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Delicious 100 Foot Journey Experience!

By Christina Thomas 8 Comments

How an Indian feast at Tamarind Indian Cuisine, French macarons from Le Macaron and the film The 100 Foot Journey took a group of friends on a delicious journey!


A delicious 100 Foot Journey with www.goepicurista.com

My girlfriends and I recently took a delicious journey to India and the south of France, without ever leaving Orlando! We shared great foood, great wine, decadent French macarons, a delightful movie, which every food enthusiast should see, The Hundred-Foot Journey and the company of wonderful friends, which took some creative scheduling, but we made it happen. I encourage you to #MakeSomedayHappen and GO for a delicious journey with your friends!

The Hundred-Foot Journey tells the story of Hassan Kadam (Manish Dayal), a culinary ingénue with the gastronomic equivalent of perfect pitch. Displaced from their native India, the Kadam family, led by Papa (Om Puri), start a new life and family restaurant, Maison Mumbai, in the quaint and picturesque village of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val in the south of France. They find themselves in a heated battle of wills and wit fueled by cultural differences, with Madame Mallory (Academy Award®-winner Helen Mirren), the chilly chef proprietress of Le Saule Pleureur, a Michelin-starred classical French restaurant, located 100 feet away. Hassan’s passion for French haute cuisine — and for Madame Mallory’s enchanting sous chef, Marguerite (Charlotte Le Bon) — combine with his mysteriously-delicious talent to weave magic between their two cultures and imbue Saint-Antonin with the flavors of life that even Madame Mallory cannot ignore. Directed by Lasse Hallstrom, from another foodie fave, Chocolat, and produced by Steven Spielberg, Oprah Winfrey and Juliet Blake.

Be Open to Try Something New

I was grateful my friends were willing to try something new. I had never visited Tamarind Indian Cuisine, a small family owned Indian restaurant in Winter Park. Most at the table had never tried Indian food before so this was a culinary adventure for all. At first, the location, in a strip mall sandwiched between a Michael’s and Office Depot, gave us pause. Don’t let exteriors fool you. It was a delightful place, with really good food. We often judge a book by its cover in many things, including selecting a restaurant. However, I’ve found great local eateries in the oddest of places – a fun experience at a gas station in Miami comes to mind, which I shall share with you soon – but you must be open to try new things. Tamarind was not Maison Mumbai with its French chateau opulence or ambiance but it was charming. Being open to new flavors comes up in the movie when Hassan (Dayal) tells the supremely snooty Madame Mallory (Mirren) “maybe 200 years is long enough” as she questions why he added his own spices to a 200 year old classic French recipe. Why not change things up? Be open to sample small local restaurants, be adventurous! GO try something new!.

100 Foot Journey experience with www.goepicurista.com

Don’t judge from exterior! Come inside for a quaint and delicious experience

“Turn The Heat Up”

We started dinner with baskets of Papadum, a light, thin crisp seasoned dough that is more cracker-like than bread. Served with a trio of sauces: cool mint, sweet and savory tamarind and, my favorite, a spicy tomato and pepper chutney that turned up the heat of every dish I added it to!

100 Foot journey with www.goepicurista.com

Papadum with trio of sauces

We sampled two types of Naan, a leavened Indian bread similar to a flatbread, baked in a tandoor oven. The fresh Garlic Naan ($3.25) was delicious, steamy-soft goodness. The Kheema ($3.95), stuffed with minced lamb, was quite filling. They offer various Naan options with onions, chilies, cheese or cashews, raisins and coconut. The Garlic Naan is a must order.

100 Foot Journey experience with www.goepicurista.com

Garlic Naan & Kheema Naan

One of my favorite scenes in the movie is when Papa (Puri) in a defiant yet adorable tone, spars with Madame Mallory and replies “I will turn the music down, but I will turn the heat up” in response to her request that he tone down the family’s exuberance. Live life loud! We certainly did on this night.

delicious 100 Foot Journey Experience with www.goepicurista.com

Wine is always an important part of our gatherings and I was happy to see Tamarind had a few nice options on the wine list, at a great value. We shared a bottle of Laeticia Estate Pinot Noir ($40) from Arroyo Grande Valley in California. Its ripe black and red fruit aromas with raspberries, a hint of earth and Asian spice on the palate was a nice pairing with the variety of flavors at our table. It’s always a challenge to pair spicy foods. I am a pinot noir girl and this one did not disappoint.

