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Orlando adds 4 New MICHELIN Starred Restaurants in 2024 MICHELIN Guide Florida Awards

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Orlando represented well this year at the 2024 MICHELIN Guide Florida Awards. Notably, Victoria & Albert’s finally received recognition with a MICHELIN Star award and Papa Llama, which was previously Bib Gourmand, has been elevated to MICHELIN Star after their recent menu changes at the restaurant. Camille in Baldwin Park is now the first Vietnamese-influenced restaurant with a MICHELIN star in America.

Nine restaurants joined the sought-after group of MICHELIN-Starred restaurants in Florida, as the 2024 selection of the MICHELIN Guide Miami, Orlando and Tampa was announced Thursday night at the Tampa EDITION hotel.

“Since the arrival of the MICHELIN Guide to Florida in 2022, there has been significant growth in the state’s local culinary scene, proving Florida is a leading gastronomic destination for travelers near and far,” said Gwendal Poullennec, the International Director of the MICHELIN Guides. “In addition to the nine new restaurants awarded one MICHELIN Star, we are thrilled to announce Green Star restaurants in the selection for the first time, showcasing these restaurants’ commitment to a more sustainable gastronomy.”

“With 7 starred, 11 Bib Gourmand and 30 Recommended Restaurants in the 2024 MICHELIN Guide, Orlando continues to drive culinary innovation forward,” said Casandra Matej, president & CEO of Visit Orlando. “This is a true testament to the growth and vibrancy of Orlando’s culinary scene, fueled by the dedication of our talented chefs, restaurateurs and committed service staff. Together, we’ve made Orlando a vibrant hub for international cuisine, attracting food enthusiasts and enhancing the local dining experience.”
Four Michelin Starred restaurants join the growing list of Orlando’s one-starred venues, including
  • Camille in Baldwin Park
  • Natsu in the North Quarter District in Downtown Orlando
  • Papa Llama in Curry Ford West and
  • Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

Soseki Modern Omakase in Winter Park; Capa Steakhouse & Bar at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort; and Kadence in the Audubon Park Garden District retained their one-star recognition.

Additional 2024 honors for Orlando include:

  • Michelin Exceptional Cocktails Award for Justin Levaughn of Otto’s High Dive, a Bib Gourmand,
  • Michelin Service Award to Israel Perez, maître d’hôtel and sommelier of Victoria & Albert’s
  • Michelin Green Star, which recognizes exceptional sustainable dining that doesn’t sacrifice flavor, to the Michelin Recommended Kaya, led by Chef Lordfer Lalicon
MICHELIN Guide inspectors added two new Orlando restaurants of the Bib Gourmand designation for “great food at great value” bringing the total to 11. The list includes:
  • NEW FOR ‘24: Sushi Saint – City District
  • NEW FOR ‘24: Zaru — Mills 50
  • Bombay Street Kitchen — South Orlando
  • Domu — Audubon Park Garden District
  • Isan Zaap — Millenia
  • Norigami — Winter Garden
  • Otto’s High Dive — Milk District
  • Taste of Chengdu — Baldwin Park
  • The Ravenous Pig — Winter Park
  • The Strand Food & Drink — Mills 50
  • Z Asian — Mills 50
Orlando now has 30 MICHELIN Recommended Orlando restaurants.
The list includes:
  • AVA MediterrAegean — Winter Park
  • BACÁN — Lake Nona Wave Hotel
  • Black Rooster Taqueria — Mills 50
  • Citricos — Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
  • Chuan Fu – Winter Park
  • EDOBOY — Mills 50
  • Four Flamingos, A Richard Blais Florida Kitchen — Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
  • Juju — Milk District
  • Kabooki Sushi — Milk District (Second Location on Restaurant Row)
  • Kai Asian Street Fare — Winter Park
  • Kaya — Mills 50
  • Knife & Spoon – Grande Lakes Orlando
  • Maxine’s on Shine — Colonialtown
  • Morimoto Asia — Disney Springs  
  • Pizza Bruno — Curry Ford West
  • Prato — Winter Park
  • Primo by Melissa Kelly — The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
  • Ravello — Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort
  • Sear + Sea — JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa
  • Se7en Bites — Milk District
  • Selam Ethiopian & Eritrean Cuisine — SeaWorld Orlando Area
  • Shin Jung — Mills 50
  • Sticky Rice — Mills 50
  • Swine & Sons — Winter Park
  • The Pinery — Ivanhoe Village Main Street in Downtown Orlando
  • The Polite Pig — Disney Springs
  • Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood — Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
  • Tori Tori — Mills 50
  • Twenty Pho Hour — International Drive Area
  • YH Seafood Clubhouse — International Drive Area
Visit Orlando will soon launch a new culinary marketing campaign in partnership with Tripadvisor to continue to elevate the destination’s growing dining scene, following the MICHELIN announcement. The initiative includes three different Epicurean Trips for Orlando, which will be promoted on Tripadvisor’s digital and social channels, targeting foodie travelers in the U.S. and Canada to incorporate Orlando’s diverse culinary offerings into their summer travel planning.
These guides will take users through a flavorful journey including the “Somebody Feed Phil” Guide to Orlando’s must-try eats based on the Orlando episode of Netflix’s popular series, “Somebody Feed Phil”, as well as MICHELIN Guide to Orlando from premium dining to casual eateries, and where to take on Orlando’s best Food Challenges for the culinary adventurer.
These efforts are part of a broader strategy to leverage high-profile media partnerships on global platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, ITV, and NBC, in multiple languages, tapping into the ‘Set-Jetting’ trend, where shows and movies inspire consumer travel decisions.

 

Here are the new MICHELIN-Starred restaurants, with inspector notes from each (inspectors’ comments in full on the MICHELIN Guide website and mobile app):

Orlando

Christopher Abeleda/CamilleCamille (Vietnamese cuisine)

Chef Tung Phan has taken the pop-up and given it permanence at this space just off Lake Baldwin. Seats at the counter feature the ten-course Vietnamese-French tasting menu, while booths offer an abbreviated version. Rooted in French techniques, Vietnamese flavors are given a refined twist here. The Dungeness crab curry arrives with a tartlet shell, filled with crab meat and mixed with lime, served atop the lid, which when removed, reveals a deliciously hearty curry. Salmon over king trumpet noodles in a tamarind and pineapple sauce is creative, but the best may be saved for last. The sweet potato brioche topped with a “gold” chocolate ice cream and Vietnamese coffee sauce is an elegant finale.

Titan Wang/NatsuNatsu (Japanese cuisine)

At Natsu, there are just two seatings a night at this intimate omakase where a 10-seat counter dominates a spartan-styled room. Meals begin with four dishes from Chefs Stone and Sky, including chawanmushi and truffle kampachi, served with crispy potato straws and a yuzu truffle vinaigrette for an unexpected flavor combination that is especially memorable. The sushi is impressive and doesn’t gild the lily, as in skin-on barracuda with a dynamic char or soy-marinated salmon that finishes ever-so-sweetly. Supremely buttery toro needs no flourish and is melt-in-your-mouth tender. It all rounds out with a hand roll and ice cream.

Maria Belen Ruiz/PAPA LLAMAPapa Llama (Peruvian cuisine)

Husband-and-wife duo Kevin and Maria Ruiz prepare modern Peruvian cuisine full of bright ingredients with a bit of polish, and the multicourse tasting menu is an approachable (and affordable) way to sample their sincere cooking. Nigiri kicks off the meal with a smart nod to the Peruvian tradition of Japanese fusion, delivering dialed-in flavors with confidence. Bok choy is elevated with bold, contrasting textures, while chicken thigh roulade with aji amarillo aioli is simply spectacular. For dessert, sweet potato donuts over a blueberry compote seal the deal.

Kent Phillips/Victoria & Albert'sVictoria & Albert’s (Contemporary cuisine)

Nestled within Disney’s crown jewel, the Grand Floridian Resort, this restaurant is by no means an easy reservation. The setting is intimate, and the pacing is that of a leisurely, three-hour waltz orchestrated by a gracious brigade of veteran servers. Chef Matthew Sowers cooks with contemporary verve and draws on influences spanning from Asia to the Nordics. Think delicate tarts set with New Zealand langoustine, striking “sandwiches” made with venison carpaccio and red cabbage, and bold sauces like cherry-cola bordelaise. Other details like water lists, an ornate coffee and tea service, and a serious wine program further impress.

MICHELIN Green Star

Kaya (Orlando; Filipino cuisine)

Initiatives: more than 90% of produce comes from Florida farms; sourcing produce and seafood from local suppliers with the intention of improving the local restaurant-farmer-community ecosystem; minimizing waste through intentional and creative utilization of byproducts.

Bib Gourmand

The MICHELIN Guide inspectors found 33 restaurants worthy of the Bib Gourmand distinction, which recognizes great food at a great value. These are restaurants where one can have two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for about $50. There were 18 in the Miami area, 11 in the Orlando area and four in the Tampa area.

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Special Awards

In addition to the Bib Gourmand and Stars awards, the Guide announced four MICHELIN Special Awards, highlighting particularly skillful professionals from the industry:

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The MICHELIN Guide Ceremony is presented with the support of Capital One.

Hotels

The full restaurant selection for Miami, Orlando and Tampa will join the MICHELIN Guide selection of hotels, which features the most unique and exciting places to stay in Florida and throughout the world.

Every hotel in the Guide is chosen for its extraordinary style, service, and personality — with options for all budgets — and each hotel can be booked directly through the MICHELIN Guide website and app. The selection for Florida features the state’s most spectacular hotels, including sustainability pioneers like the Hotel Greystone, standouts from our “Plus” collection like the Esmé and Standard hotels in Miami, restored mid-century motels like the Vagabond Hotel, cutting-edge designs like the Tampa EDITION and Lake Nona Wave Hotel, and even hotels with MICHELIN Guide restaurants, like Faena Miami Beach.

The MICHELIN Guide is a benchmark in gastronomy. Now it’s setting a new standard for hotels. Visit the MICHELIN Guide website, or download the free app for iOS and Android, to discover every restaurant in the selection and book an unforgettable hotel.

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About Visit Orlando 
Visit Orlando is The Official Tourism Association® for Orlando, the most visited destination in the United States, Theme Park Capital of the World® and No. 1 meeting destination in the country. A not-for-profit trade association that brands, markets and sells the Orlando destination globally, we represent more than 1,500 member companies comprising every segment of Central Florida’s tourism community.
Visit Orlando connects consumers and business groups with all facets of Orlando’s travel community, whether for a vacation or meeting. Home to seven of the world’s top theme parks — as well as refreshing water parks, activities to connect with nature, vibrant neighborhoods, a dynamic dining scene with Michelin recognized restaurants, and a robust calendar of entertainment and sports events — Orlando is a diverse, welcoming, and inclusive community for all travelers. Find more information at VisitOrlando.com or OrlandoMeeting.com.
 
