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A Discovery of Cider and Cheese in an Unexpected Location

By Christina Thomas 1 Comment

Cider and Cheese Tasting Oblivion Tap Room check out review www.goEpicurista.com

Day 1 of my Birthday Celebrations at the Oblivion Tap Room proved to be a discovery of cider and cheese in an unexpected location.

I was singing to the tune of 12 days of Christmas…

“On the first day of birthday celebrations, my Lady Crafter friends gave to me… a taste of cider and cheese!”

If you’re curious what this 12 Days of Birthdays is all about, check out my post on The Cure for The Birthday Blues and the Fun Events in Orlando that inspired it.

I’ve had more than my share of wine and cheese pairings in my life but Cider and Cheese was a first. I’ve only tried the occasional holiday cider which could basically be described as a super sweet, slightly alcoholic version of apple juice. Not a fan. I am also not a beer drinker. However, the optimist in me firmly believes that I just haven’t found my favorite one to love yet. I am open to continue the search. Enter The Orlando Lady Crafters, a group of ladies that love craft beer and participate in tastings around town, who invited me to this event and promised to show me the way. It’s good to have a guide when you are discovering new foods and drinks and these ladies are pros. Plus, I love how they have created a group with one common goal: to enjoy good company, conversation and their favorite crafty beverage. I think everyone should be a part of a group that gets together to enjoy life!

Cider and Cheese Tasting Oblivion Tap Room review www.goepicurista.com

Don’t judge a book by its cover – Oblivion Tap Room is full of character and good food and drinks!


When I arrived at the Oblivion Tap Room, what could be affectionately described as a hole in the wall on East Colonial Drive, I would have never expected the type of tasting experience that awaited me. They say never judge a book by its cover and in this case, never judge a restaurant by location and looks alone. It’s a sure way to miss out on the good things in life. The place looks like a cleaned-up version of a biker bar. Not a hard-core biker but certainly that vibe. Red walls, graffiti, pool table in the corner, chalkboard on bathroom stalls for you to doodle on during your down time (pun intended!), skulls, tattoos and lots of character all around. I love character in a restaurant. It tells me the people that run it have personality. They are not following the norms of what is expected or afraid to be themselves. I like that. This place has personality in spades!

The cheese presentation was beautiful – again not what I expected. It offered four good sized portions of each cheese beautifully garnished with crisp green grapes, dried apricots, cranberries, candied pecans, honey (more on that later) and whole grain crackers. The four ciders were brought out one at a time while Krista, one of the managers, introduced and told us a little about each each pairing she so carefully selected. The cost was $25 per person which I thought was very reasonable.

Cider and Cheese Tasting Oblivion Tap Room check out review www.goepicurista.com

Beautiful Cheese Presentation

Cider and Cheese Taste One


Moody Blue Cheese and The Anvil Sonoma Cider from Healdsburg, CA
The Roth Moody Blue Cheese from Wisconsin was creamy, tangy and had a wonderful smoky flavor that paired beautifully with the crisp and slightly smoky finish of the cider. We all agreed this cheese would be fantastic stuffed in a burger or topping a steak. It was certainly one of my favorites of the night. It had just as much character as this place. Now let’s talk cider. I learned you taste cider like you do wine. You smell it first then you taste. The Anvil from Sonoma was aromatic with hints of pear. Just for good measure the makers added bourbon flavor and lightly aged it in bourbon barrels to give it that smoky finish. It reminded me of a Fume Blanc as it was light bodied, crisp, lively and smoky. The cider was 6% alcohol and a small bottle is on the menu for $7.
Cider and Cheese Tasting Oblivion Tap Room review www.goepicurista.com

