The Eighth Annual Downtown Food & Wine Fest is set for Saturday, February 27 and Sunday, February 28, 2016 for more than 30,000 foodies and wine lovers to experience unique local cuisine paired with wines from around the globe.
Located in the heart of downtown Orlando at Lake Eola on Robinson Street, the two-day Fest features mouth-watering dishes from 30 of Orlando’s premier restaurants, 50 domestic and international wines and live entertainment.
Date / Time: Saturday, February 27 (noon to 9 p.m.) and Sunday, February 28, 2016 (noon to 7 p.m.)
Location: Located in the heart of downtown Orlando at Lake Eola along Robinson Street
The live entertainment schedule* includes:
Saturday, February 27, 2016
12:50 p.m. Adam Moreno
2:30 p.m. Orange Avenue
4 p.m. The Mud Flappers
5:30 p.m. Special acoustic performance by Mike Posner
6:30 p.m. Michael Franti Acoustic Duo
7:45 p.m. American Authors
Sunday, February 28, 2016
12:45 p.m. Nicholas Marks
2:15 p.m. Sidereal
3:45 p.m. Derek & The Slammers
5:20 p.m. Best of the Fest Awards
5:45 p.m. Firefall
*Performance times and artists subject to change without notice.
Tickets:
One-Day General Admission Admission is $15 per person, per day with advance online purchase. Admission at the door is $20 per person, per day.
Two-Day General Admission
For all-weekend Fest fans, a two-day ticket is available for $25 per person with advance online purchase.
Wine Tasters Club
A limited number of Wine Tasters Club passes will be available for purchase for $15 per person at the Fest. Club members will enjoy up to five 2 oz. pours of their choice throughout the Fest and a souvenir lanyard.
Ultimate Fest Experience
A limited number of Ultimate Fest Experience packages are available for $100 per person, per day and includes a VIP parking pass, general admission, Wine Tasters Club, $20 value in food and beverage tickets, access to the private stage-side VIP tent, private wine/beer bar with premium wines (food and beverage tickets required) and access to private bathrooms reserved for VIP guests.
Food and beverage tickets are available at the Fest for $2 each; food and beverage offerings range from one to four tickets.
The Downtown Food & Wine Fest is produced by MIX 105.1, 1059 SUNNY FM, and 101.9 AMP Radio in partnership with the Central Florida Chapter of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) Educational Foundation.
“With more than 1,000 events a year, Downtown Orlando offers residents and visitors alike with unique experiences and affordable entertainment options,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “Reoccurring community events like the Downtown Food & Wine Fest help to highlight our growing dining scene and bring awareness to our local businesses, strengthening economic growth to the area.”
Steve Carver, senior vice president and market manager, CBS RADIO Orlando commented, “Through the power of radio and the strength of our partnerships with the FRLA and Orlando restaurateurs, foodies and fans will come together to celebrate the sights, sounds and tastes of Orlando.”
Thirty top restaurants are scheduled to present culinary tastings including the return of the 2015 Foodie Award winners as honored by a panel of Orlando elected officials, food writers and reporters and celebrity chefs.
2015 Foodie Award: Marlow’s Tavern Shrimp & Grits
2015 Sweet Treat Award: Primo at JW Marriott Orlando Cannoli Gelato Cone
2015 Best of Show:Siro at Orlando World Center Marriott (winner 2013-2015)
Stay Connected
For more information on the Downtown Food & Wine Fest:
Visit www.DowntownFoodAndWineFest.com
Like Downtown Food & Wine Fest on Facebook
Follow @DTFoodWineFest
Use #DTFoodWineFest on Twitter and Instagram
Call the events hotline at 407-919-1048
eMail DowntownFoodandWineFest@cbsradio.com
Marlow’s Tavern is bringing the tempting taste of the Big Easy to Central Florida with its annual Bayou ‘n Bourbon menu, available through March 28.
“I have always been impressed by Louisiana’s rich culinary heritage, which draws on French, German, Spanish, African and Native American influences,” said John C. Metz, executive chef and co-founder of Marlow’s Tavern. “We’ve been letting the good times roll in our kitchen creating appetizers, entrées and cocktails that show off that unique blend of flavors from New Orleans with a Marlow’s twist. Let’s just say we’re throwing our own parade for the palate.”
To kick up the local spice another notch this year, Metz’s team has added Classic Creole seasoning from Woodstock-based GG’s Fine Food to several of its recipes.
“Linda “GG” Gibson learned to cook Creole the old-fashioned way – from her grandmother,” Metz said. “Her seasonings are very traditional in the classic Louisiana style.”
When the Cajun craving strikes, the Bayou ‘n Bourbon menu is ready for lunch and dinner. New items on this year’s menu include the following:
· Bayou Lump Crab Dip – Creole-spiced lump crab, andouille, spicy mustard, Asiago, Parmesan crust and toasty French baguette
· N’awlins-Style Po’ Boy – fiery spiced red fish, apple-cabbage slaw, shredded lettuce, Roma tomato and Creole rémoulade on toasted baguette
Marlow’s Muffaleta
· “The Big Easy” Muffaletta – imported mortadella, Genoa salami, spicy capicola, GG’s secret recipe olive salad, melting provolone on pressed ciabatta bread
· Sweet Bourbon St. Rib-eye – blackened Jack Daniel’s Honey-blazed rib-eye, jumbo asparagus and a creamy crawfish pie
Plus, Marlow’s signature Bayou ‘n Bourbon menu favorites include Roasted Chicken & Shrimp Gumbo, Daily Flatbread from the Bayou, Deconstructed Jambalaya and Honey Bourbon Bread Pudding.
For guests who prefer to be spirited away New Orleans-style, Marlow’s has crafted a special menu of drinks and handcrafted cocktails including:
· “Pat’s” Marlow’s Hurricane – a New Orleans tradition stolen from Pat O’Brien’s. His secret recipe all “jazzed up” with Bacardi light rum, fresh orange juice and a floater of Bacardi. Hold onto your beads!
· Bourbon Rum Punch – Old Forester, Meyer’s Dark Rum, vanilla, cream & nutmeg
· Bourbon Street Lemonade – house-made New Orleans original, Southern Comfort, lemonade, kiss of mint, fresh lemon & lime and a dash of simple syrup
· Sokol Blosser Evolution, Oregon 16th Edition – unique blend of nine different white grapes, produced and bottled in Oregon with hand-selected Oregon, Washington & California fruit, bright straw, exotic tropical citrus, hints of spicy apple with lush, crisp, bright finish
· ABITA® Turbodog-Draught – Turbodog Dark Brown Ale brewed with pale, caramel, chocolate malts and Willamette hops, rich flavors, perfect partner for all things Cajun!
· ABITA® Wrought Iron IPA-Bottle – Abita Wrought Iron IPA is the resilient, indestructible nature of New Orleans. India Pale Ale forged with intensity of apollo, equinox and mosaic hops, bright as iron from a fiery forge, perfect for a night on the bayou
During the celebration, one lucky grand prize winner and a guest will enjoy a weekend in New Orleans listening to music legends such as Stevie Wonder, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pearl Jam, Flo Rida and many more at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Visit www.MarlowsTavern.com for contest details and registration.
Marlow’s fans can also enter on the tavern’s Facebook page for a chance to win Bayou ‘n Bourbon prizes between February 19 and March 17. A prize winner will be randomly selected to win dinner for four ($100 value), with a second drawing for dinner for two ($50 value).
Finally, Instagram users are encouraged to share their Bayou ‘n Bourbon experience and tag @marlowstavern. Lucky winners will have their image regrammed and receive a complimentary Honey Bourbon Bread Pudding.
Truly excited for this event coming up – Beard in Baldwin hosted by The Osprey Tavern – bringing in acclaimed chefs from not only Orlando but also South Florida, all in one place – and for a great cause to raise funds for the James Beard Scholarship program.
See Press Release Below
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The Osprey Tavern, helmed by Executive Chef Joseph Burnett, offers a modern take on traditional tavern-inspired cuisine, while embracing the popular movement toward local and sustainable ingredients.
Through their partnership with the James Beard Foundation , The Osprey Tavern will be hosting Beard in Baldwin, to raise funds for the James Beard Scholarship program.
On Saturday, April 9, Beard in Baldwin will aim to highlight Florida’s most talented chefs and restaurants in Baldwin Park.
For $75 per ticket (tax additional), guests will have the opportunity to delight in an outdoor playground filled with gourmet fare, different wines and spirits and live music by The Legendary JC’s.
Guests will enjoy more than 15 local favorites, like The Rusty Spoon, K Restaurant, Soco, 4 Rivers Smokehouse and The Ravenous Pig.
Guests have the option to elevate their experience at $150 per ticket (tax additional) which grants access into The Osprey Tavern, where guests can enjoy craft cocktails and passed hors d’oeurves.
