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Ceviche House – Peruvian Cuisine on Semoran

Ricky Ly
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Ceviche House – Peruvian Cuisine on Semoran

Peruvian cuisine reflects the history of its people – from the ancient Incan empire to the Spanish conquistadors who took their place and later, African and Asian (particularly Chinese and Japanese) immigrants – all have left their mark on Peruvian cooking, making it one of the earliest forms of “fusion cooking” in the New World.

This blend of cultures has made Peru what some have called the gastronomic center of South America, an up and coming place for new and avant garde cuisine. Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, famed for his own forms of fusion cooking, first came up with the form after moving to Peru in the 1970s and finding ingredients missing for Japanese cuisine, substituted local Peruvian food products in his dishes.

The four traditional staples of Peruvian cuisine are corn, potatoes (of which there are 3800 varieties in Peru alone), and other tubers, Amaranthaceaes (Quinoa, Kañiwa and kiwicha) and legumes (beans and lupins). Quinoa in particular has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity recently, bringing new attention to Peruvian cuisine and culture.

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Locally here in Orlando there are quite a few restaurants serving up the popular Peruvian dishes from pollo a la brasa (rotisserie style chicken) to ceviche.

On Semoran Blvd, just south of SR 408, you can find Ceviche House Orlando (a sister restaurant to Ceviche House on Orange Blossom Trail in South Orlando), specializing in dishes from Peru’s Pacific coast, once ruled by the Chimu tribe before being absorbed by the Incans.

The location is inside a former Pizza Hut, and for some inexplicable reason, also says that they serve Mexican food here, but a quick review of the menu did not show case any tacos or tortilla dishes.

Complimentary cancha, or toasted corn nuts, are served complimentary alongside some green salsa for dipping.

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Anticuchos are brochettes made from beef heart marinated in a various Peruvian spices and grilled, often with a side of boiled potato or corn. They are commonly sold by street vendors and served shish kabob-style, but one may find them in creole food restaurants.

Here at Ceviche House, the anticuchos de corazon are deliciously grilled sliced beef hearts marinated in a panca red sauce, a splash of red wine vinegar, a hint of cumin and the golden touch of Inca yellow peppers, Peruvian corn and sliced golden potatoes.

Anticuchos de corazon - grilled marinated beef hearts
Anticuchos de corazon – grilled marinated beef hearts

Choclo, a large kernel corn also referred to as Peruvian corn or Cuzco corn (named for the capital city of the Inca empire: Cuzco) is served as a side to many of the dishes here, it’s a little milder and softer than our sweet corn, definitely an interesting and different take on corn.

Ceviche, a South American dish of marinated raw fish or seafood typically garnished with herbs and served as an appetizer, consists generally of bite-size pieces of white fish (such as corvina or white sea bass), marinated raw in lime juice mixed with chilis.

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A mixture of octopus, squid, shrimp, white fish, red onions, citrus juices, cilantro, rocoto pepper

SONY DSC PECHUGA DE POLLO A LA CHORRILLANA – Grilled chicken breast served with sautéed red onions, fresh tomatoes, wine reduction, white rice

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Causa is a mashed yellow potato dumpling mixed with key lime, onion, chili and oil. Varieties can have avocado, chicken, tuna (typically canned) or even shellfish added to the mixture, usually served cold with hard boiled eggs and olives. Here, we tried the crab causa, made with the yellow potato mash and layered with fresh crab.

Chifa is a term used in Peru to refer to Chinese cooking, in which Peruvian and Chinese ingredients are fused to cantonese culinary tradition – chaufa mixto (fried rice) and lomo saltado (stir fried beef with potato) are common staples in the Peruvian kitchen. As a self proclaimed fried rice expert, this was truly some of the best fried rice I ever had in Orlando – the rice was just the right texture, fresh yet crispy, just enough soy sauce with out being too salty, great balance of flavor with the ingredients of shrimp, beef, and chicken. Very nice.

SONY DSC CHAUFA MIXTO DE MARISCOS, POLLO Y CARNE
Peruvian stile stir fried rice mixed with beef, seafood and chicken in a chaufa sauce with a drizzle of sesame oil

Overall, Ceviche House brings a little taste of the big flavors of Peru right here in Orlando and should be added to your list of places to try – it’s like traveling the world without leaving home.

Ceviche House · Fine Peruvian Cuisine on Urbanspoon

Chef James Slattery of Big Fin Seafood Kitchen – Orlando Chef’s Spotlight Series

Ricky Ly
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Chef James Slattery of Big Fin Seafood Kitchen – Orlando Chef’s Spotlight Series

Chef James Slattery is the Executive Chef of Big Fin Seafood Kitchen on Orlando’s restaurant row, winning multiple awards for the restaurant including Critic’s Choice in the Orlando Sentinel’s Foodie Awards for Best Seafood in 2014.

Recently, we had the chance to interview Chef Slattery for our new series, the Orlando Chef’s Spotlight Series, about his fascinating past and the upcoming future at Big Fin Seafood Kitchen.

The menu at Big Fin is never really new per se, but it is ever changing – seafood, like produce, has seasons.

Right now, the restaurant is focused on the biggest and the best Stone Crabs available. This is what has made Big Fin the best Seafood Restaurant in Orlando.

Chef Slattery tells us he makes it a point to never be complacent, always following the trends, and trying to do his part in helping make Orlando more than just a tourist destination but rather a tourist and food destination with great local chefs doing wonderful things in the Florida kitchen.

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Chef Slattery wasn’t always a chef, however.

His first job, after earning two chemistry degrees from UCF, was actually as an analytical chemist with a local environmental lab.

But it was rather mundane work and he soon felt like something was missing.

One night in 1998 in a hotel room in North Carolina, on a sales trip for the chemical company he was with at the time, Slattery was flipping through the channels when he came across a 24-hour network devoted to food.

It was close to 8 pm and as he sat in the hotel room eating Chinese take-out, a program came on called Emeril Live! on the Food Network.

It was actually the premier night for Chef Emeril’s new show.

Several months later Orlando began carrying the Food Network and he became a constant viewer.

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“Chef Emeril was mesmerizing, funny and most of all – pulled a passion for cooking from me that seemed to be dormant, just waiting for the right time to reveal itself,” Slattery said.

“In October of ’98, Emeril Lagasse, who was opening his first restaurant at Universal’s City Walk, was in Orlando promoting one of his cookbooks. I changed my travel plans (still working as a chemist) and I went to the book-signing.”

“I waited in line for hours. When Chef Emeril was signing my name, I asked Chef Emeril, “What would it take to work in one of your restaurants?”

He stopped, looked up and said, “James, I look for passion. I want people in my restaurants to love what they do.”

A couple of months later, while working as a prep cook at Universal’s Lombard’s Landing, he was able to finagle an interview at the about-to-open Emeril’s.

He went into the Home base offices and handed Chef Zachary Martin his resume that contained six pages – and no mention of any cooking background.

Chef Zack sort of laughed.

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“Chef Zack quizzed me about culinary terms and techniques; of course I couldn’t answer any of the questions unless I had learned it from the Food Network.”

“Zack later admitted to me that he felt I had the personality and the drive they were looking for. After all, I was a clean slate!”

“They hired me, and after several weeks of training, I was made a butcher. That’s when my chemistry background really kicked in.”

The Chef’s really didn’t understand that, being a chemist, he was very good with weights and measures.

“That’s really what butchering was all about. I was able to pick up knife skills fairly quickly and with the amount of work, there were plenty of chances to improve on a daily basis.”

Over the next three and a half years, “James the butcher” worked on his way through the various stations in the kitchen as well as pastries and sauces to become “James the chef”.

By the time Chef Emeril opened Tchoup Chop at the Royal Pacific Resort in 2003, he had successfully been promoted to sous chef. A year or so after Tchoup Chop opened he was promoted to executive sous chef.

Three years later, he decided it was time to graduate from Emeril’s “culinary school” and accepted the position of chef at the soon to open A Land Remembered at Rosen Shingle Creek in 2006.

He has since opened 2 other concepts and as of today, Chef Slattery is celebrating his 5th anniversary as the Executive Chef of Big Fin Seafood Kitchen .

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“I always try to explain when asked about my career change, that a chemist doesn’t want to see a straight line on a chromatogram, and as a cook, your taste buds detecting food being flat in flavor is like the chromatogram having no spikes. But I also don’t want to see huge spikes of flavor on my palette, this would mean too much of one spice or flavor component. So my taste buds and sense of smell are just my “chromatograph” for creating foods and flavors with a better balance.”

“My scientific background helps in other ways. When I am working on a new recipe, I never add more than one ingredient at a time or change the amount of more than one ingredient at a time; otherwise if there’s something that’s off, just as with being a chemist, I won’t know what changed the flavors.”

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What are you planning for the coming fall and winter season?

My focus is currently on creating a seafood tasting menu that is paired with wines and spirits. I want to take advantage of more locally sourced seafood and produce that is only available in small quantities and is seasonal. I am working with our owner and bar manager in creating a new drink menu that falls in line with the trend of craft cocktails. We want people to understand that our cocktails are designed for our food and for the style that I cook with.

Where do you dine when not at Big Fin Seafood?

When I am not working I try to find new restaurants such as a recent trip to Pig Floyd’s. But I always have my standbys of my favorite Vietnamese, Korean and Chinese restaurants.

What are some interesting facts about yourself that most people might not know?

A lot of people don’t know that I am also a musician. My middle school, high school and some college days were spent in band playing saxophone. I love all kinds of music, especially jazz. If I could have 2 careers and not worry about paying bills, I would love to be in a small jazz ensemble playing in a small bar and running in the back to fix meals for the guests.

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Growing up, what were some of your favorite childhood eats?

Another fact is that my love of Asian cuisine comes from my early childhood where I spent the first 9 years of my life on Guam in the Philippines. This is where my love for certain comfort foods comes from as in Pancit, Kelaguen, lumpias, etc..

But one last thing I need to make clear, my mother is a great cook and is a world renowned chemist and between her, Charlie (my first job in high school), Chef Emeril, Chef Bernard and Chef Zack as well as the early PBS days of the afternoon cooking shows and eventually the Food Network, these are my influences and have helped make me the Chef I am today.

Big Fin Seafood Kitchen
www.bigfinseafood.com/
8046 Via Dellagio Way, Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 615-8888
Photos Courtesy of Big Fin Seafood Kitchen

The Ravenous Pig’s Swine & Sons Provisions opening in February 2015

Ricky Ly
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The Ravenous Pig’s Swine & Sons Provisions opening in February 2015

Swine & Sons Provisions Marks Latest Endeavor from Acclaimed Florida Chefs James and Julie Petrakis

Winter Park, Fla. – Swine & Sons Provisions, a new endeavor from James and Julie Petrakis, chefs/owners of The Ravenous Pig and Cask & Larder, is slated to open February 2015. The third Winter Park operation from the James Beard-nominated husband/wife tandem will reflect Cask & Larder’s sophisticated southern cuisine and Ravenous Pig’s innovative flare for modern fine dining, while introducing a novel takeout concept to Central Florida.

Located immediately west of Cask & Larder on Fairbanks Avenue in Winter Park, Swine & Sons Provisions will specialize in takeout charcuterie, butcher sandwiches, seasonally inspired homemade ice creams, signature spices and rubs, scratch-made biscuits, daily pastry offerings and more.

S&S Rendering 1Swine & Sons Provisions will also offer growlers of beer sourced from Cask & Larder’s Brewery. Favorites from The Brewery, including the Red Drum, IPA and Wit varietals will be available, along with a handpicked selection of boutique wines.

“Since opening Ravenous Pig seven years ago and on the heels of celebrating Cask & Larder’s second anniversary, we’ve not only been humbled by the community’s support, but also its encouragement to keep growing,” said Julie Petrakis. “Swine & Sons Provisions is an extension of our first two locations but geared more to people with limited time or to those looking to recreate some of their favorite dishes at home.”

Longtime Ravenous Pig and Cask & Larder Chef de Cuisine Rhys Gawlak will join the Petrakises as a partner in Swine & Sons Provisions. Additionally, he will spearhead the charcuterie program at the store as well as oversee daily operations. Gawlak will showcase a collection of cured meats and cheeses as part of the charcuterie offerings and regularly incorporate seasonally fresh local ingredients into the daily selections.

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Fellow Ravenous Pig and Cask & Larder alum, Koralyss Dominguez, will join Gawlak at Swine & Sons Provisions to oversee its delectable pastry and dessert items. Dominguez will feature some of the most popular sweet treats created during her tenure at both restaurants, which have a cult-like following, while also unveiling new works of culinary art.

Keeping it in the “Swine Family,” Kailey Krips, currently a manager at Ravenous Pig, will also be part of the Swine & Sons Provisions launch team as its store manager.

“It’s a passion of Julie and I to keep our hometown on the forefront of the most progressive culinary trends,” said James Petrakis. “When conceptualizing Swine & Sons Provisions, we pulled inspiration from places like Craftsman & Wolves, Boccalone, Star Provisions and Two Boroughs Larder. We’re giving it a Florida twist and couldn’t be more excited to debut the new concept in Winter Park.”

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WHERE WILL YOU BE LOCATED?
Look for their new space located in the same plaza as Cask & Larder on the corner of Fairbanks and Pennsylvania (in the old UBreakiFix next to the cleaners).

Swine & Sons Provisions is also proud to announce the launch of its website at www.SwineandSons.com. Branding for the store, including its website, is being led by Orlando-based Hatchet Design. The team at Hatchet has been involved with numerous design and branding efforts at Ravenous Pig and Cask & Larder since their inceptions.

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Regular Swine & Sons Provisions updates are also available via social media at:
http://www.swineandsons.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/swineandsons
Twitter – @SwineandSons
Instagram – @SwineandSons

5th Annual Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic 2014

Ricky Ly
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5th Annual Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic 2014

The Fifth-Annual Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort is a two-night event featuring more than 40 food and beverage stations, 10 food and beverage seminars, and opportunities to meet world-renowned chefs behind the culinary magic – all amidst a backdrop of live entertainment, celebratory surprises and even some spooky fun on Halloween night.

Strolling along the resort’s causeway, guests will sip and savor an enticing array of culinary options from the hotel’s award-winning signature restaurants: Il Mulino New York Trattoria, Shula’s Steak House and Todd English’s bluezoo, as well as wine and spirit samplings from around the globe.

Whether you seek the secrets of wine blending, or simply want to enjoy a few good eats, you’re sure to find the culinary experience you desire here, in the heart of Walt Disney World.

The food selections are as innovative as they are enticing, ranging from Italian arancini, marrying Carnaroli rice, Osso Buco and spicy tomato sauce, and the Asian-inspired grilled scallops with puffed rice, edamame and ponzu jelly; to barbeque handcrafted bacon, accented with sweet potato puree and caramelized onions. And, the hotel’s World Champion Pastry Chef, Laurent Branlard, provides intrigue on the sweeter side with finishing touches like a chocolate crunch Napoleon with hazelnut daquoise and chocolate whipped cream, and a lemon peel mousse dome with blueberry cream and lemon angel food cake at its center.

“We’re excited about the fifth annual Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic,” said the hotel’s Director of Food & Beverage, Tony Porcellini. “This year, we’ll present even more intriguing wine selections from around the globe; showcase our culinary creativity with exciting new dishes; expand on our seminar offerings, and introduce a beer garden! Our goal is to make this event bigger and better each year and have fun doing it!”

New to the event this year are:

· A beer garden, featuring a variety of local and seasonal brews from around the world, alongside homemade bar snacks made by the hotel’s culinary experts. An upgraded ticket option provides guests access to the beer garden.
· The Cheese Course seminar, which pays homage to fromage with a unique look at the art of wine and cheese pairing.
· The Fine Art of Sushi and Sake seminar, which will teach guests how to identify quality sushi and sake flavor profiles and pair the two.
· A hands-on Caipirinha seminar, where guests will learn both the traditional recipe and try some unique twists to this ever-popular Brazilian cocktail.
· Tequila University, offering an in-depth look at tequila, its different styles, the artisans who make it and the secrets to making the perfect margarita.

Returning seminars include: pasta-making, Italian wines, modern mixology, beer, wine-blending and champagne. All seminars require separate tickets in addition to the causeway tickets, and space is limited.

To add to the event’s appeal, guests can enjoy a meet and greet with celebrity chef Todd English, the namesake of the hotel’s Todd English’s bluezoo restaurant. Guests can also meet and enjoy world-class desserts from the hotel’s very own executive pastry chef, Laurent Branlard, the world’s only two-time World Champion Pastry Chef. Barbeque fans shouldn’t miss the Cib’s Smoke House station for signature barbeque dishes from the hotel’s executive chef Robert Ciborowski.

With 17 restaurants and lounges, a distinguished culinary and beverage team and unmatched customer service, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel continually receives national recognition for its food and beverage program. The hotel boasts more than 70 certified wine sommeliers and 1,400 wine selections, including organic and rare vintages. The hotel’s restaurants are annual winners of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence including Shula’s Steak House, a three-time recipient of the exclusive Best of Award of Excellence.

For more information, visit www.swandolphinfoodandwineclassic.com.

Where:
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort
1200 Epcot Resorts Blvd.
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830

When:
Friday, Oct. 31 or Saturday, Nov. 1, 2014
Seminars: 4 or 4:30 p.m.
Tastings and Live Entertainment on the Causeway: 5:30 – 9 p.m.

Chef James Stafford of Fiorenzo – Orlando Chef Spotlight Series

Ricky Ly
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Chef James Stafford of Fiorenzo – Orlando Chef Spotlight Series

Chef James Stafford, chef de cuisine at Hyatt Regency Orlando’s Fiorenzo Italian Steakhouse, brings to the restaurant a new menu with the flavors  of an authentic Italian restaurant and the tradition of a great American steak house.

We got to speak with Chef Stafford as part of our new Orlando Chef’s Spotlight Series about where he dines after hours and also about upcoming plans at Fiorenzo’s.

Chef Stafford has been a part of Hyatt Hotels Food and Beverage team for the past nine years. A graduate of Hyatt’s Culinary Training Program, Stafford has served as a chef at Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego, Calif., Chef de Cuisine at Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa, and Sous Chef for Andaz Wall Street in New York, N.Y.

Chef Stafford has created Fiorenzo’s brand new menu with his own creative twist, featuring signature dishes such as chocolate papardelle, 20oz prime bone-in rib eye, and bison carpaccio.

Before Fiorenzo, Chef Jimmy was the Executive Chef for the opening and development of an expandable restaurant concept called Tortilla Republic.

Chef Stafford told us, “In 2012 we opened the first location in Poipu, Kauai, Hawaii, and in 2013 we opened the second location in West Hollywood California. Recently a third location in Laguna Beach, California has been added to the collection.”

His Picks for Favorite Dishes on the Fiorenzo Menu

Our Heirloom Eggplant Parmesan appetizer – a lighter approach to the traditional deep fried execution, Rosa Bianca eggplant is parmesan crusted on one side and pan roasted, served with local tat soi, and finished with melting burrata cheese and pine nut romesco. The fresh Papardelle al Pepe made by Vanessa at Trevi’s Pasta is paired with our Beef Shortrib Bolognese for another delicious play on a classic. I’m also excited that we now offer freshly shaved Burgundy Truffles or Hudson Valley Foie Gras as additions to our Prime Steaks.

What are you planning for the coming fall and winter season?

Building relationships with local farms via growing synergy for local produce, and we recently acquired a smoker….smoked veal breast anyone?

Favorite Orlando Dining Spots outside of Fiorenzo?

Inka Grill ( http://www.elinkagrill.com/)  for the “leche de tigre” the best ceviche in Orlando… Prato for chicken salad, pizza, and vino tinto… Hillstone for a cocktail at sunset, the pork chop is also ridiculous!! Vietnam Cuisine for a bowl of Pho and a café su da on those rainy afternoons… Taco Express on OBT, the closest thing I can get to the carne asada tacos from my hometown San Diego here in Orlando..