About Michelin North America, Inc.
Michelin, the leading mobility company, is working with tires, around tires and beyond tires to enable Motion for Life. Dedicated to enhancing its clients’ mobility and sustainability, Michelin designs and distributes the most suitable tires, services and solutions for its customers’ needs. Michelin provides digital services, maps and guides to help enrich travel and make them unique experiences. Bringing its expertise to new markets, the company is investing in high-technology materials, 3D printing and hydrogen, to serve a wide variety of industries—from aerospace to biotech. Headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, Michelin North America has approximately 23,000 employees and operates 34 production facilities in the United States and Canada. (michelinman.com)

Quantum Leap Winery to Move Out of Current Location in Orlando’s Mills 50 at the end of April 2024

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News from Quantum Leap Winery:

Dear Friends of Quantum Leap Winery,

We have some good news and some bad news to share.
First, the bad news: Quantum Leap’s home for the past 12 years on Wilfred Drive was sold last fall; the new owners will operate in the space, so we are moving out at the end of April. We have loved the sense of community in the Mills 50 district and have appreciated the support we have received, and the friendships and partnerships we have made. We are grateful to our team members who have helped to build the winery through the years, and our wine club members who have been with us every step of the way. During our 12 years, we have been honored to host over one thousand events and we will cherish all the wonderful memories of the weddings, celebrations, fundraisers, classes, art openings, and the many other fun events that we have done.
Please follow our social media for updates and upcoming event information and check our website calendar for updates on what is happening at Quantum Leap between now and end of April. We hope to see you at the winery before we make our big move.
Now, the good news: this is not goodbye. While we finalize our plans for a long-term home, we are moving to a nearby interim location which we will announce within next two weeks. We hope to see you there.
We truly love being Orlando’s winery and being a meaningful part of this special community. We are happy to say that will continue to bring you award-winning wines and ciders; and we look forward to hosting many more private events, community gatherings and winery events soon. Stay tuned and again, sincere gratitude for your support over the years and in the future.
Thank you,
David Forrester & Jill Ramsier
Upcoming Winery Events (info on Website Calendar and Social Media):
4/17 Wine and Foot Massage
4/18 Raid the Wine Cellar -Enjoy a Tasting of Library Wines
4/21 Pup-Pawty Crawl
4/24 Wine and Yoga

4/17 Wine and Foot Massage with the Barefoot Spa – guests call the Barefoot Spa to book their appointments

4/18 Raid the Wine Cellar -Enjoy a Tasting of Library Wines – This is a really fun one and celebrates the wines we have made over the years. Here is some info on it.

Join us for one of our largest library events ever on Thursday, April 18th from 6:30-8:30pm

Our Raid the Wine Library Event will include samplings of a variety of our “locked away” wines from our personal Owners Reserve. Prepare to travel back in time and all over the world to see what our Owners have been “aging” (hiding) from us!

We will be pouring some of our older discontinued and unavailable vintages and will feature 15-25 of our older wines ranging from the most popular to the most esoteric.

For this event we have paired with Let’s Dough It Pizza. Your ticket is good for a one personal pizza of your choice!

As you travel through our stations you will receive a ticket from each table, collect them all and you will be entered into a raffle to wine one of our prizes!

Tickets are $35 and here is the link

https://quantumleapwinery.com/events/raid-the-wine-cellar-public/

4/21 Pup-Pawty Crawl – benefitting the pet alliance 

4/24  Wine and Yoga – info and ticket link https://quantumleapwinery.com/events/pinot-and-poses-042424/

 

ABOUT:

It is all about the love of wine and friendship for us at Quantum Leap. Founders Jill Ramsier and David Forrester combined their fondness for wine and conservation to establish Quantum Leap Winery in 2012.

Jill is a former food and beverage industry executive, while David is an environmental industry pioneer. Their mutual experience in business paired with their knowledge and passion for wine is the blend that propels Quantum Leap.

We strive to develop relationships with sustainable and organic growers in notable wine growing regions around the world to produce high quality wines with a reduced carbon footprint at a great value.


THE QUANTUM LEAP PROCESS


Equal to our appreciation for wine is a mutual concern and respect for the environment. Our core mission is to provide an environmentally friendly solution to bring wine to the market while maintaining a high standard of quality.


Our process starts with sourcing grapes from the world’s best grape growing regions. We work with small organic and sustainable vineyards to select grapes that will truly express their terroir.


We crush close to the vineyard site and transport the bulk “juice” to our Orlando winery in large, reusable vessels. This allows us to triple the amount of wine per container compared to traditional shipping.


At the winery we will do any final fermentation, stabilization, filtration, barrel-aging, and blending. When the wine is ready, we choose sustainable packaging like lightweight bottles and kegs.

QUANTUM LEAP WINERY


HOURS OF OPERATION
TUES – THURS: 12PM to 7PM
FRI – SAT: 12PM to 8PM

Upcoming Food and Wine Event: Orlando Science Center presents Science of Wine – Saturday April 27 2024

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Orlando Science Center’s most sensational event of the year is coming Saturday, April 27! The Science of Wine is no ordinary wine tasting – it’s an odyssey of the senses.

Uncork your inner sommelier as you wine, dine, and learn at Orlando Science Center! Taste wines from sought-after regions and enjoy hors d’oeuvres from our supporting culinary partners.

Proceeds from this event help supports Orlando Science Center’s mission to inspire science learning for life. The event is Saturday, April 27 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. More info at www.osc.org/wine.

During the event, our guests will enjoy:

  • OSC’s four floors of interactive exhibit halls, including our newest exhibit Life! Don’t miss your chance to tour the largest and most complex exhibit we’ve ever built, featuring animals and immersive galleries.
  • Wine tasting provided by Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits
  • Gourmet hors d’oeuvres provided by participating culinary partners
  • Participation in OSC’s stellar silent auction, guests have the opportunity to win prizes such as a WestJet round trip flight for two, a Badfish Monarch Inflatable SUP provided by Travel Country, a private martini experience at Maxine’s on Shine, and so much more!

Activities new this year include:

  • Two 20-minute presentations hosted by Dr. Robin Back from UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management. He will discuss wine making in South Africa and guests will get to sample the Fleur Du Cap 2018 South African Pinotage. The presentations will occur at 8pm and 9pm.
  • Italian wine and cheese pairings in the Food Heroes exhibit, hosted by Advanced Sommelier Melissa McAvoy and Diahann Smith with Florida Dairy Farmers. Taste three boutique Italian wines from the Abruzzo and Piedmont regions and explore the art of pairing cheese with different varietals.
  • Personalize your wine glass with wine charm making in The Hive: A Makerspace and learn about the process of making a wine caddy using a computer numerical control (CNC) machine! Assemble parts made with OSC’s CNC machine to build a wine caddy, and learn about CNC production from the makers on the Orlando Science Center team.
  • Participate in our stellar silent auction

Food Partners:

  • 4Rivers Smokehouse
  • Arthur’s Creative Events & Catering
  • BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
  • Gertrude’s Kitchen
  • Grill’s Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar
  • Parlor
  • Plate Above Catering
  • Sonny’s BBQ
  • Yak & Yeti
  • Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream
  • The Naked Cupcake
  • Lobo’s Coffee Roasters

Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits is the presenting partner and exclusive wine provider for the event, which is a fundraiser for Orlando Science Center.

Join us for this important fundraiser as we sip and savor fine wines from around the world in support of our mission to inspire science learning for life!

Tickets cost $135 for general admission, $110 for OSC Members. Groups of 10 can purchase tickets in bulk for $1,000.

Enjoy live music as you sip and savor wines, cocktails, and gourmet hors d’oeuvres throughout the Science Center’s four floors of interactive exhibit halls – all included in the price of your ticket to Science of Wine. More info at www.osc.org/wine.

 

Check out our Instagram account for a chance to win two tickets (a $270 value) to The Science of Wine fundraiser from the Orlando Science Center.

thejohncheng’s Eat of the Week: Sno Tea Caffè

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Restaurant: Sno Tea Caffè

Location: 4498 N Alafaya Trail #270, Orlando

Have you ever felt like you were missing something just to discover that it was in your pocket the whole time?  Well, I recently had that experience.  Let me explain, my wife and I have been taking the kids to Sno Tea for years, and you may have seen my posts about their popcorn chicken and different boba teas from time to time. The popcorn chicken, desserts, and teas are great, they are relatively close to my house, and the kids love it there.  BUT I was very naive in thinking that was all they really had, and they, very politely, invited me to dine in and try anything I wanted and to give them an honest review of their food.  My suggestion, you guys should stop by here if you want a delicious meal at a good price!

We ordered soooooooo much food, you can just scroll down now if you want an idea of everything we got.  We started with the Fried Calamari, Popcorn Chicken, and Fried Chicken Thigh from their appetizers.  We then moved on to try their Braised Pork Rice, Pork Katsu, Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup, and their Fried Chicken Breast (not on the menu) as our main entrees. We were just two people! Lastly, we came back at night after we picked the kids up from school and had their Shaved Snow and Taiwanese dessert with grass jelly, egg pudding, taro and boba because the kids were SUPER jealous that we went without them.

Everything was great! The Beef Noodle Soup reminded me of Taiwan so much with the huge chunks of tender meat in a warm and delicious broth.  The Braised Pork Rice with the marinated egg was absolutely fantastic and just put a big smile on my face.  The popcorn chicken and calamari were both yummy delicious treats.  However, there were two dishes that really surprised me.  The first was the Fried Chicken Thigh.  This was not fried like the other dishes I mentioned.  The thigh is actually dipped in a liquid batter and fried so the skin is super crispy while the meat remained very juicy.  The way this was fried made the crust the star and I couldn’t get enough of it.

The other dish was the Pork Katsu for me.  The rice with the scrambled eggs and sweet onions was the perfect combination to go with the crispy and juicy Katsu.  it reminded me of a lunch I had with my dad at a Japanese restaurant in Miami years ago when I would work summers at our furniture shop, and he ordered me a simple rice dish with a scrambled egg mixture on top.  I’ve been looking for this dish for years, and it was right by my house the whole time.  I felt like Anton Ego from Ratatouille when he took that first bite of ratatouille and was brought back to his childhood.  Just awesome!

So apologies for the super long post this week, but there was just so much food to talk about.  Without further ado, here are the pictures and I hope you get to stop by and try for yourself.

Popcorn Chicken, Fried Calamari, and Fried Chicken Thigh
Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup (the beef was so tender)
Braised Pork Rice (this is one of my favorite dishes ever and they make it right. The egg was so good!)
Fried Chicken Thigh (I will be getting this every time I come back here)
Fried Chicken Breast (not on the menu)
Popcorn chicken
Fried Calamari
Shaved Ice (yes that is chocolate ice, and it’s great)
Taiwanese dessert with boba, grass jelly, taro and sweet potato balls, egg pudding, and crushed ice.
The tall building is Taipei 101 where I proposed to my wife 15 years ago.

 

 

 

2024 Michelin Guide Announces 4 New Florida Bib Gourmand Awardees – including 2 in Orlando

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The anonymous MICHELIN Guide inspectors today announced four restaurants will make their Bib Gourmand debut as part of the 2024 MICHELIN Guide Miami, Orlando and Tampa selection.

Bib Gourmand restaurants offer a meal of good quality at a good value.

The anonymous inspectors noted two restaurants in Orlando, one in Miami and one in Tampa. These new Bib Gourmand recipients will be honored on stage at the MICHELIN Guide Ceremony on Thursday, April 18, at the Tampa EDITION hotel. Attendance is by invitation only. Tune in to the Ceremony at the livestream link here at 7:30 pm ET.