100 Foot Journey experience with www.goepicurista.com

The Chicken Tikka ($13.95), a favorite of the group, comes like sizzling fajitas on a hot iron plate. Pieces (i.e. “tikka”) of boneless chicken marinated in yogurt, ginger, garlic and spices are grilled in a tandoor, or clay oven, served with onions and lemon wedges. Also known as Tandoori Chicken, it is a definite must order.

100 Foot Journey experience with www.goepicurista.com

Sizzling Chicken Tikka

Why not try it at home?

Delicious 100 Foot Journey Experience with www.goepicurista.com

Chicken Tikka Recipe to try at home!

As we shared the rich Butter Chicken ($13), Goan Shrimp with Coconut Curry sauce ($16) and Lamb Roganjosh (16) – which literally means “red intense heat!”- in a red curry sauce with fennel and saffron, we were wondering if it was the AC in the restaurant, the spicy dishes or our animated conversation that had all of us feeling the heat. That’s what happens when you get a group of girlfriends that haven’t seen each other in a while! The laughter from our table was constant.

The folks at Tamarind definitely followed Papa’s advice when it came to flavor. He says “If you have a spice use it! Don’t sprinkle it in. Spoon it in!” and they did! Every dish was full of flavor. The spices all dancing together in my mouth like a Bollywood number. I love spicy foods, my friends not as much but everyone found the spice just right. The menu features several chicken, seafood, lamb, and vegetarian dishes and you can order the level of spice as you like. GO turn up the heat!

100 Foot Journey experience with www.goepicurista.com

Lamb Roganjosh, Gojan Shrimp Curry, & Butter Chicken turn up the heat!

“Food is a passionate affair”

“Cuisine is not an old tired marriage, it is a passionate affair!” Shouldn’t we approach food that way? Yet so often we are short on time and on imagination, eating the same foods over and over again. It’s time to spice up your life. This advice is as much for relationships as for food.

Delicious 100 Foot Journey Experience with www.goepicurista.com

The movie was food porn, in the best sense of the word. It was sensuous, tempting and beautiful to watch. The stunning scenery of the French countryside made me wish I could hop on a plane to the south of France. The food had me drooling throughout. It would have only been better if the food aromas had been piped into the movie theater with “surround-scent” effect. A true feast for the senses! Thankfully, we were pleasantly satiated from our dinner at Tamarind or else I may not have survived. Word of advice, don’t go see this movie when hungry.

When you love food so much that one bite into a rich and creamy burrata or a flavorful succulent lamb can bring tears to your eyes, you’ve experienced food-gasm. This movie had a similar effect at times. Although, the actual romance of Hassan and Marguerite was kept on simmer, much to our disappointment. One scene in particular, where eggs are being cracked and whisked to make the perfect omelette, was absolutely breathtaking. It actually brought a tear to my eye. Ok, I admit it. I cried like a baby and almost wiped my nose on my neighbor’s sleeve. Without spoilers, I will say, it was a touching scene between Hassan and Madame Mallory that shows people can learn compassion for one another and bridge their differences through food. A bit of behind-the-scenes trivia I learned, the omelette recipe used in the film was one that Manish Dayal’s father used to make for him when he was a child.

Food brings people together

The movie shows a clash of cultures bridged by food. I always wonder what would happen in the world if we broke bread with one another more often? Cultural differences could be embraced and accepted. I know I’m being hopeful but I think this dream can come true. Another bit of behind-the-scenes trivia shows how important food is in forging relationships. Every weekend during production, Om Puri (Papa) invited his on-screen family to his home where he would cook traditional Indian dishes for them. This brought everyone closer and made their bond on-screen more natural and believable. Sharing food around the dinner table brings people together, whether family or friends, and there is nothing better.

