls (and you’ll get 20% off your order). Visit earls.ca to learn more.

#EarlsAtHome

Café Tu Tu Tango

We’re pleased to announce that Mother’s Day weekend will see the reopening of Café Tu Tu Tango on International Drive. The restaurant will offer options for two people ($59) or four people ($89). The package includes one item from each of the main categories on Café Tu Tu Tango’s regular menu, plus choose from either Carne Asada Sirloin or Lomo Al Mojo. Both entrees are served with Corn Salsa, Platanos Maduros, Yucca Escabeche and Tortillas, along with dessert for either two or four guests.

Mia’s Italian Kitchen 

Starting Mother’s Day weekend, Mia’s Italian Kitchen will open, temporarily operating out of their sister restaurant’s kitchen at Café Tu Tu Tango. Mia’s Mother’s Day offering comes in options for two people ($59) or four people ($89) and includes choice of either Sunday Salad or Classic Caesar salads, choice of either Steak Pizzaiola, Chicken Parmigiana or Eggplant Parmigiana, choice of two sides from Crispy Garlic Smashed Potatoes, Spicy Broccolini, Viktoria’s Spaghetti Pomodoro or Rigatoni al Funghi, and Tiramisu for dessert. Orders for Mia’s Italian Kitchen will be available for pick-up from Café Tu Tu Tango.

Del-Frisco’s

Mother’s Day Family Package to treat mom at home (available for pick up only). The to-go option includes Crab Cakes with Cajun Lobster Sauce, choice of salad, choice of Beef Tenderloin or Salmon, two sides and a Butter Cake with Carmel and Sweet Vanilla Whipped Cream.

They have also opened their Orlando location to 25 percent capacity and are closely following all city and CDC guidelines to ensure your family will have a safe Mother’s Day. Some of the procedures they’ve set into motion include social distancing between tables, adding eight sanitation stations throughout the restaurant and requiring all staff to wear masks. Call today to make a reservation!

Phone Number: (407) 351-5074

Address: 9150 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819

Hours: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Talk of the Town Restaurant Group

The Perfect Mother’s Day Dinner
Preorder your Mother’s Day Dinner Package featuring four filet mignon, one bottle of red wine and one sweet butter cake. Talk of the Town Restaurant Group is providing Mom the gift of a fifth filet and a $25 gift card to use when we reopen our restaurant.

Filet Mignon Family Dinner Package = $120
Pick up your Mother’s Day package on Saturday, May 9th between 11:00am and 4:00pm at Charley’s Steak House in Orlando or Tampa.

https://www.talkofthetownrestaurants.com/mothers-day-/

Olive Garden

Treat Mom with the comfort and convenience of the new Mother’s Day Family-Style Take & Bake Bundle. Choose between two ready-to-bake bundle options — Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells or Classic Lasagna. Bundles include a jumbo house salad with a bottle of signature Italian dressing, one dozen ready-to-bake breadsticks and choice of homemade Alfredo or Marinara dipping sauce. Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells serve up to five people starting at $40; Classic Lasagna serves up to 8 people starting at $50. Order early to secure your ideal Carside Pickup or delivery timeslot at www.OliveGarden.com.

The Capital Grille

The Capital Grille is offering a three-course family-style Mother’s Day dinner to go, featuring a Whole Roasted Beef Tenderloin and choice of Butter Poached North Atlantic Lobster Tails or Scampi-style Jumbo Shrimp. Entrees are served alongside Green Beans, Mashed Potatoes, a freshly baked Flourless Chocolate Espresso Cake and housemade Lemon Tea Cookies. Dinner starts at $195 and serves four to six. Pre-order available while quantities last. In addition, the restaurant is offering a selection of uncooked steaks, hand-carved by its in-house butcher to be prepared at home. Guests can pair with a bottle of wine or the restaurant’s iconic Stoli Doli martini, in select locations. Call the restaurant to order or view the full menu online at www.thecapitalgrille.com.

Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen

Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen is offering a selection of Mother’s Day Bundles featuring signature, scratch-made dishes to celebrate Mom. The family-size bundles start at just $32.99, and options include a Salmon & Chicken Tender Bundle, Chicken Alfredo Bundle and Salmon Bundle served with a variety of sides. For an added treat, guests can order a slice of Cheesecake for $4.99 and beer, wine or cocktails to go, where permissible. Mother’s Day Bundles are available for pre-order beginning April 30 for curbside pickup from May 7 to 10. In addition, Cheddar’s is offering an additional $5 for every $25 in eGift cards purchased online. For more information, visit Cheddars.com.

Yard House

Yard House is introducing a new three-course Mother’s Day Family Takeout Meal, complete with the option to add a Mimosa or Bellini Kit to celebrate Mom on her special day (where available). Guests can choose from a prix fixe menu that includes one shared salad, one entrée for each person with options such as Whiskey Glazed Salmon and Grilled Rib Eye, choice of two sides and a shareable dessert. To order, visit www.YardHouse.com.

Seasons 52

Seasons 52 is offering a three-course Mother’s Day dinner to go as either family-style (serves four to six) or a dinner for two. Guests can choose either a Whole Side of Cedar-Plank Roasted Salmon, Glazed Spiral Ham or Wood-Grilled Beef Tenderloin, which comes with salad, roasted green beans, choice of an additional side and Mini Indulgences. Options start at $100 for family-style or $55 for two. Each dinner will be chilled and ready for guests to warm at home. Guests can pair with a bottle of wine or the restaurant’s signature Rosé Lemonade cocktail carrier, in select locations. Guests can visit Seasons52.com to view the menu and call the restaurant to pre-order.

Eddie V’s

Eddie V’s is offering a four-course family-style Mother’s Day dinner to go, featuring choice of Herb-Roasted Tenderloin or Miso-Marinated Chilean Sea Bass. Entrees come with Truffle Macaroni and Cheese, Grilled Asparagus, Potato Gratin, Bananas Foster Butter Cake, as well as a treat for mom of Hand-Dipped Chocolate Strawberries and a long stem rose. Each dinner serves 4-6 for $195 and will be chilled and ready for guests to reheat at home, complete with simple instructions. Pre-order available while quantities last. Eddie V’s will also offer uncooked signature cuts of steak hand-carved and ready for guests to prepare as they wish. Wine and champagne are also available to order in select locations. Call the restaurant to order or view the full menu online at www.eddiev.com.

Bahama Breeze

Bahama Breeze is offering a Caribbean Mother’s Day Bundle with choice of entrée and appetizers, salad and either Key Lime Pie or Chocolate Island for dessert. Bundles serve up to four people and come prepped and ready for guests to finish at home. Entrée selections include Jerk Chicken Pasta ($64.99), Seafood Paella ($69.99), Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Crema ($59.99) or Baby Back Ribs ($69.99). Guests can also choose two from a selection of appetizers including Coconut Shrimp, Beef Empanadas and Jerk Chicken Wings. Beer, wine and cocktails are also available to order in select locations. Guests can call their local restaurant or order online at BahamaBreeze.com.

LongHorn Steakhouse

This Mother’s Day, families can celebrate Mom with a quality steakhouse meal from LongHorn Steakhouse. Fresh, boldly seasoned steak cuts like Flo’s Filet and the Outlaw Ribeye are available along with other signature items using LongHorn’s Curbside To Go service. Where permissible, bottles of wine are also available for $15 each, as well mix-and-match six-packs of beer for $10. To order, visit LongHornSteakhouse.com.

The New Standard

Call 407-316-2278 to pre-order today!
Deadline to pre-order is 4 p.m. on May 7

**Mother‘s Day Dine-In Options are for Pre-Order Only.

The New Standard will offer Brunch and Dinner options. Entrees include Quiche (choice of two types, each feed 4-6 people), Pancakes, Crab Cakes, Game Hen, Rack of Lamb or Florida Grouper. Each are priced individually either per person or per item (see menu for details via link below). The restaurant will also offer side dish packages for between two and eight people, and include Asparagus, Macaroni ‘n Cheese, Roasted Rosemary Potatoes, Compressed Watermelon Salad and Semolina-Orange-Coconut Cake.

