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First Look: Eola General Located Steps from Lake Eola

Stephanie Scelsi
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First Look: Eola General Located Steps from Lake Eola

We were invited to join Margot, aka The Wandering Maven, for a media event at Eola General. A couple blocks over from Lake Eola, you will find a quaint, little 1937 building turned restaurant (previously occupied by The Handy Pantry) reminiscent of a general store. Complete with picnic tables outside, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy coffee and breakfast, lunch sandwiches, and charcuterie boards with wine.

If you need your morning cup of coffee, stop on by for some delicious coffee, cold brew, or my favorite, the coconut cold brew, from their vendor Wavelength Coffee. 

The popular neighborhood choices are their snack boards which we were able to sample. Their three “boards” include the Daily Cheese Sampler, House-Made Jerky Plate, and the Pickle Plate.

The Cheese Sampler offers selections by La Femme du Fromage, which you may have seen at East End Market. The House-Made Jerky Plate includes marinated beef jerky, pickled chow, and boiled peanuts. And the Pickle Plate is an array of house made pickles with lemon aioli and mustard.

My personal favorites were easily all the cheeses and marinated jerky. You can also enjoy a nice white wine or rose from Eola General’s partner Curate Art + Wine while on the patio with your snack board!

All of their sandwiches come with kettle chips and one side. With the popular options like The General (chicken and waffle sandwich), The Bagel (scrambled eggs, bacon, cheese, arugula, and aioli), and Buffalo Cauli (Buffalo Cauliflower, braised greens, seasoned tomatoes, and citrus cilantro cashew sauce), it’s easy to find a favorite. 

Mine happened to be the French Dip complete with house roast beef, caramelized onions, cheese, horseradish creme and au jus on the side. I loved how the French bread was perfectly toasted and there was not too much, so it did not over power the fillings. The combination of roast beef along with the melted cheese was delicious especially dipped in the au jus. I was pleasantly surprised with how tasty the kettle chips were. They had the right amount of crisp with a light seasoning to pair well with any sandwich. Other side options include boiled peanuts, southern slaw, potato/chicken/tuna salad, or fruit salad.

Eola General is all about supporting local business so they will be partnering with a new vendor soon called Swan City Bagels. They are a craft bagel & schmear start-up, so you will definitely want to stay tuned. Stop on by the “one stop picnic shop” for a lovely family and pet-friendly experience.

A Taste of France In A Summer Picnic #EuropeanTaste #EnjoyItsFromEurope

Ricky Ly
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A Taste of France In A Summer Picnic #EuropeanTaste #EnjoyItsFromEurope

It’s summertime, and what better time to explore the European and French hillside and vineyards for a picnic. From flavorful sardines to fruit jams, there’s so much to explore inside the European pantry for that summer picnic basket. And for those who aren’t able to make it over, there are ways to taste some of the flavors of Europe without traveling there.

Orchestrated by The French Food and Drink Federation (ANIA), and funded in part by the European Union, the European Taste Experience Campaign was set up to create awareness for the variety of European products available on the U.S. market and to suggest ways that American consumers can incorporate those into their diets, recipes and lifestyles.

The food processing industry is the #1 industrial sector in France in terms of revenue and employment: “ANIA supports more than 17,000 companies daily in developing healthy, safe and sustainable products for local and export markets.”

Their marketing campaign can be found through searching for the hashtags #EuropeanTaste and #EnjoyItsFromEurope. As part of this campaign, they sent to us a box of various specialty foods from France which you may find perfect for a picnic.

Here’s Five Ingredients of a French Picnic

1. Henaff – Pork Liver Confit with Black Peppercorn – A rich and creamy recipe made withpork liver, cognac and black peppercorn, all natural.

A leading manufacturer of tinned foods since 1907, Hénaff is now indisputably the leader of tinned pates and rillettes in France through a unique and distinctive quality policy. As a family-run independent company in the very west of Brittany, Hénaff owes its success to their quality of the products they manufacture, the outstanding professional integrity of their workers, and the dedicated commitment of their management to developing the region and respecting the environment.

Henaff company is a family-owned companies that produce premium quality, stable shelf-life (4 years) products from France. They manage the entire process, starting in the slaughterhouse, using only premium cuts of pork such as ham and fillet in their recipes. The results of this company processes is exceptionally high-quality gourmet products. The products pair perfectly with cheese, charcuterie appetizers, and a glass of wine. As shelf-stable consumables, they would make a perfect addition to gourmet a gift basket.

2. Connetable – Wild-Caught Sardines in Olive Oil

French sardines are so unlike other sardines found in the U.S. and other places, larger fish yet with a lighter, less fishy taste. In operation for over 150 years (founded in 1853), Connetable is one of the oldest canneries in the world. A tradition of quality has remained with the family run company through generations even to this day with every fish being gutted by hand to maintain its flavour before being carefully hand packed, Connetable combine both traditional and modern methods of manufacturing through the production. A variety of tinned fish in attractive packaging is available including sardines, tuna, mackerel, anchovy, trout and salmon. Connétable is certified by the Marine Stewardship Council meaning all their products are sustainable and benefits the marine environment whilst also providing great quality food.

3. SUR LES QUAIS – Mustard with Truffle Oil – Perfect For Sandwiches

Perfect for sandwiches, this mustard with truffle oil is made by Sur Les Quais, a brand of delicatessen and gourmet created by enthusiasts of good, beautiful and travel – founded in 1999 in Paris, capital of gastronomy and crossroads of culinary worlds.

4. Les Comtes de Provence – Organic Raspberry Fruit Spread with seeds

This sweet fruit spread is perfect on a fresh French croissant, with a nice texture from the seeds in the spread. Since 1986, “Les Comtes de Provence” has been recognized and rewarded at the highest level with the “Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant” (Living Heritage Company) label, as a showcase for French know-how all over the world.

Fruit is placed at the heart of their culinary creations, fruit as a never-ending source of delicious or diet recipes and the image of French and Mediterranean culinary lifestyle.

Les Comtes de Provence provides you a complete range of fruit base products : Mediterranean Jams, “Old-Fashioned” Jams, Organic Jam, Traditional “Pure fruit” Compotes, Organic and Provencal Honeys, Culinary Preserves, Diet Jams.

5. Vichy Pastilles – Mints

End the picnic with a refreshing Vichy Pastilles, a French confectionery produced in the town of Vichy, department of Allier, France. These mints have been made in Vichy since 1828, when a local pharmacist figured out how to extract the minerals from the town’s famous thermal waters. He mixed the extract with sugar and natural mint flavors, and produced the tablet. A favorite of the Empress Eugenie, the octogonal pastilles were immensely popular in the nineteenth century, not only for their reputed ability to cure heartburn but for their fresh minty flavor. The vogue for thermal waters has passed, but the candies remain, a testament of their tastiness. Nowadays, they include sugar and are flavoured with mint, lemon, or aniseed.

For more information, visit https://events-export.businessfrance.fr/europeantaste-us/home/

BurgerFI at Margaritaville Blvd opens in Kissimmee

Ricky Ly
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BurgerFI at Margaritaville Blvd opens in Kissimmee

BurgerFi is a fast casual restaurant chain focusing on all-natural burgers. Only the top 1% of natural Angus beef is used, sourced from the best ranches. The beef used is free of hormones, antibiotics and steroids. They also offer keto, gluten-free and veggie burgers, as well as a plant-based burger for vegans.

The latest BurgerFi in our Orlando area has now opened on Margaritaville Boulevard in West Kissimmee. This new location for the burger restaurant is just outside the new Margaritaville Resort Orlando and the brand new Island H20 Live! Water Park.

The new location is also in an area known as Margaritaville Sunset Walk, a retail and dining complex created by Margaritaville Resort Orlando. Over 15 food and beverage locations will be available amongst plenty of green space. Also coming is a new concert pavilion for live music, children’s entertainment area and a state-of the-art move theater.

Inside, the restaurant is clean and modern, with industrial metallic tables and chairs, rustic lighting, and wood accented features. The cooks in the back, lead by manager Megan, are busy working the line from grilling up burger patties to frying up onion rings and hand-cut house potato fries, to mixing up a new milkshake.

Though they are most known for their Top 1% beef burger patties, the menu does also includes hand-cut fries, Grilled Chicken sandwiches, and frozen custards.

There’s also a nice selection of local and regional beers on tap from Cigar City Brewing to Orlando Brewing and Crooked Can Brewery and more. (Tip: On Thursdays, the beer and wine are 50% off here – I call it Thirsty Thursdays).

For vegetarian and vegan friends, they serve the vegetarian VegeFi – a special house-made veggie quinoa based burger, and the popular vegan plant-based Beyond Burger as well as frozen custard desserts.

From time to time, BurgerFi also features limited edition special burgers benefitting charities such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Customers can order from the counter, but this location is so new it’s got two new self-service kiosks with an option for facial recognition to remember your past orders. This special kiosk also will remember customers’ past orders if they’ve entered a phone number or credit card.  The future is here!

BURGERFI CHEESEBURGER
Double Natural Angus Beef, Double American Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato, BurgerFi Sauce
Available as Single Burger

THE CEO
Double Wagyu + Brisket Blend Burger, Homemade Candied Bacon-Tomato Jam, Truffle Aioli , Aged Swiss Cheese

BREAKFAST ALL DAY BURGER
Natural Angus Beef, Bacon, American Cheese, Maple Syrup, Fried Egg, Hash Brown, Grilled Onions, Ketchup

VEGEFI BURGER
Crispy Quinoa + Fresh-Cut Veggie Burger, White Cheddar, Lettuce, Tomato, BurgerFi Sauce on a Multigrain Bun or green style
*VegeFi patty contains cheese and is cooked in peanut oil

BEYOND BURGER
100% Plant-Based Beyond Burger® From Beyond Meat®, American Cheese, Ketchup, Mustard, Mayonnaise, Lettuce, Tomato, Pickles, Onions

GRILLED CHICKEN SANDWICH
Free-Range, All Natural, Chicken Breast, Lettuce, Tomato, Honey Mustard BBQ Sauce

Urban style onion rings and chili cheese fries

BurgerFI at Margaritaville Blvd
3298 Margaritaville Boulevard, Kissimmee, FL 34747
https://order.burgerfi.com/locations/FL/margaritaville-blvd/72290

5 Limited Time Menu Items to Try at Sonny’s BBQ This Summer

Tiffany Nguyen
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5 Limited Time Menu Items to Try at Sonny’s BBQ This Summer

Sonny’s BBQ, the Gainesville founded bbq restaurant chain recently unveiled new limited time menu items. 

Here are the five new dishes available this summer at Sonny’s BBQ:

1. Brisket & Mac Egg Rolls Loaded with Chopped Brisket, mac & cheese, and Pepper Jack cheese. Served with a side of Smokin’ ranch for dippin’. $7.99

2. Brisket Grilled CheeseChopped Brisket tossed in queso, topped with cheddar cheese and sandwiched between two pieces of toasted garlic bread. $8.99.  Pictured is three orders.

3. Smoked & Spicy Wings Their signature Smoked Wings smothered in their new Spicy Sweet BBQ Sauce. Served with a side of ranch for dippin’. $9.99

4. Loaded Hot TotsCrispy Hot Tots piled high with your choice of Pulled Pork, Pulled Chicken or Chopped Brisket and loaded with queso, fried onion straws and our new Spicy Sweet BBQ sauce. $8.99

5. Hot Link & Pimento Cheese BurgerOur Certified Angus Beef patty and Hot Links stacked with smoked pimento cheese, banana peppers on a toasted bun or garlic bread. $9.99

For more information, please visit: sonnysbbq.com/promos/smoke-and-fire

Interview with Bar Chef Brenda Mulero of Highball & Harvest at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando

Ricky Ly
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Interview with Bar Chef Brenda Mulero of Highball & Harvest at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando

Summer is here in Central Florida and with #WorldCocktailDay just passing by, it seems to be the perfect time to talk about cocktails with one of our favorite restaurants in Orlando – Highball and Harvest set inside The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes. It’s a unique farm-to-table restaurant which sources fresh produce and herbs from the resort’s 7,000-square-foot garden at Whisper Creek Farm, featuring Southern-inspired cuisines and craft cocktails.

We chat with Highball and Harvest’s Bar Chef Brenda Mulera, where their hand-crafted cocktails are infused with seasonal fruits and herbs, and create a culinary adventure that is as inspiring as it is memorable.

Chef Mulero makes all the ingredients in the cocktails by hand and finds joy in customer’s pleasure with her inspired drinks.

Interview with Highball & Harvest Bar Chef Brenda Mulero

Tell us about your background and your education – How did you get interested in the bar scene?

I started from zero at the bar. When I started my career at The Ritz-Carlton I started in the back of the house. A lot of what I learned there as well as skills in the kitchen I acquired from my mother when I was younger then translated into skills I applied when I made the move to go to the front of the house as part of the bar team where I now assist with hand making all the bitters, syrups, etc.

Tell us what a typical day is like for you as you begin to prepare all your cocktail ingredients from start to finish.

I start by making a list of what needs to be done for the day. I’ll take inventory of what the bar needs, prioritize and then get to work. Some of the items I make for the bar such as the juices are squeezed daily however some of the bitters/syrups have a longer shelf life and don’t have to be made every day.

What are some of the biggest obstacles you have overcome to get to where you are today? What is your proudest moment?

The cocktail world is predominantly male and one of the biggest challenges for me is not only being a woman but also being a woman whose first language is Spanish and does not really drink often. My proudest moment was when I got the position I am currently in. To me it meant I had overcome all the challenges that were placed in my way and I have finally “made it!”

What are some of the most important things you have learned as Bar Chef at The Ritz-Carlton?

