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9 Things You Should Know About Paradise, i.e. Turks and Caicos

By Christina Thomas 9 Comments

9 Things You Should Know About Paradise, Turks and Caicos with www.GoEpicurista.com

My Observations from Paradise:  Providenciales, Turks and Caicos

*This post was written in 2015 while I was consulting with a local hotel group. I spent two months living in Providenciales and returned frequently over the course of a year. Some information may have changed, however this post will still give you an overall idea of life in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos and what to expect as a visitor. If you have any questions, please feel free to post in comments. 

Go Epicurista is coming to you straight from paradise! My current outpost is a dream job project consulting with a beautiful beach resort on the island of Providenciales, the largest of the exotic Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI). This is definitely what I imagine paradise would look like. Warm breezes, the most breathtaking shades of blues and greens along the infinite ocean, miles of powdery white sandy beaches, year-round warm temperatures and the friendliest people.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to live in paradise or if you’re planning a visit to Turks and Caicos, here’s what I’ve learned about paradise and life in TCI during my first week. Some of it is nice, some not as much. It’s all in your perspective.

1. It’s easy to get to Paradise:

In case you were wondering where paradise can be found, the country of exotic islands known as Turks and Caicos is 575 miles southeast of Miami and only 90 miles north of Hispaniola (Dominican Republic & Haiti). 19 cities currently have non-stop flights to Providenciales including American Airlines, twice daily from Miami, Delta from Atlanta and New York, Jet Blue from New York and recently added Ft. Lauderdale, just to name a few. The increase in popularity equals an increase in flights. Providenciales is the main port of entry, however, Grand Turk and South Caicos also have international airports. Book your flight and in a short blink of the eye you’re in paradise!

9 Things You Should Know About Paradise, Turks and Caicos with www.GoEpicurista.com

There’s plenty to discover in Turks and Caicos!

2. Bags don’t fly free to Paradise:

I despise checking in luggage about as much as I do a trip to the dentist, so I’ve become skilled at packing all I need in the ubiquitous carry-on suitcase and personal bag allowed on most airlines. Due to the length of my trip to Turks and Caicos, I decided to put my disdain aside and check a bag, under the misinformed impression that first bags fly free between all international destinations and the U.S. My assumptions were wrong, and you know what they say about that, right? Apparently paradise is too popular of a destination for free bags to be allowed. $25 for your first bag, $40 for your second on American Airlines. Now you know. Check with your airline before packing. Everyone, including luggage, has to pay to come to paradise.

3. There’s no jetway into Paradise:

Upon arrival at Providenciales airport, I discovered it was in fact a good thing to check my bag and travel light on the carry ons. There is no jetway from the aircraft into the airport. You will be descending the stairs of the airplane directly onto the tarmac. My customary heavy carry-ons would have probably led me on a nose dive straight into paradise. That was $25 in checked luggage fees well spent. There’s the silver lining.

9 Things You Should Know About Paradise, Turks and Caicos with www.GoEpicurista.com

Those airplane stairs are treacherous! Travel light.

4. There’s a long line to enter Paradise:

The staff at the PLS airport was very polite and pleasant. Two immigration officers were designated to welcome residents, called “Belongers” and five attended to visitors. 90% of those on my flight from Miami were visitors, thus the line was long and moved at a snail’s pace. The officers, whose duty it is to allow you entry into paradise, take their jobs quite seriously. Ensure you have your passport, all forms completed and don’t forget your proof of return ticket. Apparently, they don’t just let anyone in to paradise and, you are welcome to visit but you just can’t stay.

5. Driving in Paradise may be hazardous to your health:

Turks and Caicos follows their British heritage by driving on the left side of the road. For those of us accustomed to driving on the right, it’s just downright confusing, nerve-wrecking and hazardous to your health. I felt like I took my life in my hands by simply riding a bike on the left hand side of the road. Look right, look left, look right again, look behind me, give way at the roundabout, oh my! I can’t imagine actually driving a car. Just being a passenger in a car with the passenger seat on the right and having headlights staring at me around every turn has me gripping the dashboard in fear. Providenciales has no traffic lights, only roundabouts, and from what I hear, stop signs are merely a suggestion. There are no street lights, so you must proceed with greater caution in the evenings. Although the speed limit is 20 miles per hour around most of the island with 40 MPH being the max speed, it feels like Germany’s Autobahn to me. I may just have to wait a bit to drive in paradise.  Yes, I’m aware my British friends are laughing at me right now.