The restaurants participating are:
· The Rusty Spoon
· Hamilton’s Kitchen
· Urbain 40 American Brasserie
· The Smiling Bison
· Black Rooster Taqueria
· Citrus Restaurant
· Hawkers
· Highball & Harvest
· K Restaurant
· Norman’s
· P is for Pie
· Se7enbites
· SLATE
· Cusiniers
· Seito Sushi
· F & D Kitchen and Bar
· Soco
· Tapa Toro
· Taverna Opa
· The Swine Family
· 4 Rivers Smokehouse
· Pane D’or
Top-billed talent to be sampled include:
· Kenny Gilbert of Gilbert’s Underground Kitchen in Jacksonville and past contestant on Bravo’s Top Chef
· Timon Balloo of SUGARCANE raw bar grill in Miami and James Beard Award Semifinalist
· Ferrell Alvarez of Rooster and the Till in Tampa
· Sergio Navarro and Maria Orantes of Pubbelly Restaurant Group in Miami
· Hichem Lahreche of Criollo Chocolatier in Orlando
ABOUT THE JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION
The James Beard Foundation’s mission is to celebrate, nurture, and honor America’s diverse culinary heritage through programs that educate and inspire. You are what you eat not only because food is nutrition, but also because food is an integral part of our everyday lives. Food is economics, politics, entertainment, culture, fashion, family, passion…and nourishment. The James Beard Foundation is at the center of America’s culinary community, dedicated to exploring the way food enriches our lives.
A cookbook author and teacher, James Beard was a champion of American cuisine who helped educate and mentor generations of professional chefs and food enthusiasts. Today the Beard Foundation continues in the same spirit by offering a variety of events and programs designed to educate, inspire, entertain, and foster a deeper understanding of our culinary culture. These programs include educational initiatives, food industry awards, an annual national food conference, Leadership Awards program, culinary scholarships, and publications. In addition to maintaining the historic James Beard House in New York City’s Greenwich Village as a “performance space” for visiting chefs, the Foundation has created a robust online community, and hosts conferences, tastings, lectures, workshops, and food-related art exhibits in New York City and around the country.
The James Beard Foundation is a national not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization based in New York City.
Soco stands for Southern Contemporary, with Southern roots and a contemporary interpretation of American cuisine, and is situated in Thornton Park. It’s also got one of the best Sunday brunches in town.
“It’s a new and adventurous culinary approach to dishes that we have all come to know and love. At Soco we are focused on true Southern hospitality, and we are committed to overall excellence.” said Executive Chef Greg Richie.
“We are local, both in terms of the products we use and the neighborhood where we reside. Soco is committed to enriching Thornton Park and cultivating the culinary renaissance of Downtown Orlando.”
Chef Richie graduated with honors from the acclaimed Johnson and Wales University in Charleston. He worked with Yamaguchi at the original Roy’s Restaurant in Hawaii and was selected to be the first executive chef/partner for Roy’s in Orlando. He was then chosen by Lagasse to take over the kitchen at Tchoup Chop at the Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando.
Here’s a look at the fabulous Sunday brunch at Soco:
It’s the start of a new year – and time for a scratch-made meal at Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen after the holiday season. They’re based out of Texas and have been widely popular here in Orlando since opening their new locations on Semoran Blvd and also near UCF in East Orlando. Almost every time we’ve visited it’s had a line out the door.
They specialize in home-style cuisine like baked chicken pot pies and burgers, but also great fried dishes like fried chicken and fried shrimp.
The folks at Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen recently invited us to try some of their dishes as part of the media. We’ve been several times before and were glad to be back.
You start with the honey butter croissants – buttery, sweet, honey fresh goodness that is baked to order.
For those who enjoy onion rings, their onion ring stack appetizer is a mountainous treat to behold.
I’ve really enjoyed their fried items as well – from the chicken fried tenders to the chicken fried steak and fried shrimp. It’s all quite affordably priced and in large quantity making for a satisfying meal.
All that cooking over the holidays – makes you want some time for a break and savor the length of preparation time done in the early morning hours, the quality of scratch made goodness, and a rare moment for hosts to enjoy precious family time in a warm and inviting environment – with absolutely little work at Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen – made from scratch without the mess at home.
Everyone has a host in their family who makes guests feel like family – they’re genuine, warm, and welcoming. Hosts often go above and beyond as they prepare for visits with family and friends, spending countless, selfless hours to ensure everything is done the right way, not the easy way, with grace and ease.
At CSK, we know hosts spend much of their time preparing for visits with family and friends that it’s often hard for them to enjoy the season of giving. Visit them soon!
Locations
Cheddars
6650 S Semoran Blvd
(407) 438-8878
Open until 11:00 PM
Cheddars
875 W Osceola Pkwy
(407) 348-2159
Open until 11:00 PM
Cheddar’s
12201 E Colonial Dr
(407) 282-8100
Open until 11:00 PM
Capa steakhouse at Four Seasons Resort Orlando offers a “From Matsusaka With Love” special for Valentine’s Day weekend –
In February 2016, for the first time in history, Matsusaka beef, the ultimate within the Japanese beef industry, will be directly imported from the Matsusaka Region of Mie Prefecture, Japan and introduced at Capa restaurant at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort.
For six evenings, February 10 to 15, 2016, the Matsusaka beef will be on the menu at Capa in a special tasting called “From Matsusaka with Love.”
Read more from their Press Release below:
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Japanese beef, known as wagyu, is famed for its soft, buttery texture, high marbling ratio and superior taste.
Matsusaka beef from Mie Prefecture has been recognized and honored with the highest rankings for decades in the Japanese beef market. Four Seasons Resort Orlando Executive Sous Chef Sam Faggetti travelled to Japan in March 2015 to learn about Matsusaka beef.
Later this January, Stephen Wancha, Director of Food and Beverage for Four Seasons Resort Orlando, will travel to Japan as well.
“We strive to offer a variety of exceptional meats on the menu at Capa, and our wood burning grill gives our steaks an amazing flavour profile,” says Faggetti. “It has been a privilege to travel to Japan to learn more about the care and preparation of the Matsusaka beef, and we are honoured to offer this special tasting at Capa.”
For six evenings, February 10 to 15, 2016, the Matsusaka beef will be on the menu at Capa in a special tasting called “From Matsusaka with Love.”
The tasting menu is offered for USD 250 per couple, with an optional wine pairing available for USD 75 per person.
The Matsusaka Beef Tasting for Two includes:
– Trio of wood grilled special grade Matsusaka beef: 3-ounce strip loin, tenderloin and ribeye
– Served with side dishes of patatas bravas, blistered pimientos, roasted asparagus and truffle aioli
– Trio of steak sauces: rioja, peppercorn and verde
By definition, Matsusaka beef cattle can only be virgin female cows of the Japanese black wagyu variety that have spent the majority of their lifespan, up until the time of slaughter, in Matsusaka City and its surrounding area and are registered under the Matsusaka Beef Identification and Management System.
Some cattle farmers provide beer to cows to stimulate their appetites and give them thorough massages to improve blood circulation and encourage even fat distribution. Many farms raise their cows in individual rooms so they can be finely managed and assure a comfortable, stress-free life for their cows.
Matsusaka beef producers spare no effort to produce the highest quality, richest, most finely dispersed marbling possible while managing their cows on a day to day basis. The rich marbling results in an exquisite taste.
Reservations to experience the Matsusaka Beef Tasting for Two at Capa can be made by calling 407 313 6161.
Here are some photos from a recent media preview of the Matsusaka Beef Tasting at Capa:
New York Strip Tataki Nigiri
Filet Flash Seared Sushi Roll
Raw Filet Maki Roll
Hand Roll
48 Hour Sous Vide Short Rib
Served with a Red Wine Natural Reduction and Baby Tatsoi (Micro Green)
Grilled New York Strip (left) Filet Ribeye Seasoned with Maldon Salt (middle) Filet Seasoned with Maldon Salt (right)
Dessert from Assistant Pastry Chef Peter Whitley. An Open Face Macaroon with Green Tea Cream and Raspberry Jelly.
Staff and chefs of Four Seasons Resort Orlando and Capa
It’s a tiny place off of Fern Creek and Colonial, just behind the Chevron gas station – but The Sanctum Cafe, a new vegan and vegetarian cafe, packs a lot of flavor in its dishes.
Kabbage Krunch Slaw
As owner Chelsie Savage tells us, “Ain’t no sissy salads here, yall.”
No sissy salads, indeed – their plates are piled high with healthy greens, nuts, fruits, and other flavorful combinations to make for a very satisfying meal.
The cubed, spiced tempeh, a fermented and cultured soy product (think – firm tofu) with cultural origins in Indonesia, gives an additional wonderfully “meaty” texture and taste to round out the dishes we tried on our recent visit.
Chelsie explained to us why she started The Sanctum, “Pretty simply I’m a health advocate with particular foodie tastebuds. Staying healthy and taking care of myself, my family and teaching others to do the same is one of the things most near and dear to my heart.”
“And along with that, I’ve always grown up being a lover of good food and I want to show people you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for health. The best food comes from the best ingredients, prepared mindfully by someone who cares.”
“There is this misconception that food is something that needs to be restricted, counted and measured to achieve good health and if you’re enjoying it it must not be good for you but food is community. It brings people together and nourishes and heals.”
“There is a reason why every single culture has foods and cuisines that are associated with it.”
“My mission with The Sanctum is to bring people back to this with good for you food and to create a menu that made people fall in love with health promoting foods.”
Shiva Salad
How did the idea for The Sanctum Cafe come about? Chelsie Savage, The Sanctum Cafe – I have run a nutrition consulting business the last 5 years in Orlando where I taught integrative nutrition and cooking lessons that evolved over the years. It started as just nutrition and I quickly found it wasn’t that more often than not, it wasn’t that people didn’t know how to eat healthy, it was they didn’t know how to make healthy food that also tasted great. I started teaching nutrition lessons and courses paired with cooking classes and the feedback I kept getting was “will you just open up a restaurant so I can eat your food everyday”. After hearing this feedback client after client, year after year, you start to think – “maybe I should open a restaurant so people can eat my food every day”. My husband and I put our heads together and we created The Sanctum!