This is a tough question, I feel like I am constantly learning because I am in a position that is ever-changing. So many things factor into what I do like cocktail trends, seasonal ingredients and so on that I feel as though I am constantly learning and trying to stay up to date in my field by reading relevant blogs, magazines, etc. I am always adapting my approach and experimenting. I have also learned how gratifying it can be when someone enjoys a cocktail whose component is one I’ve made.

What are some of your favorite cocktails to make?

I would say the Doc Holliday is probably one of my favorites to make. The entire cocktail is comprised of components that are all house-made like the ginger syrup, the ginger beer and the blueberry cordial.

What are some signature cocktails that can be found only at your resort?

All of our current signature cocktails can only be found at the hotel, particularly at Highball & Harvest. Most if not all include ingredients I have created for the bar team.

What are some good bar bite suggestions to pair with your cocktails?

It would depend on the cocktail because they’re all so different in taste and flavor profile but if I had to pick one, the Pimento Cheeseburger pairs well with just about everything.

You take so much pride in your cocktails, I love it – how do you choose your ingredients and sources for your cocktails?

Thank you!  I am always in search of new ingredients and what is in season but I particularly am always looking for ingredients/sources I have never tried or seen before.

What are some great refreshing cocktails you recommend for this summer to enjoy at Highball and Harvest?

We are rolling out a new cocktail menu in a few weeks and I would recommend one of the new ones, the “Midnight Sun” which has Woodford Reserve, my own recipe for a blueberry shrub and fresh lemon juice. It’s light, refreshing, and can be enjoyed as a cocktail by the pool or with dinner.

For more information, visit:

Highball & Harvest
4012 Central Florida Parkway
Orlando, Florida 32837 United States

(407) 393-4422

First Look: Paris Banh Mi Café Bakery opens in the Mills 50 District

Tiffany Nguyen
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First Look: Paris Banh Mi Café Bakery opens in the Mills 50 District

For Hien & Doan Tran, after many years of pondering about having their own café bakery so that they can bake their fine French breads and pastries for all to enjoy, their dream has finally come true!

Paris Banh Mi Café Bakery is a family owned, offering authentic French breads, pastries, desserts, coffee and boba drinks made with the finest and freshest of ingredients.

They offer customers a place where family, friends, and students can spend quality time together. Every day they are working to add more premium products and healthier options for their customers. It is also very important for them to engage with the community and support them to achieve their own mission.

They invite you to walk through their doors and let the sweet smell of sugar, spice, almonds, and cream wash over you. Order a Vietnamese sandwich (banh mi), boba tea, take a look in their bakery case and dessert selections and select some goodies to take home to share.

Top Three Things to Order at Paris Banh Mi Café Bakery:

1. Banh Mi


Best in town by far – they baked their own bread.  Grilled pork (front) and special combination (back).  Only $5!


2. Boba tea 
My favorite was their Milk Cheese Tea Foam with boba.


Paris by Night with boba was also pretty good.

3. PastriesGrab a tong and a tray and pick your own pastries. So much fun!






4. Desserts

They offer a variety of desserts including cakes available for purchase.

Daily specials:

All subs and baked pastries: buy 5, get 1 FREE.

Drinks: buy 2, get 1 FREE.

The owner informed us that they only have one location.

Paris Banh Mi Café Bakery (located near Lazy Moon)
1021 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32803
(407) 866-2012
parisbanhmicafebakery.com

All-New TODAY Cafe Opens at Universal Orlando Resort

Ricky Ly
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All-New TODAY Cafe Opens at Universal Orlando Resort

The new TODAY Cafe allows guests to experience the Studio 1A Themed Cafe, designed to feel like stepping onto the iconic TODAY show set along with specialty food and beverage options.

The TODAY Cafe replaces the Beverly Hills Boulangerie at Universal Studios Florida which focused on baked goods, coffee and sandwiches. It’s set in an ideal location for those guests who enter the park in the morning and are looking for breakfast, lunch, or a snack to nourish and power them through the day as they start their adventure through Universal Studios.

Every day menu options include fresh, in-house baked pastries, salads, sandwiches and specialty, locally-roasted coffees including a unique blend made exclusively for the TODAY Cafe. Guests can grab items on-the-go, or enjoy their meal any time of the day at seating both inside and outside in an area designed to look like the TODAY Plaza.

The TODAY Cafe also offers specialty breakfast options like avocado toast and an organic acai bowl to New York-inspired sandwiches and salads.

The TODAY Show is America’s number-one morning show and the restaurant venue is totally inspired by the show – complete with stage lighting and vibrant orange theming – as well as top headlines from TODAY’s live broadcast.

The anchors of the show, Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Al Roker, Carson Daly, Craig Melvin, Jenna Bush Hager, Sheinelle Jones, Dylan Dreyer, Willie Geist and others, helped to inspire the one-of-a-kind experience that can only be found at Universal Studios Florida.

One of the standout features of the TODAY Cafe menu are the seasonal dishes inspired by co-anchor Al Roker’s favorite recipes.

Al’s Avocado Toast – The first seasonal dish is Al’s Avocado Toast, inspired by the one and only Al Roker! This dish features smashed avocados, cherry tomatoes, artichokes, roasted red onions, tomato aioli, toasted farmhouse white, served with bread & butter pickles.

Top menu highlights include a new twist on a classic Italian sandwich piled high with porchetta, spicy capicola, provolone, roasted tomato, arugula, basil aioli on a crunchy baguette, and an Asian-inspired chicken salad that will combine baby arugula, cabbage, radicchio, shitake mushrooms, daikon sprouts, wasabi cashews and soy peanut vinaigrette. Additionally, in tribute to a long running tradition in the fourth hour of TODAY, guests can enjoy wine and beer on tap with a delicious cheese platter for two.

Mulberry Street Italian Sandwich – Porchetta, spicy capicola, coppa, provolone, arugula, roasted tomato, basil aioli, on a crusty baguette

My favorite salad – the SOHO Salad – roasted cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, arugula, farro, avocado, prosciutto, lemon vinaigrette

I <3 Vegan-  Roasted Portobello mushrooms, peppers, zucchini, carrots, vegan jalapeno cheese, sun-dried tomato pesto, pressed cranberry artisan bread

Here is the current menu for the TODAY Cafe as of May 2019:

Breakfast Sandwiches

Egg White Florentine (UD) – $8.99
cheddar cheese, oven roasted tomato, spinach on ciabatta with fresh fruit

Bagel Toast (UD) – $8.99
almond butter, Nutella cream cheese, bananas, strawberries, chia seeds, toasted almonds, semi-sweet chocolate chips with fresh fruit

Ham, Egg & Cheese (UD) – $8.99
shaved ham, cheddar cheese on ciabatta with fresh fruit

Bowls

Overnight Oats (UD) – $6.99
old fashioned oats, almond milk, agave, chia seeds with seasonal berries, toasted coconut and toasted almonds

Acai Bowl (UD) – $9.99
topped with strawberries, organic granola, bananas, toasted coconut and chia seeds

Pastries

Cookies (UD) – $2.99
Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal Raisin

Croissants & Kruffins (UD) – $3.49
Assorted croissants, kruffins and palmiers

Muffins, Brioche & Cupcakes (UD) – $4.99
Assorted muffins, brioche and cupcakes

Cheesecake & Cream Puffs (UD) – $5.49
Assorted cheesecakes on a stick and cream puffs

Cakes (UD) – $4.69
Assorted tortes, cakes, Napoleons and Tiramisu

Eclairs (UD) – $4.49
Chocolate or Vanilla

Tarts (UD) – $5.39
Assorted fruit tarts

Sandwiches

The Carnegie Platter (UD) – $13.99
hot piled high pastrami, Swiss cheese, deli mustard, toasted rye served with potato salad

The Big Apple Cheese Platter (UD) – $11.99
cheddar, Swiss, pepper jack, red delicious apples, roasted tomatoes on grilled farmhouse white bread served with potato salad

30 Rock Midtowner Platter (UD) – $12.99
shaved roasted turkey, smoked gouda, tomato aioli, pressed cranberry artisan bread served with potato salad

I Heart Vegan (UD) – $12.99
roasted portobello, peppers, zucchini, carrots, vegan jalapeno cheese, sun-dried tomato pesto, cranberry artisan bread, served with fresh fruit

Little Italy Caprese Platter (UD) – $12.99
fresh mozzarella, vine-ripened and oven roasted tomatoes, basil, basil aioli, warm ciabatta served with fresh fruit

The Bulls & The Bears Platter (UD) – $13.99
smokey beef brisket, cheddar cheese, arugula, pickled red onion, horseradish cream, warm crusty baguette served with potato salad

Mulberry Street Italian Platter (UD) – $12.99
porchetta, spicy capicola, coppa, provolone, roasted tomato, arugula, basil aioli, crusty baguette served with potato salad

Al’s Avocado Toast (UD) – $11.99
smashed avocados, cherry tomatoes, marinated artichokes, roasted red onions, tomato aioli, bread & butter pickles

Salads

The Traditional (UD) – $9.49
Caesar style, housemade croutons, Parmigiano-Reggiano

Kale with Oven Roasted Chicken (UD) – $12.49
shaved fennel, red delicious apples, sun-dried cranberries, toasted pumpkin seeds, goat cheese, maple dijon vinaigrette

SOHO (UD) – $12.49
roasted cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, arugula, farro, avocado, prosciutto, lemon vinaigrette

Roasted Root Beets & Carrots (UD) – $10.99
baby spinach, quinoa, edamame, avocado, gorgonzola, toasted walnuts, honey dijon vinaigrette

Chinatown Chicken Salad (UD) – $12.49
baby arugula, napa cabbage, radicchio, shiitake mushrooms, daikon sprouts, wasabi cashews, soy peanut vinaigrette

Afternoon Treats
Cheese Platter for 2 (UD) – $18.99
selection of cheeses accompanied by grapes and crackers

 

New Vietnamese Menu Dishes at Viet Garden in Orlando’s Mills 50 District

Ricky Ly
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New Vietnamese Menu Dishes at Viet Garden in Orlando’s Mills 50 District

The long-time favorite Viet Garden, one of the first Vietnamese restaurants in Orlando’s Mills 50 District, recently changed hands to new owners, Mr. and Mrs. Vi Tu.

Mrs. Vi Tu after 18 years working in the nail salon business, decided to take her love of cooking full time through this new venture with her husband, who thankfully has restaurant management experience locally.

There are a few special Vietnamese dishes you can now find at Viet Garden but nowhere else, such as: Vietnamese fried rice cake (banh bot chien), special Vietnamese crab and shrimp udon noodle soup (banh canh cua), and many others to come. She is working on creating new special unique dishes that hopefully will bring high satisfaction to her customers.

We recently tried a few of their new dishes on a recent visit.

Special Fried Chicken and Fried Rice (Com Chien Ga Xoi Mo)

The special chicken and fried rice dish was superb – a nice dark quarter leg of chicken with house fried rice – it is not fried in a traditional sense, but cooked in its own oils. The chicken was juicy.

Vietnamese shrimp, crab and pork spring roll

I loved the shrimp, crab and pork fried Vietnamese spring rolls, which used a slightly different style of wrap than typical Vietnamese spring rolls.

Vietnamese roasted quail appetizer

Another special is the Vietnamese roasted quail appetizer served with salt, pepper, and lime – a crispy, crunchy delightful dish, perfect for eating with beer.

Vietnamese iced coffee

Mrs. Tu tells us that she began to find her love of food through her mom’s dishes.

“In my early childhood, I became very fond of the traditional Vietnamese dishes like clear noodle soup, pho, and congee.”

“Some dishes I began to enjoy cooking are Hu Tieu Nam Vang, shrimp crab spring roll, and last udon noodle soup with crab. This inspiration came early on from my mother when I ate her cooking and along with my family to take care of, I want to give them the best through my cooking.”

When asked what is the secret to good Vietnamese food, she says that “with cooking good Vietnamese food, there is no secret. When I cook, I put all of my passion into it with the intention of giving my best to my customers.”

Viet Garden
1237 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32803
http://www.vietgardenorlando.com/

House of Blues at Disney Springs Debuts New 2019 Menu Items

Ricky Ly
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House of Blues at Disney Springs Debuts New 2019 Menu Items

The House of Blues at Disney Springs overflows with art – from the decor to the music to the food. The restaurant itself is surrounded by touches of eclectic, contemporary and traditional southern art, especially folk art. Looking around, you could feel the soul and heart that was put into each piece of art adorning its walls.

There’s nightly live entertainment from local bands to rockstar karaoke acts. It’s also the home to some very soulful, flavorful Southern-inspired dishes.

The very first House of Blues opened its doors in a converted historical house in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1992 and is home to live music, original folk art, and delta-inspired cuisine.

The House of Blues grew out of founder Isaac Tigrett’s love for the unique American art form known as the “the Blues” – the founder aimed to introduce the world to the music of the rural south, including the Blues, Rhythm and Blues, Gospel, Jazz and Roots-based Rock & Roll.

Canadian comic actor Dan Aykroyd (Saturday Night Live, Ghostbusters, Blues Brothers 2000) is a co-owner of House of Blues, and can sometimes be found on the building premises enjoying a meal or perusing the merchandise shop, if you look closely enough.

We were excited to have the opportunity to try some of these new dishes as well as some classic crowd favorites.

New House of Blues Dishes:

Country Fried Steak – I enjoyed the hint of peppery spice from this dish, a crispy fried USDA Prime flat iron steak, swimming in a sauce of andouille country gravy, and a nice heaping of roasted garlic mashed potatoes, herb salad

The Yardbird – A bourbon-butter-brushed fried chicken breast, with slaw, buffalo aioli and dill pickles, also available simply grilled. Tasty, crunchy, fabulous fried chicken sandwich.

