Saturday, November 16, 2024

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Fresh Kitchen Celebrates Five-Year Anniversary

We were invited to Fresh Kitchen – SoDo yesterday to celebrate their five-year anniversary and we enjoyed their food and participating in their anniversary festivities.

Fresh Kitchen is a build-your-own-bowl quick-service restaurant with eight locations throughout the state of Florida.

Their menu is 100% gluten-free with customizable bowls made with hormones & antibiotic free grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and housemade sauces.

To celebrate, they are bringing back their original, fan-favorite dessert, Almond Butter Brown Rice Crispies where 100% of the proceeds from every sale will benefit Feeding Florida, an organization that helps make healthy meals accessible to under-resourced communities in Florida.

They will also be featuring a new $5 Snack Bowl available throughout September.

Here are some pictures from the five-year anniversary celebration at Fresh Kitchen – SoDo:

Fresh Kitchen – SoDo
2855 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32806
(407) 601-1127
eatfreshkitchen.com

Saltgrass Steak House Celebrates National Family Meals Month with 99¢ Children’s Menu and Special September Menu

Saltgrass Steak House is encouraging families to dine together, especially during September for National Family Meals Month.

They have introduced their first-ever 99¢ Kid’s Menu available throughout the month of September.

Receive one kids meal for 99¢ with purchase of any adult entrée.  Dine in only.  Cannot be combined with any other promotion.  Tax and gratuity not included.  Applies for children 12 and under.  Expires September 30.

They are also offering a Special September Menu which includes a three-course meal for only $35.

Complimentary House Bread

MY TOP PICKS FROM THE SPECIAL SEPTEMBER MENU:

FIRST COURSE

Range Rattlers – Jumbo jalapeños, shrimp, Jack cheese, cilantro, ranch dressing.  I always get so happy whenever I order these.  They are spicy but worth it.

SECOND COURSE

Chicken Tortilla Soup – A comforting soup.  It was perfect.

Surf & Turf – A smothered ribeye with fried shrimp and a side of Brussel sprouts.  The Brussel Sprouts were shredded and fried with bacon and Sriracha sauce.  The server said the Brussel sprouts were his favorite side item so I ordered them (it was included in special) and I am glad that I did.  They were so delicious.

THIRD COURSE

Two-Fork Cheesecake topped with white chocolate sauce and fresh strawberries.  A really amazing dessert.

Be sure to check out Saltgrass Steak House on I-Drive for some high quality food this month!  Highly recommended!

Saltgrass Steak House – Orlando (I-Drive)
8440 International Dr.
(407) 352-0314
saltgrass.com

New Bottomless Brunch at F&D Kitchen and Bar in Lake Mary

F&D Kitchen and Bar is one of three F&D restaurant concepts, and Lake Mary’s first and only gastropub. They have started a new Bottomless Brunch on Sundays from 10:30AM to 2:30AM for only $25, and we had the opportunity to try out some of the menu offerings!

We started off with the Tasso Ham Eggs Benedict with Hollondaise. A small enough dish so you can try more items but large enough to get your Benedict fix. I only wish I added some hot sauce on them.

Next, was the Skillet Lobster Mac & Cheese. There was a good portion of lobster mixed in with the cheesy macaroni. It was one of my favorite dishes we tried!

The Braised Short Ribs were served on Polenta with Pan Drippings. The short ribs were delicious with the sauces.

Then, we had the F&D Thick Sliced Sweet and Spicy Bacon. Who doesn’t love thick cuts of bacon? While more on the sweet side than spicy, I did not mind at all. If you are more of a classic bacon eater, you can also order their plain bacon.

Now for my personal favorite dish, the Tiramisu Stuffed French Toast with Maple Syrup. This was possibly the best prepared French toast I’ve had. It was perfectly crisp on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. I had to keep myself from ordering a second plate!

If you’re looking for lighter options, F&D serves that as well during Bottomless Brunch. With options like Ricotta Honey Toast, Mini Bagel and Lox, and Kale Salad, there is something for everyone. 

We tried the Kale Salad and Smoked Strawberry pressed Watermelon, Goat Cheese, and Mint Salad. The Kale salad is a basic salad, but I really enjoyed it! It’s simple yet yummy.

And, what’s brunch without a good Mimosa or Bloody Mary bar? For an additional $12, you get to drink endless mimosa. And for $15, you can build your own Bloody Mary creation as many times as you want!

Inside Look: Salata Salad Kitchen Opens in Winter Park

Salata Salad Kitchen, a national fast-casual restaurant, officially opened their second Central Florida location in yesterday in Winter Park Village, across from The Cheesecake Factory.

The new Salata offers guest fully customizable, tossed-to-order salads and wraps, soups, organic teas and lemonade.  All fresh fruits, vegetables and lean proteins are chopped daily in-house.

With five salad bases, more than 50 toppings, and 10 house-made, gluten-free dressings, guests can create meals without restrictions to meet their own definitions of healthy.

The Prickly Pear Limeade is my favorite drink there!

Be sure to check out Salata Salad Kitchen next time you’re in the Winter Park area for the freshest salads in town, amazing house-made sauces, really good organic teas and lemonade!

Salata Salad Kitchen
480 N. Orlando Ave., Suite 134 Winter Park, FL 32789
(407) 622-1213
salata.com

Inside Look: Terralina Crafted Italian in Disney Springs’ 2019 Magical Dining Menu

Celebrate Orlando’s culinary scene with Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining®, now in its 14th year.  It’s your chance to enjoy three-course, prix-fixe dinners at more than 120 of Orlando’s best restaurants for just $35 per person.  Additionally, through Visit Orlando, $1 from each meal will benefit two local charities: the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Greater Orlando and Lighthouse Central Florida.

Due to Hurricane Dorian, Visit Orlando has announced that they are extending Magical Dining by a week to October 7th, at participating restaurants only.

Terralina Crafted Italian in Disney Springs is participating in Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining through September 30.

Inspired by Italy’s Lake District, with its alluring vistas and sun-drenched settings, you have a standing invitation to soak in all that feels good.  James Beard Award winning chef, Tony Mantuano and Executive Chef, Justin Plank, brings crafted Italian cooking and everyone together around genuine flavors and authentic dishes.


Chef Luis Irizarry

Appetizer

Mozzarella-Stuffed Rice Balls: Tomato basil sauce

Meatballs Tomato: basil sauce, creamy polenta, shaved Parmesan

Caesar Salad: Croutons, Parmesan, garlic anchovy dressing

Main Course

Housemade Porchetta: Creamy polenta, apple mostarda

Chicken Parmesan: Spaghetti pomodoro

Catch of the Day: Fresh caught salmon, paired with chef’s daily risotto

Dessert

Lemon Panna Cotta: lemon thyme

Candied thyme Cannolis: Chocolate chips, toffee crunch

For more information about Magical Dining at Terralina Crafted Italian, please visit: visitorlando.com/en/magical-dining/restaurants/terralina-crafted-italian/47663

Terralina Crafted Italian Disney Springs
1650 Buena Vista Drive Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
(407) 934-8888

Paradiso 37 in Disney Springs Celebrates 10 Year Anniversary with New Menu Items

We were invited to Paradiso 37 in Disney Springs to celebrate their 10 year anniversary and try some eclectic dishes from their new menu that features North, Central, and South America culture.

Paradiso 37, named after the 37 countries of the Americas, offers great food, a gorgeous view of the lake and hot air balloon ride, and high-energy entertainment and dancing every night.

They are famous for its tequila bar, 29º beer and a wide selection of craft cocktails which were also offered at the event.

Caipirinha making by Yessica

Executive Sous Chef Mo Lakmichi and Chef Aldo

Here are some classic menu items and new menu items from Paradiso 37:

Chips & Guacamole

Chips & Salsa

South American Crazy Corn – fire roasted corn on the cob, aji amarillo, P37 cheese

Chorizo Meatballs (NEW!) – five spicy beef n’ pork chorizo meatballs, 3-pepper tomato sofrito

3 Lil Pig Sliders (NEW!) – slow roasted pork, grilled pineapple, whiskey BBQ sauce, served with a side of fries

Tomato Basil Flatbread – roasted tomato, P37 cheese, basil

Shrimp & Pineapple Flatbread (NEW!) – grilled pineapple, poblano, red pepper, P37 cheese, BBQ shrimp

Poutine – P37 fries, cheese curds, roasted garlic gravy, and topped with braised beef

P37 Tropical Salad (NEW!) – fresh pineapple, bacon, and toasted coconut with pineapple vinaigrette

Brasas Chicken Tacos– grilled chicken, salsa, roast corn pico, queso blanco, chipotle crema, cilantro

Baja Fish Tacos (NEW!) – crispy battered seasonal white fish, flour tortillas, cabbage slaw, corn salsa and cilantro lime crema

Garlic Butter Steak & Shrimp (NEW!) – 6 oz. grilled steak and shrimp, garlic herbed butter, roasted veggies, mashed potatoes

Churros – Large rings of cinnamon n’ sugar dusted churros, caramel and chocolate dipping sauces

Warm Beignets & Sweet Cream – Fried with spiced sugar, cinnamon and cloves, topped with toasted almonds, choice of dark chocolate or caramel sauce

Seasonal fruit sorbets.  Really delicious!

My favorite dishes were the Poutine because the fries were crispy, golden and delicious.   The cheese curds, roasted garlic gravy, and braised beef toppings took the fries to another level.  The new Garlic Butter Steak & Shrimp was the perfect entrée, I have no complaints on this surf ‘n’ turf, I highly recommend it.  The seasonal fruit sorbets was light and refreshing, they were a hit at my table; a really refreshing dessert.

Paradiso 37
1590 Buena Vista Dr, Orlando, FL 32836
(407) 934-3700
paradiso37.com

Cows and Cabs returns for 8th year in Winter Park – November 9

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The 8th Annual Cows ‘n Cabs charity event will be held at Winter Park’s West Meadow from 7 – 10 p.m. on Saturday, November 9. General admin tickets are $120 and guests can also purchase VIP tickets, which gives them early access to the event for $160 a ticket.

Cows ‘n Cabs is a food and wine stroll, featuring gourmet fare, wine, craft beer and spirits from 25+ local restaurants. Proceeds to benefit charities supporting children in need in Central Florida, including Elevate Orlando and After-School All-Stars Orlando.

Over the last seven years, Cows ‘n Cabs has donated more than $520,000 to local charities.

Established in 2012 by John Rivers, Founder/CEO of 4R Restaurant Group, and Dave Larue, Vice President of ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, Cows ‘n Cabs celebrates Central Florida’s thriving culinary scene by assembling the region’s most talented chefs in the name of charity and pairing their signature creations with expertly curated beverages.

The open-air, country-western themed event occurs every autumn in Winter Park’s West Meadow and also features live music, dancing and a silent auction. Each year, numerous James Beard Award-nominated chefs, along with 25-plus popular local restaurants, join co-hosts John Rivers and Dave Larue in making Cows ‘n Cabs one of Central Florida’s most anticipated culinary events.

Cows ‘n Cabs is a non-profit organization with 100 percent of its proceeds benefitting charities supporting children in Central Florida including After School All Stars and Elevate Orlando. Cows ‘n Cabs has raised more than $800,000 for charities supporting children in need.

Restaurants featured so far this year:

4 River’s Smokehouse
1921 Mount Dora
Foxtail Coffee
The COOP
The Sweet Shop
Lukes
Morimoto Asia
Peterbrooke
Pizza Bruno
Proper and Wild
Reel Fish
Soco
STK
The Glass Knife
The Polite Pig
The Ravenous Pig
The Old Jailhouse
Ravenous Pig Brewery
Paddlefish
Swine and Sons
Second Harvest
Dovecote
Sette
Washburns
Bluezoo
Boxi Park

For more info, and tickets visit: https://www.cowsncabs.com/

 

Inside Look: Tiffin Lunch Specials at Mynt Fine Indian Cuisine in Winter Park

Every weekday around midday on the chaotic streets of India’s Mumbai, you can see hundreds of stainless steel tiered tiffin boxes or dhabbas packed with hot lunches piled high being transported to offices and workplaces around the city by delivery workers known as dabbawalas. These tiffin containers are usually stuffed with rice, soups, curries and other lunch items.

Here in Orlando, you have a chance to try this Indian lunch ritual right here in Winter Park’s Hannibal Square area at Mynt Fine Indian Cuisine.