Taste 1 Moody Blue & The Anvil


Cider and Cheese Taste Two


Herb de Humboldt Cheese & Cidre Bouche Brut de Normandie Cider from France
The Herb de Humboldt Chevre is hand-mixed with Herbs de Provence. The taste was fresh & tangy, simple yet refined, with the herbs providing a very pleasant earthiness. If you like goat cheese taken to a higher level, this is a winner. I enjoyed it slowly with the crackers as I didn’t want it to end. The Cidre Bouche Brut de Normandie from Domaine Familial Louis Dupont was a medium bodied cider with a dry, slightly yeasty finish. I liked the strong aromas of cooked apples and honey. This pairing was my favorite of the night. It has 4.5% alcohol content. A 375ml bottle was $17.50 on the menu. I guess you could say I have expensive taste!
Cider and Cheese Tasting

Taste 2 Herb de Humboldt and Cidre Bouche Brut de Normandie


Cider and Cheese Taste Three


Kaltbach Gruyere and Doc’s Draft Hard Pear Cider from Warwick, New York
The Kaltbach Gruyere is a classic hard Swiss cheese. If you have never tried dipping cheese in honey then you are missing out. Once I started dipping this cheese in the honey I couldn’t stop. It has a sharp flavor with a hint of nuttiness but not salty. Eating it with the honey and the candied pecans was amazing. The Doc’s Draft Hard Pear Cider from Warwick Valley Wine Company is a traditional cider crafted with apples and pears. I got the aromas of ripe pear right away as if I was standing in an orchard. The taste was light and very crisp with a dry finish. I was not a fan of the slightly medicinal finish I got from it, yet I love how everyone’s tastes are different, because others around me loved it. I guess my palate isn’t used to it. This is Advanced Cider 2.0 and I’m still in the beginner class. But I’m learning!
Cider and Cheese Tasting Oblivion Tap Room www.goepicurista.com

Taste 3 Kaltbach Gruyere dipped in honey wiht Doc’s Hard Pear Cider


Cider and Cheese Taste Four


Purple Haze and Lazy Lemon McKenzie’s Hard Cider from West Seneca, NY
The Purple Haze cheese (not the beer as I first thought) is made by one of America’s best known artisan cheese-makers, Cypress Grove Chevre from California. Why is it called Purple Haze you may ask? Well, let me tell you. Because it is a beautiful creamy goat cheese blended with lavender and wild fennel pollen. Yes, I said Lavender! Oh this cheese has so many tasty possibilities! It would be amazing in a salad with berries or stuffed in dates. You can guess by now that I liked this cheese very much, right? The cider was McKenzie’s Lazy Lemon Hard Cider and it was a perfect pairing as the tangy lemony notes of the cider complemented the lavender notes in the cheese. The nose was full of citrus like you had just cut a bunch of lemons and limes. The taste was tart without an acidic bite, zesty and refreshing with 6% alcohol. I can see this as a perfect summer drink and it was my second favorite pairing of the evening. It is $5 for a small bottle.
Cider and Cheese Tasting Oblivion Tap Room www.goepicurista.com

Taste 4 Purple Haze & Lazy Lemon


Oblivion Tap Room has over 70 ciders on hand – three pages on the menu! If you like cider or want to learn about cider this is the place to go. The staff was very knowledgeable and friendly. If beer is more your liking, they have 40 taps constantly rotating, plus they offer mini beers so you can try more than one and create your own flights. The menu offers a variety of bar food, sandwiches and creative burgers made of a 1/2 lb house-blend of brisket, short rib and chuck patty served on fresh bread from local favorite Olde Hearth Bread Company with your choice of seasonings and toppings. I ordered their Sweet Potato Wedges with a killer Sriracha sauce. My neighbor ordered a burger that looked so tasty I almost stole a bite while she wasn’t looking. Their menu is a bit irreverent like their style. I loved their note “good things take time” as all their dishes are made fresh and that, as they say, takes time. They offer billiards and steel tip darts for free and a huge selection of beers to keep you busy. This place is definitely worth a visit if you are in East Orlando or worth a drive if you are not.
Cider and Cheese Tasting Event

Oblivion’s Killer Cheeseburger

Cider and Cheese Tasting review www.goepicurista.com

Oblivion’s Sweet Potato Wedges


Thank you Orlando Lady Crafters for a great evening! Day 1 of Birthday Celebrations at Oblivion Tap Room was a fantastic start to my 12 Days of Birthday Celebrations and a sure way to cure the birthday blues!
Cider and Cheese Tasting Oblivion Tap Room review www.goepicurista.com

