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Easy Beef Empanada From Cafe Tu Tu Tango

By Christina Thomas Leave a Comment

Easy Beef Empanada recipe from Cafe Tu Tu Tango you can make for Spanish Night at Home. This versatile recipe uses ingredients found in your pantry.

Easy Entertaining: Host Spanish Night with Beef Empanadas from Cafe Tu Tu Tango in Orlando

If you’re looking for an easy recipe for homemade empanadas, this is it! Chances are you may have most, if not all, the ingredients already in your pantry. Plus, the recipe can be adapted to use a variety of meats or veggies for a delicious Spanish inspired feast at home.

Entertaining ourselves and our families while we follow the Stay at Home order can be a challenge. But it doesn’t have to be. A themed dinner can do the trick!

Why not celebrate National Empanada Day on April 8th with beef empanadas, an assortment of nibbles like cured meats, cheeses and olives and a tasty sangria. Hit up YouTube or Netflix for a Spanish movie with subtitles (any from Pedro Almodovar), Flamenco or Spanish guitar show (my favorite: Gipsy Kings). And say Ole!

Jump to Recipe

Cafe Tu Tu Tango – Fond Memories of The OG Tapas Restaurant in Florida

Cafe Tu Tu Tango is the OG of tapas restaurants in the US, established in 1991 in Coconut Grove. The format is mainstream today but quite new to the area back then. Reminiscent of an artist’s loft in Barcelona, you became immersed in the bohemian artist’s life and the frenetic energy of cafes and bars in Spain. While noshing on croquetas and cured meats and cheeses, you watched a painter intently focused on his canvas. Dancers and musicians would pop up with impromptu performances weaving around your table as you sipped sangrias.

I have so many fond memories of dinners shared with friends during my early 90’s college days in Miami. Cafe Tu Tu Tango was THE place we went for first dates, birthdays and celebrations. We felt so worldly and well traveled, noshing on a table full of little plates – from exotic to familiar. Having “deep” conversations which easily jumped from how we would change the world to the latest drama on campus. Those were the “good ole days.”

When I moved to Orlando in 1997, Cafe Tu Tu Tango‘s third location, aptly found on International Drive, was like a trusted friend. Welcoming and ready to celebrate at any time. Over the years the restaurant has changed ownership. Now actually owned again by some of the original principals from Coconut Grove. What has not changed in 29 years is it’s vibe. And so, it remains that friend you go back to time and time again. The one ready to party when you just want to have a no-fuss, really good time.

During these troubling times, I was thrilled when they shared their deliciously easy beef empanadas recipe for me to make at home and share with you. We could all use a bit of comfort food and reminiscing about the good times right now. Because we will have them again. (As long as we stay home!)

Easy Beef Empanada Recipe from Cafe Tu Tu Tango using pantry staples for a fun Spanish Night at Home
Easy Spanish Tapas Night at home with Beef Empanadas, Cured Meats, Olives and Sangria

Beef Empanada Ingredients

Empanadas, or hand pies, can be filled with almost anything. From a variety of meats to veggies to cheese. They can even be sweet but we’re focusing on the savory ones here.

I followed this recipe word for word, which is rare for me as I usually get creative as I go along. These seasoning is perfect. Well balance sweetness from the raisins, earthy from the spices to a touch of spiciness from the jalapenos.

Ingredients for Easy Beef Empanada Recipe from Cafe Tu Tu Tango using pantry staples for a fun Spanish Night at Home
Ingredients for Beef Empanadas

If you don’t have all the ingredients, improvise and substitute.

  • This recipe would work with ground turkey, pork or chicken as well.  You could possibly try it with veggies such as eggplant, zucchini, potatoes and carrots as well for vegetarian version. 
  • The use of jalapenos is perfectly in balance offering a hint of spice to balance sweetness. If you prefer you can reduce the amount or use a milder pickled jalapeno.
  • I used Muenster cheese instead of Manchego or Cheddar. Try it with any cheese with a good melting point.  

Beef Empanada Preparation Tips

I’ve never made empanadas at home before. Thank you Cafe Tu Tu Tango for helping me cross this off my “someday list!”