Lunch is served with four layers of Tiffins, each coming out at its respective times. Think of it as having a light four course lunch, including samosa, dal – a lentil soup, rice with your entree, and finally a dessert of the day. The cost is typically around $10 depending on your entree, and it is well worth the price.

We recently hosted an Orlando Foodie Forum Friday lunch there – everything was quite fabulous.

Here’s a Look Inside the Tiffin Lunch Special at Mynt Fine Indian Cuisine in Winter Park

These are what the tiffins look like – stacked metal tins with each tin containing a different dish. The first one to come is…

The samosa –  little turnover pastries stuffed potatoes, veggies, and spices – it’s like the Indian version of the empanada! Here we have a mint and tamarind chutney sauce to accompany the dish.

Next up is the Dal – or Lentil soup – a superb and comforting soup.

Naan bread service also comes with lunch!

Aloo mutter – a vegetable curry dish

Lamb chops

Chicken korma – an almond based curry dish

This dish was like an Indian shrimp burrito.

For dessert – a cinnamon rice pudding dish known as kheer – kind of like horchata

Overall, very impressed by this unique lunch service at Mynt! Lunch is served weekdays from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm. On the weekends, they have a special brunch buffet service.

Mynt Fine Indian Cuisine
535 W New England Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
https://www.myntorlando.com/
 

Greenery Creamery Launches Weekly “Cake Classes”

Downtown Orlando’s little ice cream boutique is launching Saturday morning cake classes. Starting September 14th, the Greenery Creamery will begin hosting weekly classes of cake making (and eating).

Cake classes are perfect for birthdays, bridal shower & bachelorette parties, or anyone wanting to be a pro at showing off a dessert you’ve made all on your own. As always, the Greenery Creamery has vegan, dairy, and flourless cake class options.

Each class** is $62/person or child with adult supervision ($72/couple for one cake) and takes place on specified Saturdays from 9:30 – 11:30 am. A beverage is included with each ticket.

September Menu
September 14th: Chocolate Ganache
Layers of rich, velvety chocolate with caramel buttercream and pretzels

September 21st: Shirley Temple (Vegan/Dairy & Egg free option)
Lemon cherry cake with lemon buttercream and cherry jam

September 28th: Dutch Apple (Flourless option)
Layers of vanilla cake with an apple pie filling, flourless crumble, and cinnamon cream cheese frosting

What to wear: Comfortable clothing and comfortable, closed-toed shoes. Chairs will be provided but the majority of the class will be spent standing. An apron and bandana will also be provided.

Allergies: Please note that our facility processes gluten, wheat, soy, coconut, tree nuts, peanuts, dairy, and eggs.

Children under 16 may attend but must be accompanied by a guardian. There will also be a ‘Mommy/Daddy & Me’ class in October.

**Limited to ten seats (students) per class so every student can ask questions and receive proper instruction and attention.

Click here to reserve your spot.

The Greenery Creamery
420 East Church St, Unit #112
Orlando, FL, 32801
(407) 286-1084
https://www.thegreenerycreamery.com/

First Look: New Vegetarian and Vegan Menu at deep blu seafood at Wyndham

Inside deep blu Seafood Grille, you can watch the chefs in action as they cook in an open kitchen – similar to what you might find in competition shows on TV.

The restaurant, located on the lobby level of the Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek, with sweeping views of the resort’s private 10-acre lake and area fireworks, specializes in fresh Atlantic seafood and mouthwatering sushi sourced through local seafood vendors, and top-grade meat, poultry and produce from local farmers.

Recently, they debuted a new Vegan and Vegetarian menu and invited us in to try it out. It’s a new menu designed to entice herbivores and omnivores alike, while also being health and conscience friendly.

On the vegan and vegetarian menu, my favorites were Roasted Eggplant & Cumin Soup – hearty, creamy, homey, and wonderfully spiced – as well as the Paneer Cheese dish. Of course, there’s a pescatarian menu as well and the signature deep blu crab cake and the black linguini pasta dish are among the best in Orlando.

We spoke to Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort, Bonnet Creek’s Executive Chef Jonathon McCann more about the menu.

Tasty Chomps Interview with Executive Chef Jonathan McCann of Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort, Bonnet Creek

Tasty Chomps: What trends have you been seeing that brought this new vegetarian menu about?

Executive Chef McCann: I don’t particularly see it as a trend as I think it’s here to stay but obviously people are looking to more of a plant & grain based diet these days. We also wanted the vegan or vegetarian experience in deep blu to be more than just 1 or 2 items on the menu. And we wanted them to feel part of the whole dining experience and not feel like they are apologizing for what they choose to eat just because they are in a seafood restaurant.

What are some of the inspirations behind the new dishes?

I wanted to keep it interesting but approachable and have something for everyone including gluten free diners. I think there are some dishes that are almost comfort food and then some that will hopefully be a little more adventuress for guests to try. I also hope we tempt guests who are not vegetarian to try some of the food.

What are your favorite dishes and why?

The Paneer Cheese with fenugreek and Garam masala because I love Indian food and think it’s has interesting flavors to find on a menu and it tastes great! I also love the comfort and simplicity of the Roast eggplant & cumin soup. And not to forget the Roast sprouts, parsnip puree, poached egg, pine nuts, chili yogurt… you cannot beat Brussels with an egg!

What do you have planned for the coming months at deep blu?

We are starting to develop our new menus for the fall and have some great new dishes in the pipeline.

Anything else you want to share with us?

I think we are consciously evolving the Deep blu and vegetarian menus and constantly challenging ourselves with new culinary techniques and philosophies. It’s an open kitchen so its good for the team to see our guests and be able to interact with them.

New Vegan and Vegetarian Menu at deep blu seafood grille at Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort, Bonnet Creek

Roasted Eggplant & Cumin Soup – $ 10 (vegetarian)

Paneer Cheese – fenugreek & garam masala – $ 25 (vegetarian)

Anson Mills Grits – sweet potatoes | orange bitters – $ 26 (vegetarian)

Pescatarian Menu

deep blu Crab Cake – roasted garlic aioli | micro herbs – $ 18 (pescatarian)

Black & blu Linguine – vita squid ink pasta l fresh blu crab l arugula l cherry tomatoes l marcona almonds l parmigiano – $ 42 (pescatarian)

For more information, and a full listing of the vegan/vegetarian menu – visit https://www.deepbluorlando.com/menus

deep blu Seafood Grille
at Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek
14651 Chelonia Parkway.
Orlando, Fl 32821
(407) 390-2420
https://www.deepbluorlando.com/menus

Inside Look: Zen in Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate’s 2019 Magical Dining Menu

Celebrate Orlando’s culinary scene with Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining®, now in its 14th year.  Running from Aug. 23 through Sept. 30, 2019, it’s your chance to enjoy three-course, prix-fixe dinners at more than 120 of Orlando’s best restaurants for just $35 per person.  Additionally, through Visit Orlando, $1 from each meal will benefit two local charities: the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Greater Orlando and Lighthouse Central Florida.

We were invited to Zen in Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate for a sneak peek and taste of their Magical Dining menu this year.

Zen offers a range of Pan-Asian dishes in an authentic setting highlighted by an intimate three-tiered sushi and sake bar.

Amuse Bouche


Sushi – Krab, torched salmon, spicy mayo, micro cilantro, eel sauce.  The amuse bouche changes daily.

Appetizer

Hunan Dumplings
Hunan style pork dumplings, peanut sauce

Half Sushi Roll
Half California roll, tuna and salmon sashimi.  The edible white crumbles is a mixture of half & half, soy sauce and nitrogen.  It made a cool smoky effect when it came out.

Crispy Chicken Spring Rolls
Chicken and vegetable spring rolls, sweet chili sauce and spring roll sauce

Main Course

Chicken Vegetable Lo Mein
Chicken with vegetable lo mein

Szechuan Duck
Confit five spice duck, bao buns, baby bok choy, spring onions, cucumbers, pickled mushrooms, miso honey glaze

Garlic Grouper
Black grouper, steamed jasmine rice, sweet chili scallion garlic sauce, crispy noodles

Szechuan Style Beef Tenderloin
Szechuan style beef tenderloin, bok choy, onions, chili scallion sauce

Enhancements: Szechuan Style Beef Tenderloin, upgrade to 8 oz filet + $10

Dessert

Chocolate Spring Roll
Dark and milk chocolate spring roll, cold ginger rice pudding

Yuzu Passion
Mango mousse, yuzu lemon curd, passion fruit gelée, berry compote, pistachio crumble

Green Tea Mousse
Layered raspberry gelée atop a sable cookie vanilla anglaise


Complimentary chocolate-dipped fortune cookies

Highlights were the amuse bouche sushi roll, California rolls, and the tuna and salmon sashimi because you can taste how fresh it was.  Really high quality sushi.  I enjoyed the chicken vegetable lo mein and the Szechuan duck was also good and fun to put together when you are with company.  The chocolate spring roll and yuzu passion are the perfect desserts for all my sweet lovers out there.

Zen
Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate
1500 Masters Boulevard ChampionsGate, FL 33896
(407) 390-6664
omnihotels.com/hotels/orlando-championsgate/dining/zen

A 2019 Foodie’s Guide to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party & Cruella’s Halloween Hide-A-Way Party at Magic Kingdom

We were invited to a media preview of the annual Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party held on their opening night.  We also attended Cruella’s Halloween Hide-A-Way Party, a new character dinner from 9:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m., available during MNSSHP nights.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is a ticketed event that happens on select nights at the Magic Kingdom, taking over the entire park after it is closed to non-ticketed guests. Guests can don their favorite costume to trick-or-treat at this Halloween-themed event at Magic Kingdom park with frightfully delightful treats, grim grinning ghosts, eerie entertainment (including a special “Boo-To-You” Halloween Parade) and Disney Characters that go bump in the night.

Mickey’s Not So Scary runs from 7 p.m. – midnight.  The park closes at 6 p.m. for daytime guests without a party ticket.  

Party tickets start at $74 for children ages 3 to 9 ($78.81 with tax) or $79 for those over 10 years old ($84.14 with tax).

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 2019 Remaining Dates:

  • September 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29
  • October 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 21, 24, 25, 27, 29, 31
  • November 1

Here is Our Foodie’s Inside Look at 2019 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party:

Upon entry into the park, guests will receive treat bags and there are candy stations throughout the park.

These Halloween goodies and an array of other delicious seasonal items are available at Magic Kingdom Park during the fall season:

Lots-O-Burger – Party Exclusive, Available at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café. This huggable burger features a beef patty topped with brie fondue, strawberry-bacon jam, an onion ring, and a Lotso bun.

Chocolate Mickey Waffle Sundae – Party Exclusive, Available at Sleepy Hollow.  Black chocolate waffles come topped with pumpkin gelato, candy corn, caramel sauce, and sprinkles.

Amuck, Amuck, Amuck CupcakeAvailable Daily at Main Street Bakery.  This trick or treat candy cupcake (a cupcake baked peanut butter chips, chocolate candy bits, and toffee) is filled with caramel sauce, and topped with an edible cake “cauldron” iced with chocolate buttercream and garnished with a white chocolate decoration featuring the Sanderson sisters.

Billy’s Worms & Dirt – Party Exclusive, Available at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Café.  William ‘Billy’ Butcherson comes to life in this sweet treat featuring chocolate pudding topped with gluten-friendly cake crumbs, gummy worms, and a white chocolate decoration featuring the zombie, himself.

Headless Horseman Cheesecake – Party Exclusive, Available at Sleepy Hollow.  Pumpkin cheesecake layered with gluten-friendly chocolate cake, chocolate crunchies, orange glaze, and a Headless Horseman chocolate piece.


Constance’s for Better or For Worse Wedding Cake – Party Exclusive, Available at the Liberty Square Popcorn Cart.  Citrus-scented cake with raspberry Bavarian cream, white chocolate glaze, icing pearls, flowers , and a chocolate axe for chopping wood of course!  The buttercream pearls signify the strand of pearls that Constance, the bride from the Haunted Mansion, received every time she took a new husband.


Jack and Sally Push Cake Pops – Party-Exclusive, Available at Carts near Cinderella Castle.  The Sally cake pop features gluten-friendly vanilla cake, buttercream, strawberry crispy pearls, and a white chocolate Sally.  The Jack cake pop has chocolate cake, vanilla buttercream, white chocolate and dark chocolate crispy pearls, dark chocolate curls, and a white chocolate Jack Skellington.