Orlando Lady Crafters


Stay tuned for Day 2 as I enjoy Dinner & Movie at a place where you don’t have to sacrifice good quality food and a nice glass of wine or cocktail to watch the latest blockbuster. Check out my Cure for the Birthday Blues and share with your friends.
Cheers!

goEpicurista

Oblivion Tap Room
5101 E Colonial Drive
Orlando FL 32803
407-802-4800

Cider and Cheese Tasting

Cider & Cheese Tasting Accomplished

Oblivion Taproom on Urbanspoon

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Filed Under: Go Travel & Dine Orlando Tagged With: Cheese, Cheese Tasting, Cider, Oblivion Taproom, Orlando Dining, Orlando Restaurant

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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!

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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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Their promo offer for today only: “You Buy the Coffee, the Whiskey Is on Us!”⠀
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“Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four essential food groups: alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.’” - Alex Levine is spot on! 
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Coffee fans will love all of Raglan Road's coffee-based cocktails on the menu: ⠀
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Slainte! ⠀
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#GoEpicOrlando #GoEpicDisney #RaglanRoadPub #irishcoffee
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We talked about food and travel, her go-to for easy entertaining at home (she also shared her recipe for an easy mango drink), what's on her "someday list" and her advice for other entrepreneurs like her.⠀
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👉🏼 Check out GoEpicurista.com for some sweet inspiration with Sister Honey's and plan a visit to this award-winning bakery in the SoDo district of Orlando. Her Ruby Rum Cake also ships nationwide! ⠀
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#MakeSomedayHappen⠀
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#GoEpicOrlando #SisterHoneys #WomenEntrepreneurs #LoveOrlando #BlackWomanOwnedBusiness #cakesandpies #womensupportingwomen
"When you have the choice between being right and "When you have the choice between being right and being kind just choose kind." - Wayne Dyer⠀
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It’s #NationalPopcornDay and I’m so excited to share with you my favorite Orlando local made popcorn @eatprojectpop as well as a bit of travel, “someday list” and entrepreneurial inspiration as we kick start 2021. ⠀
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My t-shirt from Major’s Project Pop says “Spread Kindness. Share snacks!” ⠀
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I think that’s a very good motto for this year. It was produced by @impressink at the start of the pandemic to help local businesses and feed those in need with @feedhopenow. They raised over $49K! 👏🏼⠀
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You can order Major’s Project Pop online and get it shipped nationwide. It’s 100% organic and vegan with the most addictive sweet, salty and clean taste. Guaranteed you’ll need at least two bags! ⠀
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👉🏼 TODAY ONLY! All purchases enter to win popcorn for a year!!!! Follow @eatprojectpop for more details! ⠀
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“Snack Bolder!” #MakeSomedayHappen ⠀
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#GOepicOrlando #WomenEntrepreneurs #EatProjectPop #WomenSupportingWomen #LocalLove
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The "Palate Coffee Bub Sundae" at @palate_bubsandicecream in @historicdowntownsanford combines my favorite treats, which I’ve tried to give up in the past and couldn’t! Coffee, chocolate and ice cream.⠀
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Today is “Ditch The New Year’s Resolutions Day!” and here’s what I propose: ⠀
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🍦 Be kind to yourself. ⠀
🍦 Make progress towards your goals one step & one day at a time. ⠀
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💕 Reward yourself... and, indulge every once in a while! ⠀
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👉🏼 Read all about this and all the Sanford sweet treats we’ve discovered in an article Lisa Wilk of @tastecooksip and I wrote for HistoricDowntownSanford.com which will be published on Monday 1/18! ⠀
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You can also check out other fun articles we’ve written about all the foodie options to enjoy in this charming district for a day of #Sanfording, from cocktails to craft beer to healthy eats.⠀
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#GoEpicOrlando #palateicecream  #ditchthenewyearsresolutions