For dessert we combined both cultures shown in the film. We were treated to a sampler platter of traditional Indian desserts made in-house by the kind folks of Tamarind. We sampled Gulab Jamun ($3.95), fried cheese balls in rose flavored syrup, which I would have never guessed were made of cheese. They were like soft little sponges of sweetness. The Pistachio Kulfi ($4.95), an Indian Ice cream with pistachio nuts had a mild flavor I can imagine as comfort food, and Ras Malai (3.95), cottage cheese dumpling in a thick evaporated milk sauce was quite rich and creamy.

100 Foot Journey Experience with www.goepicurista.com

Dessert Plate of Gulab Jamun, Ras Malai and Pistachio Kulfi

100 Foot Journey Experience with www.goepicurista.com

Le Macaron

As we ended dinner and prepared to make our own 100-foot journey (or so) across the street to Winter Park Village’s Regal Cinemas, I provided each of my friends with a gift box of French macarons from Le Macaron in Winter Park. I selected flavors that reminded me of France: chocolate, caramel (my favorite), rose and lavender. This little store is quite the treat. They offer a large variety of macaron flavors as well as awesome gelato. As I anticipated, everyone loved taking these home to enjoy after the movie. I loved receiving a text proclaiming “These macarons are the bomb!”

100 Foot Journey experience with www.goepicurista.com

The perfect ending!

“Food is Memories”

One of the reasons I am absolutely “crazy in love” with food is because “Food is Memories”. A special dinner date, a glorious vacation, playful childhood moments, a fun outing with friends and many more beautiful memories are all brought to mind simply with the smell and taste of a dish. Young Hassan learns how to cook from his mother, as so many of us have. Those scenes brought back memories of my childhood in the kitchen, stirring the sauce pot, as I watched mom making my favorite lasagna. As I travel, food reminds me of home no matter where I am around the world.

Food has the ability to transport you to another place, another time, another world. Much like movies do.”

This movie transported us on a journey to India and the South of France, which inspired us to take that trip in real life…someday…soon. I suspect I will be remembering this fun night with friends for years to come any time I encounter a tasty Indian curry dish or French macarons.

The 100 Foot Journey was a love letter to food and family. I laughed and cried and fell in love with the characters and the food. Helen Mirren as Madame Mallory was simply exquisite, Om Puri as Papa was hilarious and Manish Dayal as Hassan was absolutely adorable. I am not a film critic, the same as I am not a food critic. I don’t take film or food experiences apart and dissect every element. I look at the overall experience and judge by how they made me feel. Both Tamarind Indian Cuisine and The 100 Foot Journey were delightful and thoroughly enjoyable. Having worked in the restaurant industry, I would agree with some critics that may say this movie is not realistic, but since when are movies supposed to be realistic? This is not a documentary. The film did what it set out to do. It transported us to another place, it made us feel for these characters, it brought back memories of childhood, it reminded us to be compassionate of others and accepting of our cultural differences, to be adventurous and to fall in love with food and with people every chance we get. I am sure you will agree. GO see this movie.

I hope you are inspired to create your own delicious journey with your family and friends!

Cheers!

GO Epicurista

Tamarind Indian Cuisine is located at 501 North Orlando Avenue, Winter Park FL. 321-207-0760, open 11:30am-3pm, 5pm-10pm.

Le Macaron is located at 216 North Park Avenue, Winter Park FL. 321-295-7958, open from 10am-10pm.

To follow The 100 Foot Journey movie, visit Facebook and Twitter

Tamarind Indian Cuisine on Urbanspoon

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Filed Under: Entertainment, Go Travel & Dine Orlando Tagged With: 100 Foot Journey, Events, Indian Food, Le Macaron, Movie, Orlando, Restaurants, Tamarind Indian Cuisine, Winter Park, Winter Park Village

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About Christina Thomas

I'm Christina, a hospitality consultant, freelance writer, food & travel enthusiast, brand cheerleader, ice cream fanatic, chocoholic, and eternal optimist on a mission to #MakeSomedayHappen one delicious bite, sip and trip at a time. Celebrating life with great food, wine and friends throughout Central Florida and everywhere I GO! I want to inspire you to take time out of your busy schedule to do the same. GO celebrate life today, for someday may never come. Join me and GO Epicurista!