Pumpkin Spice Milkshake – Available Daily at Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies.  This gluten-friendly pumpkin spice milkshake comes topped with candy pumpkins and a Mickey marshmallow straw.

(L) Pirates Horizon, non alcoholic – Party Exclusive, Available at Aloha Isle.  Orange juice, passion fruit, and pineapple juice garnished with a pineapple wedge on a pirate sword skewer.
(R) Berry Blaster – Party Exclusive, Available at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café.  Blue curaçao syrup, cherry lemonade, and Sprite garnished with a lemon wheel and raspberries.


2019 Halloween Novelties – Hitchhiking Ghosts (featuring a sipper and two buckets), Mickey Pumpkin Balloon, Jack Skellington sipper, and Oogie Boogie popcorn buckets.

Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade

Get in the Halloween spirit as dastardly villains and ghastly ghouls float by during this spellbinding parade with a cavalcade of fiendishly fun floats, as each land of the Magic Kingdom comes together to celebrate Halloween.

Cruella’s Halloween Hide-A-Way Party at Tony’s Town Square Restaurant:

Cruella de Vil’s dinner party is a new experience that is as festive and fabulous as she is.  It includes a meet and greet, savory hors d’oeuvres, sweet treats and a variety of beverages including beer and wine.  You can come and go as you please from 9:30pm – 12:30am.

Price is $99 per person (plus tax).  Admission to the party is required to attend.  Reservations are available on DisneyWorld.com and by calling 407-939-3463.

Cold Buffet – Antipasti, crudite, breads, meats and cheeses


Goblin Bites – Mini meatballs on skewers

Trio of Arancini – Braised beef, truffled mushrooms, and fresh mozzarella

Fried Mozzarella – Hand-breaded fresh mozzarella served with marinara sauce

Witches’ Cauldron – Mini kettle of gooey and creamy spinach dip served with ciabatta garlic bread

Fresh-Baked Pepperoni Flatbread

Fresh-Baked Cheese Flatbread

Butternut Squash Ravioli – Mezzaluna ravioli with brown butter sauce, hazelnuts, crispy capicola, parmesan, fresh sage

Kanine Krunchies – Spiced shortbread and pumpkin buttercream

Dalmation Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries

Cannolis – Ricotta filling topped with white and red drizzle

Cruella Brownie Bites

Red Velvet Cheesecake – Red velvet cake base, cheesecake, whipped cream, dehydrated strawberries, and chocolate sauce


Freshly Brewed Jeffrey’s Coffee

An Assortment of Alcoholic Beverage Options

For more information about MNSSHP, please visit: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events/mickeys-not-so-scary-halloween-party/purchase/

Inside Look: Talk of the Town’s Wine & Dine for $49 Special Menu at Charley’s Steak House

We were invited to Charley’s Steak House, next to ICON Park, to check out their Wine & Dine 49 promotion.  They are offering 3 courses + 3 wines for $49 per person*, or $35 without wine, now through September 30, 2019. Each of the Talk of the Town restaurants – including FishBones, Johnny’s Hideaway, MoonFish, and Vito’s Chophouse as well as Charley’s Steak House have a special Wine and Dine for $49 menu. (*Not valid at Texas Cattle Company or Charley’s Steak House in Tampa. Tax and gratuity not included. Not valid with any other offer.)

Charley’s Steak House is a locally-owned and family-operated restaurant since 1974.  They focus on providing guests with the highest quality steaks available.  Each USDA Prime and Choice steak is aged on the premises for four to six weeks and are hand-cut daily by management to ensure consistent quality.

The steak is then flame-grilled over their unique 1200° Florida citrus & oak wood-burning pit.

This carefully monitored process enhances quality and tenderness and adds a tantalizing taste that elevates Charley’s to the ultimate steakhouse experience.  The flavor from the wood is marvelous with an aroma that will make your mouth water.

Their complimentary house bread was perfection and we loved it.

Pick One Appetizer –
Paired with a Glass of Acrobat Pinot Gris:

CEDAR PLANK CRAB CAKES
PINEAPPLE-MANGO SALSA, WHITE WINE BEURRE BLANC

STEAKHOUSE BABY WEDGE
BACON, TOMATOES, HOUSEMADE RANCH DRESSING

CRISPY PORTABELLA MUSHROOM FONDUE
APPLEWOOD SMOKED BACON, SCALLION

Pick One Entrée –
Paired with a Glass of Acrobat Pinot Noir:

PRIME NEW YORK STRIP
CREAMY COGNAC-CRACKED PEPPERCORN SAUCE, ROAST GARLIC REDSKIN MASHED POTATOES

8OZ FILET MIGNON
TRUFFLE BUTTER, ROAST GARLIC REDSKIN MASHED POTATOES

DOUBLE PORK CHOPS
ROAST GARLIC REDSKIN MASHED POTATOES

ATLANTIC SWORDFISH
TRUFFLE BEURRE BLANC, JUMBO FRESH ASPARAGUS

Pick One Dessert
Paired with a Glass of Lucien Albrecht Riesling:


VANILLA BEAN CRÈME BRULEE
SEASONAL BERRIES & CREAM

The hospitable manager made sure to hand us brownies before we left.

Overall, their wine and dine dinner, service and ambiance was perfect.  Highly recommend!

For more information about Wine and Dine 49, please visit: talkofthetownrestaurants.com/wineanddine49/

Charley’s Steakhouse
8255 International Drive #100 Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 363-0228

Taglish, a New Filipino American Restaurant, is Coming to Orlando this Fall 2019

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Chef Michael Collantes, former Culinary Director of Bento Group, announced today that Taglish, a new Filipino-American eatery, will open its doors in Fall 2019 at the Lotte Plaza Market, 3191 West Colonial Drive, Orlando.

Taglish will be the first collaboration between Michael Collantes and local restaurateurs Jimmy and Johnny Tung. The Tung Brothers are the owners of the successful Bento Group that owns and operates multiple concepts across Florida such as Bento, Sticky Rice, Soupa Saiyan, Chela, Avenue, and partners of Domu, Tori Tori, and Chibi with Chef Sonny Nguyen.

More from the Taglish Press Release:

“After working closely with Chef Mike for the last two years as the culinary director of the Bento Group, I am excited to see all of his creativity and passion for his Filipino heritage be put on display with Taglish. Orlando doesn’t currently have any Filipino food concepts run by Filipino Americans and I feel that Taglish will really bridge that gap” – Johnny Tung of the Bento Group

Philippine cuisine is vastly underrepresented compared to its neighboring Asian countries not just in Orlando but in the United States, yet Filipinos are the second largest Asian subgroup represented in the entire USA. The cuisine can be seen through its 7,641 individual islands that represent The Philippines as it varies from place to place with its multicultural representation from China, Spain, Malaysia, India and America.

The word “taglish” is a slang term that refers to the main spoken language of Filipinos — an intertwining of Tagalog and English. As a cuisine, Taglish will represent the perspective of second generation Filipino-Americans. This will be Chef Michael’s homage to his Filipino heritage and American upbringing, the first “FIL-AM” concept in Orlando.

“We didn’t want to create the greatest hits of the Philippines but rather a place that can be seen as having a strong foundation in our past with an eye on the future of the Filipino food movement .” – Chef Michael Collantes

The menu hopes to bring familiar staples in Filipino cuisine such as:

  • Chicken Adobo (the national dish of the Philippines) marinated and braised chicken with garlic, soy, and vinegar
  • Kare Kare — a slow-cooked-falling-off-the-bone oxtail and peanut stew
  • Lumpia — crispy pork spring rolls
  • Beyond those offerings, Taglish will explore the American side of Fil-Am food with longanisa burgers, fried chicken, as well as modern takes on classics and some original dishes.

“Throughout my travels and career as a chef, I have always come back to Orlando to reset and be with family and friends. My wife and I thought that if we were going to make Orlando home, we should open a spot where we would like to eat at 2 or 3 times a week. This is a two fold homecoming, back to Orlando and my Filipino roots.” – Chef Michael Collantes

The fast casual concept will reside in the new Lotte Market that opened in February 2019, an Asian supermarket with a food hall lineup of various cuisines. Lotte Market is a great platform for Taglish as it showcases such a wide variety of Asian ingredients not common in most stores.

“On a particularly uneventful Sunday evening of grocery shopping, my wife casually said this could be a great spot for Filipino food. When we saw whole monkfish, trays of uni, and products that just were not being stocked in any other markets, it just clicked and I knew we had found something special here.”- Chef Michael Collantes

About The Chef

Chef Michael Collantes, an Orlando native, started his culinary career at Valencia Community College and working at Wolfgang Puck Cafe in Disney Springs as the head chef of the sushi department. He then worked at the 3-Michelin starred Joel Robuchon at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The late Joel Robuchon, a chef that holds the most Michelin stars in the world and named “Chef of the Century” by the guide Gault Millau. At MGM Grand, Chef Michael worked under MOF (Meilleur Ouvrier de France) Chef Claude Le Tohic of the recently opened ONE65 in San Francisco. He then found his mentor Chef Jennifer Carroll while working for Chef Eric Ripert of Le Bernardin at his sister restaurant 10 Arts in the Ritz Carlton in Philadelphia. Chef Jen, who spent multiple seasons on Top Chef, mentored him as they traveled across the country doing pop up dinners for Top Chef and the James Beard Foundation. Chef Michael would then find himself as the Executive Chef for Bar Masa in the Aria Casino in Las Vegas by Chef Masa Takayama, the only sushi chef to garner 3 Michelin stars at his New York City namesake MASA. The last stop for Chef Collantes before coming back to Orlando was his time in Hawaii as the opening Executive Chef of Park Restaurant in the Lotus Hotel. Taglish marks both Chef Michael’s homecoming and the return to his Filipino-American roots.

“The hope of our team is to cook really good food, to showcase our culture, and to add to where the #filipinofoodmovement is going.” – Chef Michael

Tasty Chomps Q and A with Chef Michael Collantes of Taglish!

Tasty Chomps: With the proximity of Lotte’s fresh seafood and produce offerings, what are some dishes you have in mind using these ingredients?
Chef Mike Collantes: Halo Halo is a “mixed-mixed” shaved ice dessert which we will use fresh seasonal fruits like mangos, dragonfruit and lychee. But we plan to do a lot of limited time specials with whatever we get inspired by in the market. I mean I don’t know many markets in town with trays of uni, whole cobia, yellow tails and monk fish.

 What made you decide to return to Orlando after your time in Hawaii?
Paradise ain’t cheap! I would have loved to stay in Hawaii, but Orlando has always been home. Between travels I would always spend a month to reset back home and when my wife and I decided to start a family, it was an easy choice.

 What inspired you to become a chef?
It came pretty naturally as I cooked through my years in High school and what first was something to do in the meantime to figure out my career, grew into a passion to create in the kitchen. I enjoyed the crazy frantic fast paced chef life.

What were some obstacles you overcame during your career and what did you learn from these challenges?
I think the transition from being a good cook to a chef. You try to imitate your past chefs before really finding your own way and style of mentoring others. Learning how to continue inspire people to give their best in this very difficult career path. I think I am still learning how to overcome and working on bettering myself in the kitchen.

What are some must try’s for people who will visit Taglish for the first time?
Adobo chicken is a very common dish for Filipino comfort food. You don’t see it on menus much even though it’s the national dish of the Philippines, because everyone makes it at home. But we wanted to still include it on the menu to share that dish with our guests. And a fun one I have been working on is our pork sausage “Longanisa Burger”.

What are your favorite memories so far through the years in the culinary world?
I got to cook with some amazing chefs and amazing cooks who have since moved on to do great food and find their culinary voice. The fondest memories are tied to the people along the way. If I had to pick one – it would be doing “stages” or “trials” – trying out for a position in a restaurant when you got the nerves, when you are there to cook your best, to see if you can hang in their kitchens like I did at Alinea, Laurent Gras’ L2o and Le Bernardin

Taglish, the new Filipino-American eatery will open in Fall 2019. Follow it on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with the latest. More details can be found at www.TaglishFL.com

Magical Dining Menu 2019: The Ravenous Pig

Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining is still in full bloom and if you’re still debating on where you should go, I’ve got a solution for you: The Ravenous Pig, led by Chefs James and Julie Petrakis.

Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month is back from Aug. 23 to Sept. 30 and it is a great way to try out new and old restaurants here in Orlando for $35 for three-course (or more), prix fixe dinner menus. One dollar from every meal served for Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining also goes to local Orlando charities, and this year the funds raised will go to Benefit Suicide Prevention in Teens, and Help Visually Impaired Children through the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Greater Orlando and Lighthouse Central Florida. Last year, over $250,000 was raised for charity.