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Sandwiches are served on a buttery sweet bun or you can level up and get it on a griddled glazed donut for $1 more! ⠀
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There’s so much to bring us down in the world right now. A sugar high is guaranteed to bring spirits up. Smiles guaranteed. 😃⠀
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Hello 2021! May we enjoy the interval more than ever this year. It's time for "The Cure".... 😉⠀
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Got any plans for the first day of the year? ⠀
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@raglanroadpub in @disneysprings is celebrating with their popular "Rollicking Raglan Weekend Brunch" today and their fantastic “The Cure” signature Bloody Mary. ⠀
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Dig into a phenomenal brunch menu of delicious offerings ranging from The Full Irish breakfast and Pancakes Diaspora to the OMG Burger and the pub’s famous Fish & Chips – a premium 10-ounce North Atlantic beer-battered cod filet.  Enjoy live Irish entertainment (starting at noon) while you sip “The Cure” or one of their epic Irish coffees. ⠀
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Space is limited so reservations are encouraged at 407/938-0300 or online. ⠀
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👉🏼 Check out GoEpicurista.com for more details on the best Bloody Mary & Weekend Brunches in Orlando including Raglan Road Irish Pub. ⠀
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Slainte! Cheers to a better 2021! 🎉🥂 #GOepicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen
"Acknowledging the good that you already have in y "Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance." - Eckhart Tolle⠀
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In a year that will never be forgotten, there's still so much I'm grateful for. ⠀
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💫  Life. We made it this far! ⠀
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💕  Love. There will never be a day I'm not most grateful for my husband, my family and my dear friends. If you're reading this - I'm grateful for YOU!⠀
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🥂  Fun. Yes! Despite the challenges of this pandemic. We adapted. And we searched for joy in every turn. ⠀
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✨  We got creative in the kitchen⠀
✨  We enjoyed the outdoors & went for more walks than ever before⠀
✨  We used Zoom, What's App & social media to stay connected⠀
✨  We attempted to learn new skills in the early days (remember March?!) ⠀
✨  We watched a lot of TV! (Schitt’s Creek, Ted Lasso, Killing Eve, The Queen’s Gambit, Mandalorian & even Tiger King got us thru it!)⠀
✨  We heard the words “pivot” “unprecedented” & “hunker down” way too much. ⠀
✨ “We’re in this together” has a new meaning ⠀
✨  We were distanced yet became much more aware of the world around us ⠀
✨  We had our eyes opened to the harsh inequalities that exist and the importance of speaking out ⠀
✨  We appreciated quality experiences over quantity and became much more selective of where we went when we left the house⠀
✨  Staycations did wonders for our mental health. Thank you @wyndhamgrandorl and @waldorforlando for epic "getaways"! ⠀
✨  In the year of "Take Out" we were awed by epic "At Home Experiences" Thank you @newstandardwp & @tavernaopaorl (Read about them on GoEpicurista.com) ⠀
✨  We were inspired by the tenacity & creativity of small business owners, restaurateurs & food'preneurs who worked so hard to survive & thrive (so many to mention!)⠀
✨  We were encouraged for the future of our hospitality industry by new openings like Knife & Spoon @ritzcarltonorlando & revamps like Henry Moso's @kabooki_orlando 2.0 - The Most Epic Meals of 2020!⠀
 ⠀
There were so many things on my “To Do List” that didn't get checked off. But for today, I'm choosing simply to be grateful for this moment. ⠀
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Wishing you loads of abundance & joy. Happy New Year 2021!⠀
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#MakeSomedayHappen
“No matter how hard the past, you can always beg “No matter how hard the past, you can always begin again.” — Buddha (hosted)

Hope for a better new year. Hope is all we can hang on to. That and a glass of champagne! 😉🥂

As I reflect back on this difficult year, there's still so much to be grateful for. I'm mostly grateful for the friendships that have sustained me and the continued partnerships with my favorite local businesses that have inspired me to keep GoEpicurista going. And, while we didn't travel or dine out much in 2020, we did manage to enjoy a few fabulous staycations and epic meals in Orlando that truly made our spirits bright. More than ever I appreciate now, it's about "Quality vs. Quantity."

