Popular Vietnamese-American eatery Viet-Nomz is opening a second location soon at 11798 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32817.

This is the former location of Pita Pit at the plaza on the corner of Colonial Drive and Alafaya Trail with the Lucky’s Market.

Known for their modern take on Vietnamese cuisine with banh mi style tacos as well as more traditional Pho and rice noodles, this will be Viet-Nomz second location after their first on University and Goldenrod.

More to come soon.

Photos courtesy of Viet-Nomz and Chris Bhulai

Earth Feast: Kamayan-style Filipino Charity Dinner
MONDAY MAY 21, 2018 @ 6:30PM — 9:00PM
Benefiting: IDEAS For Us

Kadence who will be preparing a sumptuous Kamayan-style Filipino feast. In the spirit of Earth Day, guests will gather around the table as a family and use their hands (it’s what “kamayan” means, after all) to enjoy a mountain of grilled Florida seafood, an array of veggies, and rice served atop banana leaves.

There will be delicious food, fresh drinks, locally brewed beer, and live entertainment to welcome you to a special evening benefiting one of Orlando’s most unique and impactful charities: IDEAS For Us. You may know them through their programs here in Orlando: The Hive, The Solutions Fund, and Fleet Farming.

This is a charity event and the ticket price is a 100% tax-deductible contribution. Please consider making an additional donation or choosing a “Swag Option” (50% tax-deductible) for extra goodies that can help keep you cooler than ever this summer.

Link to tickets: https://ideasforus.networkforgood.com/events/6381-earth-feast-kamayan-style-filipino-charity-dinner

Chef Olé was founded with the intention of teaching about gourmet Spanish food, sourced from companies with more than 100 years history of producing the best products in Europe.

Their gift boxes are named after famous Spanish artist and are composed of exclusive selection of Spanish gourmet products, designed to enhance the flavors of food by further improving the tastes. We were recently sent a box to test out – here are some photos!

PICASSO BOX CONTAINS:

1-Extra virgin olive oil, variety HOJIBLANCA, first oil press, company with 200 years of tradition. 17.6 fl.Oz./ 520 ml.

2-Spicy paprika from La Vera, product with PDO. Used by Top Chef winner 2017. 1.41 Oz / 40 g.

3-Chamomile olive bell. Manzanilla olives and extra virgin olive from Bajo Aragón. 4.23 Oz. / 120 g.

4-Citrus salt flakes. Without preservatives, without colorants 130 years tradition 5.64 Oz / 160 g.

5-Pedro Ximénez balsamic cream, a tradition since 1923. 8.46 Oz / 240 g.

https://www.chefole.com/

I used the spicy paprika to make some Vietnamese Bo Kho.

Beef
2 to 2 ½ pounds boneless beef chuck or brisket cut into 1½-inch chunks
1/2 packet of Bo Kho Spices

For the Stew

3 tablespoons oil
8 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, sliced thinly
4 tablespoons tomato paste
8 cups of water
2 cups of pure coconut water/juice
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 tablespoon spicy paprika
8 large carrots, peeled and cut on the bias into 1½ -inch chunks
1 teaspoon of salt
3 tablespoons soy sauce

wide rice noodles or egg noodles

Combine the beef with bo kho spice packet and marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Bo Kho: Add the ingredients including the beef together in large pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to medium low, and simmer for 1 hour.

After an hour has passed, add the carrots, salt, and soy sauce. Simmer for another 40 minutes.

Cook your noodles per package instructions, transfer to bowls, and ladle the soup over the top.

The Capital Grille:

In addition to serving its signature dinner menu all day, traditional brunch favorites will be served at $49 per person and $15 for children. For the appetizer course, guests can choose between menu items such as a Cup of White Cheddar Potato and Leek Soup, a Cup of Clam Chowder, Caesar Salad or Field Greens Salad. Guests can then select from a range of items for their entrée, including Shrimp and Grits, The Grille’s Lobster Frittata, Bone-In Dry Aged NY Strip with Fried Egg, Filet Mignon 8 oz., or the Pan-Seared Salmon.

