Pelican’s Bar & Grill at the Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier adds specialty dishes to the menu for a full experience only offered during dinner time, offering guests new flavorful options in seafood, steak, and pasta in addition to the restaurant’s traditional menu.

We were able to try some classic and new specialty dinner menu features at Pelican’s Bar & Grill.

Mixed Berry and Strawberry Daiquiris are some options of the Build Your Own Drink at Pelicans. Each involves fresh fruit to bring the flavors to your taste buds.

Not only does the pier offer fruity and/or refreshing drinks, but the pier also offers a number of craft beers. It’d be a nice place to bar hop by trying all of the beers on the pier as each location with a bar has a different variety of beer from one another.

The Chicken Flatbread has so many delicious flavors to it. I love the fresh greens that come from local markets. The chicken is tender, but not very moist.

The Southern-Fried Gator is a creation of fresh gator loin marinated for 24 hours and lightly southern-fried in the Chef’s seasonings. It is served with a VERY spicy mango habanero sauce and cool ranch dressing. Trying it with a mix of both the sauces makes a cool mix better than setting your mouth on fire with the spicy mango habanero sauce on its own. Don’t fret, fries are served with this dish and can be found at the bottom of the bucket under the gator.

Tuna Poke is fresh sushi-grade tuna seasoned and mixed with hijiki, mirin, sesame seeds, olive oil, soy sauce, lemon and lime juice before being served with lavash and fresh avocado slices. The tuna is very fresh and the flavors are fine. My least favorite part of this dish is the lavash.

The Lobster Mac and Cheese consists of an abundance pieces of buttery and tender lobster in a house-made four cheese sauce. The mac and cheese is very smooth, the pasta was silky to the bite and the lobster added a different texture as well as sweet notes to the dish. This dish was one of our favorites and we wouldn’t mind coming back for more!

The new supplemental menu offers eight enhanced selections from Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier Executive Chef Stephen Stewart starting daily at 5 p.m., adding to the Pier’s appeal as an evening destination. Guests seeking an ideal date night can enjoy options such as a nori tuna steak wrapped in seaweed or filet mignon while enjoying spectacular sunsets and night time views of the Atlantic Ocean through Pelican’s floor-to-ceiling windows.

Reservations are not required, but accepted, and can be made by calling the Pier at (321) 783-7549.

• Hours: Sunday – Thursday 11 AM – 10 PM, Friday – Saturday 11 AM – 11 PM
• Happy Hour: 4 PM – 7 PM Monday through Friday (free parking available after 4:00 PM)
• Check out the website to Experience the Cocoa Beach Pier.

Specials in Orlando this Father’s Day:

Bulla Gastrobar – Winter Park –

Executive Chef Charles (Chad) Mathews and Executive Sous Chef Mariano Vegel have more in common than their culinary titles: they’re also both fathers.  This Father’s Day, Bulla Gastrobar will be offering a puzzle for kids and dads to solve together – in exchange for a plate of complimentary Churros. Chef Charles (Chad) Mathews

Mathews’ grandfather owned a deli. The recipes his grandfather cooked came from his own grandfather. As far as cooking with his kids goes: “On my days off, we do a lot of cooking at home. I’ll whip out the air fryer, and we’ll make hash browns together. One day, I want my kids to be interested in food, and to know that anywhere you go, the one thing you have in common with others is food. Being surrounded by love as you enjoy a meal with your family… it’s a powerful feeling.”

Chef Mariano Vegel

For Vegel, time with family and friends is what makes a meal worth savoring. When he’s not at work, he enjoys cooking with his twin school-age sons. And each day, he takes to heart his father’s advice: “With every dish you cook, imagine that a loved one is going to eat it.”

Hawker’s Asian Street Fare –

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Pharmacy Orlando

The Capital Grille

For those looking to let Dad rest this Father’s Day, The Capital Grille is offering an off-menu feature on Sunday, June 17: a 20 oz. Wagyu Bone-In New York Strip. Available only by request, this generous offering is the perfect way to make Dad feel special on his big day.

In addition to the classically prepared dish, raise a glass to Dad with the deservingly paired Faust ‘Liberation’ Cabernet blend of Napa Valley, an exclusive wine for The Capital Grille’s guests, hand-picked by our Advanced Sommelier. Faust, “Liberation,” Napa Valley has primary notes of blackberry fruit, mocha and licorice perfectly balanced by pretty aromas of potpourri and sweet vanilla from 100-percent new French oak barrels.

Eddie V’s

This year Orlando residents can celebrate Dad at Eddie V’s over prime seafood and steak, while also giving him a chance to win an exceptionally unique experience; a 3-day, 2-night Gulf fishing adventure. The winner and a guest will embark on a weekend fishing excursion with Eddie V’s Executive Chef Ray Comiskey, who will treat them to dinner at Eddie V’s on day one. On the second night, the day’s catch will be prepared by Chef for everyone to enjoy.

Guests should ask their server for more details on Sunday, June 17 to help their Dad win an adventure he will never forget.