Most Popular dishes so far? Chelsie: All of our bowls have been getting a lot of love but The Sassy Thai has definitely been a crowd favorite as well as the Sedona Bowl. The Mo’Rockin blows peoples mind because of the complexity of flavors and there has also been a lot of love for the Shiva Salad. The Savage Salad is my personal favorite – my slightly spicy rosemary vinaigrette and tons of veggies – cooked and raw – is my definition of the perfect meal.
What do you do outside of The Sanctum?
Chelsie: Along with running my health coaching business, I’ve been teaching yoga all over Orlando since 2010. I’m taking a short hiatus from teaching to get The Sanctum up and running but plan on returning soon – on a smaller caliber of what I used to teach – but returning nonetheless. I’ve got a dedicated yoga practice and also like running with my dogs. By nature I’m an introvert and really just love spending time with my family. My husband (and also co-owner of The Sanctum) love to travel, eat & practice yoga and we make a habit to do so often!
Take a look inside:
SHIVA SALAD
Massaged kale, roasted butternut squash & house spiced tempeh tossed with pink lady apples, celery, carrots and raisins. Tossed in our curried peanut dressing and finished with candied walnuts, toasted chickpeas and coconut shreds. Full Salad $13 | Half Salad $8
KABBAGE KRUNCH SLAW
Shredded kale, red & purple cabbages, mint, cilantro, carrot, beet & finely chopped red onion. Topped with shelled edamame, grape tomatoes, dried cherries, sunflower greens, avocado, slivered almonds & tossed in our ginger-miso dressing. Full Salad | $10.5 Half Salad | $7 | Add Maple Miso Tempeh $2.5
The Sanctum Cafe’s Philosophy
“Food made with real ingredients, because we care just as much about health as we care about about indulging in life’s greatest pleasure— a damn good meal.”
“We love everything about meal time— the cooking, the community and even the clean up (as long as we’re doing it together). But our REAL mission is debunking the myth that if food tastes good it can’t be good for us. With every coffee we serve and every mouth we feed, that mission is further accomplished.
We are health advocates with foodie tastebuds committed to redefining the way people think about healthy food. We are educated about nutrition, skilled in the kitchen, sassy in attitude and conscious in the way we live our lives and conduct business.
We put health promoting foods front and center and make people fall in love with them.
If we wouldn’t serve it to our family, we won’t serve it to you. We do plant-based, sustainable, gourmet food, not because it’s a trendy, but because it’s a conscious way of living. It’s good for this body, good for this planet—everyone wins.”
The Sanctum Cafe
715 N Fern Creek Ave, Unit D.
Orlando, FL 32803
407-757-0346
Tabla, a proud sponsor of TastyChomps.com, just finished a multimillion dollar renovation to their restaurant and have updated their lunch menus with new recipes and creations.
The executive chef, Ian Piamonte, former head banquet chef at Ritz Carlton Amelia Island, is leading the culinary team in bringing dishes inspired by India, Thailand, and China to Tabla.
Most recently, their team had the honor of catering for the wedding of US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy in an intimate setting in south Florida.
The new lunch specials include a soup or salad, choice of entree (from over 15 choices), basmati rice, samosa, naan bread, and a dessert choice for just $9.99. They will also be unveiling a new corporate catering menu for lunch as well!
Chicken Tikka Salad
Fish Curry
Red Curry with Fish
Tamarind, sweet chili, and mint chutney
Tofu red curry
Chicken Tikka sampler
Garlic Naan bread
Mango Lassi
Gulab Jamun dessert
Fried banana spring roll with strawberry ice cream
On far-flung World Center Drive, near the Epcot area, you can find authentic Shanghainese Chinese cuisine at the newly opened iShanghai. It’s a hidden gem that is a welcome addition to the rather bleek Orlando Chinese restaurant landscape.
Shanghai, the bustling port city on the central coast in China, is known for their seafood and the use of fresh flavors and methods that retain the taste of the ingredients.
Shanghai dishes usually are pickled in wine, stewed, braised, steamed, or deep fried.
A notable Shanghai delicacy is xiaolongbao, also known as soup dumplings in the United States. Made popular by the Michelin starred Din Tai Fung restaurant, which is headquartered in Taiwan, but have locations around the world including in the US, the xiaolongbao is a type of hot steamed bun made with a thin skin of dough and stuffed with pork or minced crab, and notably, soup.
The soup is said to be congealed first before placing into the pork mixture and then steamed, allowing for the soup to stay inside the dumpling. Often times in local Chinese restaurants here in Orlando, they may advertise xiaolongbao and the flavors are there but the soup is not there to many a disappointed patron.
So let’s just say we have finally found the holy grail of dumplings in Orlando – the soup dumplings are found here at iShanghai – with a few caveats.
A good xiaolongbao should be able to hold in the soup until it is bitten – nothing is worse than a soup dumpling that has its soup just missing from the dumpling. The soup dumplings here at iShanghai do hold up well, and there is some soup, some very little soup – but still soup, inside the dumplings.
A common way of eating xiaolongbao is to place it on your spoon, puncture the dumpling or bite off the top, blow on it to cool down the steaming soup, and then drink the soup from the spoon. Then, finally, eat the whole dumpling together.
It’s satisfying and quite tasty – but I do believe it is priced a bit high at $6.00 for 3 dumplings, or $2.00 a dumpling. I think even Din Tai Fung’s soup dumplings at locations in California are priced at $10-$13 for 10, or about $1.00-$1.30 each. For that much, there better be a whole cup of soup in those dumplings.
Overall, it was a good soup dumpling and I am glad we finally have a place to try some here in Orlando, even though it is nearer to Epcot than to downtown Orlando.
The other dishes we tried at iShanghai were also quite good – we started with the salami ham and winter melon soup, a very authentic Chinese soup that is quite refreshing, hearty, and healthy.
Coo Lao Meat (Pork Belly)
Our coo lao fried pork is a sweet a sour crispy pork belly dish that had praises from all around our table that evening. Crunchy, sweet, and sour – you’d hardly realized you were eating a dish that is literally half pork and half bacon fat.
Stir-Fried Grouper Fish with Pine Nut
A rather exotic dish – the crackling eel – piqued our interest, but we decided to go for a safer
Stir-Fried Grouper Fish with Pine Nut dish instead.
We were quite happy with the selection – the fish, sliced and tender, went well with the pine nuts that added a nice crunchy texture to the dish.
Crispy Skin Chicken
We ordered the Crispy Skin Chicken, a super crispy fried salt and pepper chicken for an appetizer, but they seemed to have put it the order in late – maybe they forgot – so it arrived after our entrees.
They were very apologetic though and service overall was pretty good.
They upgraded the interior from what was formerly the location of an Asian buffet. They need to play some light music or something because it is awkwardly silent inside.
I noticed an elderly couple helping out in the back – you know the food is good if you have grandma and grandpa making it.
I definitely recommend coming here with a family or a group of at least four to try several dishes and share family style.
Offering prime steak, fresh seafood and top of the line hospitality, Del Frisco’s Orlando is an exceptional steakhouse, and one of the newest additions to the restaurants on International Drive.
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House features an impressive, diverse wine list of more than 1,200 labels, including a number of notable verticals from both old and new world producers.
With two floors that include two bars, four private dining rooms and a picturesque patio, Del Frisco’s Orlando boasts over 400 seats.
The restaurant’s price point is closer to probably better for those with an expense account or for a special occasion, but the dishes from the succulent lobster tails and lobster mac and cheese to the juicy ribeye steaks. Leave room for dessert – the crispy on the caramelized outside, pillowy soft on the inside butter cake with butter pecan ice cream is really one of the best desserts in Orlando.
Executive Chef Greg Thompson spoke with us recently about Del Frisco’s and his background in cooking.
He tells us, “Del Frisco’s commitment to quality, in everything we do makes us stand apart. From the staff to the ingredients and the restaurant standards we hold, we embrace this commitment to quality each day.”
What are some of the most popular items at Del Frisco’s here in Orlando?
The Crab Cake, for sure. It’s one of the best I’ve ever had! Also, of course the Bone In Filet!
How did you get your start in cooking? Where were you before Del Frisco’s?
I love to eat! I was always fascinated by the metamorphosis of ingredients into magnificent food; almost like alchemy. I am a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, and I worked in NYC for a long time before a stint in Charlotte, NC (both are great food towns). I have traveled around the world opening up steakhouses in locales like Beijing, Shanghai, and Mexico City as well as the lower 48 states and Canada.
What is your favorite childhood food to eat?
Ice cream! It’s still my favorite food, to this day.
If you could eat only one thing for the rest of your life from Del Frisco’s – what would that one thing be?
Definitely the Butter Cake!
What were some of your favorite eats while traveling the world?
The Chicken Thigh Sliders at Blue Frog in Shanghai, and also anything at Da Dong in Beijing! I also really love Tacos “al pastor” in Mexico City.
What is your favorite thing to eat at home after a long day?
A really good deli sandwich piled high with all the “fixings”
Take an inside look at Del Frisco’s:
Private Rooms available
House baked breadClassic Caeser Salad – $9.5Crab Cake with Cajun Lobster Sauce – $19Thick Cut Bacon Au Poivre Bourbon Molasses Glaze – $14.5
Broiled Lobster Tail Carved tableside & served with drawn butter & lemon.Bone-In Prime Ribeye 22 oz. – $59
Chef Austin Boyd of Seito Sushi, Chef Greg Richie of Baoery Asian Gastropub, and Chef Chau Trinh of Sushi Pop Restaurant will battle each other on Monday March 7th from 6:00pm – 9:00pm in Orlando’s first Ramen Rumble.