“We are delighted to announce the addition of Streetlight Taco, Sushi Saint, Tam Tam and Zaru to the selection of Bib Gourmand restaurants in Florida,” said Gwendal Poullennec, the International Director of the MICHELIN Guides. “These restaurant selections prepare bold specialties with precision and intentionality, all at an excellent value. Our inspectors delighted in the impressive flavors and are confident that foodies – both local and from afar – will too.”

Here’s the list of new Bib Gourmand restaurants, with excerpts of the inspector notes from each restaurant:

Orlando

Sushi Saint (Japanese Cuisine) – ORLANDO

Mike Collantes, Chef/owner of Soseki, has another hit on his hands with Sushi Saint. Attached to a brewery but with a separate entrance, this downtown temaki spot lures guests with its lounge-y vibe and contemporary design. The team take great care in sourcing high-quality rice and nori for their cone-shaped temaki, and while the hand rolls take center stage, their small plates, like Sichuan cucumbers with chili crunch, are worth trying. From the avocado with serrano lime miso to aburi-style scallop with brown butter to shredded snow crab with truffle, cucumber, and finger lime, the temaki offerings are impressive.

Zaru (Japanese Cuisine)       – ORLANDO

This sleek Mills 50 eatery is located in the same strip as the Tien Hung Market. With an upbeat playlist and an attractive dining room, Chef William Shen specializes in chewy noodles made from wheat sourced from Japan’s Kagawa Prefecture. Ikura, tempura and top-notch ingredients like Hokkaido uni and A5 Kagoshima wagyu pair with broths of wonderful smokiness and depth. Starters like tatsuta-age (fried chicken) and yaki gyoza (pork dumplings) are familiar and reliable, but consider opting for the ikura onsen, which features a softly poached egg crowned with crispy garlic. Either way, expect precision and intentionality across the board by the team that’s happy to guide you.

Miami

Tam Tam (Vietnamese Cuisine) – MIAMI

Husband-and-husband team Tam Pham and Harrison Ramhofer are throwing a party on their own terms. On the edge of downtown by the county courthouse, you won’t find a glamorous room, a DJ booth, or anybody in stilettos or designer sneakers. There is no bouncer by the door. Instead, come as you are for this celebration of Vietnamese cooking that started out as a supper club. Much of the food doesn’t require silverware: think wings glossed in fish sauce caramel, smoky lamb with lettuce wraps and banh hoi noodles, and tamarind-glazed pork ribs. Finish with a slice of cheesecake made with cultured cashew cream and topped with passionfruit gelee. Bold, funky and fun, the restaurant is a good time all around, down to the hidden karaoke machine.

Tampa

Streetlight Taco (Mexican Cuisine) – TAMPA

This South Tampa taqueria certainly ups the style quotient on the typical taqueria. From the black-painted, exposed ductwork to the tables lacquered with Mexican comics to the open kitchen, this fast casual spot delivers on contemporary flair, and Chef Michael Brannock’s food isn’t pulling any punches, either. Heirloom corn is nixtamalized in house for a menu featuring tacos, tostadas, salsas, sides and more. Don’t skip the Sunday snack tostada, an equal parts sweet-and-savory delight with two blue corn tostadas layered with cream cheese with lump crab, diced sweet mango and a mango habanero sauce. The Japanese eggplant taco with an heirloom bean puree and a chile onza salsa has just the right amount of kick. There’s a full bar, but a strawberry horchata goes down perfectly, too.

Absolutely Avalon Festival – Celebrating Diversity in Orlando’s Avalon Park – This Saturday April 13, 2024

Avalon Park is inviting the community to celebrate art, culture and diversity at the 20th Annual Absolutely Avalon community festival on Saturday, April 13th, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Celebrate everything that makes Avalon Park Absolutely Amazing at the Annual Absolutely Avalon Celebration.

This event celebrating arts and culture is free and open to the public.

There will be international food, music, vendors, activities for kids, and community performances!

Downtown Avalon Park will transform into a kaleidoscope of culture, creativity, and camaraderie, inviting residents and visitors alike to revel in the essence of what makes our town truly extraordinary.

The day will kick-off at 8 am with the Spring Fun Run 5K hosted by the Avalon Park Foundation.   This race will be introducing a unique fundraising opportunity for local schools and organizations by registering as a team! So, gather your group, pick a team name and get registered. The team with the most participants will receive a contribution back to their organization! Registration is live here and if you sign up on April 1st, you can receive $5 Off by using Code APRILFOOLS.

The festival activities begin at 5 p.m.

And at the heart of the festivities lies a feast for the senses, with tantalizing aromas wafting from an eclectic array of international food vendors. From savory street tacos to sweet delicacies from around the globe, there’s something to satisfy every palate.

As you stroll through the event, be sure to explore the 150+ arts, crafts, and business booths, each showcasing the unique talent and entrepreneurial spirit that defines Avalon Park.

For those seeking a bit of adventure, RE/MAX Innovation will be offering tethered hot air balloon rides (weather permitting) at the flag pole lot, providing a bird’s-eye view of the festivities below.

Throughout the evening, event attendees will be able to witness entertainment, with music filling the air and community performances showcasing the rich tapestry of Avalon Park’s cultural heritage. From traditional dances to contemporary music, there’s no shortage of talent to admire.

As the sun sets, prepare to be dazzled by a breathtaking laser light show at 9 p.m., painting the night sky with a symphony of colors and patterns. It’s a show not to be missed and a fitting finale to an evening of celebration and community spirit.

Absolutely Avalon is made possible through the generous support of our sponsors: AdventHealth, Avalon Park POA, Leland Management, Avalon Park Group, IABA, Asia Trend, and Renewal by Andersen. Their commitment to our community ensures that events like this continue to thrive year after year.

So, mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and join us as we come together to celebrate everything that makes Avalon Park absolutely amazing. Admission is free for all, so do not miss out on this unforgettable evening of fun, food, and festivities.

For more information on this and other events, business happenings and community news, visit avalonparkorlando.com.

To celebrate, we are partnering with Avalon Park for a $100 gift card giveaway to the new Satori sushi and snow ice now open at Marketplace at Avalon Park.

Satori‘s mission is to invite everyone to experience an awakening of the senses with delicious, fresh sushi and delectable, fluffy snow ice desserts. The establishment aims to deliver a memorable experience of Japanese comfort food and flavor combinations. At Satori you can grab your favorite sushi roll or try something new with their Onigri Rice Balls and Inari Stuffed Tofu. Their Asian-style “snow ice” starts with a smooth, creamy base topped with a variety of exciting textures and flavors that are perfect for the hot, sunny Florida weather.

Visit instagram.com/tastychomps for details about the contest which runs till 4/16/2024.

thejohncheng’s Eat of the Week: Bombay Street Kitchen

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Hi everyone!

I hope you all have been having a good week. If not, I suggest you get something good to eat because that’ll always brighten your day.  If you are having a good week, then you should get something good to eat so that you can end your week right. Either way, I got another suggestion for you to try out, Bombay Street Kitchen.

Last week was my wife’s b-day and so the family went out for dinner that night.  Her brother (my brother-in-law) and his wife (sister-in-law) suggested Bombay Street Kitchen, and I am glad they did!  Everything we got this night was worth trying.  They did most of the ordering, and it was all delicious.  You can tell this place cared about the food.

We ordered so much…. We got the Onion Bhaji (Crispy onion fritters), Vegetable Samosa, Chole Bhature (Fried bread, chana masala, and onions, which you should order because it’s such a statement piece), Dilli Ke Tandoori Chicken, Tandoori vegetable momo, some mango lassi, Ajwaini Shrimp, a bunch of curries, and the Samosa Chat.

Let me tell you about that Tandoori Chicken and the Samosa Chat.  I know I normally just write about one particular dish, but I really couldn’t decide which I liked better.  The Samosa Chat was just great.  You have this beautifully crispy samosa underneath this chana masala sauce and chutney on top.  The spices of the samosa are so perfect with the sweetness of the chutney, and the textures just mix so well.  It was like this sweet and savory marriage that was crispy and smooth at the same time.  I love dishes like this.

The Dilli Ke Tandoori Chicken is just good!  It was perfectly cooked chicken with a delicious tandoori, served hot.  Simple and absolutely great!  The meat was tender, and the spice was just right in my opinion (but a little too much for my 11 year old).  I am a big fan of this one.

So if you are having a tough week or a great week, go treat yourself, you deserve it!

Samosa Chat
Dilli Ke Tandoori Chicken
Onion Bhaji (this was my favorite pic of the night)
Chole Bhature
Vegetable Samosa
Mango Lassi (look at that lighting!!!!)
Tandoori Vegetable Momo
Ajwaini Shrimp
Onion Bhaji from a different angle to show the green sauce

To follow me or if you need food photos please see my IG or FB group:

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Orlando for World Central Kitchen – Fundraiser and Silent Auction

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In light of recent tragic events, we are organizing an Orlando fundraiser and silent auction 100% directly benefiting World Central Kitchen and their efforts. World Central Kitchen (WCK) is a not-for-profit, non-governmental organization that provides food relief.

It was founded in 2010 by Michelin Award winning Spanish American chef and restaurateur José Andrés following the earthquake in Haiti, and has subsequently responded to Hurricane Harvey, the 2018 lower Puna eruption, 2023 Turkey–Syria earthquakes, and the ongoing Gaza humanitarian crisis.

Food, shelter, healthcare, the basic building blocks of life and community.

My hope is to help send our love and support to the great humanitarian work that Chef Jose Andres and his team are doing day in and day out to help people in great need in the most difficult of circumstances, risking literally their life to give hope and sustenance to others.

For so many months, watching tragedy after tragedy, it began to feel utterly hopeless – despite calls for peace and justice, we only find more violence, death and tragedy.

May this small effort from our community be a spark for change and I hope it lets those people around the world seeking peace and comfort , that we, humanity, are with them.

We raised $10K for World Central Kitchen’s Ukraine efforts in the past and we hope to surpass this in this effort.

Currently, the silent auction items include:

  • Somebody Zoom Phil plus Autographed Book – A Zoom call with Phil Rosenthal
  • Private Chef’s Collaboration Dinner for 10 at Your Home featuring James Beard Finalists Chef Lordfer Lalicon and Chef Tim Keating
  • A Taste of Orlando Mills 50 Lunch with Ricky Ly of Tasty Chomps
  • On Assignment with Orlando Sentinel’s Amy Drew
  • Restaurant Critic for a Day with Faiyaz Kara of Orlando Weekly and Eater
  • Sama Sama Chef’s Tasting for Two with Beverage Pairing at Kaya (Recent Finalist for James Beard Awards 2024)
  • Seats for Two at Chef Kevin Fonzo’s La Tavola
  • 3 Day / 2 Night stay at The Celeste Hotel
  • Dinner for 4 at Simply Capri Italian
  • CFC Arts Symphony of Orchestra Call of the Champions
  • Winter Park Magazine Full Page Advertisement
  • Deli Fresh Threads Package
  • Disney Cook Books package signed by Pam Brandon
  • PBS Season 2 The Great American Recipe Cookbook signed by Finalist Salmah Hack
  • Saveur Print Relaunch Kitchen Pack
  • Gift Cards to Smoke and Donuts, Pigzza, Tornatore’s, Pig Floyd’s, Nona Street Pizza, Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin at Disney Springs, Splitsville Luxury Lanes, Gravity Taproom, Nauti Lobster, Everglazed Donuts, Se7en Bites, Cuisiniers Catered Cuisine, The Pastrami Project and more

More items are needed for the silent auction, which ends April 15. Individuals and businesses interested in donating items can email us at tastychomps@gmail.com or visit tastychompsorlando.betterworld.org/donate-an-item.