Before coming to the restaurant for the tasting, I mistakenly never before took the chance to go visit the restaurant before this event. Flash forward to me – pigging out on the 3-course meal magical mini tour of the restaurant through the Magical Dining menu.

The chefs at The Ravenous Pig prep their own meats in house for their charcuterie boards. Watch the process unfurl in front of your eyes.

There’s a full bar with offerings from their brewery that’s located right inside the restaurant.

And if you consider yourself a beer connoisseur, I highly recommend taking full advantage of the 10$ beer pairing add-on for Magical Dining.

I started dinner off with a super refreshing cocktail, GIN & JAM (12) which is made with ford’s gin, smiling goat fig-cardamom jam, and lemon.

We began with a Chicken Liver Crostini as one of the appetizer choices from the Magical Dining Menu. The airy batter really lifted the heaviness of the liver as it sat on a bed of Ciabatta bread, fig jam, pickled red onion, arugula.

Our other appetizer choice was the Steak Tartare with pickled mustard seed, jerk seasoning, smoked pineapple. The jerk seasoning was pretty much spot on, just like an authentic jerk seasoning should be – packing some heat and nice acidity.

Our main course included Short Rib Cavatelli in a shallow bath of red wine jus, kale, charred onion, hazelnuts. The ingredients led me to believe that it would be a dense dish, but it felt very homey and light.

The next Magical Dining menu main course show stopper was the incredibly tender and juicy Roasted Chicken atop barley risotto, with a sweet corn purée and bell pepper jam.

And of course, we ended our dining experience with a bang with Artisanal Cheese Chefs rotating selection with seasonal accoutrements. In the above picture, I had Manchego and orange marmalade. However, the star of the dessert is definitely the Panna Cotta with Valrhona dulce and seasonal fruit. It was truly one of the best panna cotta I’ve had, with its delicate silky texture with a touch of sweetness.

Overall, I loved my experience with The Ravenous Pig. Thank you to the staff for being so wonderful and completely elevating my time there. I can’t wait to return with more friends!

The Ravenous Pig

565 West Fairbanks Avenue

Winter Park, FL 32789

Phone: 407-628-2333

Visit Website

First Look: Tori Tori Pub – New Modern Japanese Izakaya in Orlando’s Mills 50 District

We are very excited about the upcoming opening for Tori Tori Pub located in the Mills 50 District, an area that has lately become a hot spot for bar hopping and late night grubs.

Brought to us by chef/owner Sonny Nguyen of Domu (Domu Dynasty) and restauranteur Johnny Tung of the Bento Group, the new Tori Tori concept is a modern Japanese izakaya with an open fire yakitori grill, with a special focus on their craft cocktail menu.

The exterior is accented by a metallic facade on the roof that was part of a City of Orlando’s Small Business Facade, Site Improvement, and Adaptive Reuse Program grant.

Partner Johnny Tung tells us the sheet metal was perforated by hand, with each hole having a different size that causes a special light effect as you view it at night. It’s gorgeous to look at and definitely reminds me of something you might find in New York City or Miami, yet it is something unique to Orlando.

Inside, the centerpiece is a gorgeous bar, which takes up almost 75% of the space.

Towards the back – there is a semi-open kitchen where guests can watch the chefs and cooks prepare the yakitori skewers over an open flame and an area for sushi hand roll making. Love the smokey char on the yakitori skewers here.

There are also banquette style dining booths for couples or small parties on one side of the wall, a lounge / sofa area, and outdoor seating with games.

Some of my favorite bites from a recent friends and family preview included the lightly fried chicken karaage, garlic crab fried rice, chicken skin yakitori skewer (think crispy chicken fat bacon), chicken oyster yakitori, fried tempura corn balls, and the okonomiyaki pancake topped with bonito flakes.

Tori Tori’s philosophy is “ichigo ichi” – to live in this moment, as if it may never happen again (possibly, the Japanese version of “YOLO”?).

Below is the initial bar and dining / food menu for Tori Tori:

Here are Some of the New Dishes and Cocktail Drinks we ordered at Tori Tori:

Fried Chicken Karaage
Pork Belly Dumplings
Pork Belly Yakitori with chimichurri
The Japanese Slip n Slide and the Nori Nori
The Okonomiyaki Pancake
Fried Tempura Corn Balls

Chicken Skin Yakitori
Salmon Handie Roll
Chicken Oyster Yakitori
Chicken Thigh Yakitori

Garlic Crab Fried RIce

Overall, I can foresee Tori Tori being very, very popular and changing the face of the Mills 50 District – almost like a changing of the guards of the older generation to the new.

They are currently in soft opening and will be open to the public in the next few weeks, check their website and sign up for notices: http://www.toritoripub.com 

Tori Tori Pub

720 N Mills Ave
Orlando, FL 32803

TastyChomps’ Guide to Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining 2019

Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month is back from Aug. 23 to Sept. 30 October 7th (yeah – we know that’s more than a Month). With more than 120 fine dining restaurants to choose from, it can be daunting and for newbies, it can be even more difficult to find out how to navigate through the month.

Here is TastyChomps’ Guide to Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining 2019

1. How Does It Work? From Aug. 23 to Sept. 30 October 7th due to Hurricane Dorian (traditionally slower months for restaurants as kids head back to school and parents back to work), you can dine on haute cuisine from more than 120 fine dining restaurants all over Orlando featuring $35 three-course (or more), prix fixe dinner menus. It’s a great time to explore restaurants you may have never been before and for many diners, it might be their first time at that particular restaurant.

2. The Full Menus: Start off here first at OrlandoMagicalDining.com for a full list of restaurants that can be organized by region and features menus, including special options for vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free diets, and the ability to make dining reservations directly though OpenTable. Go through the menus and read what might be appetizing to you.

3. Do Make Reservations. Magical Dining can get very popular this month (looking at you Texas De Brazil) so reservations are generally encouraged to make sure you don’t show up and find the restaurant is booked. Ironically, since this is a slow time of year, there are a few restaurants who might not be open a few days during the beginning of Magical Dining Month.

3. Do Tip Well. Some of these meals are heavily discounted – do try to tip accordingly as tip and tax is not included.

4. Do Ask for the Magical Dining Menu. As the restaurants are still operating with their normal every day menus, at most restaurants you will have to ask the server for the Magical Dining menus.

5. $1 From each Magical Dining Meal to Help Local Orlando Charities: One dollar from every meal served for Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining to Benefit Suicide Prevention in Teens, and Help Visually Impaired Children through the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Greater Orlando and Lighthouse Central Florida. Last year over $250,000 was raised.

6. Check Out the Menu Upgrades – for a little more you can get lobster tail and other add-ons depending on the menu. Look out for that!

 

Here are some of Tasty Chomps’ Restaurant Recommendations for Magical Dining Month 2019

Note – there are many restaurants on the list that are fabulous, these are just my picks that I would go too personally. Depending on your taste and what you like, you should definitely look through the menus and choose your own adventures!! Go out and explore!

Best Local Orlando

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The Osprey Tavern
The Osprey Tavern is an upscale neighborhood restaurant that serves seasonal New American cuisine, craft cocktails, fine wines and seasonal micro-brews in a contemporary brasserie-style setting.
Menu Highlights: Tavern Salad – Artisan greens, aged cheddar, black chickpeas, citrus vinaigrette, Crispy Pork Belly, Braised Short Rib – Baked bean purée, bourbon glaze, green tomato relish, Sunburst Farms Smoked Trout – Florida oak smoked, seasonal vegetables, Bolognese – Black pepper tagliatelle, royal trumpet mushrooms, blistered baby heirloom tomatoes

The Ravenous Pig
James Beard-nominated Chefs James and Julie Petrakis serve inventive, seasonal gastropub cuisine, alongside house-made charcuterie and extensive cocktail, craft beer and wine selections.
Menu Highlights: Chicken Liver Crostini – Ciabatta, fig jam, pickled red onion, arugula, Gatherer Salad – Baby greens, avocado, pickled beets, radish, goat cheese, pistachio granola, herb vinaigrette, Steak Tartare – Pickled mustard seed, jerk seasoning, smoked pineapple, Short Rib – Cavatelli Red wine jus, kale, charred onion, hazelnuts, Mussels & Fries – Dovecote saison, orange, fennel pollen, shallot, saffron aioli

The Tap Room at Dubsdread
The Tap Room Restaurant at Dubsdread boasts a heritage of culinary excellence with a spectacular setting and award-winning food, a favorite of local Central Florida Politicians, local celebs, friends and families join us for lunch, dinner and happy hour on the Verandah featuring fresh fish, prime cuts, homemade desserts and Orlando’s best burger.
Menu Highlights: Fresh Seared Tuna Sashimi (GF) – #1 sushi grade center cut loin, choice of sesame or peppercorn, Prince Edward Island Mussels (GF) – Steamed in garlic butter with grilled artisan bread, 10 oz Prime Rib (GF) – Slow cooked in house, served with mashed potatoes, asparagus, au jus and creamy horseradish, Crab Cake Dinner – Two (2) Maryland style served with yellow rice and asparagus, 8 oz Tenderloin Filet (GF) – Bacon-wrapped with mashed potatoes and asparagus, Parmesan Grouper – Topped with lemon beurre blanc, served with yellow rice and asparagus

Hamilton’s Kitchen at The Alfond Inn
Recalling the days of informal dining by the kitchen hearth, Hamilton’s Kitchen at The Alfond Inn welcomes friends and families to enjoy traditional Southern cooking with modern preparation. A true Central Florida culinary experience, Hamilton’s Kitchen embraces locally sourced ingredients that celebrate the rich history of local agriculture, including citrus, strawberries, corn, tomatoes, beef and gulf seafood. Guests will use all senses as they are welcomed by an open kitchen, rustic farmers table, heavy serving pieces and a warm staff.
Menu Highlights: Compressed Watermelon (GF) – Compressed watermelon, figs, herbed goat cheese, arugula, prosciutto, mulberry glaze, Cranberry Waldorf Salad (GF) (V) – Bibb lettuce, cranberries, grapes, apples, pecans, goat cheese and walnut vinaigrette, Hamilton’s Shepherd’s Pie – Superior Farms lamb, English peas, carrots, onions, mustard demi, garlic mashed potatoes and fried leeks, Macallan Scotch Pudding – Scotch pudding, salted toffee brittle, whipped cream

The Strand
Menu Highlights: Pork Belly and Citrus Salad (GF), Citrus, pickled carrot, red onion, mint, fig vinaigrette, Fried Beets (GF) – Fried golden beets, mango, herbed aioli, tagorashi, peanuts, bonito, Mushroom Toast (V) – Local mushrooms, onion, whole grain mustard, sherry, cream, Parmesan, truffle oil, arugula, Grilled Spanish Octopus (GF) – Fried red potatoes, citrus-paprika vinaigrette, roasted garlic aioli, Duck Leg Confit (GF)
– Summer lentil salad, cherry reduction, Roasted Lamb – Curried couscous, spicy roasted eggplant, yogurt sauce, asparagus, cripsy fried eggplant. Enhancements: Wine Pairing +$25 3/5 oz pours

DoveCote Restaurant
Menu Highlights: Chilled Vichyssoise Soup (GF) (V), Leeks, potato, truffle, lime, Roasted Pork Shoulder (GF) – Caved aged gruyere grits, tomato jam, sherry pork jus, Atlantic Salmon (V) – Quinoa, Tuscan kale, preserved lemon, black olive, Greek yogurt, Beer Steamed Mussels – DC Saison steamed mussels, merguez sausage, garlic aioli, paprika, ciabatta crouton

Maxine’s on Shine
Menu Highlights: Lollipop Lamb Chops (GF) – Two (2) New Zealand chops, grilled jalapeño cilantro aioli, Key West Crab Cakes – Two (2) lump crab meat, pepper medley, panko crust, firecracker sauce, Stuffed Pork Chop w/ Smoked Pheasant Sausage (GF) – 12 oz, bone-in, spinach cheddar stuffing, bacon mushroom sauce, veg & starch of the day, Lobster Ravioli (GF) – Four (4) ravioli, shrimp, scallops, sherry cream sauce, 10 oz NY Strip – Choice plus, black angus beef, tri-peppercorn sauce, veg & starch Enhancements: Wine Pairings + $15 – Receive a 3 oz pour w/ opening act (app), 6oz pour w/ main stage selection (entrée), 2oz pour w/ encore (dessert)