Hobbies, besides cooking?

My other passions include surfing, skating, mountain biking, hiking, motorcycles, traveling, and piano

Growing up, what were some of your favorite childhood eats?

Early morning breakfasts with my old man at Perry’s Diner, Mom’s strawberry yogurt crepes with heaps of powdered sugar, ghetto nacho cheese from the can nachos, Grandma Rosie’s pan fried pork chops with saltine cracker crust with mashed potatoes…

Krispy Kreme brings in Fall Doughnuts

Katherine Nguyen
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Krispy Kreme brings in Fall Doughnuts

October 13, 2014, we were invited to Krispy Kreme to see the behind the scenes operation and enjoy some fresh doughnuts. All doughnuts are made when the Hot sign is on and is made all by a machine. The only part of Krispy Kreme that isn’t operated by machines is packing the doughnuts into boxes and serving happy customers.

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Krispy Kreme plans on giving a free Halloween or Pumpkin Spice Doughnut to anyone who wears his or her costume into a location on Halloween!

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Dough is on a “doughnut elevator” and slowly moves to the fryer. Once fried on one side, the next step is to flip the doughnuts one column at a time.

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The doughnuts move forward on the conveyor belt and out of the oil to allow excess oil to drip off and down into a safe section of the belt.

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My favorite part was when the doughnuts went under a glazing waterfall.

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This Fall season, Krispy Kreme offers Pumpkin Spice and Pumpkin Cheesecake as well as a number of Toasted Marshmallow stuffed doughnuts.

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In my opinion, the Pumpkin Spice is my favorite Fall season doughnut from Krispy Kreme. It is like heaven in every bite.

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Not only did we try doughnuts at Krispy Kreme, we also decorated our own doughnuts.

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Tanjarine Takeover of Graffiti Junktion

Katherine Nguyen
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Tanjarine Takeover of Graffiti Junktion

We were recently invited over to Graffiti Junktion in Thornton Park for lunch.

There with Tanjarine: A TouchTunes Company discussed with us their partnership with Graffiti Junktion in bringing their tablet to the restaurant that will allow customers to browse the menus, order, play games, play music, and pay for the meals at the table.

Founded in 1998, TouchTunes provides music and entertainment in 61,000 bars and restaurants in North America.
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Some of the “Perks” of Tanjarine at a restaurant:

  1. You can see the photos and description of items on the menu clearly
  2. Food and drinks can be ordered easily and quickly
  3. Waiters and waitresses receive your order on a handheld to confirm even when they’re not at the table
  4. Play unlimited games at the table for only $2.99
  5. Play trivia games regarding real-time sports against others at different tables
  6. Pay at the table
  7. Tip options are calculated for you according to how much your meal costs

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While checking out the tablet and everything that it has to offer, I had a nice California Chicken Salad at Graffiti Junktion, known mostly for their burgers. The grilled chicken was cooked thoroughly and still juicy. The avocado added a smooth texture to the dish in contrast to the crunch from the salad.

The best part was how the salad was dressed with balsamic dressing. Dressing a salad is different than just pouring the salad dressing on top of the salad, when the salad is tossed in the dressing where each item of the salad has a bit of the dressing.

For more information on Tanjarine, check out their website here: http://www.tanjarine.com

For more information on Graffiti Junktion, check out their website here: http://graffitijunktionorlando.com

Jet’s Pizza – East Orlando – Detroit Style Pan Pizza

Ricky Ly
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Jet’s Pizza – East Orlando – Detroit Style Pan Pizza

Eugene Jetts and his brother John Jetts opened the first Jet’s Pizza in 1978 in Sterling Heights, Michigan.

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Southeast Michigan is also known as the headquarters of some of the largest pizza chains in the United States, including Domino’s Pizza (Ann Arbor), Hungry Howies (Madison Heights), Jet’s Pizza (Sterling Heights), Happy’s Pizza (Southfield), and Little Caesars (Detroit).

The single menu item that Jet’s Pizza has become famous for, above anything else, is their signature deep-dish square pizza.

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Detroit-style pizza, developed in Detroit, Michigan, is a square pizza, unlike the round Chicago deep dish pizza, similar to Sicilian-style pizza that has a thick deep-dish crisp crust and toppings such as pepperoni and olives, and is served with the marinara sauce on top.

The square shaped pizza is the result of being baked in a square pan.

The crust of a Detroit-style pizza is usually baked in a well-oiled pan to a chewy medium-well-done state that gives the bottom and edges of the crust a fried/crunchy texture.

The Jet’s Pizza concept of franchising began in 1990 and has grown to more than 300 franchises throughout eighteen states: Michigan, Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

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Orlando recently got our first two stores for Jet’s Pizza, one in Apopka and one on the east side of Orlando near Waterford Lakes. We recently were invited to visit and try out their pizza.

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The storefront is rather small and there is seating only on the outside. I’d recommend getting some seating inside for those who don’t want to sit in the hot Florida sun. It’s essentially a take out spot.

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I thought the pizzas had good flavor for a chain, and may be the best chain pizza I’ve had in Orlando.

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The crunchy square pizza crust is different and had nice flavor, though slightly charred from the conveyor belt oven. Joe, the young attendant at the shop on this date, was courteous and attentive, so kudos to him for his good service.

Jet 10® Premium Mozzarella Cheese, Pepperoni, Ham, Mushrooms, Onions, Green Peppers, Hamburger, Italian Sausage, Bacon and Black Olives.
Jet 10®
Premium Mozzarella Cheese, Pepperoni, Ham, Mushrooms, Onions, Green Peppers, Hamburger, Italian Sausage, Bacon and Black Olives.
All Meaty Premium Mozzarella Cheese, Pepperoni, Ham, Bacon, Italian Sausage and Hamburger.
All Meaty
Premium Mozzarella Cheese, Pepperoni, Ham, Bacon, Italian Sausage and Hamburger.
Jet's Boats® Freshly Baked Pizza Dough Stuffed with Mozzarella Cheese, Pizza Sauce, and Your Favorite Toppings.
Jet’s Boats®
Freshly Baked Pizza Dough Stuffed with Mozzarella Cheese, Pizza Sauce, and Your Favorite Toppings.

The Jet’s boat is similar to basically a calzone, which means “trousers” in Italian, shaped as a folded pizza or a “boat”. It resembles a half-moon and is made of salted bread dough.

Jet's Pizza on Urbanspoon

Epcot Food and Wine Fest’s Party for the Senses 2014

Ricky Ly
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Epcot Food and Wine Fest’s Party for the Senses 2014

The fabulous Epcot International Food and Wine Festival is the setting for not only the many delicious food marketplaces held around the World Showcase and chefs demonstrations, but it’s also the time when the epic Party for the Senses takes place.

All five senses: taste, touch, sight, sound, smell – will be stimulated at the Party for the Senses where guests start out at the Eat to the Beat Concert series and then when the curtains lift at the World Show Place Events Pavilion, a sensory overload of over 50 tempting tasting stations featuring chefs from around the world as well as live musical and acrobatic performances from Cirque du Soleil®.

It’s the perfect place for foodies to indulge in gustatory delights as well as experience sensory overload in a classy setting.

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Party for the Senses – Hosted by Disney Vacation Club®
World ShowPlace Events Pavilion
October 4, 11, 18, 25 and November 1, 2014
7:30 PM to 10:00 PM

Full List of Party for the Senses 2014 line up in PDF

Cirque du Soleil acrobatic performances and live music
Cirque du Soleil acrobatic performances and live music

There are 3 Ways to Enjoy the Party:

Category #1: Wine View Lounge
Bask in the atmosphere with early entry to the event at 7:15 PM, a private reserved table, premium bar access, an artisanal cheese station and a specialty cocktail toast to kick off the evening, along with all the other favors Party for the Senses – Hosted by Disney Vacation Club® has to offer!
$299 per Guest. Limited availability. Check in at the Wine View Lounge registration podium.

Category #2: Reserved Seating
Relish in a first-class experience as you enjoy early entry to the event at 7:15 PM, a reserved table on the main floor and a specialty cocktail toast to ring in the festivities, in addition to everything else that makes Party for the Senses – Hosted by Disney Vacation Club® such a smash to attend!
$189 per Guest. Limited availability. Check in at the Wine View Lounge registration podium.

Category #3: General Admission
Make your way to each incredible course as you sample from 50 tasting stations on the floor. Limited seating may be available as you dine and sip your way through a magical evening—book online today to reserve your place before you arrive!
$149 per Guest. Check in at World ShowPlace Events Pavilion.

Admission to Epcot is required and not included in event price. Plus tax, gratuity included. Alcohol will only be served to Guests 21 and older. Events and entertainment are subject to change or cancellation without notice.

On Saturday, October 11, 2014, we were invited for the first time ever to attend and enjoy the event, coming back awestruck by all the great food and sights and sounds, a definite must try for those who love food!

The moment when the curtains lift to the Party for the Senses...
The moment when the curtains lift to the Party for the Senses…

International Cheese and Butter station
International Cheese and Butter station

Pan seared venison tenderloin over sweet potato mousseline by Chef Bob Waggoner of Charleston, SC
Seared quail breast with creamy polenta from Chef John Coletta of Quartino Ristorante, Chicago, IL

Chef Dominique Macquet, Dominique's on Magazine, New Orleans, LA with his daughter at the line!
Chef Dominique Macquet, Dominique’s on Magazine, New Orleans, LA with his daughter at the line!

Chef John Coletta, Quartino Ristorante & Wine Bar, Chicago, IL
Chef John Coletta, Quartino Ristorante & Wine Bar, Chicago, IL

Chef Representing The Scottish Government & VisitScotland
Jeff Adema and Rick Legary, Rainforest Café, Animal Kingdom®/ Downtown Disney® Area

Epcot Pastry chef with Chef Jens Dahlmann, former Epcot Executive Chef, now general manager for Epcot Food and Beverage operations
Epcot Pastry chef Yolanda Lazo Colon with Chef Jens Dahlmann, former Epcot Executive Chef, now general manager for Epcot Food and Beverage operations

Chef Pascal Oudin, Pascal's on Ponce, Coral Gables FL
Chef Pascal Oudin, Pascal’s on Ponce, Coral Gables FL

Sweet potato pecan roulade with salted Pecans and spiced caramel sauce from Magic Kingdom Park Bakery Chef Christi Frommling
Sweet potato pecan roulade with salted Pecans and spiced caramel sauce from Magic Kingdom Park Bakery Chef Christi Frommling

Sweet potato pecan roulade with salted Pecans and spiced caramel sauce from Magic Kingdom Park Bakery Chef Christi Frommling
Sweet potato pecan roulade with salted Pecans and spiced caramel sauce from Magic Kingdom Park Bakery Chef Christi Frommling

My favorite of the evening - Braised Lamb neck with hand cut arugula pasta, ras el hanout, pistachio gremolata by Chef Wade Camerer of Biergarten Restaurant at EPCOT
My favorite of the evening – Braised Lamb neck with hand cut arugula pasta, ras el hanout, pistachio gremolata by Chef Wade Camerer of Biergarten Restaurant at EPCOT

My favorite of the evening - Braised Lamb neck with hand cut arugula pasta, ras el hanout, pistachio gremolata by Chef Wade Camerer of Biergarten Restaurant at EPCOT
My favorite of the evening – Braised Lamb neck with hand cut arugula pasta, ras el hanout, pistachio gremolata by Chef Wade Camerer of Biergarten Restaurant at EPCOT

Spumone Tartufato with pistachio, toasted almond, and chocolate gelato with italian meringue and amarena cherries from Chef Richard Capizzi of Lincoln Ristorante, New York, NY
Spumone Tartufato with pistachio, toasted almond, and chocolate gelato with italian meringue and amarena cherries from Chef Richard Capizzi of Lincoln Ristorante, New York, NY

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Pan seared rabbit confit with wild mushroom barley risotto, pomegranate gastrique, micro mustard greens, manchego crisp from Chefs Bea Candelario and Brandon Conklin of 50's Prime Time Cafe at Disney's Hollywood Studios
Pan seared rabbit confit with wild mushroom barley risotto, pomegranate gastrique, micro mustard greens, manchego crisp from Chefs Bea Candelario and Brandon Conklin of 50’s Prime Time Cafe at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Sherry marinated chicken with wild mushrooms and brie from Rainforest Cafe
Sherry marinated chicken with wild mushrooms and brie from Rainforest Cafe

Cullen Skink - creamy smoked haddock soup, potato and leek broth with poached quail eggs from Chef Alan Gibb of Gleneagles Hotel of Scotland
Cullen Skink – creamy smoked haddock soup, potato and leek broth with poached quail eggs from Chef Alan Gibb of Gleneagles Hotel of Scotland

Paradise Dream cake from Chef Yolanda Lazo Colon of Epcot Pastry
Paradise Dream cake from Chef Yolanda Lazo Colon of Epcot Pastry

Featured Chefs

Anthony Lamas, Seviche, A Latin Restaurant, Louisville, KY
Art Smith, Table Fifty-Two, Chicago, IL
John Coletta, Quartino Ristorante & Wine Bar, Chicago, IL
Dean Max, DJM restaurants, Boca Raton, FL
Rock Harper, DC Central Kitchen, Washington, DC
Dominique Macquet, Dominique’s on Magazine, New Orleans, LA
Bob Waggoner, Sing for Your Supper with Bob Waggoner, Charleston, SC
Pascal Oudin, Pascal’s on Ponce, Coral Gables FL
Chef Representing The Scottish Government & VisitScotland
Jehangir Mehta, presented by the Mushroom Council
Mark Boor, Fulton’s Crab House, Downtown Disney® Marketplace
Bob Getchell, T-Rex Café, Downtown Disney® Area
Jeff Adema and Rick Legary, Rainforest Café, Animal Kingdom®/ Downtown Disney® Area
Jonathan Young, Citricos, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
James Philips, Tony’s Town Tavern, Magic Kingdom® Park
Brandon Conklin, 50’s Prime Time Café, Disney’s Hollywood Studios®
Wade Camerer, Biergarten Restaurant, Epcot®
Page Weibly, Riverside Mill Food Court/ Boatwright’s Dining Hall, Disney’s Port Orleans
Resort-Riverside presented by Gardein™
Richard Capizzi, Lincoln Ristorante, New York, NY
Warren Brown, CakeLove, Washington, DC
Christina Frommling, Magic Kingdom® Bakery, WDW
Yolanda Lazo Colon, Epcot® Pastry

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Featured Wineries, Breweries and Distilleries

Constellation Brands featuring Wines on Tap (California)
Infinium Spirits (Lombardia, Italy)
Halter Ranch Vineyards (Paso Robles, Califnoria)
Trinchero Family Estates (Napa Valley, California)
Noble Vines (Lodi and Monterey, California)
Oak Ridge Winery (Lodi, California)
TGIC Global Fine Wine (Maipo Valley, Chile)
Prestige Wine Imports (Trentino, Italy)
Silver Oak & Twomey Cellars (Napa, California)
Terroir Selections (California)
Casa Noble Spirits LLC (Tequila, Mexico)
Florida Orange Groves Winery (Florida)
Copper Cane (Sonoma, California)
Radeberger (Radeberg, Saxony, Germany)
Boston Beer Company (Boston, Massachusetts)
Einstok Olgerd (Iceland)
Anheuser-Busch Inbev
Full Sail (Oregon)

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Additional Culinary and Beverage Offerings by:

Valrhona
Douce France Bakery
Ghirardelli® Chocolate Company
David Ramirez Chocolates, Orlando FL
International Cheese Selection from Gourmet Foods International
Kerrygold Butters and Cheeses Imported from Ireland
Stork USA Maker of Werther’s Original Caramels
Melissa’s World Variety Produce, Inc.
Twinings® Gourmet Tea Bar est. 1706
Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea Company

Make a Reservation Today – Call (407) 939-3378 starting July 31, 2014 to book a spot at Party for the Senses – Hosted by Disney Vacation Club®—taking place October 4, 11, 18, 25 and November 1, 2014 only! Advanced reservations are highly recommended as this event will fill up quickly. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.
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EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival 2014 – Our Picks

Ricky Ly
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0
EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival 2014 – Our Picks

Eat and Drink your way around the World at the 19th Annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

The 19th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival presented by Chase is already in full gear from Sept. 19-Nov. 10, 2014 where Walt Disney World Resort guests can taste the cuisine of six continents, sip beverages from around the globe and eat to the beat of live entertainment.

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The 53-day festival at Disney’s Epcot theme park – longer than last year’s 46-day event — serves up authentic dishes to pair with wine, beers, cocktails and other beverages; nightly Eat to the Beat! concerts with entertainment ranging from rock and soul to funk and blues; cultural exhibits of more than 25 international regions; and regularly scheduled performances by acrobats, musicians, dancers and comedy troupes.

Check us out on ABC’s The Chew this Thursday at 1pm EST talking about the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival and the Chocolate Boot Camp by Erika Davis!

Here are some facts about the 19th annual event:

  • A record 53 days long, the festival began in 1996 with a first run of 30 days
  • 35 new marketplace dishes; more than 250 food-and-beverage menu items total — each tapas-sized portion or drink priced $3-$8
  • More than 300 national and international wines
  • 200-plus chefs will present culinary demonstrations and cook for festival events
  • Nearly 400 culinary demos, beverage and mixology seminars take place during the 53-day festival
  • More than 1,200 fireworks exploding each night over World Showcase Lagoon in “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth”
  • 159 Eat to the Beat! concerts performed; 5 bands appearing for the first time at this year’s festival
  • More than 60 wineries represented at festival marketplaces. For the first time ever, festival guests can sip Dom Pérignon at the Desserts & Champagne Marketplace
  • More than 40 breweries from around the world, including local craft beer operations, will be represented at festival marketplaces
  • 100,000-plus desserts including the Dessert Trio at Desserts & Champagne Marketplace
  • More than 80,000 servings dished up of the most popular savory item at the 2012 international marketplaces: the “Le Cellier” Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon with Truffle Butter Sauce from Canada

Tips and Tricks for the Epcot Food and Wine Fest

  • There are often two lines for the food at each marketplace on either side, so look for the shorter line.
  • Get one of those gift cards you can buy at the kiosks that has a bracelet so you dont have to keep pulling out your card every time to pay.
  • Maybe get one of the plate/drink holder things so you can hold your food and drink in one hand and eat with the other (see below)

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Top Favorite Festival Eats this Year

  • Lamb Chop from Australia
  • Scallop topped with bacon and creamed spinach from Scotland
  • Crispy chicken yard bird with braised greens from Farm Fresh
  • Pepper bacon hash from Farm Fresh
  • Filet mignon with wild mushrooms from Canada

During the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, you can bask in a bevy of appetizing stops as you travel through a cornucopia of cultures and cuisines. With menus inspired by specific regions of the world, along with refreshments crafted by brewers and master wine makers, you can rest assured that there’s an offering for every kind of foodie.

Experience a shift in your palate’s perspective—discover more than 25 unique marketplaces, and be on the lookout for corresponding asterisks (*) placed next to suggested food and beverage pairings!

Note – Admission to Epcot is required. Food and beverage samples from individual marketplaces require a separate purchase. Alcohol will only be served to Guests 21 and older. Availability for some marketplace offerings may be limited. Marketplaces subject to closure at any time. All menu items are subject to change without notice.