Direct donationsdonate.wck.org/team/574295

Silent auction: tastychompsorlando.betterworld.org/auctions/orlando-world-central-kitchen

Chef Jose Andres: “Today @wckitchen lost several of our sisters and brothers in an IDF air strike in Gaza. I am heartbroken and grieving for their families and friends and our whole WCK family. These are people…angels…I served alongside in Ukraine, Gaza, Turkey, Morocco, Bahamas, Indonesia. They are not faceless…they are not nameless. The Israeli government needs to stop this indiscriminate killing. It needs to stop restricting humanitarian aid, stop killing civilians and aid workers, and stop using food as a weapon. No more innocent lives lost. Peace starts with our shared humanity. It needs to start now.”

WCK Statement: https://wck.org/news/gaza-team-update

Orlando Celebrates 407 Day on April 7, 2024

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From 407 t-shirts to $4.07 beverages, the Orlando destination promotes hometown pride
ORLANDO, Fla. (April 2, 2024) – Together with The City of Orlando, Orange County Government, Orlando Economic Partnership and Visit Orlando, the entire destination commemorates hometown pride on Sunday, April 7, with events and special deals for residents and visitors in honor of 407 Day.
Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings and City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer have issued a joint proclamation declaring Sunday, April 7, 407 Day throughout the region.
Inspired by the destination’s longtime area code, 407 Day began as a rallying point to support local restaurants impacted by the pandemic.
Since then, it has evolved into a community celebration where residents and visitors are encouraged to support their favorite restaurants, bars, shops, boutiques, services and other local businesses by sharing posts and photos on their social media channels with the #407day hashtag.
From free festivals to live performances and sporting events through Orange County, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Orlando pride and support the local community.
407 Day Specials
Be sure to mention these 407 Day offers at the businesses below to claim throughout the day. Note: These deals are only available on Sunday, April 7, 2024, unless specified.
  • From April 4-8 at the Discover Downtown store, shoppers can enjoy $4.07 off 407 shirts and ball caps in-store and online with code 407DAY.
  • WonderWorks will offer $22 all-access tickets to Florida residents for their Family Fun Day on April 7 only.
  • Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista will offer a 407 Day Happy Hour from 5:30-7:30 p.m., during which select items will cost $4.07, including chips and dip, Bud or Bud Light Draft and the kid’s menu burger.
  • The Spa at Rosen Centre will pay tribute to the region’s citrus history by offering an 80-minute Citrus Honey Blossom Mani/Pedi special for $90.
  • Paddlefish Restaurant at Disney Springs is offering $4.07 Strawberry Basil Lemonade Mocktails and $4.07 Paddlefish Blonde Drafts.
  • Diners at Terralina Crafted Italian, also located at Disney Springs, can save $4.07 off locally produced beers Crooked Can Hefeweizen or Crooked Can High Stepper IPA by mentioning the promotion.
  • Florida residents will be able to enjoy 20% off dining at Jaleo Disney Springs starting April 7.
  • The Bureau Adventure Games will extend a 30% discount on missions with code HAPPY407 when booking online. Discounted missions can be purchased any day for an experience taking place on April 7.
  • Sushi Saint will have a variety of offerings for $4.07 on April 7, including sangria and glasses of wine, Kobe Ichiban rice lager, Japanese-style hot dog, edamame and shishito. They will also offer the Bluefin Tuna Tasting and O-town Set for $40.70.
  • Tabla Indian Restaurant, with locations in Orlando, Winter Park and Lake Nona, is offering diners 10% off their checks on April 7.
  • Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream and The Salty Donut are celebrating 407 Day with a recipe swap collaboration with special flavors. Indulge in a limited-edition Butterbeer ice cream, inspired by one of the top sellers from The Salty Donut at Kelly’s scoop shop locations. Or savor the Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie Donut at The Salty Donut on Corrine Drive, inspired by one of Kelly’s iconic ice cream flavors. Available April 6 and 7 until sellout.
Events on Sunday, April 7
Check out Visit Orlando’s Events Calendar for additional details.
  • Downtown Orlando’s 35th annual Spring Fiesta in the Park takes place April 6-7 starting at 10 a.m. each day.
  • The annual Spring Fever in the Garden Festival, presented by the Bloom & Grow Garden Society and the City of Winter Garden, returns for its 22nd year starting at 10 a.m.
  • The Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts partners with the historic venue Casa Feliz for a monthly concert series, “Music at the Casa.” The series features a performance by composer, guitarist, and vocalist Chris Cortez from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Enjoy Family Fun Day with live entertainment, face painting, balloon artists and food at Boxi Park in Lake Nona starting at 1 p.m.
  • The University of Central Florida Knights baseball team will host the Kansas State University Wildcats at the John Euliano Stadium at UCF’s main campus at 1 p.m.
  • The Winter Park Playhouse offers a 2 p.m. performance of Five Guys Named Moe, a swinging, high-energy musical set to Louis Jordan’s iconic jazz score.
  • The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is hosting multiple evening events, including two performances from celebrated jazz musician Stephane Wrembel at Judson’s Live, along with the UCF Percussion Ensemble Invitational & Concert at Steinmetz Hall and the “Marriage of Figaro” from UCF Opera at the Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater.
  • The NBA’s Orlando Magic goes head-to-head with the Chicago Bulls at the Kia Center at 6 p.m.
  • The Social is hosting a musical tribute, Live Dead & Brothers: An All-Star Celebration of Grateful Dead & Allman Brothers, at 6 p.m.
  • The Timucua Arts Foundation continues its monthlong celebration of jazz music with a performance by Doug Mathews, bassist for incomparable jazz legend Sam Rivers, at 7:30 p.m.
Residents and visitors can also stop by the Unbelievably Real mural on the corner of Orange Avenue and Pine Street, or the one found at the main entrance of the Florida Mall on 407 Day. Designed by Orlando artist Clark Orr, the artwork brings to life how all aspects of the region shine, from tourism highlights like nightly fireworks and water adventures to innovative technologies such as simulation and rocket launches. They serve as a testament to the imagination and innovation thriving in the vibrant region, reinforcing the message to residents and visitors alike that they are integral to what makes Orlando Unbelievably Real.
Wall mural debuted on '407 Day' celebrates Orlando - The ...
For more information or an updated list of deals and events, go to VisitOrlando.com/blog.
 
About Visit Orlando 
Visit Orlando is The Official Tourism Association® for Orlando, the most visited destination in the United States, Theme Park Capital of the World® and No. 1 meeting destination in the country. A not-for-profit trade association that brands, markets and sells the Orlando destination globally, we represent more than 1,500 member companies comprising every segment of Central Florida’s tourism community.
Visit Orlando connects consumers and business groups with all facets of Orlando’s travel community, whether for a vacation or meeting. Home to seven of the world’s top theme parks — as well as refreshing water parks, activities to connect with nature, vibrant neighborhoods, a dynamic dining scene with Michelin recognized restaurants, and a robust calendar of entertainment and sports events — Orlando is a diverse, welcoming, and inclusive community for all travelers. Find more information at VisitOrlando.com or OrlandoMeeting.com.

New Menu Plus Return of Chef Mike Trudnak at Aurora at The Celeste Hotel in East Orlando – Spring 2024

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Executive Chef Mike Trudnak returns to Aurora and shoots for the moon in rolling out a new menu that is sure to delight.

Located at right on UCF Campus in East Orlando, Aurora at the Celeste Hotel is known for its emphasis on fresh, locally-sourced food, colorful flavors, stunning ambiance, and refined service.

Chef Trudnak, who was trained at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, and a former chef at Marriott and Ritz Carlton hotels, opened Aurora and is now back after 11 months after a stint as executive chef at Daytona Grande Hotel.

He’s back with a whole new menu for guests to try with highlights such as Bacon Wrapped U-10 Sea Scallops, papaya marinated skirt steak, and the “fried chicken”, a Pork Belly Mac N Cheese, Braised Collard Greens stuffed and breaded Chicken Roulade.

To celebrate the new menu and return of Chef Mike Trudnak, we are partnering with Aurora for a giveaway for 8 course a Tasting Menu for 2 guests curated by Executive Chef Mike Trudnak! Read on for details!

Here are a few highlights from the new Aurora menu for Spring 2024!

FLORIDA WAGYU SLIDERS
Brioche Bun | White Cheddar | Celeste Sauce
Bacon Onion Jam | Arugula | Fries

GREEN MUSSEL ROCKEFELLER
New Zealand Green Mussels | Sauteed Spinach
Champagne Cream | Citrus Gremolata

BACON WRAPPED SCALLOPS (GF)
U-10 Sea Scallops | Applewood Smoked Bacon
Horseradish Aioli

*AHI TUNA BITES
Sesame Vinaigrette | Wasabi Crema
Togarashi | Flying Fish Roe | Phyllo Cup

SOFTSHELL CRAB BAO BUNS
Pickled Cucumber | Sweet Thai Chili Aioli

PEPPADEW HUMMUS (VEG)
Olive Oil | Lavash | Baby Carrot | Crispy Garbanzo

THE SPICY TUNA SALAD
Baby Greens | Cabbage Slaw | Wakame Seaweed | Cucumber
Avocado | Julienne Carrot | Sriracha Sesame Vinaigrette

LOBSTER RISOTTO
6-oz Warm Water Lobster | Lobster Parmesan Risotto
Lobster Cream Sauce | Lemon | Fresh Seasonal Vegetable

*PAPAYA MARINATED SKIRT STEAK
Smashed Yukon Potatoes | Grilled Asparagus | Blistered
Tomato | Smoked Sea Salt | Fresh Herb Sauce

“FRIED CHICKEN”
Braised Collard Greens | Pork Belly Mac N Cheese
Breaded Chicken Roulade | Sweet & Spicy Brussels
Smashed Potato | Corn Relish

CRISPY BARAMUNDI
Pan Seared 8-oz Skin-on Filet | Coconut Curry Sauce Pearl
Cous Cous | Fresh Seasonal Vegetable | Cashew Dust

STUFFED EGGPLANT ROULADE (VEG)
Ricotta Mousse | Panko Crusted | House Pomodoro Sauce
Parsley Oil | Confit Tomato | Fresh Seasonal Vegetable

GIVEAWAY Details: Prize – 8 course Tasting Menu for 2 guests curated by Executive Chef Mike Trudnak

Visit soon!

Aurora at The Celeste Hotel
4105 N Alafaya Trail
Orlando, FL 32826
407-207-4700

PS Celebrate Mom with Mother’s Day Brunch on May 12, 2024 at Aurora @ The Celeste Hotel! Make your reservations at OpenTable.