Additionally, The New Standard has partnered with Tiny Orchid Co. to make the meal pick-up a one-stop-shop by adding orchid arrangements to their Mother’s Day offerings. Customers can choose from three options for orchid arrangements, ranging from $25 to $75.

The New Standard will also include a special Mother’s Day craft for each child in the family. When customers order, simply let the staff know how many children need a craft and they will include it with the order.

Pre-orders are available until 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 7. Call The New Standard at 407-316-2278 to pre-order. Full Mother’s Day menu is available HERE.

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Mother’s Day is just around the corner and we’ve put together a Feast for Mom because she deserves the best!  Please share/post on your social sites beginning today.

Pre-Order your Mother’s Day Feast and enjoy Firebirds Wood Fired Grill at Home!

2-3 People:  $69.95

4-6 People:  $139.90

(To be cooked at home, recipe will be included)

Includes: (Limited Availability)

  • BLT Salad
  • Beef Tenderloin Roast- herb rubbed tenderloin with port wine mushrooms
  • Parmesan Mashed potatoes
  • Broccoli with Parmesan garlic butter
  • Lemon Blueberry Bread Pudding with triple berries in sauce and white chocolate sauce drizzle
  • Fresh Bread and Butter

Give that special someone a Firebirds gift card.  https://www.firebirdsrestaurants.com/gift-cards/.

Roy’s Hawaiian

3-Course Dinner for Four, Starting at Only $99
Includes Make-at-Home Chocolate Soufflé Kits

For an extra special Mother’s Day, treat Mom to one of Roy’s classic three-course dinners include a selection of appetizers, entrées and for dessert, our exclusive make-at-home chocolate soufflé kits. Keiki (children) of all ages will delight in preparing Roy’s signature melting hot chocolate soufflés for Mom.

Treat Mom to our Tiki Pog Mimosas and Ultimate Bacon Bloody Marys, or her favorite bottle of wine, specially priced on Mother’s Day.

Orders may be placed now through 4pm on Friday, May 8th for pick up on Mother’s Day between noon and 6pm.

From our Ohana to yours, Hau’oli l? Makuahine
(Happy Mother’s Day)

East End Market

Thursday – Saturday we’ll have a special collection of East End offerings curated to make this Mother‘s day a tasty one.
The collection includes:
  • A bottle of Simonet de Blanc Brut (sparkling) from La Femme du Fromage
  • A cute potted plant from Porch Therapy
  • 1/2 lb granola, cheese twists and a sourdough boule from Olde Hearth
  • Farm & Haus’ seasonal Strawberry Lavender Jam
  • A Gideon’s Chocolate Chip Cookie
  • Avocado Chocolate Pudding from Skyebird
  • Hinckley’s Fancy Meats delicious country pate
Check out when we’ll be in your neighborhood and treat the mothers in your life to this assemblage of awesomeness.

Ronald McDonald House Charities

Visit Orlando’s Guide to Shop Local this Mother’s Day

Recognizing that Orlando residents will need to be creative with new ways to celebrate this unusual Mother’s Day (May 10), Visit Orlando has compiled a guide of 10 ideas across the destination to connect virtually, via special delivery or through social distancing – all of which support local businesses in the process. All of the Mother’s Day experiences below, and more, can be found on VisitOrlando.com.

1.       Brunch To Go

Dining rooms may currently be closed, but Visit Orlando’s online Mother’s Day guide includes a variety of Orlando restaurants offering special brunches and meals specific to the holiday, available for delivery or takeout. Or, you can search over 500 open restaurants  on the Orlando To Go website for a new place to try.