Enzo’s Hideaway at Disney Springs

Sunday Supper is kicking off on Father’s Day June 17 inside Enzo’s Hideaway at Disney Springs. Gather your loved ones around one of our communal tables to enjoy a hearty spread of cured meats, cheeses, pasta, entrees and sweets, shared family-style, in an intimate setting that focuses on bringing people together with the promise of good food and meaningful conversation. This is a weekly event where the only menu being served will be the Sunday Supper menu and the regular menu will not be available. Bring a bottle (or two) of your favorite wine to toast  with no additional corkage fee! This family-style feast is $45 a person and $19 for children nine and under (price does not include tax or gratuity).  

To view the menu and make reservations, visit: https://www.patinagroup.com/enzos-hideaway/menu#Sunday+Supper

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Ace Cafe Orlando

Smokey Bones consist of grill masters who respect the power of the open flame. We were recently invited to visit one of the Smokey Bones locations, which we ended up choosing the first ever Smokey Bones! What’s better than checking out Smokey Bones for the first time by visiting the first Smokey Bones restaurant?

The first Smokey Bones restaurant opened up in Central Florida at 3400 E Colonial Dr Orlando, FL, United States. It is wonderful knowing of historical locations around the corner, especially when it is a home of delicious food, delicious drinks and wonderful staff. If you happen to visit the first Smokey Bones restaurant we went to, ask for Jeff because he is an all-star employee that took care of us during our visit.

The Smooth Bourbon Blackberry Lemonade is one of the most popular drinks at Smokey Bones. It’s made of Maker’s Mark or Buffalo Trace Bourbon, blackberry purée, fresh squeezed lemonade, a dash of natural spice, and topped with prosecco sparkling white wine. After seeing an image, I should have tried it. Something so pretty must taste delicious too, no?

Instead, I had the Long Island Lighter Fluid, which I forgot to photograph since I was so thirsty. The Long Island Lighter Fluid consists of BACARDÍ Superior Rum, Svedka Vodka, New Amsterdam Gin, Patrón Citronge, citrus sour, Coke, and lemon squeezed. When reading the ingredients, it may seem strong and you are absolutely correct.

I was told, “you’ve never tasted wings like these” and they were accurate. These Smoked Wings are slow smoked to double the intense flavor before dusted with house seasoning and drizzled with a sweet glaze. The flavors are very unique because there are so many flavors dancing on my taste buds from being salty, sweet and savory. They are cooked well to have crispy skin, yet moist and tender meat.

New to the menu is the 1 lb Smoked Pork Chop that is sweet brined for 24 hours before being slow smoked and grilled all in-house. Here, it is served with Fresh Steamed Broccoli and Big Cheese Macaroni. The pork chop is flavorful in every bite, yet a bit dry. The broccoli is tender and seasoned nicely, while the Big Cheese Macaroni would make any cheese lover’s day.

Smoked St. Louis Ribs are probably our favorite item from the menu from what we tried this visit. These ribs were seasoned and hand rubbed before slow smoked for 4 hours and brushed with a sweet, smokey BBQ sauce. These ribs fell off the bone and were delicious. This dish is highly recommended for you to try.

With the ribs, we had Fire-Roasted Corn and Loaded Cheese Fries as sides. The loaded cheese fries were pretty nice, but would’ve been better if they were thinly cut.

The Texas-Style Beef Brisket platter is a 1/2 lb brisket that was hand carved and hand rubbed before slow smoking for 14 hours and served with a signature BBQ sauce. The brisket is delightfully tender and flavorful. This is our second favorite item from the menu.

It’s served with amazing Sweet Potato Waffle Fries that we could not get enough of! The other side is a Loaded Baked Potato.

On the side of the table, there are a number of barbecue sauces for you to choose from and add to your dishes if you fancy an extra layer of sauce.

From the salad menu, there’s the Stacked Baked Potato & Salad. The loaded baked potato is topped with pulled pork or Texas-Style Beef Brisket, cheddar jack, bacon, sour cream, and green onions. You can have a choice of Garden Greens or Caesar side salad along with the garlic bread.

The Stacked Baked Potato is filled with flavor and textures. The crispiness of the bacon is a nice touch to the smooth cheese and savory pulled pork.

Smokey Bones isn’t all about barbecue as they have a number of burgers, sandwiches, and pasta dishes as well. Photographed here is the Sausage & Asiago Melt, which consists of grilled sausage, Asiago, a tomato sauce drizzle, and cracked black pepper. The flavors are pretty subtle besides the grilled sausages,  which were a bit saltier than desired. Overall, the creaminess of the dish takes the prize.

Last, but not least, is this Hot Bag O’Donuts. The donuts are fluffy, yet dense. They arrive warm to the table and in the bag. The bag is shaken up to evenly distribute the cinnamon sugar before the donuts are poured onto the plate to be dipped in either chocolate or raspberry dipping sauces or enjoyed on their own. They are made just right and the only thing I’d want is some bacon added on top…yum!

For more information or to find a Smokey Bones near you, check out their website.

The first Friday in June is National Doughnut Day and this year it falls on Friday, June 1st, 2018.