Brunch concludes with decadent dessert choices, such as Classic Crème Brûlée, Flourless Chocolate Espresso Cake, or Strawberries and Cream.

WHAT:                This Easter and Mother’s Day, in addition to their full dinner menu, The Capital Grille will offer a prix-fixe brunch menu.

WHEN:                Sunday, April 1, 2017 and Sunday, May 13

10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Brunch menu served

2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. All-day dinner menu served

WHERE:              ORLANDO – I-DRIVE

9101 International Drive

Orlando, FL  32819

ORLANDO – MILLENIA

4200 Conroy Rd.

Orlando, FL  32839

Eddie V’s:

In addition to serving its signature dinner menu all day, traditional brunch favorites will be served at $49 per person and $15 for children. For the appetizer course, guests can choose between Norwegian Smoked Salmon, Fried Green Tomatoes, or the Deviled Egg Trio. Guests can then select from a range of items for their entrée, including Pan-Seared Steak and Eggs, Lobster Quiche Florentine, Shrimp and Grits, Alaska King Crab Omelet with Three-Citrus Hollandaise, and the Crispy Chicken White Cheddar Jalapeno Biscuit. The three course brunch menu also includes fresh baked cinnamon rolls to share. From 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., a live piano performance will take place in the lounge, which will then shift to live jazz trio from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Conclude your Easter or Mother’s Day brunch on a high note with one of Eddie V’s decadent dessert choices.  Enjoy delightful options such as Banana Foster Cake with Butter Pecan Ice Cream, Butterscotch Panna Cotta with Salted Caramel and Biscotti, or fresh seasonal berries with freshly baked cookies. Brunch is also accompanied by the restaurant’s award-winning wine list of over 300 wine selections, as well as special cocktails such as mimosas, Bellinis and Bloody Mary’s for $9.

WHAT:                This Easter and Mother’s Day, in addition to their full dinner menu, Eddie V’s will offer a prix-fixe brunch menu.

WHEN:                Sunday, April 1, 2017 and Sunday, May 13

10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Brunch menu served

2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. All-day dinner menu served

WHERE:              7488 West Sand Lake Rd

Orlando, FL  32819

EL Buda (Downtown, Orlando): 

Maria & Enzo’s (Disney Springs): 

Mother‘s Day brunch at Maria & Enzo’s (Disney Springs): 

Enjoy Sunday brunch with mom at Maria & Enzo’s at Disney Springs. Take flight in the former Disney airline terminal, transporting the whole family into the golden age of travel. Celebrate with an elegant buffet of classic and contemporary dishes including Mascarpone French Toast, Poached Hen Egg & Quinoa Kale Salad and hand-carved NY Strip Steak. The all-you-can-eat affair is $35 per adult and $15 per child (3-9) and kids under 2 years of age eat free. Cheers to mom with mimosas and bellinis!  Add endless during brunch for just $15. Reservations available at https://www.patinagroup.com/maria-enzos. 

 

Dragonfly Robata Grill & Sushi

7972 Via Dellagio Way

Orlando, FL

Reservations: Online or call 407.370.3359

Treat mom to an Unlimited Izakaya Lunch for Mother’s Day.  The family will enjoy unlimited Izakaya favorites made to order, as well as live chef’s stations manned by master sushi chefs preparing all-you-can-eat nigiri, maki, and poké!  The restaurant will be open from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Event Details: https://business.facebook.com/events/1750037761721046/

Izakaya lunch is $39 per person for adults and $19 per person for children ages 5-12. Kids 5 and under eat free. A bottomless adult beverage option is also available for $15 per person.