2.       Buy Local Gifts

Locally made gifts are always a hit, and the online guide include items such as a pretty stationary set from Winter Park’s Rifle Paper Co. and foodie items like bourbon blended vanilla barbecue sauce from 4 Rivers Smokehouse, home-made marshmallows from Wondermade or wine from Lakeridge Winery & Vineyard.

For the fashion-minded, Orlando International Premium Outlets and Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets are offering big savings on top brands via their shared online store.

3.       Take A Scenic “Socially Distanced” Walk Outdoors

Local nature parks are open throughout Orange County, including Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando, Kelly Park in Apopka, the West Orange Trail between Winter Garden and Apopka, and many others.

Take scenic walk through the flowers at Harry P. Leu Gardens, where admission is currently free, or pick fresh blueberries at places like Beck Brothers, Bekemeyer Family Farm and Long & Scott Farms.

4.       Meet Virtually in Orlando

Make Mother’s Day phone calls memorable with custom Orlando Zoom backgrounds featuring everything from iconic roller coasters to dinosaurs that allow moms (and kids of all ages) to virtually escape to the Theme Park Capital of the World™ or hang out in downtown Orlando at beautiful spots like Lake Eola.

5.       Send an Orlando eCard

Visit Orlando has created custom eCards that will be available via Facebook and Twitter with iconic Orlando images and message like “You are a ROAR-some MOM-a-saur” (Universal Orlando Resort’s Jurassic Park).

6.       Say It with Fresh-Picked Flowers

Support local florists, who are offering special Mother’s Day bouquets include Bluegrass Chic Floral Design, In Bloom Florist, Orlando Florist and Colonial Florist.

Or, go the fresh-picked route by picking up a bundle of giant sunflowers and zinnias from Southern Hill Farms in west Orange County.

7.       Get Front-Row Seats to the Orlando Arts (Virtually)

There’s not a bad seat in the house when you arrange a date to enjoy virtual artistic experiences from Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, Orlando Ballet and Cirque du Soleil. Or explore virtual galleries from The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, the Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens and Orlando Museum of Art.

8.       Take Cooking Lessons from Orlando’s Top Chefs

Make a culinary masterpiece by learning to cook with some of Orlando’s celebrity chefs, including José Andrés of Jaleo, Masaharu Morimoto of Morimoto Asia, Art Smith of Homecomin’ Florida Kitchen, Rick Bayless of Frontera Cocina, and others.  Amazon also sells cookbooks authored by some of Orlando’s homegrown James Beard honorees, including Norman Van Aken’s Florida Kitchen; James & Julie Petrakis’ The Ravenous Pig: Seasons of Florida; and 9 Courses from Brandon McGlamery of Prato, Luma on Park and Luke’s Kitchen.

9.       Learn Something New Together

Bond over learning a new skill or experiencing something new by exploring more than 20 free digital experiences from our local experts, including up-close animal encounters, art instruction, history and even makeup tutorials.

10.   Share Virtual Orlando Experiences

Although not currently open, Orlando’s theme parks and attractions can still be enjoyed virtually on VisitOrlando.com, including 360-degree online experiences, Facebook Live broadcasts, live streamings of special films, YouTube videos and more. Whether Mom likes riding roller coasters or standing on Main Street in front of Cinderella Castle, there are all kinds of fun ways to both chill and thrill together virtually.

Inside Look: New Menu Items at Flippers Pizzeria

Tiffany Nguyen
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0
Inside Look: New Menu Items at Flippers Pizzeria

The Orlando-based Flippers Pizzeria has rolled out a brand new menu.  As part of the new menu, they are now offering the option for pizzas to be made with gluten-free or cauliflower crust.  We had the opportunity to try the new cauliflower crust as well as their new menu items and we really enjoyed it.

Flippers Pizzeria was founded in 1987 by two college graduates who were seeking fresh, high-quality pizza in a fast-casual environment in Orlando but could not find many options in the area so they opened their first pizza shop near Sea World.  Now Flippers Pizzeria has 15 locations across Central Florida, including locations in St. Pete and The Villages.