Newly returned Chef Mike and his Food & Beverage team will provide the most elaborate all you can eat holiday brunch buffet in Orlando. The event takes place on May 12th, 2024 with seating’s from 11:00am until 3:00pm. Adults $85, 12 and under $35 and children under 4 are free. Bottomless mimosas are included with our all you can eat buffet that consists of chef attended action stations, carving stations, our famous cheese and meat display, bread and pastry display, seafood display, omelet station, breakfast favorites, classic sides, starches and vegetables, dessert and fruit display and so much more! For inquires and questions please contact 689.205.0100 or mike.trudnak@thecelestehotel.com

Dinner for Two Giveaway: Rocco’s Italian Grille in Winter Park

Rocco’s Italian Grille is a romantic Italian restaurant located in the heart of Winter Park, just minutes away from Park Avenue, that you must try if you are in the mood for an intimate fine dining experience.

Proprietor/Chef Rocco Potami was born and raised in Italy and he has always been passionate about cooking.  His restaurant offers recreated recipes of his homeland which he has spent years researching, developing, and perfecting. He uses only the freshest meats, imported pastas, and sauces made from scratch to serve a broad selection of dishes from each of Italy’s regions to pair with their ample selection of wines.

Tomato Bisque with Shrimp

Chef Rocco has 42 years of experience cooking in Central Florida. In 1982, the opening of Disney’s Epcot called him down from Montreal to work at their Italy pavilion.

Vitello Tonnato

Rocco’s told us during an interview how he describes his restaurant, “It is like walking into a restaurant straight out of Italy with a relaxed atmosphere in an old-world setting. Everyone is greeted at the door. I take pride in providing an authentic Italian dining experience with authentic Italian dishes created by my team and I, cooked fresh daily and served by a knowledgeable and professional staff.”

Ravioli Short Rib Stuffed with Zaffaron Cream & Sundried Tomato
Spaghetti Carbonara

Have you been to Rocco’s Italian Grille?

Pumpkin Swordfish Siciliana

Whether you have or haven’t, it’s time for a visit!  Rocco’s seasonal menus will always keep you coming back for more because you do not want to miss out on them.

Tartufo

Be sure to check out Rocco’s Italian Grille the next time you are in the Winter Park area for the finest Italian cuisine in town!

Inside the Tartufo

Click here to enter the Dinner for Two Giveaway for Rocco’s Italian Grille

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

Inside Look: Tabla’s Easter Menu for 2024 – March 27th -31st

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This Easter, Tabla is celebrating with a special Easter Menu from March 27th -31st.

With locations in Orlando, Lake Nona, Winter Park, and Oviedo, Tabla has been known for their restaurants specializing in Indian , Indo-Chinese , Thai and Asian Fusion

Some say Christianity in India dates back to the earliest followers of Jesus in the first century C.E. Christianity’s arrival in India is traditionally attributed to the apostle Thomas, one of the original 12 disciples of Jesus.

According to a popular tradition, Thomas traveled to the Malabar Coast, a region on the southwest side of the subcontinent.

It was in this area he’s said to have established seven churches, laying the groundwork for a community known as the Thomas Christians or Syrian Christians. This Christian community is among the oldest in the world.

Appetizers:


Tandoori Broccoli ($8.99)

Butterfly Methi Shrimps with Mango Mint Sauce ($16.99)

Main Course:

Cheese Ravioli with Spinach Sauce ($22.99)

Asparagus Kofta with Cashew Sauce ($23.99)

Pudina Rice with Hariyali Lamb Chop ($26.99)

Dessert:

Lauki Halwa ($7.99): classic Indian dessert made from grated bottle gourd (lauki) and cooked to perfection with ghee, milk and sugar.

For more information, visit: tablacuisine.com

— Tabla Locations — 

Tabla Indian Cuisine – Lake Nona
9971 Tagore Place
Suite 9 Orlando, Fl 32827
(407) 743-2847

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

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

thejohncheng’s Eat of the Week: Briarpatch

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Restaurant: Briarpatch

Location: 252 N Park Ave #3814, Winter Park

Happy Friday everyone! Today’s letter is B. B for words like Breakfast or Brunch or Birthday (today’s my wife’s birthday so happy Bday to her), and Briarpatch. This Winter Park spot is a favorite of ours.  We’ve been coming here for years when we want to treat ourselves, and it never disappoints. This time was the first time our kids came, and they definitely want to come back…like right now.

The reason is because everything is delicious and made with care.  I got a California Benedict, my wife ordered an omelette, my son got a waffle with everything on the side so he could plate it himself and just dip the strawberries into the Nutella directly, and my daughter got the French Toast.  Okay, everything was awesome.  The omelette was super filling, fresh, and the egg was cooked just right.  The bacon on my benedict was nice and thick and sweet, and I’m assuming the waffle was excellent because my son smashed that thing so fast without offering me a bite, that I was a bit offended and scared. But I want to tell you about this French Toast.

The slices of toast were thick!  Sometimes French Toast comes out with these soggy thin slices, but not this one.  It’s like a brick of bread where the outside was firm, but the inside was so moist (my daughter did let me have a slice).  The texture on each bite was just great.  You mix in the fresh fruit and that white cream, and it just balanced out the bread wonderfully.

Now, they are packed on the weekends, so I suggest getting there early, but it’s worth the wait if you have to stand in line for a little bit. So good eats, enjoy the pics, and I hope you have many Beautiful Brunchtacular Bites.

French Toast
Waffle with my son’s plating
The California Benedict
The Omelette (I couldn’t get my lighting right on this pic, but it was really tasty nonetheless)
I just want you to look at this bacon up close
I got a latte. This is on the sweeter side if you like that.
Cappuccino

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IG: thejohncheng_eats

FB Group: John Cheng photography

21 Best Restaurants in Orlando from Southern Living Magazine

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Southern Living Magazine’s Kelsey Glennon recently published their article “21 Best Restaurants in Orlando from Southern Living Magazine“. I was honored to give a few quotes on some of our favorites including Turci Pasta and Nile Ethiopian!

Someone on Reddit made a list using their google review ratings:

***The 21 Best Restaurants In Orlando, Florida***
Kaya: Filipino, 4.7 Google rating (203 reviews), $100+
Camille: Vietnamese, 4.6 (36), $100+
The Ravenous Pig: American, 4.5 (2722), $$$
Foreigner Restaurant: Fine Dining, 4.9 (54), $100+
The Strand: New American, 4.6 (486), $50-$100
Papa Llama: Peruvian, 4.5 (125), $50-$100
Pizza Bruno: Pizza, 4.3 (1780), $20-$30
Zaru: Noodle Shop, 4.6 (214), $20-$30
Shin Jung Korean Barbecue: Korean, 4.4 (977), $$
Danilo’s Pasta Bar: Pasta, 4.6 (27), $100+
Turci Pasta: Italian, 4.7 (1375), $30-$50
Bombay Street Kitchen: Indian, 4.5 (2442), $20-$30
AVA MediterrAegean: Mediterranean, 4.7 (4410), $100+
Juju: Japanese, 4.6 (230), $varies
Enzo’s On the Lake: Italian, 4.6 (867), $50-$100
Osprey Tavern: Seafood, 4.6 (1048), $$$
Nile Ethiopian: Ethiopian, 4.7 (1040), $20-$30
Caravan: Uzbek & Turkish, 4.9 (391), $20-$30
Uncle Tony’s Backyard BBQ: Barbecue, 4.9 (481), $10-$20
Kabooki Sushi: Sushi, 4.6 (1328), $50-$100
Soseki Modern Omakase: Japanese, 4.9 (208), $100+

From plenty of fresh seafood to wonderfully diverse cuisines, these are the best places to eat in Orlando. Read all about it here: https://www.southernliving.com/best-restaurants-orlando-fl-8606603

20 of the Best Chinese Restaurants in Orlando Right Now – Spring 2024 Edition

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The first Chinese immigrants arrived in the United States during the California Gold Rush in the 1850s, seeking economic opportunities. As they settled in cities like San Francisco and New York, they brought with them their culinary traditions.

Initially, Chinese immigrants faced discrimination and were excluded from many professions. However, they found a niche in the food industry, particularly in the restaurant business. The earliest Chinese eateries in America were modest establishments known as “chow chows,” serving simple dishes like chop suey and chow mein.

In the early 20th century, Chinese cuisine underwent a transformation to cater to American tastes. Dishes were adapted, and new creations like General Tso’s chicken and fortune cookies emerged.

In the beginning, most Chinese restaurants were Cantonese style Chinese, deriving from the Guangzhou region of China where many immigrants came from. This is the style most Americans are accustomed to. In recent years, there has been great migration from other regions of China such as Sichuan and Beijing and Shanghai, and bringing their cuisine with them – including right here in Orlando.

Here is our list of some of the best Chinese restaurants in Orlando!

Best Chinese Restaurants in Orlando – Spring 2024 Edition

1. YH Seafood Clubhouse

Address: 8081 Turkey Lake Rd., #700, Orlando, FL 32819, United States

Website: https://yhseafoodclubhouse.com/

Specialties: Authentic Cantonese cuisine, fresh seafood, and delicious dim sum

2. Taste of Chengdu

Location #1: 2030 W Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32804

Location #2: 4856 New Broad St, Orlando, FL 32814

Website: https://tasteofchengdufl.com/

Specialties: Traditional Sichuan cuisine

3. East Garden Chinese Restaurant

Address: 5136 W Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32808

Website: https://eastgardenorlando.kwickmenu.com/index.php

Specialties: Dim Sum, Cantonese cuisine, Seafood

4. Kung Fu Kitchen

Address: 8466 Palm Pkwy., Orlando, FL 32836

Website: https://www.kfkitchennyc.com/

Specialties: Shanghai soup dumplings, pork dumplings, Noodles

 photo DSC00266_zpsbf01a803.jpg

5. Chuan Fu / Chuan Lu Garden

Chuan Fu Address: 1035 N Orlando Ave., #105, Winter Park, FL 32789

Website: https://www.chuanfuorlando.com/

Specialties: Sichuan cuisine

Chuan Lu Address: 1101 E Colonial Dr., Orlando, FL 32803

Website: https://www.chuanlugardenfl.com/

Specialties: Szechuan cuisine

6. Hong Kong Alley Kitchen

Address: 10663 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32817

Website: https://www.hongkongalleyskitchen.com/

Specialties: Chinese and Cantonese food

7. Hunan Taste

Address: 5148 W Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32808

Website: https://www.hunantastefl.com/ 

Specialties: Hunan cuisine

SONY DSC

8. Ming’s Bistro

Address: 1212 Woodward St., #6, Orlando, FL 32803

Website: https://www.mingsbistrofl.com/  

Specialties: Authentic Chinese Cuisine & Dim Sum

SONY DSC

9. Tasty Wok

Address: 1237 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32803

Website: https://www.newtastywok.getsauce.com/  

Specialties: Authentic Cantonese cuisine, barbecue and exotic noodle dishes

10. Dim Dim Sum

Address: 4750 The Grove Drive Ste 100, Windermere, FL 34786

Website: http://www.dimdimsumorlando.com/ 

Specialties: Dim sum

Photobucket

11. Golden Lotus

Address: 8365 South John Young Parkway, Orlando, FL 32819

Website: https://golden-lotus-chinese-restaurant.business.site/

Specialties: Cantonese and Szechuan dishes

12. Ten Ten Seafood

Address: 10101 Sunset Strip, Sunrise, FL 33322

Website: https://tentenseafoodsunrise.com/

Specialties: Dim sum & Chinese food

13. Lu Garden

Address: 6700 Conroy Windermere Rd., #145, Orlando, FL 32835

Website: https://www.lugardenorlando.com/

Specialties: Mexican, Noodles, Orange Chicken, Oysters, Peking Duck & Pizza


14. Chilispot

Address: 4646 S Kirkman Rd., Orlando, FL 32811

Website: https://chineserestaurantorlando.com/

Specialties: authentic and modern Chinese food


15. Dimsum King

Address: 4192 Conroy Rd., Orlando, FL 32839

Website: https://dimsumkingseafoodfl.kwickmenu.com/

Specialties: Dim Sum, Seafood

photo by thejohncheng

16. Teriyaki House

Address: 5600 W Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32808

Website: https://www.facebook.com/teriyakihousefl/

Specialties: Traditional Taiwanese dishes

17. Yummy House

Address: 478 E Altamonte Dr., #102, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701