The chefs come together in a friendly competition to see whose bowl of ramen reigns supreme. The prize to the winning chef is not just bragging rights, but the decision to which charity the proceeds will go. The purpose of this event is to celebrate the growing culinary scene in Orlando through these magical bowls of slurping wonderment.
We all win as long as we have one of these bowls in front of us!
Orlando Ramen Rumble
Ramen, the Japanese noodle dish that has continued to grow in popularity in Orlando, will be made by the chefs from scratch from the broth to noodles.
The event is organized by Ricky Ly of TastyChomps.com in partnership with Jason and Sue Chin of The Osprey Tavern to bring together local chefs and the local Orlando community in appreciation of ramen.
The proceeds from the event will be donated to the winning chef’s choice of charity.
The ticket prices are $30 and will feature a tasting bowl of ramen from each chef, 1 draft beer, and housemade sweet desserts.
Pharmacy is now opening their doors to guests on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am-2pm to introduce their new brunch menu. Diners have their choice of any entrée and cocktail for $25.
Read further below for the Press Release info:
The owners are putting their unique spin on well-known brunch favorites. Guests are greeted with a complimentary assortment of freshly fried chocolate and spiced glazed donuts for the table to enjoy.
The menu offers a range of fresh entrées, cocktails, and sides.
Diners have their choice of any entrée and cocktail for $25.
Entrées range from buttermilk and chive waffles made with farm fresh eggs and salmon cured in-house to mushroom cream mac and cheese alongside smoked brown sugar cured bacon.
A variety of cocktails are also available such as the Bloody Michelada garnished with cheese, olive and prosciutto, or their spin on a traditional mimosa known as the Buck’s Fizz featuring Marcel Martin Cremate Brut, Orange Juice and their in-house grenadine.
Pharmacy isn’t just known for its trendy speakeasy environment, but for their menu filled with local and organic foods.
The restaurant’s chef, who was featured in Food & Wine Magazine’s Top 10 Chefs in the Country along with the owners all bring their talents to the table to create unconventional dishes and cocktails.
While guests can always expect delicious and unique dishes, the menu selection changes seasonally.
Here are 6 Delightful Dishes from Pharmacy’s New Weekend Brunch Menu
1. Buttermilk & Chive Waffles
2. Pulled Pork Hash Eggs Benedict
3. Cinnamon Buns
4. Chocolate and Spice Glazed Donuts
5. Pharmacy Mac & Cheese with Double Corn Grits and Brown Sugar Cured Bacon
On Saturday, March 5, at the Orlando World Center Marriott, top local Central Florida chefs from renowned restaurants and resorts will showcase their creativity to help raise funds at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida’s Appetite for the Arches event.
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida finds, creates, and supports programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children and families. The cornerstone program, the Ronald McDonald House®, provides temporary lodging, meals, and a network of support to families with children receiving medical treatment at local hospitals.
There are two Ronald McDonald Houses in Orlando— one on the campus of Florida Hospital for Children and one on the campus of Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children.
A third Ronald McDonald House will open in Spring 2016 on the campus of Nemours Children’s Hospital in Lake Nona.
This is a culinary event with a twist – chefs will use McDonald’s ingredients to create their signature dishes.
Guests will have the opportunity to mix and mingle with participating chefs and each other, enjoy live music, and a silent auction too.
Participating restaurants include:
– 4Rivers
– Capa at Four Seasons Resort Orlando
– Cask & Larder Public House
– DoveCote
– Emeril’s Tchoup Chop
– Hard Rock Orlando
– Hamilton’s Kitchen at the Alfond Inn
– K Restaurant
– LUMA on Park
– Orlando World Center Marriott
– Ravello at Four Seasons Resort Orlando
– RusTeak
– Spanish River Grill
– Swine & Sons Provisions
– The Ravenous Pig
– The Rusty Spoon
Julie Petrakis, who owns The Ravenous Pig, Cask & Larder and Swine & Sons Provisions with her husband James, sits on the planning committee for the event and was in charge of organizing chef participation.
“Appetite for the Arches unites Central Florida’s best chefs and the community on a night of culinary surprises and delight for a special cause. All proceeds from the gala help Ronald McDonald House keep families together when they need it most —during the treatment of a critically ill child.”
For additional information about Appetite for the Arches including ticket information and sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.appetiteforthearches.org.
Facebook: @Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida
Here are 5 Surprising Dishes made from McDonald’s Ingredients that will appear at the upcoming Appetites for the Arches:
1. Chef Kathleen Blake: The Rusty Spoon – Red Devil Stuffed Eggs,Bacon Brittle,Oven-Dried Tomatoes
McDonald’s Ingredients: Bacon, Eggs, Grape Tomatoes
2. Chef Kevin Fonzo: K Restaurant – Chicken Tortilla Soup, Savory Biscuit Bread Pudding
McDonald’s Ingredients: Chicken Breast, Jalapeno, White Onion, Egg, Bacon, Milk, Biscuit, Pepperjack Cheese, Grape Tomato, Corn Tortilla
3. Chef Rhys Gawlak: Cask & Larder – Kale Gnocchi Carbonara
McDonald’s Ingredients: Canadian Bacon, Kale, Spinach, Egg, Romaine, French Fry, Parmesan Cheese, White Onion, English Muffin
4. Chef Clayton Miller: DoveCote – Smoked Beef Tongue Reuben, Crispy Potato, Big Mac Sauce
McDonald’s Ingredients: Hash Brown, Lettuce, Big Mac Sauce
5. Chef Julie Petrakis: The Ravenous Pig – Cheesecake, Espresso Crumble, Strawberry-Frangelico Sauce
McDonald’s Ingredients: Strawberry, Whole Eggs, Espresso Bean, French Vanilla Syrup, Butter, Granola, Cream Cheese, Oatmeal Cookie
Cocktails courtesy of Republic National Distributing Company and prepared by Cask & Larder
Russian Standard Vodka Infused Cucumber Lemonade Soda
McDonald’s® Ingredients: Cucumber, Lemon
Old Fashioned with Brown Butter Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon, Smoked Simple, Orange Bitters
One of our favorite sushi restaurants in town, Umi Winter Park, recently released two new lunch options for $15, changing on what is fresh for the day and filled with chef’s choice items like kimchi fried rice and nigiri. The food at Umi is as delicious and fresh as it is beautiful.
“We challenged ourselves to create and customize something totally unique and high-end for lunch, offering a lot more food and quality than a traditional bento box,” explained Gilles Lorin, concept director for Umi Winter Park.
“It had to be a complete meal, offering raw and cooked items, and be different every day, based on our chef’s choice. The response has been tremendous.”
See the Press Release Below for more information:
The Bento Tray is available in two choices, either Raw or Cooked.
Each one is served as a complete and balanced lunch with miso soup and ginger salad.
In order to ensure a unique and fresh meal every time, some raw and cooked dishes vary daily depending on what the chef prepares for the week.
The Raw Bento includes cuts of sashimi and nigiri from Snapper, Yellowtail Hamachi, Bluefin Toro, Salmon and Tuna.
Guests could be presented with a Mini Korean Chirashi Bowl, a Mini Sake Don Bowl or something completely new and different depending on what the chef has in mind that day.
Standard dishes include Kimchi Croquettes and Bacon-wrapped Cherry Tomatoes.
The Cooked Bento is prepared with a filet of Robata teriyaki-glazed Salmon over a bed of vegetables as well as an order of Chef Stanley’s homemade recipe of Bibimbap.
Just like the Raw Bento, this tray includes the standard Kimchi Croquette and Bacon-wrapped Cherry Tomatoes and either a Mini Korean Chirashi Bowl, a Mini Sake Don Bowl or something completely new and different depending on what the chef has in mind.
For reservations and information, call (407) 960-3993 or go to www.umiwinterpark.com. Serving lunch Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Serving dinner Monday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Whole Foods Market opens their brand new Altamonte Springs store this Wednesday, January 20, 2016 – becoming Orlando’s third location. The 40,000-square-foot store, located in the Renaissance Centre at 305 East Altamonte Drive, joins its Central Florida sister locations in Winter Park and Phillips Crossing.
The store’s façade will “mimic Central Florida’s landscape, featuring an eclectic mix of unique and reclaimed materials inspired by the Sunshine State’s orange groves.”
Here are a few photos for an inside look at the new store:
Altamonte Springs customers can also expect a full-service juice & coffee bar, a hand-tossed pizza station, grab-and-go chef-prepared cuisine and an indoor and outdoor café.
“Meals in a Minute”
The cheese selection is magnificent, but don’t be intimidated – Daniel Shaw, Certified Cheese Professional, can help answer any questions you have!
Check out the press release below for more information.
Altamonte Springs customers can also expect a full-service juice & coffee bar, a hand-tossed pizza station, grab-and-go chef-prepared cuisine and an indoor and outdoor café.
Whole Foods Market Altamonte Springs will also feature lots of great innovations, including an enhanced tropical and international produce program, paleo-friendly cuisine, gourmet made-to-order toast and an exclusive line of Peace Love World apparel in Whole Body.
An enhanced tropical and international produce program, chock-full of exotic fruits and vegetables found in Latin, Asian and Indian cuisine. Produce will feature an ever- changing rotation, including Thai chilies, Chinese eggplant, sea cucumbers, star fruit, gooseberries, longan fruit, dragon fruit, papaya and passionfruit to name a few.
Even the store’s façade will mimic Central Florida’s landscape, featuring an eclectic mix of unique and reclaimed materials inspired by the Sunshine State’s orange groves.