From their fresh-packed, San Joaquin pizza sauce and crushed imported DOP San Marzano tomatoes to their 100% Wisconsin whole milk mozzarella and BelGioioso fresh mozzarella, they obsessively seek out the finest ingredients.  Everything they serve is made fresh using 100% natural ingredients.  You will not find artificial colors, flavors or preservatives in anything they serve.  Just real food, brick-fired to perfection.

Salame Piccante – Crushed DOP San Marzzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, pepperoni, salami, Peppadew peppers and local honey drizzle.  This was my favorite dish out of them all.  However, I would order it with less honey next time just because things got a bit sticky.  It was really good though so I would highly recommend it.  The cauliflower crust was perfection as well.

Breadstick Bites – Garlic butter, romano cheese and a side of pizza sauce.  A smaller portion of the Flippers favorite breadsticks.


Steak & Fire – Spicy fresh tomato sauce, red onions, green peppers, roasted jalapenos, pepperoncini peppers, Roma tomatoes, aged mozzarella, sharp cheddar, black olives and fresh oregano.  Their meats are all-natural, spices are hand-picked, and their vegetables are hand-chopped, sliced, diced, and roasted in-house.


Penne Asiago Pasta – Penne rigate with their asiago cream sauce.  Wow, the asiago cream was made fresh and it was rich and creamy.

Farmers Market Salad – Organic mixed greens, red onions, carrots, roasted grape tomatoes, gorgonzola, glazed walnuts, smoked bacon, balsamic vinaigrette and a drizzle of local honey.

Francis Castro, Sales & Marketing Manager of Flipper’s Pizzeria


Salami & Prosciutto Sandwich – Salami, prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, arugula, Peppadew Peppers, red onions, Roma tomatoes and balsamic dressing.

A big thank you to Chef Johnny and the Flippers Pizzeria team for hosting us!

Flippers Pizzeria
7339 W Sand Lake Rd, Orlando, FL 32819
407-352-2213
flipperspizzeria.com

#407Dates in partnership with Orange County and Visit Orlando

Ricky Ly
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0
#407Dates in partnership with Orange County and Visit Orlando

If you’re like most Central Floridians, you’re more than ready for non-essential travel and safety measures to end, even while understanding that they’re designed to keep us and our loved ones healthy. Still, one can only take so many same-old evenings before the need for something more exciting becomes too strong to ignore. That’s where #407Dates — aka #407Dates — comes in!

Named after the longtime Orange County area code, and created in partnership by Orange County and Visit Orlando, this new program invites you to order takeout or delivery from hundreds of restaurants featured on Orlando To Go (or your favorite local restaurants if you’re not in the area), purchase flowers and candy from local businesses, and participate in fun virtual events from Orlando, ranging from Orlando trivia to intimate musical performances, for three weekends starting May 8.

Whether it’s with your spouse, romantic partner, child or friends, everyone is encouraged to join in and carve out some quality time for a great meal and fun Orlando entertainment. Read on for details and make plans to enjoy an unforgettable evening in with #407Dates!

As part of #407Dates, you’re invited to share photos of your virtual date night with the hashtags #407Dates and #OrlandoToGo with @VisitOrlando’s and @OrangeCoFL’s social media channels.

Around Central Florida, restaurants are supporting #407Dates by offering a variety of date-night takeout and delivery specials for every taste and budget. Refer to the bottom of this blog for details, or click here if you can’t wait to see what’s cooking. Don’t live in Orlando but still want to participate? Check with your local restaurants to see what they’re serving for to-go orders!

Follow the #407Dates Fun on Social Media

Weekend of May 8-9

Enjoy some quality time with your significant other while also supporting our local restaurants with takeout or delivery (a robust list of restaurants can be found at VisitOrlando.com/togo) and pair it with one of these virtual date night events taking place this weekend:

  • Friday, May 8 (7:30 p.m.): Orlando’s Timucua Arts Foundation, known for intimate performances in the founder’s home, presents a modern jazz performance from the Philippe Lemm Trio on its Facebook page.

