What is a torta? In my opinion, it’s basically like a Mexican burger, taco fillings inside a bun.

Mosey on down to south Orange Blossom Trail if you dare, (it’s in a shady bit of town but don’t mind the locale, its all about the food!), and check out Tortas El Rey. The King of Tortas Sandwiches.

Housed in an old Checker’s, Tortas El Rey is a Mexican fast food place just north of the Florida Mall here in sunny Orlando, FL. You can walk up to the check in or order at the drive thru and eat outside in one of their shaded tables. Best of all its open 24 hours.

I ordered the beef (carne asada 4.80) torta and a pork taco.

The beef torta was stuffed with beef, lettuce, tomatos, and a mayo sauce. The buns were okay, though I wish the torta was more flavorful and more fresh.

The taco was amazingly cheap for around 50 cents a taco, but of course it was not as meaty.

Overall, if you don’t mind the slightly dirty feeling of eating along OBT, Tortas El Rey is not too shabby. This place is definitely for the adventurous ones out there, though the food itself is not all that “exotic” (though they do have lengua – beef tongue tacos).

I continue my search for amazing Mexican food in Orlando…

POLLO TROPICAL SWEETENS THE POT FOR
‘THE PERFECT SIDE DISH’ HOLIDAY RECIPE CONTEST

Recipe contest sets the stage for statewide canned food drive, ‘What Can You Do?’ at Simon Malls on behalf of the Florida Association of Food Banks

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (Nov. 2, 2010) – “The Perfect Side Dish” holiday recipe contest just got more delicious with contest prizes from Pollo Tropical as a preview to “What Can You Do?,” a statewide food drive Nov. 20-Dec. 14 at Simon Malls in Florida in collaboration with the Florida Association of Food Banks. At-home and professional chefs are invited to submit their favorite holiday side dish recipes using canned ingredients by Wed., Nov. 10 for the chance to win a $100 American Express® Simon Giftcard®, plus a $100 gift certificate from Pollo Tropical.

Food lovers are invited to submit their favorite holiday side dish recipe that includes canned ingredients. The ever-so-popular green bean casserole or sweet potato pie are good examples of recipes with canned food items. A panel of judges will review the recipes and select the perfect side dish chefs to compete. As a special incentive, the first 50 individuals to submit a recipe will receive a coupon for a free meal from Pollo Tropical.

Finalists will be asked to prepare their dish, which will be judged on taste, creativity and ease of preparation during a special competition held on Sat., Nov. 20, 2010 at four Simon mall locations including Paddock Mall (Ocala/North Florida), Coral Square Mall (Coral Springs/South Florida), Seminole Towne Center (Orlando/Central Florida) and Edison Mall (Fort Myers/Southwest Florida).

Five finalists per region will each receive a $25 American Express® Simon Giftcard® and a $50 gift certificate from Pollo Tropical. The winning chef per region will receive a $100 American Express® Simon Giftcard®, a $100 gift certificate from Pollo Tropical and the bragging rights for this premier recipe contest.

Recipes for “The Perfect Side Dish” can be provided via email at recipes@bitnergoodman.com. Recipe submission forms can be found at participating Simon Mall Guest Service desks or can be downloaded online at www.bitnergoodman.com/perfectsidedish.htm. All entries must be received by 5 p.m. on Wed., Nov. 10, 2010. For detailed contest rules and additional information, call 1-800-998-6753 or visit www.bitnergoodman.com/perfectsidedish.htm.

Participating malls include Boynton Beach Mall, Coconut Point, Coral Square, Dadeland Mall, DeSoto Square, Edison Mall, Florida Mall, Gulf View Square, Indian River Mall, Lake Square, Melbourne Square, Miami International Mall, Paddock Mall, Port Charlotte Town Center, Seminole Towne Center, The Falls, The Shops at Sunset Place, Town Center at Boca Raton, Treasure Coast Square and Tyrone Square.

Check out the latest edition of Brink Magazine for November, there’s an article featuring our humble food blog there! at

http://issuu.com/brinkmag/docs/november/14

Pretty interesting campaign, I like the civic engagement aspect of it. Everyone should take a “Steak” in America’s future! VOTE!