Best Steakhouses

A Land Remembered at Rosen Shingle Creek
AAA Four Diamond Orlando steakhouse named after the late Patrick Smith’s rich novel featuring Florida’s historical moments and landscapes. A Land Remembered proudly serves Harris Ranch all Natural Prime Black Angus Beef, as well as menu items catering to all tastes.
Menu Highlights: Jumbo Lump Crab Cake – Scallion aioli, red Chili pepper glaze, Salmon Oscar – Jumbo lump crab, asparagus, hollandaise sauce, 6 oz. Filet Mignon – Roasted garlic, garlic mashed potatoes, fried green tomato. Add ons – 16 oz New York Strip + $12 to have as an entrée – 5 peppercorn, roasted garlic, Boursin mashed potatoes, fried green tomato

The Venetian Chop House
Menu Highlights:
Shrimp Cocktail – Fresh poached, chilled shrimp served with a choice of classic cocktail sauce or grainy mustard remoulade, 10 oz Ribeye – Au gratin potato, asparagus, oven dried tomato, cipollini, maitre d’butter, Norwegian Salmon – Grilled or blackened, okinawa sweet potato purée, bok choy, sauce beurre blanc, Chocolate Crunch Bar – Chocolate mousse, hazelnut feuilletine, Grand Marnier anglaise

The Capital Grille
Menu Highlights: Filet Mignon 8oz (GF), Bone-In Dry Aged NY Strip 14oz (GF), Seared Citrus Glazed Salmon with Marcona Almonds and Brown Butter – Salmon seared and finished with haricot verts, almonds, and brown sugar. Add-Ons: Bone In Kona Crusted Dry Aged NY Strip 18oz + $10 – Served with caramelized shallot butter, Veal Tomahawk Chop + $15 – 22oz bone in veal tomahawk served with gorgonzola butter and cherry mostarda

American Kitchen Bar & Grill at B Resort
Menu Highlights: Tempura Avocado (V) – Tomato-chipotle jam, cilantro-lime crème fraiche, Beet Root Ravioli – House-made beet and ricotta raviolis + local goat cheese toasted pine nut + beet “soil” + citrus, Dry Aged Certified Angus Beef, Petite NY Strip – Three potato gratin, “Steakhouse Mushrooms”, Truffle Chicken Alfredo – House-made mushroom-truffle fettuccine, black truffle Alfredo sauce

Best Value

Texas de Brazil
In southern Brazil, local cowboys called gauchos, prepare legendary feasts in a tradition known as churrasco. They slow-roast meats over open flames and present an impressive display of seasonal greens, vegetable dishes and regional delicacies. The succulent meats are brought to each group’s table and carved in a show of skill and festive offering. At Texas de Brazil, we continue this treasured tradition. Treat yourself to a wide array of chef-crafted salads, roasted vegetables, imported cheeses and charcuterie. Enjoy house-baked cheese bread, garlic mashed potatoes and fried bananas. Turn your card to green, and expert carvers generously serve you sizzling beef, lamb, pork, chicken and Brazilian sausage. Simply turn your card to red to take a break. Liven up your meal by ordering our signature cocktail – the Caipirinha. And remember, our servers are always standing by to accommodate any request.
Menu Highlights: Chef-Crafted Gourmet Salad Area – Featuring various selections of crisp greens, fresh vegetables, imported artisanal cheeses, charcuterie & hot side dishes, Various Cuts of Expertly Seasoned and Grilled Meats: Filet Mignon | Filet Mignon Wrapped in Bacon | Lamb Chops | Barbecue Pork Ribs | Braised Beef Ribs | Picanha | Herb-Marinated Pork Loin | Brazilian Sausage | Leg of Lamb | Chicken Breast Wrapped in Bacon | Parmesan-Crusted Pork Loin | Garlic Picanha | Parmesan Drumettes | Flank Steak, Chef’s Choice Dessert

Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse
Menu Highlights: 16 cuts of fire-roasted meats and continuous tableside service. Market Table & Feijoada Bar (GF)(VG)(V) – Fresh salads, exotic vegetables, Fogo feijoada (traditional black bean stew with sausage), seasonal soup, and more. Picanha (Prime Top Sirloin) – Seasoned with sea salt or garlic. Note – this menu does not include Beef Ribs, Ribeye, Filet Mignon, or Lamb Chops.

Best Seafood

Big Fin Seafood Kitchen
Big Fin Seafood Kitchen, an award winning seafood restaurant in Orlando, Florida is an upscale casual 11,000 square foot restaurant with a relaxing energy.
Menu Highlights: ½ Dozen Freshly Shucked Raw Oysters (GF) – Can be served raw or steamed, Big Fin Trio – Fried popcorn shrimp, bay scallops and catfish served with French fries and coleslaw, Shrimp Orleans (GF) – Blackened shrimp, spinach, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, crawfish Parmesan grits, Cajun cream sauce, Signature Crab Crusted Corvina – Corvina baked with a blue crab crust and served with garlic mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus and lemon butter sauce, Surf and Turf (GF) – 5oz filet and 3oz lobster tail served with garlic mashed potatoes and asparagus, Ooey Gooey (V) – A gooey-layered pie cake topped with whipped cream

Roy’s Restaurant
Menu Highlights: Braised Short Ribs of Beef & Prawns – Natural braising sauce, honey mustard, Yukon mash, Bacon Wrapped Bone-In Pork Chop – “Loaded” mashed potatoes, broccolini, guava apple sauce, Blackened Island Ahi – Spicy soy mustard butter sauce, Macadamia Nut Bread Pudding (V) – Guava sauce, toasted coconut, vanilla ice cream, Enhancements: – Roy’s Melting Chocolate Souffle + $6 – Flourless chocolate cake with molten hot center, raspberry coulis and vanilla bean ice cream

Best Sushi

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Kabooki Sushi
Menu Highlights: Octopus – Elote crema, corn, cotija cheese, cilantro, Marcona almonds, Choice of Hawaii XO or Smoking Double Tuna with 3 piece chef’s choice nigiri, Chirashi – Poke style assorted fish, ikura, pickled vegetables, sushi rice, Pork Jowl Nabe – 36 hour sous vide pork jowl, crispy furikake rice, egg yolk soy dashi, shiitake mushrooms, bonito flakes, scallions, C4 – Chocolate lava cake, dulce de leche center, chocolate ganache, vanilla ice cream

Seito Sushi Baldwin Park
Artisan in approach and traditional in technique, Seito Sushi & New Japanese sources fresh local ingredients and rare exotic provisions to offer dishes that reflect the creativity of coastal Asian cuisine and the innovation of the modern culinary movement. With two locations in the Orlando area, Seito Sushi & New Japanese has elevated Central Florida’s contemporary Asian offerings for nearly 20 years. Daily menus showcase fresh sashimi, nigiri and unique rolls, seasonal Izakaya offerings, steamy ramen bowls, Omakase experiences and approachable lunches. Our beverage program features rare sake and Japanese whisky, craft beer, an extensive wine list and craft cocktails. The food and drinks, presented elegantly in a chic urban setting by our knowledgeable staff, has distinguished Seito as a favorite among locals and tourists alike while earning numerous accolades including “Best Sushi”, “Best Japanese” and “Best Pan-Asian” praise from Orlando Sentinel, Orlando Weekly and Orlando Magazine.
Menu Highlights: Crab Miso Bisque – Toasted panko, masago, rayu, Smoked Hamachi – Three piece nigiri, shishito chimichurri, wood smoked, Steak Hibachi – 10 oz Creekstone filet, seasonal vegetables, noodles, fried rice, white sauce, Duck Ramen – Duck bone broth, duck breast, noodles, soy egg, seasonal vegetables, Sunburst Trout – Murasaki warm potato salad, dashi cream, chives, Moriawase – Chef choice of nigiri & sashimi, guest choice of makimono

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Zeta Asia at Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
Zeta Asia takes you on a deliciously fun culinary journey through Asia. Located in the heart of Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, Zeta Asia is a lively bistro and lounge offering a variety of pan-Asian-inspired cuisine. The menu features small plates and traditional dishes, such as Udon noodle bowls, nori kurakka, and coconut chicken curry, and stunning sushi rolls and sashimi bites. With an exceptional list of innovative, hand-crafted cocktails, wines, and beer, Zeta Asia is the perfect place to gather with friends of family.

Menu Highlights: **Please note that this menu will feature a FOUR COURSE meal. Pork Bao Buns – Slow-roasted pork belly, tangy Asian BBQ sauce, pickled cucumber and bao bun, Spicy Tuna Nachos – Seared seven spice tuna sashimi, avocado, spicy mayo, masago, micro cilantro, wasabi scented nori chips and frisee, Roti – Malaysian yellow curry sauce, Taste of Zeta Sushi Rolls – Bonsai Roll and Kanji Roll, Beef Short Rib Bibimbap – Short rib, fried egg, spinach, namul, Japanese rice and Gochujang sauce

Best Beyond Orlando City Limits

1921 Mount Dora
‘1921 Mount Dora’ is a celebration of “Modern Florida Cuisine” in an historic setting that is intimate, bold and welcoming. ‘1921’ is a culinary fusion showcasing the cultures, produce, people and our traditions … met and transformed with rustic refinement and aligned with the intelligent, dramatic and delicious lifestyles of Florida. It is perfectly fitting that we are partnered with the ‘Modernism Museum’ right across the street in gentle Mount Dora. At the Modernism Museum you will discover an aesthetic kinship uniting these aspirations.
Menu Highlights: Nashville Hot Chicken Livers – Pickles, onions & buttermilk vinaigrette, Grilled Country Ribs (GF) – Sea island red peas , warm bacon & frisee salad, Grilled Shrimp & Pork Belly (GF) – Dirty rice and roasted okra, Ginger Peach Panna Cotta (V) – Kiwi confit and ginger – shortbread crumble

Market to Table
Chef-owner Ryan Freelove brings contemporary American cuisine to Winter Garden’s historic Plant Street area, specializing in creative interpretations of classics based on seasonal ingredients, some from a rooftop aquaponic garden. The open, airy space with floor-to-ceiling windows has a full-service bar featuring hand crafted cocktails and outdoor covered patio.
Menu Highlights: Fried Calamari (GF) – Fresh gluten free calamari, Braised Beef Short Ribs (GF) – Red wine jus, potato purée, Portobello Napoleon (V) (GF) – Mozzarella, heirloom tomato, Bekemeyer Farms whole wheat pasta (can be made gluten free)

Fig’s Prime
Menu Highlights: Veal Scallopini – Prosciutto, roasted pepper and fontina cheese in a white wine sauce, Shrimp and Diver Scallops – Pan seared, served with asparagus and cheesy grits, Filet Mignon – Filet mignon topped with our house made brown butter, served with house potatoes and seasonal vegetables, Chocolate Rum Torte – Flourless chocolate ganache torte served with raspberry sauce and whipped cream

Best of Disney Springs

JALEO at Disney Springs
From James Beard-award winning chef, José Andrés, Jaleo brings alive the spirit and flavor of Spain, offering an assortment of tapas, the traditional small plates of Spain, as well as savory paellas cooked over a wood fire, sangrias and the finest selection of Spanish wines, hand-crafted cocktails and sherries.
Menu Highlights: Choose from 5 different Tapas courses including Croquetas de Pollo – Traditional chicken fritters, Dátiles con Tocino ‘Como Hace Todo el Mundo’ – Fried bacon-wrapped dates served with an apple-mustard sauce, Gambas al Ajillo – The very, very famous tapa of shrimp sautéed with garlic and more

Morimoto Asia at Disney Springs
Menu Highlights: Ginger Soy Braised Veal Osso Buco – Japanese style risotto, katsuo-bushi, crunchy garlic chili

STK at Disney Springs
Menu Highlights: Coffee Spiced Rib Eye Steak, Wild mushrooms, cafe au latte, yucca frites, Pan Seared Salmon (GF) – Watermelon, pineapple, lychee, cucumber, basil, and mint salad, tajin chili lime vinaigrette, Angry Fried Chicken, Korean spiced, Brussels sprouts, Sriracha honey

Best Italian

Rocco’s Italian Grille & Bar
Rocco’s Italian Grille is a romantic Italian restaurant located in the beautiful Winter Park, just a 10-minute drive from Downtown Orlando. Rocco’s proudly presents an authentic Italian cuisine prepared by our experienced native chefs. Our menu is composed of a variety of appetizer, pasta, seafood and meat dishes that recreate old favorites and brings out new flavors. Choose one of our wines from the wine list, where you’ll find wines ranging from Aglianico to Zinfandel. We offer an ample selection of Italian wines, along with great Californians and others. Sip on an Amarone, Barolo or Caymus, you’ll find just the right one for your meal.