Website: https://yhaltamonte.com/

Specialties: Chinese cuisine, American-Chinese fusion


18. Green House

Address: 2915 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL 32837

Website: https://www.greenhousechinese.com/

Specialties: authentic Cantonese-style Chinese food


19. OEC Taiwanese

Address: 5270 W Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32808

Website: https://oectaiwanesecuisinefl.kwickmenu.com/index.php

Specialties: Taiwanese Cuisine


20. Boiled Fish

Address: 8910 Turkey Lake Rd., Orlando, FL 32819

Website: https://www.boiledfish.com/

Specialties: Szechuan Cuisine

Italian in College Park: Ragazzi’s Pizza and Restaurant

Ragazzi’s, a family-owned restaurant in College Park specializing in pizza and Italian cuisine, is run by two brothers, Alejandro Abreu and his sibling – with some great guidance from La Nonna (mom). Originally from Venezuela, they purchased the restaurant seven years ago, turning it into a family business.

The inspiration for their culinary journey came from La Nonna, Alejandro’s mother, who always had a passion for cooking. Their interest in Italian cuisine began with Alejandro’s grandfather, who hailed from Genova, a northern Italian city.

The family had the opportunity to live in Italy for several years, where they fell in love with the cuisine. Cooking at home together became their shared passion.

In 2016, they came across an opportunity to buy a business and decided to enter the restaurant industry driven by their love for the kitchen. Throughout this journey, the family has strived to make the Ragazzi’s more authentic, reflecting La Nonna’s recipes.

The menu at Ragazzi’s features a blend of Italian and American dishes. While their pizzas are the most popular items, their marinated chicken wings have also gained significant fame among customers.

We interviewed Mr. Alejandro Abreu about Ragazzi’s and their future plans.

Ragazzi’s in College Park

TastyChomps: What is your favorite Italian dish to prepare, and what makes it stand out?

Alejandro Abreu: Ragazzi’s has always stood out because of our pizza; it’s the star dish of our restaurant.

How do you ensure the authenticity of your Italian recipes, and what steps do you take to source quality ingredients?

We make everything in the restaurant, and all of our dishes are freshly made to order in-house. “La nonna” is always vigilant about ensuring that the restaurant’s standards are met.

Could you tell us about your menu, and what are some of the most popular dishes that customers love?

Our menu offers a variety of Italian and American dishes. In addition to our traditional Italian recipes, we also feature popular American dishes. The most popular items on our menu are our pizzas, but our chicken wings have also gained significant fame. We marinate them using our in-house recipe, making them a must-try at Ragazzi’s.

What is the most challenging aspect of running a restaurant, and how do you overcome it?

The most challenging aspect of running a restaurant is the personnel due to the high turnover of employees in the business.

What is your philosophy when it comes to creating dishes, and how do you balance traditional Italian flavors with modern trends?

Ragazzi’s philosophy is to uphold the essence of traditional Italian flavors while incorporating modern culinary trends. We balance the two by respecting traditional techniques and ingredients while infusing innovative elements to create a harmonious and enticing dining experience.

What are your future plans for the restaurant, and how do you see Italian cuisine evolving in the coming years?

Ragazzi’s future plans could include expanding our menu offerings, exploring new culinary concepts, enhancing the dining experience, or even opening additional locations. These decisions would depend on various factors such as market demand, customer preferences, and our vision of the restaurant.

The future of Ragazzi’s and the evolution of Italian cuisine will depend on a combination of factors, including customer preferences, market trends, and the ability of the restaurant to adapt and innovate while staying true to the essence of Italian culinary traditions.

Ragazzi’s Pizza & Restaurant
3201 Edgewater Drive,
Orlando, FL 32804
407.999.9973
www.ragazzispizza.com

Photos by Tiffany Nguyen @bytiffanynguyen

thejohncheng’s Eat of the Week: Tammy’s Teriyaki House

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Restaurant: Tammy’s Teriyaki House

Location: 5600 W Colonial Dr., Orlando

Change of pace this week.  I’m going to go with a local spot that lots of Taiwanese people probably already know about, Tammy’s Teriyaki House.  This place has been around for years, and they make really good Taiwanese food. It’s the stuff that reminds me of Taiwan when we go there, and it’s a Mom and Pop kind of place.  It’s not a trendy hip spot or anything like that, but a cool spot to bring the family for some really solid food.  When we go there we get lots of different things like the sweet and sour pork ribs, the water spinach (when they have it), the squid soup, popcorn chicken, etc etc. BUT there is one thing that we always order, sometimes twice, the Fried Tofu.  This is one of my favorite things to eat, and even my kids love it.  We have to get them their own order, without the hot sauce.

It’s fried tofu with this spicy type of sauce on top with an amazing pickled cabbage.  Each piece is nice and large, and they are fried to perfection.  The outside is always so crispy, and the inside is so soft.  The textures are just awesome, and then you couple it with the sauce and cabbage, just mmmmmm.  Yeah…it’s really good.  Anyway, I hope you guys go and try it out.

This last trip we also got the Honey Lemon Green Tea (not pictured, sorry), the Beef Noodle soup, and the Intestine Vermicelli (this a traditional dish, we really like it, but it might be for the adventurous eater). All really good!

Anyway, I hope you enjoy the pics below, and as always, thanks for reading and I wish you good eats!!

Fried Tofu
Beef Noodle Soup (look at all the beef!)
Intestine Vermicelli

 

To follow or inquire about food photos:

IG: thejohncheng_eats

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*Please note, my posts are not sponsored.

Orlando – Celebrate GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE at Susuru and Juju – Wednesdays March 20th thru April 7

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Warner Bros.’ upcoming release, GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE, which is coming to theaters on March 29th.

To celebrate this new release and the 10th anniversary of the Monsterverse, they have teamed up with Orlando restaurants Susuru & Juju to host “Monster Hours” on a few select upcoming dates!

During these “Monster Hours”, the restaurants will each be debuting special limited edition menu items (Godzilla Ramen at Susuru & King Kong Kaisen Don at Juju), along with their Godzilla and Kong cocktails, and fun giveaways! These special entrees are larger than any dish currently offered at either restaurant.

Details:

  •  Godzilla Ramen will be available at Susuru & the King Kong Kaisen Don at Juju.
  • This promotion is taking place during “Monster Hour” from 5:30PM-6:30PM on Wednesday, March 20th, March 27th, & April 3rd.
  • Promotional item giveaways will be taking place during “Monster Hour” as well (no purchase necessary & while supplies last).
  • These two specials are the largest entrees that either restaurant currently offers.

The epic battle continues! Legendary Pictures’ cinematic Monsterverse follows up the explosive showdown of ”Godzilla vs. Kong” with an all-new adventure that pits the almighty Kong and the fearsome Godzilla against a colossal undiscovered threat hidden within our world, challenging their very existence—and our own. “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” delves further into the histories of these Titans and their origins, as well as the mysteries of Skull Island and beyond.

 https://www.godzillaxkongmovie.com

#GodzillaxKong

A Foodie’s Guide to Easter Specials in Orlando 2024

Easter returns to Central Florida on Sunday March 31 this year.

Restaurants, hotels, and venues across Orlando are gearing up to offer unique and enticing experiences for locals and visitors alike.

Below are some of our featured highlights for Easter in Orlando this year – take a look and make sure to make reservations ASAP!

A Foodie’s Guide to Easter in Orlando 2024 – Specials and More

Lake Nona Wave Hotel

6100 Wave Hotel Drive,
Orlando, Fl 32827

407.675.2000

Easter Brunch + Sculpture Garden Egg Hunt

EASTER EGG-STRAVAGANZA

Get ready to hop into the Easter spirit at HAVEN Kitchen on March 31st.

Join us from 11am to 3pm for a Easter buffet-style brunch with beautiful spring décor and live entertainment followed by an exciting egg hunt in the Sculpture Garden.

Indulge in a variety of offerings:

– Extensive pastry display
– Seafood station
– Carving station
– Decadent dessert display
And so much more

It’ll be an egg-cellent time!

Easter Brunch
$110.00 per person

Easter Brunch + Sculpture Garden Egg Hunt
$130.00 per person

BOOK YOUR EASTER BRUNCH

JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek

Celebrate Easter in style with an unforgettable weekend at JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek.
Indulge in decadent brunches, sip on refreshing spring cocktails, and take part in our exciting Easter Egg Hunt.
Don’t miss your chance to meet the Easter Bunny and make memories that will last a lifetime. Explore our itinerary: https://bit.ly/48FtRnT

illume at JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek

Join us for a delightful Easter Brunch featuring a delectable a la carte menu. Indulge in Japanese inspired breakfast specialties and our renowned illume signature Sushi rolls. Choose from a variety of tasty entrees, including a special kid-friendly option. Make your Easter celebration truly unforgettable with us! Available March 31st.

Menu: A la carte
Celebrate at UnReserved Food Bazaar over a traditional Southern brunch buffet featuring a full seafood raw bar, carved Easter lamb and prime beef and savory crêpes. Sip special Easter Mimosas as you enjoy live entertainment including a visit from the Easter Bunny offering the perfect moment for a family photograph as well as Easter Egg painting for kids. Available on March 31st
Menu: $135 adult / $55 children (4-12) / free 4 & under

 

Four Flamingos

Four Flamingos Easter Brunch  

 

WHEN:                               March 31, 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. 

 

HIGHLIGHTS:                     

·                  Noshing Table & Raw Bar:

  • Charcuteries & Crudités
  • Fresh-Shucked Oysters 
  • Snow Crab Claws 
  • Tuna Tataki 

 
Carving Stations:  

·        Florida Black Grouper  

·        Leg of Lamb Roulade (with apricot & herb stuffing and pomegranate molasses glaze) 

 

Ricotta Pancake Station with selection of sides and toppings 

 

Small Plates: 

·                  Picanha Bearnaise – Plancha Seared Steak, Béarnaise Mousse, Whipped Yucca, Asparagus Salad 

·                  Maduros Foster – Caramelized Sweet Plantain, Jamaican Spiced Rum, Cardamom Coconut Whip, Pizzelle 

·                  Patatas Bravas Hash – Boniato and Yukon, Boar Linguiça, Poached Egg, Datil Aioli, Manchego 

 

Dessert Bar with selection of Cakes, Pastries, and Sweets including:  

·                  Italian Easter Pie 

·                  Carrot Cake 

·                  Key Lime Tart 

 

Bottomless Mimosas available for $30 add-on 

 

RESERVATIONS:               FourFlamingosOrlando.com 

 

WHERE:                              Four Flamingos at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress (complimentary parking w/ validation) 

 

PRICING:                            $95 per adult, $45 per child 

 

NOTES:                               The restaurant will be open for brunch service only this day, and will not offer dinner service. 