Pharmacy Orlando

8060 Via Dellagio Way

Orlando, FL

407.985.2972

Opening special just to celebrate mom, the all-you-can-eat brunch at Pharmacy is not to be missed.  Award-winning chef Loren Falsone will cook up her best in southern-style fare from House-smoked Bourbon Bacon, Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Crab & Lobster Eggs Benedict to Kentucky Boneless Beef Short rib, Southern Sticky Buns and Homemade Donuts.  Equal parts food and drink, beverage master Dominick Tardugno doesn’t disappoint with bottomless mimosas, sangria and bloody marys.

Brunch is $74 per person, inclusive of bottomless drink offerings. Reservation can be made by phone.  Pharmacy Orlando will be offering brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Urbain 40 American Brasserie and Lounge

8000 Via Dellagio Way

Orlando, FL

407.872.2640

Treat mom like the queen she is and take her to Urbain 40.  Mom’s receive a complimentary glass of rosé and a rose.  A special prix-fixe menu will be available for $64 per person (plus tax and gratuity) and a regular la carte menu is also available.

Menu highlights include:

• Seared Yellowfin Tuna Tataki
• Mother’s Day Plat Du Jour: Frittata Alla Mediterranean
• Tuxedo Sesame-dusted white peach-ginger ice cream sandwiches   

Urbain 40 will begin taking reservations at 11 a.m.

K Restaurant & Wine Bar

1710 Edgewater Dr.

Orlando, FL

407.872.2332

Make it a neighborhood experience and dine at K Restaurant.   An a la carte brunch menu is available which includes Pastry Chef Michelle’s irresistible Cheddar Herb Biscuits ($6), along with three specials created by Executive Chef Ryan.

• Seasonal Fish Entrée; sweet corn, succotash and lemon thyme butter ($30)
• Lump Crab Cake Benedict; Michelle’s homemade biscuits, poached eggs and traditional hollandaise sauce($20)
• Petite Filet; roasted potatoes, seasonal vegetables, veal demi-glace and truffle oil ($42)

K Restaurant will be offering brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Canvas Restaurant & Market

13615 Sachs Ave

Orlando, FL

407.313.7800

Brunch with a view for the win at Canvas Restaurant & Market!  Enjoy a regular a la carte brunch menu with delicious offerings like their Ricotta Pancakes ($12) and Tiramisu French Toast ($11). Moms (and guests) can also enjoy bottomless mimosas or frosé for $14.   The restaurant will open at 11 a.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. on Sunday.

Chroma Modern Bar + Kitchen

6967 Lake Nona Blvd

Orlando, FL

407.955.4340

This Mother’s Day, Chroma Modern Kitchen + Bar will be offering two specials in addition to their regular a la carte menu.

• Duck Confit Tacos; Pickled Shallot and Avocado Salsa, Chile and Burnt Orange Aioli ($15)
• Braised Local Beef Short Ribs; Shiitake Mushroom Risotto, Leek and Tomato Confit ($20)

Chroma will begin taking reservations at 12 p.m.

Paddlefish at Disney Springs

On Mother’s Day, May 13, Paddlefish will be serving up their delicious Sunday brunch alongside beautiful views on the rooftop deck.

If the celebrations need to be delayed or you just want to keep celebrating mom, Saturday, May 26, you can join Paddlefish’s Chef Steve Richard on the rooftop for a “Cooking with Mom” event. Attendees with learn simple techniques to create restaurant quality dishes at home. The first course will be Crab Louie Salad, second course Braised pork shoulder and for dessert, chocolate crèmebrûlée. Tickets and a detailed menu can be found here.

Nature’s Table is dedicated to using fresh and healthy ingredients to create food that not only tastes great, but can also be good for you. From fresh fruit used in their salads and smoothies to spinach and kale in their protein bowls, you can always feel good about choosing Nature’s Table for lunch.

All protein bowls at Nature’s Table include red quinoa, baby kale and spinach – ingredients that are rich in iron, protein and fiber. These foods will help you focus and give you the energy to power through your day. Below are two of Nature’s Table’s most popular bowls.