Menu Highlights: Lumache in Guazzetto – Snail served over a slice of toasted bread sautéed with shallots white wine in a basil sauce, Bruschetta Of The Day, Caprese – Imported fresh Italian bufala mozzarella served with extra virgin olive oil, ripe tomatoes and fresh basil leaves, Pappardelle Cinque Terre – Shrimp, scallops, shallots and lobster sautéed in white wine fresh basil, finished in a light tomato cream sauce topped with shaved Parmigiano, Fish Of The Day, Boneless Beef Short Ribs – Beef short ribs braised in Barolo wine and vegetable, Scaloppine di Vitello alla Rocco – Veal scaloppini pan seared topped with prosciutto, roasted red peppers and Fontinella cheese with a white wine demi glace sauce

Prato
Prato offers innovative, seasonally directed Italian classics with modern techniques. Guests can anticipate house made pastas and savory pizzas prepared in an imported authentic acunto wood burning oven crafted in Naples, Italy. The menu also features light primi and insulata choices such as Nantucket Bay scallop crudo with burnt caka orange vinaigrette. Entrees range from roasted Ashley Farms chicken to pan seared fish, often from Florida’s waters. The wine program consists of Italian and Spanish selections that pair seamlessly with the cuisine. Specialty cocktails as well as a variety of craft and local beers are also available.

Menu Highlights: Prato Meatballs – Roasted tomato, cipollini agrodolce, Beef Carpaccio – Ramp, beet, gorgonzola, rye crouton, Duck Confit – Pancetta, cabbage, orange glazed carrot, pluot, Ruby Red Trout – Couscous, escarole, tomato, fennel, Basil Panna cotta- Roasted cherries, cinnamon streusel

Christini’s Ristorante Italiano
When you enter the elegant surroundings, you will experience epicurean old world charm and exquisite attention to details. Extra touches, such as strolling musician and a rose for each lady, typify the charm that is uniquely Christini’s.
Menu Highlights: Fillet of Sole (GF) – Fresh filet of sole, haricots verts, tri color fingerling potatoes, lemon caper parsley sauce, Pappardelle Bolognese (V) – Homemade pappardelle pasta with a hearty meat sauce, Ribeye (GF) – USDA prime ribeye served with horseradish pomme purée and crispy onion

Best Latin / Spanish

Reyes Mezcaleria
Reyes Mezcaleria specializes in agave spirits with a large emphasis on mezcal, the celebrated spirit of Oaxaca. Regionally inspired Mexican dishes are served up in style at this conveniently located North Quarter, Downtown eatery. This third unique concept by local restaurateurs Jason and Sue Chin is a continuation of their commitment to thoughtful design and uncompromising quality of ingredients. Reyes Mezcaleria is a perfect place to enjoy unique, high quality Mexican cuisine and spirits in an upscale setting while exploring Downtown Orlando.
Menu Highlights: Arctic Char Aguachile (GF) – Cured arctic char, pineapple aguachile, avocado, red onion, puffed quinoa, serrano peppers, Barbacoa Tostada – Beef brisket, beans, salsa roja, pickled red onion, cotija, Grilled Pork Chop (GF) – Duroc pork, peanut mole, roasted cauliflower, baby carrots, Local Catch (GF) – Pan seared white fish, sweet corn, puree, rainbow cauliflower-caper salsa, Churrasco Steak (GF) -Grilled skirt steak, pipian verde sauce, charred green beans, pickled red onion, Mexican Opera Cake (V) – Almond sponge cake, coffee syrup, valrhona chocolate

Bulla Gastrobar
Bulla Gastrobar is a fun casual gathering place inspired by the most popular tapas restaurants in Spain
Menu Highlights: Fried Artichokes – Artichoke hearts, lemon, mint aioli, Pinxto Moruno – Cumin marinated pork loin skewers, mojo verde, greek yogurt, Braised Oxtail – Steamed rice, house made shoestring potatoes, shishito peppers, Grilled Steak – 9oz bistro steak, truffled potato & mushroom foam, salsa criolla, arugula salad

Best Hotel Restaurants

Primo at JW Marriott, Grande Lakes Orlando
Mediterranean Sensibility at its best! Chef Melissa Kelly creates plates with her “home-grown” concept in mind. Guests will enjoy robust flavors produced through classical cooking methods with strong inspiration from cuisines off the coastal regions of Italy, France and Spain.
Menu Highlights: Farmer Salad – Garden lettuces, house bacon, croutons, soft boiled egg, lemon-Parmesan vinaigrette, Wild Boar Bolognese – Fusilli pasta, shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano, grilled ricotta salata, Sautéed Scaloppini of Pork Saltimbocca – Garlic mashed potatoes, prosciutto, spinach, sage infused mushroom madeira jus.

Fiorenzo Italian Steakhouse- Hyatt Regency Orlando
Fiorenzo Italian Steakhouse combines the fun and excitement of an authentic Italian restaurant and the tradition of a great steak house. An open kitchen and pizza oven set the stage for the on-site preparation of new and traditional Italian favorites, fish and premium steaks and chops.
Menu Highlights: Braised Pork Belly, 48 hours braised pork belly, brussels sprouts and candied hazelnut hash, kumquat mostarda, Loch Duart Salmon – Grilled ciabatta, avocado, smoked bacon, artichoke relish, lemon caper crème fraiche, saffron risotto, Zuppa di Pesce Fra Diavolo – Florida rock shrimp, branzino, calamari, mussels, blue crab, mafaldine pasta, spicy pomodoro sauce, smoked paprika crostini, 8 oz. New York Prime Strip – Smoked blue cheese mash, crispy brussels sprouts, black truffle butter, Mushroom Tagliolini – Mustard greens, forest mushrooms, roasted baby tomatoes, shaved manchego

Hemisphere Restaurant at Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport
Features a soaring view of the airport from the top two floors of the Hyatt Regency hotel
Menu Highlights: Crawfish Chowder (GF) – a specialty for over 20 years! Served with Parmesan cracker, Datil Shrimp (GF) – Florida pepper and plantain sauce, poached shrimp, confit heart of palm, cilantro crema, citrus, tobiko, Short Rib (GF) – Sweet tea bourbon braised short rib, Anson Mills blue corn grit cake, stone fruit chutney, peach and charred corn relish, Pho Inspired Chicken – Aromatic herb marinated half chicken, jasmine rice. burnt onion crème, long beans, pho veloute, Vietnamese micro herbs, Summer Passionfruit Bombe – Passionfruit Key Lime bombe, Key Lime cheesecake, fresh passionfruit, meringue chip, short bread

deep blu seafood grille at Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek
Menu Highlights: Deep Blu Crab Cake – Roasted garlic aioli, micro herbs, Grilled Local Catch (GF) – Alabama blu crab meat , quinoa, mango, avocado aioli, blackberry gastrique, Black & Blu Linguini – Vita squid ink pasta, lump crab meat, arugula, cherry tomatoes, Marcona almonds, Parmigiano

Ravello at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World
Modern Italian cuisine is the specialty at Ravello restaurant in Orlando. Feast on hot fresh pizza and bread made at the wood-burning oven, or regionally influenced Italian specialties.
Menu Highlights: Cernia – Local snapper, saffron risotto cake, lemon, fresh herbs

Hemingway’s at Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress –
Recently complete with their renovations, check out their Grilled Branzino (GF) -Butterflied, heirloom tomatoes, marinated olives, crispy capers, grilled lemon, EVOO

Inside Look: Food and Drink at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios

We were invited to a media preview at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to try their menu offerings and meet members of Universal Orlando’s culinary team to discuss how they partnered with Warner Bros. to ensure that fans have an incredible experience that is true to the spirit of the books and faithful to the visual look and feel of the films.

My Top Three Favorite Dishes Were:

  1. The Great Feast – because of the wide variety of options included in a dish that is meant for sharing.  You get a fresh garden salad along with a combination of rotisserie smoked chicken & spare ribs, corn on the cob, and roast potatoes.
  2. Fish & Chips – because they were light, airy, and crispy.  They were not greasy at all.  Super delicious.
  3. Bangers & Mash – because I just love English sausage, creamy mashed potatoes, and roasted vegetables.

Steven Jayson – Corporate Executive Chef went over each dish with us.  They were all so good.

Ric Florell – Executive VP, Resort Revenue Operations at Universal Orlando Resort told us how they studied and marked all the books with sticky tabs to make sure that the detail and inspiration to their menu were true to the books.

Here are the most popular dishes at Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure:

Great Feast – The first course will be a fresh garden salad tossed their signature vinaigrette dressing. The main course will be a combination of rotisserie smoked chicken & spare ribs, corn on the cob, and roast potatoes.

Fish & Chips – Fresh north Atlantic cod battered & fried with chips and tartar sauce.

Shepherd’s Pie with Garden Salad – Ground beef, lamb & vegetables crowned with potatoes.

Rotsserie Smoked Chicken Platter – Served with corn on the cob and roasted potatoes.

English Breakfast Platter – Scrambled eggs, English bacon, link sausage, potatoes, baked beans, sauteed mushrooms, grilled tomato, black pudding.

Here are the most popular dishes at Leaky Cauldron at Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida:

Ploughman’s Platter – A feast of English cheeses, crusty bread, field green salad, oven-roasted tomatoes, cornichon pickles, apple and beet salad, Branston pickle, and scotch eggs.

 Toad In The Hole – Popular dish of English sausage baked into a Yorkshire pudding and served with onion gravy, minted peas, roasted tomato, vegetables.

Beef, Lamb & Guinness Stew – Beef and lamb with chunky root vegetables served in a warm crusty bread bowl.

Bangers & Mash – Roasted English sausage, creamy mashed potatoes, oven-roasted tomatoes, sauteed onions and cabbage, minted peas, and onion gravy.


Cranachan, Butterbeer Potted Cream, Sticky Toffee Pudding, Apple Pie, & Chocolate Potted Pudding.  These desserts are available at both restaurants except for the Chocolate Potted Pudding which can only be found at Leaky Cauldron.

An assortment of sweets inspired by the books like the Chocolate Frog, the first magical sweet that Harry Potter encounters on the Hogwarts Express and was very excited about.  They can all be found at the Honeydukes candy store in Hogsmeade.

The following popular beverage offerings can be found at both restaurants:

Frozen Butterbeer, Butterbeer, Hot Butterbeer

Gillywater and Pumpkin Juice

Thank you Universal Orlando for hosting such a magical VIP experience at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

For more information about the menu offerings, please visit the links below:

Magical Dining Preview: Christini’s Ristorante Italiano

Magical Dining Month is a well known event around the Orlando community. From August 23rd to September 30th, participating restaurants will feature a three course prix-fixe menu for $35 per person.

Christini’s Ristorante Italiano is a fine dining Italian restaurant located in the Dr. Phillips area, and they are featuring a wonderful prix-fixe menu for Magical Dining!

As soon as you sit down, a basket of warm bread is given to the table along with a light dipping sauce. I had to hold myself back from eating the whole basket before my meal!

For Magical Dining, you can choose between three appetizers: Insalata Mista all Romana (signature Casesar salad), Mussels (Prince Edward Island mussels, shallots, white wine in a saffron broth), and Mozzarella in Carrozza (Breaded mozzarella served on tomato sauce).

We chose the Mussels and Mozzarella in Carrozza, and the mussels were my personal favorite. The mussels were fresh and cooked perfectly! 

The Mozzarella was very lightly breaded and tasty. I recommend getting the fresh pepper they offer on top!

 

Christini’s is offering four amazing choices as the main course. The Fillet of Sole (served with fingerling potatoes and a lemon caper parsley sauce), Pappardelle Bolognese (pappardelle pasta with a meat sauce), Saltimbocca de Vitello (veal scaloppine topped with prosciutto in a sherry wine sauce), and the Ribeye (served with horseradish pomp puree and crispy onion). Also, you can add a lobster tail to any entree for an additional $15. It was a tough choice, but we chose the Fillet of Sole and Saltimbocca de Vitello. 