Africa

To eat:

Beef tenderloin tips berbere-style with okra, jalapeños, tomato and pap (gluten free)*
South African bobotie with turkey and mushrooms (gluten free)

To drink:

M-A-N Vintners Chenin Blanc
Fairview Pinotage
The Wolftrap Red Blend — Syrah, Mourvèdre and Viognier*

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Australia

To eat:

Garlic shrimp with roasted tomatoes, lemon myrtle and rapini (gluten free)
Grilled lamb chop with mint pesto and potato crunchies (gluten free)*
Pavlova — Crispy meringue shell with fresh berries and vanilla custard

To drink:

Coopers Brewery, Original Pale Ale
Chateau Tanuda Grand Barossa Dry Riesling
St. Kilda Chardonnay
Nine Stones Shiraz*

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Belgium

To eat:

Potato and leek waffle with beer-braised beef*
Belgian waffle with warm chocolate ganache and whipped cream
Belgian waffle with berry compote and whipped cream

To drink:

Hoegaarden
Stella Artois
Leffe Blonde*
Stella Artois Cidre
Chilled coffee featuring Godiva Chocolate Liqueur
Beer flight (featuring 4 4-ounce servings) — Hoegaarden, Stella Artois, Leffe Blonde and Stella Artois Cidre

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Brazil

To eat:

Mocequa de pescado — Regal Springs premium tilapia with coconut lime sauce and steamed rice (gluten free)
Crispy pork belly with black beans, tomato and cilantro (gluten free)*
Pao de queijo — Brazilian cheese bread (gluten free)
Cocada — Brazilian coconut candy

To drink:

Kaiser Brewery Xingu Black Beer*
Carnaval Moscato Sparkling White Wine
Monte Paschoal Reserve Tannat
Frozen Caipirinha featuring LeBlon Cachaça

Brewer’s Collection

Radeberger Pilsner
BraufactuM Colonia
BraufactuM Palor
Schöfferhofer Grapefruit
Altenmünster Oktoberfest
BraufactuM Roog
BraufactuM Darkon
BraufactuM Progusta IPA
Beer flight 1 (featuring 4 4-ounce servings) — Radeberger Pilsner, BraufactuM Colonia, BraufactuM Palor and Schöfferhofer Grapefruit
Beer flight 2 (featuring 4 4-ounce servings) — Altenmünster Oktoberfest, BraufactuM Roog, BraufactuM Darkon and BraufactuM Progusta IPA

Canada

To eat:

Canadian cheddar cheese soup
Seared rainbow trout with bacon, frisée and L8 Harvest, Minus 8 Vinaigrette (gluten free)
“Le Cellier” wild mushroom beef filet mignon with truffle butter sauce (gluten free)*

To drink:

Moosehead® Lager
Neige Premiere Apple Ice Wine
Neige Bubble
Mission Hill Family Estate Syrah*

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China

To eat:

Beijing roasted duck in a steamed bun with hoisin sauce
Mongolian beef in a steamed bun with chili mayo
Black pepper shrimp with Sichuan noodles*
Chicken potstickers

To drink:

TSINGTAO Beer
Francis Ford Coppola Su Yuen Riesling*
Francis Ford Coppola Su Yuen Red
Kung Fu Punch with vodka and triple sec
Happy Lychee with tequila and vodka
Mango green tea with popping bubbles

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Craft Beers

To eat:

Craft beer snack mix — A sweet and savory blend of nuts, fruits and crackers (included when you purchase a beer at Craft Beers)
House-made country pâté with picked carrots and farmhouse bread
Muffuletta pinwheels with house-made pickles
Spicy pimento cheese dip with whole-wheat crackers

To drink:

Sierra Nevada, Kellerweis® – Chico, CA
Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Punkin Ale – Milton, DE
Spoetzl Brewery, Wild Hare Pale Ale – Shiner, TX
Abita Brewing Company, Purple Haze – Abita Springs, LA
Goose Island, 312 Urban Wheat Ale – Chicago, IL
Florida Beer Company, Sunshine State Pils – Cape Canaveral, FL
Magic Hat Brewery, Dream Machine IPL – South Burlington, VT
Terrapin Beer Company, Rye Pale Ale – Athens, GA
Beer Flight 1 (featuring 4 4-ounce servings) — Sierra Nevada, Kellerweis; Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Punkin Ale; Spoetzl Brewery, Wild Hare Pale Ale; and Abita Brewing Company, Purple Haze
Beer Flight 2 (featuring 4 4-ounce servings) — Goose Island, 312 Urban Wheat Ale; Florida Beer Company, Sunshine State Pils; Magic Hat Brewery, Dream Machine IPL; and Terrapin Beer Company, Rye Pale Ale

Desserts & Champagne

To eat:

Dessert Trio — Passion fruit coconut creamsicle, blueberry lime cheesecake roll and chocolate espresso opera cake*
Guylian Belgian chocolate seashell truffles

To drink:

Nicolas Feuillatte Rosé*
Möet & Chandon Nectar Impérial
Ruinart Blanc de Blanc
Dom Pérignon
Frozen S’mores featuring Monin® Toasted Marshmallow Syrup
Möet & Chandon Impérial

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Farm Fresh – NEW!

To eat:

Nueske’s® Pepper Bacon hash with sweet corn, potatoes, hollandaise and pickled jalapeños (gluten free)*
Griddled “yard bird” with braised greens and house-made habanero sauce (gluten free)

To drink:

Orlando Brewing Company, I-4 IPA – Orlando, FL
BaBa Black Lager, Uinta Brewing Company – Salt Lake City, UT
Duke’s Cold Nose Brown Ale, Bold City Brewery – Jacksonville, FL
Florida Cracker Belgian Style White Ale, Cigar City Brewery – Tampa, FL
Florida Orange Groves, Key Limen-Key Lime Wine
Chateau St. Michelle & Dr. Loosen Eroica® Riesling*
St. Francis Old Vines Zinfandel
Beer Flight (4 4-ounce servings) — I-4 IPA, BaBa Black Lager, Duke’s Cold Nose Brown Ale and Florida Cracker Belgian Style White Ale

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France

To eat:

Tartelette aux escargots — Escargot tart with garlic, spinach, bacon and parmesan
Gratin de crozets de Savoie — Wheat pasta gratin with mushrooms and Gruyere cheese
Boeuf bourguignon — Braised short ribs in cabernet with mashed potatoes*
Crème brûlée caramel fleur de sel — Sea salt caramel crème brûlée topped with caramelized sugar

To drink:

Beer, Kronenbourg Blanc 1664
Chardonnay, Macon-Villages, La Côte Blanche
Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux, Château Bonnet*
Sparkling Pomegranate Kir – Sparkling Wine and Pomegranate Liquor
La Passion Martini Slush — Vodka, Grey Goose Le Citron, cranberry and passion fruit juice

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Germany

To eat:

Schinkennudeln — Pasta gratin with ham and cheese*
Roast bratwurst in a pretzel roll
Berliner — Yeast doughnut filled with apricot jam

To drink:

Altenmünster Oktoberfest
J&H Selbach Bernkasteler Kurfürstlay Riesling Kabinett*
Selbach-Oster Mosel Riesling Spätlese
J&H Selbach Bernkasteler Kurfürstlay Riesling Auslese
Kallstadter Kobnert Spaetburgunder Spätlese Dry Barrique Style
German Riesling Flight — J&H Selbach Bernkasteler Kurfürstlay Riesling Kabinett, Selbach-Oster Mosel Riesling Spätlese and J&H Selbach Bernkasteler Kurfürstlay Riesling Auslese

Greece

To eat:

Vegetarian moussaka*
Griddled Greek cheese with pistachios and honey (gluten free)
Chicken gyro with tzatziki sauce
Spanakopita

To drink:

Domaine Skouras Moscofilero*
Domaine Siglas Assyrtiko/Athiri
Alpha Estate Axia Syrah — Xinomavro
Tzatziki martini featuring Crop Organic Cucumber Vodka and BOLS Natural Yogurt Liqueur

Hawai’i

To eat:

K?lua pork slider with sweet and sour Dole® Pineapple chutney and spicy mayonnaise*
Tuna poke with seaweed salad and lotus root chips

To drink:

Kona Brewing Company, Big Wave Golden Ale*
Kona Brewing Company, Kona Castaway IPA
Maui Splash Sweet Pineapple Wine
Aulani Sunrise featuring Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum

Hops & Barley

To eat:

Artisan cheese plate featuring Cabot Cloth-wrapped cheddar, Purple Haze chèvre goat cheese and Cave Man blue cheese
Baked lobster alfredo
Florida grass-fed beef slider with pimento cheese*
Fresh baked carrot cake with Craisins® and cream cheese icing

To drink:

Samuel Adams® Octoberfest*
New Belgium Brewing Company Snapshot
Samuel Adams Cherry Wheat®
Leinenkugel’s Seasonal Shandy
La Crema Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
Julia’s Vineyard Pinot Noir, Cambria Estate Winery
Beer flight (featuring 4 4-ounce servings) — Samuel Adams Octoberfest; New Belgium Snapshot; Samuel Adams Cherry Wheat; and Leinenkugel’s Seasonal Shandy

Ireland

To eat:

Lobster and seafood fisherman’s pie
Kerrygold® cheese selection — Reserve cheddar, Dubliner with Irish Stout and Skellig
Warm chocolate pudding with Kerrygold Irish Cream Liqueur Custard (gluten free)*

To drink:

Guinness® Draught
Bunratty Meade Honey Wine
Chilled Irish Coffee featuring Bunratty Potcheen*
Kerrygold Irish Cream Liqueur

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Italy

To eat:

Ravioli alla caprese — Cheese ravioli, tomato sauce, mozzarella, parmesan and basil
Filetto di pollo, con funghi al marsala — Chicken tenderloin, cremini mushrooms, marsala sauce and ciabatta bread*
Cannoli al cioccolato — Chocolate-covered cannoli filled with sweet ricotta, chocolate and candied fruit

To drink:

Moretti Lager Beer
Moretti La Rossa Beer
Prosecco, Bosco del Merlo
Pinot Grigio, Placido
Chianti Classico, Placido*
Serprino, Montegrande
Frozen margarita with limoncello and tequila

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Japan

To eat:

Spicy hand roll — Tuna and salmon with Kazan Volcano sauce
Teriyaki gyoza bun — Steamed-bun filled with chicken, vegetables and sweet teriyaki
Chirashizushi — Salmon, shrimp, crab and egg served over seaweed salad and ginger rice*

To drink:

Kirin Draft Beer
Sake — Kikusui Ginjo*
Sake Sunrise
Sparkling Peach Sake Gell

Mexico Pavilion at EPCOT's World Showcase
Mexico Pavilion at EPCOT’s World Showcase

Mexico

To eat:

Shrimp taco — Fried shrimp, pickled habanero pepper and onions on a flour tortilla*
Rib eye taco — Marinated rib eye, roasted chipotle salsa and grilled scallions on a corn tortilla (gluten free)**
Sweet corn cheese cake

To drink:

Dos Equis Beer*
Sangria
Tequila Flight
Mango-strawberry margarita**

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Morocco

To eat:

Kefta pocket — Ground seasoned beef in a pita pocket
Spicy shrimp roll with cilantro and mint sauce*
Baklava

To drink:

Casa Beer
Guerrouane White*
Sangria
Mimosa Royale — Sparkling wine and orange juice topped with orange liqueur

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New Zealand

To eat:

Steamed green lip mussels with garlic butter and toasted bread crumbs
Lamb meatball with spicy tomato chutney
Venison sausage with pickled mushrooms, baby arugula and black currant reduction (gluten free)*

To drink:

Kim Crawford Pinot Gris
Mohua Sauvignon Blanc
Kim Crawford Unoaked Chardonnay
Kim Crawford Pinot Noir*

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Patagonia – NEW!

To eat:

Beef empanada
Grilled beef skewer with chimichurri sauce and boniato purée (gluten free)*
Roasted Verlasso® salmon with quinoa salad and arugula chimichurri (gluten free)**

To drink:

Pascual Toso Sparkling Brut
Cono Sur Bicicleta Viognier**
Cono Sur Bicicleta Pinot Noir Rosé
Terrazas Reserva Malbec*

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Poland

To eat:

Kielbasa and potato pierogi with caramelized onions and sour cream
Sauerkraut pierogi with pork goulash*

To drink:

Okocim Brewery, Okocim O.K. Beer
Donausonne® Blaufränkisch, Hungarian Wine*
Frozen Szarlotka (Apple Pie) featuring Zubrowka Bison Grass Vodka

New Puerto Rico Marketplace
New Puerto Rico Marketplace

Puerto Rico

To eat:

Ensalada de carrucho — Caribbean conch salad with onion, tomato and cilantro (gluten free)
Carne guisada con arroz blanco — Slow-braised beef with Puerto Rican-grown rice (gluten free)
Tostones (fried green plantains with mayo ketchup)
FlanCocho — Vanilla caramel custard with chocolate coffee cake

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To drink:

Gasolina Sangriiia Cocktail
Medalla Light Beer
Frozen San Juan Breeze (non-alcoholic lemonade)
Frozen San Juan Breeze with Don Q Limón
Chilled Club Caribe Mango Rum (neat)

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Scotland

To eat:

Vegetarian haggis with neeps and tatties — Griddled vegetable cake with rutabaga and mashed potatoes
Fresh potato pancake with smoked Scottish salmon and herb sour cream (gluten free)*
Seared sea scallop with spinach-cheddar gratin and crispy bacon (gluten free)
Cranachan with raspberries, toasted oats and whipped cream

To drink:

Innis & Gunn® Original Oak Aged Beer*
Loch Lomond featuring Glenfiddich® 12 year
Glenfiddich (12, 15 and 18 year)

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Singapore

To eat:

Lemongrass chicken curry with coconut and jasmine rice (gluten free)
Seared mahi mahi with jasmine rice and “Singa” sauce*

To drink:

Tiger Beer
Marqués de Caceres Satinela*
Singapore Sling featuring Hendrick’s Gin and Cherry Herring

South Korea

To eat:

Kimchi dog with spicy mustard sauce*
Roasted pork lettuce wrap with kimchi slaw

To drink:

Bokbunjajoo — Bohae black raspberry wine
iCing Grapefruit Sparkling Rice Brew*
Soju Fruit Slushy featuring Jinro Chamisul Soju

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Terra

To eat:

Blackened Chick’n Breast, farro wheat and spicy gumbo sauce featuring Gardein™ Chick’n Breast
“CraB’less CraB Cake” with pepper slaw and Cajun remoulade featuring Gardein™*
Chocolate-blood orange cupcake with tofu icing

To drink:

Red Bridge Ale
The Vegan Vine Chardonnay*
Paperboy Red Blend
Fresh Watermelon Juice

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Scenes from the 19th Annual Epcot International Food and Wine 2014

Jens Dahlmann, former Epcot executive chef, is now the general manager for Epcot Food and Beverage operations - talks about the new dishes and favorites this year
Jens Dahlmann, former Epcot executive chef, is now the general manager for Epcot Food and Beverage operations – talks about the new dishes and favorites this year
Marianne Hunnel. Culinary Program Manager at Walt Disney World
Marianne Hunnel. Culinary Program Manager at Walt Disney World

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Droolius.com's Julius Mayo! doin work!
Droolius.com’s Julius Mayo! doin work!
Chef Norman Van Aken doing a chef's demo - one of many Celebrity Chef demonstrations at the Festival!
Chef Norman Van Aken doing a chef’s demo – one of many Celebrity Chef demonstrations at the Festival!
Chef Norman's beautiful creation with a mussel broth, grouper cheeks
Chef Norman’s beautiful creation with a mussel broth, grouper cheeks


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South African bobotie with turkey and mushrooms (gluten free)
Africa – South African bobotie with turkey and mushrooms (gluten free)
Beef tenderloin tips berbere-style with okra, jalapeños, tomato and pap (gluten free) and South African bobotie with turkey and mushrooms (gluten free)
Africa – Beef tenderloin tips berbere-style with okra, jalapeños, tomato and pap (gluten free) and South African bobotie with turkey and mushrooms (gluten free)
Belgian waffle with warm chocolate ganache and whipped cream
Belgium – Belgian waffle with warm chocolate ganache and whipped cream

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Crispy pork belly with black beans, tomato and cilantro (gluten free)*
Brazil – Crispy pork belly with black beans, tomato and cilantro (gluten free)*
Fresh potato pancake with smoked Scottish salmon and herb sour cream (gluten free)*
Scotland – Fresh potato pancake with smoked Scottish salmon and herb sour cream (gluten free)*
Griddled “yard bird” with braised greens and house-made habanero sauce (gluten free)
Farm Fresh – Griddled “yard bird” with braised greens and house-made habanero sauce (gluten free)

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Teriyaki gyoza bun — Steamed-bun filled with chicken, vegetables and sweet teriyaki
Japan – Teriyaki gyoza bun — Steamed-bun filled with chicken, vegetables and sweet teriyaki
Teriyaki gyoza bun — Steamed-bun filled with chicken, vegetables and sweet teriyaki
Japan – Teriyaki gyoza bun — Steamed-bun filled with chicken, vegetables and sweet teriyaki
Schinkennudeln — Pasta gratin with ham and cheese* Roast bratwurst in a pretzel roll
Germany – Schinkennudeln — Pasta gratin with ham and cheese* and Roast bratwurst in a pretzel roll
Nueske’s® Pepper Bacon hash with sweet corn, potatoes, hollandaise and pickled jalapeños (gluten free)*
Farm Fresh – Nueske’s® Pepper Bacon hash with sweet corn, potatoes, hollandaise and pickled jalapeños (gluten free)*
Roasted Verlasso® salmon with quinoa salad and arugula chimichurri (gluten free)**
Patagonia – Roasted Verlasso® salmon with quinoa salad and arugula chimichurri (gluten free)**
Poland - Kielbasa and potato pierogi with caramelized onions and sour cream
Poland – Kielbasa and potato pierogi with caramelized onions and sour cream
New Zealand - Lamb meatball with spicy tomato chutney
New Zealand – Lamb meatball with spicy tomato chutney
Boeuf bourguignon — Braised short ribs in cabernet with mashed potatoes* - Can you spot the hidden Mickey?
France – Boeuf bourguignon — Braised short ribs in cabernet with mashed potatoes* – Can you spot the hidden Mickey?
Puerto Rico - Carne guisada con arroz blanco — Slow-braised beef with Puerto Rican-grown rice (gluten free)
Puerto Rico – Carne guisada con arroz blanco — Slow-braised beef with Puerto Rican-grown rice (gluten free)
France - Creme Brulee
France – Creme Brulee
Japan - Spicy hand roll — Tuna and salmon with Kazan Volcano sauce
Japan – Spicy hand roll — Tuna and salmon with Kazan Volcano sauce
Japan - Chirashizushi — Salmon, shrimp, crab and egg served over seaweed salad and ginger rice*
Japan – Chirashizushi — Salmon, shrimp, crab and egg served over seaweed salad and ginger rice*


TastyChomps’ Weekly Orlando Foodie News and Events Roundup

Ricky Ly
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TastyChomps’ Weekly Orlando Foodie News and Events Roundup

ABC’s The Chew features EPCOT Food and Wine Fest with local foodie couple on Thurs. October 9th, 2014 at 1PM EST

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ABC’s The Chew was in town yesterday filming an episode on the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. They chose a local foodie couple to interview about the festival and they chose myself and my wife!

The video was of the chocolate boot camp and of us walking around the festival talking about our favorite foodie things about Food and Wine.

“ABC’s The Chew celebrates and explores life through food, with a group of dynamic, engaging, fun, relatable co-hosts who serve up everything to do with food — from cooking and home entertaining to food trends, restaurants, holidays and more — all aimed at making life better, fuller and more fun. It is broadcast live, weekdays, from New York City. The Chew stars restauranteur and chef Mario Batali, Michael Symon of Iron Chef America, Carla Hall of Bravo’s Top Chef, Clinton Kelly the style host of the TLC series What Not to Wear, and Daphne Oz, healthy living and resident practical tipster. ”

The show with the segment with us on EPCOT International Food and Wine will air this THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9th, 2014, at 1PM EST on ABC – so set your DVRs now!

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Restaurant Openings in Orlando

royalindianfood

Royal Indian Cuisine on State Road 436 in Casselberry

1410 State Rd 436
Casselberry, FL 32707
http://www.royalindianorlando.com/

Lunch buffet daily $9.95, closed Mondays, Dinner 5pm – close
More info at EatlocalOrlando.com

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Events

Jack in the Park Brings Together Central Florida’s Most Popular Restaurants to benefit Special Olympics Florida

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WHAT Guests at Jack in the Park will sample fabulous food, desserts and beverages from nearly 20 of Central Florida’s most raved-about restaurants. Jack in the Park is open to the public and benefits Special Olympics Florida.