Bagel King, Casselberry

My favorite lox and bagel is from Russ and Daughters in NYC , and it had been months since I’d been back. This led me to crave some authentic lox and bagel and my search here in Orlando brought me to Bagel King!

Located off of SR 436 in Casselberry, Bagel King can boast to be one of the few authentic bagel shops in Orlando modeled after New York style bagel shops. They serve sandwiches and a whole bunch of other great items too, but on this visit I had their  “fresh fish fantasy” with nova lox which includes your choice of bagel and lettuce, tomato, sweet bermuda onion & capers, fresh sliced.

I also tried out their potato knish, though it wasn’t a favorite.

 I would try to come back to Bagel King to see their other offerings, we definitely need more places like it here in Orlando!

I think Backyard Burger has got to be one of the most underrated burgers of all time. It seems 5 Guys Burgers gets all the love these days ( I think they are a bit too greasy).

Backyard Burger sure isn’t much to look at, the decor is like a fast food joint dressed up like your auntie’s house (you know, the one that was featured on Hoarders). I know its near UCF and everything around here gets throwed up on after 2 AM anyway. Maybe because it started originally as a drive thru only and added dine in later on.

The most important thing after all about this place is the food: The Burgers are bangin’. I think they are the only burgers I have tried around here that actually taste like they came right off the grill from my backyard. Delicious.

So that got me thinking, what’s your favorite burger joint in Orlando? 

You can find Backyard Burger at 11556 University Blvd, Orlando just down the street from UCF. 

If you sign up for their email list serv at backyardburgers.com, you can get a free burger coupon 😀

1/3 lb angus burger at Backyard burger

A Central Florida icon for over half a century, Dixie Crossroads located in Titusville, Florida is probably known best for elevating the once difficult and unwieldy rock shrimp to become a delicacy all over the world.

The story begins over 27 years ago on January 1, 1983 when Dixie Crossroads opened with 35 seats by the Thompson family with Laura Lee. With this, the Rock Shrimp King was born and today Dixie Crossroads has grown to a family restaurant with over 419 seats, grown upon the original Dixie Crossroads.

A distinction about the seafood at Dixie Crossroads

The shrimp at Dixie Crossroads is wild caught and not farm raised, a distinction that can be clearly tasted in the flavor and the freshness of the shrimp. They feature shrimp from Key West up the Atlantic to the Northwest. The Thompsons are also a part of the Wild Ocean Seafood company which is featured at the Audobon Park Community Market on Monday nights and College Park Community Market at Infusion Tea on Thursday nights which features premium, fresh-caught domestic shrimp and seafood.

Traditionally, rock shrimp were not seen favorable to eat because of their hard shell. Dixie Crossroads fixed this problem by creating a cutting tool that allowed them to more easily cut through the shell to serve the shrimp. Over the years the harvesting of rock shrimp eventually led to rapid depletion of the rock shrimp along the Atlantic, prompting the Thompson family, Dixie Crossroads and other local fishermen to lead a conservation effort to control the rock shrimp population and stopping the rock shrimp from going to extinction.

On this day, we were able to sample the various shrimp available from Dixie Crossroads including the Rock Shrimp which had the texture of lobster and flavor of shrimp. Bacon wrapped shrimp was another favorite from the sampler as well as all the other very fresh wild caught shrimp on the sampler.

Something that most people are not aware is that Dixie Crossroads also serves steak in addition to seafood. Usually when restaurants try to branch out into other cuisines, they usually don’t do as good of a job at it as their original more well known items but I found the prime rib at Dixie Crossroads was a cut above the average prime ribs.

Overall, I would definitely recommend a trip out to Dixie Crossroads in Titusville for a day if you’re headed to the beach or just want some really fresh wild caught seafood. It only took us about 25 minutes to get out there on 528 and I-95, pretty much the same amount of time it takes to get to Disney from Orlando. 🙂

 Find more information here:

Dixie Crossroads
1475 Garden St
Titusville, FL 32796-3389
(321) 268-5000
http://www.dixiecrossroads.com/

Disclosure: This preview was sponsored by Dixie Crossroads, though I try to remain as neutral and unbiased as possible during my reflections. Thank you to Dawna and Harrison from Dixie Crossroads for making this trip possible and for introducing us to an awesome place.