Sole is a flaky, white fish with a mild flavor, so it is a good choice for those that do not like a strong fish taste. This dish was super delicious especially with the lemon caper parsley sauce!

I have only had veal once in my life so I knew I had to try it at Christini’s. The veal scaloppine were thin and cooked well, but what really made this dish amazing was the prosciutto on top. It paired so well with the veal and sherry wine sauce!

 

Now, for arguably the best course, dessert! For Magical Dining, you have the choice between a Traditional Cannoli and a Tartufo.  The Cannoli was easily the most beautiful cannoli I have seen. The plating and presentation was amazing, and I loved the addition of the chocolate stick. The ricotta based filling was perfectly sweetened and not too thick, so a perfect ending to a wonderful meal.

A tartufo is an Italian ice cream dessert that I had never tried before. Christini’s serves an Amaretto Tartufo, so if you like amaretto, you would love this dessert! 

 

If you are wanting to visit Christini’s and order something from their regular menu, I highly recommend their Fettucini Alfredo with Truffle. This was one of the best pasta dishes I have ever had.  I love how Fettucini Alfredo is such a simple dish, but Christini’s was able to elevate it by use of the truffles. You must try this pasta at some point!

And, my personal favorite dessert was the Creme Brûlée. It comes to the table on fire, caramelizing the sugar top! It was not too sweet and I loved the addition of the berries on the side. 

Christini’s Ristorante Italiano is the perfect place for a romantic date night, celebrations, or just a fancy night out!

Disney Springs’ Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant Kicks Off Labor Day Weekend with 8th Annual ‘Great Irish Hooley’ Festival

We were invited to attend a media preview of this year’s Great Irish Hooley at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant at Disney Springs.

The Great Irish Hooley is a free admission festival that runs throughout the long Labor Day weekend, beginning at 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30, and continues each day and night through late Monday, Sept. 2.

Never heard of a “hooley?”  It is an old Gaelic term for a party with music and entertainment with fun for the whole family.

HighTime – This fresh new trio from Connemara, Ireland, combines Irish music and an intriguing blend of modern folk influences to produce a rich sound and exciting experience.  The band rocks an energetic statement with its instrumental line-up of flute, whistles, harp, bodhran, guitar and vocals – as well as some Irish dance steps thrown in!


Maca – Two Irish sister-musician-songwriters dubbed “Ireland’s next big thing” are rocking Raglan Road Pub stages with their extraordinary talent.  Saoise Carty (guitar, vocals) and Naoise Carty (fiddle, vocals) are from Wexford, Ireland. 

The Great Irish Hooley will include Celtic face painting, Hooley-crafted cocktails plus creative new bites by the pub’s inventive culinary team.

The pub also will introduce a new local craft beer collaboration with Crooked Can Brewing: the Devil’s Foot Blackberry Golden Ale. And Raglan Road also will serve the delicious Rollicking Raglan Brunch Saturday, Aug. 31 through Monday, Sept. 2. 

Sláinte!

Menu Offerings

SHEPHERD’S TO DIE FOR PIE Braised and pulled beef & lamb with root vegetables in a rich red wine jus with Irish peat smoked mashed potato.

LET THERE BE NO RUSH PORK12 hour braised pork shoulder, creamed sage cabbage, pickled mustard seeds, red wine jus, caramelized apple puree.

FOLEYS FINEST TROUT Pan seared Foleys North Atlantic sea trout, parmesan & dill gnocchi, sea greens, zucchini ribbons, cherry tomato & crispy caper dressing.

WORTH THE WAIT BEEF SANDWICH
12 hour braised beef, sautéed mushrooms, crispy onions, garlic aioli and smoked cheddar on ciabatta.

OMG BURGER Dry-aged ground prime burger, Irish bacon, Dubliner Irish Cheddar, crispy potato straws with Jameson Irish Whiskey BBQ Sauce.

ROCKY ROAD TO DUBLIN

Chocolate ice cream, smoked almond brownie squares, toffee crunch and marshmallow.

YOUR RATION OF PASSION Passion Fruit Eton Mess, fresh mango, dried coconut shards, lemon crisp meringue, and candied mint.

SAMHAIN SANGRIA
Jameson Black Barrel, Wither Hills Sauvignon Blanc, apple cider, seltzer, home-made cinnamon syrup, fresh cranberries, apple & orange

Let’s Hooley!

Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant – Disney Springs
1640 Buena Vista Dr. Orlando, FL 32830
(407) 938-0300

Inside Look: The 2019 Magical Dining Menu at Reunion Resort

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I had the opportunity last week to preview the Magical Dining menus of Eleven and Forte Grill, two incredible restaurants residing within Reunion Resort that offers both classic and modern dishes. The first thing I noticed when I approached the lobby of the resort was how genuinely friendly the staffs are, I was greeted and welcomed as if I was a long term guest of the resort.

For those that have not of Magical Dining yet- it is Orlando’s way to celebrate Orlando’s culinary scene running from Aug. 23 through Sept. 30, 2019. It allows you to enjoy a three-course, prix-fixe dinners at more than 120 of Orlando’s best restaurants for just $35 per person.

The dinner began with a tasting of some new and inventive sushi rolls created by Chef Ha by the Grande Bar in the lobby, including seared spice rubbed tuna tataki and smoke salmon with BBQ sauce.

Then we commenced with the main dinner with an Endive salad and Poached Lobster Bisque. The Endive salad had layers of texture including candied walnuts and incredibly smooth blue cheese. As for the bisque the lobster was beautifully poached in butter with a light green onion crème fraîche.

The first set of entrees below are from Forte Grille, an authentic Italian Bistro with a warm and rustic atmosphere.

First we have the Red Snapper Pappardelle Pasta and Shrimp Scampi in a White Wine Butter Sauce…

Then the second dish is an Airline Chicken Saltimbocca, a seared and stuffed with prosciutto breast with woodsy aromatics from the mushrooms and marsala sauce.

Finally we are featured with a set of entrees from Eleven, a modern steakhouse sitting on the 11th floor with an amazing view of Disney area.

The below dish is every steak lover’s choice with a Prime New York Strip paired with mashed potatoes, asparagus, with a peppercorn cream sauce.

Then finally, we have a Pan Seared grouper with roasted tomato grits, broccoli slaw, and a beautiful citrus cream sauce.

Dessert

And of course – we reached an exciting ending with the light Tiramisu from Forte Grille and decadent Chocolate Cake from Eleven.

Reunion Resort always has events that has everyone in mind. Click below for upcoming events in October!

Eleven at The Reunion Resort 

Hours of operation: Sunday-Thursday | Bar: 5:30pm-12am | Dining: 5:30pm-10pm| View Patio: 6:00pm-11pm
Friday-Saturday: | Bar: 5:30pm-1am | Dining: 5:30pm-10pm | View Patio: 5:30 pm-1:00 am *Hours of operation are subject to change
For reservations or more information, please call 844.204.6382

2019.08 chefs charity_winetoberfest

Inside Look: Food and Drink at Universal Orlando’s Volcano Bay – Summer 2019

For nearly 30 years, food across Universal Orlando Resort has evolved from traditional theme park meals to next-level cuisine.  Dining across the parks has become an attraction in and of itself.

We were invited to Universal’s Volcano Bay to check out the water park and taste their island-inspired cuisine.  We enjoyed a wide-range of bold flavors from the South Pacific including creations like the Poke Poke Bowl and Coconut Curry Chicken prepared by Universal Orlando’s culinary team.  Father and son duo Chef Robert Martinez and Chef Robert Martinez Jr. explained every dish to us.

From kid-friendly dishes to delicious grownup fare, their restaurants offer more than 60 unique menu items inspired by the flavors of the South Pacific.



Here are the the most popular dishes at Volcano Bay:

Sushi Sampler – California and vegetable rolls with wasabi, ginger and soy sauce

Poke Poke Bowl – ahi tuna tossed in a soy honey vinaigrette, with plantain chips

Pupu Platter – conch fritters, coconut shrimp and spring rolls

Jerked Mac & Cheese

Tropical Baby Greens Salad – shaved carrots, hearts of palm, diced mango, grape tomatoes, cucumbers, tofu, black beans and toasted almonds with soy garlic vinaigrette

Coconut Curry Chicken – with green coconut curry sauce, coconut rice, tomato and cilantro with sweet plantains

Coconut Crusted Fried Chicken – with mango slaw, sweet plantains and fries

Island Coconut Chicken Sliders – topped with fresh cabbage and mango slaw on a Hawaiian style bun

Waturi Mahi Sandwich – grilled mahi mahi, pineapple salsa, signature remoulade, lettuce and tomato on a toasted coconut bread with fries

Quinoa Edamame Burger – topped with roasted shiitake mushrooms, lettuce, tomato and sriracha mayo with fries

Mango BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich – Topped with caramelized pineapple, fresh cabbage and mango slaw on a toasted Hawaiian style bun with fries

Nui Reka Burger – 1/2 lb. Creekstone Farms premium black angus beef, pepper jack cheese, bacon, caramelized onions and pickles with mango bbq sauce on a Hawaiian style bun

Guava Tapioca Pudding, Chocolate Pineapple Upside Down Cake, Chocolate Lava Cake

Specialty drinks served in a souvenir glass

After lunch, we hung out at the two-story private cabana and unpacked all our belongings in their private lockers.

Welcome snacks at the private cabana

Waturi Fusion Ice Cream Cone – banana, blue raspberry, orange & strawberry flavors

Volcano Bay
6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819
universalorlando.com/web/en/us/theme-parks/volcano-bay

First Look: Inside Canvas Restaurant & Market’s 2019 Magical Dining Menu

Celebrate Orlando’s culinary scene with Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining®, now in its 14th year.  Running from Aug. 23 through Sept. 30, 2019, it’s your chance to enjoy three-course, prix-fixe dinners at more than 120 of Orlando’s best restaurants for just $35 per person.  Additionally, through Visit Orlando, $1 from each meal will benefit two local charities: the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Greater Orlando and Lighthouse Central Florida.

We were invited to Canvas Restaurant & Market in Lake Nona for a sneak peek and taste of their Magical Dining menu this year.

The Canvas restaurant menu features new American cuisine influenced by Florida. Executive Chef, Jason Bergeron, focuses on seasonal and regional produce as well as an abundance of fresh, Florida seafood.

Appetizer

Farmhouse Salad
Rustic greens, soft-boiled egg, goat cheese, candied bacon, radishes, house made granola, warm maple-honey vinaigrette

Calamari Fries
Buttermilk marinade, roasted red pepper aioli

Twice-Cooked Yuca Fries
Seasoned salt, cilantro-lime dipping sauce.  Crispy and addictive!

Main Course


Oak Grilled Flat-Iron Steak
Wood-fired, chimichurri, saffron rice, black beans



Pan-Roasted Salmon
Rainbow carrots, carnival cauliflower, carrot Romesco.  The skin was crispy and delicious,  I loved it!

Dessert



Key Lime Toasted Meringue Tartlet
Brown butter graham crust, blueberry compote

Triple Chocolate Pudding
Cardamom, cinnamon, double chocolate chip cookies, whipped cream, raspberries

Be sure to check out Canvas for Magical Dining this year!

Canvas Restaurant & Market
13615 Sachs Avenue Orlando, FL 32827
(407) 313-7800
visitorlando.com/en/magical-dining/restaurants/canvas-restaurant-and-market/44251

First Look: Inside Chroma’s 2019 Magical Dining Menu

Celebrate Orlando’s culinary scene with Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining®, now in its 14th year.  Running from Aug. 23 through Sept. 30, 2019, it’s your chance to enjoy three-course, prix-fixe dinners at more than 120 of Orlando’s best restaurants for just $35 per person.  Additionally, through Visit Orlando, $1 from each meal will benefit two local charities: the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Greater Orlando and Lighthouse Central Florida.

We were invited to Chroma for a sneak peek and taste of their Magical Dining menu this year.

Chroma is an innovative restaurant located in Lake Nona Town Center that serves a colorful menu of small plates, craft beer, fine wine-on-tap, and specialty cocktails.