WHEN Saturday, October 25th, 2014
7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

WHERE Winter Park Civic Center
1050 W Morse Blvd
Winter Park, FL 32789

INFO In its eighth year, Jack in the Park combines fabulous food from great local restaurants with plenty of spirits, lively local musical entertainment, raffles, auctions and our signature blackjack tournament, all to create an atmosphere that is unmatched in Central Florida’s philanthropy scene.

Treat yourself to a variety of dishes from Brio Tuscan Grille, Carmel Café & Wine Bar, Christner’s Prime Steak & Lobster, Fultons, Kryspy Kreme, Luma, mi Tomatina, Mingos, Mitchell’s, Orlando Chili Cookoff, Prato, Portabello and more.

To learn more about this amazing event, including photos from past events and sponsorship and volunteer opportunities, visit us online.

Web: www.specialolympicsflorida.org/JACK
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jackinthepark

ATTENDING For a suggested donation of $100, you will receive entry into the party including food, drink, and the Blackjack Tournament.

Participating Restaurants
American Q
Avenue Gastrobar
BB Kings
Brio Tuscan Grille
Carmel Café & Wine Bar
Christner’s Prime Steak & Lobster
Cuba Libre
Hamiltons Kitchen
KASA Restaurant & Bar
Krispy Kreme
Mingos
Mingos Healthy Lifestyle Cuisine
Mitchell’s Fish Market
Orlando Chili Cook Off
Pi Hole Pizza
The Tap Room at Dubsdread
Tony Roma’s Fire & Grill Lounge
Lolailo “The Original”
K Restaurant
The Beacham

PRE-PARTY ON WED OCTOBER 8TH

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WALT DISNEY WORLD SWAN AND DOLPHIN FOOD & WINE CLASSIC RETURNS  October 31 – November 1

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Tweet: 40 food/wine stations, @ChefToddEnglish, beer garden & live music headline @swandolphin culinary event www.swandolphinfoodandwineclassic.com

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic returns for the fifth year to the Epcot Resort Area hotel October 31 – November 1, featuring more than 40 food and wine stations; 10 food and wine seminars and the opportunity to meet the masters behind the culinary magic.

The two-night event offers an enticing array of culinary options from the hotel’s award-winning signature restaurants: Il Mulino New York Trattoria, Shula’s Steak House and Todd English’s bluezoo, as well as wine and spirits sampling from around the globe.

The food selections are as innovative as they are enticing, ranging from Italian arancini, marrying Carnaroli rice, Osso Buco and spicy tomato sauce, and the Asian-inspired grilled scallops with puffed rice, edamame and ponzu jelly; to barbeque handcrafted bacon, accented with sweet potato puree and caramelized onions. And, the hotel’s World Champion Pastry Chef, Laurent Branlard, provides intrigue on the sweeter side with finishing touches like a chocolate crunch Napoleon with hazelnut daquoise and chocolate whipped cream, and a lemon peel mousse dome with blueberry cream and lemon angel food cake at its center.

“We’re excited about the fifth annual Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic,” said the hotel’s Director of Food & Beverage, Tony Porcellini. “This year, we’ll present even more intriguing wine selections from around the globe; showcase our culinary creativity with exciting new dishes; expand on our seminar offerings, and introduce a beer garden! Our goal is to make this event bigger and better each year and have fun doing it!”

New to the event this year are:

· A beer garden, featuring a variety of local and seasonal brews from around the world, alongside homemade bar snacks made by the hotel’s culinary experts. An upgraded ticket option provides guests access to the beer garden.
· The Cheese Course seminar, which pays homage to fromage with a unique look at the art of wine and cheese pairing.
· The Fine Art of Sushi and Sake seminar, which will teach guests how to identify quality sushi and sake flavor profiles and pair the two.
· A hands-on Caipirinha seminar, where guests will learn both the traditional recipe and try some unique twists to this ever-popular Brazilian cocktail.
· Tequila University, offering an in-depth look at tequila, its different styles, the artisans who make it and the secrets to making the perfect margarita.

Returning seminars include: pasta-making, Italian wines, modern mixology, beer, wine-blending and champagne. All seminars require separate tickets in addition to the causeway tickets, and space is limited.

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To add to the event’s appeal, guests can enjoy a meet and greet with celebrity chef Todd English, the namesake of the hotel’s Todd English’s bluezoo restaurant. Guests can also meet and enjoy world-class desserts from the hotel’s very own executive pastry chef, Laurent Branlard, the world’s only two-time World Champion Pastry Chef. Barbeque fans shouldn’t miss the Cib’s Smoke House station for signature barbeque dishes from the hotel’s executive chef Robert Ciborowski.

Tickets to the Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic are available as part of a hotel package or individually. For more information or to book, please visit www.SwanDolphinFoodandWineClassic.com or call 1-800-227-1500.

When: Friday, October 31, and Saturday, November 1
5:30–9 p.m. (for seminar schedule, check www.SwanDolphinFoodandWineClassic.com)

Ticket Information: – One and two-night packages, including tickets to the outdoor festival for two and overnight accommodations, are available starting at $315 per night
– Advance purchase event-only tickets are available for $95 per person, including taxes and include unlimited food and beverage samples on the causeway
-Upgraded tickets that include the beer garden are $115 per person, including taxes
– Beverage seminars are $45 per person, per class including taxes
– Pasta making and pairing seminars are $60 per person including taxes
– For more information or to book, please visit www.SwanDolphinFoodandWineClassic.com or call 1-800-227-1500

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Fresh from the Field benefiting Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

Fresh From The Field Event Flyer

Fresh From The Field-Promo

Event Location:
Lake Meadow Naturals Farm
10000 Mark Adam Road Ocoee, Florida 34761
http://www.lakemeadownaturals.com

Event Time:
5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Exclusive VIP event from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Ticket Prices:
General Admission: $175.00 ($115.00 is tax-deductible)
VIP Admission: $200.00 ($120.00 is tax-deductible).

Sponsorship Opportunities are available

For more information please contact:
Lisa Murphy
(407) 256-3884
Lmmurphy@cff.org

More information here

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Drink Pink This October at Ravello at Four Seasons Resort Orlando

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In celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort is joining many Four Seasons properties across the globe in a “Pink Lady” cocktail promotion. A special pink drink will be offered at Ravello Bar and Ravello restaurant, with a portion of sales from every cocktail sold in the month of October benefitting the Compassionate Hands and Hearts organization, an Orlando-based charity that provides assistance to patients undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

The cocktail, called “The Pink Masquerade,” is sold for $14. A delicious, refreshing pink cocktail, the Luxardo and Creme de Cassis, a black currant liqueur, provide ample fruit flavor, while acidity from lemon juice balances out the sweetness. Enjoy The Pink Masquerade with appetizers in Ravello Bar or with dinner in Ravello, while supporting the Compassionate Hands and Hearts Foundation.

Guests are encouraged to follow the campaign on social media with the hashtag #PinkTank and to interact with @FSOrlando with the hashtag #FSThinkPink and #PinkTank.

To make The Pink Masquerade at home, enjoy the recipe, compliments of Ravello mixologists.

The Pink Masquerade
1.75 oz Hangar One Vodka
.5 oz Briottet Creme de Cassis
.5 oz lemon juice
.25 oz Luxardo Maraschino Cherry Liqueur
.25 oz Simple Syrup

Shake all ingredients and double strain into a coupe. Garnish with a lemon twist.

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Four Seasons Food Truck Kicks Off Tour Down America’s East Coast
Chefs from Boston to Miami Showcase Street-Food Menus on Second Annual Journey

FS Food Truck sm

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts launches its second Food Truck tour, making stops in nine cities as it travels down the Eastern Seaboard of the US from Boston to Miami. In each destination, the local Four Seasons culinary team will play host on the truck, serving up exclusive menus and culinary experiences to the local community and hotel guests, ranging from intimate farm dinners to charity events in partnership with local universities.

“After a great run down the West Coast last year, we are thrilled to kick off our East Coast tour,” said Guy Rigby, Vice President of Food and Beverage, Americas. “The food truck concept allows us to pair our commitment to innovation and quality with a dynamic setting that provides Four Seasons chefs an opportunity to share their creativity, craft and passion for food with the local community.”

Street-food menus created by local Four Seasons chefs will vary from city to city, and dishes range from classic regional specialties to chefs’ innovative creations. Lobster Rolls headline the menu in Boston, while Pastrami Sliders in New York City celebrate the traditional deli sandwich. Farther south, Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta team will offer a variety of Southern-inspired summer favourites such as a Boiled P-Nuts, a Savannah Crab Cake Sandwich with Old Bay Remoulade, and Pumpkin Moon Pies. All items are priced at USD 10.00 and under.

Beyond providing diverse culinary experiences, the Food Truck is a charitable endeavour. A portion of Food Truck revenue from each participating hotel will be donated to a local charity in each market. Charitable causes include breast cancer awareness, foster care, education, and paediatric oncology research.

The complete schedule of 2014 tour dates is as follows:
September 15-20: Boston, MA
September 22-27: Philadelphia, PA
September 29 – October 4: New York, NY
October 6-11: Baltimore, MD
October 13-18: Washington, DC
October 20-25: Atlanta, GA
October 27-28: Orlando, FL
October 30 – November 4: Palm Beach, FL
November 6-11: Miami, FL

In addition to the savory delights available on the road, participating hotels are spotlighting unique beverage creations from the following brands: Bacardi Superior Rum, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® Gin, Cointreau Orange Liqueur, elit by Stolichnaya, The Macallan Scotch Whisky, Patrón Tequila, and Cambria Estate Winery Katherine’s Vineyard Chardonnay. Additional supporters of the tour include evian/Badoit Waters, Red Bull Energy Drinks, Coca-Cola, Caffè Umbria Artisan Coffee Roaster, Rishi Organic Teas, FeverTree Beverages, PSAV, OpenTable, and IHS.

Follow the Four Seasons Food Truck on Taste by Four Seasons showcasing highlights from the nine featured destinations and street food–inspired recipes from Four Seasons chefs. For an interactive tour map and other delicious details, visit Four Seasons Magazine or follow the hashtag #FSFoodTruck on Twitter and Instagram.

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TAVERNA OPA ORLANDO CELEBRATES ITS LUCKY 7: OCTOBER 29

I-Drive Restaurant Hosts Haunted Casino Event Benefitting Give Kids The World

Opa Casino Anniversary Invite

WHAT: Since opening in 2007, Taverna Opa Orlando, an award-winning restaurant on International Drive, has been celebrated for its interactive entertainment and signature Greek cuisine. Two days shy of Halloween on October 29 from 7-10 p.m., the husband-and-wife duo Katerina and Vassilis Coumbaros are set to host a charity-focused event, Lucky 7 Haunted Casino, in partnership with Where Orlando. For one-night-only the restaurant will transform into a “spooked” casino featuring live entertainment including a live magician show, a pumpkin carver and contortionists.

For a suggested $7 door donation, guests will receive tokens to revel in black jack and poker, among other casino games. The evening will highlight house favorites including Spanakopita, Chicken Kebobs and Hummus, paired with craft cocktails provided by Enlighten Grained Spirits and Winter Park Distilling Company.

All proceeds from Opa Orlando’s Lucky 7 Haunted Casino’s door donations and silent auction will benefit Give Kids The World, a non-profit organization dedicated to fulfilling the wishes of children and families with life-threatening illnesses.

WHEN: Wednesday, October 29, 2014 from 7 – 10 p.m.

RSVP: Guests must RSVP to eatgreek@opaorlando.com

COST: $7 suggested door donation to benefit Give Kids The World

PARKING: Pointe Orlando Garage

WHERE: Taverna Opa Orlando (Pointe Orlando)
9101 International Drive, Suite 2240
Orlando, FL 32819

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Norman’s at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
to Host a Tribute to Charlie Trotter

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WHAT: NORMAN’S is hosting an elegant reception to honor the late Charlie Trotter. The evening will feature hors d’oeuvres presented by renowned local chefs as well as culinary stations by Chef Norman and his team. Sommeliers will be pairing wines accordingly. The event will also feature a silent auction to benefit The Trotter Project.

WHEN: Saturday, December 13, 2014
7:00-10:00 pm
$200 plus tax and gratuity

WHERE: NORMAN’S at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
4012 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando, FL 32837

Chef Norman Van Aken, NORMAN’S at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
Chefs James and Julie Petrakis, The Ravenous Pig and Cask & Larder
Chef Hari Pulapaka, Cress Restaurant
Chef Greg Baker, The Refinery
Chef Scott Hunnell, Victoria & Albert’s
Chef Brandon McGlammery, Luma on Park and Prato
Chef Timothy Keating, Flying Fish Café
Chef Greg Richie, Cityfish Restaurant
Chef Ryan Vargas, Tchoup Chop
Chef John Rivers, 4 Rivers and The Coop

SPONSORS: NORMAN’S at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
Event Technology PSAV
Music by Heather Friedman

ABOUT THE
TROTTER PROJECT: The Trotter Project is an alumni-driven initiative that will be based in the landmark buildings in Chicago where Chef Charlie Trotter made culinary history. Our mission is to celebrate the lasting legacy of Chef Charlie Trotter through culinary and educational programs, services and events that foster professional and personal excellence, and create a sense of community among individuals dedicated to these principals.

On Saturday, December 13, 2014, NORMAN’S at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, is hosting an elegant reception to honor the late Charlie Trotter. The evening will feature hors d’oeuvres presented by renowned local chefs, as well as culinary stations by Chef Norman and his team. Sommeliers will be pairing wines accordingly. The event will also feature a silent auction to benefit The Trotter Project.

https://www.facebook.com/events/474367689366063/
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The Lakeland Center presents ROBERT IRVINE LIVE

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Tickets go on sale October 17th at 9:30am

ROBERT IRVINE LIVE is a high energy, multimedia and multi-sensory theatrical experience. More than just a cooking demo, ROBERT IRVINE LIVE is an interactive show that provides multiple opportunities for audience participation while witnessing the challenging nature of the TV show, Dinner: Impossible, come to life right before your eyes. Multiple cameras setup on the stage provide a close-up view of the master at his craft. Brand new music and video content specifically produced for this show combine seamlessly with the cooking to provide an experience unlike any other. In each segment of the show Robert will face a new and unique culinary challenge.

Are you ready to experience the impossible?

*VIP ticket includes a pre-show private cooking seminar with Chef Irvine! Purchasers will receive detailed information regarding their VIP Experience approximately one week prior to performance date.

Special discounts for TastyChomps readers – tba!!

– See more at: http://www.thelakelandcenter.com/Events/RobertIrvine.aspx#sthash.41MeieYB.dpuf

Mamak Asian Street Food coming to Orlando’s Mills 50 District

Ricky Ly
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Mamak Asian Street Food coming to Orlando’s Mills 50 District

Photo by Evan Dobkin

UPDATE: 10/5/2014

The menu for MAMAK Asian Street Food has been uploaded to their Facebook page (Thanks Paul C. for the tip!) We are looking forward to the Malaysian Coconut Kari, Nasi Goreng, and the different kari mee noodle soups!

See below (click to get a larger image of the menu)

112277 Mamak menu proof 05_Page_1 112277 Mamak menu proof 05_Page_2

Mamak is now unofficially open – they are conducting a “soft opening” to get their staff in the groove of things with a full grand opening coming in the next few weeks. Check out these photos we took today inside:

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Thanks to our friends Evan, Tony, and Paul, we have news of a new restaurant coming to Orlando’s Mills 50 District.

Mamak Asian Street Food restaurant will be taking over the space of the Vietnamese restaurant Ha Long Bistro. “Mamak” is a Malaysian term for street food stall.

According to Wikipedia, a mamak stall usually offers different varieties of roti canai to eat and teh tarik tea, coffee, Milo, and soft drinks to drink. Most mamak stalls also serve several varieties of rice, such as nasi lemak (coconut rice) and nasi goreng (Indonesian fried rice), as well as noodle dishes such as mee goreng (fried noodles). Some stalls also offer satay and Western dishes.

The theme reminds me a lot of Hawkers Asian Street Fare which also has a few Malaysian dishes like curry laksa on their menu. I hope Mamak will be able to take Malaysian cuisine even further here in Orlando.

Mamak Asian Street Food
1231 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32803, United States

More news to come.

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Food and Wine Weekends at Waldorf Astoria and Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek

Ricky Ly
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1
Food and Wine Weekends at Waldorf Astoria and Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek

Food and Wine Weekends at Waldorf Astoria Orlando and Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek: A Celebration of Fine Wine & Culinary Arts

– Weekends through November 9, 2014

With the Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival going on right now at Disney World, local area hotels have started to prepare their own special food-themed events around this 53 day event,the perfect complement for visiting as well as local food lovers.

Many are familiar with the Swan and Dolphin’s Food and Wine Classic Weekends, but not so many are as familiar with the new Food and Wine Weekends at Waldorf Astoria Orlando and Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek.

Last year, we had the opportunity to preview the entire list of Waldorf and Hilton Food and Wine Weekend events and were blown away by the high quality food that we encountered on our adventure from the sushi at Zeta Bar’s Art of Sushi to inarguably one of the best restaurants in Orlando, Bull and Bear restaurant.

Food & Wine Weekends events are being held from September 19 through November 9, 2014.

Weekend Highlights

Global Venture – a Wine Pairing Dinner

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Friday and Saturday, 7:30pm, Bull & Bear Restaurant

Experience an exclusive 3-course tasting menu comprised of exquisite food and wine pairings from around the world – prepared by the illustrious chefs of Waldorf Astoria Orlando. $110 per person, plus tax and gratuity.

Reservations are required by calling 407-597-5413 or clicking here.

Preview menu for September 19-20
Preview menu for September 26-27
Preview menu for October 3-4
Preview menu for October 10-11
Preview menu for October 17-18
Menus for October 24-25, October 31, November 1, and November 7-8 will post as they become available.

Cibo Della Vita

Friday & Saturday, 5pm – 11pm, La Luce by Donna Scala at Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek

From the kitchen of La Luce by Donna Scala at Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, each weekend a tasting menu and wine pairing will be featured. This series of culinary experiences is certain to be the talk of the town! Pricing Varies. Reservations recommended. Call 407-597-3600.
Preview menu for September 19 & 20, 26 & 27; October 17 & 18, 24 & 25
Preview menu for October 3 & 4, 10 & 11, 31; November 1, 7 & 8

Bar du Chocolat and Champagne Tasting

Friday and Saturday, 6:30pm – 10:30pm, Peacock Alley

Decadent, yes. Sinful, perhaps. Most certainly an experience for those with a sweet tooth. Peacock Alley will be transformed into a chocolate-lover’s dream, offering a cocoa-infused evening of self-indulgence paired with a selection of fine champagnes. Guests can choose from a signature selection of chocolate treats from the Waldorf Astoria Orlando’s world-class pastry team. Pricing varies.

The Art of Sushi Pairing

Friday and Saturday, Zeta Bar & Sushi Lounge at Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek

An exciting epicurean journey awaits as guests explore perfect pairings for our favorite sushi dishes including beer, sake and wine. Pricing varies.

Live Entertainment

Nightly at Peacock Alley

The Waldorf “Egg” - 20 - An entire frozen "egg" filled with Lavender Syrup, Blue Curacao, Fresh Lemonade, ~Bombay Sapphire~
The Waldorf “Egg” – 20
– An entire frozen “egg” filled with Lavender Syrup, Blue Curacao, Fresh Lemonade, ~Bombay Sapphire~

Peacock Alley is centrally located in the heart of the main lobby of the Waldorf Astoria Orlando, overlooking the magnificent hand-crafted clock. With a nod to the stunning landmark restaurant of the same name in New York, Peacock Alley offers an irresistible menu of small-plate inspired cuisine for lunch and dinner, creative libations including our signature Peacock Egg, an exquisite wine selection and live entertainment nightly.