Our dinners at Bull & Bear at @waldorforlando and La Luce at @bonnetcreek were epic! I'm still dreaming of that beef carpaccio and the pasta explosion and the perfectly cooked filet and.... all the perfectly paired wines. 

If you haven't dined at Bull & Bear and La Luce or if its been a while, add them to your list and make it a point to GO! 2021 needs all the goodness you can bring! 

Make any day a celebration. Seriously, life is too short. #MakeSomedayHappen

🎉 If you don't have plans for New Year's Eve, La Luce and Bull & Bear are serving fabulous multi course menus to help you say “Hello 2021” in style! 

👉🏼 Check out GoEpicurista.com for a full list of all the festive ways to celebrate in Orlando on 12/31.

#GoEpicOrlando #WAOFoodie #HBCFoodie #WaldorfOrlando #HiltonBonnetCreek
“The bad news is time flies. The good news is yo “The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot. — Micheal Altshuler⠀
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Everyone’s asking “Are you ready for 2021?” And as much as I want to say YES and put this crazy year in the rear view mirror, I also have a long "To Do List" to get done before the year is over. 😩  Where does the time go? Am I the only one who feels like the days are just flying by? ⠀
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Speaking of blink and you miss it moments, I couldn’t believe when I heard @seitobp is celebrating their 20th Anniversary! It's one of my favorite sushi spots in town and I'm sad to say it's been a while since my last visit. This lobster claw sushi is a throwback of a most epic dinner there! ⠀
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If you haven't been to Seito in Baldwin Park, now's the time to visit or re-visit. They're celebrating with over $2K in giveaways! (Follow on social for details!) Plus featuring a fantastic special multi-course menu of old favorites and new flavors this week. ⠀
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Congratulations to Jason and Sue Chin, the talented "pilots" of the Good Salt Restaurant Group. They've filled Orlando's culinary scene with loads of flavor with Seito, @theospreyorlando and @reyesmezcaleria with a 4th restaurant @themonroeorlando coming to give more to look forward to in 2021! ⠀
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Cheers to local restaurants doing good! 🥂⠀
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#GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #SeitoBaldwinPark
“Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to c “Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering, ‘It will be happier.'” — Alfred Lord Tennyson (hosted)⠀
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It’s the last Monday of 2020! 🎉 How about ushering 2021 with a little sweetness and lots of hope? These gorgeous @sweetbyholly mini cupcakes are the perfect treat for your NYE party safe at home. ⠀
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The New Year’s Eve 6 Pack is only $6, available for pick up on 12/30 & 12/31⠀
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👉🏼 Quantities are limited so it’s best to Pre-Order,  online or by phone.⠀
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Good Riddance 2020! Cheers to a happier and sweeter 2021! 🥂🧁⠀
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How are you celebrating this New Year’s Eve? Please stay safe & celebrate responsibly so we can all enjoy a happier 2021. 😷 ⠀
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#GOepicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #SweetByHolly #NewYearsEve
"I don't know if there'll be snow, but have a cup "I don't know if there'll be snow, but have a cup of cheer." 🎶 —Johnny Marks and Burl Ives⠀
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What festive cocktail will be in your cup of cheer this New Year’s Eve? ⠀
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I loved this gorgeous sangria at Capa in @fsorlando 🍹 The bartenders at the posh resort’s restaurants are some of the best in town, and a great place to welcome 2021, whether you’re craving a Spanish feast at  Capa with a fab Gin Tonic or sangria, Ravello’s Italian cuisine with a Lavender Sgroppino Prosecco cocktail or Cranberry Old Fashioned (recipes below!), Plancha’s mojitos, PB&G indulgent Chocolate Peppermint Martini, or The Lobby Bar’s “Be Gone 2020” - You know there’s plenty of cheer! ⠀
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👉🏼 SAVE THIS POST! ⠀
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👍🏼 Check out GoEpicurista.com for my fun festive and safe ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Orlando including Four Seasons Resort!⠀
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Here’s 2 fun cocktail recipes for a delightful Four Seasons Orlando experience at home.⠀
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🥃 Cranberry Old Fashioned⠀
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1 oz “Cranberry Simple”: fresh cranberries, water, and sugar. Simmer one cup of cranberries with sugar (about ¼ cup or to preferred sweetness) and 2 cups of water in a pan on medium heat, and then reduce to low heat. Once cranberries are tender, strain out the cranberries, and the remainder serves as the cranberry simple syrup.⠀