The Sesame Thai Bowl is a blend of different grains and vegetables topped with all-natural chicken breast, scallions, sliced almonds, and Sesame Thai aioli sauce. The sauce adds a slight spiciness to the bowl.

The Carnitas Bowl was my favorite with its tender marinated carnitas, especially if there’s extra lime to add a fresh citrus touch to the bowl.

Nature’s Table plans on bringing Mexican and Mediterranean twists to their dishes throughout this year. This Greek Protein Bowl includes Tzatziki and olive tapenade created by Michael Navarro.

Each Nature’s Table may include items on the menu that isn’t found at other locations. At the RDV location, you can find a number of desserts and other to go items for your fast pace schedule after a nice workout. This Coconut Creme Pie was light and tasted like a healthy version. It won’t leave you guilty about having a delicious dessert.

If you’re not convinced about the pie, how about supercharging your day with an Açaí Bowl full of superfoods? It was the first açaí bowl I have eaten and I feel as if I now have a new addiction to them. These bowls are made to order and is only $6.99. These may only currently be found at the RDV location along with the coconut creme pie.

Watch your meals be made through a glass window whether it’s a salad, smoothie, bowl, etc.

Nature’s Table is also going green. They fully recognizes the importance of sustainability and has recently joined forces with World Centric to offer compostable bowls in their restaurants. The goal is to eliminate the use of petroleum-based foam containers, and instead use compostable bowls made from sugarcane and wheat straw fiber, complemented by plant-based plastic lids.

Find a Nature’s Table near you…

• Website: http://naturestable.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naturestable/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Natures_Table
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NaturesTable

Chefs from Disney’s BoardWalk Resort Restaurants will prepare a dinner at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida as part of the Chef’s Night Series.

The team will be led by Andrew Larkin, Executive Chef, Disney’s BoardWalk Resort and will include Chef Rich Smich, Trattoria al Forno; Chef Paul Napoli, ESPN Club; Chef Tim Majoras, Flying Fish; Pastry Chef Kurtis Baguley, Disney’s BoardWalk Resort restaurants and Sommeliers Katie Hanewall, Trattoria al Forno and Ted Letsch, Flying Fish.

Guests will enjoy a five-course meal including specialty cocktails and wine pairings.

Chef’s Night brings Central Florida’s top chefs into Second Harvest’s Community Kitchen to celebrate delicious food and raise funds for a good cause. All proceeds benefit Second Harvest’s Culinary Training Program, which provides students with the skills and inspiration they need to obtain an entry-level position in a food service establishment.

MENU:

Insalata Salad
House-Pulled Mozzarella, Heirloom Tomatoes and Aged Balsamic
Chef Rich Smich, Trattoria al Forno

Spring Gnocchi
Carrot, Celery, Onion, Pea and Corn
Chef Rich Smich, Trattoria al Forno

Strawberry and Goat Cheese Salad
Baby Kale, Brussel Sprouts, Olive Oil and Sea Salt Ciabatta Bread Crisp
Chef Paul Napoli, ESPN Club

Ocean’s Bounty Sustainable Fish and Sea Salt Dusted Filet Mignon
Harvest Vegetable Melange, Leek Fondue and Cassis Red Wine Demi
Chef Tim Majoras, Flying Fish

Vahlrona Chocolate Semolina Torta
Brachetto Raspberry Crema
and
Mascarpone Cream Mousse
Blueberry Lime Compote, Hibiscus Meringue and Rye Bourbon Caramel
Pastry Chef Kurtis Baguley, Disney’s Boardwalk Resort

WHEN: Thursday, May 31, 2018

6 – 9 p.m.

WHERE: Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida

411 Mercy Drive

Orlando, Fla. 32805

COST: $75 per person

REGISTER: Purchase tickets at www.FeedHopeNow.org or call 407-514-1070 for more information. Seating is limited.