Doughnut Day was established by The Salvation Army in 1938 to honor The Salvation Army’s “Doughnut Lassies,” who served the treats to soldiers during World War I. The “Doughnut Lassies” are often credited with popularizing the doughnut in the United States when the troops returned home from war.

The Salvation Army celebrated the first National Doughnut Day in Chicago in 1938 to help raise funds during the Great Depression and commemorate the work of the “Doughnut Lassies.”

Here are some ways to celebrate for National Doughnut Day here in Orlando, with lots of specials including free doughnuts:

Krispy Kreme
Any donut free – no purchase necessary, but we suggest a cup of dark roast for ultimate dunking.

Krispy Kreme Winter Park
1031 S. Orlando Avenue (17-92), Winter Park, FL 32789

Krispy Kreme Millenia
4080 Millenia Blvd., Orlando, FL 32939

Krispy Kreme Kissimmee – East
5310 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway
(192 / Mile Marker 11.5), Kissimmee, FL 34746

Dunkin Donuts
Free “classic” donut with purchase of a beverage.

Wawa
Any donut free with purchase of a specialty beverage.

The Donut King
Free glazed donut – No purchase necessary.
208 S. Highway 27, Minneola
3716 Howell Branch Road, Winter Park
thedonutking.com

The Glass Knife
Offering a complimentary glazed doughnut with a purchase of a coffee on Friday, June 1 from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.; they will also be debuting their newest edition, the “Doughnut Banana Split;” and last, but certainly not least, offering one lucky Instagram winner complimentary donuts for a year. Entering the contest is simple – like the post the post on @theglassknifewp Instagram page, follow @theglassknifewp and tag 3 friends. The contest ends at 11:59 am EST on Friday, June 1. Details can be found on their Instagram page.

DUCK DONUTS
710 Centerview Blvd, Kissimmee, FL 34741
(407) 350-5832
One free donut (bare, cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar) no purchase necessary. There will also be raffles, music, an area for guests to take pictures, and warm, fresh donuts – made to order. ?With each free donut, each guest will receive a coupon for their next trip to DUCK DONUTS.

The Squash Blossom Quesadilla is a great vegetarian choice. All of the flavors blend well and the ingredients are fresh in each bite.

Although 4 Rivers is a Smokehouse, it doesn’t stop them from building a beautiful and delicious Charcuterie and Fromage Board. This would have to be my favorite thing from the night. I was tempted in carrying the whole board out to my car!

Each of the Smokehouse Barbacoa Bowls have their specific flavors that are slightly unique from one another.

The Chicken Tinga may be my favorite of the night with its juiciness.

Nana’s Pork Sofrito has a beautiful story behind it, which you should ask your waiter/waitress about. It is made by a local grandmother with all her love and care shared to 4 Rivers owner, John Rivers. I’ve heard rumors that the sauce may be found at Publix in the future.

My favorite dessert would have to be the Key Lime Brûlée with Rum-Infused Whipped Cream. It is nice, creamy and the key lime is not overwhelming whatsoever.

The Halal Guys was started as a NYC food cart but now has grown throughout the nation. They just opened last year in Central Florida near the University of Central Florida. At this Central Florida location, they offer deals daily. For this month, they are offering special group discounts and children get free side of fries or falafel with purchase for Ramadan.

Ramadan is a special time of year for Muslims for fasting, from sunrise to sunset for a whole month. At sunset, there is usually service and then a family or community feast. Fasting includes not eating but also refraining from harmful or hurtful activities. In the past 10 years, the number of Muslims in Central Florida has grown over 10 times according to the US census, ranking as the second fastest growing religion in the region only after Roman Catholicism. This year, Ramadan is the May 15 – June 24.

Beef is cooked on a vertical broiler and cut when ready throughout the day to maintain freshness for each order. The beef is moist and flavorful.

Chicken is chopped on the stove with beautiful steam rising. The chicken is very tender and tasted delicious with their white sauce as well as their hot sauce.

The most popular order is the combo platter, which has both chicken and beef. Their dishes can be made per person or to cater for a gathering.

This is what a small combo platter looks like – pure deliciousness! I was right, it tasted as great as it looks. This includes a special white sauce from The Halal Guys. There are a number of other options. For instance, a spicy sauce with a major kick. As Ricky would suggest it, “you should try it! It is really hot.”

If you are not fond of meat, have some falafel instead. Falafel is a deep-fried ball, doughnut or patty made from ground chickpeas, fava beans, or both. It is a great alternatives for those who prefer a meat substitute.

Sometimes, fries can be used as a substitute to the rice in dishes or you could order it as a side. Again, children get free side of fries or falafel with a purchase for Ramadan.

Other sides available include Hummus and Baba Ghanouj, respectively shown in the photographs. Both are made well and a delight to have as a side or snack with some pita bread.

For dessert, check out their baklava. I can taste it now looking at this photograph. If only I could pull out baklava to eat from my photograph. Until that is a possibility, stop by The Halal Guys for an order.

For more information, visit The Halal Guys.