The Peacock “Egg” is one of the most creative cocktails we’ve ever seen in Orlando, a frozen shell made from a water balloon filled with water, burst, and drilled to fill with lemonade, blue curacao, bombay sapphire gin with lavender syrup served over a martini glass and neon blue LED lights and a base of blue sugar powder. Definitely a great conversation piece for our peacock friends.

Royal Tea – A New Waldorf Astoria Tradition

Sundays, 3pm – 5pm, Peacock Alley

Treasure time together as you savor finely-prepared tea sandwiches and house-made pastries, while sipping premium hot tea and listening to live piano music. Add a glass of champagne for a “Grand Royal Tea.” From $30 per adult; $15 per child, plus tax and gratuity.

Astoria After Dark

Friday and Saturday, 6pm – 10pm, WA Kids Club

Adults are not the only ones to have fun. The WA Kids Club is offering a nightly children’s program including dinner and a non-stop roster of fun activities – providing parents some “adult time” in which to experience Food & Wine Weekend activities.

All guests are invited to enjoy Food & Wine Weekend experiences.

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We were recently invited to a media preview for the Bull and Bear’s Global Venture menu for the Food and Wine Weekends and continued to be impressed by the skill of the chefs and culinary team and the flavor profiles that they were able to bring out in their dishes.

 

SONY DSCAmuse-bouche:  Mushroom Sausage, Fennel Confit on a Parmesan Cheese Cracker

First Course:

Wisconsin Pride Cheese Souffle

SONY DSCWisconsin Pride  – A savory 4-year & 2-year Wisconsin cheddar cheese soufflé topped with crunchy roasted fava beans and pumpernickel croutons, paired with Domaine Ferret Pouilly-Fuissé, France 2012, an Old world Chardonnay with light oak that compliments the mild flavor of the cheddar.

Second Course:  Pasta Explosion

SONY DSCThe Pasta Explosion is one of my favorite dishes of all time – one of Bull and Bear’s signature dishes, it’s served with a special spoon to be eaten in one bite so that the full flavor explosion can be experienced. The pasta is a very delicate, homemade pasta filled with blended bellota pata negra ham; topped with beurre monté and aged reggiano parmesan cheese to pull the favors together. The dish is paired with Domaine de Triennes Rosé, France 2013, with aromas of strawberry and an olive finish; acidic enough to cut through the richness of the pata negra ham and reggiano parmesan in the pasta explosion.

Main Course:

Bull & Bear Fried Chicken

SONY DSCBull & Bear Fried Chicken takes over 12 hours to make. First, chicken breast is removed from 3-1/2 pound chicken with wing bone attached and skin intact, marinated in an alkaline brine for 12 hours and cooked sous-vide for 1-1/2 hours. The chicken is dredged in a buttermilk batter and topped with corn flake and corn meal then fried for 6 minutes; served with mashed potatoes and gravy made from foie gras, duck fat and demi-glace. The fried chicken is paired with L’Ecole Nº 41 Syrah, Walla Walla, Washington 2010, made with 80% Syrah 20% Grenache the light tannins lingering flavor of olive and cocoa contrast with the flavors of the fried chicken.

Tomahawk Ribeye

SONY DSCTomahawk Ribeye is a 38 oz. bone-in rib-eye from 32-day dry aged Allen Brothers beef with an entire rib bone attached and carved tableside alongside a lighted candle made from beef tallow, paired with Hugh Hamilton, Jekyll & Hyde Shiraz 2009, Australia

Sides:

Bull & Bear Frittes

SONY DSCBull & Bear Frittes are crispy, delicious hand-cut Idaho potatoes soaked in malt vinegar and water then cooked in beef tallow; tossed in homemade garlic powder and served with garlic aioli and all natural ketchup. The frittes are so good they hardly need any aioli or ketchup for dipping.

SONY DSCWilted Spinach, lightly sautéed in extra virgin olive oil, garlic, fleur de sel sea salt, and fresh lemon juice and Aged Gruyere Cheese Potato Gratin made with roasted fingerling potatoes with aged Gruyere cheese and topped with a toasted brioche with aged Gruyere and 4-year aged Wisconsin cheddar.

Desserts:

The Lemon

  • Signature dessert; whole lemon cleaned out; rind cooked for 4 hours in a simple syrup reduction; filled with homemade lemon sorbet, lemon curd, and Chantilly cream; cut into perfect bites and topped with shortbread cookie tableside.

SONY DSCCrème Brûlée Flambée – Vanilla bean crème brûlée flambée with a hidden layer of dark chocolate crème on the bottom.

SONY DSCThe Cigar – Organic Mexican chocolate ganache center; chocolate wafer outside; ash made from merengue and colored with squid ink.

SONY DSCThe Napoleon – Puff pastry  with black walnut pastry cream; black walnuts soaked in 12-year-old aged Zaya Rum from Trinidad; dried merengue and dried raspberries.

Desserts paired with Weingut Angerhof-Tschida Samling Trockenbeerenauslese, 2002, Austria – this unique dessert wine from Austria is best described as a dessert in a glass, the thickness and mouth coating sweetness of this wine will definitely leave you  feeling satisfied.

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Waldorf Astoria Orlando

14200 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane, Orlando, FL 32821
Telephone: 407.597.5500
Reservations: 888.353.2009
http://www.waldorfastoriaorlando.com/food-wine

Meet Me at Marlow’s Tavern – Winter Park

Katherine Nguyen
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Meet Me at Marlow’s Tavern – Winter Park

From Atlanta, Georgia to Orlando, Florida comes a classic American tavern fare called Marlow’s Tavern. At Marlow’s Tavern, there are a large number of dishes and cocktails updated each season. On that note, the neighborhood Taverns, in Winter Park and Pointe Orlando, are bringing back popular seasonal specials that we were lucky enough to have a few plates. Every ingredient comes in fresh 6 days a week and bread comes in 7 days a week because Marlow’s Tavern does not consist of a freezer besides a small one for ice cream and chocolate chips as well as to keep the food fresh for that day.

As executive chef and co-founder of Marlow’s Tavern John C. Metz said, “there is something about these hearty dishes that we all start craving in the fall.” With that, Marlow’s Tavern brings us a Ribs & Whiskey menu that offers an assortment of sweet and tangy dishes. The Ribs & Whiskey menu is available at the Winter Park and Pointe Orlando locations Tuesday, September 23 through Monday, October 27. From the starters to entrees and sides to desserts, Marlow’s Tavern aims to please and each guest craves each item after experiencing it for the first time.

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To begin with, we shared a few starters that included J.T.’s Kettle Chips, which were crispy potato chips crowned with Gorgonzola cheese, bacon, Roma tomato and scallions. Eating this was like eating nachos where parts of the chips would be crunchy, while other parts in the cheese are a bit softer, but nonetheless packed with flavor. In my opinion, I like the softer chips, but I don’t fancy getting my fingers dirty…yet, that’ll give me an excuse to lick my fingers after eating J.T.’s Kettle Chips. Remind me to thank J.T. for his contribution of this delicious snack to the Marlow’s Tavern menu.

I recommend having a plate of J.T.’s Kettle Chips with your friends and having a glass of SweetWater Whiplash GA BAV 6.2%, which is also on this special Ribs & Whiskey menu. SweetWater Whiplash GA ABV 6.2% is an American style Belgian IPA, with a subtle flavor in combination with citrusy, piney hops, well balanced with tart, dry finish. Sweetwater originates in Atlanta, Georgia and is considered to be a neighborhood tap. At all times, Marlow’s Tavern will have at least two neighborhood taps on hand.

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Besides the SweetWater Whiplash, A Kick From Ginger can also be a nice drink to have with the chips…or anything on the menu, for that matter. A Kick From Ginger contains the original Kentucky bourbon, Old Forrester, along the original Atlanta ginger ale, Red Rock. This is a nice drink to sip on after a long day while kicking your feet up…as long as your feet are not on the bar counter.

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For instance, order yourself a Shrimp & Crab “Nacho” Plate along with A Kick From Ginger and you’ll know what I’m talking about. This starter consists of rock shrimp, crab, Pepper Jack cheese, and fresh jalapeño. Each bite will make the rainy days a little bit brighter. Please note that because the jalapeños used are fresh, it will have a spicy note to every bite.

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The Daily Smoke-House Flatbread offers slow-roasted pulled pork, basted with our secret sauces and the best ingredients the farm has to offer, served on brioche. This flatbread brought a welcomed surprise taste of sweetness that is refreshing and light to eat. Packed with ingredients fresh and delicious that’ll keep you wanting more and more.

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With the flatbread, I indulged in a Georgia Peach Lemonade that consists of Minute Maid Lemonade, peach nectar, Jack Daniel’s Honey whiskey, and a frozen peach. This drink is cute, tasty and refreshing as long as you remember to mix thoroughly as the alcohol may settle at the bottom.

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When lemonade isn’t on the mind, R&W S’weet Tea is another possibility. It is made up of Deep Eddy Sweet Tea Vodka, fresh lemon, agave nectar, topped with a shot of Shock Top beer, and a kick of orange.

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After the starters, the entrees were now making their way to the table. A Pig With Buns is a slow-roasted pulled pork with Jack Daniel’s® Honey Glaze, House-Made Pimento cheese, dill pickles, and crispy tobacco onions on a buttery onion roll with a side of Granny Smith Apple Cabbage Slaw. Eat with caution, as an experience of explosive flavors will take place with plenty of textures in each bite from the crispy tobacco onions to the tender pulled pork.

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Marlow’s Ribs & Whiskey Hookup is a feast with: slow-cooked Smithfield James River ribs and drunken chicken with Granny Smith apple-cabbage slaw, Southern fried mac and pimento cheese and house-made sweet corn and jalapeño muffins. This plate consists of a bit of everything from the Ribs & Whiskey menu and is made to share. The Drunken Chicken is very lean and isn’t overpowered by too much flavor. This can be eaten on it’s own if ordered that way, but it can also go well with a salad.

The Granny Smith apple-cabbage slaw is very unique to the taste and will grow on you like the House-made Sweet Corn and Jalapeño muffins. Although it may be assumed that the muffins will be sweet according to its name, but it also has a hint of cinnamon to it. At Marlow’s Tavern, these muffins are very moist and delectable.

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The slow-cooked Smithfield James River ribs are made St. Louis style and are “finger lickin’ good”. They come with a choice of favorite barbecue sauce, including Jack Daniel’s glaze, Hoisin barbecue and Marlow’s chipotle barbecue. Each was great, but the Jack Daniel’s glaze came out on top in my book along with Marlow’s chipotle barbecue! These ribs are served with each side listed in the hookup. You’ll want to try the Southern fried mac and Pimento cheese. Along with the other sides, this is a blast to the South in every bite.

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Last, but not least is the Bourbon Bread Pudding, which is a Crème-brulee-soaked Cuban, vanilla bean and a splash of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee honey whiskey for sippin’. Unlike other bread puddings you may have tried, Marlow’s Tavern Bourbon Bread Pudding isn’t soggy! It comes out warm with a scoop of cold, delicious vanilla bean ice cream on top. To fully experience this dish, a little of the bread pudding and the ice cream should be on each spoon. If the bread pudding is eaten without the cold ice cream, it may be too sweet to the palate.

For casual to formal special occasions, social gatherings, and corporate events, just say “Meet Me at Marlow’s” to enjoy great food and beverage with world-class hospitality in a relaxed and welcoming environment. To book your group dining experience, contact Annette Medina at 407.741.3215 or amedina@marlowstavern.com.

Highball & Harvest – Modern Southern Inspired Cuisine – Ritz Carlton, Grande Lakes Orlando

Ricky Ly
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Highball & Harvest – Modern Southern Inspired Cuisine – Ritz Carlton, Grande Lakes Orlando

Take a step inside Highball & Harvest, Orlando’s newest Southern-cuisine inspired restaurant at the Ritz Carlton at Grande Lakes Orlando resort, and you might think you’ve been transported back to a 1920s style speakeasy – dark wood decor, a craft bar, and a lively atmosphere that may be one of the best kept foodie secrets in town.

We first introduced you to the new concept taking place of the Vineyard Grill at the Ritz back in February, and now the plans have come to fruition.

Intricate details and meticulous planning went into the creation of Highball & Harvest, right down to the custom logos imprinted on the napkins and dining ware.

Near the entrance, a new, expansive bar greets you.

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Here expert bar chefs serve up signature seasonal hand-crafted cocktails and there is even an interactive cocktail bar “chefs table”, where the bar chefs can instruct while muddling tableside and handcrafted cocktails are infused with seasonal fruits and herbs.

The ambiance at Highball & Harvest is rustic, yet refined, definitely a suitable place for an after hours cocktail or meeting with friends for some fine Southern inspired cuisine.

The restaurant emphasizes farm-to-fork dining led by rising young Chef de Cuisine Mark Jeffers, a Daytona, Florida native who pulls his culinary inspiration from his hometown as well as his extensive travels around the South, from Low Country-infused Charleston to Cajun-spiced New Orleans.

Chef Jeffers’ dishes are hyper local, infused with Floridian citrus and ingredients from nearby purveyors and the resort’s own 7,000-square-foot Whisper Creek Farm, which opened in October 2012 and continues to expand.

“The dishes we create at Highball & Harvest are designed to give restaurant-goers a sense of nostalgia while enjoying southern classics infused with regional flavors,” says Chef Mark Jeffers. “We start with locally sourced products and allow the quality of the ingredients speak for itself.”

At a recent media preview, I was delightfully surprised, and at times enchanted, by the restaurant’s modern take on traditional Southern offerings.

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Chef Mark Jeffers of Highball & Harvest with the Southern Spreads “tackle box”

Take for example, The Southern Spreads ($16), consisting of chunky pimento cheese dip and smoked fish dip served with pickled veggies, benne seed lavash, and grilled sourdough presented in a kitschy, converted metal tackle box. The pimento cheese, which we lathered across pieces of lavash bread, was velvety smooth and satisfying.

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One of their signature cocktails, the dill or no dill ($11), is a refreshing and cool libation crafted with Sipsmith gin, elderflower liqueur, cucumber, dill and lemon – perfect for hot Florida summer days.

The pastry team’s presentation of the Parker House Rolls, made from Khorasan wheat, an ancient grain from Egypt and the fertile crescent of ancient Mesopotamia, is heavenly and almost didn’t need any of the herb and apple butters that it came with. Truly one of the best breads I have ever had and a must seek out item when you visit Harvest & Highball.

Crab cake and Fried Green Tomatoes Appetizer
Crab cake and Fried Green Tomatoes Appetizer

Drawing from both Chef Jeffer’s New Smyrna Beach and Southern upbringing, the crab cake and fried green tomato appetizer ($16) is a unique, yet delicious take on the traditional fried green tomato dish – the textures of the tender jumbo lump crab and the crispy fried green tomatoes worked very well together, especially when served together with the corn chow chow and the cajun remoulade sauce.

Other notable appetizers include Dale’s Deviled Eggs, named after the proprietor of local Lake Meadow Naturals Farms from whence the eggs come from, as well as the pork belly sliders and the playful chicken biscuit with pickled watermelon rinds.

Booker's Skirt Steak
Booker’s Skirt Steak

For our entree, we chose the Booker’s Skirt steak ($30), marinated overnight in Booker’s bourbon whiskey and served with grilled corn and tomato salad, potato puree, and a dash of charred onion vinaigrette. The steak was perfectly seared and had a wonderful flavor to it thanks to the whiskey marinade.

The pastry team, led by Executive Pastry Chef Stephane Chéramy, is highlighted once more for the desserts section – truly divine pastries from the key lime tart to strawberry shortcake with bubblegum marshmallow showcase the true depth of culinary skill possessed by the food and beverage team at the Ritz Carlton.

Highball & Harvest’s most unexpected offerings:

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  • Parker House Rolls, made from Khorasan wheat (Egyptian old-world grains) and served warm and moist with less gluten than typical bread, a complimentary bread presentation made from scratch by the resort’s 30-person pastry team.
  • Signature dishes: Pig-n-Potatoes, an all-day breakfast dish of poached egg, potato hash, and tender pork cheeks with sweet peppers, caramelized onions, H&H Hot Sauce, and hollandaise sauce. The Southern Spreads, pimento cheese dip and smoked fish dip served with pickled veggies, benne seed lavash, and grilled sourdough presented in a metal tackle box. Smoked Lamb Brisket with boiled peanut “baked beans” and collards.
  • Raw Oyster Bar with signature house-made H&H Hot Sauce. Chefs shuck oysters by hand and teach diners all-things-oysters.
  • Signature cocktails include: “The Last Wish” served over an ice sphere with orange peel, the “Doc Holliday” with house ginger beer and blueberry jam, and the “Back 40 Punch”, a refreshing take on a bourbon cocktail mixed with sweet tea and lemon.

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SHRIMP & GRITS
Canaveral Red Shrimp / Anson Mills Grits /
Charred Tomato BBQ / Arugula / Fennel / Crisp Onions 16/25

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H&H PIMENTO CHEESE BURGER
Double Short-Rib Patties / Bacon /
Mustard / Pimento Cheese / Spicy pickles 18

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CHICKEN FRIED CHICKEN
Potato Puree / Garlic Kale / Watermelon 27

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GRILLED LINE-CAUGHT SWORDFISH
Beluga Lentils / Cilantro Coulis / Mango 32

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BLACKENED GROUPER
Hominy Ragout / Andouille / Pickled Okra 29

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H&H PIG-N-POTATOES
Poached Egg / Potato Hash /
Pork Cheeks / Hollandaise 17

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STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE
Strawberry Sorbet / Poached Rhubarb / Bubble Gum Marshmallow 9

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BABY DONUTS
Cappuccino Ice Cream / Chocolate Hazelnut Spread 9

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WARM CHOCOLATE CAKE
Bourbon Pickled Apples Chutney / Madagascar Vanilla Ice Cream 9

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H&H KEY LIME TART
Winter Park Honey Infused Oranges / Margarita Sorbet 9

The opening of Highball & Harvest at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes marks a series of improvements and renovations to the resort in the coming months. JW Marriott Orlando will open Whisper Creek Farm: The Kitchen in Spring 2015 spotlighting charcuterie, Whisper Creek Farm ingredients, and beer from Whisper Creek Farm: The Brewery opening in September 2014.

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Executive Pastry Chef Stephane Cheramy
Executive Pastry Chef Stephane Cheramy

Highball & Harvest
(407) 393-4422
The Ritz-Carlton, Grande Lakes
4012 Central Florida Parkway Orlando, FL
www.highballandharvest.com
HOURS
Daily – 6:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Bar – Daily – 11 a.m. – Midnight

Highball & Harvest on Urbanspoon

Weekly Upcoming Foodie Events Roundup!

Ricky Ly
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Weekly Upcoming Foodie Events Roundup!

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Having your food critiqued by Gordon Ramsay, Graham Elliot and Joe Bastianich is both terrifying and inspiring, but with each dish presented, Orlando’s very own Francis Biondi became a better cook.

The amazing guys over at The Ancient Olive let him use their ultra premium infused olive oils, balsamic vinegars and artisan goods, to come up with new recipes! These classes will reflect the dishes he came up with, as well as showcase the great local produce coming out of Central Florida.

Come hang out with Master chef contestant Francis Biondi in Winter Park, learn some basic culinary techniques, and after, enjoy the food you all make together. This will be done in an intimate setting and space is limited to just 14 spots per class.

RESERVE YOUR SPOTS AT MY CLASSES HERE

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Wine Pairing Dinner featuring Silver Oak and Twomey Wine

What: A delicious four-course dinner paired with wines from Silver Oak and Twomey Wine. http://orlando.regency.hyatt.com/en/hotel/news-and-events/events/wine-pairings-2014.html

The menu features a pan-roasted scotch ribeye, cave aged blue cheese, butter pecan gelato, and more!