Classic Favorites:

Voodoo Shrimp – You can really taste the New Orleans creole roots of this dish, a sautéed shrimp in a spicy, flavorful, deep Abita Amber beer reduction sauce served over jalapeño-cheese cornbread. It reminds me of a dish I had at Brennan’s in New Orlean’s French Quarter.

Juicy Lucy – The cheesey hamburger made with a beef-and-bacon grind patty stuffed with provolone cheese and topped with crispy jalapeños, roasted tomatoes, and chipotle mayo

Bourbon Bread Pudding – a taste of heaven on a plate – this bread pudding has hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar, and that sweet sweet butter. Fluffy and intoxicating.

Full List of New House of Blues Dishes and Drinks:

Appetizers

  • BBQ Brisket Nachos: Slow-smoked BBQ brisket, house-cut tortilla chips, aged cheddar, avocado, roasted corn salsa, red onion, cotija cheese
  • HOB Wings Served Three Ways: Texas BBQ Wings – with crispy onion, cilantro, ranch dressing; Nashville Style – with B&B pickles, blue cheese dressing; and Buffalo – with slaw, shaved habanero, blue cheese dressing
  • Double Dip Deux: Pimento dip and avocado salsa with house-cut tortilla chips
BBQ Brisket Nachos

Flatbreads

  • BBQ Chicken: Memphis sweet BBQ sauce, mozzarella and gouda, cilantro, smoked pulled chicken, cilantro crema, pickled red onion
  • Margherita: Roasted garlic, mozzarella, balsamic tomato, basil and feta

Sandwiches and Burgers

  • The Yardbird: Bourbon-butter-brushed fried chicken breast, with slaw, buffalo aioli and dill pickles, also available simply grilled
  • Impossible Burger: Built 100 percent Vegan with Impossible™ burger patty, American cheese, shredded romaine, secret sauce and dill pickle chips

Entrées

  • Country Fired Steak: USDA Prime flat iron steak, served with andouille country gravy, roasted garlic mashed potatoes and herb salad
  • Smoked Chicken: Half bird served with BBQ beans, slaw, B&B pickles, southern street corn, jalapeño cheese cornbread and a medley of signature sauces

Cocktails

  • Frisky Whiskey: Woodford Reserve bourbon, Luxardo Sangue Morlacco, lemon, orange, simple syrup
  • South of Manhattan: Buffalo Trace bourbon, Sazerac rye, Luxardo Sangue Morlacco, Martini & Rossi sweet vermouth, Peychaud’s bitters, Luxardo cherry, lemon
    Strawberry Fields: Captain Morgan spiced rum, Disaronno amaretto, strawberry, passion fruit, mint, lime
  • Royal Orleans: Crown Royal Apple whiskey, ginger, lime, mint
    Dark Night: Gosling’s dark rum, Fuji apple, lemon, simple syrup, hibiscus, mint, ginger beer
  • All Night Long: Hendrick’s gin, Cointreau, raspberry, lemon, mint, simple syrup
    Black & Blues: Ketel One Botanical Cucumber & Mint vodka, cucumber, blackberry, lemon, simple syrup

“We are excited for guests to try our new menu, and we are truly proud of the work that the House of Blues’ executive culinary team put into each item,” said Jason Petrina, General Manager, House of Blues Orlando. “Our very talented team methodically crafted a selection of made-from-scratch dishes that stay true to the menu’s signature flavor profiles, while introducing both new and familiar ingredients that complement favorites. We are confident that this new menu will be an instant hit!”

House of Blues at Disney Springs
Address: 1490 Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
For more information on House of Blues Orlando, please visit www.HouseofBlues.com/Orlando, or call 407-934-2583.

BurgerFI’s Limited Edition Venezuelan Arepa-Inspired Street Snack Burger

Ricky Ly
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BurgerFI’s Limited Edition Venezuelan Arepa-Inspired Street Snack Burger

BurgerFI is known for crafting their all-natural burgers using natural Angus beef, free of hormones, steroids and antibiotics. Their menu also includes hand-cut fries, Veggie burger, Grilled Chicken sandwich, a veggie quinoa based burger, and a plant-based Beyond Burger as well as frozen custard desserts. From time to time, they feature limited edition special burgers.

In honor of National Hamburger Month, BurgerFi has launched a new twist on a classic street food dish with roots in the Venezuelan Arepa (corn cakes).

The Venezuelan street-food inspired Street Stack features Griddle Corn Cakes (arepas), an All-Natural Angus Beef Patty, melted White Cheddar and Mozzarella Cheeses and Smoky Bacon & Charred Jalapeno Pico de Gallo. Also, $1 from each sandwich will go back to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to help end childhood cancer.

Here Is A Look at the BURGERFI Street Snack Burger in all its Glory:

The Street Stack burger – cheesy and glorious with a sweet corn cake bun

Very good Onion Rings from BurgerFI – a nice light crunch to them

CRY + FRY – Hand-Cut Fries, Double Battered Onion Rings “Urban Style” with garlic aioli sauce

BurgerFi will also be offering $5 BurgerFi Cheeseburgers on National Hamburger Day on Tuesday, May 28.*

538 S Park Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
https://burgerfi.com/

First Look: 20th Anniversary of Shula’s Steak House at Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort with Coach Don Shula

Tiffany Nguyen
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First Look: 20th Anniversary of Shula’s Steak House at Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort with Coach Don Shula

We were recently invited to a media cocktail hour at the flagship Shula’s Steak House at Walt Disney World Swan And Dolphin Resort here in Orlando with Coach Don Shula, the namesake legendary Miami Dolphin’s coach and NFL’s most-winningest coach.

During the reception we celebrated Shula’s Steak House Orlando’s 20th anniversary, the roll-out of their new branding, new menu, and newly minted restaurant renovations.

The updated menu by new executive corporate chef Demetrio Zavala aims to deliver high impact flavors using fresh ingredients and lighter alternatives.

The menu now features a selection of top-quality USDA Prime and dry-aged steaks, accompanied by classic sauces and butter – including sauce bordelaise, horseradish cream, and truffled butter, fresh seafood selections, refreshing salads, and an array of traditional sides like Potato Gratin, three-cheese Macaroni and Cheese, Sautéed Mushrooms and Steamed Asparagus with bearnaise vinaigrette.

Shula’s Steak House is a part of the 30-year-old Shula’s Restaurant Group which also includes Shula 2-Steak-Sports, Shula’s Bar & Grill, Shula Burger and Shula’s 347 Grill.

Here is an Inside Look at the new Shula’s Steak House:

The hallway now features inset wall spaces showcasing a timeline of Coach Shula’s career.

The back wall has now been updated to highlight the three stages of Shula’s career: celebrating a record-breaking 325 wins, his first Super Bowl win to cap-off the only undefeated season in NFL history, and his induction to the Pro Football Hall of Fame via three framed, large-format images.

The new wine tower highlights Shula’s Steak House’s extensive wine program and seeks to elevate the guest experience with an eye toward stunning design and sophisticated beverage pairings with the menu’s new focus.

At the newly renovated bar with Executive Chef Demetrio Zavala.  The bar and lounge space at Shula’s Steak House has been expanded and now features a three-sided, wraparound bar for socializing and networking.

Luciano Sperduto, Director of Food & Beverage for the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort, says of the refreshed Shula’s Steak House, “It is an honor for the Orlando location of this great brand to be the first establishment to reveal the changes. Shula’s Steak House hasbeen a staple of this iconic resort’s food and beverage program, and we look forward to many years of continued success together.”


Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes


Steak with Béarnaise Sauce


Shrimp and Toasted Brioche

Premium Black Angus Steak Tartare – Minced Center Cut Filet served with Caper Aoili and Toasted Brioche


Seafood Bar for the Private Reception


Lobster, Crab, and Oysters

Lobster Tail

Oysters on the Half Shell

Crab Claw


Miami Dolphins-Themed Sugar Sculpture


Executive Chef Demetrio Zavala

Born on an army base in Colorado Springs, CO, Executive Chef Demetrio Zavala spent most of his life living in Florida. His family has Greek, Italian, French, Spanish, and Mexican roots and his grandmother and uncle were his greatest influences growing up.

Chef Zavala started cooking at the age of 15 as a prep cook in an Italian Restaurant in Boca Raton, Florida. He then learned classic French cooking at Gazebo Café and went on to La Vieille Maison and Mezzaluna with Chef Pierre Viau, where he really was inspired. Today, his culinary influences include Chefs Pierre Viau, John Belleme, Eric Ripert, Daniel Boulud, Jean Georges, and Dante Boccuzzi.

Interview Q &A with Executive Chef Demetrio Zavala:

What are some of your first childhood memories around food? My memories of food growing up are walking through my grandmother’s garden picking her tomatoes and cucumbers. I would rinse them off in a bowl of water and eat them right away with a salt shaker I would bring into the garden. I would spend a lot of time with grandma in the kitchen peeling potatoes, cucumbers and watching her make tomato sauce.

What were some of your favorite dishes growing up? My favorite dishes growing up were my grandma’s lasagna, rope vieja, lichen aside, pickled beets, duck a l’orange, buttermilk tomato cucumber salad, curry chicken, her black beans and rice. I can’t forget Chicago hot dog.

What was that moment where you realized you wanted to become a chef? I realized I wanted to be a chef when I saw what food did to people. The holidays at my grandma’s house everyone would come over enjoy and truly be happy. At that moment I realized I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives through food. I started at Max’s Grille in Boca in 1995 this was the icing on the cake for me. I was able to taste all kinds of ingredients, that I had never been exposed to. Everyone treated the ingredient with such care, I was amazed. It reminded me of how my grandma would talk to her plant and care for them. I did my first wine dinner with chef Pierre Viau at Cafe Max, I was in another world. This is what I want to spend the rest of my life doing. The reactions that people gave when eating the food, it gave me goosebumps. I felt happier in this moment then I have ever felt in my life. Chef Pierre Viau helped me stage in NY and various restaurants. He would tell me I have a gift and I had what it takes to be a good chef. I would stay late and come in early to learn. He truly nurtured and enhanced my cooking skills. This why I love being a chef.

What are some of your favorite new dishes on the menu? Some of my favorite dishes on the Steakhouse menu are the tuna tartare, steak tartare, seared scallops, wedge salad, Prime NY Strip, roasted 1/2 chicken and the truffle cream corn.

What are some of the ingredients you are most excited about working with this season? It’s springtime and I really enjoy working with green strawberries, ramps, english peas, fava beans, rhubarb and spring lamb.

With 20 years in the business, what are the all-time guest favorite dishes? My country pate with carrot mustard jam.  Cantaloupe Soup, milk foam, lemon compressed cucumbers and pickled chilies.  Roasted Lamb, eggplant yogurt puree, chermoula, lamb fat cereal, lamb jus.  Duck Waldorf, cranberry ketchup, walnut puree and smoked apples.  Turnip Carbonara, duck bacon, duck egg, sage, parmesan, apple ash.  Carrot Caesar, shaved heirloom carrots, pistachio, maple croutons, foie gras caesar dressing, carrot tops.  PB&J, Marshmallow cremeux, aerated peanut butter cake, concord grape sorbet.

What do you love most about working at Shula’s Steak House? I really enjoy working with the team behind Shula’s Restaurant Group, especially CEO Bill Freeman who is a true visionary and hospitality industry veteran. He has allowed me to be creative and do what I do best in the kitchen.

What is the secret to a great steak? The secret to cooking a perfect steak is to sous vide it first and letting it rest once it has been seared.

What is your favorite side dish with steak? Favorite wine pairing? My favorite side dish is the Crispy hash browns with lemon, thyme and caramelized onions.

If you could eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be? I would eat salad for the rest of my life. Salad can be done in my different ways. If we are talking junk food I would eat Chicago style hot dogs. My favorite fruit to eat for the rest of my life would be nectarines.

Shula’s Steak House
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort
1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd. Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
shulas.com/shulas-steak-house/

4 Rivers Smokehouse Announces “Endless Summer of BBQ” Specials and Menu

Tiffany Nguyen
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4 Rivers Smokehouse Announces “Endless Summer of BBQ” Specials and Menu

What’s cooking at 4 River Smokehouse this summer?

We were invited to join John Rivers, 4R Restaurant Group Founder/CEO, in his private test kitchen for an exclusive preview of the new “Endless Summer of BBQ” dishes he’s dreamt up for 4 Rivers Smokehouse.

We enjoyed a first glimpse (and taste) of the new “Endless Summer” menu featuring limited-time-only specials available at 4 Rivers Smokehouse locations (excluding downtown Orlando and Atlanta locations) from Monday, June 3 to Saturday, August 3.

Here are the new “Endless Summer of BBQ” Menu Items for 4 Rivers Smokehouse:

1. 4R Footlong
Grilled all-beef footlong hotdog piled high with pulled pork, melted cheddar, coleslaw and 4R Signature Sauce.

2. Baby Back Ribs with Peach Habanero Sauce
Succulent slow-smoked baby back ribs topped with limited edition 4R Peach Habanero summer bbq sauce.

3. Lemon Basil Raspberry Cupcake

4. S’Mores Cupcake

The “Endless Summer of BBQ” menu will also feature healthier plant-based options with the debut of 4Roots Salads, with a portion of the proceeds from each salad sold being donated to the 4Roots Farm & Agriculture Center. The 4Roots salads also can have meat added to upon request.

Here are the new 4 Roots Salad Menu Line from 4 Rivers:

1. Texas Caesar SaladCrisp romaine leaves topped with protein-rich roasted chickpeas, signature 4R cornbread croutons and shaved Parmesan. Served with vegetarian Caesar dressing.

2. Farmhouse SaladTender kale spring mix and crisp romaine topped with protein-rich roasted chickpeas, chopped cucumber, tomatoes, onion, cheddar cheese and signature 4R cornbread croutons. Served with choice of dressing.