The store will kick-off their grand opening celebration with a Bread Breaking Ceremony scheduled at 8:45 AM on Wednesday, January 20, 2016. The first 500 customers in line on opening day will receive mystery gift cards, valued at $5, $10, $20 or $50, with one card valued at $500. Altamonte Springs will also celebrate by hosting five 1% days where local organizations will receive a portion of the day’s profits. Beneficiaries include: Seminole Cultural Arts Council, Save the Manatee Club, Kids House of Seminole, The Fresh Stop Bus and The Sharing Center.
Whole Foods Market – Altamonte Springs / 8AM-10PM daily
305 East Altamonte Drive, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
In keeping with Whole Foods Market’s tradition of giving back and serving the community, the new Altamonte Springs location will partner with Food Donation Connection, an organization that manages food donation programs and provides an alternative to discarding surplus food. Together, the companies will partner to support local agencies such as Lighthouse Mission Orlando. For more information, please visit http://www.foodtodonate.com/.
MoonFish on Orlando’s Restaurant Row (Sand Lake Road) features fresh fish-fusion cuisine, while also offering Prime and Choice mid-western aged steaks cooked over a natural wood-burning pit and an intriguing sushi menu. Seafood and steaks are flame-grilled over a unique 1200° Florida citrus and oak wood-burning pit.
MoonFish focuses on providing guests with the highest quality seafood and steaks available with an inventive and chef-driven cuisine drawing inspiration from Pan Asian, Cajun, Creole and other global influences. They also offer a fabulous sushi bar featuring fresh sushi and oysters harvested from the Gulf.
MoonFish partners with Central Florida farms to provide our guests with fresh, local produce brought in on a daily basis. This practice has gained them a place in the Florida Department of Agriculture’s “Fresh From Florida” program and are the only restaurant group in Central Florida participating.
The Happy Hour, featured from 4:30pm – 6:30pm, is a wonderful deal and is always a popular spot to grab a drink and bite before dinner.
MoonFish Dinner MenuMoonFish Dinner MenuMoonFish Dinner MenuMoonFish Dinner MenuMoonFish Dinner MenuBeef Tataki – WAGYU SIRLOIN, SZECHUAN VINAIGRETTE, RICE NOODLE STIR FRY I 15MoonFish Dinner MenuMoonFish Dinner Menu – FLORIDA STONE CRAB CLAWS I MKTMoonFish Dinner MenuMoonFish Dinner HallJUMBO LUMP CRAB CRUSTED CHILEAN SEA BASS, MIRIN-WASABI GLAZE, STICKY RICE I 40 – Caught by Captain Skinner off the coast of Tierra del Fuego, “Featured at the James Beard House”
In many ways, the story of St. Augustine is the story of Florida.
With more than 450 years of history, the food culture of St. Augustine has been influenced by the early settlers from Spain, Britain, Greece, Cuba, Italy, and more – like the story of its datil peppers – it’s all about becoming a melting pot of flavors and tastes with each new wave of immigrants.
With its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and fertile Florida farmlands just miles away, St. Augustine has a dearth of local and sustainable resources for their food and culinary community to cultivate.
It’s quickly becoming one of Florida’s favorite spots to visit, as tourist numbers rise year after year to explore the Castillo de San Marcos fort and wander the along the tiny streets of the Colonial Quarter.
You can feel it in the air when you walk down the charming historic quarter of old St. Augustine – the lingering dreams of the Spanish explorer Ponce De Leon and his quest for the eternal Fountain of Youth and the lofty dreams of industrialist Henry Flagler who sought to transform Florida with his railway and luxury hotels.
Here is a suggested itinerary for a Food Lover’s Weekend in Historic St. Augustine:
Friday Night
Check into one of the many local bed and breakfast inns like the historic St. Francis Inn, the oldest inn in St Augustine founded in 1791, and head out over the bridge to Anastasia Island for dinner at Terra & Acqua, a restaurant specializing in land and sea dishes from Northern Italian cuisine using local and seasonal ingredients.
Founded by chef/owner, Simone Parisi, the restaurant features a wood-fired oven that gives a wonderful smokey char to their breads, pizzas, and particularly the fantastic charred octopus salad.
Northern Italian food is different from cuisine usually found in Italian restaurants in America – the dishes here are accentuated with seafood, olive oil and fresh vegetables instead of heavy tomato sauces.
Their pastas are handmade in house, and it shows – the pappardelle cinghiale, a handmade pappardelle pasta is luscious and silky to taste, going well with the hearty wild boar and plum tomato sauce.
Bruschetta Mista Variety of bruschettas with seasonal homemade toppings
Polpo Alla Griglia Charred tender octopus, potato and green bean salad, EVOO
Bruschetta Avocado Gamberi Sweet and spicy sauce, avocado, red onion, local shrimp
Take a chocolate tasting tour of the Whetstone Chocolates factory, where you can learn about the process of chocolate making and sample some of their signature chocolates named after historic figures from St. Augustine’s storied past like Aviles, Menendez, De Leon, and San Marco. Do get a bag of their “gator bait” to go – crunchy, deliciously addictive chunks of milk chocolate covered pretzel pieces, rice crispies, and corn flakes.
Next, visit the newly opened St. Augustine Distillery in the renovated historic Ice Plant for a free tour of their gin and vodka distillery which highlights locally sourced farms and sustainable ingredients.
The ice plant was first used in 1917 and there is a fantastic museum inside showcasing its history and role in bringing commercial block ice to Florida, transforming the cocktail forever.
Upstairs from the distillery, The farm to table Ice Plant restaurant and bar serves up grass-fed beef burgers, local seafood, and stunning cocktails.
Sip on a signature Lady Killer cocktail, made with St. Augustine vodka, lemon, pamplemousse, aperol, and tiki bitters.
After lunch, stroll down to Flagler College, once Henry Flagler’s flagship Ponce De Leon Hotel and across the street to City Hall / Lightner Museum, formerly the Hotel Alcazar, for a historic tour highlighting Henry Flagler’s visionary and some might say ruthless development and investment in St. Augustine at the turn of early 20th century.
Flagler College’s cafeteria, once the dining hall for the luxury winter resort hotel, has one of the largest collections of Louis Comfort Tiffany stained glass in the world.
The Signature Kessler Calamari at Casa Monica Hotel
Afterwards, head over to Casa Monica Hotel, styled after the Moorish and Spanish Baroque architectural revival, which is today still a hotel and run by Kessler Collections.
Here you can order the signature Kessler calamari, first created by executive chef Rene Nyfeler here and now served in all of the Kessler hotels nation wide – it’s crispy calamari served with kalamata olives, green olives, and a flavorful cumin and curry spiced aioli sauce.
Crawfish Etoufee at Harry’s SeafoodBlackened Red Fish with Collard Greens at Harry’s Seafood
Walk down the historic Colonial Quarter where you can find a bevy of local eats for dinner like Columbia restaurant featuring Spanish and Cuban cuisine, Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grille, known for their take on New Orleans style cuisine or Michael’s Tasting Room, small plate tapas and innovative cuisine with a modern Spanish flair.
For dessert, have one of the many unique fresh fruit, handmade gourmet popsicles like champagne mango and strawberry from The Hyppo.
Fried oysters at Michael’s Tasting RoomDuck Breast at Michael’s Tasting RoomLamb chops at Michael’s Tasting RoomMichael’s Tasting Room
With over 450 years of history, it’s no wonder there have been more than a few lingering spirits with unfinished business in town.
After dinner, grab an EMF meter and hop on a hearse for Ghost Augustine’s Haunted Pub Crawl, which brings you around to explore some of St. Augustine’s more ghostly sites like Scarlett O’ Hara’s or the site of the mysteriously unsolved murder of St. Augustine socialite Athalia Ponsell Lindsley, who was hacked to death by a machete on her front door steps.
It’s all quite an intriguing and macabre tour for those who enjoy stories of death and hauntings accompanied with a few pints of beer.
Scarlett O’ Hara’s Pub
Sunday
Head on over for a stroll along one of the oldest public streets in America – Aviles Street – in downtown St. Augustine.
Tucked away on this tiny street are some of St. Augustine’s best international restaurants as well as small boutique shops and antique stores.
The guajiro is a feast for the senses – an omelette on top of toasted Cuban bread, topped with black beans, pulled pork, salsa, and cheese – this dish is just fabulous.
Cafecito at La Herencia CafeGuajiro at La Herencia CafeGuajiro at La Herencia Cafe
Around the corner on Aviles, next to the Antiques and Uniques shop – which may or may not be a haunted spirits portal – is the small and homey Greek and Polish restaurant, Gaufre’s and Goods.
This is a must-try restaurant, particularly for some of the best Polish pierogies I’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting.
They are pan-seared crispy with sliced onions and bacon and had such great flavor, with a variety of fresh fillings from spinach, to cheese and potato and lamb.
This is how pierogie dumplings should taste.
There are also specials from time to time, like the yemista, delicious little Greek stuffed tomatoes and peppers filled with rice and meat.
Built in 1888 by Henry Flagler, the Alcazar Hotel and Casino was once home to one of the finest winter resorts for the wealthy New England elite, complete with the world’s largest indoor swimming pool.
Today the Hotel Alcazar is now home to St. Augustine’s City Hall and the Lightner Museum, a collection of Mr. Lightner’s collection pieces from around the world including a shrunken head from South America and a programmable orchestrion.
It’s also home to Cafe Alcazar, where diners can lunch on the floor of the indoor swimming pool where the elite once swam and dived between the columns.