Comments

  1. [email protected] Tastes Good says

    08/15/2014 at 11:18 am

    Great post, Christina! Good times and good food!! I am so looking forward to the movie, and I agree you can’t judge a book by the cover. My favorite place to eat is in a little strip mall on Tybee Island in GA. There is a very small gas station and even a liquor store in the same strip mall, but once inside it is a fine dining restaurant with the most perfect atmosphere. You definitely forget about the outside and the food is amazing! I’m forever happy we didn’t let the outside turn us away! I love your hashtag #MakeSomedayHappen. Tweeting and stumbling this post 🙂

    Reply
    • Christina Thomas says

      08/15/2014 at 11:42 am

      Thank you so much! Isn’t it fun to discover great experiences in the oddest of places? Cheers to you for being adventurous!

      Reply
  2. Terri/LoveandConfections says

    08/14/2014 at 12:50 pm

    I can’t wait to see the movie! I just need to get one of the grandparents to babysit so I can go.

    Reply
    • Christina Thomas says

      08/14/2014 at 1:35 pm

      Awesome! Grandparents are the best! Let me know what you think of the movie.

      Reply
  3. Nichole says

    08/14/2014 at 12:07 pm

    I am seeing the film tonight with a friend; can’t wait! I have never had Indian food…I need to change this, huh? I love how you kept dinner in theme with the movie 🙂

    Reply
    • Christina Thomas says

      08/14/2014 at 12:11 pm

      Thanks for stopping by the blog. I love theme outings! Most at our table had never had Indian food and it was great to explore. The staff from the restaurant guided us to the most popular dishes and we all loved it. Their use of spices was my favorite. Have fun at the movie, but don’t go hungry!

      Reply
  4. Jules says

    08/14/2014 at 11:32 am

    100 Foot journey is exactly like you described it….. It was a memorable evening and you made it even more special! Thank you for everything CT!

    Reply
    • Christina Thomas says

      08/14/2014 at 11:57 am

      It was so special because of the company!! Without friends like you, these adventures would not be as much fun! I’m looking forward to our next one!

      Reply

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Meet your Chief Epicurista

I'm Christina, a hospitality consultant, freelance writer, food & travel enthusiast, brand cheerleader, ice cream fanatic, chocoholic, and eternal optimist on a mission to #MakeSomedayHappen one delicious bite, sip and trip at a time. Celebrating life with great food, wine and friends throughout Central Florida and everywhere I GO! I want to inspire you to take time out of your busy schedule to do the same. GO celebrate life today, for someday may never come. Join me and GO Epicurista! Find out more...