Where: Fiorenzo Italian Steakhouse at Hyatt Regency Orlando
9801 International Drive
Orlando, Florida 32819

http://orlando.regency.hyatt.com/en/hotel/dining/fiorenzo-italian-steakhouse.html

When: Friday, October 3, 2014. Reception begins at 6:30 p.m. and dinner is served at 7:00 p.m.

Cost: $110 per person

Reservations are required and can be made by calling 407-345-4570 or via email at orlando.regency.dining@hyatt.com.

Silver Oak WEB Oct. Wine Dinner

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Norman’s at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes to Host Spire Collection Wine Dinner

NORMAN’S is teaming up with Spire Collection to host a five-course dinner paired with six of Spire’s exquisite wines. Selections will be derived from elevated mountain vineyards of Napa and Sonoma, as well as balanced Bordeaux Blends from France and Italy. Master Sommelier John Blazon will enrich us with the history of Spire Collection, presenting these wines to match and highlight the finest ingredients of Chef Norman Van Aken’s cuisine.

Saturday, November 22, 2014
7:30-10:00 pm
$170 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity

NORMAN’S at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes – 4012 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando, FL 32837

RESERVATIONS: (407) 393-4333

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“TACOS & TATAS TUESDAYS” AT ROCCO’S TACOS & TEQUILA BAR BENEFITING SUSAN G. KOMEN FOR THE CURE

“TACOS & TATAS TUESDAYS” is back! The entire month of October, all five Rocco’s Tacos & Tequila Bar locations will donate a percentage of their famed Taco Tuesday sales to breast cancer research via Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Since launching the annual campaign in 2011, Rocco’s Tacos has donated more than $62,000 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and in 2014 owner Rocco Mangel has set a goal of raising an additional $30,000.

In hopes of generating additional contributions, anytime Rocco is on the bar in his custom-made breast cancer awareness pink patent leather shoes, he’ll pour complimentary tequila as a thank you. Any supporter that donates $25 or more will also receive a bottle of tequila to take home. Follow him on his Facebook fanpage to find out where he’ll be at www.Facebook.com/RoccosTacos.

As an honorary chair of the South Florida Chapter of Susan G. Komen, Rocco Mangel will host a team at the West Palm Beach Race for the Cure on January 31, 2015 and ALL members of the Rocco’s Tacos staff have generously contributed to the team, giving 100% participation to this cause that is very dear to Rocco’s heart.

On Tacos & Tatas Tuesdays, for $14.99 per person guests can indulge on all-you-can-eat tacos including Rocco’s signature chicken, pork, steak, beef, mushroom, shrimp or mahi tacos, each outfitted with all the fixings. The special is available every Tuesday from open to close and drinks specials start at 7pm including $5 tequila drinks & shots, $15 margarita pitchers, $3 Mexican beers and $6 Tito’s vodka drinks.

WHERE:
· Fort Lauderdale – 1313 East Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL | 954.524.9550
· Boca Raton – 5250 Town Center Circle, Boca Raton, FL | 561.416.2131
· West Palm Beach –224 Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, FL | 561.650.100
· Palm Beach Gardens – 5090 PGA Blvd, Palm Beach Gardens, FL | 561.429.4758
· Orlando – 7468 West Sand Lake Road, Orlando, FL 32819

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
www.RoccosTacos.com
www.facebook.com/roccostacos
www.facebook.com/RoccosTacosandTequilaBarOrlando
www.twitter.com/RoccosTacos
www.instagram.com/roccos_tacos

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First Annual Florida Local Food Summit to Debut at East End Market

Audubon Park, FL Sept. 24, 2014 – The sunshine state’s most progressive and talented sustainable food and farming experts will converge at East End Market Oct. 3-4 for the inaugural Florida Local Food Summit. The impressive collection of food-focused minds will spend two days covering numerous issues affecting local food culture while leading comprehensive, hands-on seminars. The Summit (organized by East End, Florida Organic Growers, Earth Learning Institute, and Local Roots Distribution) will also feature breakout sessions, guest speakers, a happy hour mixer and a VIP southern Farm to Table dinner.

Designed to pay homage to local food and farming pioneers who are forging new paths for the future of Florida’s sustainable food effort, the event will demonstrate methods for duplicating their innovative techniques. The Food Summit educators will include local farmers, “foodprenuers,” sustainable food activists and key community influencers, who will collaborate with participants and fully equip them with imperative resources, opportunities and skills to positively impact the state’s local food systems.

“The Florida Local Food Summit wouldn’t have come to be without a gracious cohort of nonprofit organizations, food retailers, distributors, farmers, chefs and ag-curious citizens,” said John Rife, East End Market owner. “Bringing events like this to life was one of our strongest motivators in the conceptual phase of East End Market, it’s very fulfilling to see it come to fruition.”

The two-day affair is expected to flourish into an annual East End Market tradition. For tickets, event and sponsorship information visit: www.floridafoodsummit.com
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Martini Mondays at Roy’s Restaurant!

On Mondays, Roy’s guests can now enjoy a specialty cocktail and appetizer for $6 each all night long.

The current cocktail and app duo is the Pacific Rim Cosmotini and Misoyaki Butterfish Lettuce Wraps. On Oct. 6, the featured items refresh to the invigorating Asian Pear Martini and Crispy Pork & Steamed Buns.

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The Capital Grille has brought back its “Waygu & Wine” gourmet burger and wine pairing offer for a third year.

Now through November 23, guests of The Capital Grille’s lounge area can enjoy one of three featured American Wagyu beef burgers paired with an exceptional glass of wine for only $25.

Guests can choose from the classic Wagyu Cheeseburger, the Kona Crusted Wagyu Burger and the Wild Mushroom Wagyu Cheeseburger, and pair their meal with a glass of Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon or J Pinot Noir.
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swededish-averstedt
swedeDISH 3rd Year Anniversary

3rd Anniversary Celebration is Sunday, September 28, 2014 from 4-9 p.m. at Eat More Produce, 1111 South Orlando Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789. Special anniversary dishes will be served along with a prize for the best dressed Viking, judged by the authentic Swedes themselves.

Viveca and Håkan Averstedt, Sweden natives, husband and wife, and owners of swedeDISH, Central Florida’s only Swedish food truck celebrates its third year in business.

“It has been a very busy and rewarding three years in the food truck business. During this time, we have traveled to over a few hundred events in and around the Central Florida area with cumulative mileage equaling four round trips to California. We are looking forward to continuing to serve quality food and satisfying our customers’ culinary tastes for many years to come”, said Viveca.

The most popular menu items include Thor –Viking Dog, an all-beef hotdog with mashed potatoes, fresh crab salad and fried onions in a wrap and the Balder – Surf ‘n Turf burger, a hand-formed fresh ground beef patty seasoned with a signature blend of Swedish spices topped with fresh blue crab, white cheddar cheese and fried onions, in addition to traditional Swedish meatballs served with mashed potatoes, cream sauce, pickled gherkins and lingonberry jam. In the past three years, over 45,000 meatballs and 20,000 pounds of potatoes have been served!

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Disney’s Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue – 40th Anniversary

Ricky Ly
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Disney’s Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue – 40th Anniversary

Hidden inside the Pioneer Hall at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is a 90 minute foot-stompin’, hand-clappin’ family friendly musical starring six young actors set in the Wild, Wild West, and offering endless buckets of fried chicken and ribs. And, surely, plenty of corn and cheese to go around the table the whole night.

When it launched on June 30, 1974, the high-energy dinner show was created in the heyday of dinner theaters for Walt Disney World guests with a summer college intern cast. This September, the musical dinner show celebrates its 40th Anniversary.

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“Hoop-Dee-Doo was upbeat, and guests came for the corny jokes, good food and lots of fun,” said Forrest Bahruth, show director, Disney Parks & Resorts Creative Entertainment and the original choreographer for the dinner show. “Forty years later, the heart is still in it, the energy is still there.”

Marilyn Kay Magness was one of those summer college interns who played the part of Dolly Drew in the original cast, and is still with Disney over 40 years later. Today, she is executive creative director, Disney Parks, Creative Entertainment and she accompanied us recently on a media dinner to showcase the 40th anniversary of the dinner show.

Throughout the night, you could feel that Marilyn was watching the latest cast for the musical revue with a careful eye and commenting on the little changes here and there to the routine that had been made over the years.

For example, the routine for the dessert was originally “Apple Pie Hoedown” until it was replaced with “Strawberry Short Cake Walk” in 1979 when Disney discovered that the strawberry shortcake could be made with a little higher profit margins.

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As that first summer ended and guests were clamoring for more, Walt Disney World Entertainment already was auditioning a full-time cast, and Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue opened as a permanent show on Sept. 5, 1974. Today, it’s one of the country’s longest-running dinner shows and has presented more than 37,000 performances. More than 10.5 million guests have seen the high-spirited show.

And while Hoop-Dee-Doo has been fine-tuned over its 40-year run, the heart of the show never has changed: a slice of Americana, old-fashioned family fun and heaping helpings of good, down- home food. It was like what nostalgia would feel like if you were growing up in America in the 1850s.

Performers sing, dance and act their way through the timeless classic. “I love to go and hear kids squeal with delight at Six Bits, but also hear strong American ballads,” says Vazzana. “Families tell me it’s the first time they’ve seen a Broadway-style show – it’s obtainable and accessible, quintessential Disney.”

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Looking Back

In true Disney fashion, Walt Disney Imagineers designed Pioneer Hall in authentic Wild West style with 1,283 hand-fitted pine logs from Montana and 70 tons of stones from North Carolina to re-create a look from the late 1800s. The building opened April 1, 1974.

Themed entertainment is always part of the Disney story. While Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue was being written and cast, a group of country-Western musicians called The Star-Spangled Washboard Band opened in Pioneer Hall, according to an historical timeline by Larry Billman, author/writer and Disney entertainment consultant, who was the author and writer of the original show.

Bob Jani, the director of Entertainment for both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, saw the potential for a “dinner theater show” and hired Billman. After multiple rewrites (the first version was called “We’re With You, Mother McCree!”), Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue was born.

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Students from the Disney World Fine Arts College Workshop program, an 11-week work experience program, auditioned for the three female and three male character performers in Hoop-Dee-Doo: Six Bits Slocum and Dolly Drew (comic relief), Jim Handy and Flora Long (the singers), and Johnny Ringo and Claire de Lune (the dancers).

“The college students sent us video auditions, and we had more than 600 applicants,” said Bahruth. The cast arrived at Walt Disney World Resort in early June for quick rehearsals, and the show opened on June 30, 1974.

Through the decades, the show saw some small revisions to songs and dance numbers, but the basic premise – a Wild West show in an old-timey music hall with a romantic leading lady and man – always remained as the guests clapped, stomped their feet and sang along, all the while sharing an all-American dinner around a communal, “please pass the cornbread” table.

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The Food

Today, servers dish up about 900 pounds of fried chicken every night, and cooks spend about six hours each day just breading the chicken. Add 400 pounds of pork ribs, slow cooked starting at 11 a.m. daily on a big outdoor smoker.

For sides, there’s 120 pounds of corn, 400 pounds of potatoes to be mashed and 30 gallons of baked beans. It takes 15 gallons of strawberries and 12 gallons of whipped cream to make the strawberry shortcake dessert.

Servers are part of the show, happily slamming all-you-care-to-eat metal buckets of ribs and chicken on the tables as they sing and dance their way through the dining room. Beer, wine, sangria and soft drinks are part of the menu.

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Side salad at the Hoop-de-doo
Side salad at the Hoop-de-doo
Corn bread at the Hoop-de-doo
Corn bread at the Hoop-de-doo
Corn and baked bean sides at the Hoop-de-doo
Corn and baked bean sides at the Hoop-de-doo
Baked beans at the Hoop-de-doo
Baked beans at the Hoop-de-doo
Fresh fried chicken at the Hoop-de-doo
Fresh fried chicken at the Hoop-de-doo

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Strawberry shortcake at the Hoop-de-doo
Strawberry shortcake at the Hoop-de-doo

The Show Today

With three shows nightly at 4 p.m., 6:15 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., guests can select from three different seating options based on floor or balcony tables. (Price includes tax and gratuity.)

Ages 10 and older    

Category 1 – $66.99

Category 2 – $61.99

Category 3 – $56.99

Age 3 to 9-                        

Category 1 – $35.99

Category 2 – $30.99

Category 3 – $29.99

Category 1 is first-floor level with tables nearest the stage. Category 2 is either a table on the first floor behind the Category 1 seating below the balcony or in the center of the balcony. Category 3 tables are on the right or left side of the balcony on the second floor.
For reservations, book online or call (407) WDW-DINE up to 180 days prior to your visit.

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Fun Facts

• Today one member of the original cast from the college program still works for Disney – Marilyn Kay Magness, who played the part of Dolly Drew. She’s executive creative director, Disney Parks, Creative Entertainment.
• An early draft of the show was titled The Whoop-Dee-Doo-Revue, which was revised to Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue.
• Principal songwriter was Tom Adair, who also wrote words for the score for Disney’s “Sleeping Beauty” and the “Mickey Mouse Club.”
• In 1979 the song “Apple Pie Hoedown” was replaced with “Strawberry Short Cake Walk” when shortcake replaced apple pie on the menu.
• The writers added a nod to Disney legacy with “The Legend of Davy Crockett,” skit, complete with a coonskin cap and bear puns.
• Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue was part of the opening entertainment at Tokyo Disneyland in 1983, with Larry Billman and Forrest Bahruth directing and staging the new version. The show played there until 1995.

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So. Much. Fun.

Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue on Urbanspoon

Lam’s Garden – Dim Sum and Chinese – A Photoblog

Ricky Ly
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Lam’s Garden – Dim Sum and Chinese – A Photoblog

Lam’s Garden is probably known best for their banquet style Chinese Cantonese cuisine.

Though my favorite dim sum restaurant may be elsewhere, Lam’s Garden also offers solid dish choices for the weekend dim sum lovers.

They have the steamed push carts here for dim sum service, where guests can point and ask what plates lay hidden beneath the covers. I prefer the menu method to ordering dim sum – no waiting and wondering for your favorite dish, and it arrives hot and fresh more often than not in comparison to the push cart service method.

Dim sum is served here every day, but the push carts are only on the weekend.

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Spare Ribs, Pork Siu Mai, and Sticky Rice in Lotus leaf at Lam's Garden
Spare Ribs, Pork Siu Mai, and Sticky Rice in Lotus leaf at Lam’s Garden
Steamed Chinese BBQ Pork Buns at Lam's Garden
Steamed Chinese BBQ Pork Buns at Lam’s Garden
Pork Siu Mai dumplings at Lam's Garden
Pork Siu Mai dumplings at Lam’s Garden
Fried stuffed shrimp tofu at Lam's Garden
Fried stuffed shrimp tofu at Lam’s Garden
Fried taro dumplings
Fried taro dumplings
Shrimp ha gow dumpling
Shrimp ha gow dumpling
Egg custard tarts for dessert
Egg custard tarts for dessert

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Clams stir fried in black bean sauce
Clams stir fried in black bean sauce
Salt and pepper calamari / squid
Salt and pepper calamari / squid
Braised beef and tofu hot pot
Braised beef and tofu hot pot
Braised beef and tofu hot pot
Braised beef and tofu hot pot
Stir Fried lobster
Stir Fried lobster

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Lam's Garden on Urbanspoon

Free Donuts today at Krispy Kreme – Talk Like a Pirate Day – September 19

Ricky Ly
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Free Donuts today at Krispy Kreme – Talk Like a Pirate Day – September 19

Talk Like a Pirate Day – September 19

Friday, September 19, any buccaneer to enter a participating Krispy Kreme and talk like a pirate gets one FREE Original Glazed® doughnut. To the landlubber who dares to wear full pirate attire goes a bounty of one FREE dozen Original Glazed doughnuts. Offer good on International Talk Like a Pirate Day, September 19th, only. At participating US and Canadian locations (excludes Puerto Rico; Spartanburg/Anderson, SC; and all CT shops). Local Orlando locations below!

Shiver me timbers! If you are going, tweet at us @tastychomps and we’ll post your pirate pics here!

Orlando
4080 Millenia Avenue
Orlando, FL 32839
Phone: (407) 730-7922

Winter Park
1031 South Orlando Avenue
Winter Park, FL 32789
Phone: (407) 599-5166

Kissimmee
5318 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial HWY
Kissimmee, FL 34746
Phone: (407) 390-8133

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To claim yer bounty on September 19, ye must:
• Come in to a participating Krispy Kreme shop and Talk like a pirate for one FREE Original Glazed doughnut.
• Come in to a participating Krispy Kreme location in full pirate costume for one FREE dozen Original Glazed doughnuts. Qualifying pirate costumes must include three or more of the items below.

Pirate Attire
Make yer own Pirate Academy approved accoutrements at home or while on ye ship. Tag and share ye pirate gear using #TalkLikeAPirate.

Eye Patch (check out below)
Pirate Hat
Pirate Flag (Black or Red) (check out below)
Bandana
Peg Leg
Parrot on Shoulder (check out below)
Pirate Shirt / Loose white shirt
Knickers
Leather belt
Silver and gold necklaces and earrings
Pirate Hook (check out below)
Pointy black boots or ragged brown sandals

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Ye Local Orlando Pirate Wall

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Restaurant Openings, Closings, and other Orlando foodie news of the week

Ricky Ly
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Restaurant Openings, Closings, and other Orlando foodie news of the week

Lots of great things happening in the City Beautiful’s restaurant scene, some good, some not so good

Restaurant Openings

Pig Floyd Urban Barbakoa in Mills 50

image via @Droolius
image via @Droolius
image via @Droolius
image via @Droolius

Introducing a fresh interpretation of the barbecue experience. PIG Floyd’s integrates cultural influences with traditional fire, smoke and pit methods to craft vibrant, delicious fare.

Pig Floyd’s Urban Barbakoa
1326 N Mills Ave, Orlando, Florida 32803
407.921.1696
www.pigfloyds.com

Soco Restaurant in Thornton Park

Soco in Thornton Park
629 E. Central Blvd., Orlando, FL
http://www.socothorntonpark.com/
407-849-1800
Open for dinner from 5 to 10 p.m. this week.

It occupies the former Hue restaurant space on the corner of Central Boulevard and Summerlin Avenue in Downtown Orlando’s Thornton Park district and led by Executive Chef Greg Ritchie via ScottJosephOrlando

HIGHBALL & HARVEST AT THE RITZ-CARLTON ORLANDO, GRANDE LAKES

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A farm-fresh take on resort dining, The Ritz-Carlton Orlando debuts a modern approach to Southern cuisine in a highly anticipated new casual-dining restaurant: Highball & Harvest. Blending rustic design elements with contemporary Ritz-Carlton refinement, the signature restaurant features interactive dining (from table-side handcrafted cocktail experiences to bar-side oyster shucking), a novel railroad-inspired design with a substantial bar area, and a playful Southern-inspired menu.

Comprised of The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes continues its dedication to farm-to-fork dining and authentic, local experiences with the opening of H&H, helmed by the resort’s rising young Chef de Cuisine Mark Jeffers who joined The Ritz-Carlton, Orlando in 2007. Having grown up on the water, the Daytona, Florida native pulls his culinary inspiration from his hometown state as well as his extensive travels around the South, from Low Country-infused Charleston to Cajun-spiced New Orleans. Chef Jeffers’ dishes are hyper local, infused with Floridian citrus and ingredients from nearby purveyors and the resort’s own 7,000-square-foot Whisper Creek Farm, which opened in October 2012 and continues to expand. The thirst-quenching heart of the restaurant will be its hands-on cocktail bar experience.

Highball & Harvest’s most unexpected offerings:

Parker House Rolls, made from Khorasan wheat (Egyptian old-world grains) and served warm and moist with less gluten than typical bread, a complimentary bread presentation made from scratch by the resort’s 30-person pastry team.