Saturday, May 9 (8 p.m.): Think you know Orlando? See how your knowledge stacks up with an Orlando-themed Trivia Night with award-winning quiz master Curtis Earth, hosted on the Zoom video-conferencing service. Please plan to use a laptop or tablet with a camera. Curtis Earth also uses Google Forms as the companion answer sheet for the quiz. (It is super easy to initiate.) At 8 p.m. on May 9, use password ‘244235’ to join the Trivia Night on Zoom.

Weekend of May 15-16

  • Friday, May 15 (5 p.m.): Enjoy lively traditional songs and Irish dancing with Raglan Road’s popular duo, Stephen & Abby, performing live from Ireland courtesy of Raglan Reality TV.
  • Saturday, May 16 (Time TBD): SAK Comedy Lab — details coming soon!

 

Virtual events aren’t the only entertainment for couples to enjoy during #407Dates. You can also have virtual Orlando adventures together with these options, which are available every night (and day) of the week!

Virtual Theme Parks, Attractions & Experiences

Soar down a 200-foot roller coaster, watch fireworks over the famous Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World® Resort, zipline over alligators, and enjoy other virtual experiences from Orlando’s world-famous theme parks and attractions! Learn more.

Virtual Arts & Culture

Feed your inner artist with virtual artistry from Orlando’s cultural community, including performing arts, comedy, concerts and much more! Learn more.

Virtual Learning Activities

From art classes that teach how to draw Mickey Mouse to science lessons about living in space, add a dash of wonder to your #407Dates with virtual educational activities from Orlando! Learn more.

Custom Zoom Backgrounds

If you and your significant other can’t enjoy #407Dates together in person, meet in Orlando virtually with our custom Zoom backgrounds! Learn more.

Here’s your guide to special #407Dates takeout and delivery offers from participating Orlando restaurants. More will be added as they’re announced, so check back often!

American Social Bar & Kitchen

The Date Night meal for two includes a choice of entrees plus side dishes and dessert for $40, as well as the option to add a margarita or mojito drink kit to the order.

Big Fin Seafood Kitchen

This Restaurant Row eatery has a three-course meal for two priced at $59, including your choice of salad, entrees and dessert.

Bonefish Grill

All Central Florida locations, including Orlando, Gateway, SeaWorld area and Kissimmee, are offering seven different family meal packages for $29.90 each, and a bottle of wine can be added for $15.

Buca di Beppo

Enjoy a different Meal Deal for Two every day of the week for $30, including fresh bread, choice of Caesar or mixed green salad, and the daily featured entree.

Bulla Gastrobar

Get two courses for $10 ($20 total for a couple), as well as 50% off all wine bottles.

The Capital Grille

Their International Drive and The Mall at Millenia locations are offering a Butcher Shoppe selection of uncooked steaks, hand-carved and packaged with house-made seasoning and steak butter. Beer and wine can also be ordered.

Chocolate Kingdom

For call-ahead pick-up only, choose from two chocolate champagne glasses with a bottle of chocolate wine ($28), chocolate body paint in milk or dark chocolate ($12), and boxes of assorted chocolates ranging from four to 24 pieces (prices vary).

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse

A steak kit for two, featuring two 16-oz. prime NY strip steaks, grocery ingredients and instructions, is priced at $85.

Dexter’s New Standard

On Friday, May 8, they’re hosting a Virtual Wine Dinner in partnership with Tim’s Wine Market and featuring a live-stream appearance by winemaker Alessio Inama. Priced at $135 per couple, the four-course meals will be available for pick-up.

DoveCote Restaurant

This downtown restaurant’s Friday/Saturday Dinner for Two includes fried chicken, sides and chocolate chip cookies for $49.95.