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Stay tuned for more about the delicious new Caribbean menu and cocktails at Hibiscus Hideaway & Blue Bamboo Bar, all-new food and beverage outlets. I was very impressed with their Food & Beverage program. 
Highly recommend this experience for locals and visitors. The entire day felt like a true vacation! 
💥 Limited time offer: Florida residents save 30% on their 2023 visits and out of state guests save 20% on a Signature Dolphin Swim Package. You can visit anytime in 2023 based on availability but must book by 3/12/23. Options for packages with admission to @seaworldorlando @aquaticaorlando & @bushgardenstampa available 
Go #MakeSomedayHappen 
(hosted) @DiscoveryCove 
#GoEpicOrlando #DiscoveryCove #LoveOrlando
Orlando’s OG Coffee Shop is Back! Where are you Orlando’s OG Coffee Shop is Back! Where are you getting your caffeine & brunch fix this weekend?
@barniescoffeeandtea flagship cafe in Park Avenue, Winter Park has now re-opened with a brighter modern look, new breakfast, lunch & brunch menu, and new coffee blends. Go check it out! 
I was invited to a preview and loved doing a coffee tasting of 4 blends with Christian, Barnie’s head coffee roaster. My favorite was the Guatemala Gehsa with citrus, cocoa nibs and orange blossom notes. We also sampled new menu items. Don’t miss the Shakshuka & the Popovers!
Here’s what we sampled:
☕️ Coffee:
✨Barnie’s Cafe Blend
✨Guatemala Gehsa
✨Birthday Cake Batter (notes of vanilla sprinkles)
✨UCF Pegasus Blend (notes of chocolate & caramel!) yum! 
> I couldn’t resist getting a latte even though it was 6pm! 🤣 Barista Renata did a fab vanilla latte! 
🍳 Breakfast:
✨ Signature Popovers
✨French Toast with fresh truit
✨Shakshuka with poached egg
✨Seasonal Quiche
🥪 Lunch:
✨Cuban Sandwich
✨Roasted BeetSalad
Did you know Barnie’s is Orlando’s original coffee shop? It opened right here in Winter Park in 1980!
Go support local! #MakeSomedayHappen 
#GoEpicOrlando #LoveOrlando #barniescoffeeandtea #orlandocoffee
Hey Orlando Foodies, @orlandocitysc and @orlpride Hey Orlando Foodies, @orlandocitysc and @orlpride games at @exploriastadium just got a whole lot tastier!
Five #OrlandoMade local restaurants are now permanent concessions vendors so you can tame your hunger with the best local tacos, hot dogs, BBQ, Chicken & Burgers in Orlando! 
Thank you Exploria Stadium for inviting me to the media preview. Can’t wait to go cheer on our 2022 US Open Champions at the season opener this Saturday!
Here’s a preview of what we sampled: 
🌮 BLACK ROOSTER TAQUERIA - Chicken Tinga Taco on Flour Tortilla, w. lettuce, radish, cotija cheese, cilantro. Love those tacos! It was nice to see owner Juliana Calloway and Chief Tasting Officer Ryder Calloway dancing! 🕺🏻 @blkroostertaco 🙌🏼
📍 The Wall / Section 24
🌭 HARRELL’S HOT DOGS - Orlando City Stadium Dog features a Nathan’s Hot Dog topped with House Red Onion Sauce, Sauerkraut & Sport Peppers and finished with a Spicy Brown Mustard. Nice to meet owners Drew & David Cardaci! @_whats.up.dog_ 🙌🏼
📍 Section 30
🍖 4 RIVERS SMOKEHOUSE - Orlando’s favorite Pulled Pork Sandwich! Didn’t get to see owner John Rivers did you know you can now pick up 4R sauces & spices at Publix?! @4riverssmokehouse 🙌🏼
📍 Section 31
🐓 THE COOP by 4Rivers - Hand-breaded Chicken Tenders with 4R BBQ sauce @thecoop_wp 🙌🏼
📍 Section 9
🍔 TEAK NEIGHBORHOOD GRILL - Drunken Monk Burger with Smoked Bacon, Provolone Cheese, Roasted Cherry Tomotoes, house-made Angry Orchard Onion Jam, on Herb Mayo & Melted White Cheddor on a Pretzel Bun with Teak Chips. Best Burger in Orlando!  It was so nice to meet owner Jon Proechel after all these years of being a fan of their epic burgers! @teakneighborhoodgrill 🙌🏼
📍 Section 18
🍹MANE-GO MARGARITA - In The Wild Margarita with @camarenatequila - super tasty! 
⭐️ FYI - A Rotating Vendor Cart will feature @cholodogs & @sushieatstation among others 
⚽️ Will you be at the season opener this Saturday? 
#VamosOrlando Let’s Go! #ManEveryWall 💜 