3. Tangy Thai SaladTender kale spring mix topped with protein-rich roasted chickpeas, julienned cabbage and garnished with toasted sliced almonds. Served with spicy Thai vinaigrette.

In addition to all of the Endless Summer of BBQ happenings at 4 Rivers Smokehouse, the rest of the 4 Rivers family of restaurants are also celebrating summer in new, exciting ways.

Here are the New Monthly Summer Specials at The COOP:

June – Chicken Tender Bowl

July – Chicken Tender Club

August – Buffalo Chicken Salad Sandwich

4R Cantina Barbacoa food truck at Disney Springs will also be offering new frozen sweet treats to help visitors beat the heat this summer, including:

1. Cookies & Cream Ice Cream Taco

2. Key Lime Pie Pop

3. Banana Cream Pie Pop

4. Peanut Butter Pie Pop

As part of its year-long 10th anniversary celebration, 4 Rivers Smokehouse has announced a variety of specials and giveaways.

  • Memorial Day, Monday, May 27 – free classic sandwich for all active duty military, veterans and first responders. Simply show ID at the register.
  • National Brisket Day, Tuesday, May 28 – first 100 guests at each Smokehouse location will receive a Free Brisket Sandwich card that’s redeemable May 29 – June 15.  4 Rivers Smokehouse social media followers will also have the opportunity to win prizes throughout the day.
  • July 4th from 11 a.m. to 5 pm – all active duty military, veterans and first responders will receive one free classic sandwich. Simply show ID at the register.  Not valid at downtown Orlando location.

From June 3 to Aug. 3 social media followers of 4 Rivers Smokehouse can win amazing Endless Summer of BBQ weekly giveaways by using #4Rsummer when posting photos on social media. Weekly prizes range from free sandwiches and theme park tickets to free 4 Rivers food for an entire year. To be eligible, fans must engage with 4 Rivers Smokehouse each week on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter for announcements on ways to win.

For more Endless Summer of BBQ information, visit: www.4rsmokehouse.com/summer.

For BBQ lovers looking to host a summer social event, 4 Rivers catering is offering $25 off all catering orders more than $200 from June 3 until July 3. For more information regarding 4 Rivers Catering specials click here.

ABOUT 4 RIVERS RESTAURANT GROUP
Established in Winter Park, Fla. in 2009, 4 Rivers Smokehouse is a family-owned “Barbecue Ministry” specializing in 30-day aged Smoked Angus Brisket and “Homestyle Sides,” as well as bold twists of flavor and ingredient combinations with “Signature Stackers” and “From the Farm” offerings. At the helm is Founder/CEO John Rivers, who strives to support the local community through exceptional products, steadfast customer service, and uncompromised integrity.

4 Rivers Smokehouse currently has 14 operating locations spanning the state of Florida and Atlanta, Georgia.  In addition to online ordering, the Smokehouse also has a catering food truck that can be spotted in and around the Central Florida area with locations listed on @4RiversCatering Instagram handle. Also part of the 4R family is The COOP, a neighborhood restaurant celebrating the home-style fare of the South serving breakfast, lunch and dinner in Winter Park.

All Smokehouse locations and The COOP are open Monday through Saturday and closed every Sunday to give team members a day for family and worship. 4 Rivers Smokehouse sauces and signature rubs are available for purchase in Publix stores throughout the Southeast online via Amazon.

For additional information about 4 Rivers Smokehouse or to inquire about catering opportunities, please call 407.4RIVERS or visit www.4rsmokehouse.com.

(Source: 4 Rivers Smokehouse)

First Look: Hi-5 Poke and Sushi on International Drive

Tiffany Nguyen
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First Look: Hi-5 Poke and Sushi on International Drive

We were invited to check out a few dishes at Hi-5 Poke and Sushi on International Drive (located in the same plaza as Backstage Billiards, near Premium Outlets). The menu features a list of poke bowls, bao buns, wings, and more.

Here are Our Top 4 Things To Try at Hi-5 Poke and Sushi:

1. Hi-5 Poke “Nacho”

Wonton Chips, Hi-5 Poke Ahi Tuna, Fresh Avocado, Cucumber, Red Onions, Fresh Jalapenos, Spicy Mayo, Sesame Seeds.  This was my favorite dish because I am a sucker for chips, raw fish, avocado, and spicy mayo.  I would go back and order this over and over.

2. House Made Bao Burgers With Chicken Teriyaki


This was my friend’s favorite dish, it was pleasantly unique and surprisingly good.  Traditional Asian sliced bread packed full of chicken teeming with a summer slaw.  It’s also made from SCRATCH every morning.  We tried our burger with chicken teriyaki but I am already looking forward to coming back and trying it with pork belly next time. The chips were delicious.  They take a lotus root, slice it, then fry it.

3. Cilantro Garlic Lime Wings


Asian style wings.  Great flavors and crispy.  What more do you need?  Highly recommended.

4. Build-Your-Own Poke Bowl

The flavor profile of the bowl and consistency of the rice a bit different than what I am used to.  I wish the rice had a bit more vinegar in it to make it a bit more firm.  I am willing to give it another try.

The owners have a background in design and you can tell by the way that they’ve put together their store.  It is a cute, fun, laid-back Hawaiian themed spot that has a lot of potential.  Best of luck, guys!

Hi-5 Poke and Sushi
5748 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 730-9087
hi5poke.com

Burgers and Mega Milkshakes at Smokey Bones

Ricky Ly
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Burgers and Mega Milkshakes at Smokey Bones

May is #NationalBBQMonth and #NationalBurgerMonth and Smokey Bones is celebrating with their signature ½ LB Burgers or build your own burger with a choice of over 40+ toppings.

Smokey Bones is a full-service restaurant known for its slow-smoked premium meats, barbecue specialties, mouthwatering half-pound burgers and bar stocked with signature craft cocktails, 40+ bourbons and whiskeys, and 40+ beer selections.Guests can treat their taste buds to award-winning giant Smoked Wings, fall-off-the-bone 2.5 LB Smoked Baby Back Ribs, Smoked Hand-Pulled Pork and Premium ½ LB Burgers customized with a choice of over 40 toppings.

The restaurant also features All-You-Can-Devour Wings on Mondays, All-You-Can-Eat BBQ Tacos on Wednesdays, Southern Brunch on Sundays, and Late Night specials every night, along with lunch, dinner and children’s menus. Smokey Bones also offers guests a variety of ways to dine with private dining, catering, pick-up, delivery and online ordering.

We were recently invited to try their burgers and brand new mega milkshakes and were not disappointed. Actually, it was surprisingly delicious – more so than many places I have tried for burgers this year. The key is in their patty which uses high quality beef and seasoned to perfection – not too salty or too bland, just the right amount.

I order the Morning Glory Burger topped with bacon and fried egg – delicious!

Morning Glory Burger
1/2 lb burger + American cheese + bacon + chipotle ketchup + fried egg.

Our dining partner also ordered a Hawaiian style ribeye which was fantastic as well as the Bone fire barbecue platter, where they bring a grill to your table still smoking with wood chips that give it a nice aroma. The dish includes steak, chicken wings, sliced chicken breast, Italian sausage links, ribs, with potato wedges, roasted peppers and onions on the side. Pretty much the whole barbecue pit on a plate!


The Bone Fire

This season, Smokey Bones just debuted their hand-spun, over-the-top Mega Milkshake creations featuring dessert on top of dessert including: Oreo Cookie, Chocolate Layer Cake, Vanilla Stacked Donut. They were as delicious as they looked for sure.

Mega Milkshakes
Choose between the OREO® Cookie Shake, Chocolate Layer Cake Shake, or Vanilla Stacked Donut Shake.

Smokey Bones is a full-service bar and fire-grill restaurant that operates 66 locations in 16 states. It is owned by an affiliate of Boca Raton, Fla.-based Sun Capital Partners, whose portfolio of restaurants also includes Boston Market, Friendly’s, Johnny Rockets, Bar Louie, and other restaurant brands representing approximately 2,000 locations and $2.0 billion in sales.

Smokey Bones
303 N Alafaya Trail, Orlando, FL 32828
http://smokeybones.com/

First Look: The Ramen in Downtown Orlando

Ricky Ly
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First Look: The Ramen in Downtown Orlando

First of all, they could have chose a better name. Maybe Ichimen Ramen instead of The Ramen. Founded by Chef Suichi Tanida, formerly chef for Mitsukoshi restaurant in the Japan Pavilion at Disney’s Epcot – this restaurant is opened at the former location of a newish Philly Connection at 486 N. Orange Ave. The interior is very much the same as before, with many of the green banquette seats and tables from the former restaurant still in use.

The appetizer menu includes takoyaki (octopus fritter balls), fred chicken kara-age – served with a sweet and sour style sauce, and gyoza among others.

The ramen menu includes the Ichimen ramen made of a pork broth with nibuta style sliced pork, menma, kikurage, benishoga, green onion, and nori as well as the shoyu (soy sauce based) ramen and miso ramen.

There is also a Tonkotsu pork broth ramen with pork belly and a cha shu ramen with nibuta pork and cha shu pork belly.

You can customize with various toppings as well including boiled eggs, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, corn, and bean sprouts.

There’s a vegan menu that is tofu based as well as a donburi rice bowl menu with pork and chicken and roast beef rice bowls.

Overall, I would compare the place to a very traditional ramen shop that you might find in Japan, with not much frills or wild flavors, just simple ramen. The noodles could use some finesse or better sourcing as they seemed to lack flavor and bounce to me. The best part of my meal were the tender pork belly slices and the fried chicken.

Sliced Pork Belly Cha Shu

The Ramen
486 N Orange Ave, Ste 8
Orlando, FL 32801

Upcoming Event: Wine Lounge: A Night of Jazz and Tastings at Lake Nona’s Lakehouse

Ricky Ly
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Upcoming Event: Wine Lounge: A Night of Jazz and Tastings at Lake Nona’s Lakehouse

An exclusive wine tasting event will take place on May 31 beginning at 6 p.m. at Lake Nona’s Lakehouse.

The tasting will feature six unique blends from Tavistock Wine Collection private label wines (not sold in stores) paired with artisan cheeses, specialty chocolates, and chef-inspired food tastings.

Located near Canvas Restaurant & Market and Tom Fruin’s iconic Glass House art installation, the Lakehosue is a gorgeous waterfront event venue.

Doors and bar open at 6 p.m.
Tastings begin at 6:30 p.m.
Live jazz and vocal performances begin at 7:30 p.m.
$20 per ticket includes all wine and small bite tastings as well as a full glass of your choice. Full bar will be available for additional beverage purchases. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

More information is available here: https://www.facebook.com/events/448948639190218/

Father-son duo opens Burger Barn in Orlando

Tiffany Nguyen
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Father-son duo opens Burger Barn in Orlando

Burger Barn, a fast-casual establishment founded by Steven and his 15-year-old son Ryan, will open their first Central Florida location tomorrow at 11787 International Dr., near SeaWorld.

Burger Barn serves fresh, pressed-to-order Angus beef burgers, hand-dipped milkshakes, and crispy chicken wings with a commitment to high quality ingredients served in a welcoming, family-centered environment.

Burger Barn’s first restaurant was opened in Jacksonville in 2017.  This is the chain’s second location in Florida and its first stand-alone Burger Barn.  We were invited to check them out during their soft opening mode and we really enjoyed our burger and sides and getting to know the down-to-earth owners Steven and Ryan.

They are celebrating their grand opening tomorrow & Sunday by giving away a free drink and fries with the purchase of an entree item definitely check them out if you’re in the area.

HANGOVER BURGER – Fresh Certified Angus Beef on a toasted potato roll with a fried egg, hot sauce, lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, smoked bacon, and choice of cheese (American, Swiss, Pepperjack, and Cheddar).  It was delicious!

MAC DADDY & CRISPY FRIES – Fresh Certified Angus Beef topped with a serving of homemade mac and cheese.  My friend ordered this burger and she enjoyed it.

HAWAIIAN BURGER & BEER BATTERED ONION RINGS – Fresh Certified Angus Beef topped with swiss cheese, grilled pineapple, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and homemade honey sriracha mayo.  It was really good.

BACON QUESO FRIES

HAND-DIPPED MILKSHAKE 20 OZ – Blue Bell Ice Cream served with whipped cream and cherry.  I ordered the Cotton Candy, it was pretty good.  Also available in Dutch Chocolate, Cookies N Cream, Vanilla Bean, and Strawberry, Mint Chocolate Chip, and Cookie Dough.

Burger Barn – Orlando
11787 International Drive
burgerbarnfl.com

Q&A with Matt Armstrong, Co-Founder of Huey Magoo’s Chicken Tenders – Local Restaurant Spotlight

Ricky Ly
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Q&A with Matt Armstrong, Co-Founder of Huey Magoo’s Chicken Tenders – Local Restaurant Spotlight

Huey Magoo’s growth continues with the grand opening in ChampionsGate, Florida, CEO and President Andy Howard announced this week. ChampionsGate marks the ninth Huey Magoo’s operating in the Greater Orlando area, the second to open this year, and with the following four additional restaurants opening throughout the Southeast by the end of 2019, Huey Magoo’s company-wide growth will nearly double in one year:

· (Greater Orlando) 10341 West Colonial Drive, Suite 30, Ocoee, FL 64761
· (Daytona) 1268 Beville Road, Daytona, FL 32114
· (South Florida) 9400 West Commercial Boulevard, Suite 101, Sunrise, FL 33351
· (Greater Atlanta) 4630 Atlanta Highway, Loganville, GA 30052

Huey Magoo’s is known for their signature grilled, hand-breaded or “sauced” premium chicken tenders, farm fresh salads, sandwiches and wraps, available as individual meals, meals for two and family-sized options. Each tender is made fresh, all natural, with no antibiotics ever, no hormones, no steroids and no preservatives.