I visited The Capital Grille once before during their wine tasting event and was graciously invited back to try a new twist on their fall flavors and give my thoughts.

This fall, the Capital Grille began offering a “Flavors of the Pacific Northwest” menu from September 20 to October 31st (hurry and get there before it runs out!). Each restaurant has a different special dish that rotates around from this menu. Here in Orlando during my visit to the Capital Grille, the Seared Halibut with Harvest Vegetables was on the menu.

I ordered the Seared Halibut on my visit and was delighted by its taste. The fish was seared to perfection, not too dry and not too soft, very lightly seasoned going well with the Conundrum, a 2008 California white wine suggested by our very attentive and considerate waitress for the evening.

Other items that go well with the main dish include the Lobster Mac and Cheese, a dish filled with decadent cheeses and chunks of lobster meat (A favorite), and the prosciutto wrapped mozzarella, a slightly salty appetizer. The roasted tomatoes and lemon gusto that came with the seared halibut was a fine addition to the fish as well.

Overall, I would definitely go to The Capital Grille especially if you are on a business trip to Orlando staying near the Convention Center or out on a special date or want to escape for a moment, but do remember to bring the company card.

The Capital Grille Orlando is located at 9101 International Drive. Reservations can be made by calling (407) 370-4392 or by visiting TheCapitalGrille.com. In addition to its main dining room, The Capital Grille features private dining rooms for up to 36 guests, as well as the Chef’s Table, with a front line view of the open kitchen, accommodating up to 10 guests.

Disclosure: This preview event was sponsored by The Capital Grille, though I try to remain as neutral and unbiased as possible during my reflections.

For those of you vacationing in Orlando or feel like having a festive buffet during Thanksgiving this year, check out the Rosen Hotel’s line up for this Thanksgiving!

2010 Buffets
Rosen Plaza, Rosen Centre and Rosen Shingle Creek

Rosen Plaza Hotel

9700 International Drive
Holiday Buffet
Buffet Hours: 11:00 am – 5 pm
Price: Adults $31.95 plus tax and gratuity; children ages 5 – 12 $15.95 plus tax and gratuity; children 4 and under – one free child with each paying adult; Bring in this listing for $3 off each adult
Reservations: 407-996- 0256
http://www.rosenplaza.com

Rosen Centre/Cafe Gauguin

9840 International Drive
Champagne Brunch Buffet
Buffet Hours: 11 am – 5 pm
Price: Adults $39.95 plus tax and gratuity, children ages 4 – 12 $16.95 plus tax and gratuity
Reservations: 407-996-9840 ext. 3593
http://www.rosencentre.com

Rosen Shingle Creek/Café Osceola

9939 Universal Blvd.
Holiday Day Buffet
Buffet Hours: 11:30 am to 7:00 pm
Price: Adults $55.95 plus tax and gratuity, children ages 4 – 12 $24.95 plus tax and gratuity; 25% Florida resident’s discount (show id)
Reservations: 407.996.FOOD (3663)
For parties of 10 or more, please call 407.996.9770.
http://www.rosenshinglecreek.com

Rosen Shingle Creek/A Land Remembered

9939 Universal Blvd.
Hours 5:30pm – 10:00pm
Reservations call: 407.996.FOOD (3663)
A la carte menu – Florida Residents receive 25% off

————–

Macy’s Culinary Council chef and Top Chef Master Rick Bayless will be appearing at Macy’s at the Mall at Millenia in Orlando on Sunday, October 17 for a free cooking demonstration. Rick will offer tips for serving up his trademark Latin cuisine by preparing dishes like Achiote Shrimp and Bacon Tomato Guacamole for customers to sample. Following his demonstration, Rick will be available to sign copies of his newest cookbook, Fiesta at Rick’s, available for purchase at Macy’s the day of the event.