Earl’s Kitchen + Bar

Have brunch for date night with this restaurant’s DIY brunch kits for two, which range in price from $10 to $20 with options such as Avocado Benedicts, Buttermilk Pancakes, Chorizo Hash and more. You can also get a Mimosa Kit for $19.50.

East End Market

Pick-up and delivery is available from this market’s merchants, including cheese and charcuterie boards from La Femme du Fromage and ramen bowls from Domu.

Eddie V’s Prime Seafood

Choose from a variety of uncooked cuts of hand-carved steak packaged with Eddie V’s signature steak seasoning. Beer and wine are also available to order.

Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse

For $98, the Date Night Grilling Experience includes two ready-to-grill steaks (your choice of boneless ribeye or filet mignon) or Atlantic salmon, plus side dishes, signature dessert and a bottle of Fogo Tribute wine for curbside pickup or delivery.

Insomnia Cookies

A DIY ice cream cookie sandwich kit is priced at $18 for six cookies and $32 for 12.

La Boucherie

Choose a customized Three-Course Package with your choice of protein, side, appetizer and dessert. Orders over $35 include a complimentary bottle of wine.

LongHorn Steakhouse

At their Grand National, International Drive, Lake Buena Vista and other locations, the LongHorn Steak Shop features a variety of uncooked steaks starting at $6 each. Each order includes LongHorn seasoning, cooking instructions from LongHorn’s Grill Masters and honey wheat bread. Side dishes are also available to order, as is a selection of to-go beer and wine.

Mellow Mushroom — International Drive

Priced at $25, their Date Night package includes two small specialty pizzas and one order of pretzel bites.

Melts on Main

This Winter Garden eatery is offering a Family of Two dinner special for $35 with your choice of salad, two full-size sandwiches, soup, a cookie and two drinks.

The Osprey Tavern

Enjoy a Cottage Pie Meal Kit with braised short rib and sides for $50, or their BBQ St. Louis Meal Kit with four portions of ribs plus sides for $60. To-go cocktails are also available.

The Ravenous Pig

Headed by James Beard-nominated Chefs James and Julie Petrakis, this Winter Park icon has Nightly Dinner for Two packages on select nights, including weekends, priced at $45 and featuring different menu items each night.

Seasons 52

Their locations in Orlando and Altamonte Springs have a dinner for two priced at $60 with two 6-oz. filet mignons, choice of salad, choice of two sides and choice of two Mini Indulgences. They also have a selection of to-go cocktails for an additional cost.

Seito Sushi

At their Baldwin Park location, get a Sushi Go-Round Kit for $65 and wrap your own combination of fresh fish, veggies, accoutrements and sauces, or a Family Meal Ramen Kit for $45 with your choice of chicken or tofu, plus noodles and other ingredients. Both can serve up to four and can be complemented with to-go cocktails.

Taverna Opa

Get a build-your-own gyro meal kit for two, including your choice of chicken, pork, gyro meat or falafel, plus pitas, gryo fixings, side dishes and dessert, for $29. Curbside pickup orders also receive two free Greek beers.

Inside Look: Grain & Berry opens first Central Florida location in Ocoee

Tiffany Nguyen
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Inside Look: Grain & Berry opens first Central Florida location in Ocoee

Grain & Berry recently opened their first Central Florida location this past February in Ocoee.  I met the franchise owners for this store Davis Suggs and Amy Sullivan (pictured above) and they told me that they love Grain & Berry so much they used to travel to Tampa just to order it.

Berry Blue bowl

Now that they have brought the concept closer to home, they are looking forward to serving the community with healthy and delicious plant-based products that look aesthetically-pleasing and taste even better.

Namaste bowl

The superfood cafe offers innovative options from colorful açaí bowls, fruit smoothies, and fresh pressed juices to hearty avocado toasts, international coffees, and local kombucha from Humble Bumble.

All menu items are made-to-order and are free of additives and they will happily cater to individual dietary restrictions including vegetarian, vegan, paleo, gluten-free and dairy-free.