Appetizer

Please choose two:

Guava and Goat Cheese Flatbread
Speck ham, Marcona almonds, red sorrel

Blue Crab and Artichoke Dip
Parmesan gratin, grilled ciabatta

Tuscan Kale and Quinoa
Roasted chicken, toasted almonds, golden raisins, citrus vinaigrette

Chopped Heirloom
Blue cheese, Romaine, red and yellow beets, beefsteak tomato, cucumber, rainbow carrots, brioche croutons, honey-almond vinaigrette

Main Course

Crab Cakes
Mango salsa, crispy panko, cilantro

Grilled Skirt Steak
Crispy shallots, baby iceberg, heirloom tomatoes, aged blue cheese, buttermilk dressing

Lobster Pad Thai
Rice noodles, asparagus, egg, shredded daikon radishes, carrots, sprouts, roasted peanuts

Grilled New York Strip
Spinach, caramelized stone fruit, citrus oil

Dessert

Choice of Any Mini Dessert
Butterscotch Pudding
Key Lime Pie
Heritage Apple Crisp
Chocolate Pot de Creme, white rum and citrus-spiked fresh berries

I requested mozzarella cheese for my flatbread in place of goat cheese and they were very accommodating.  The Lobster Pad Thai was my favorite menu item out of them all.  The Butterscotch Pudding is their best-selling dessert, it is really good.  I highly recommend these dishes!

Chroma Modern Bar + Kitchen
6967 Lake Nona Boulevard Orlando, FL 32827
(407) 955-4340
visitorlando.com/en/magical-dining/restaurants/chroma-modern-bar-kitchen/46029

Christini’s Ristorante Italiano Celebrates 35 Years in Orlando plus Interview with Founder Chris Christini

Inside the restaurant’s walls decked in charming wood panel, antique paintings, and floral flourishes, a world-famous accordionist strolls around playing melodies while business people in suits (perhaps visiting from the nearby convention center) and locals alike dine on 32 ounce veal chops and house made pasta dishes, impeccably served by waiters in full black suits, white shirts, and bow ties.

Located on Orlando’s Restaurant Row – Sand Lake Road – in the Dr. Phillips area, Christini’s Ristorante Italiano was founded in 1984 in a time when much of the area was orange groves.

Since then the restaurant has earned countless awards, accolades and celebrity endorsements, much of it due to founder Mr. Chris Christini’s warm hospitality, the exemplary service of its staff, attention-to-detail and a tasteful menu specializing in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine.

This summer, Christini’s celebrates their 35th anniversary and recently announced the hiring of new executive chef Jason Gonsalves, an alumni of Johnson and Wales University and a student of Michelin starred French chef Daniel Balud in New York.

During a recent media visit to Christini’s in celebration of their 35th anniversary, Founder Chris Christini shared with us his story – a classic immigrant story from being born in Greece to coming to America and finally finding success.

He was born into a humble Greek-Italian family in Sparta, Greece, spending his childhood watching his parents struggle to feed their family of eight with no running water, no electricity and without the cooking knowledge to even boil an egg.

As a young man, Christini’s path led him to Canada and then to the United States, where New York Restauranteur Joe Baum took him under his wing, hiring him to work at the Four Seasons New York and ultimately guiding his immigration and jumpstart his career in the United States.

Christini quickly gained industry notoriety for his warm approach to creating a memorable epicurean experience, traveling the country to open 19 restaurants and hotels, including the five original Alfredo’s of Rome restaurants.

In 1982, Walt Disney World selected Christini to open L’Originale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante in Epcot Italy Pavilion, moving Christini to Orlando, where two years later, he realized his lifelong dream of owning and opened the doors of Christini’s Ristorante Italiano.

Tasty Chomps recently interviewed Mr. Chris Christini on this special 35th anniversary of Christini’s.

Interview with Founder Chris Christini of Christini’s Ristorante Italiano

Tasty Chomps: What were your favorite dishes from your childhood?

Chris Christini: Since I grew up in extreme poverty, with no electricity or running whatever, we relied on seasonal, fresh fruits and vegetables. For the holidays we ate whatever was prepared that day, lamb or goat over a wood fire. This needed to be consumed the same day because we did not have refrigeration.

Share a little about the experience of opening the Alfredo’s at the Italy Pavilion at Epcot.

As I had opened up five Alfredo’s of Rome, I was chosen to open up Alfredo’s at the Italian Pavilion at Epcot. Seven months before we opened, I had to hire over 900 employees. Once we opened, we served about 3,000 people a day. I did not sit in the office. I was always training our staff, many of whom were here on a visa, with no restaurant experience. I trained twice a day and was recognized by the President of Disney as the most experienced director on Disney property. I learned to treat every Disney guest like royalty.

What made you decide to open Christini’s restaurant way backk in 1984?

After all of my experience in the top restaurants and hotels in the country, like the 21 Club, the Four Seasons, the Forum of Twelve Caesars, I decided it was finally time to venture out on my own.

Can you share a few thoughts about opening your restaurant in Dr. Phillips in Orlando in 1984?

There was nothing but orange groves and Disney around here when we opened. Everyone doubted me and gave me more than two months to survive.

A Chinese friend of mine, upon seeing the location, told me not to open my restaurant here because the tower in front was taller than the building, which apparently was bad luck.

Fortunately, I ignored his advice. I put every cent that I had into the restaurant. Failing would have been a disaster for me and my family. There was no choice but to succeed, so I gave 100 percent every single day. I ran from the front of the restaurant to the kitchen. I did whatever it took to make Christini’s a success.

We also had a bit of luck when Bob Hope came in for three nights during a visit to Orlando and subsequently made a joke on the Johnny Carson show about the enormous size of our veal chops. From that point on, we were packed.

Today, restaurants are opening and closing left and right. There are very few fine dining restaurants that actually have the owner present and overseeing operations. I am proud after 35 years to still be present and overseeing the restaurant daily.

What are some of your favorite memories of the restaurant over the past 35 years?

My best memories involve the beautiful people that I have met. We have 92 percent repeating guests from all over the world. We have also entertained some of the top celebrities, including the Rolling Stones, Arnold Palmer, Brooke Shields, Stan Lee, Pele and Michael Jordan. We have had hundreds of celebrities from different sports and the cinema. Beyond that, my best memories are of receiving the Ivy Award (which the Vice President of Disney, Jim Armstrong, had to explain to me what this incredible award was at the time) and the Restaurateur Award for the Hall of Fame for the United States.

What are your tips for running such a hugely successful restaurant?

Owners with years of experience (20+ years) provide a unique perspective – understanding all of the aspects of the restaurant. He or she must be a chef, a manager, a dishwasher and a bartender… nimble and able to do it all. On top of this, and most importantly, he or she must love people.

Tell us about the Christini family’s olive farm in Grace.

The farm has been in my family for generations. We get both the restaurant’s olive oil and fresh olives from it. Agricultural scientists discovered a new way of crafting, which is why our olives are six times the size compared to Kalamata olives and the fermentation is completely different, as well. We use our own family recipe.

What are the most popular Christini’s dishes today?

The Chilean Seabass over a shrimp and lobster Risotto, our home made pastas and our enormous veal chops.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I am a huge golf fan. I enjoy fishing and spending time in my garden. I also enjoy traveling all over the world and especially to Italy.

Can you share anything about the menu and restaurant in the coming months?

We will always have our traditional menu, that guests continue to ask for. We will be adding seasonal additions, and new dishes incorporating ingredients like Maine Lobster, white truffles and Beluga caviar.

Linguine alla Primavera
Seasonal fresh vegetables sautéed with garlic and extra virgin olive oil over a bed of linguine, served with Pesto Pecorino cheese

Fettuccine alla Christini’s
Christini’s interpretation of Fettuccini Alfredo (Parmigiano Reggiano, butter and cream)

Gnocchi Bolognese
Fresh made potato dumplings served in a hearty meat sauce

Artichoke and Fennel Insalate
Artichoke hearts, shaved fennel, nicoise olives, artichoke puree

Vitello con Funghi Morel e Aragosta
Veal scaloppine with Morel mushrooms, Maine lobster medallions, deglazed with a dry sherry and brandy sauce

Melanzane Parmigiana
Eggplant napoleon seasoned with four types of cheese, fine herbs and light tomato sauce

Spigola Alla Christini
Pan-seared Chilean sea bass served with shrimp risotto in a lobster tarragon sauce

 

Creme Brulee

Grand Marnier Souffle

Christini’s Ristorante Italiano
7600 Dr Phillips Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819
christinis.com

First Look: A Tasty Tapas Tour of Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood at Disney’s Gran Destino Tower

Savor a taste of Spain at the brand new Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood, the rooftop restaurant at Gran Destino Tower, the newest addition to Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.

In 2003, Disney Studios released “Destino,” a unique animated short film originally conceived by one unlikely pair — Walt Disney and famed Spanish Surrealist artist Salvador Dali who met each other in 1944. Financial pressures caused by World War II and other commitments forced the studio to shelve “Destino” and in 1999, Roy E. Disney decided to finish the studio’s work on “Destino” while completing the production of “Fantasia 2000.” The Gran Destino Tower is named after this short film, with artistic influences from the surrealist master.

Stepping into the lobby of the new Gran Destino Tower, the gorgeous design immediately makes a striking impression – with intricate mosaic tiling and lanterns inspired by Moorish architecture and Spanish modernism. The hotel also has quite the expansive views (perfect for viewing the nearby nighttime fireworks) and high ceilings.

Just outside of Toledo on the top floor of Gran Destino Tower is Dahlia’s Lounge, named after Dahlia, the main female protagonist of “Destino”. The chandeliers and paintings mimic the dandelions found in the film.

Here you can sample some of the fabulous cocktails provided, including the Gran Gin Tonic, the signature drink of Gran Destino Tower made with Tanqueray Gin, House-made Saffron-Orange Tonic, and Soda Water.


Gran Gin Tonic
Tanqueray Gin, House-made Saffron-Orange Tonic, Soda Water

Toledo itself features gorgeous panaromic views of Walt Disney World with a set of two live olive trees inside – a Spanish culinary staple with olives often found in tapas and olive oil in their many dishes. Toledo – in another nod to its Spanish artistic influences – is named after the Spanish city that was home to avant-garde writers and artists in the 1920s and ’30s.

Chef Robert Sayles (previously at Tiffins in Disney’s Animal Kingdom) serves as the chef for Gran Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort and helped to create most of the menu at Toledo. He spoke with us about the opening and his background as a chef at Walt Disney World.

Chef Robert Sayles

An artist at heart who enjoys being creative and getting his hands dirty at a young age, Chef Sayles draws inspiration from his past experiences working at five signature Walt Disney World restaurants as well as Greek- and African-themed restaurants. He started his career as a student in the Disney Culinary Apprenticeship Program.

Chef Sayles tells us that Disney’s Food and Beverage team has a “heightened attention for local, sustainable, and plant-based offerings are among the main focuses now days. Seasonality plays a huge part in menu writing for Toledo.”

For the opening of Toledo, Chef Sayles and the team researched the many various tapas from the many regions in Spain as well as the cultural aspects of Spanish cuisine.

So far since opening, according to Chef Sayles, the guests have raved over the views, Toledo’s extensive wine list, on-stage open tapas kitchen, and the many menu options to choose from. The most popular dishes have been Savory Churros, Seared Scallops, Golden Tilefish, and of course the grilled Hangar Steak. For dessert, the Toledo Tapas Bar and Crema Catalana are crowd favorites.

Some of Chef Sayles’ favorite dishes at Toledo are the Pintxos, small bites of fantastic flavors. The Valdeon Blue cheese pintxo is his individual favorite with the “balanced flavors of pungent, sweet, and herbal.”

Here is an Inside Look at Some Dishes at the New Toledo:

“Pan Con Tomate” Tomato Bread
Grilled Bread, Crushed Tomato, Olive Oil, Garlic

Traditional “Tortilla Espanola” – Spanish Potato Omelet
Jamon Serrano, Picholine Olive Relish

Valdeon Blue Cheese
Fig, Honeycomb

Hanger Steak
Crushed New Potatoes, Salsa Verde, Greens, Charred Peppers, Yellow Pepper

Golden Tilefish
Petite Potato, Cauliflower, Fennel, Valencia Orange Sauce

Plant-Based Seafood
Chef’s Vegan Presentation of Classic Seafood Presentations – Vegan Crab Cakes , Calamari, Scallops, Citrus-Infused Coucous

Scallops
Fava Hummus, Olives, Harissa Vinaigrette, Roasted Carrots, Yogurt Powder

The Toledo Tapas Bar
A Progressive Dessert Tasting with the Flavors of Spanish Coffee, Crunchy Chocolate, Raspberry Mousse, and Lemon Curd

Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood
Gran Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/coronado-springs-resort/toledo/