Huey Magoo’s was founded in 2004 by Matt Armstrong and Thad Hudgens, two southern boys with a passion for quality chicken and a penchant for serving others. Voted “Best Fried Chicken” and “Best of the Best Chicken Tenders”, Huey Magoo’s is rapidly expanding throughout the Southeast with multiple locations in the Greater Orlando area and coming soon to South Florida, Tampa, Atlanta and more.

“We are elated to expand Huey Magoo’s family of restaurants from 7 to 13 in just this year alone, nearly doubling our company growth,” says Howard. “We proudly welcome seasoned quick service operators Chris and McKenzie to ChampionsGate, and with many more new markets and locations in development, we cannot wait to continue to make more fans throughout the country of the greatest tasting chicken tenders.”


Huey Magoo’s Matt Armstrong, Andy Howard, Shawn Lawler, Mike Sutter, Matt Poleos, Chris Cohen, McKenzie Cohen

Q&A with Huey Magoo’s Matt Armstrong
1. What inspired you to start this business?

We wanted to provide the best tasting chicken tenders, provide a fun and clean dining environment, while showing our love for people.

2. What were the obstacles you faced in the first few years? How did you overcome them?

Since we were the first to market in Central Florida with a restaurant that specialized only in chicken tenders, it took a while for people to understand just how great the product was and how all ages enjoy our tenders, wraps, sandwiches and salads.

3. When did you know this would be a success?

Once we started getting our chicken into the mouths of people in the area, the word began to spread quickly. It didn’t take long until folks realized how much they craved our tenders and sauce.

4. What trends have you seen in the industry in recent years around chicken tenders?

I call it the 2 to 92 affect… People of all ages love to eat chicken tenders and that trend is growing. Our store sales continue to grow year over year, even as we expand in the market.

5. What are the most popular items right now at Huey Magoo’s?

The 5-piece meal for one will always be our most popular, but our new tender sandwich is my new favorite… 3 hand breaded tenders, thick cut pickle, made from scratch Magoo’s sauce on texas toast or a premium bun.

6. What new items do you have planned in the coming year?

We continue to listen to our guests and industry trends, but our biggest plan for the coming year is to open locations in new markets so everyone can try them and see for themselves just how tasty they really are.

7. What advice would you give to aspiring restaurateurs?

Look for an opportunity that has a specific focus and that is simple enough to do it with consistency for every guest.

For more information on Huey Magoo’s and a complete list of locations, visit www.hueymagoos.com. For franchising information, contact Andy Howard at 214-293-1564 or andy@hueymagoos.com.

A Taste of Ocean Prime – Spring 2019

Katherine Nguyen
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A Taste of Ocean Prime – Spring 2019

Executive Chef Nicholas Pratt and his team at the Orlando Ocean Prime created a pre fixe menu for our visit of what they’d like to share with us.

Enjoy some warm bread while they’re hot with whipped butter. My vote? Go for the pretzel bread first. You can never go wrong with a pretzel.

The Ahi Tuna Tartare is served with avocado, ginger ponzu, and sesame seeds. The avocado and sour cream adds a smoothness to each bite as well as mellows out the saltiness of the ginger ponzu.

Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli with Golden Oak mushrooms is one of my favorite appetizers at Ocean Prime. It’s a wonderful dish to share with a loved one while checking out the menu and debating on if you want to order another. The goat cheese is very subtle and all of the flavors of this dish blends really well.

Of course, you should always have their Chilled Crab Meat Cocktail. The abundant crab meat is sweet and refreshing to the palate.

One of the most popular rolls at Ocean Prime is the prime Roll, which includes tempura shrimp, cream cheese, scallions, and beef carpaccio. If only I could describe this to you, but I’m allergic to shrimp. I guess you’ll have to try it yourself.

Don’t forget the Truffle Salt Popcorn to munch on while waiting on the main entrée. This is the type of snack that you can mindlessly eat no matter how full you are.

The Chilean Sea Bass is one of my favorite types of fish because of how buttery smooth it is. At Ocean Prime, it’s served with whipped potatoes and champagne truffle sauce, which adds to the buttery smooth play on texture.

For others, they may like the Blackened Snapper served with corn spoon bread and jalapeño corn tartar. The flavors of the blackened snapper is nice and great for an area like Florida.

Some popular sides to the fish are Black Truffle Mac & Cheese, Bacon Creamed Spinach, and Jalapeño Au Gratin. Of these three, I prefer Black Truffle Mac & Cheese. Mac & Cheese is a creamy staple from childhood, but with a classy twist of black truffles.

Along with the many other desserts, there’s the Warm Butter Cake served with fresh berries, vanilla ice cream, and raspberry sauce. The fruit makes this dish healthy because it’s fruit, right?

Don’t forget to grab a drink from the cocktail menu or wine list to enjoy with your dishes. The Prime Manhattan is a strong, but smooth drink. It’s made with Woodford Reserve, Carpano Antica Vermouth, Nonino Amaro, and Rosemary Grapefruit Peppercorn Bitters. My go-to is always a whiskey drink so this was perfect.

For a pretty drink, have the Black Orchid – Belvedere Vodka, St. Germaine Elderflower Liqueur, hand squeezed lemon, and white cranberry juice. It’s shaken and served table side over a spherical ice with an edible flower inside.

Back to whiskies, there’s the Blood Orange Old Fashioned made with Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel — Private Selection, blood orange puree, honey water, and Whiskey Barrel Aged Bitters.

Don’t fright if you’re not a fan of seafood but still want to check out Ocean Prime because they do offer chicken, chops and steaks as well as many other vegetarian sides to fit your dietary needs.

For more information, visit
Orlando Ocean Prime
7339 W Sand Lake Rd #400, Orlando, FL 32819

 

Game of Thrones Single Malt Whisky Raffle to Benefit Second Harvest Food Bank (Value: $2,999)

Ricky Ly
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Game of Thrones Single Malt Whisky Raffle to Benefit Second Harvest Food Bank (Value: $2,999)

The final season of HBO’s Game of Thrones is here with just a few episodes to go. HBO has collaborated with Diageo to release a limited edition range of 8 scotch whiskeys and Johnnie Walker has come up with its own tribute to the Iconic series. Now, you can show your allegiance to your favorite House by choosing the whiskey dedicated to it or buy the entire set.

Enter for your chance to win an 8 Bottle Collectors Set of Game of Thrones Single Malt Scotch Whisky to Benefit Second Harvest Food Bank

Benefiting: Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida
Grand Prize: Game of Thrones Single Malt Scotch Whisky Collectors Set generously donated by ABC Fine Wine and Spirits (Worth: $2,999!)

Drink your way through Westeros and honor the great houses of the Seven Kingdoms. Enter for your chance to win an entire collection of Game of Thrones Single Malt Scotch Whisky, just in time to watch the final episode.

Tickets are $25 per entry and limited to the first 1,000 entries.

The winner will be selected by random drawing from all entries on Thursday, May 16, 2019.

Enter to win at: http://www.feedhopenow.org/gotgiveaway 

A huge thank you to ABC Fine Wine and Spirits for their generous donation which makes this drawing possible. Each chance purchased provides 100 meals to help feed children, families and seniors in our community who need it most!

Each bottle draws inspiration from the iconic houses of Westeros, plus the Night’s Watch. These are must-have collectible whiskies for scotch enthusiasts and fans of the show alike.

The set includes the following 750ml bottles:

Game of Thrones House Tully – Singleton of Glendullan Select- ABV 40%
Game of Thrones House Stark – Dalwhinnie Winter’s Frost- ABV 43%
Game of Thrones House Targaryen – Cardhu Gold Reserve- ABV 40%
Game of Thrones House Lannister – Lagavulin 9 Year Old- ABV 46%
Game of Thrones House Greyjoy – Talisker Select Reserve- ABV 45.8%
Game of Thrones House Baratheon – Royal Lochnagar 12 Year Old- ABV 40%
Game of Thrones House Tyrell – Clynelish Reserve- ABV 51.2%
Game of Thrones The Night’s Watch – Oban Bay Reserve- ABV 43%

A collection of eight Scotch whiskies to represent the great houses of Westeros and the noble and courageous Night’s Watch. Whichever house your allegiance lies with there is something in this set for you. Whether you live for fire like the Mother of Dragons, remain loyal like the Starks or fight tooth and nail for power like the Lannisters, there is a whisky to represent the spirit and essence of each House. The distilleries chosen for these whiskies are equally prestigious and have characteristics that align with the Houses of Westeros and the Watchers on the Wall. House Lannister is represented by Lagavulin, known for its powerful smoky flavours, House Stark is represented by Dalwhinnie, whose whiskies are forged in the cold of the North, and House Targaryen is represented by Cardhu, whose history boasts strong female leaders in a male-dominated society. House Tully is represented by Glendullan, who used the power of water to create stunning whisky, House Tyrell is represented by Clynelish, whose floral tones and smoky kick represent the Golden Rose of House Tyrell, and House Baratheon is represented by Royal Lochnagar, whose reign outlived that of the Baratheons, but whose whisky just as lively and full of character as the fallen House. House Greyjoy is represented by Talisker, an island distillery which faces the harsh seas and survives, and the Night’s Watch and represented by Oban, who face the barren seas between the West Highlands and the Islands of Scotland.

Here are some descriptions of the Whiskeys from WhiskeyAdvocate:

Talisker Select Reserve
This represents House Greyjoy in the Game of Thrones television show and features its kraken. The nose offers damp tweed sprinkled with black pepper, plus smoky vanilla and ozone notes. Sweet smoke and citrus fruit on the palate, then more overt peatiness comes to the fore with soft toffee. Medium in length through the finish, with lingering toffee and light pepper. Great value!

Lagavulin 9 year old
Lagavulin at an odd age, representing House Lannister and showcasing its lion sigil. The nose is floral, with rose hips, toffee, and fragrant peat notes. Full on the palate, with toffee apples, cinnamon, earthy peat, and smoked haddock in salted butter. The smoked fish combines with fennel in the lengthy finish.

Clynelish Reserve
At cask strength, this Clynelish represents House Tyrell. Split green wood followed by marshmallows on the floral nose; increasingly sweet, with a hint of cloves. The palate immediately offers classic Clynelish waxiness, with tropical fruits, honey, and subtle smoke. Licorice, black pepper, and citrus fruits in the medium to long finish.

Dalwhinnie Winter’s Frost
The House Stark bottling is presented with an image of a direwolf on the label. The nose yields honey, orange, malt, toffee, and a suggestion of struck matches. Medium-bodied and sweet, with red apples, apricots, milk chocolate, and white pepper. Satsumas, nutmeg, milky cocoa, and gingery oak in the medium-length finish.

Oban Bay Reserve
An appropriately dark bottle and label are featured for the Night’s Watch bottling. Tangy citrus fruit, brittle toffee, and vanilla on the nose. Nicely textured in the mouth, with tangerine segments in cream, developing nuttiness, milky coffee, and a hint of char. Lively spices, toffee, and aniseed in the medium-length, slightly oaky finish.

Royal Lochnagar 12 year old
House Baratheon is represented with a label depicting a crown-wearing rampant stag. An undemanding dram, with soft toffee, cream, baked apples, and a hint of ginger on the nose. The palate is light, with brittle toffee, soft fruit notes, and oak. Drying in the finish, through aniseed and wood spice.

Singleton of Glendullan Select
This showcases House Tully’s leaping fish sigil. The nose yields honey, barley sugar, walnuts, and plums. The palate is straightforward and approachable, with green apples, orange juice, and delicate spice. The finish is medium in length, with toffee and mildly spicy oak.

Cardhu Gold Reserve
Representing House Targaryen, this features its three-headed dragon on the label. Malt and honey on the subtle nose, with a hint of cinnamon. Medium-bodied, with milk chocolate, caramel, and youthful oak. Jaffa orange and gentle spice in the relatively short, spiky finish.

Enter to win: http://www.feedhopenow.org/gotgiveaway

Terralina Crafted Italian at Disney Springs with Chef Justin Plank

Ricky Ly
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Terralina Crafted Italian at Disney Springs with Chef Justin Plank

Terralina Crafted Italian at Disney Springs, formerly Portobello Country Italian Trattoria, is newly inspired by Italy’s Lake District, and led by James Beard Award winning chef, Tony Mantuano and Executive Chef, Justin Plank.

The kitchen is at the heart of Terralina Crafted Italian and the wood-burning oven fires a selection of hand tossed pizzas, calzones and fresh vegetable along with dishes from the hearth including chicken parmesan and seafood cannelloni prepared with housemade pasta.

In addition to his role as chef-partner at Michelin Star restaurant Spiaggia, Mantuano is a recipient of the James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef: Midwest and The Chicago Tribune’s Good Eating Award, which honors achievement in the food and restaurant industry. Outside of the kitchen, Mantuano is often recognized for his participation on season two of Bravo’s “Top Chef Masters.”

Since he was six-years old, Executive Chef Justin Plank has been preparing dishes for the masses. From helping his mother cook meals for his eight brothers and sisters to feeding the guests who come to visit Terralina Crafted Italian at Disney Springs, Plank knows what it takes to create a dish that will appeal to a variety of tastes.

Plank graduated at the top of his class from the Florida Culinary Institute and won the opportunity to travel to Zurich, Switzerland, for his externship. While there, he earned the honor of becoming the chef of house. Since then, Plank has run different kitchens from Wolfgang Grand Cafe in Seattle, WA, to LeGrand’s Alaskan Prime Seafood & Steaks in Myrtle Beach, SC, to Park Plaza Gardens in Winter Park, FL. During his 2002 to 2007 tenure at at Park Plaza Gardens, Plank established the restaurant as an Orlando hotspot and was voted one of Central Florida’s top 10 chefs two years in a row.