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1 oz Bourbon⠀
3 Drops Cranberry Bitters⠀
1 Dash Angostura⠀
1 Lemon Wedge⠀
Sprig of thyme⠀
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Add all ingredients to a mixing glass and stir. Strain into a rocks glass over an ice sphere. Squeeze in and add the lemon wedge. Garnish with a sprig of thyme. Enjoy!⠀
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🍾 Lavender Sgroppino⠀
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3 oz Lemon Sorbet⠀
2 oz Prosecco⠀
.5 oz Lavender Infused Vodka⠀
Sprig of rosemary⠀
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Scoop the lemon sorbet into a Champagne flute, and then add the vodka. Top with Prosecco. Garnish with rosemary. ⠀
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Cheers!⠀
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#GOepicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #FSConnectsAtHome #FSOrlando
"The party's on, the feeling's here that only come "The party's on, the feeling's here that only comes this time of year." —Paul McCartney⠀
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We're all anxiously looking forward for 2020 to end and a more hopeful 2021 to arrive.  Aren't we? How will you celebrate on New Year's Eve this year? ⠀
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I'm happy as long as I have a glass of bubbles in my hand. I plan to order takeout and welcome the new year in my PJs at home. The 2020 way! LOL! 🥂⠀
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👉🏼 Check out GoEpicurista.com for my extensive list of options for festive ways to celebrate New Year's Eve in Orlando - whether you're looking for a multi-course dinner prepared by a talented chef, a theme party, to be entertained at an outdoor concert, or like me, to order a holiday feast to go. ⠀
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One of my favorite restaurants in Orlando, @reelfishcoastal is bringing back their 1.5 lb Maine lobster special for only $39 in addition to their fantastic full menu including the best selection of fresh oysters in town to ring in the new year! Best part is you can order it all to go! ⠀
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Of course, if you choose to dine in, they’re following all safety protocols. ⠀
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Enjoy "GET REEL" Happy Hour from 4-7p, Bottomless Champagne for only $20.21 starting at 4pm, Live DJ from 7:30pm until late and complimentary champagne toast when the clock strikes 12midnight! Make reservations as space is limited. Call (407) 543-3474 or visit: ReelFishCoastal.com ⠀
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Cheers to 2021! We can't wait! ⠀
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#GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #ReelFishCoastal #NewYearsEve
“Will you please tell Santa that instead of pres “Will you please tell Santa that instead of presents this year, I just want my family back.” – Kevin, Home Alone ⠀
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Merry Christmas Everyone🎄 Kevin may have wanted a cheese pizza but he wanted his family more. I know the feeling. Today I got both!⠀
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There’s no better present than spending time with family, even if that means having a pizza party on Zoom. ⠀
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So many of us are missing our families this year and so we’ve gotten creative. We may have even started a new Xmas tradition. ⠀
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From Portland, Oregon to Orlando, Florida. Dominican Republic to Chicago. We all gathered on Zoom, made pizza, played trivia games, did a scavenger hunt and had an amazing time! ⠀
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For our pizzas, I used @bredinbk ready made crust and topped with roasted peppers, prosciutto, roasted garlic, arugula and my favorite, local Orlando made, family owned Dicuru @freshmozzarellausa. Vladimir and his nephew Jorge are the nicest guys and their Burrata and mozzarella is by far the best in town! ⠀
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👉🏼 Look for Dicuru in your grocery store or order direct from them. I love supporting family owned and run small businesses like them. ⠀
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The holidays are all about family. I’m grateful to be able to spend it with mine even if it’s virtually. While some are no longer with us, their memories will always remain in our hearts. ⠀
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Scroll to see my family Xmas pizza party. The best present was the last video. 💕 😊 🍕🎄⠀
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Merry Christmas! ⠀
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#GOepicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #DicuruMozzarella #ChristmasonZoom
“From what we get, we can make a living; what we “From what we get, we can make a living; what we give, however, makes a life.” - Arthur Ashe⠀