Here’s a few things I learned from following this recipe which may be helpful for you.

When preparing your ground beef filling, you want all the flavors to simmer and meld together. The recipe calls for 15 minutes simmering, don’t rush this. Here’s a tip: reserve some of the liquid after draining the ground beef. If the mixture becomes too dry as it did for me, stir some in during the simmering process. But watch the amount of liquid as you don’t want your filling mixture to be too wet either.

Easy Beef Empanada Recipe from Cafe Tu Tu Tango using pantry staples for a fun Spanish Night at Home
Filling for Beef Empanadas

I used store bought pie crusts. The kind you unroll which come 2 per box, not the ones in the pie tin. Use a bowl or similar round object to cut your 6″ shells. When filling your pastry rounds, don’t overfill. And make sure you properly crimp the edges to seal.

I baked the empanadas at 350F for 15 minutes as instructed in this recipe but found the pastry not cooked enough. I followed package instructions for the pie crust and baked for additional 10 minutes at 450F.  They came out nice and flaky! Next time I will bake as per the package at 450 for 15 minutes but keep an eye out to ensure they are golden brown.

Easy Beef Empanada Recipe from Cafe Tu Tu Tango using pantry staples for a fun Spanish Night at Home
Carefully crimp the edges with a fork to make sure it’s fully sealed.

Cafe Tu Tu Tango Beef Empanada Recipe

Easy Beef Empanada Recipe from Cafe Tu Tu Tango using pantry staples for a fun Spanish Night at Home
Print
CAFE TU TU TANGO BEEF EMPANADA
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
 

Full of flavor, these beef empanadas from Cafe Tu Tu Tango in Orlando are just what you need as an appetizer, snack, lunch or dinner. Host a Spanish themed night at home with this easy recipe made with pantry staples.

Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Spanish
Keyword: Empanada
Servings: 8
Ingredients
  • 1 lb. Ground Beef
  • ¼ cup Water
  • 1 Tablespoon Jalapenos (minced) – About 1/2 jalapeno
  • 1 Tablespoon Garlic (minced) – About 3 cloves
  • 1 Teaspoon Cumin (ground)
  • 2 Teaspoons Chili Powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
  • 1/8 Teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 2 Teaspoons Kosher Salt
  • 8 oz. can Crushed Tomatoes
  • ¼ Cup Raisins
  • ¼ Cup Spanish Olives (chopped)
  • 2 Eggs (hardboiled and chopped)
  • ¼ Cup Monterey Jack Cheese (shredded)
  • ¼ Cup Manchego or Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
Instructions
  1. In a large skillet, combine the beef and water and cook over medium/high heat while breaking up the beef.
  2. Once beef is cooked, drain off all the liquid and add the garlic, jalapenos, and spices to the pan with the crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Add the raisins and cook at a low simmer for 15-20 minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated.
  3. Remove from heat and add the olives and eggs, and combine.
  4. Transfer to a plate or baking pan and cool in refrigerator.
  5. Once mixture is cool, add the cheeses and mix.
  6. Use frozen empanada shells or pre-made pie crust cut into 6” rounds.
  7. Fill each with 2 heaping tablespoons of filling. Fold the empanada over to create a half-moon shape, and crimp edges of empanada shell with a fork.
  8. Fry or bake according to directions on empanada shells. For pie crust, bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until browned.
  9. Serve hot or at room temperature.
Recipe Notes

After preparing this recipe, here are my additional notes and observations:

  • This recipe would work with ground turkey, pork or chicken as well.  You could possibly try it with veggies such as eggplant, zucchini, potatoes and carrots as well for vegetarian version. 
  • Reserve some of the liquid when you drain the ground beef. If the mixture becomes too dry, stir some in during the simmering process. 
  • The use of jalapenos is perfectly in balance offering a hint of spice to balance sweetness. If you prefer you can reduce the amount or use a milder pickled jalapeno.
  • Muenster cheese is another alternative to Manchego or Cheddar. 
  • I baked the empanadas at 350F for 15 minutes as instructed but found the pastry not cooked enough. I followed package instructions for the pie crust and baked for additional 10 minutes at 450F.  
Easy Beef Empanada Recipe from Cafe Tu Tu Tango using pantry staples for a fun Spanish Night at Home
Beefy goodness inside.