Try the escargot, plump and freshly prepared with garlic butter and minced herbs and white wine, or the east meets west curried chicken salad.
You could almost imagine being back in the early 1900s when guests dived and swam around the columns where the pool once was, live classical piano music plays.
It’s this timelessness that makes St. Augustine such an enchanting place.
There’s so much to see, to do, and most importantly, to eat in St. Augustine, that when it comes time to leave, you’ll want to return again and again to explore some more of the wonderful hidden eats and charms in St. Augustine.
St. Augustine’s Food Festivals
March – St Augustine Lions Seafood Festival
April – Annual Rhythm and Ribs Festival, Taste of St. Augustine Festival
September – St. Augustine Spanish Wine Festival
October – Datil Pepper Festival, St. Augustine Independent Restaurant Association Food and Wine Fest, St Augustine Greek Festival, A Taste of the Beach, Oceanwise Sustainable Seafood Fundraiser for the Friends of the GTM Reserve
November – Annual St. Augustine Great Chowder Debate
Slow Food First Coast’s Monthly Tour de Farm
Take a ride around the region for a first-look into the fall harvest and an opportunity to learn about our local food system. See where your food comes from and meet the farmers who produce it! The tour is from noon to 5 p.m. and includes farms in St. Augustine, Hasting, Elkton, Ponte Vedra and Jacksonville area. Chefs from area restaurants will be at each farm demonstrating cooking techniques and recipes using local-grown produce. A $20 car pass is required to participate. For more information and a list of participating farms, visit http://slowfoodfirstcoast.org/event/tour-de-farm-2015
We were recently invited to check out the new renovation at Bonefish in Winter Garden as well as sample the delicious Florida Stone crabs that are in season.
Florida stone crabs, sold cold, are very meaty and juicy with a rich, sweet flavor and what’s more – they can be quite a sustainable seafood dish.
Fishermen remove one of their claws and return the crab to the ocean where it can re-grow its lost limb. Though stone crab claws are tender inside, on the outside, they’re strong enough to break an oyster’s shell.
Orlando Bonefish Grill restaurants are now offering stone crab claws in all Florida locations, where they are locally sourced.
Sold by the pound, Bonefish Grill’s stone crabs come fresh off the Florida docks and served the way they were meant to be served, chilled, cracked, and ready for dipping.
In Winter Garden, the interior recently underwent a new renovation with an industrial, sleek look that harkens back to an estuary or mangrove idea – a place where fish love to hang out at. There’s even a large decorative art piece of a shiny metallic fish on one of the walls.
The bang bang shrimp is a favorite here and for good reason – crunchy, sweet, crispy and spicy tangy, creamy – it’s quite good and a highlight of the menu.
I really enjoyed my fish and chips as well, three cod fillets, tempura-battered in a special blend of seasoning, served with French fries and tartar sauce.
The corn and crab chowder was disappointing as it was served at a tepid lukewarm temperature and was rather bland in flavor. The corn and crab were fresh, but the chowder soup itself was lacking.
The teriyaki chicken rice bowl also disappointed – the chicken was bland and the rice was undercooked. The teriyaki sauce was too salty and the presentation overall was unappetizing.
Definitely needs some work in the kitchen to bring the standard up to make up for the misses.
In this edition of “As the Orlando Restaurant and Dining Scene Turns”, we explore 16 new restaurants who have sprung up in Central Florida worth taking a look at. They are new and ready for folks to come out and see what their food is about. Have you been to any of them already? Let us know! In the meantime, Go forth and support our local Orlando businesses and restaurants!
Here are 16 New Restaurants to Try Out Right Now in Orlando This Spring 2016
1. Urbain 40 American Brasserie and Lounge
Take a trip back to the big band era of the 1940s at Urbain 40 on Sand Lake Road’s Restaurant Row. They take over the former location for Cantina Laredo replacing the Mexican restaurant with a French and American influenced aesthetic – fantastic pan roasted mussels, French onion soup, house made pasta bolognese, and perfectly cooked steak chops.
Urbain 40 American Brasserie and Lounge
8000 Via Dellagio Way
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 872-2640 http://urbain40.com/
2. Saigon Noodle Grill
– The second location for the Goldenrod and Lake Underhill Vietnamese restaurant, Saigon Noodle and Grill has taken over the location previously held by Pho K5 on Bumby Avenue, where Medina’s Spanish Grocery once stood for many years. Their specialties include Vietnamese Pho beef noodle soup and thit bo xao xa ot, stir fried beef in lemongrass and chili sauce.
They may have opened for a few months now, so it is high time you came down to visit The Baoery in Thornton Park, helmed by venerable Chef Greg Richie. Specialties include their signature korean fried chicken bao buns, crispy shrimp toast, kung pao peanut calamari, and short rib tacos.
Baoery Asian Gastropub
617 E Central Blvd
Orlando, FL 32801
(407) 849-9779 baoery.com
Image via Yelp.com
4. Better than Sex Desserts
Yes, the name is a bit PG-13, but it is the second location for the popular Key West dessert shop so look past the name and look forward to their sultry cakes and desserts like the cookie nookie or The Morning After, made with Danish brie cheese & dark Belgian chocolate grilled on homestyle buttered bread kissed with cinnamon sugar.
The fourth location of this Dominican restaurant that started as a food truck. They specialize in chimichurri burgers, Dominican sandwiches made from a ground pork or beef, which is sliced, grilled and served on a pan de agua (literally “water bread”) and garnished with chopped cabbage and tomatoes as well as mashed plaintain mofongos with garlic shrimp (seen above).
Yemeni cuisine has arrived in Orlando with the new Kasbah – the small country on the south side of the Arabian peninsula currently undergoing civil war. The restaurants features specialties including chicken rice kabsah, a family of mixed rice dishes that originates in Yemen, where it is commonly regarded as a national dish made with spices and meat, and heneeth biryani rice. Haneeth is usually made from basmati rice, meat (lamb), and also a mixture of spices.
Kabsah Yemeni Cuisine
4153 W Vine St
Kissimmee, FL 3474
(407) 978-6501 kabsahfl.com
Image via Yelp.com
7. IShanghai
Shanghainese cuisine with dishes such as steamed pork buns, braised pork belly, and stir fried crab.
IShanghai
8216 World Center Dr
Ste A
Orlando, FL 32821
(321) 430-1220 ishanghaiorlando.com
Image via Yelp.com
8. El Inka Grill
The Second location for the Hunter’s Creek based Peruvian restaurant – their menu features Peruvian classics such as ceviche, lomo saltado, fried seafood platters, and very delicious chaufa – Peruvian style fried rice influenced by Chinese immigrants.
El Inka Grill
7600 Dr Phillips Blvd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 930-2810 elinkagrill.com
Image via Yelp.com
9. Antica Pizza and Mozzarella Bar
A new Italian pizza style restaurant in the Altamonte Springs area with chefs right from Rome who worked with the Michelin starred chef Adriano Baldassarre. They also have a Mozzarella bar which helps guests try out new and different Italian cheeses that makes Italy famous throughout the world.
Antica Pizza and Mozzarella Bar
249 W-SR 436, Suite 1105
Altamonte Springs, FL 32714
(407) 834-7770 antica-pizzeria.com
Image via Yelp.com
10. Sinha Brazilian Steakhouse
Sinhá (Seen-yah’) which means “lady of the house,” is a new Brazilian steakhouse in Hunter’s Creek features the rodizio style all you can eat dining experience with affordable prices and a buffet bar – Rodizio Lunch: $19.95 and Rodizio Dinner: $24.95.
Sinha Brazilian Steakhouse
13586 Village Park Dr
Orlando, FL 32837
(407) 203-0726 sinhasteakhouse.com
Image via Yelp.com
11. TR Fire Grill Winter Park
This newish concept by Tony Roma’s restaurant group (the original TR Fire Grill on Semoran near the Airport has closed and relocated to Winter Park) strives to have locally sourced and chef driven menus with dishes like cherry wood smoked duck tacos, bacon wrapped smoked meatloaf, and chicken and waffles.
TR Fire Grill Winter Park
1035 North Orlando Ave.
Suite 101
Winter Park, FL 32789
(407) 708-3600 TRFireGrill.com
12. Provisions & Buzz Co.
A rebranding of the location formerly known as Jack’s Steakhouse in Baldwin Park, now with an eclectic list of dishes like pork belly kimchi rice bowls, honey miso marinated black grouper, and sage gnocchi.
New Mexican restaurant in Oviedo featuring a diverse list of tequilas, house made guacamole, ceviches, and street tacos.
Saint Anejo Mexican Kitchen + Tequileria
5248 Red Bug Lake Rd
Winter Springs, FL 32708
(407) 636-3600 saintanejomexicankitchen.com
Image via Yelp.com
14. Metro Diner
From Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives fame, this is a new location for the Jacksonville based Metro Diner in Altamonte Springs – a winner of many Best Breakfast awards from Jacksonville – they are known for huevos rancheros, chicken and waffles, and other traditional diner fare.
Metro Diner
985 N State Road 434
Altamonte Springs, FL 32714
(407) 917-8997 metrodiner.com
Image via Yelp.com
15. The Ganachery Chocolate Shop at Disney Springs
Fashioned after an old apothecary, The Ganachery features Gourmet Chocolate Ganaches in Disney Springs made with milk chocolate and cream.