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Thank you for following my @GoEpicurista journey. I’m so grateful for each one of you who reads, comments and shares my posts. You inspire me! Together we #MakeSomedayHappen 💕 ⠀
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It’s Christmas Eve and I have some yummy cupcakes for YOU! ⠀
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But this isn’t your traditional #GIVEAWAY...⠀
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@sweetbyholly was so kind to give me gift certificates for their fab mini cupcakes and I would love to pay it forward and give them to YOU or anyone who needs a little cheer this time of year.⠀
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The holidays can be tough, this year more than ever. If you or someone you know needs some sweetness in their life, please leave a comment below. 😊⠀
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Maybe you know a front line health care worker, first responder, teacher or delivery driver, restaurant staff or anyone who’s had a really tough year. Tag them in the comments and let them know you care. ⠀
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I know these are just cupcakes. They won’t change the world. But I guarantee they will bring a smile to their face. Sometimes that can make a world of difference. 😄⠀
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This is not your typical GIVEAWAY. ⠀
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I’m not asking you to FOLLOW @GoEpicurista or @sweetbyholly or LIKE this post to win - although it would be nice 😊⠀
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👉🏼 Simply leave a comment & TAG the person you want to bring a little cheer to. ⠀
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👉🏼 Tag as many people as you want by leaving separate comments. ⠀
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👉🏼 The winner does have to live in Orlando area to pick up their cupcakes.⠀
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👍🏼 4 winners will be selected at random on 12/25 and each will receive (1) six pack of awesome mini cupcakes from Sweet By Holly. ⠀
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Winners will be notified by DM. This giveaway is in no way affiliated with Instagram. ⠀
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🧁 If you’re interested in bringing some cheer to your loved ones this season, pick up a HollyDay Dozen TODAY! Scroll to see how pretty!⠀
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#GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #SweetByHolly #merrychristmaseveryone🎄
“OK, what about the gift situation then? Because “OK, what about the gift situation then? Because everything on my list requires pre-order." — David Rose, #SchittsCreek⠀
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Looking for last minute local gift ideas for the #OrlandoFoodie in your life? ⠀
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Treat your friends and family to something they can look forward to using! You know they’ll love their favorite dish or cocktail at their favorite restaurant, like this festive “Christmas in Singapour” at @eathawkers. ⠀
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Restaurant gift cards always come in handy. And they help support our local restaurants, which need it more than ever. Plus they’re great for those of us who are last minute shoppers. 🙈⠀
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Many restaurants like Hawkers are offering bonuses! ⠀
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#Hawkerdays gift card promotion is going on now through 12/31. The more you spend, the more you receive! You get $5 bonus gift card for every $25 gift card purchased, and no one has to know if you keep the bonus! 😉 ⠀
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Have you finished your Xmas shopping?⠀
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Happy Holidays! 🎄 ⠀
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#GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #HolidayGifts #SaveRestaurants
“Like snowflakes, my Christmas memories gather a “Like snowflakes, my Christmas memories gather and dance — each beautiful, unique, and gone too soon.” —Deborah Whipp⠀
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This year has certainly made us cherish the memories of great times spent with loved ones sharing yummy food, laughing and living life. They are such fleeting moments, gone too soon. ⠀
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I'll tell you what else goes fast, and that's these gorgeous @dgdoughnuts 💕 ⠀
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I didn't know they were named the best donut in the State of Florida on Yelp but I can see why! ⠀
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They're so creative, made in small batch, hand rolled, hand cut and hand decorated daily with inventive flavors that change weekly. They sell out quickly so if there's a flavor you want, be sure to get there early or order ahead. Definitely a Must Eat!⠀