9 Things You Should Know About Paradise, Turks and Caicos with www.GoEpicurista.com

Driving on the left at 20 MPH is still nerve wrecking!

6. Bubbles are a Luxury in Paradise:

When paradise is a small island, everything is imported which sadly carries a hefty fee. A bottle of Veuve Cliquot Champagne can be found in the U.S. for around $45, here it’s $73.99 at the local Turks and Caicos supermarket. Life without bubbles would not be paradise at all, would it? I may have to forgo other necessities. Electricity, quite expensive on the island, is overrated, right? Candles and bubbles sounds like a perfect evening. Who am I kidding? I couldn’t survive without AC! Tough choices.

9 Things You Should Know About Paradise, Turks and Caicos with www.GoEpicurista.com

Prices for goods at the supermarket are on average 40% higher than in the U.S. (This price is from 2015)

7. We all scream for Ice Cream in Paradise:

House made ice cream is very popular in Turks and Caicos as I suspect it is the perfect antidote to the hot weather. Walking around Grace Bay Road, I spotted five ice cream parlors and one frozen yogurt shop. Score! Island Scoop, with a sign that needs no further explanation, The Patty Place sells ice cream and Jamaican Patties (perfect, no?), Shay Cafe has house made gelato in a variety of flavors, Giggles features ice cream amongst pirates, and TurkBerry, is a Turks and Caicos version of PinkBerry, all located within a two block walk. Restaurants on the island are also known to make their own ice cream and sorbets for a gourmet and refreshing ending to any meal.

9 Things You Should Know About Paradise, Turks and Caicos with www.GoEpicurista.com

I wonder what they sell at Island Scoop?

My first ice cream in Turks and Caicos was at Melt, a kitschy little store/cafe full of tchotchkes, decadent ice cream sundaes, creative cocktails, coffee drinks and the nicest staff in Regent Village. At $19 for “Melt’s Very Special Sundae”, an impressive concoction of chocolate, coffee and Baileys ice cream topped with banana, chocolate sauce, whipped cream and a side shot of Baileys, it was not just dessert, it was also my diner. Please don’t judge. Yes, this is definitely paradise!

9 Things You Should Know About Paradise, Turks and Caicos with www.GoEpicurista.com

Melt’s Very Special Sunday, dinner of champions!

8. There’s no Starbucks in Paradise:

I hate to be the bearer of bad news for all Starbucks addicts out there but you won’t be getting your venti triple shot skinny upside down caramel machiatto, or your blended coffee drink of choice, in this version paradise. That familiar green logo will not be there to greet you on every street corner. In fact, there are no chain restaurants or stores anywhere on the island. I have learned there is one coffee roaster, TCI Coffee Roasters, a family run company that provides the only freshly roasted and blended coffee to hotels and restaurants on the island. Apparently, caffeine must come from other sources in paradise.

9 Things You Should Know About Paradise, Turks and Caicos with www.GoEpicurista.com

This corner store does not have that recognizable green logo to fuel our caffeine cravings, not in TCI!

9. Sundays are a day of rest in Paradise:

Throughout the island, not much happens on Sundays. Most businesses are closed and no liquor sales allowed. The popular area along Grace Bay Road is practically deserted. It’s a day for visitors to relax and enjoy the spectacular 135 miles of sugar sand beaches. Based on the large number of churches I’ve seen on the island, over 35 from almost every denomination listed in the yellow pages, this is a day for Belongers to worship. Take it easy. Relax. It’s easy to do in Turks and Caicos. Sunday is truly a day of rest and worship in Paradise. Perfect, indeed.

9 Things You Should Know About Paradise, Turks and Caicos with www.GoEpicurista.com

Buy your provisions on Saturday, there’s no shopping in TCI on Sunday!