Signature dishes: Pig-n-Potatoes, an all-day breakfast dish of poached egg, potato hash, and tender pork cheeks with sweet peppers, caramelized onions, H&H Hot Sauce, and hollandaise sauce. The Southern Spreads, pimento cheese dip and smoked fish dip served with pickled veggies, benne seed lavash, and grilled sourdough presented in a metal tackle box. Smoked Lamb Brisket with boiled peanut “baked beans” and collards.

Raw Oyster Bar with signature house-made H&H Hot Sauce. Chefs shuck oysters by hand and teach diners all-things-oysters.

Interactive cocktail table with handcrafted, herb-infused cocktails. Knowledgeable bar chefs muddle ingredients while curating a personalized cocktail experience. Cocktails are served on the rocks with hand-carved ice, sculpted bar side with a high-end Japanese ice saw and infused with Whisper Creek Farm herbs and fruits. Signature cocktails: “The Last Wish” served over an ice sphere with orange peel, the “Doc Holliday” with house ginger beer and blueberry jam, and the “Back 40 Punch”, a refreshing take on a bourbon cocktail mixed with sweet tea and lemon.

Cask wine. Central Florida’s largest selection of wines from the cask. This method ensures perfect temperature control and freshness, and is eco-friendly by reducing the amount of wine bottles used.

Reflecting the importance of the resort’s home at the headwaters to the Florida Everglades, H&H’s one-of-a-kind design takes a note from its Central Florida locale, an agricultural industry epicenter. A play on the region’s “Iron Harvest” railroad, H&H exudes a casual elegance of rustic sophistication–warm accents of reclaimed pine wood columns, industrial metal, juxtaposed with refined white brick walls and a checkered marble floor at the Market Station where the breakfast buffet is served. Noteworthy artistic elements include a large abstract still-life mural, traditional antique Killim rugs, custom hand-painted dishware, farm tool accessories, an apothecary chest of rare liquors, and linen fabrics. H&H, designed by The Johnson Studio, offers a variety of seating, from communal dining in a lounge area with a horseshoe-shaped bar to casual leather-padded seats, a modern interpretation of a farm chair.

HIGHBALL & HARVEST AT THE RITZ-CARLTON ORLANDO, GRANDE LAKES
4012 Central Florida Parkway
Orlando, FL 32837
(407) 393-4422
http://www.highballandharvest.com/
Daily 6:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Bar Daily 11 a.m. – Midnight

Royal Indian Cuisine in Casselberry

Royal Indian Cuisine
1410 SEMORAN BLVD,CASSELBERRY FL,32707
info@royalindianorlando.com
Phone: +407-681-7542
http://www.royalindianorlando.com/menu.html#mix

via @EatLocalOrlando
New Indian restaurant in Casselberry, opening in the former location of a Brick and Fire pizza offshoot. Lunch buffet daily except Mondays.

Green Day Cafe in NoDo

Green Day Cafe Downtown
807 North Orange Avenue
Orlando, FL 32801
(Free garage parking in the 801 North Orange Avenue building)
The anticipated operating hours are 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.

Green Day Cafe is opening in downtown Orlando at 7 a.m. Monday Sept. 22. Green Day Cafe is known for fresh salads, soups and sandwiches with an emphasis on eco-friendly practices and customer service. The restaurant, which will have both indoor and outdoor seating, replaces the Virgin Olive Market in the city center’s North Quarter District. via OrlandoSentinel

JJ’s Grille on Curry Ford

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The newest addition to Orlando’s thriving restaurant scene, JJ’s Grille, celebrates the much-
anticipated Grand Opening of its first restaurant on Wednesday, September 24th in Orlando, in the Crystal Lake Plaza on Curry Ford Road, JJ’s Grille’s hours of operation are 11:00 am until 10:00 pm, seven days a week.

The fast-casual restaurant seats about 30 guests and features a menu focused on grilled, fresh meats that guests can order either in Mexican-style as burritos and rice bowls, or Mediterranean-style in a pita sandwich. Salad bowls are available as well. JJ’s Grille is a fusion at heart, offering options that range from Latin, with pico de gallo and guacamole, to Middle Eastern with hummus and their signature item, tabbouleh. Vegetarians and vegans can also enjoy JJ’s Grille, as they offer a grilled eggplant and squash alternative to the meats.

JJ’s Grille
2950 Curry Ford Road
Orlando, FL 32806
407-802-2947

Chicago’s Stuffed Pizza Downtown

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image via @Tastes Of Orlando

Chicago’s Stuffed Pizza
116 West Church Street
Orlando, FL 32801
(407) 930-0770

“It was delicious and tasty, but very filling, and my Chicago friend approved of this pie very much.I really enjoyed Chicago’s Stuffed Pizza and am looking forward to a return visit with a group of friends” via @Tastes Of Orlando

Mingos at UCF DoubleTree hotel

Mingos UCF GO 1

Downtown Orlando restaurant Mingos recently opened at UCF DoubleTree by Hilton slated on August 12. Mingos will be the exclusive restaurant partner of Alena Hospitality, offering their exceptional menu and signature top-notch service to hotel guests and neighboring residents. Since opening in the Eola Heights District of Downtown Orlando in November of last year, Mingos has been living up to its motto “Fresh. Healthy. Lively.” featuring fresh, local ingredients in an inspiring menu created by Executive Chef Luis Negron. Mingos also provides an award-winning Sunday Brunch and beautiful dining atmosphere.
The 2,700-square-foot restaurant seats about 90 guests, including a lounge area, and plans to hire 50 workers.

Mingos at DoubleTree – UCF
12125 High Tech Avenue Orlando, FL 32817
mingos.com
(407) 275-9000

Coming Soon

SHAKE SHACK TO DEEPEN TIES TO ORLANDO WITH NEW LOCATION ON I-DRIVE

Beloved Burger, Hot Dog and Frozen Custard Stand to Open Second Central Florida Shack in Spring 2015 – Building on the success of the Winter Park Shack that opened this past July, the newest Central Florida Shack will be prominently situated in the all-new I-Drive 360 – Orlando’s premier dining, entertainment and shopping destination that is home to the 400-foot-tall “Orlando Eye” observational wheel. Conveniently located on famed International Drive, the I-Drive Shack will be approximately 3,000 square feet with an outdoor patio space for al fresco dining.

Restaurant Closings

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Greens and Grille on University Blvd near UCF, popular for their salads, has closed. Their remaining location by the Mall at Millenia is still open. Via Michael Lothrop

Upcoming Events


Pantry to Plate Chef’s Challenge 9/18/2014

Kamayan-Orlando-poster-1

Kamayan: A Filipino Feast event that is being held at East End Market on September 22nd from 7PM-9PM.

A KAMAYAN is a traditional Filipino way of communal eating with your bare hands. No plates or silverware are necessary (but will be provided) for this casual, family-style dinner on top of the East End Market in Winter Park, FL. Try a variety of traditional Filipino delicacies from vegetarian tastings, to different pork/meat dishes, and whole fish, as they are spread atop mounds of steamed rice and banana leaves.

MasterChef 15 contestant Francis Biondi will be teaming up with Kappo at East End Market and also Chef Jonjie Sibayan from the PAO Cafe Filipino Restaurant in Tampa – which is a cool collaboration between Tampa and Orlando’s food scenes.

Beer and cocktails will be paired with the food with Rene Nguyen from Hanson’s Shoe Repair pairing up the cocktails. Tickets are $75 and seats are limited, check it out and support the Filipino food movement.

http://www.yelp.com/events/orlando-kamayan-a-filipino-feast-food-event

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Hyderabad Indian-style Biryani – Guest Recipe from Chirag K.

Ricky Ly
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Hyderabad Indian-style Biryani – Guest Recipe from Chirag K.

Each culture typically has a rice dish: the Spanish introduced Paella to the world; the Italians shared the wonders of Risotto; in Latin America, the Arroz con Pollo dish is ubiquitous, with variations based on the landscape and availability of ingredients indigenous to a particular region. Central and East Asia is no exception to the variations on rice dishes.

Biryani is a layered rice dish, said to have originated in Persia, but is now typically associated with Indian cuisine. While there are countless ways to prepare a Biryani, the following version is adapted for a relatively “short” cooking time, and incorporates the use of a home oven, rather than to fumble with the temperaments of a stove top or open flame to achieve a uniform, consistent, and quality result.

This recipe serves 4 adults.

1. Marinate 3 lbs of bone-in chicken. I used leg quarters, with the majority of the skin removed, and cut up into smaller pieces (i.e. each leg quarter was split into 4 pieces). You can substitute lamb or beef for the chicken, in which case each piece should “stew” sized.

The marinate consists of 1 cup plain yogurt (any brand of variety will suffice, including Greek style yogurt), 2 tablespoons of ground cumin, 2 tablespoons of ground coriander, 1 tablespoon of garam masala, 1 tablespoon of turmeric, 3 tablespoons of a mixture of fresh garlic and fresh ginger ground up, 2 tablespoons of lime juice, 1 tablespoon of red chili powder, and 1 tablespoon of salt.

You can get most of these ingredients, at a relatively low price, at any Indian (or ethnic) grocery store. Feel free to add or omit any ingredients. Alternatively, you can purchase a “Biryani Spice Packet” at Indian grocery store. You want to add an abundance of spices and aromatics to the chicken as the main source of flavor for the entire dish is sourced from the marinade.

Marinate the chicken (or other meat) for at least 24 hours.

2. On the date you plan to make the Biryani, slice and fry one large onion. Be sure to add salt to the onions after they’re fried. Spread the fried onions in a single layer on paper towel to absorb any excess oil. Carefully reserve some of the onion-scented frying oil.

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3. Roughly chop 1 cup cilantro and 1 cup mint.

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4. Arrange the marinated chicken in a single layer in a heavy-bottomed dish. I use this La Creuset dutch oven. Add 2 tablespoons of the onion-scented oil to the bottom of the pan before adding the marinated chicken. Preheat your oven to 385 degrees.

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5. Add a layer of the fried onions, mint, and cilantro on top of the marinated chicken.

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6. Wash (until clear) and soak 2 cups of Basmati rice in warm water for 30-60 minutes.

7. Start boiling a large pot of water with much more water than necessary to cover / cook the rice (much like you would make spaghetti or pasta). Add 1 teaspoon of whole cumin, 1 tablespoon of the onion-scented oil, and salt to the water. Although not essential, you may include any other aromatics to the water, including bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, cloves, garam masala or leftover biryani spices.

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8. Lightly toast 1 cup of the soaked rice in the onion-scented oil with 1 teaspoon of cumin.

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9. Add the remainder of the washed and soaked rice and the lightly toasted rice to the boiling water for 2-3 minutes. The rice will only cook to 20 percent doneness, with the balance of the cooking time to be completed with the chicken. Quickly drain the rice or remove it with a slotted spoon or colander to avoid cooking the rice for more than 3 minutes.
Arrange the par-boiled rice in a single layer on top of the marinated chicken and top with the remainder of the cilantro, mint and fried onions. If available, add a few threads of saffron, soaked in 1 tablespoon of warm milk over the rice.

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10. Cover the dish with a tightly-fitting lid. If the lid is not heavy or does not have a tight seal, add a weight to the lid or include a layer of aluminum foil between the lid and the pot to “seal” the dish.
Cook the dish for 10 minutes over medium heat. Do not re-open the pot or disturb the lid. The moisture in the chicken marinate, as well as the little oil you added beneath the chicken should prevent any scorching or burning.

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11. After 10 minutes on the stove-top, transfer the entire dish to the oven and bake at 385 degrees for 45 minutes. If you’re using beef or lamb, increase the cooking time to 60 minutes.

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12. Remove the dish after 45 minutes and let it rest on counter (without heat) for 5-10 minutes. Do not remove the lid yet. After resting period, your Biryani should be fluffy and perfect and ready to serve. The chicken and rice will finish cooking at the same time, with the goal being for the chicken to fall apart with very gently pressure (i.e. “fall off the bone”) and the rice, being perfectly cooked, loose and fluffy.

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chirag

Chirag B. Kabrawala is founder of The Kabrawala Law Group PLLC (www.cbklawgroup.com) and practices in the areas of business law and real estate law. He devotes a significant area of his legal practice to the needs of hotel, restaurant and resort developers and operators.

Chirag is one of the principal members of a group that is developing a new restaurant, expected to open in December 2014, that will emphasize on freshly-made pasta and wood-fired pizzas cooked in the Napoletana style, exclusively in hand-built Stefano Ferrara ovens imported from Italy.

Orlando’s Iced Bakery Moves Up to Finalist Status in Martha Stewart American Made Awards

Ricky Ly
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Orlando’s Iced Bakery Moves Up to Finalist Status in Martha Stewart American Made Awards

One of my favorite bakeries in town, Iced Bakery, recently found out they have made finalist status in the food category in Martha Stewart’s American Made Awards,  the only bakery in central Florida nominated and presented with finalist status.

I am so very excited for them in the competition!

RaspberryCheesecakeSparkle

Martha Stewart’s American Made honors makers, small-business owners, and creative entrepreneurs in the fields of crafts, design, food, and style. American Made Award finalists were chosen from more than 3,000 nominees.

Following their nomination into the awards on September 29, 2104, a panel of judges from Martha Stewart Living magazine selected finalists in the food category.  Judges include Thomas Joseph, Director of Food Product Development, Sarah Carey, Food Editor at Large, Lucinda Scala Quinn, Food Executive Editorial Editor & Jennifer Aaronson, Food Editorial Editor.

Martha Stewart presides as head judge.

Iced Bakery was founded in 2010 by  foodpreneurs Marc Adams & Rod Gambassi.  Modernizing family recipes led to the creation of Iced Bakery’s extensive sweet and savory menu including award winning cakes.

Voting for the final awards begins Sept 15 and ends on Oct 3. http://www.marthastewart.com/americanmade/nominee/88633/food/iced-bakery

Iced Bakery’s baked goods can be found on the company website and at restaurants/coffee shops throughout central Florida.  Wedding & celebration food service is available from Jacksonville to Tampa to Miami.

Iced Bakery Fixed Tarts
Iced Bakery Fixed Tarts
Marc Adams & Rod Gambassi of ICED Bakery
Marc Adams & Rod Gambassi of ICED Bakery

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8 Must-See Temples in Bali – A Mini Travel Guide to Bali Part 2/3

Ricky Ly
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8 Must-See Temples in Bali – A Mini Travel Guide to Bali Part 2/3

A Pura is a Balinese Hindu temple and the place of worship for the adherents of Balinese Hinduism in Indonesia.

The term pura originates from the Sanskrit word (-pur, -puri, -pura, -puram, -pore), meaning “city”, “walled city”, “towered city”, or “palace”.

Just like cathedrals in Europe, temples are the most ubiquitous architecture in Bali, known as the “island of a thousand temples.” Every house has its own little shrine, usually a dedication to their ancestors. Each village usually has three temples.

When visiting temples, local customs are often in effect – for those wearing shorts (especially ladies) you will need to cover up and wear a sarong (a sash) – usually available for rent at the temple.

Tourist Map of Bali with Temples and cities
Tourist Map of Bali with Temples and cities

Pura Ulun Danu at Lake Bratan

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, or Pura Bratan, is the second most important temple in Bali after the mother temple Besakih. The temple is found on the shores of Danau Bratan (Lake Bratan) in the mountains near Bedugul. The temple was built in 1926 and is dedicated to Dewi Batari Ulun Danu, goddess of lakes and rivers and is especially important among the local rice farmers here.

Part of the temple is located on the mainland, while a significant section seems to “float” on the lake, being set on an island just off the mainland temple complex. An 11-roof meru (pagoda) sits on the island section, a towering beauty surrounded by a placid lake.

The dreamy mists surrounding the lake up in the mountains gives it all a very surreal, ethereal feel.

Pura Ulun Danu at Lake Bratan
Pura Ulun Danu at Lake Bratan
Pura Ulun Danu at Lake Bratan
Local Temple service still occurs at Pura Ulun Danu at Lake Bratan
Pura Ulun Danu at Lake Bratan
Pura Ulun Danu at Lake Bratan
Pura Ulun Danu at Lake Bratan
Pura Ulun Danu at Lake Bratan
Pura Ulun Danu at Lake Bratan
Pura Ulun Danu at Lake Bratan
Pura Ulun Danu at Lake Bratan
Pura Ulun Danu at Lake Bratan

Taman Ayun Temple in Mengwi

Pura Taman Ayun was built in 1634 by the Raja of Mengwi, I Gusti Agung Putu for his family, surviving today as a beautiful example of a royal public temple. The descendants of the Mengwi royal family still sponsor the temple, which also serves as the clan kawitan temple (a temple dedicated to the worship of the deified ancestors, in this case the previous rulers of the Mengwi royal family).

“Taman Ayun” means “beautiful garden”; a moat surrounds the temple, which gives the complex the appearance of floating on water. A landscaped front courtyard entered through an ornamental candi bentar (split front gate) adds to the temple’s beauty. The inner courtyard features a number of multi-tiered meru (pagodas).

Rooster cocks at Taman Ayun Temple
Rooster cocks at Taman Ayun Temple
Taman Ayun Temple
Taman Ayun Temple
Service at Taman Ayun Temple
Service at Taman Ayun Temple
Cats at Taman Ayun Temple
Cats at Taman Ayun Temple
Taman Ayun Temple
Taman Ayun Temple
Taman Ayun Temple
Taman Ayun Temple
Taman Ayun Temple
Taman Ayun Temple
Taman Ayun Temple
Taman Ayun Temple

Tanah Lot Temple

Tanah Lot is probably the most famous of Bali’s temples, meaning “Land in the Middle of the sea”. The temple sits just off the coast on a rock, and can be reached at low tide by a land bridge made of rocks.

The temple’s construction was supposedly inspired by the priest Nirartha in the 15th century; after spending the night on the rock outcrop where the temple now stands, he instructed local fishermen to build a temple on that site. Today, Tanah Lot is regarded as one of Bali’s most important directional temples.

As one of Bali’s most popular temples, Tanah Lot is surrounded by crowds and vendors. Do not visit if it’s peace and quiet you’re after, but do come if you’re after a great sunset view.

 

Tanah Lot Temple
Tanah Lot Temple
Tanah Lot Temple
Tanah Lot Temple
The Crowds at Tanah Lot Temple
The Crowds at Tanah Lot Temple
Tanah Lot Temple
Tanah Lot Temple
Tanah Lot Temple
Tanah Lot Temple
Tanah Lot Temple
Tanah Lot Temple

Temple Goa Gajah

Known as the “Elephant Cave”, Goa Gajah seems strangely free from elephants until you realize it takes its name from its proximity to the Elephant River. The temple is dedicated to Ganesha, the elephant Hindu God. Goa Gajah’s key attraction is the menacing entrance to the cave – the surrounding rock has been carved into a face, mouth agape.

The interior of the cave features an ancient statue of the Hindu god Ganesha and a worship area devoted to the Hindu god Shiva. Goa Gajah probably dates back to the 11th century, and is mentioned in a poem that dates back to the 1300s. Also, inside the cave there are areas for study and meditation carved out into the cave.

The temple was originally dedicated as a Buddhist temple, with a large statue of Buddha built here until erosion caused the head to fall. Hindus later came and dedicated the temple to Ganesha. Even today, you can feel great spiritual energy in the place.

Yogi man and tour guide balancing on an ancient bodhi tree root with yoga
Yogi man and tour guide balancing on an ancient bodhi tree root with yoga
Temple Goa Gajah
Temple Goa Gajah
Temple Goa Gajah - Ganesha statue
Temple Goa Gajah – Ganesha statue
Entrance to Temple Goa Gajah
Entrance to Temple Goa Gajah
Temple Goa Gajah
Temple Goa Gajah
Inside the "Elephant Cave", niches inside the walls for meditation and study
Inside the “Elephant Cave”, niches inside the walls for meditation and study

Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud

The Ubud Monkey Forest is a nature reserve and temple complex in Ubud, Bali. Its full name as written on a welcome sign is the Padangtegal Mandala Wisata Wanara Wana Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal, or Padangtegal Great Temple of Death, is a Hindu temple located in the Sacred Monkey Forest of Padangtegal, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia.

Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud
Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud

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Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud
Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud
Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud
Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud
Komodo Dragon statues - Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud
Komodo Dragon statues – Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud
Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud
Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud
Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud
Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud
Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud
Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud
Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud
Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud
Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud
Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud

Pura Tirta Empul

Considered one of the 6 most important temples in Bali, Pura Tirta Empul dates back to 926 AD. The spring water is sacred and thought to have healing properties.

The sacred spring that feeds Tirta Empul provides holy water for priests and bathing for ordinary Balinese, who believe that a dip hereabouts can bring good fortune and health. An offering must first be made at the temple before you can climb into the long main pool to bathe and meditate.

Legend has it that the god Indra created the spring Tampaksiring (namesake of the nearby town) as an antidote to a poisonous spring created by an evil demon king.

Pura Tirta Empul
Pura Tirta Empul

Pura Luhur (Uluwatu) Temple

Pura Luhur is a Balinese Sea Temple at Uluwatu on Bali. It was built in the 11th century. Luhur means “something of divine origin” while “Uluwatu” can be broken into “ulu” which means “land’s end” and “watu” means “rock” in the old language).

Pura Luhur Uluwatu is one of Bali’s ‘directional temples’ guarding Bali from evil spirits from the SW.

Pura Luhur Uluwatu is both a major Balinese temple – one of the six sad kahyangan revered by all Balinese – and the site of a nightly kecak performance that re-enacts the Ramayana through chanting half-naked men, masked actors and a dramatic fire-dance.

Uluwatu Temple
Uluwatu Temple

Besakih Temple (Mother Temple)

Mother Temple of Besakih, or Pura Besakih, in the village of Besakih on the slopes of Mount Agung in eastern Bali, Indonesia, is the most important, the largest and holiest temple of Hindu religion in Bali and is over 2000 years old. When Mount Agung erupted in 1963 (killing 1,700 people) the lava flows missed the temple by metres, which is seen as a miracle and a sign from the gods.

This Mother Temple is actually a complex made up of twenty-two temples that sit on parallel ridges. It has stepped terraces and flights of stairs which ascend to a number of courtyards and brick gateways that in turn lead up to the main spire or Meru structure, which is called Pura Penataran Agung.

All this is aligned along a single axis and designed to lead the spiritual person upward and closer to the mountain which is considered sacred.

800px-Pura_Besakih

Bonefish Grill debuts new menu with fresh steak bowls and ceviche

Ricky Ly
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0
Bonefish Grill debuts new menu with fresh steak bowls and ceviche

Founded in St. Petersburg, Florida, Bonefish Grill specializes in market-fresh fish from around the world and other savory wood-grilled specialties. Guests receive “chef’s coat service” and are guided through an innovative, seasonal menu and specials featuring the highest-quality, fresh ingredients.

Recently, Scott Joseph Orlando Restaurant Guide reported that Clifford Pleau, who helped develop Darden’s Seasons 52 concept in Orlando, left the company to join Bloomin’ Brands to work on Bonefish Grill. It should be very interesting to see how Mr. Pleau will improve Bonefish Grill.

Bang Bang Shrimp at Bonefish Grill
Bang Bang Shrimp at Bonefish Grill

In the mean time, Bonefish Grill has introduced a NEW menu that includes a new bowl concept with Spicy Ahi Tuna and NY Strip Tataki as well as new ceviche and bang bang shrimp flatbread appetizers.

One thing that previously had disappointed me at Bonefish Grill was the lack of fresh and flavorful vegetables to complement their seafood dishes, and thankfully they have worked on and improved on that with a recent visit.

I was very impressed by the NY Steak tataki bowl which was very flavorful and seared perfectly and had great taste when eaten in the rice bowl.

Seared NY Strip Bowl – USDA Choice NY Strip seared to your preference served with marinated cucumbers, roasted peanuts and passion fruit salsa, jasmine rice and a black pepper aioli
Seared NY Strip Bowl – USDA Choice NY Strip seared to your preference served with marinated cucumbers, roasted peanuts and passion fruit salsa, jasmine rice and a black pepper aioli
Cold fresh ceviche - served in an ice bowl
Cold fresh ceviche – served in an ice bowl

The following are the new dishes added to the menu, from their press release:

New bowls deliver bold flavor, using fresh vegetables that combine Asian and Mediterranean inspired flavors.

  • Spicy Tuna Bowl – premium sushi grade, sesame-seared rare tuna served with avocado, sweet chile sauce, jasmine rice and passion fruit salsa
  • Seared NY Strip Bowl – USDA Choice NY Strip seared to your preference served with marinated cucumbers, roasted peanuts and passion fruit salsa, jasmine rice and a black pepper aioli
  • Shrimp Pad Thai Bowl – sautéed shrimp combined with rice noodles, green onions, peanuts, egg and a traditional Pad Thai sauce
  • Fire Roasted Vegetables Bowl – a seasonally fresh selection of vegetables combined with pearl couscous with herb and pesto dipping sauce available with choice of wood-grilled shrimp or herb-grilled chicken
Spicy Tuna Bowl – premium sushi grade, sesame-seared rare tuna served with avocado, sweet chile sauce, jasmine rice and passion fruit salsa
Spicy Tuna Bowl – premium sushi grade, sesame-seared rare tuna served with avocado, sweet chile sauce, jasmine rice and passion fruit salsa

New Wood-Grilled steak specialties include a savory 13 oz. USDA Choice Rib-Eye, perfect with white truffle butter or choice of several new steak signature sauces including:

  • Béarnaise Sauce – classic hollandaise based sauce flavored with tarragon and red wine
  • Asian Peppercorn Demi-Glace – schezwan peppercorns blended with a reduced brown sauce
  • Porcini Sage Butter – blended butter sauce with porcini mushrooms and fresh sage
  • Creamy Mushroom and Bacon Sauce – Marsala wine reduction finished with sliced mushrooms and crisp bacon
  • White Truffle Butter – Italian white truffles blended with fresh creamy butter
  • Or try the Ahi Tuna Steak, fire-kissed and perfectly paired with a signature sauce including the new Lime Tomato Garlic sauce – creamy butter sauce with garden fresh tomatoes and a hint of lime.

Deluxe Sides are now available to complement Wood-Grilled selections and entrées including:

  • Crab Fried Rice – jumbo lump crab wok-fried with eggs, bell peppers, carrots and green onions with a hint of soy sauce
  • Porcini Mushroom Ravioli – classic Italian ravioli filled with porcini mushrooms and ricotta cheese sautéed in a sage brown butter and topped with crispy mushrooms
  • Wood-Grilled Broccolini – small florets tossed with garlic herb butter
Crab Fried Rice – jumbo lump crab wok-fried with eggs, bell peppers, carrots and green onions with a hint of soy sauce
Crab Fried Rice – jumbo lump crab wok-fried with eggs, bell peppers, carrots and green onions with a hint of soy sauce

Four new appetizers provide a unique approach to classic favorites:

  • NY Strip Tataki – perfectly seared USDA Choice NY Strip, Thai peppers and a mustard soy sauce
  • Twisted Edamame Hummus – edamame replaces traditional garbanzo beans, topped with a roasted tomato relish and crunchy pepitas served with flatbread chips
  • Bang Bang Shrimp® Flatbread – crispy shrimp, mozzarella cheese, cilantro and a creamy, spicy sauce
  • Cold Snap Ceviche – chilled bay scallops, shrimp, fresh fish, avocado, cucumber, jalapeno, citrus, cilantro served in a glass made entirely of ice and warm tortilla chips on the side
  • The perfect way to finish a meal is with a Dessert Flatbread such as S’mores with creamy chocolate, toasted marshmallow and graham cracker crumbs.

SONY DSC

Bonefish Grill has also added new handcrafted concoctions to start or complement any occasion. The Fresh Pineapple Martini is made with Malibu Rum, St. Germain Elderflower liqueur, fresh pineapple and homemade vanilla bean simple syrup. The refreshing Cold Snap Cucumber Cosmo is made with Reyka vodka, Solerno Blood Orange liqueur and fresh English cucumbers served on the rocks in a glass made entirely of ice.

RA Sushi Bar Restaurant – International Drive, Orlando

Katherine Nguyen
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3
RA Sushi Bar Restaurant – International Drive, Orlando

RA Sushi has branched out all over the states. It’s the 1st in Orlando, 4th in Florida and 26th in the United States. The RA Sushi located in Orlando can hold up to 260 guests and provides Happy Hour (4-7pm Mondays-Fridays) throughout the entire restaurant instead of just at the bar like some places.

Although it just opened July 30th in Orlando, They are already dishing out a new menu, in addition to their current offerings that consist of over 100 dishes and 150 drink specialties that are mainstream and originally created at RA Sushi. When I say “mainstream”, they still have an RA twist on them to make you feel like you can’t find anything like it anywhere else.

On September 10, 2014, we were invited to Ra Sushi to preview and experience a number of delicious items ranging from appetizers to desserts.

If you have an allergy, they’ll be sure to keep you from contacting any dish that contains those ingredients (ie, me from eating anything coming into contact with shrimp or items that have touched shrimp).

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To start with, we were served Garlic Edamame, which are steamed soybeans sautéed in a garlic butter and Asian seasoning. Not only were the shelling seasoned, it seems as though the flavors seeped in and also came from the soybeans themselves.

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RA’llipop* is a roll that consisted of raw tuna, salmon, yellowtail, spicy tuna mix, lettuce, asparagus, and cucumber wrapped in lobok. It’s served skewered with a garlic ponzu sauce. The entire roll will melt in your mouth. You’ll only realized that you ate something because of the crunch provided by the vegetables the fish is encased by as well as a hint of spicy from the tuna mix.

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The Viva Las Vegas Roll* is a popular item on the menu. Ingredients: Kani kama crab and cream cheese rolled in rice and seaweed, lightly tempura battered, and topped with spicy tuna, kani kama crab mix and sliced lotus root; finished with a sweet eel sauce and spinach tempura bits. The lotus root has a nice crunch but is dense and had a little heat. The crab and spicy tuna mix is smooth and creamy to provide a contrast to the lotus root. Unfortunately, I was unable to try the roll itself because it contained shrimp, but my colleagues seemed to love it and didn’t leave a single roll on the plates they came on.

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The Yellow Monkey Roll is a vegetarian friendly roll that is nice and tropically refreshing. It is made up of mango, roasted red pepper, marinated artichoke, and cream cheese rolled in rice and seaweed, topped with mango and cashews before drizzled with a kiwi wasabi sauce.

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The Crazy Monkey Roll is one of my favorites and is creamy from the salmon, cream cheese and avocado. The sweet sauce drizzled on top added a nice surprise to the roll itself. This is a little different to the Yellow Monkey Roll because it is made up of smoked salmon, mango and cream cheese topped with avocado, red beet tempura bits and cashews, then drizzled with mango and sweet eel sauces.

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The Lobster Shrimp Roll is another roll I unfortunately could not try, but I visually enjoyed the heart shape roll as it came out. Ingredients: lobster, cucumber and avocado rolled and topped with shrimp; served with an Asian pesto sauce.

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After sushi, we took a break from eating to enjoy Sake Flight 8 that consists of three 2 oz. pours of Kizakura “Pure”, Sho Chiku Bai Nigori “Crème de Sake” and Kizakura “Pure” Stars – range from sweet, dry to sparkling.

DSC_1101
The Tuna2 Salad is a refreshing dish with two types of tuna: ahi and albacore. It was a mixture of different textures ranging from smooth to crunch thanks to the variety of ingredients. Ingredients: seared ahi and albacore tuna drizzled with a garlic ponzu sauce, placed over a bed of mixed greens with sliced avocado, jalapeño, cilantro, fried wontons and cashews; served with an onion soy vinaigrette.

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The first entrée was the Spicy Chicken Teriyaki Udon, which is stir-fried Asian vegetables tossed with chicken and udon noodles in a spicy teriyaki sauce. For you chopstick experts, even you may wish to use a fork for this meal because of how slippery the udon is! The sauce the udon is dressed with isn’t overpowering and adds the right amount of flavor to each noodle and vegetable that will please your palate.

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The Chicken Katsu is usually a favorite for children and adults whether they don’t wish to have any sushi or if they want something Southern, but with an Asian twist. Panko breaded chicken with coleslaw is served with an Asian BBQ dipping sauce. With or without the Asian BBQ sauce, the chicken was marvelous and I’m drooling over the thought at the moment.

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The Bara Chirashi Bowl* is a bowl of rice topped with tuna, salmon, yellowtail, shrimp, avocado, and cucumber with Asian green vegetables dressed with poki sauce. This is like sushi in a bowl that can deliciously fill your stomach so you can continue on with your productive day!

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Last, but not least, the dessert served was Banana Split Maki. It is RA’s version of sushi for dessert that consists of a fried banana maki topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit drizzled with raspberry and chocolate sauces.

*As mentioned on the RA Sushi website, “consuming raw or under cooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish or eggs may increase your risk of food borne illness, especially if you have certain medical conditions”.
More dishes and information can be found on www.rasushi.com. You could also join their email list and Get Hooked Up! They’ll give you a $20 RA gift certificate every year during the month of your Half Birthday as well as something special the month of your actual birthday!

Location: 9101 International Drive Suite 1008, Orlando, FL 32819
Hours: 11am-11pm daily with lunch served until 3pm

RA Sushi Bar Restaurant on Urbanspoon

TastyChomps.com presents A Mini-Travel Guide to Bali, The Island of the Gods – Part 1/3

Ricky Ly
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0
TastyChomps.com presents A Mini-Travel Guide to Bali, The Island of the Gods – Part 1/3

Bali, an island province of Indonesia, is the essence of a tropical paradise, renown the world over (especially since the debut of the Julia Roberts film Eat, Pray Love) for its traditional dance, music, artwork, and enviable beaches for surfing.

From its volcanic mountains to rice paddies, Bali is a very spiritual place full of natural wonders. Here in Bali the majority of the citizens adhere to Balinese Hinduism, rich with thousands of years of traditions and rituals.

Sculptures, statues, and even trees are dressed with sarongs as the Balinese believe there are spirits within all things. The black-and-white plaid clothes symbolize the duality in life, such as good and evil, brightness and darkness, as well as men and women.

Canang Sari
Canang Sari

Every morning, the Balinese prepare “Canang Sari,” using coconut leaves to create a square basket and filled with fragrant incense, candies, rice, beautiful flowers, betel leaves, and other offerings to appease the spirits of Bali, Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa (the “All-In-One God”). They are placed on tables, car dashboards, and on the streets in front of homes and businesses as well as gates and corners…essentially every where. These offerings are made three times a day to express thanks to the gods and spirits.

Balinese percussion orchestra music, known as gamelan, features a variety of instruments such as metallophones, xylophones, kendang (drums) and gongs, bamboo flutes, bowed and plucked strings. Balinese performing arts often portray stories from Hindu epics such as the Ramayana but with heavy local Balinese influence.

Balinese Gamela orchestra
Balinese Gamela orchestra

Must See Shows and Performances in Bali

 

Devdan - Bali
Devdan – Bali

“Devdan – Treasures of the Archipelago“

“Devdan – Treasures of the Archipelago” at the Bali Nusa Dua Theatre is a modern & contemporary acrobatic and dance performance that is inspired by the culture of Indonesia, featuring dances from the provinces of Bali, Sumatra, Java, Borneo, and Papua. The show is very culturally entertaining and enlightening. More info: http://www.devdanshow.com/

kecak-dance-in-uluwatu-1

Kecak Monkey Dance

Kecak Monkey Dance – Also known as the Ramayana Monkey Chant, the piece, performed by a circle of 150 or more performers wearing checked cloth around their waists, percussively chanting “cak” while throwing up their arms. The dance depicts a battle from the Ramayana where the monkey-like Vanara helped Prince Rama fight the evil King Ravana. Kecak has roots in sanghyang, a trance-inducing exorcism dance. The most popular of these dances can be found at Uluwatu Temple as well as in Ubud, the spiritual center of Bali.

LeGong Dance in Bali
LeGong Dance in Bali

Legong Dance

Legong Dance – often performed by young girls, Legong is a refined dance form characterized by intricate finger movements, complicated footwork, and expressive gestures and facial expressions. The performances can be found at Temple Puri Saren, Ubud: every Mon and Sat, 7:30 PM, Temple Peliatan Village: every Friday, 7:30 PM, Temple Pura Dalem Puri, Ubud: every Saturday, 7:30 PM.

Balinese Legong Dancer
Balinese Legong Dancer
Balinese Legong Dancer
Balinese Legong Dancer

Travel Tips to Bali

– Have USD $25.00 cash ready for the arrival VISA at Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport. When departing from Bali, you are subject to the airport departure tax which can be paid in cash in Indonesian Rupiah only, so save some Indonesian Rupiah bills for the trip out. The airport departure tax is Rp 150,000 for international departures and Rp 40,000 for domestic departures.

– Current exchange rate (April 2014) is approximately Indonesian Rupiah Rp 100,000 for US Dollars USD $8.00. Exchange money right outside the airport at the official money changing station or other official banks to avoid being scammed. Inside Bali, the largest money changer is called PT Central Kuta and they have several outlets.

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– Getting around Bali – Hire a driver for about $50 USD a day to take you around. The streets of Bali are very narrow and hazardous for those unaccustomed to driving in crowded streets where motorcyclists, cars, vans, all pile on in almost one lane driving conditions. It’s best to hire a driver to avoid the hassles. Traffic can be quite irritating especially near the tourist centers.

– Rainy Seasons – Do try to avoid the rainy season as Bali is a tropical island. From December to March, the west monsoon can bring heavy showers and high humidity. From June to September, the humidity is low and it can be quite cool in the evenings, with hardly any rain.

– Kuta Beach is known for surfing and tourist centers, Nusa Dua is known for their resort villas, and Ubud, the spiritual center of Bali, for their arts, temples, the Sacred Monkey forest, and rice terraces.

– Nyepi, or the Hindu New Year, also known as the day of absolute silence, is usually in March or April (next on March 31, 2014). On Nyepi, absolutely everything on the island is shut down between 6AM on the day of the new year and 6AM the following morning. Tourists are confined to their hotels and asked to be as quiet as possible for the day. After dark, light must be kept to a bare minimum. No one is allowed onto the beaches or streets. The only exceptions granted are for real emergency cases. The airport remains closed for the entire day, which means no flights into or out of Bali for 24 hr. The Balinese believe by being absolutely silent, evil spirits will pass over the island and not linger and do harm to the inhabitants.

– Massages in Bali are relatively cheap and can range from USD $12 an hour for a massage.

For more information, visit http://wikitravel.org/en/Bali

Photos from the Journey to Bali

Flying first class on Cathay Pacific - appetizer - smoked salmon with caviar
Flying first class on Cathay Pacific – appetizer – smoked salmon with caviar
Dinner menu
Dinner menu
Kayumanis villa in Nusa Dua, Bali
Kayumanis villa in Nusa Dua, Bali
Afternoon tea at Kayumanis Villa in Nusa Dua, Bali
Afternoon tea at Kayumanis Villa in Nusa Dua, Bali
Statue gods
Statue gods
Nusa Dua Beach - near the Ritz
Nusa Dua Beach – near the Ritz

2013-12-18 07.31.22

Great service at Kayumanis!
Great service at Kayumanis!
Headed to Temple service in Ubud, Bali
Headed to Temple service in Ubud, Bali
Legong performance at the Temple Peliatan in Ubud
Legong performance at the Temple Peliatan in Ubud
Fruit stall in the street market near Lake Bratan
Fruit stall in the street market near Lake Bratan
Fearsome masks, one of the evil witch Rangda
Fearsome masks, one of the evil witch Rangda
Terraced rice fields in Ubud, Bali
Terraced rice fields in Ubud, Bali

TastyChomps.com presents A Mini-Travel Guide to Bali
Part 1 – The Island of the Gods
Part 2 – Top Temples to Visit in Bali
Part 3 – Foodie’s Guide to Bali

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