____________

About Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida
SHFBCF is a member of Feeding America – the largest charitable domestic hunger-relief organization in the United States. SHFBCF secures and distributes food and grocery products to approximately 550 local nonprofit feeding programs throughout Central Florida. Last year, with the help of food and financial donors, volunteers and a caring, committed community, the food bank distributed nearly 56 million meals to partner programs such as food pantries, soup kitchens, women’s shelters, senior centers, day care centers and Kids Cafes. In addition, Second Harvest’s 18-week culinary program teaches foodservice-based technical, life and employability skills to economically hard-pressed adults. Second Harvest is distributing enough food to feed 48,000 people a day. To learn more about SHFBCF, visit www.FeedHopeNow.org.

National Association of Letter Carriers’(NALC)Stamp Out Hunger food drive will be occurring on Saturday, May 12, where anyone can leave canned goods and non-perishables in their mailboxes which will be picked up for free by letter carriers.

In our home state of Florida,Farm Share- a 27-year-old, Florida-based nonprofit food organization – will be the primary beneficiary of collected supplies, who will distribute the items back into Florida, specifically Central Florida, communities to feed those in need, for free.

For 25 years, the NALC has teamed up with nonprofits nationwide to help more than 50 million people in America who suffer from hunger.

“Stamp Out Hunger provides Floridians with an easy way to make a big impact locally. Farm Share is excited to assist with the collection and distribution of the donations, as it’s our top priority to fight hunger and provide Florida communities with nutritious food,” said Stephen Shelley, Farm Share’s chief operating officer.

On May 12, letter carriers and volunteers will collect donations so Farm Share, in partnership with its 2,000 partners across Florida, can distribute the food back into the communities.

During the 2017 annual food drive, more than 71 million pounds of food were collected. Florida has been ranked as the No. 1 state for cans collected over the last decade.Farm Share is celebrated for its partnership with Florida farmers to retrieve imperfect, yet perfectly good, produce that would otherwise be thrown away due to aesthetic blemishes, and then distributes it back into Florida communities.

In 2017, Farm Share delivered 51,893,761 pounds of fresh food to more than 10.5 million households.”It’s an honor to partner with Farm Share, as we respect its commitment to ending hunger in Florida daily.It’s our hope that this year’s drive will have the most impact yet,” said Al Friedman, State President of Florida for the NALC.

How to Help: Fill up the Farm Share bag left in mailboxes with non-perishable foods, and leave the bag next to your mailbox before the regular mail delivery on Saturday, May 12.

Share on social media using the hashtag: #FarmShareXStampOut.Visit FarmShare.org and StampOutHungerFoodDrive.us for more information

From the early days in the 1990s along a quiet Lee Road, a family-owned steakhouse legacy was emerging in Orlando. The modest, single building was previously known by a variety of names including Bakerstreet Grill, Tony Marino’s and Morgan’s Lobster House. Fast forward to 2000, the Christner family expanded the restaurant with a second neighboring building, formerly Straub’s and Nick’s Boat Yard, with the signature central lobby and porte-cochère.

The heart and soul of Christner’s began with Carole Christner and her late husband, Russ. Many of the founding principles and traditions stand today. Although, the official name of Christner’s Prime Steak & Lobster name debuted in 2013, the iconic restaurant has been owned and operated by the Christner family since 1993. From USDA Prime Steaks, cold-water lobster tails and classic steakhouse menu features to the rich leather seating and low lighting, Christner’s quality and authentic hospitality is always in vogue.

To celebrate the silver anniversary as a family-owned, award-winning restaurant, the Christner family generously opens the doors for a special celebration dinner:

25th Anniversary Celebration Dinner
Thursday, June 14
Now Taking Reservations
407.645.4443 or ChristnersPrimeSteakAndLobster.com

One hundred percent of the dining proceeds (excludes alcohol sales) on June 14 will be donated to Aspire Health Partners as their way of saying thanks and to pay it forward to their beloved community for the next 25 years.