Working alongside James Beard Award-winning Chef Tony Mantuano, Plank hopes to put his personal spin on traditional Italian dishes.

On the changes since Portabello, Chef Plank tells us, “Terralina took some of the standouts of Portobello and then revamped the rest into some of the best “home cooked” dishes ever. Terralina is leaps and bounds over Portobello, but I’m a little biased.”

For starters, we recommend the little neck clams, a delightful buttery dish full of little neck clams and spicy Italian sausage bites served with crostini bread that goes perfect with the butter and also the Mozzarella stuffed rice balls – crispy on the outside, yet oozing with cheesy rice inside.

LITTLENECK CLAMS – Spicy Italian Sausage, Tomato, Crostini

MOZZARELLA-STUFFED RICE BALLS – Tomato-Basil Sauce

Share one of the many pizzas available from their wood-burning oven such as the funghi pizza topped with portobello, shiitake, cremini, roasted garlic, and fresh Mozzarella cheese.

Wood-fire oven pizzas – including specials of the day like this one

Seafood Canneloni is one of the signature Italian dishes here at Terralina, and one of the dishes that Chef Plank made for Chef Tony Mantuano that helped him win the job as executive chef of Terralina. It’s a delicate pasta dish folded with mascarpone cheeses and a mixture of seafood including fish, shrimp, scallop, and a lobster cream sauce.

SEAFOOD CANNELLONI – House-made Pasta, Fish, Shrimp, Scallop, Mascarpone, Lobster Cream

For dessert, the lemon panna cotta with candied thyme and the tri-color Gelato Sunday with pistachio, chocolate, and vanilla gelato are crowd pleasers for those looking for that sweet ending.

LEMON PANNA COTTA – Candied Thyme

GELATO SUNDAE – Pistachio, Chocolate and Vanilla Gelato, Amareno Cherries, Toffee Crumbles, Whipped Cream

Interview with Chef Justin Plank of Terralina

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

Chef Justin Plank: I’m the last of nine children and every day my mother would make the most incredible meals and I would get to help, so she was a huge influence! She did an amazing leg of lamb on special occasions, spaghetti and meatballs, and bourbon and soy marinated London broil.

What are some of your favorite food memories growing up?

We didn’t go out to eat a lot but I remember having my first oyster at Lee and Rick’s Oyster Bar when I was just 5 years old. Also spaghetti and meatballs at home were my favorite.

What are some personal touches you have made on the new Terralina menu?

We spent a lot of time perfecting the pizza dough and the marinara with some of the best ingredients available to us. One of my first dishes I cooked for Tony during my first interview made it to the menu.

How does working at Terralina compare to restaurants you’ve worked at in the past?

There really is no comparison, it’s my dream job to work under Tony Mantuano, he is the most supportive positive chef I have worked with. He allows me creativity all while being a great mentor. It’s amazing how much knowledge and culinary wisdom that he gives freely. His positive energy is one of the greatest things that he brings when visiting.

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

The house made seafood cannelloni and our lasagna are very popular, however the chicken parmesan and the eggplant parmesan are fan favorites.

Tell us all about the seafood canneloni and the story behind it?

Tony asked me what I thought of adding a seafood pasta and after days of experimenting with different dishes the cannelloni was the one. It was the first dish Tony tried while visiting and I will never forget him saying, “This was the best thing I’ve eaten in weeks!”

What is something people can find here at Terralina and no where else?

You won’t find another Antipasti tower like ours.

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

The seafood cannelloni with lobster cream and the bucatini with clams are my top 2 favorites but I recommend everything.

What is the secret to cooking great Italian dishes?

Keep it simple! Tony says that the best ingredient is the one that you leave out.

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

Getting fresh seafood daily and local ingredients when possible are two of my favorite things. I also enjoy working with my team making fresh pasta every chance I get.

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

My kids and I cook at home pretty much every chance I get but I do love a good poke bowl at Lemon Shark Poke (in Dr. Phillips) for lunch with my kids Iain and Sophie.

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

Simple pasta carbonara with good parmesan and cracked black pepper served with a simple salad of baby spinach and arugula dressed with olive oil and balsamico.

Any upcoming plans for Terralina this year?

We have some great seasonal menu changes coming and based on our guest feedback we plan to do more wine dinners and cooking classes in the new year.

Terralina Crafted Italian at Disney Springs
Address: 1650 E Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Menu: terralinacrafteditalian.com
Phone: (407) 934-8888

First Look: STK at Disney Springs Debuts New Menu Items for Spring 2019

Tiffany Nguyen
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First Look: STK at Disney Springs Debuts New Menu Items for Spring 2019

Now that spring has official sprung, STK, the “not your Daddy’s steakhouse” known for its trademark high-energy, Vibe Dining experience, has rolled out some delicious new menu items at their Disney Springs location.

Featuring fresh and bright ingredients that are locally sourced, STK’s menu now includes the following dishes:

Baby Gem Lettuce Caesar – herb croutons and parmesan reggiano.  A light and crisp salad perfect for the spring time.

Lil Brgs – wagyu beef, special sauce, sesame seed bun.  We highly recommend these “little burgers” if you want to have a great time.

Tuna Tartare – hass avocado, soy honey emulsion, taro chips.   The soy honey emulsion gave the tuna tartare a tangy note to it that we enjoyed.  The taro chips on top really made this dish unique compared to other places that use wonton chips.

14 Ounce Strip – served with assorted STK signature sauces.  All I can say about this dish is that the steak was prepared perfectly.

Fun fact: They serve spinalis cut of meat – you don’t find that in may places.

Chilean Seabass – miso-passion fruit glaze, fried baby bok choy, pickled fresno chili, cilantro.  Great dish for fish lovers.

Mary’s Farms Organic Chicken.  Generous portion of a perfectly cooked chicken.

Sous Chef Brandon Santiago created for us a wonderful meal and unforgettable experience.

Sweet Corn Pudding, Jalapeno Cheddar Grits.  The pudding was creamy and sweet, complimenting the main dishes very well.  Unfortunately I am not a grit person but if you enjoy grits with a kick to it, these may be for you.

Mac & Cheese.  Rich and cheesy, a solid side dish.

Asparagus 

Assorted Dessert Platter

Ice STK mini ice cream cone sampler.  These mini cones were fun to eat and I love that they are in small portions because you want to make room for their delicious chocolate cake.

Chocolate Cake – vanilla ice cream, sprinkles and cotton candy. This was the best chocolate cake that I have ever had in my life.  Ever.

Top center: Bag O’ Donuts with dulce de leche filling, spiced chocolate sauce, and raspberry sauce. Tasty fried dough filled with different flavors of sauces and coated in sugar.

They also offer Happy Hour from Mon – Fri starting at 3:30pm till 6pm and Thurs-Sat from 10pm till close:

  • $2-$8 Bites
  • ½ Off Specialty Cocktails
  • $10 Justin Cabernet & Vievite Rose

STK Orlando is a beautiful, sleek, modern fine-dining establishment in the heart of Disney Springs, originally founded by Jonathan Siegal and Celeste Fierro in a time where there was big opportunity in the Steakhouse sector to create experience and vibe dining.  We arrived there right when they opened for dinner service and they quickly filled up afterwords with guests in the dining room and bar.  We had Natali as our server and she was the most kindest, down-to-earth person that we have ever met.

What are some of the inspirations behind the new spring STK menu?

Fresh and bright ingredients that are locally sourced

What are some dishes found at STK that can be found nowhere else?

The Short Rib with Jalapeno Grits Is such a staple and pretty unique, but we also serve spinalis cut of meat – you don’t find that in may places 

What makes STK different from other steak houses?

STK is a unique concept that artfully blends the modern steakhouse and chic lounge into one – offering a dynamic, fine dining experience with the superior quality of a traditional steakhouse. STK distinguishes itself by focusing on the dining experience as a whole versus any singular aspect of a good night out. It’s not just the food, sleek décor, in-house DJ or elevated Happy Hour offerings, it is the combination of all these things that creates the Vibe Dining found only at STK.

STK at Disney Springs
1580 East Buena Vista Drive, Orlando, FL 32830
(407) 917-7440
disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/disney-springs/stk-steakhouse/menus/dinner/

Mother’s Day Specials in Orlando 2019

Ricky Ly
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Mother’s Day Specials in Orlando 2019

AMERICAN KITCHEN AT B RESORT
Dinner entrée special of Florida Lobster with Potato Galette, Delta Asparagus and Caviar Butter Sauce. It will be priced at $32 and have a champagne pairing.

MOTHER’S DAY AT REYES MEZCALERIA
Mexican Brunch Buffet

– all you can eat for $30 –
10am-3pm

salsa bar, fresh shucked oysters, huevos a la Mexicana,
pork loin carving station, dessert bar and much more!

Mother’s Day at Del Frisco’s

Hours: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Brunch, Prime Rib Available All Day
· Address: 9150 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819
Menu: https://delfriscos.com/steakhouse/orlando/menus/mother/
Event Link: https://delfriscos.com/promotions/a-celebration-worthy-of-mom/

OCEAN PRIME
On Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12, Ocean Prime Orlando will be open from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Ocean Prime Orlando will present a special brunch menu from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., available only on Mother’s Day, which includes:

Drinks:

Blood Orange Mimosa featuring blood orange juice, simple syrup, Cointreau and champagne
Signature Bloody Mary featuring choice of vodka, house made mix and jumbo shrimp

Entrées:

Smoked Salmon featuring sliced tomato, red onion, arugula, whipped cream cheese and a bagel
Blackened Salmon Salad featuring strawberries, grapes, cantaloupe, goat cheese, field greens, basil poppyseed dressing and candied walnuts
French Toast featuring mixed fresh berries, lemon curd, candied bacon and warm maple syrup
Lobster Toast featuring sunny side egg, avocado, sweet peas and preserved lemon (image attached)
Crab & Eggs featuring an English muffin, crab cakes, poached eggs, hollandaise, fresh fruit, mixed greens and balsamic vinaigrette
Braised Short Rib Surf & Turf featuring crispy gouda potato cake, lobster claw, poached egg and hollandaise

The restaurant will also offer its traditional menu, featuring premium seafood, prime cuts of steak, signature cocktails, a Wine Spectator-honored wine list and more.

For reservations and more information on Ocean Prime Orlando, please visit www.ocean-prime.com/locations-menus/orlando or call (407) 781-4880. Ocean Prime Orlando is located at 7339 West Sand Lake Road, Orlando, FL 32819.

TONY ROMA’S
Weekend special from May 10-12.

Treat your mother to an exquisite dinner – that she doesn’t have to clean up after – for only $30. Mothers can choose between a soup or salad to start their special dinner. Then indulge in a delicious mushroom demi-glaze Filet Medallions, with a choice of either a Grilled Shrimp Skewer or their World-Famous Baby Back Ribs. Complement the meal with mashed potatoes and fresh vegetables as well as a glass of Pinot Noir or Merlot to enhance the flavors of the Filet Medallions.

Customers receive a $15 bonus card for every $50 gift card purchased online or in-store now through June 30th – Spring Gift Card Promotion just in time for Mother’s Day (May 12), Father’s Day (June 16) and graduation season.

Customers will get a $15 bonus card with every purchase of $50 in gift cards either online or in-store, redeemable July 1-September 30 at participating Tony Roma’s locations across the nation. While gift cards may seem impersonal to some, studies show they are one of the most requested gifts this time of year.

“We’re proud to serve families every day in Tony Roma’s across the world,” said Hannah Ulm, Director of Marketing for Romacorp, Inc. “We see our Spring Gift Card Promotion as a great opportunity to help our U.S. guests say thank you and congratulations to family and friends with a delicious meal.”

Tony Roma’s is a full-service, casual dining family experience specializing in premier BBQ ribs and steaks in 16 locations across the U.S. Visit www.tonyromas.com for more information.

TAP ROOM AT DUBS DREAD

WALT DISNEY WORLD SWAN AND DOLPHIN RESORT

On Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort’s Garden Grove will present a special brunch buffet featuring Disney character dining. The Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet will be served from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. and includes:

Lite Fair:
· Superfood Bar
· Steel Cut Oatmeal featuring cinnamon, turbinado, vanilla
· Traditional Grits
· Selection of Seasonal Fruits & Smoothies
· Caprese Salad featuring heirloom tomato, fresh mozzarella, white balsamic, fresh basil & arugula
· Caesar Salad featuring romaine hearts, garlic lemon dressing, parmesan cheese, crispy crouton

Chef Stations:
· Create Your Own Omelet
· Hand Carved Brisket featuring slow smoked beef brisket, house made BBQ sauce, jalapeno cornbread

Mains:
· Spiced French Toast featuring rum raisins, candied pecan
· Biscuits & Sawmill Gravy featuring house made buttermilk biscuits, tangy white gravy
· Southwest Benedict featuring Spanish iberico chorizo, hollandaise
· Atlantic Salmon featuring warm crab salad, vegetables papillote, lemon butter
· Egg Scramble featuring spring onion, chervil, crème fraiche
· Butchers Cut Applewood Bacon
· Breakfast Sausage
· Potatoes O’Brien

Desserts:
· Assortment of Petite Pastries and Desserts

·
For the Little Ones:

· Mickey Waffles
· Bacon & Sausage
· Tater Tots
· Cheesy Scrambled Eggs

Garden Grove’s Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet is priced at $38.99 for adults and $19.99 for children ages 3-9.

Themed after the tranquil gardens of Central Park, guests who step into Garden Grove will immerse themselves under a beautiful 25-foot oak tree adorned with twinkling lights and paper lanterns.