Berry Blue – Spirulina, Organic Granola, Banana, Strawberries, Blueberries, Nutella, Peanut Butter and Coconut Shavings.

It was beautiful, nutritious, and delicious!

For more information, please visit: grainandberry.com

Grain and Berry
352 Moore Rd, Ocoee, FL 34761
(407) 654-6898

Talk of the Town Restaurant Group gives back to the local community

Tiffany Nguyen
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0
Talk of the Town Restaurant Group gives back to the local community

This morning the locally owned and operated Talk of the Town Restaurant Group prepared and donated 700 entrée style salads with steak and chicken grilled by their Executive Chefs for the healthcare workers at Advent Health Celebration and Altamonte Springs as a way of saying thank you to our local heroes on National Nurses Day.

They partnered with Orlando PepsiCo who donated all the drinks and Cheney Brothers who donated all the to-go containers.

Photos courtesy of Brittanie Olavarria, Director of Marketing at Talk of The Town Restaurant Group & Shannon Malarik.

Last month, Talk of the Town Restaurant Group partnered with Kids Beating Cancer for a special fundraising event in the safety of guest’s home.  We stopped by Talk of the Town HQ to check them out.

For the fundraising event, local residents ordered one of their three dinner packages via delivery and then hosted their own fine dining experience from their kitchen.

The dinner package featured Talk of the Town’s quality steaks, sweet butter cakes and proprietary wine.

They raised over $20,000 and all of the money raised went to support children battling cancer to help fund critical treatments.

Donations were 100% tax deductible.

Filet mignon, wine and sweet butter cake for the #StayInForACure campaign with Kids Beating Cancer.

Giving back is not new to the Orlando-based Talk to the Town Restaurant Group.  Before the governor’s executive orders to suspend on-premise dining, all of their restaurants (Charley’s Steak House, FishBones, Johnny’s Hideaway, MoonFish, Texas Cattle Company and Vito’s Chophouse) participated in the “Round Up for Charity” program asking guests to round up their checks to the nearest dollar to support local charities throughout Central Florida.

Some of these charities included: Kids Beating Cancer, Ronald McDonald House, Orlando Magic Foundation, Special Olympics, Coalition for the Homeless, Habitat for Humanity, and the OneOrlando Fund for Pulse Nightclub victims.

This past February they reached a huge milestone by raising over $1,000,000.

For more information, please visit: talkofthetownrestaurants.com

 

Inside Look: Titanic the Artifact Experience – International Drive

Tiffany Nguyen
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0
Inside Look: Titanic the Artifact Experience – International Drive

Pre-quarantine, we were invited to experience the Dinner Gala at Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition.  Truly an Orlando gem, the museum has much to offer locals and visitors looking to explore the area.

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition gives guest an immersive experience of life on Titanic.

The exhibition focuses on the Titanic’s compelling human stories as best told through over 300 authentic artifacts recovered from the wreck site, costumed actors, and full-scale room recreations.

Upon entering Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, guest will be drawn back in time to April 1912, when the Ship embarked on its maiden voyage.

A replica boarding pass is handed to every guest and they assume the role of a real passenger on the Titanic.

The Dinner Gala’s unique experience included:

Captain’s cocktail party

Tour of the galleries

Dinner (vegetarian options available)

Re-enactments of the night of April 14, 1912 by costumed actors

Titanic Dinner Gala pictures below:

Cash bar and hors d’oeuvres

First Course
Garden salad, served with rolls & butter.

Second Course
Fresh soup of the day

Main Course
Chicken versailles, 6oz. sirloin with béarnaise sauce, twice baked potatoes, green beans

Dessert
Chocolate mousse with brownie

The first-class three-course dinner was similar to what they had on board on the nights of April 14 to 15, the days when the giant ship sank.  They are currently closed right now due to the pandemic but be sure to visit them when they open back up!

For more information, visit: titanicorlando.com

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition
7324 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 248-1166

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