Hosted #GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #ThingsToDoinOrlando
Happy #NationalMargaritaDay 🎉 This is “NOT E Happy #NationalMargaritaDay 🎉
This is “NOT EVERYONE’S MARGARITA” -  But it is mine! Made with Vida Mezcal, Cuervo Traditional Plata Tequila, Jalapeño, Creme de Mure, House Sour, & Black Salt. Epic! 
📍 Go get yours at @paddlefishorl in @disneysprings
Cheers! 
#GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #DisneySprings
Hey Wine Lovers, I almost missed it’s #NationalD Hey Wine Lovers, I almost missed it’s #NationalDrinkWineDay 🥂
Here’s my 3 Favorite Wine Bars in Orlando: 
🍷 @quantumleapwinery - Orlando’s only sustainable winery & cidery, located in Mills 50 District. Try Kaley’s Rescue Red Blend & don’t miss the @thetastytrio “Wine, Cheese & Chocolate”events. 
🍷 @viniawinekitchen - fantastic boutique wines & Italian / Brazilian shareable plates in a charming intimate setting, located in Winter Park. Be sure to ask owner Fabio for his recommendations! 
🍷 @winebargeorge - Orlando’s only Master Sommelier owned restaurant with over 160 wines by the glass, bottle & ounce, located in Disney Springs. Say hi to somm genius George Miliotes and don’t miss their fab boards & wines from around the globe! 
Go #MakeSomedayHappen 
#GoEpicOrlando #OrlandoWine #loveOrlando
Don’t miss “Eat Ice Cream For Breakfast Day” Don’t miss “Eat Ice Cream For Breakfast Day” on Saturday 2/18! 
@kellyshomemadeicecream has created special breakfast-themed ice cream flavors for this annual International Childhood Cancer Awareness event
Order a cup, cone or shake or better yet, get an Ice Cream Flight & try all four! 
🥞 Blueberry Pancake (My favorite!)
🥣 Breakfast Buddies
🥓 Maple Bourbon Bacon
💥 Cinnamon Crunch
🗓️ When: Saturday February 18th, 9am-11am
📍 Where: All Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream Scoop Shops and participating Counters 
💰 50% of sales during breakfast will be donated to @gktwvillage 
🍦 “Eat Ice Cream For Breakfast Day” was created in 2013 in honor of Malia Grace, by her mom and aunt after she lost her battle with cancer in 2010. Malia Grace loved ice cream and her family wanted to commemorate her birthday, 2/18, in a way that would be fitting for her. During her wish trip at Give Kids The World, she had the opportunity to eat ice cream for breakfast and it was a highlight of the family’s experience. 
🌎 Give Kids The World Village is an 89-acre, whimsical nonprofit in Central Florida that provides critically ill children and their families with magical week-long wish vacations at no cost. Every wish family is treated to accommodations, transportation, donated theme park tickets, all meals and snacks, nightly entertainment, and more. Since 1986, Give Kids The World has welcomed more than 182,000 families from all 50 states and 76 countries.
Stop by Kelly’s and pick up these awesome flavors! But, regardless of where you are, Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast in honor of Malia, and raise awareness for those who battle childhood cancer. 💛
#GoEpicOrlando #eaticecreamforbreakfastday #kellyshomemadeicecream #kellysicecream #orlandoicecream
Happy Valentine’s Day! ♥️ Add a little fire Happy Valentine’s Day! ♥️ Add a little fire & passion to your life, head to @gideonsbakehouse for their Eternal Flame Cookie & Cake. They are 🔥in the best way!
🍰 Eternal Flame Cake is a 3-Layer Double Frosted Chocolate work of art! Red Cherry Buttercream layers and Chocolate Fudge Buttercream mixed with a bit of that Eternal Flame spice on the outer layer. Not too spicy and absolutely decadent! Pair it with a nice bold red wine!
🍪 Eternal Flame Chocolate Cookie packs a nice kick laced with house-made Ancho, Cayenne, and Cinnamon Spice Mix, infused with a magical essence of cherry and topped with Chocolate Covered Cherries. 
❤️ For a limited time, a special version of the Eternal Flame cookie without the spice mix is available too! (Check Gideon’s IG for details)
📍 Available only in February at Gideon’s in East End Market & Disney Springs