Condiments on the Road

In case you were wondering about my “Have Condiments, Will Travel” story, and whether I, in fact, needed the condiments on this trip, here’s an update. My travel size bottle of hot sauce and garlic salt have left their comfy carrying case on three occasions during my first week in Providenciales. The food here runs on both opposite ends of the flavor spectrum. It is either quite flavorful and spicy, with Jerk being the seasoning of choice amongst residents, or it is very safe (and bland) to appeal to the American tourist market which makes up the majority of visitors to the island. It definitely pays to travel with condiments as these meals deserved to be saved.

This salad had a lot going on! Suffering from an identity crisis, it had Scallops, Sautéed Bacon & Mushrooms, Grilled Shrimp, Smoked Salmon with Capers, carrots, cucumber, and tomato all piled over Romaine. What was missing was a little heat! Thank heavens I travel with condiments. They can rescue any meal. Have you read my “Have Condiments Will Travel” Story. It’s #OnTheBlog if you need a chuckle. #GOEpicTCI

A photo posted by Christina Thomas (@goepicurista) on Jul 28, 2015 at 1:01pm PDT

Were you surprised by any of my observations? Please share your comments or any questions you have about Turks and Caicos in the comments below. Is there anything you want me to scope out for you in paradise?

Are you ready to come and visit the Turks & Caicos paradise? This video may influence your decision:

Just take a moment… Relax. Breathe. Be grateful. Repeat. #GOEpicTCI #TurksandCaicos #beach

A video posted by Christina Thomas (@goepicurista) on Jul 28, 2015 at 5:29am PDT

I will be here for the next two months and can’t wait to continue exploring and learning about this beautiful country. Stay tuned and follow my adventures in paradise with the hashtag #GOepicTCI on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Cheers,

GO Epicurista

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Filed Under: Go Travel & Dine The World Tagged With: Ice Cream, Providenciales, TCI, Travel Info, Turks & Caicos

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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. Lisa O says

    05/19/2016 at 1:17 pm

    We are heading to TCI is a few weeks. I was happy to read all the tips provided in this post. I also contacted Christina and she graciously provided me with other TCI suggestions, and was MOST helpful answering my questions!

    Reply
    • Christina Thomas says

      05/22/2016 at 2:26 pm

      I’m so happy I was able to help. Can’t wait to hear all about your TCI vacation. Whatever you do, make it epic! Cheers! #GOEpicTCI

      Reply
      • Debbi says

        12/28/2019 at 10:49 am

        I’m planning a trip to TCI next month with my large family.
        I WOULD LIKE TO BRING LARGE CANS OF TUNAFISH, frozen shrimp
        Is that okay?

        Reply
        • Christina Thomas says

          12/28/2019 at 9:51 pm

          Hi Debbi, how exciting to be visiting with your family! I’m pretty sure tuna cans or any canned food would be ok but the frozen shrimp may be a bit of a challenge. Here are two websites I found for you to check out:
          https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/frozen-food
          https://www.visittci.com/travel-info/customs-allowances

          Let me know if you have any other questions. Have a wonderful trip! Happy New Year!

          Reply
  2. Seloi says

    08/22/2015 at 2:12 pm

    I’ll be moving over soon. It would be great of we can connect. I’ve never been there so it’s a bit daunting ie bot knowing where are good areas to live in etc. But your article has partially put my mind at rest, thanks!

    Reply
    • Christina Thomas says

      08/24/2015 at 9:57 am

      Very cool that you will be moving to Turks and Caicos. The people are very friendly and if you ask they will offer recommendations to you. Let’s connect on Facebook and I am happy to answer any questions you may have and provide any further insight. I am still learning about the area but it is a fascinating country. Thanks for checking out Go Epicurista. Cheers!

      Reply
      • Seloi says

        09/01/2015 at 12:33 pm

        You’re most welcome! Thank you so much, i have liked your page on Facebook. Speak soon!

        Reply
  3. Jeannie says

    08/14/2015 at 2:53 pm

    You must be pretty busy. I would love to hear how week 2 went and 3 is going?
    Thank you, for sharing.

    Reply
    • Christina Thomas says

      08/14/2015 at 9:35 pm

      Crazy busy in this paradise island! I’m loving learning all about TCI and the people here. More posts to come but in the meantime, follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for pictures and updates. Follow the hashtag #GOepicTCI for all the latest on paradise.

      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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✨Guatemala Gehsa
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✨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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