Image via Mike P. at Yelp.com
16. Antonella’s Pizzeria
Excited for this pizza restaurant with fabulous pedigree – from the family of Stefano’s Trattoria in Winter Springs and Goodfellas by UCF lead by husband and wife team Francesco Paradiso and Antonella Paradiso-LaCommare. We look forward to trying their pizzas in Winter Park – very, very soon! Read more about the family on Scott Joseph’s Orlando Restaurant Guide here.
Antonella’s Pizzeria
360 W. Fairbanks Ave
Winter Park, FL 32789
(407) 636-5333 antonellaspizza.com
It’s that time of year again! Seems like only yesterday.
The local Asian American community here in Orlando will be celebrating the Lunar New Year once again – one of my favorite times of the year, not just for the festivities but also for the great food that goes along with the holiday celebrations.
I remember gathering around at home growing up with my uncles, aunts, cousins, and grandma around the family dinner table having a huge feast, praying to our ancestors and the gods of fortune for a lucky and healthy new year. My favorite dishes were the fried egg rolls and roasted duck, Hakka style, filled with Chinese spices, herbs and wild mushrooms.
This year the Chinese/Vietnamese Lunar New Year’s Official Date (which changes each year because – surprise – it follows the cycles of the moon) is Monday February 8th, 2016 – but the celebrations begin much earlier and last almost all month.
This is the year of the Monkey and those people born in the year of the Monkey are said to be “smart, clever and intelligent, especially in their career and wealth. They are lively, flexible, quick-witted and versatile. In addition, their gentleness and honesty bring them an everlasting love life. Although they were born with enviable skills, they still have several shortcomings, such as an impetuous temper and a tendency to look down upon others.”
Luckily for us here in the Central Florida community, we are home to the largest ethnic enclaves of Asian Americans in the entire state, particularly around the Mills 50 district with shops, restaurants, and markets all getting ready to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
Lunar New Year Traditions
Eating dinner together as a family – people journey from wherever they are, to come home and have dinner. Every year this time marks the largest mass migration of people when workers in the cities travel home to their home villages to visit their families again.
Giving/Recieving Red Envelopes – filled with lucky money from elders to the young. Asian culture is big on karma so want to start off the year doing good things for others and hope for good things to happen to you in return later in the year. Universal balance.
Clean the house before the new year start the year new, and pay off all your debts
Big parades with lots of firecrackers. The loud noise “scares” away any evil spirits so you can start off the new year fresh.
On that Monday, February 8th if you have lunch in the Mills 50 area, you will see the Wah Lum Kung Fu Lion Dance team “blessing” each business with their lion dance and fire works. Last year we had lunch at Chuan Lu and they came with fireworks and a dancing Buddha and two lions – quite the festive sight!
What to Order – Traditional Chinese Dishes for New Years
Eat
Noodles – The longer, the better – the noodles represent longevity and long life
Dumplings – They are shaped like little gold nuggets, symbols for good fortune and wealth
Fish – The word “yu” sounds like “abundance” in Chinese, so your new year will be abundant with good luck – eat whole fish so that your whole year is full of good luck
Fried Spring Rolls – The name also sounds like “good fortune” in Chinese, eat it for a lucky new year
Oranges are also plentiful during new years because the name and look of the orange is similar to gold. So giving oranges as a gift is also quite common, as it the giver is seen as wishing prosperity on the receivers.
Vietnamese Banh Tet – Bánh tét is a Vietnamese savoury but sometimes sweetened cake made primarily from glutinous rice, which is rolled in a banana leaf into a thick, log-like cylindrical shape, with mung bean or mung bean and pork fillings, then boiled. It is a must have traditional food in Vietnamese Lunar New Year. It demonstrates the importance of rice in the Vietnamese culture as well as historical value. During Vietnamese Tét, family members would gather together and enjoy feasting on bánh tét, the central food of this festive Vietnamese holiday to celebrate the coming of spring.
Drink
Wash it all down with a glass of Baijiu
Baijiu – traditional clear grain spirit made from sorghum and wheat
The number one drink in the world at about 40-60% alcohol
Like Vodka to the Russians, Rum to Puerto Rico, Baijiu is to the Chinese
It’s drank at almost all meal gatherings in China.
Say Happy New Year!
Vietnamese – Chuc Mung Nam Moi
Cantonese – Sun Lien Fai Lok
or Gung Hay Fat Choi (Literally : Congratulations on your Prosperity – have a prosperous new year)
Mandarin – Xin Nian Kuai Le
Places to Celebrate:
Local Orlando Restaurants:
Ming Bistro – Chinese Dim Sum – Great for Families/Friends/Groups
1212 Woodward Street #6, Orlando, FL (407) 898-9672
Chuan Lu Garden – Authentic Sichuan cuisine – for spicy food lovers
1101 East Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL – (407) 896-8966 http://chuanluyuan.com
Tasty Wok – Chinese street food / barbecue and noodles
1246 East Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL (407) 896-8988
Chan’s Chinese Cuisine – Dim sum and traditional Chinese cuisine
1901 East Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL (407) 896-0093
Golden Lotus Chinese – Dim sum and traditional Chinese cuisine
8365 South John Young Parkway, Orlando, FL (407) 352-3832
Local Markets – Pick up New Year goodies
Saigon Market
1232 East Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32803, United States
(407) 898-6899
Tien Hung Market
1112 East Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32803, United States
(407) 849-0205 http://tienhungmarket.com/
1st Oriental SuperMarket
5132 West Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32808, United States
(407) 292-3668 http://1storiental.com
Phuoc Loc Tho Super Market
2100 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32803, United States
(407) 898-6858
Vietnamese New Year Festival by the Vietnamese Community of Central Florida
Saturday February 6th – Sunday February 7th at the Central Florida Fairgrounds
– Street food and also Miss Vietnam of Florida Pageant on Sunday
See below for last year’s schedule for an idea of what will go on –
Vietnamese Vegetarian Food Festival at Bao An Temple
Sunday October 31st – 8am – 2pm (local cultural acts, lots of vegetarian Vietnamese food for sale)
and the new years eve celebration is the night of February 7th (they have singers, performers, food for sale)
Bao An Buddhist Temple – 5788 North Apopka Vineland Road, Orlando, FL 32818, United States
Last year’s flyer below for now –
Other temples such as Chua Phap Vu Temple on Dean Road will also have a Vietnamese new year celebration / ceremony on the eve of Lunar New Year – Sunday February 7th, usually around 8pm.
At the beginning of this month, we were invited to check out the grand opening of TR Fire Grill in Winter Park to try out handcrafted cocktails and dishes.
TR Fire Grill, which is part of Romacorp Inc, is a different concept from their other restaurant Tony Roma’s.
TR Fire Grill displays a more unique and down to earth vibe which prides themselves in fresh local ingredients, and local chef talents to match.
The atmosphere was astounding with live music which they pride themselves of showcasing local talent on the regular.
The cocktails offered at TR Fire grill were quite delicious, simple ingredients mixed together with expert precision to make a refreshing cocktail.
From cocktails such as The Swindler (shown above), with ingredients such as Fireball Whiskey, Apple Moonshine, Cinnamon, and fresh pressed lemon and lime made to their Wood Aged Margarita which contained Agave Nectar, Oak Aged Tequila, Grand Marnier and lime, all the drinks showcased that night were delectable to the palate however, was sure to put you in a “good mood” after a few drinks.
The food was splendid with dishes from Hawaiian Ahi Tuna (made with grilled pineapple salsa, edamame, crisp wonton tostada, apricot shallot sauce) to creative dishes such as their Shrimp & “Grits (containing smoked pork sausage, Sam’s Bayou sauce, jalapeno cheddar polenta) – each dish with their own different characteristics and personalities to them.
2015 proved to be another great year for the continuing growth of the Orlando restaurant and dining scene, especially with new openings focusing more and more on locally sourced and produced food.
Here are some of our favorite Orlando restaurants and dining moments from 2015:
A breath of fresh air to Baldwin Park, this project by Jason and Sue Chin, owners of the very successful Seito Sushi Baldwin Park across the street brings together a dream team featuring Executive Chef Joseph Burnett (formerly of Norman’s and The Ravenous Pig), Executive Sous Chef Elek Kovacs, and Kristy Carlucci, Pastry Chef. Restaurant of the Year for 2015.
Recently undergoing a beautiful multimillion dollar renovation, the traditionally Indian restaurant has brought on Chef Ian Piamonte who spearheads their new Thai and Chinese offerings. My favorite dishes here are the gobi manchurian – little sweet and sour red cauliflower fritters and the lamb biryani rice dish.
They recently moved into bigger digs next door where Bananas Modern Diner was on Mills, but they still serve up great renditions of Louisiana cajun cuisine. Check out their story in the fabulous WMFE 90.7 FM series on What is Orlando’s Little Vietnam?
continues to impress – their garlic rock shrimp is one of the best things to eat in Orlando and their menu is always changing. They expanded to where the Table was earlier this year for a little more dining space.
At the JW Marriott Orlando, along with Chef de Cuisine Mariano Vegel continued a long standing tradition of excellence in farm to table cuisine. One of the highlights of my dining experiences for the year was the simple, yet so delicious Farmer’s Salad topped with a farm egg and house cured bacon.
Each Chef’s Night brings local top chefs into Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida to celebrate delicious food and raise money 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.
Sadly Kappo closed this year at East End Market, with a small market to take its place. Do not be forlorn too long – the chef/owners are currently seeking a new space to continue Kappo’s legacy. We wish the owners Mark, Lo, and Jen a happy new year as they look to the future. Also, we wish Lo and his fiance Julie a very happy wedding and honeymoon this 2016!
founded by The Treehouse Truck’s Thomas Ward, their baby back ribs are revelatory, but don’t sleep on their shrimp and chorizo tacos either – fantastic flavors.