Grande Lakes Orlando

4040 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando, Florida 32837
https://spr.ly/6180XdxEu

Easter is right around the corner, and we can’t wait to welcome guests to Grande Lakes to join all the festivities. The Ritz-Carlton Orlando will be hosting a Cotton Tail Tea at the Lobby Lounge, and a delicious Easter brunch at Highball & Harvest.
JW Marriott Orlando will be hosting an Easter Breakfast at Citron, an Easter Brunch at Primo, a Springtime Festival on Valencia Lawn and a Bunny Hop Cookie Workshop inside Whisper Creek Farm: The Kitchen.
We will also be continuing our Grande Easter Egg Hunt tradition on Da Vinci Lawn Easter Sunday from 10 am – 12 pm.
View more details about our Easter events and reserve your resort experiences here: https://spr.ly/6180XdxEu

Wild Fork Foods

Wild Fork

Wild Fork Foods – Central Florida Locations
7585 W Sand Lake Rd, Orlando, FL 32819 – (407) 362-5542
625 Orlando Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789 – (407) 362-5550

Lake Nona – coming soon!

Elevate your Easter celebration with #WildFork
Try something new and make Leg of Lamb, you will enjoy every bite!

Elevate your Easter celebration with our selection of premium, pre-seasoned centerpieces that promise to impress your guests without the hassle. From the robust flavors of Chicago Style Prime Rib to the aromatic allure of Garlic Rosemary Lamb and the zestful tang of Dry Rubbed Chimichurri Tri-Tip, we have curated a lineup that guarantees an easy yet sophisticated feast.

https://wildforkfoods.com/collections/easter/

Orlando World Center Marriott – Lattitude and Longitude

Latitude & Longitude Restaurant at Orlando World Center Marriott – the largest Marriott property in the world – will host a new epic Easter Brunch Buffet this year!

Easter Brunch Buffet
SUNDAY MARCH 31, 2024 | 11AM – 3PM
$85++ for adults, $30++ for children ages 4 – 12,  complimentary for children 3 and under.

Highlights:
Carving Stations: Whole Roasted Mojo Pig  , Smoked Prime Rib  w/Horseradish Cream, Natural Au Jus & Yorkshire Pudding
ENTREES: Eggs Benedict w/Truffle Hollandaise, Striped Bass w/Smoked Trout Caviar Beurre Blanc , Seared Chicken w/Morel Cognac Cream Sauce, Paella  Action Station w/Clams, Mussels, Chicken,  Chorizo, Bomba Rice
Raw Bar: Cold Water Oysters , Poached Shrimp w/French Cocktail, Assorted Sushi  Rolls
Cold and Hot Breakfast Selections including omelettes, charcuterie, chorizo, Pastries and Bakery Items
Florida Rock Shrimp  Chowder Soup
Soup , Salad  & Bread stations
Dessert  Bar

Plus…UNLIMITED MIMOSAS *Additional $20

Latitude and Longitude
8701 World Center Drive, Orlando, FL
Book: Opentable or Call: 407.238.8528

Easter by Plate Above Catering

Easter Done Easy

Ditch the cooking and savor the classics like:
Leg of Lamb
Prosciutto-wrapped Pork Loin
Spiral Cut Honey Ham
Prime Rib
& More!

Check out the full menu of heat-and-eat options at PlateAbove.com/Easter

Order your complete Easter Celebration by March 21st.

We’ll cook the food, and you celebrate the season.

A portion of our profits to The Culinary Training Program at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.

This 16-week culinary program provides adults facing barriers to employment with the culinary and life skills training needed to pursue a full-time sustainable career in the food industry.

Tabla Easter Menu

This Easter, Tabla is celebrating with a special Easter Menu from March 27th -31st.

With locations in Orlando, Lake Nona, Winter Park, and Oviedo, Tabla has been known for their restaurants specializing in Indian , Indo-Chinese , Thai and Asian Fusion.

Some say Christianity in India dates back to the earliest followers of Jesus in the first century C.E. Christianity’s arrival in India is traditionally attributed to the apostle Thomas, one of the original 12 disciples of Jesus. According to a popular tradition, Thomas traveled to the Malabar Coast, a region on the southwest side of the subcontinent.

It was in this area he’s said to have established seven churches, laying the groundwork for a community known as the Thomas Christians or Syrian Christians. This Christian community is among the oldest in the world.

Appetizers:
Tandoori Broccoli ($8.99)
Butterfly Methi Shrimps with Mango Mint Sauce ($16.99)
Main Course:
Cheese Ravioli with Spinach Sauce ($22.99)
Asparagus Kofta with Cashew Sauce ($23.99)
Pudina Rice with Hariyali Lamb Chop ($26.99)
Dessert:
Lauki Halwa ($7.99): classic Indian dessert made from grated bottle gourd (lauki) and cooked to perfection with ghee, milk and sugar.

For more information, visit: tablacuisine.com

— Tabla Locations — 

Tabla Indian Cuisine – Lake Nona
9971 Tagore Place
Suite 9 Orlando, Fl 32827
(407) 743-2847

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

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

NEW: The Drake Kitchen + Bar Opens In Downtown Orlando

The Drake Kitchen + Bar recently opened its brand-new downtown Orlando dining room and gathering place featuring a curated, locally sourced menu of elevated global tapas and hand-crafted cocktails.

Chef-owner Heberto Segura, who runs the restaurant with his pastry chef wife, Rona tells us, “Ours is a restaurant for the community where everyone is invited to join us for good times, delicious food, and the hospitable service you’d expect in a favorite gathering spot,” Segura says. “We have an adventurous passion for sourcing and presenting inventive seasonal dishes that we procure locally whenever possible with due credit to our local crafters and producers.”

More from the press release:

The Drake menu will be eclectic and fun with a nod to the farmers and crafters, growers and fishmongers whose products are on the menu, Segura says. Snacks and starters will range from the Broken Egg, a fried duck egg with potatoes, garlic aioli, and Lady Edison ham to Gulf Coast Cobia with Tomato Mignonette and plantain chips. Vintage cheeses and artisan-cured and smoked charcuterie will be served with home-baked rustic breads and accoutrements.

Creative main dishes featuring Prime Aged Beef NY Strip Steak and Madeira Beach Red Fish sit side by side on The Drake menu with vegetarian options like Fungi John Mushroom Risotto. Arroz de la Costa, which serves two, is a seafood lover’s dream with lobster,  octopus, giant prawns, black rice, and green chickpeas.

Desserts by Chef-owner Rona Segura will promise a sweet ending, from Goat Cheese Pan Basco with roasted seasonal fruit to Chocolate Budino—double chocolate cream, hot coffee caramel and sesame tuile.

And the drinks menu pays tribute to many local brewers, distillers, and small batch producers who share the Segura family’s passion for creating their products with love. The signature 36 Barrels crafted cocktail of Gunpowder Gin and Garden Party green apple & thyme liqueur is a nod to the restaurant’s borrowed theme of old-fashioned community and revelry.


The Duck & Drake and The Drake restaurants’ monikers originate with the lost-to-history Duck and Drake Inn once located just off the Strand in London, where co-conspirators gathered in May 1604 to plan the infamous Gunpowder Uprising. At that time, it was deemed a safe place for revolutionaries to gather, and The Drake Kitchen + Bar will promote its peace-loving, hospitable dining environment with decorative elements that hark back to that legendary plot, with gunpowder barrels included and displayed above the bar. Design elements include a Community Wall promoting diversity where “everyone is welcome, everyone is equal,” Segura says. A Sky Wall is an ode to the restaurateur’s mantra, “blue skies and chill vibes.”

The Segura family’s dream to open a fine-dining restaurant in Orlando began to take shape in 2017 with their gourmet food truck that checked all the culinary boxes—fresh local ingredients, global flavors, creative fare, and sharing portions that earned kudos from diners and critics. The Duck & Drake Kitchen, with its celebrated menu of gourmet tapas, is in residence at Digress Wine in College Park. It will remain in its College Park location as a sister restaurant to The Drake Kitchen & Bar, located at 361 N. Rosalind Ave. Suite 1, Orlando.

Heberto, who attended the Florida Culinary Institute at Lincoln College in West Palm Beach, Fla., met Rona in Las Vegas, where he was executive chef of New York-New York Hotel and Casino. He also served as executive chef and culinary consultant of restaurant development for The Harwell Group and had asserted his skill in the kitchens of the Boca Raton Resort & Club and The Mandarin Oriental before seizing the Las Vegas opportunities. He was executive chef of Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant in Disney Springs, Orlando, before striking out to launch his Duck & Drake Kitchen food truck in residence at Digress Wine in Orlando.

Rona, a consummate self-taught culinarian who loves to bake and create pastries, rose through the ranks of renowned kitchens of the Venetian Hotel and The Palms Casino Resort before joining Caesar’s Palace. There, she took on roles at the much-heralded Rao’s Italian and Payard Patisserie & Bistro. In Orlando, she was on the culinary team at Roy Yamaguchi’s Dr. Phillips’ area restaurant, Roy’s.

Located on the ground level of the Radius Apartments, the 100-seat restaurant features
a main dining room, bar, parlor, and covered patio.

The Drake Kitchen + Bar
361 N. Rosalind Ave., Suite 1
Orlando, FL 32801
Tuesday-Saturday: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sunday Brunch coming soon

 

V’s Diner in Casselberry Seeks Support to Keep Doors Open

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V’s Diner, located in Casselberry, posted a message on their social media this week asking for support from the community in light of financial strain. Despite initial community support for their vegan offerings, sales have declined recently, making it difficult to sustain operations. The partners are meeting to determine if they can afford to stay open. They’re asking for support through social media sharing and patronage to give the business one more chance. They express gratitude for the community’s support thus far and hope to see patrons during regular hours on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.


The full message is below:

Friends, we just wanted to be fully transparent with what has been going on with V’s Diner. When we signed our lease we had budgeted for a build out within a 4 month timeframe. Ultimately that ended up being 18 months and over five times the cost, six times after including rent.

When we opened our doors the community came out in droves, fully supporting V’s and our mission to deliver some of the best vegan food in town and we couldn’t thank you enough for that support. Yes, we have had some consistency issues and staffing issues but being a new business that takes some time to sort out and through a lot of hard work we have got those things where they need to be.

We have been closed the last few days because the partners have been meeting trying to figure out IF we can afford to stay open because recently sales have declined fairly drastically and unfortunately our expenses have remained the same.

So where is V’s going from here? Short of someone coming in to buy the entire company, we have decided to give this thing one more shot and do everything we can to remain in business. We ask you to please do what you can to support us any way you can. If you can’t eat here please share our information on social media and let your friends know we’re here. If you can eat here please stop by, say hello and share that experience with your friends on social media.