“We are truly honored and humbled by numerous awards and accolades over the years and cherish them as much as the friendships and memories we have created,” said Owner Alice Christner.

Led by retired Orange County Firefighter Tom “Bull” Hill, a group of firefighters, first responders, family and friends are walking 640 miles from Key West to Tallahassee to raise awareness about firefighters who develop terminal cancer as a result of their lifesaving work.

Hill is fulfilling a promise he made to two of his firefighter friends before they died from cancer – to make a difference. Along the way, firefighters and their families and friends give him personal items — badges, name tags, obituaries, even fellow firefighter’s ashes — to carry in his backpacks.

To support marchers along the 640-mile route, 4 Rivers Smokehouse treated a group of 250 participants to lunch at its Winter Garden Smokehouse on April 20, one month after the long walk began.

The award-winning Central Florida-based restaurant group will also host meals at its Gainesville and Tallahassee Smokehouses when the “March of the Bull, My Brother’s Burden” walkers reach those cities.

“The core of the 4 Rivers brand is rooted in supporting the communities that support us and we’ve had the honor to help many firefighters, police officers and first responders over the years,” said John Rivers, 4R Restaurant Group Founder/CEO. “Tom ‘Bull’ Hill is showing remarkable commitment to raise awareness for a righteous cause and we’re happy to show our support along his journey.”

Hill, who is making the walk despite two knee replacements, aims to collect 50,000 signatures on a petition to let him speak before the Florida Senate in Tallahassee. The marchers want lawmakers to pass legislation recognizing that certain types of cancer and other medical conditions can be brought on by circumstances directly related to a firefighter’s everyday efforts in the line of duty.

Florida is one of just 20 states that does not officially recognize the health issues faced by firefighters. Follow the journey here: https://www.facebook.com/mybrothersburdenwalk/

Orlando Meats is a family-owned, whole animal butcher shop and restaurant born out of a deep appreciation for good food.

The Butcher Shop
Orlando Meats sources proteins locally (within 250 miles) from farms that follow organic practices, raise their animals on pasture, and provide natural diets to produce the best quality meat. They purchase half or whole carcasses and break them down in their butcher shop, utilizing the entire animal. As a nose-to-tail operation, they carry everything from popular steak cuts, to fat, bones, and organ meat.

The Restaurant Half
The other half of Orlando Meats is a fast casual eatery serving breakfast and lunch dishes crafted by their talented cooks, using mostly local and seasonal ingredients in addition to the pasture-raised meats from their butcher. Breakfast served 8am-11am. Lunch served 11am-close. Brunch served Sunday all day.

Orlando Meats – Ivanhoe District
728 Virginia Dr, Orlando, FL 32803
http://orlandomeats.com/

We take a first look inside California Tortilla, a fast-casual Mexican-inspired restaurant, that recently opened a new location in downtown Orlando right on our iconic Church Street.

California Tortilla serves fresh, made-to-order burritos, bowls, street tacos, quesadillas and salads.

California Tortilla also features a Wall-of-Flame containing over 75 spice options ranging from mild to extreme.

California Tortilla in Orlando is located at 54 West Church Street near The Amway Center. In 2016, Business Insider included it on its list of “13 Mexican fast-food chains that could be the next Chipotle.”

Screamin’ Spicy Street Taco
Blackened chicken, queso, California Screamin’ sauce, fajita veggies and salsa. Served on two soft corn tortillas.

Carnitas Street Taco
Pork carnitas, melted Jack cheese, Enchilada sauce, onion-cilantro relish and fresh avocado. Served on two soft corn tortillas.

Nachos
Corn tortilla chips topped with queso, jalapeños, sour cream, guac, scallions and salsa. Add chicken, steak, taco beef or farm-fresh veggies and black beans!

For more info, visit http://californiatortilla.com/menu/