The Napoletana style pizza is thin & soft with a slight crisp to the crust; with a nice smokey char to the pizza crust from the wood burning ovens and topped with ingredients imported from Italy or locally grown and organic. Dan Bavaro, the founder was taught by 3rd generation, Neapolitan families and bases their entire menu around a stunning Italian imported wood-fired brick oven.
12. Peking roast duck at Morimoto’s Asia at Disney Springs –
Featuring a crispy Peking duck, a carved house-roasted whole duck sliced thin with crackling skin and tender meat, served with steamed flour pancakes, and a side of apricot sweet chili and hoisin miso sauces. It is the Japanese master chef’s first pan-Asian dining experience and showcases flavors from across the Asian continent with an emphasis on China, Korea, Japan and Thailand.
Chef Morimoto and team hanging out with Mickey Mouse at the grand opening of Morimoto’s Asia.
City Walk at Universal Studios opened up their newest restaurant NBC Sports Grill & Brew, located at the old NASCAR Grille this venue offers up high quality dishes and over 100 different types of beers to choose from. From succulent fall off the bone ribs to creamy pasta, NBC offers a vast array of affordable menu items to choose from. We were invited to a very special night at the venue, upon arrival we were greeted celebrity style with a red carpet entrance and met some high profile guest who include Bob Costas and Cris Collinsworth from NBC Sunday Night Football to celebrity athletes like Hines Ward. This event was a party style affair, with staff spread throughout the venue serving up appetizer sized dishes and creative cocktails, tables upon tables of the vast array of dishes NBC serves up, and expert bartenders recommending new craft beers at the bar. We ate and drank till our stomachs could take no more, and by the end of the night we struggled our way back to the shuttle to our cars, full and exhausted however, satisfied by the amount of amazing dishes we had and the amazing experience we were blessed to be a part of.
My sweet tooth was satisfied at Sugar Factory’s media event last Thursday. Sugar Factory is located right next to the Orlando Eye on International Drive. One side is a candy store and the other side has a bar and seating area. I heard of Sugar Factory just this year while researching places to visit in Chicago a few months back. Unfortunately I didn’t have time to stop by during my trip so as you can imagine, I was ecstatic when I found out Sugar Factory was coming to Orlando, Florida. I got to taste popular drinks, milkshakes, food, $99 ice-cream, and took a bag full of candy home. Extra bonus for parents – these drinks featured here all come virgin for the kiddos!
Started it off with the Ocean Blue. Hpnotiq cocktail featuring gummy sharks and dry ice!
Next was the Mai Tai. A Tahitian style drink. Fresh orange and pineapple juices blended with coconut and light rum and then topped with a oat of Dark Myers rum, with dry ice!
My personal favorite is the White Gummy. A fruity cocktail that was so delicious! Comes with dry ice of course!
Lastly, the most visually stunning, Lollipop Passion. A mix of melon, coconut and pineapple. Garnished with lollipops and dry ice!
Fried Macaroni and Cheese with Tomato Bacon Jam.
Meatballs with Marinara, Fontina Fondue, and Polenta.
Red Velvet Pancakes
From left to right, Chocolate Milkshake, Birthday Cake Milkshake with a candle, and Berry Milkshake with candies.
Sugar Factory’s World Famous King Kong Sundae $99. Includes 24 scoops of ice cream, topped with Chocolate and Caramel Sauce, Whipped Cream, Gummy Bears, Waffle Cones, Oreo Crumbles, Brownie Chunks, Chocolate Chips, Bananas, Toasted Marshmallows, Reese’s Pieces, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Giant Lollipops, and sparklers!
Did you know there is a “hidden” lounge area in the upstairs section of Morimoto’s Asia at Disney Springs open till 2am? Complete with a late night dining menu and a diverse list of sakes as well as light bites and sushi, it’s worth taking a look. Check out the press release below.
Press Release:
With a “hidden” VIP entrance along the side of the building, the Forbidden Lounge is a great place to hang, late-night, at Disney Springs.
An exclusive menu is featured upstairs from 10pm to 2am and features a variety of late-night dining options for those looking to eat a little lighter (sushi, raw bar, hamachi tacos, toro tartare) or for those looking to splurge on pan-Asian riffs of bar food (pork belly bao, five-spice wings, dim sum).
Those not in the mood to nosh have no fear, as Morimoto Asia is also doing its part to showcase one of the truly misunderstood spirits in the world, sake.
Morimoto Asia not only features a variety of Chef Morimoto’s signature label sake, but also a vast offering of other sake that represent the different classes (gingo, junmai, daigingo, honjozo, junmai gingo and junmai daigingo) plus tokubetzo junmai and a variety of speciality sakes (including cedar aged, a sparkling and a sparkling rose) – something not commonly found in US restaurants.
For those not ready to drink the rice wine straight, just yet, the Forbidden Lounge cocktail menu offers several sake-cocktails including the Morimotini (Grey Goose vodka, junmai Morimoto), White Lily (sudachi shochu, calpico, yuzu), Ishikawa 75 (ginjo sake, plum wine and sparkling wine) and sake sangria (asian pears, apple plum, tangerine juice, sake, light white wine, plum wine) which is great for a group as it serves 3-4 people.
To add just a little more flair to the party, the Forbidden Lounge also features some unique entertainment in the form of an up-close magician and a palm reader, for those looking to be a little more adventurous. In the coming weeks they will also offer table-top shuffleboard, perfect for the guests looking to enjoy the cooler temps on the second-level outdoor patio.
Gift Card Special to Morimoto Asia
Morimoto Asia currently has a program in place where anyone that spends $100 or more on a Morimoto Asia gift card will receive an opening day and limited edition Morimoto Asia menu hand-signed by Iron Chef Morimoto.
As a part of this promotion, Morimoto Asia has partnered with us to do a giveaway of one of these limited edition Morimoto Asia menu hand signed by Chef Morimoto himself.
GIVEAWAY – Morimoto Asia Menu signed by Chef Morimoto
Enter by responding in the comments below. One winner will be chosen randomly from the answers. Contest Ends December 23rd, 2015 at 12pm. We will contact the winner via e-mail! Good luck.
Questions – answer all to enter to win.
1. What is in a Morimotini?
2. Where is Forbidden Lounge located?
3. What would you most want to eat at Morimoto Asia?
The holiday season is just around the corner and it looks like Santa will be visiting Bravo! Cucina Italiana for a well-deserved meal before he makes his rounds. On Saturday, December 19th from 9-11am, families will be able to enjoy sweet and savory breakfast specials and holiday-inspired activities such as face painting, holiday crafts, cookie decorating, ornament making, and Christmas carols. For families with naughty or nice (or both) children, Santa will be visiting tables to collect wish lists and take pictures with guests.
BRAVO!’s Breakfast with Santa features many options for adults and children, costs are fixed at $11.95 per adult; $5.95 per child, and reservations are required.
Berries & Cream French Toast
Choices on the adult menu include:
Eggs, Home Fries & Bacon: Scrambled eggs, brunch potato
Berries & Cream French Toast: Sweet cream cheese stuffed French toast, honey, cinnamon and fresh berry compote. Served with Applewood smoked bacon
Sicilian Omelette: Cherrywood smoked ham, bacon, Fontanini sausage, tomato compote, Mozzarella, Provolone and Parmesan cheeses. Served with brunch potatoes.
Ham & Biscuit Benedict: Two poached cage-free eggs, Cherrywood smoked ham, house made biscuit and hollandaise. Served with brunch potatoes.
Children’s selections include:
Kids’ French Toast: served with maple syrup and fresh fruit
Kids’ Scrambled Eggs: served with bacon and fresh fruit
All meals include choice of coffee, tea, soft drink, milk or juice, muffins and yogurt parfait.
Call BRAVO! Cucina Italiana Orlando – Dellagio at (407) 351-5880 to reserve for this special Santa event!
Sicilian Omelette
I was able to taste some of the dishes featured in the menu (though without the presence of Santa) and the experience was wonderful. The service was great and the staff were friendly, but the interior of the restaurant was an experience in itself. The “Roman ruins” theme features columns throughout the restaurant, and the seating was comfortable and spacious. Bravo also offers two private dining rooms for any special events, family gatherings, or holiday parties you may have planned.
Crispy Shrimp Napoli
BRAVO! Cucina Italiana Orlando – Dellagio is located at 7924 Via Dellagio Way, Orlando, FL 32819, in the Dellagio development adjacent to The Marketplace at Dr. Phillips. The restaurant is open Sunday – Thursday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
For those closer to the Winter Park area, BRAVO!’s sister restaurant BRIO Tuscan Grille at Winter Park Village will be hosting a similar breakfast buffet event tomorrow on Saturday, December 12th from 9 – 10:30 a.m. Reservations are also required and the prices are the same. BRIO’s buffet breakfast will include fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, French toast, Frittata Al Forno, bacon, sausage, breakfast potatoes, fresh biscuits and yogurt parfaits. Call BRIO at Winter Park Village at (407) 622-5611 to reserve for this special Santa event!
BRIO Tuscan Grille at Winter Park Village is located at 480 N. Orlando Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789.
Thank you Louise Hendry and Vinessa Cirrito of Duree and Company for inviting me to preview this special event!
Chicken Tikka sampler
Berries & Cream French Toast 
Sicilian Omelette 
Crispy Shrimp Napoli 
Dessert Trio – Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee, Cannoli Crumble and Warm Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie 