Go celebrate with the best cookies and cakes on the planet!
#MakeSomedayHappen #GoEpicOrlando #GideonsBakehouse #DisneySprings #ValentinesDayTreat
For The Love of Chocolate… stop by @peterbrookew For The Love of Chocolate… stop by @peterbrookewp and pick up the best treats for your sweetie and besties 💕
A few of my favorites: 
🍓 Chocolate Covered Strawberries (require advanced order)
❤️ “Jami Choo’s” Chocolate Shoes
💋 Assorted Truffles (loved the red lips!)
♥️ Chocolate Covered Popcorn! 
💖 Baskets with a variety of treats! (Don’t miss the Chocolate Covered Oreos, Cat Tails & Cookies)
☎️ Call the shop to reserve a basket for quick pick up at (407) 644-3200. They’re open regular hours today & 7AM -11:15PM on Valentine’s Day!
🍓 Thank you to Peterbrooke’s creative Cupid chocolatiers for these gorgeous berries! 
#GoEpicOrlando #PeterbrookeWP #winterparkfl
Bon jour! Bon soir, enchante! 💕 The perfect way Bon jour! Bon soir, enchante! 💕 The perfect way to celebrate Galentine’s Day & Valentine’s Day is with the best French pastries in Orlando! 
Thank you @chefstephsteph for these epic @choulalapastries 💕
Pre-order and pick up at either Choulala Park Avenue and 436 location! You’re going to want to get all of this! 
VALENTINE’S DAY DESSERT BOX!
Chef Steph created an epic gourmet assortment of Valentine’s Day delights perfect to share:
💋 (1) Lychee Rose French Kiss Entremet
♥️ (2) Conversation Heart Vanilla Macarons
💝 (2) Crème Brûlée Choux Cream Puffs!
“I LOVE CHOU” BOX includes:
❤️ Passion Fruit, Raspberry & Crème Brûlée Choux Cream Puffs
♥️ Red Velvet, Lavender & Conversation Heart Macaron
❤️ Strawberry Eclair
I also picked up these gorgeous heart shaped entremets:
💜 Exotique: Passion Fruit & Coconut 
💖 Sweeties: Strawberry & Chocolate Brownie
Go enjoy the sweetest Galentine’s & Valentine’s Day #MakeSomedayHappen 
📍Choulala Park Avenue is open regular hours Saturday & Sunday, closed Mon, but will open special hours on V-Day Tuesday 11a-8p.
📍Choulala 436 open regular hours including 10-5pm V- Day
(Hosted) #GoEpicOrlando #BlissfulBite #ChoulalaPastries #Galentines #ValentinesTreats
It’s #NationalPizzaDay but all I’m thinking ab It’s #NationalPizzaDay but all I’m thinking about is Hot Garlic Knots from @official_pizza_bruno 
Have you tried these?  They are a #MustEat in Orlando!
Look for the lit “Hot Knots Now!” sign! 🔥 And, when you think there isn’t enough garlic... there’s more! 🧄 🍕 
Go get some!
#GoEpicOrlando #OrlandoFoodie #MakeSomedayHappen
💜 Feeling the lavender haze... One of my favori 💜 Feeling the lavender haze... One of my favorite foodie experiences of 2022 was dining at Salt & The Cellar by Michelin Chef Akira Back and spending the night at the new @ettehotel - a gorgeous boutique hotel with impeccable attention to detail! I even got to meet @chefakiraback 
So excited I’m going back tonight to check out their new Lipa Rooftop Bar & Restaurant and have reservations for Afternoon Tea next month! 
Add a visit to ette hotel to your Foodie Bucket List for 2023! 
A few favorites from my last visit:
🍸 Fantastic Zero-Proof Cocktails by @jarldevries: It’s Dry January all year long! Featured first is The Kraken, a gorgeous purple cocktail made with Butterfly Pea Flower Tea & Champagne Vinegar
✨ Toro Tartare: A gorgeous board with fatty tuna and accompaniments
✨ Akira Back Tuna Pizza: his famous dish is a Must Eat! 
✨ Spinach Oshitashi Salad: the most gorgeous salad I’ve ever seen! 
✨ NY Strip with Wasabi Kizami Butter, Chimichurri Sauce, & choice of gourmet salts. Amazing! Loved that Espresso salt
✨ Miso Black Cod, yuzu air, pickled cauliflower 
✨ Togarashi Fries & Kimchi Brussels
✨ Dessert: Yuzu Curd and Chocolate in a Cup
☕️ “Where The Cloud Ends” Zero-Proof espresso martini with Yuzu Tonic, Lemon Cordial, Espresso, 0% Coffee Liquor
💜 The lobby decor with lavender and green touches was dreamy.
🧺 They have a Laundry Museum! 
📕 The Book Room features incredible books. The giant picture book requires gloves to review as it is one of a few in the world! 