WHEN:
Sunday, October 17th, 2010
2:00 PM

WHERE:
Macy’s at The Mall at Millenia
Home Department, 2nd Floor
4298 Millenia Blvd
Orlando, Florida 32839

RSVP:
Customer RSVPs are recommended but not required. Reserve your seat by calling 1.800.329.8667. This event is free.

*This post was sponsored by beeverywhere.tv

Padrino’s Cuban Bistro – All you can Eat Cuban Pig Roast!

Don Mario Padrino at the helm!

Note: I wrote once on Padrino’s Cuban Bistro before, check it out here.

On the second Saturday of every month, Padrino’s Cuban Bistro in South Orlando ( right off of SR -417 and John Young Parkway in the plaza with Mikado in Hunter’s Creek) hosts a all you can eat cuban pig roast for lunch. I had the opportunity to interview the owners of Padrino’s and also sample some awesome roast pig or “lechon”.

Don Mario and his wife just drove up from South Florida, where the original Padrinos restaurant is based, to oversee the Cuban Pig Roast event and carve up the lechon roast pig. I met with Don Mario Padrino, a tall man with a kind smile and a booming voice, and spoke with him about the history of his family’s restaurant.

The restaurant started in South Florida in the late 1970s where the recently immigrated Padrino family set up a small shop after escaping the rise of Castro in Cuba. The restaurant started out with Momma Padrino’s authentic Cuban dishes. “The concept was Momma’s homestyle Cuban recipes and cooking with a modern and appealing presentation” recalled Mario.

Plantains!

Soon enough, the traditions passed onto their son Mario, who took over the restaurant and has been running it ever since.

On this Saturday afternoon, the all you can eat menu consisted of yucca, white rice, black beans, a rice and beans mix, oven roasted pork, pork rinds aka chicharrones, and the pig roast from La Caja China.

La Caja China is literally the “Chinese box”, whose origins are still a mystery to most Cubans today. Origin stories range from soldiers bringing the box home from the Vietnam War to the large Chinese immigrant community that thrived in Cuba during the late 1800s. Don Mario said that “we used to make our pig roasts the traditional way with cinder blocks, but with la caja china, the coals are placed on top so its much easier to roast.” The pig is injected with a mojo marinade the night before and the roast began at 5:30am.

The pork from the rib area is the juiciest and most succulent part, but also one of the fattiest parts.

Sigh, it is true that the best things in life are often bad for you…

The Next Cuban Pig Roast is:
Saturday October 9, 2010
12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
All you can eat carving station which includes white rice, moros, black beans, sweet plantains, yucca and one drink (soda or beer).
$14.99 per person plus tax and gratuity.

Chicarrones – pork rinds!

Oven roasted pork

Yucca!

Rice and beans

Disclosure: I was invited by Padrino’s to this event and although this meal was provided complimentary, I do my best to try to remain as unbiased as possible in my observations.

Enter for a chance to win a $25 gift card to Olive Garden by

Posting in the comments section below!
1. Post your favorite Italian dish and
2. Post your email

One Lucky Winner Will be CHOSEN!

——————————
Olive Garden Unveils Restaurant Remodel Initiative Inspired by Italy
Kissimmee Olive Garden among the more than 400 restaurants being remodeled through June 2015

ORLANDO, Fla. (Oct. 1, 2010) –Today, Olive Garden announced that more than half of its 721 restaurants will undergo an interior design refresh, inspired by the timeless warmth of farmhouses in Tuscany, Italy.

Within the newly remodeled restaurants, guests will find updated décor including new tables, chairs and booths that emanate the warm, rustic tones of a Tuscan Farmhouse. Other updates include modernized window treatments and updated decor, which together create a cleaner, more polished design. In addition, the refreshed bar area reflects a true, Tuscan-inspired space, with a more modern and sophisticated feel.

“We believe the Farmhouse design reinforces our vision by creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that enhances the overall experience at Olive Garden,” said Valerie Insignares, executive vice president of operations for Olive Garden. “Within the next few years guests will enjoy the same genuine Tuscan look and feel inside every one of our family of local restaurants across North America.