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These are "Fancy Pants" Donuts! ⠀
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And if you want a boozy treat to celebrate the season, check out the ones with a pipette shot! ⠀
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The "Coquito" filled with sweet coconut custard, topped with a pipette of @bacardi  limited edition Coquito cream rum and Jack Daniels Caramel Winter Apple filled with spiced apple filling topped with dulce de leche rosettes and a pipette of of @jackdaniels Winter Jack Tennessee Whiskey are sure to make a fun celebration! ⠀
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#SupportLocal #EatLocal this holiday season! Forget the calories. Indulge! It's 2020 after all! ⠀
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Thank you @bebefehr for sharing! #GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #dgdoughnuts
"The best time for ice cream is always." — Unkno "The best time for ice cream is always." — Unknown⠀
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Just because it’s the #wintersolstice doesn’t mean you can’t have ice cream! Do you like frozen treats even if it’s cold outside? I do! 🍦 Especially when it’s a festive cone like this one at @peterbrookewp in Winter Park. ⠀
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If you’re looking for some delicious gifts this holiday season, don’t forget to support our local small businesses. ⠀
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Peterbrooke has some amazing chocolate treats for everyone on your list and while you’re there you might as well treat yourself to some gelato too! ⠀
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#GOepicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #SupportLocal #SupportSmallBusinesses
“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singi “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” - Buddy The Elf (hosted)⠀
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Here’s my recipe for Christmas Cheer:⠀
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✅ Creative Holiday Cocktails⠀
✅ Yummy Asian Street Food⠀
✅ Fun Playlist to Jam, Dance & Sing!⠀
✅ Outdoor Patio for Comfortable Social Distancing⠀
✅ A great friend & business partner to share it with! ⠀
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Lisa @tastecooksip and I had a festive & productive work meeting at @eathawkers Mills location. Our first (masked) face to face meeting since the pandemic began in March! ⠀
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Thank goodness for Zoom but nothing beats face to face meetings to spark the creative juices! We have tons of fun stuff coming up for @figdigitalmedia including new ways to help our local small businesses get social media to work for them. ⠀
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We were totally jamming to the fun 90s playlist in their new outdoor patio. Maybe the new holiday cocktails had something to do with our festive mood? 😉⠀
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The OG Hawkers location now has a full bar and that’s reason to celebrate!⠀
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Check out these Holiday Cocktails, available until 12/31 at all locations:⠀
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🔥 “Get Toasted” - a rich mix of Coconut rum, house-made Vietnamese coffee liqueur, & Bailey's Irish cream. We played mixologist and added some Vietnamese Iced Coffee to it because, coffee!!! I love anything garnished with toasted marshmallows and a Pirouline cookie!! ⠀
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🎅 “Santa's Nightcap” with Spiced rum, house-made five-spice simple, amaretto, evaporated milk, and coconut was coconutty. The gingersnap cookies & crushed cookie rim, would make Santa 😊⠀
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🎄 We loved “Christmas in Singapour” made of @hendricksgin, house-made rosemary simple, cranberry, pomegranate & lime juice. It came in a holiday ornament atop chilled cranberries and fresh rosemary for a stunning presentation. ⠀
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🫖 The “Hotty Toddy Christmas” is perfect for the cool weather we’re having with Bulleit rye whiskey, Masala chai black tea & saké⠀
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We dined on our Hawkers favorites: Roti, Edamame with chili, Shrimp Papaya Salad & Crispy Tofu Bites. ⠀
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The outdoor patio with twinkling lights and a fun @mills50district inspired mural is perfect for safe dining.⠀
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Cheers to being able to safely enjoy the holidays!⠀
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#GOepicOrlando
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What is Go Epicurista?

Your source for inspiration to take time out of your busy schedule and celebrate great food and wine experiences with friends everywhere you go! Let’s talk about Restaurants, Unique Events and Travel Experiences that belong on your “someday list.”

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