The hotel is focused on wellness and offers Wellness Suites completely equipped with a full gym! 
Make plans to dine at @saltandthecellarbyakiraback and stay at @ettehotel and GO #MakeSomedayHappen
(Hosted) #GoEpicOrlando #ettehotel #saltandthecellarbyakiraback #experiencekissimmee #LoveOrlando
Don’t let the casual vibe at @jujubysusuru fool Don’t let the casual vibe at @jujubysusuru fool you. The Kappo Bar Omakase experience with Chef Lewis Lin is out of this world (& Michelin-worthy!)
“irasshaimase / come in!” is what you hear first upon entering this revamped Pizza Hut building off Colonial Drive. Everyone is welcome at Juju, one of Orlando’s newest restaurants and one that belongs on every #OrlandoFoodie bucket list! 
I was invited to experience their Kappo Bar and it checked all the boxes for a truly amazing #MakeSomedayHappen experience.
The retro Japanese izakaya-style restaurant serves up a 10-course menu at the bar and a more casual a la carte menu in the dining room. 
Omakase menu changes regularly but always features the five primary cooking techniques (grilling, steaming, frying, simmering, and raw) using local and imported ingredients, in-house dry-aged fish, and binchotan charcoal-fired dishes. Everything is prepared right in front of you for an immersive experience.
And, Don’t miss the fun cocktails! I loved “That Old Pizza Hut” was like an orange creamsicle with Suntory Toki Whiskey served in a Pizza Hut cup! 
Make reservations and go check this Orlando restaurant off your bucket list.
Thank you Chef Lewis and Mai for your outstanding hospitality. I’ll be coming back soon!
(Hosted) #GoEpicOrlando #LoveOrlando #omakase
Hello 2023! Why start the year on a diet? My new y Hello 2023! Why start the year on a diet? My new year’s resolution is to focus on self-care.  Eating healthy and exercising, sure. But also treating myself to more @gideonsbakehouse cookies, cakes & cold brews. Who’s with me? What will you treat yourself with this year?
You want something. Go Get It. Period!
This was my last purchase of 12/31/22... I wanted to start 2023 on a sweet note!
What if my 2023 resolution is to visit Gideon’s every month for their awesome limited-edition treats? 
I think that’s a resolution I can keep!  January’s Butterscotch flavors sound to die for.
Did you hear? The epic Banana Bread Chocolate Chip cookie is now part of the permanent lineup. While the Coffee Cake is my all-time favorite, this one is in the top 3! And, the original Peanut Butter Cold Brew is a must pairing.
What resolution will you set today? Go #MakeSomedayHappen 🎉 Happy New Year everyone!
#GoEpicOrlando #2023resolutions #GideonsBakehouse #DisneySprings
Happy New Year 2023! 🎉 We had a fun and very ch Happy New Year 2023! 🎉 We had a fun and very chill night at @disneysprings. How about you?
I love Progressive Dining and Disney Springs has plenty of options. We just get a spot at the bar and order a drink and a fun bite. Then move on to the next spot. So easy! No reservations required! 
🦀 1st Stop: @paddlefishorl 
Steak Skewers
Crab Topped Fries 
Larceny Old Fashioned 
Capt Handsome - Cathead Vodka & Raspberry 
Mayan Empress - Santa Teresa Añejo Rum, pineapple
🍰 2nd Stop: @homecominfl 
Espresso Martini 
Carrot Cake 
☘️ 3rd Stop: @raglanroadpub 
Great entertainment! 
@guinnessus 
Great Irish Hooley Cocktail - so refreshing with strawberries & Prosecco 
🍪 Not pictured: we managed a stop at @gideonsbakehouse to pick up treats to start the new year!!! (They had a 2 second brief moment with no line around 11pm! I could not resist! I picked up a Banana Bread Chocolate Chip cookie which is now part of the year-round line up! I also got a slice of Golden Oreo cake and a PB Cold Brew to enjoy today! Starting 2023 off right… and not a diet 😂
We went early, had a great time and got home in time to watch the ball drop!!! 🎉
Wishing you all happiness and lots of delicious treats in 2023! 
#GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #DisneySprings
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