For reservations and more information on Garden Grove, please visit https://www.swandolphinrestaurants.com/gardengrove/index.html or call (407) 934-1618.

BULLA GASTROBAR IN WINTER PARK

Skip the traditional Mother’s Day brunch this year and instead, treat mom to a special “Paella Pa’ Ella” dinner at Bulla Gastrobar this Mother’s Day. Upon arrival, moms will be gifted with a ‘welcome’ rose and $20 gift card to use towards their next visit.

ACE CAFE

Sunday, May 12, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm – Ace Cafe’s ‘Mom-Mentous’ Mother’s Day Brunch

If Mom doesn’t want to lift a finger on her special day, she shouldn’t have to. But if she DOES want a delicious meal and time spent around the table with those who most adore her, then bring her to the Ace for brunch this Mother’s Day. On her special day, Moms enjoy $10 OFF the Unlimited Buffet (making it only $11.95), and you can add on bottomless mimosas for only $12! Moms can sign up to win beautiful designer purses, jewelry and more! Plus, VIP Parking for moms (as available)! Anyone interested in attending should call 407-996-6686 to make reservations.

THE BOHEME

3-COURSE PRIX
FIXE MENU


The Boheme
Sunday, May 12
11 AM – 3 PM

$59 per adult | View Menu
$29 per child ages 6-12

Featuring live music

Reserve Now

GRAND BUFFET


Johann Strauss Ballroom
Sunday, May 12
10 AM – 3 PM

$84 per guest | View Menu
$39 per child ages 6-12

Featuring live music and unlimited mimosas

THE FRESH MARKET

As a national mission partner of Feeding America, all 161 of The Fresh Market’s stores will be participating in a monthlong fundraising campaign, where every dollar donated helps provide at least 10 meals to people in need.

The Meals on a Mission fundraiser will take place during the month of May through three components:

· Meals on a Mission Fund Drive: From May 1st to 31st, guests will have the chance to round up their total at the register to the nearest dollar, or to donate another dollar amount. All proceeds from the fund drive will go to Feeding America.

· Meals on a Mission Cupcakes for Mom: On Saturday, May 11th from 12:00 to 4:00 pm —just in time for Mother’s Day— guests can purchase and decorate a $3.00 gourmet cupcake for mom. A dollar from each gourmet cupcake purchase will go to Feeding America.

· Meals on a Mission Food Fair: On Saturday, May 18th and Sunday, May 19th from 12:00 to 4:00 pm, The Fresh Market stores will host a Food Fair with all proceeds going to Feeding America.

FOUR SEASONS RESORT ORLANDO

Celebrate Mother’s Day, May 12, 2019 with special offerings at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort.

The entire family will delight in the Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet at Ravello, the Resort’s modern Italian restaurant. Guests will enjoy a scrumptious array of seafood, including oysters, Alaskan crab legs, and tuna and shrimp nigiri. The antipasti selection will include a variety of delicious and refreshing salads, such as heirloom tomato and avocado salad, herb quinoa and garbanzo bean salad, and charred romaine wedge salad. Specialty selections include the mustard crusted beef tenderloin, fire roasted lamb saddle with mint-garlic salsa verde, sweet potato casserole, and tuna nicoise and chilled crostini action stations. For those who prefer more traditional brunch items, quiche lorraine, egg white frittata, and hash brown benedict will be offered. Tiny diners will enjoy the children’s buffet, which will include chicken fingers, steamed vegetables, penne alfredo, pepperoni and cheese flatbread, “Worms in Dirt,” Rice Krispie treats, chocolate chip cookies and other kid favourites. Reservations for Mother’s Day at Ravello are available from 12:00 noon to 7:00 pm for USD 115 per adult and USD 45 per child ages 2-12.

Plancha, the Resort’s American restaurant with a Cuban flair, is also offering a wonderful Sunday brunch at the golf clubhouse. Start off the celebration by raising a toast to Mom with endless Bloody Marys and Mimosas, included with the price of the buffet. Guests will enjoy a selection of artisanal cheeses and charcuterie, a seafood display, a crepe action station, breakfast favourites, assorted salads and much more. Reservations for Mother’s Day at Plancha are available from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm for USD 68 per adult and USD 45 per child ages 2-12.

The Spa at Four Seasons

Pamper Mom with one of The Spa’s exclusive treatments. Mom will enjoy the Sticks and Stones Massage, La Floridian Body Wrap with whipped shea butter and pink grapefruit crème, or the Signature Radiance Facial, combining a variety of botanical extracts and natural fruit acids to improve tone and texture. After her treatment, she can spend time relaxing by the lakeside outdoor relaxation lounge featuring zero-gravity wave loungers, or take advantage of the spacious facilities including a steam room, whirlpool and experience shower.

For Mother’s Day dining reservations at Ravello or Plancha, or for Spa appointments, call 407 313 6868.

Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar
Celebrates Mother’s Day with A Festive Brunch Feast

WHAT: Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar, located at Pointe Orlando at 9101 International Drive, Orlando, 32819, will offer a special Mother’s Day buffet with seating available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Priced at $39.95 per person and $12.95 for children 12 years and younger (tax and gratuity not included), the impressive brunch buffet includes Cuban-style brunch classics along with seasonal tapas and a carving station. Curated by Executive Chef Jose Gonzalez, the menu includes dishes such as Homemade Latin Sweet Breads with banana bread, guava cream cheese hojaldre, crispy churro, coconut-berry muffin and chocolate-chocolate chip muffin, mango and European style butters, guava marmalade, and dulce de leche; Cuban Sandwich and Scrambled Egg Crepes with smoked crème fraiche; Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with fresh blueberries and Vermont maple syrup; Pina Colada “French Toast” with pineapple-coconut custard soaked brioche bread, pineapple and toasted fresh coconut with rum salsa; Beef Tenderloin with chimichurri marinade and cilantro béarnaise; Leg of Lamb, Cuban-spiced and rubbed pork loin with charred herb salsa; Paella Vegetariana with fresh baby spinach, soyrizo, wild mushrooms, garbanzo beans, saffron long grain rice, asparagus and grilled artichoke heart salad.

For a sweet finish, guests can enjoy sampling traditional Cuban confections such as Pudi?n de Pan, a warm Cuban bread pudding with warm caramel, chocolate-orange sauce, salsa Inglesa, and whipped cream; Tocino del Cielo with a traditional Cuban dessert of vanilla custard, candied mango and papaya salad; Mami Totty’s Arroz con Leche, a classic Cuban rice pudding recipe handed down from Chef-Partner Guillermo Pernot’s mother-in-law with whipped cream and candied macadamia crunch, and the Tres Leches, a vanilla sponge cake soaked in three milks with mocha mousse.

WHEN: Sunday, May 12, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. A la carte dinner service will be available from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

WHERE: Cuba Libre Restaurant and Rum Bar is located at Pointe Orlando at 9101 International Drive, Orlando, Florida 32819; Phone (407) 226-1600. For additional information, please visit www.cubalibrerestaurant.com.

ROSEN HOTELS
Mothers should be celebrated every day of the year, but especially on Mother’s Day, offering time with family to be pampered and to be made to feel like a queen. The hotels of Orlando’s Rosen Hotels & Resorts have just the right gift for a special woman: a bountiful buffet brunch filled with all of her favorites and some special surprises.

EVENT: Mother’s Day Brunch at Rosen Plaza
DATE: May 12, 2019
TIME: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
LOCATION: Rosen Plaza Hotel, 9700 International Dr., Orlando, FL 32819
COST: $46.95 for adults in advance, $48.95 at the door, $18.95 for children ages 4-11; children younger than 3 are free.
DESCRIPTION: A mother’s love knows no limit, so treat her to a decadent Mother’s Day brunch at Rosen Plaza, where she will sip complimentary champagne and mimosas while choosing from a bounty of delicious dishes. She’ll love a buffet of fresh pastries, made-to-order omelets, as well as seafood, and savory dishes like seasoned chicken and grilled steak. The dessert bar will tempt her with tasty treats like Mom’s caramel apple pie, Key Lime pie, cheesecakes, red velvet cakes and a soft-serve ice cream bar. Reservations are recommended for this popular buffet, so call today!
EMAIL: sales@rosenplaza.com
PHONE: 407-996-0256
WEBSITE: www.rosenplaza.com/mothersday

A sampling of just a few of the many dishes tempting taste buds at
Rosen Plaza’s Mother’s Day Buffet.

EVENT: Mother’s Day Buffet at Rosen Centre
DATE: May 12, 2019
TIME: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
LOCATION:Rosen Centre Hotel, 9840 International Dr., Orlando, FL 32819
COST: $50.95 adults, $19.95 children 4-12, both plus service and sales tax, and children 3 and younger are free.
DESCRIPTION: Give Mom the gift of relaxation this Mother’s Day with dozens of decadent dishes, a waffle and omelet station, savory carving stations, plus complimentary champagne, mimosas. The buffet includes specialties such as Chef Yoshi’s California rolls & spicy tuna sushi rolls and Chef Tello’s tapas chicken slider, as well as seafood stations with Jonah crab claws and spiced shrimp boil. Entrée selections include beef tenderloin tips with peppercorn cream sauce, pan seared chicken with lemon and garlic and steamed mahi mahi wrapped in banana leaf with curry cream. Leave room for sweets like Pina Colada cheesecake, chocolate rum chata torte black forest cake and key lime pie, along with a chocolate fondue with strawberries and pineapple. Rosen Centre makes celebrating Mom easy and delicious.
EMAIL:sales@rosencentre.com
PHONE:(407) 996-3969
WEBSITE:www.RosenCentre.com/mothersday

EVENT: Mother’s Day Brunch at Café Osceola
DATE: May 12, 2019
TIME: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
LOCATION: Rosen Shingle Creek, 9939 Universal Blvd., Orlando, FL 32819
COST: $69.95 for adults, $29.95 for children ages 4-11, plus tax and service charge. Children 3 and under are free. 25% discount available for Florida residents.
DESCRIPTION: Pamper a special Mom in the way that she deserves by treating her to the wonderful Mother’s Day brunch at Café Osceola at Rosen Shingle Creek. She’ll feel like a queen surrounded by her family, indulging in delectable food with choices that range from a seafood station, a traditional carving station, broiled mahi-mahi and bourbon BBQ glazed pork chops, and coffee and brown sugar-crusted beef brisket, as well as Asian delights such as dim sum, Yakisoba noodle stir fry and Banrai sushi, all in a gorgeous display of culinary pleasures. Of course, there’s also a kids’ station with family favorites. Breakfast pastries and decadent desserts and a chocolate fountain complete this amazing buffet. Adults also will enjoy unlimited champagne and mimosas. Reservations are required so book now. Complimentary valet parking is included and there is a 25% discount for Florida residents.
EMAIL:sales@rosenshinglecreek.com
PHONE:(407) 996-3663
WEBSITE: www.rosenshinglecreek.com/mothersday

EVENT: Mother’s Day Tea & Ballet Performance
DATE: Saturday, May 11, 2019
TIME: 2-4 p.m.
LOCATION:Clarion Inn Lake Buena Vista, 8442 Palm Parkway, Orlando, FL 32836
COST: $15.95 plus tax and gratuity for adults; $9.95 for children ages 4-11.
DESCRIPTION: Moms will enjoy a delightful afternoon out with a special tea and a ballet performance by the Elizabeth Parson’s School of Dance in Windermere, FL. She will love the themed tea party featuring a tasty assortment of pastries and homemade jam, finger sandwiches of cucumber and cream cheese, chicken salad, ham salad, as well as a fresh fruit display and vegetable crudité, and delicious sweets like strawberry shortcakes, fruit tarts, fresh baked brownies and strawberry with yogurt dip. A selection of hot tea, coffee, iced tea and pink lemonade will be available. Guests will receive a flower for Mom and a keepsake craft for children.
EMAIL:sales@clarionlbv.com
PHONE:407-996-7236
WEBSITE:www.ClarionLBV.com

For more information about Rosen Hotels & Resorts and how to book your next incredible vacation to Orlando, please visit RosenHotels.com.

Reunion Resort & Golf Club

WHO: Reunion Resort & Golf Club and its signature restaurant, Traditions at Nicklaus Clubhouse

WHAT: Thank mom this Mother’s Day with a savory celebration at Reunion Resort. Treat her to a delectable buffet featuring an Omelet Station, Prime Rib of Beef Carving Station, Chef’s seasonal creations, a bounty of decadent desserts and a Mimosa and Bellini Bar. Pricing: Adults $49 Children $29 (complimentary for children ages 3 and under).

WHEN: Sunday, May 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

WHERE: Traditions at Reunion Resort & Golf Club

7593 Gathering Drive, Kissimmee, FL 34747

HOW: Reservations are required and can be made online at ReunionResort.com/mothers-day or by calling 407-396-3150.

Canvas Restaurant & Market:

Treat mom to brunch with a view at Canvas Restaurant & Market! Enjoy our a la carte brunch menu with delicious offerings like their Lobster Benedict ($19), Meyer Lemon Pancakes ($12) and Strawberry Shortcake French Toast ($12). Moms (and guests) can also enjoy bottomless mimosas for $14. Brunch is available on Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. To reserve your seat, please call (407) 313-7800.

Chroma Modern Bar + Kitchen:

Treat mom to a delicious lunch or dinner at Chroma. In addition to their regular menu, Chroma will be offering 2 Mother’s Day Specials: Asian Hanger Steak with White Rice, Eel Sauce, Sesame Goma ($21) as well as Seared Scottish Salmon with Spring Vegetable Couscous and Herb Butter Sauce ($19). To reserve your seat, please call (407) 955-4340. Chroma will be open on Sunday, May 12 from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

MAGIC VILLAGE YARDS

The Villaggio Restaurant at Magic Village Yards is curating a wonderful event for mothers across Orlando to enjoy the ambiance of the restaurant as well as the Italian-Brazilian, made-from-scratch, gourmet menu.