Beef Empanada Serving Notes

If you like things saucy, I served these Beef Empanadas with a store bought mild Tomatillo Salsa Verde. You can also try a cilantro mayo dip. Get creative.

Easy Beef Empanada Recipe from Cafe Tu Tu Tango using pantry staples for a fun Spanish Night at Home
Serve with Tomatillo Salsa Verde or your favorite salsa

Gift Card Promotion To Help Restaurant Workers

Cafe Tu Tu Tango made the difficult decision to temporarily close due to covid-19 pandemic. However, Alexandria Restaurant Partners (ARP), of which Café Tu Tu Tango is a part, is currently running a gift card promotion to assist its employees and their families during this difficult time. For every gift card purchase of $25 or more, ARP will set aside 50% of the proceeds for their Employee Relief Fund. To date, the fund has reached more than $40,000.

As an additional “thank you,” customers will receive a 20% bonus card that may be used at either Café Tu Tu Tango OR Mia’s Italian Kitchen, located right next door to Café Tu Tu Tango on International Drive.

Consider purchasing gift cards at AlexandriaRestaurantPartners.com and make plans to celebrate when we can safely gather with friends once again.

Spanish Tapas Night at Home

Until we can all get together and share tapas around the table at Cafe Tu Tu Tango, prepare this beef empanada recipe and celebrate good times, safely at home.

For an Easy Spanish Night at Home Menu, serve cured meats and hams, Spanish cheeses, and olives (try my citrus & fennel marinated olives). If you want to go all out, try an easy paella. Don’t forget the sangria or wine!

I hope you’re inspired to keep celebrating at home and to keep dreaming of travel. To #MakeSomedayHappen one delicious bite, sip and trip at a time. We will get back to that soon. Right now, stay home, stay safe and enjoy the little things. Like these fantastic beef empanadas from Cafe Tu Tu Tango.

Share photos of your Spanish Night with me on social media by tagging @GoEpicurista – We can all celebrate together, but apart!

Cheers!

Go Epicurista

Easy Beef Empanada Recipe from Cafe Tu Tu Tango using pantry staples for a fun Spanish Night at Home
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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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Cheers to #NationalCocktailDay at Orlando’s OG D Cheers to #NationalCocktailDay at Orlando’s OG Dedicated Cocktail Bar! @thecourtesy in Winter Park!
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Here are a few favorites:
🥃 Tourist Season: American Whiskey, Pineapple Rum, Smoked Honey, Vango Tobacco Bitters (A tropical Old Fashioned!)
🍹 Deku Tree: Gin, Aloe, Midori, Lemon, Mint, Angostura, Honey (Refreshing melon gin cocktail!)
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🥃 Rotating Clarified Milk Punch: Ask for the day’s creation!
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#GoEpicOrlando #TheCourtesyBar #LoveOrlando
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Isn’t this fabulous?
Here’s what we ordered:
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🥂 Pair your Choulala pastries with a glass of bubbles! They offer Prosecco and Sparkling Rose
⏰ Choulala Park Avenue is now open Tuesday - Sunday 
🍾 Happy Hour Tuesday-Friday offering half-priced bubbles, craft beers and floats from 7pm-9pm.
🥐 Don’t miss Dessert Happy Hour every Sunday from 8p-9p, all pastries are 50% off!
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Follow @GoEpicurista for more! 
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Admission includes: 
🍽️ Unlimited Buffet Breakfast, Lunch & Snacks
🍹 Unlimited Beer & Wine, (add the Premium Drink Package for $40!)
🤿 Swim & snorkel with rays & tropical fish
🐦 Hand-feed exotic birds
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🏖️ Relax on sandy beaches
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🚿 Wetsuits, masks, snorkel, lockers, & showers 
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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 
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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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