For more than a decade, Olive Garden chefs, General Managers and restaurant team members travel to Olive Garden’s Culinary Institute of Tuscany (CIT) to learn Italian cooking techniques and to draw inspiration for menu items, promotional entrees and restaurant décor. It is at the CIT where members of the Olive Garden family learn the secrets of great Italian foods from Italian Master Chefs. Secrets include how to choose the freshest ingredients to create Italian-inspired entrees, how to layer flavors to produce the perfect Italian aroma and taste, and how to pair Italian wines with specific Italian dishes and sauces to enhance the dining experience.

“Each year, our Olive Garden development chefs travel throughout Italy to gain inspiration from the latest Italian culinary trends and traditions so they can bring the taste of Italy home to our guests,” said Terry Stanley, executive vice president of marketing for Olive Garden. “The Tuscan Farmhouse remodel is an essential element in completing the genuine Italian dining experience at Olive Garden.”

This restaurant design refresh also demonstrates Olive Garden’s dedication to supporting local communities. In celebration of the newly renovated restaurants, Kissimmee will host complimentary wine tasting events that are open to the public on October 5th, 6th, 12th and 13th from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Led by Olive Garden wine specialists, these interactive events will further educate guests on Italian wines including their origin, body style, aroma, flavor/finish and food pairings. To receive more information on the wine tasting event, guests can visit www.Facebook.com/OliveGarden, visit www.OliveGarden.com/remodel or sign up for the “Our Family Table” e-newsletter at www.OliveGarden.com.

About Olive Garden:
Olive Garden is the leading restaurant in the Italian dining segment with more than 700 restaurants, more than 85,000 employees and $3 billion in annual sales. Olive Garden is a part of the Darden family of restaurants (NYSE: DRI), the world’s largest company-owned and operated full-service restaurant company. For more information, visit Olive Garden’s Web site at www.olivegarden.com.

Hello all! Contest for Free UFL tickets to see the Florida Tuskers play for the Game on Oct 21!

Answer this question below to enter into the contest to win!

What is the best food you ever ate at a Tailgate??

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUKab3e0750?fs=1]

The game is on 10/21 by the way!

Today is the Mid autumn Moon Festival, a holiday celebrated in East Asia (known as Tet Trung Thu to the Vietnamese) to signify the end of the harvest season and the coming together of the community. After long months of toil in the fields during the summer months, the family is able to relax once again and enjoy the beginning of the fall season with their children by going out side to admire the full moon. (There’s a legend about that moon tradition too)

This is one of the many reasons why this holiday is known to be a “Children’s” festival with all sorts of games and activities for children especially the beautiful home made lantern traditions.

One thing about the Mid Autumn Moon Festival that is a foodie’s delight is the “moon cake”. Legend has it that during the Mongolian occupation of China in the 1200s, the Chinese rebel forces would transmit secret coded messages in this moon cake to signal the attack to win back the nation from the invaders on the night of the Mid Autumn Moon Festival.

These round moon shaped cakes come at quite a price, often around $8.00 each and $24.00 for a pack of four. I think one of the reasons why they are so expensive is because they are sold only once a year during the moon festival and also they are made of expensive ingredients. The original moon cake is made of lotus seed paste which can be quite expensive or red bean paste. There is also a moon cake made from various nuts and fruits, my least favorite. Inside the moon cake is a cooked egg yolk. These mooncakes are often given as gifts to friends and families and enjoyed with tea.

 As time went on, these cakes evolved with various types of fillings like chocolate, ice cream, cream cheese and more.

Make sure you drop by your  local Asian grocery and try some today before they go out of season 😀 put on by the UCF Vietnamese American Student Association for the Mid Autumn Moon Festival. Check it out! www.vasa.ucf.edu

so, what’s your favorite type of moon cake?

ps for those in the Orlando area, there is an awesome show going on this Sunday at UCF (Free!)

The Capital Grille Reveals New Fall Specials
Inspired by the Pacific Northwest

Menu Features Fresh Fall Favorites with a Creative Twist

Orlando, FL (September 20, 2010) – What happens when an exceptional chef is inspired by the crisp, pure flavors of the Pacific Northwest?