Guests are able to enjoy the gorgeous view of their onsite pool while experiencing a curated menu made just for the holiday. The choice menu features guest favorites, the Pesce and Gamberi, Picanha and Filetto Parmigiana. The Villaggio also features their own exclusive house wine Magique, a Cabernet Sauvignon, and a variety of white wines including a Vieira de Plata Albariño from Spain for guests to relish.

Location: Villaggio Restaurant – 3151 Pantanal Ln, Kissimmee, FL 34747

Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cost: $75 and serves four (4) people and includes two (2) glasses of Champagne

Menu options:

Picanha – Brazilian steak served with yucca flour, vinaigrette sauce, rice, and fries.
Filetto Parmigiana – Breaded steak filet with tomato sauce and topped with mozzarella. Served with rice or pasta, and fries
Pesce & Gamberi – Grouper filet with our famous shrimp sauce. Served with mashed potato.
Contact Information: (407) 507-1845 or on OpenTable

Special gift: Flowers provided to all mothers in attendance.

Norman’s at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes to Close this September 2019

Ricky Ly
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0
Norman’s at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes to Close this September 2019

Breaking News: Norman’s at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes will close on September 1, 2019. A new culinary concept will replace it. The restaurant was most recently nominated for “Most Outstanding Restaurant” by the James Beard Foundation for 2019. They are actively looking to relocate in Orlando. More to come soon.

Below is from The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes:

Food and beverage has long been a universal focal point for Grande Lakes Orlando, and it is through our relationship with Chef Norman Van Aken that we have been able to elevate and bring our culinary offering to life, both for guests and amongst our local community. Norman’s restaurant has been a valued partner to The Ritz-Carlton for 16 years and it is with both sadness and gratitude we share that in summer 2019, Norman’s will be closing its location within The Ritz-Carlton. Norman’s was and will remain an incredible chapter in the story of our business and we are proud of what the team has accomplished since our relationship began in 2003. Among other accolades, Norman’s has won a series of awards including most recently being named Top Restaurant in Orlando Magazine’s 2019 Dining Awards. Until the final service on September 1, 2019, the team will continue to provide unique dining experiences for guests and locals alike.

As we look forward to introducing our next culinary offering, our brand is committed to a focus on innovation and delivering excellence in service. In an ever-changing global world, we will continue to evaluate the needs of our guests as well as our staff and strive to craft new experiences that stay true to The Ritz-Carlton character and integrity. Over the coming months we will be announcing a new culinary concept. We will endeavor to ensure our hotel restaurants and bars remain favorite neighborhood spots and achieve our long-term strategy of becoming the pinnacle of destination dining.

Updates from Norman’s Orlando:

“Under the direction of legendary chef, Norman Van Aken, and the dedication of our staff, the restaurant has become synonymous with excellence in New World cuisine, presenting inventive, innovative dishes with a reverence for culinary tradition,” says Thomas D. Wood, Jr., Managing Partner of NORMAN’S Orlando. “Our diners have come to expect perfection, and we are honored to have been able to deliver on that expectation. Chef Van Aken and I look forward to the next chapter for this compelling brand.”

As reported back in December, the luxury hotel property was sold to Trinity Real Estate Investments and Elliott Management Corporation. The investment group has decided to not renew the lease.

NORMAN’S was recently named Best Restaurant in Orlando by Orlando Magazine, was OpenTable’s Diner’s Choice Award-winner for 2017, among other accolades. Van Aken, himself, was inducted into the MenuMasters Hall of Fame in 2016, and resides as the only Floridian chef in the James Beard Foundation’s list of “Who’s Who in American Food and Beverage.”

NORMAN’S Orlando is actively pursuing new locations to remain in Orlando and will continue to operate in its current location through the summer.

Cocoa Beach Uncorked Food and Wine Festival

Katherine Nguyen
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Cocoa Beach Uncorked Food and Wine Festival

Cocoa Beach Uncorked is the hippest, most exciting two-day food, wine, and craft beer festival on Florida’s East Coast.

The event welcomes thousands of attendees each year to Florida’s award-winning Cocoa Beach.

Celebrating its third year in Florida’s Space Coast, Cocoa Beach Uncorked played host to foodies, wine lovers and craft beer aficionados who long to wiggle their toes in the sand as they enjoy some of the area’s most delectable offerings.

A 20,000-square-foot Grand Tasting Tent featured a vast array of mouthwatering taste experiences for discerning palettes.

Tickets are per person, per day for general admission or for VIP access.

Guests who purchase a VIP ticket will enjoy one-hour early admission to the Grand Tasting Village, where they will find extra seating for relaxation and mingling.

In addition to the Grand Tasting Village, the two-day event featured a variety of VIP and interactive experiences, tastings, cooking demonstrations, and competitions between some of the area’s most notable and award-winning chefs and restaurants.

Cocoa Beach Uncorked is backed by a distinguished roster of presenting sponsors and partners, including Florida’s Space Coast Office of Tourism, City of Cocoa Beach, Publix, and Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront.

A portion of the proceeds from Cocoa Beach Uncorked will benefit The Marine Resources Councilto help raise awareness and funds to fuel efforts to save the Indian River Lagoon.

For more information on Cocoa Beach Uncorked or to keep an eye on tickets for next year, visit CocoaBeachUncorked.com. Follow Cocoa Beach Uncorked on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and the designated hashtag #COBU19.

Cinco De Mayo Specials in Orlando 2019

Ricky Ly
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Cinco De Mayo Specials in Orlando 2019

Cinco de Mayo is observed to commemorate the smaller Mexican Army’s victory over the larger French Empire at the Battle of Puebla, on May 5, 1862. A year after the battle, a larger French force defeated Zaragoza at the Second Battle of Puebla, and Mexico City soon fell to the invaders, resulting in the installation of the short-lived Emperor Maximilian I as ruler of Mexico. It’s celebrated quite enthusiastically in the states as the love of tacos and Mexican cuisine has continued to spread.

Here are some of Orlando’s specials for CINCO DE MAYO:

Reyes Mezcaleria

Mexican Brunch Buffet
( all you can eat for $30 )
11am-4pm
Salsa bar, elote bar, breakfast items, grilled to order taco bar,
fresh shucked oysters, dessert station and more!

Happy Hour
4-7pm
Stick around from 4-7pm for Happy Hour for A CHANCE TO WIN
a bottle of Milagro Select Barrel Reposado tequila and other great prizes!
Each purchase of a Milagro shot or drink will enter you to win!

All Day Drink Specials

$3
Milagro Silver Shot
Milagro Reposado Shot
Montelobos Mezcal Shot
Tecate

$5
Milagro Silver Margarita
Mezcal Margarita
Frozen Milagro Reposado Paloma
“Dirty” Pachanga Lager
Loaded Corona or Corona Light

make a reservation
Reyes is the perfect spot for group dining, business lunches or special events.
Please email nicole@reyesmex.com or call 407-868-9007 for more information.

MX Taco
Friday, May 3 to Sunday, May 5, 2019
The authentic taco joint will transport you to Mexico for the three-day celebration. To top it off, the restaurant is partnering with Florida favorites Ivanhoe Park Brewing Co., Hop Life Brewing Company and artist Trooper Quintana.

Events include:
Friday, May 3 – MX Taco will have special tacos al pastor from 6 p.m. to close.
Saturday, May 4 – MX Taco will have tacos al pastor and guests can sample Ivanhoe Park Brewing Co. beer from noon to 3 p.m.
Sunday, May 5 – MX Taco will have an art display by Trooper Quintana, beer samples from Hop Life Brewing Company and tacos al pastor from noon to 3 p.m. The eatery will also have extended hours, open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., so guests can get their taco fix. Finally, from 9 to 10 p.m., guests can take advantage of the Game of Thrones special: buy 3 tacos, get a Mexican beer free!

207. N. Bumby Ave. Orlando, FL 32803
https://www.facebook.com/mxtacorestaurant/

The Alfond Inn in Winter Park
May 5 – Enjoy Cinco de Mayo in The Lounge At The Alfond Inn. Enjoy specialty cocktails and appetizers all day, with a Don Julio tequila sampling and giveaways from 4 to 6 p.m. Signature sponsors include: Altos Tequila, Don Julio and Patron.

The Alfond Inn is located at 300 E. New England Ave, Winter Park. For more information, call (407) 901-9155.

Tijuana Flats
Friday – Sunday May 3-5
Bring your family and friends and enjoy a taco and beer for $5… or two tacos… or two beers. Tijuana Flats Cinco de Mayo fiestas – All Day Friday, Saturday and Sunday! Let’s make this the best Cinco ever! #ItsAFlatsFiesta!

  • Dos for Cinco: A two-for-$5 deal on tacos and Mexican beer. Guests can mix and match to include either two tacos, two Mexican beers, or one Mexican beer and one taco. Protein options include beef, chicken or beans and guests can upgrade to steak or fish for an additional 50 cents.
  • Cinco Festivities: A local fiesta at each Tijuana Flats restaurant featuring music, games and activities for all ages.
  • Cinco Catering: Spice up your office party with freshly catered fare from Tijuana Flats. Catering spreads start at just $6.99 per person.

Visit https://tijuanaflats.com/countdown-to-cinco-weekend 

Friday, May 3, 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm – Monster Jam’s Alien Invasion Truck at the Ace

It’s about to get loud in Orlando! Ahead of the Monster Jam World Finals the following week, driver Bernard Lyght and his Alien Invasion Monster Truck* will be on-site signing autographs (while supplies last) at Ace Cafe. Additionally, the Ace will host a special kid’s dinner deal, in which diners can get a FREE kid’s meal with every adult meal purchased (kids must be 12 years of age and younger).

Ace Cafe
Sunday, May 5, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm – Cinco de Drinko Brunch

Start your Cinco de Mayo celebrations early in the day and enjoy Ace Cafe’s delicious brunch buffet! This particular day’s brunch will include some awesome Mexican-inspired items along with $6 Espolon Tequila Margaritas & Loaded Corona specials. You don’t want to miss it!

Ace Cafe Orlando, 100 West Livingston Street, Orlando, FL 32801.

Boxi Park Cinco de Mayo Celebration
Sunday, May 5, 11am-10pm
Boxi Park Lake Nona
Live music all day beginning at 1pm, kids activities, live music and wandering Mariachi band, Hornitos Tequila margarita tap takeover and more.

Cinco de Mayo Party at ICON Park
Sunday, May 5, 12-11pm
ICON Park
The annual Cinco de Mayo Party at ICON Park will feature authentic Latin dishes, drinks, live entertainment, a Mariachi band, activities, and a taco eating competition where you have to take tequila shots in between each taco.

Tamale Co.

Announce Grand Opening In The Hourglass District On Sunday, May 5

Just in time to welcome Cinco de Mayo, Central Florida’s most popular purveyor of fresh and tasty tamales will open a brand-new brick and mortar location, Tamale Co. Hourglass, on Sunday, May 5, in the Hourglass Social House, Owners Fernando and Jennifer Tamayo announce today. The 1,300 square foot restaurant is an open dining concept housed in the relaxed, shared space also occupied by Foxtail Coffee and Vegan eatery Leguminati, with in-restaurant seating and a beautiful outdoor patio. Tamale Co. models a modern yet traditional Mexican décor and incorporates pre-Hispanic cooking utensils and equipment to give guests an idea of the art of tamale making.

Tamale Co. Hourglass will feature top tamale favorites from the food truck, plus an expanded menu, Mexican style street food representing Chef Fernando and wife Jennifer’s hometown and roots, and the location will also serve solely Mexican craft beer and imports, wine, mixed drinks, sangria and mimosas.

Don’t miss Tamale Co. Hourglass Grand Opening on Sunday, May 5 from Open to Close located at 2411 Curry Ford Road, Orlando, FL 32806. Hours of operation are Monday-Thursday 11am-9pm, Friday and Saturday 11am-11pm, Sunday 10am-9pm. For more information, visit www.tamaleco.com or call 407-455-1580.

Rocco’s Tacos & Tequila Bar

will keep the tequila flowing all day and night for the 7th annual Cinco de Mayo event. Bar-top-dancing restaurateur and tequila expert, Rocco Mangel, is preparing for the biggest party of the year.   Kicking off at 11 am, guests can enjoy incredible drink specials on Mexican beers and Margaritas, Rocco’s Tacos signature tacos, prize giveaways, live music and of course free tequila pourings by Rocco himself. Bring your dancing shoes because the Leonard Brothers Band is taking the stage for Cinco! #WitnessRocco.

Sunday May 5 – 11 am to 2 am at Rocco’s Tacos, 7468 W Sand Lake Road, Orlando, FL 32819

Cocina 214

Drink Specials – All Day Long*!
$5 214 Rocks with Sauza | $5 Hornitos Flo’Rita |$3 bottled Corona | $7 Tito’s Lonestar Lemonade | $7 Hornitos Plata | $10 Loaded Coronas with Mi Campo *while supplies last
Promos and Giveaways*!
Tito’s Lonestar Lemonade samples 11 AM – 1 PM
Corona Giveaways 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Sauza Girls 1:00 – 5:00 PM
Corona Giveaways 5:00 – 7:00 PM
*while supplies last

 Cocina 214 Winter Park:
8-Year Anniversary, Annual Running of the Chihuahuas with Tito’s
Photo Booth, Block Party with giveaways, samples, & drink specials
151 E. Welbourne Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
Located behind Williams-Sonoma off Park Ave
Cocina 214 Daytona Beach:
Giveaways, samples, drink specials, & party on the lawn
451 S. Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32118
Located Beachside next to Sun Splash Park

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