In closing we want you to know that your support has meant the world to us and whatever happens it has been an amazing experience for all of us involved.
See you regular hours Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Thank you – V’s Diner

According to their website, “V’s Diner is unique in that the proteins of all of our comfort food — burgers, gyros, cheesesteaks and more — are all made from scratch. Nothing mass produced with chemicals and preservatives, frozen for months on a cross country journey. We make it fresh and healthy. The way food is supposed to be.

“In traditional cooking meat is a very important element. It’s the center of a lot of dishes and what we’re trying to do is give plant based meat as much respect, care and attention as someone would do with actual meat at a barbecue place. Not just black bean burgers or fried tofu.””

Location

908 State Road 436,
Casselberry, FL 32707
Contact

407-279-1966
orders@VsDiner.com

Hours

Monday -Closed
Tuesday 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Wednesday 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Thursday 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Friday 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Sunday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

thejohncheng’s Eat of the Week: Aji

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Aji Explosion!

Restaurant: Aji

Location: 1436 FL-436 #1024, Casselberry, FL

When family comes to town to visit, you have to bring them somewhere good to eat.  For me, it’s a mark of pride that my family leaves Orlando thinking about what they ate here, so when my cousin flew in from California, I took her to Aji.  This is one of my favorite spots, and she said she can’t get good ceviche up in the Bay Area, which makes me sad. But Aji always makes me happy 🙂 We ordered two things, plus a salad, and the Mango, Fresa (strawberry), and Maracuya (Passion Fruit) juice. We got the Jalea and the Aji Explosion! (note, all mentions of the word Explosion! will be followed by an !)

If you like ceviche, get the Aji Explosion! It’s ceviche with yellow and roasted pepper sauces, and avocado.  It comes with shrimp and beef tenderloin skewers sticking out from the top too.  If you don’t know what ceviche is, it’s raw fish that is cook or marinated in a type of citrus like lemons. It’s sooooo good!  There’s a good portion of fish, and the sauce it’s marinated in perfectly matches the tenderness of the fish.  It’s a perfect compliment.  It’s a flavor Explosion!

We paired that lightness of the ceviche with some good ol’ fried seafood, but this Aji’s fried seafood called Jalea, so it’s not stuff you get from a fast food kind of place.  This is fried calamari, fish, shrimp, yuca, and a mussel. Their fried food is not heavy. The batter is not dense at all, and the seafood stands out.  Everything tastes so fresh. It’s just really good.

So here are some pictures, and I hope you try them if you haven’t already. It’s a taste Explosion!

Aji Explosion!
Jalea
Mango, Fresa, and Maracya juice (mango, strawberry, and passion fruit) this is amazing and you should get it.

 

Another shot of the Jalea. It’s a big plate. My son loves this with the pickled onions.

 

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IG: thejohncheng_eats

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A Spring Soiree dinner benefiting Edible Education Experience – Monday April 22

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A Spring Soiree, 6pm Monday, April 22, at the Emeril Lagasse Foundation Kitchen House & Culinary Garden, 26 E King St., College Park. Benefitting the non-profit Edible Education Experience, which empowers students and communities with life skills from the garden to the table. (www.edibleed.org) – tickets go on sale March 13, 2024.

It’s a great line-up of chefs, presenting 6 courses:

Chef Lordfer Lalicon – Kaya

Chef Wendy Lopez – Reyes

Chef Fabrizio Schenardi – Four Seasons Orlando Resort

Chef Ian Russell – Smoke & Donut

Chef Kevin Fonzo – La Tavola

Chef Jamie McFadden – Cuisiners

Maria  Mercado- Sampaguita Ice Cream

6 courses including wine, beer, and a welcome cocktail, $275 / person

(Sponsored private tables: VIP table for 6 in the kitchen,  $7,500; Private 10-top table in fireplace room, $7,500.)

For tickets, go to edibleed.org.

A Foodie’s Guide to the Best Oyster Bars in Orlando – Spring 2024

There is a myth that oysters are safe to eat only during months containing the letter “R” in their name (i.e., September through April), when oysters were primarily harvested from the wild rather than farmed. Thanks to advancements in food safety handling, monitoring, and oyster farming, the “R” rule is no longer strictly necessary and oysters can now be safely enjoyed year-round.

Typically, West Coast oysters are known for their subtly sweet with a strong briny flavor, sometimes reminiscent of cucumbers or melons, while East Coast oysters have a milder taste and a softer, more tender texture due to less salty waters.

Oysters are full of vitamins and nutrients including Omega-3 Fatty Acids, protein, zinc, copper as well as vitamin B12, which plays a crucial role in brain health.

Here are some of Orlando’s Best Spots for Oysters

Wine 4 Oysters

Address: 1957 S Alafaya Trail, Orlando, FL 32828
Website: https://www.wine4oysters.com/

Wine 4 Oysters, Dr Philips

Address: 7645 Turkey Lake Rd., Orlando, FL 32819
Website: https://www.wine4oysters.com/

Bruno’s Oysters

Address: Barrel Room, 426 W Plant St, Winter Garden, FL 34787
Website: https://brunosoysters.com/

Thirsty Gator

Address: 3040 N Goldenrod Rd., Winter Park, FL 32792
Website: https://thirstygator.net/

High Tide Harry’s

Address: 4645 S Semoran Blvd., Orlando, FL 32822
Website: https://hightideharrys.com/

The Osprey

Address: 4899 New Broad St, Orlando, FL 32814
Website: https://www.theospreyorlando.com/

Lee and Rick’s Oyster Bar

Address: 5621 Old Winter Garden Rd., Orlando, FL 32811
Website: https://leeandricksoysterbar.com/

Eddie V’s

Address: 7488 W Sand Lake Rd., Orlando, FL 32819
Website: https://www.eddiev.com/locations/fl/orlando/orlando/8513

Atlantic Beer & Oyster

Address: 358 N Park Ave B, Winter Park, FL 32789
Website: https://atlanticbeerandoyster.com/

Victorio’s Oyster Bar and Grille

Address: 300 Dog Track Rd., Longwood, FL 32750
Website: https://www.victoriosoysterbar.com/

The Boathouse at Disney Springs

Address: 1620 E Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Website: https://theboathouseorlando.com/

Nauti Lobstah

Address: 311 S Forest Ave., Apopka, FL 32703
Website: https://thenautilobstah.com/

Primrose Lanes

Address: 400 N Primrose Dr, Orlando, FL 32803
Website: https://www.primroselanes.com/

thejohncheng’s Eat of the Week: Thrive

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Restaurant: Thrive

Location: 13 S Orange Ave, Orlando FL 32801

Some buddies of mine invited me out to the Magic vs. Jazz game last week (Magic won), and we went to Thrive to grab some dinner first.  This was my first time at Thrive, and I love trying new places.  Now, Thrive is a cocktail lounge and eatery, which is usually not my style as I don’t drink, but I do enjoy eating, and they had some good eating.  We ordered a bunch of stuff, 2 rolls, an order of Hamachi, Mr. Rice Guy, Tofu Fighters, some noodles, and all were really good.  However, the All-Star of the night had to be the Drunken Belly.

It’s Pork Belly Bites served over some Sushi Rice, and they make it perfectly.  The pork bites were crispy on the outside, and super juicy and tender on the inside.  They cover it in this sweet sauce, and you balance that with the sweet rice and scallions, and your mouth just goes mmmmmmmm.  I recommend trying this if you are into delicious things.

Anyway, I assume you want to see some pictures, so please see below. The Magic may have beaten the Jazz this night, but I was real winner.  Thanks for reading and I wish you good eats!!

Drunken Belly
(To)fu Fighters – also really good
Mr Rice Guy (I think) – I didn’t order this, but I liked it.
Hamachi

 

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IG: thejohncheng_eats

FB Group: John Cheng photography

 

Chef’s Profile: Chef Jes Tantalo of Redlight Redlight in Orlando’s Audubon Park

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This piece first appeared in The Community Paper, March 2024

You may have seen Chef Jes Tantalo around town before, cooking up behind the scenes at places like East End Market in Audubon Park and Lineage Coffee. Now, she brings her Southern-, Pittsburgh-, and Italian-inspired cuisine to Audubon Park’s Redlight Redlight on Corrine Drive, creating a refined yet comforting dining menu to pair with their house-brewed beers and seltzers. We visited her at Redlight Redlight one afternoon to catch up with her on the new things happening with her this year and on the new menu.

What would you say are the most popular dishes right now — or your favorite dishes — on the menu?

The shrimp and beans is like a sneaky hit. I have a love for beans, love for vegetables and shrimp. It’s a good, quick saute item, very homey, and it comes with some fresh potato chips.

I’ve been doing the cabbage for a couple years, and I love it so much. It’s just a nice char sear, and then there’s a curry emulsion sort of hollandaise-adjacent type of sauce.

The [pork] cutlet’s been a hit on the pub side, throwing on carrots and fried greens. I try to balance it between a quick snack versus something you can make a full meal out of. Right now, we just keep expanding on that as we sort of find our groove and get our routines and see what happens.

Where are you sourcing for your menu?

I frequent the Monday night market here in Audubon, and so I use a lot of Everoak [Farm], Winter Park Urban Farm, Zenn [Naturals] Farm. Trying to get more mushrooms from the Florida Mushroom King [Florida Shroom King Mushroom Farm]. He’s working on upping his production. Fleet [Farming]’s out there, get a few things from them. Wild Ocean [Seafood Market] is predominantly where I get my seafood. Trying to keep it Florida based. If there’s a good technique going into it, and it’s just picked, it’s just going to be maximum flavor, which is really what we’re after.

What are some tips for home cooks or chefs?

Shop your farmers markets. The fresher the vegetables, the better they taste. And I think the easier they are to cook because they require some of those basic techniques like a quick blanch or a little roast. So you can actually put less effort into it because it’s so packed with flavor and it’s so fresh.

And, you know, just not being scared of the things that you haven’t had. Like kohlrabi is not scary — it’s just not something that you see everywhere. You can almost cook it as many ways as a potato.

Redlight Redlight
2810 Corrine Dr, Orlando, FL 32803
Phone: (407) 893-9832
https://www.facebook.com/redlightredlight/

Dinner Service by @chefjestantalo from 5-9pm.

M E N U
Ruthie’s Pierogi! @ruthiesrogis
Farmers Cheese & Potato Filling, Caramelized Onions, Sour Cream

Roots
Mini Carrots, Tokyo Turnips, Miso Galangal Marinade, Muscadine Piquette Reduction, Crispy Shallots, Crushed Nuts

Smoked Fish Dip
Olive Oil Poached Tilefish, Smoked Mullet, Capers, Shallots, Creme Fraiche with Cucumbers, Radish & Chips

Salt Brined Frites
A Pound of Potatoes, Bonus Onions, Smothern Sauce

Jalapeno Corn Hush Puppies & Smothern Sauce

Fried Green Olives
Parmesan Sauce, Oregano, Black Pepper

Shrimply the Best
Royal Red Shrimp, White Beans, Blistered Tomato, Garlic Butter, Wine, & Chips (gf)

Impossible Nuggets
Buttermilk Basil or BBQ

Charred Cabbage
Curry Emulsion, Toasted Breadcrumbs, Herbs (gf option)

Pork Cutlet – thinly Pounded 8 oz Pork Loin, Panko Breaded, Pak Choi, Little Gem & Napa Salad, Buttermilk Basil Dressing, Shaved Onion