Answer: A welcome migration of flavors reflecting the fresh waters and cool climate of the Northwest corner of the country, just in time for fall.

In this unique culinary event, The Capital Grille is offering new menu items inspired by the “Flavors of the Pacific Northwest” from September 20 to October 31. The specials reflect The Capital Grille’s innovative take on classic Northwest cuisine, focusing on authentic, quality ingredients from the region.

Enjoy dishes such as Seared Halibut with Harvest Vegetables and Tenderloin of Beef with Morel Mushrooms.

Of course, the Pacific Northwest is also known for its excellent wines and The Capital Grille’s own Master Sommelier, George Miliotes, has hand-selected several choices to complement this special autumn meal. Guests can choose Willakenzie Pinot Noir from Oregon, or Cold Creek Merlot from Washington’s Chateau Ste. Michelle, just one of the many internationally recognized vineyards in the Northwest.

Be sure to save room for The Capital Grille’s house-made desserts. The delectable Warm Washington Apple Tart with Handcrafted Vanilla Bean Ice Cream is certain to provide a perfect end to your Pacific Northwest culinary journey.

“We believe this special menu further exemplifies our dedication to an exceptional dining experience,” said Randy Cook, Managing Partner of The Capital Grille Orlando. “This menu showcases our chef’s culinary artistry, with artisanal twists on a uniquely American cuisine.”

The Capital Grille Orlando is located at 9101 International Drive. Reservations can be made by calling (407) 370-4392 or by visiting TheCapitalGrille.com. In addition to its main dining room, The Capital Grille features private dining rooms for up to 36 guests, as well as the Chef’s Table, with a front line view of the open kitchen, accommodating up to 10 guests.

For additional information about the “Flavors of the Pacific Northwest” dishes and The Capital Grille experience, please contact Heather Dratler at 212.871.3020, ext. 110, or hdratler@jgordonassociates.com.

So if you checked out the MTV VMA’s (or one of their many reruns of the show) you may have noticed Lady Gaga’s meat dress.

From music.yahoo.com

“After arriving at the ceremony in a dress from the late designer Alexander McQueen’s final collection and then changing into a weighty, architectural gown and spiky crown by Giorgio Armani, Gaga turned heads (and we’d have to imagine noses) in her final outfit, a Franc Fernandez dress (plus boots, hat, and purse) cut together from what appeared to be slabs of raw meat.”

Here is the pic/photo from the night: 

Lady Gaga’s Meat Dress at the MTV VMA’s

What do you think of it? Was it too much? What statement do you think Lady Gaga is making with the meat dress?

WHAT:

Morton’s The Steakhouse in Orlando is offering a unique scotch tasting experience during the Glenmorangie Single Malt Scotch Tasting and Shoe Shining Event. Guests will enjoy complimentary shoe shines and have the opportunity to taste four distinct Glenmorangie single malt scotches: Original, Lasanta, Quinta Ruban and Nectar d’Or. The selections will be paired with passed hors d’oeuvres while Morton’s signature Bar Bites will be available at Power Hour pricing during the event.

WHEN:

Thursday, September 16 from 5 to 7 p.m.

WHERE:

Morton’s The Steakhouse Bar 12•21
7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd.
Orlando, FL 32819

PRICE: FREE

FOR RESERVATIONS:
For more information or reservations, please call 407-248-3485 or visit http://www.mortons.com/

Morton’s Power Hour is offered from Sunday to Friday from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. and includes a taste-tempting variety of signature Bar Bites for just $5 or $6 a plate, including the Filet Mignon Sandwiches and Mini Prime Cheeseburgers which will pair perfectly with a Cabernet. Power Hour pricing on select wines by the glass, beers and cocktails ranges from $5 to $7.

As part of auction piece for a Food Network show, I made this youtube video. If it doesn’t work out hey, maybe it will turn out into a webseries! lol. Thank you to Michael Cheung and Jon Mildner for the video production and Rona Gondin for the hookup!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LGF7FfcpS8?fs=1]

Check out the awesome write up by Mark Baratelli from The Daily City: Local Food Blog Tasty Chomps expands into Video.