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Easy Entertaining: Irish Dinner Recipes from Raglan Road Kevin Dundon

By Christina Thomas 15 Comments

Easy Entertaining: Irish Dinner Recipes from Raglan Road Chef Kevin Dundon with www.goepicurista.com

Chef Kevin Dundon of Raglan Road presents an inventive gourmet Irish Dinner to kick off 10 year Anniversary Celebration

Raglan Road Irish Pub in Orlando is celebrating a big birthday this year and those Irish lads sure know how to celebrate! In honor of their 10th anniversary, the authentic Irish eatery owned and operated by Irish partners Paul Nolan, John Cooke and celebrity chef Kevin Dundon – known for his five-star hotel and cookery school in Ireland and his award-winning PBS and Create TV cooking series – are hosting various events throughout the year culminating in a special Irish dinner this October. The Downtown Disney restaurant features traditional Irish dishes and new creations with a modern twist. Although the atmosphere and menu is casual and relaxed, when Chef Dundon hosts a special event, he really knows how to bring the WOW factor all the way from Ireland!

Easy Entertaining: Irish Dinner Recipes from Raglan Road Chef Kevin Dundon with www.goepicurista.com

The Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival kicked off with an Irish Feast!

Last week, I was a guest at a special demonstration with Chef Kevin Dundon as he introduced us to modern variations of traditional Irish dinner favorites. The event which kicked off their Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival and their 10 Year Anniversary celebration, was held in the main dining room of the restaurant, with its warm interior made of aged walnut and mahogany woods from old Irish bars and churches, the bars and fixtures were made in Ireland and shipped to Orlando. How is that for an authentic Irish Pub? Although the place is quite big, in part to accommodate the large volume of guests that visit on a daily basis, it still has an inviting and comfortable feel. This is not your typical Disney themed restaurant. Yes, you will find a souvenir shop with the required t-shirts and hats, yet right next to those you will find Chef Kevind Dundon’s cookbooks and fresh made glazes, jams and sauces from the Raglan Road kitchen so you can take the experience home.

Easy Entertaining: Irish Dinner Recipes from Raglan Road Chef Kevin Dundon with www.goepicurista.com

Take a little bit of the Irish home with you!

I am a firm believer that food has the ability to inspire your travels and your travels have the ability to inspire your food. I love being able to bring home some fun cooking ingredients to spark the flavor memories. I was happy to add Kevin Dundon’s Back to Basics Cookbook to my extensive cookbook collection (addiction) which I am certain will further inspire dreams of Ireland.

Easy Entertaining: Irish Dinner Recipes from Raglan Road Chef Kevin Dundon with www.goepicurista.com

Kevin Dundon Back To Basics, the newest addition to my cookbook addiction! I think this is #251 but who’s counting?

Raglan Road was gracious to provide recipes for each dish we sampled during this amazing Irish feast and I’m happy to share them with you, to inspire your very own fancy Irish Dinner. These recipes are a bit more involved than my usual Easy Entertaining recipes, however you will find that although there are many steps and components involved in these dishes, the ingredients and preparations are simple and approachable. Dundon’s philosophy to use high quality ingredients and then letting their flavors shine through by not fussing too much with their preparation is truly reflective in this menu. The best advice he gives is buy high quality locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.

Irish Dinner Four Course Menu


All recipes courtesy of Raglan Road

Coquille St. Jacques Scallops with Mornay Sauce Recipe


Our first course was so ridiculously good I was only left wishing there were more scallops on the plate. Chef Dundon lightly seasoned the large scallops with salt and pepper and seared them in a hot pan to a beautiful slight golden color. The rich Mornay sauce was perfectly creamy and small dollops of mashed potatoes were just enough to give the dish a bit more substance. Paired beautifully with Sterling Napa Sauvignon Blanc, which is lightly oaked, and was both crisp and refreshing as you expect from a Sauvignon Blanc, but also showed a bit more body and a creamy mouth-feel to contrast the scallops.

Easy Entertaining: Irish Dinner Recipes from Raglan Road Chef Kevin Dundon with www.goepicurista.com

TO SERVE:
Serves 4
20 oz Mashed Potatoes
6 oz Mornay Sauce
4 ea Seared Scallops
As needed Micro greens for garnish

    ^ Fill a piping bag with mashed potatoes and gently pipe them into a small bowl. About 5 oz.
    ^ Add 1 seared scallop per bowl
    ^ Lastly, top each bowl with 1.5 oz of Mornay sauce and garnish with fresh micro greens

MORNAY SAUCE
2 tbs Butter
3 tbs AP Flour
2 cups Milk
Pinch Salt
Pinch Pepper
3/4 cup Grated Gruyere Cheese
1 ea Egg

    ^ Melt butter in a heavy-based saucepan over low heat
    ^ Sprinkle flour and stir with a balloon whisk
    ^ Cook gently for 2 minutes, until the roux is off-white in color
    ^ Take care not to overcook it as this will make the sauce discolored
    ^ Slowly pour the milk on to the roux and increase heat to medium, whisking constantly until it comes to a boil
    ^ Season with salt and pepper and cook for a further 6-8 minutes to ensure the flour is cooked through
    ^ Remove from the heat and add in the Gruyere cheese and egg
    ^ Stir until fully incorporated

SCALLOPS
4 ea Large Scallops
1 oz Oil
1 oz Lemon
Pinch Salt
Pinch Pepper

    ^ Lightly season the scallops with salt and pepper
    ^ In a hot pan, add the oil
    ^ Lightly place the scallops in the pan and sear on both sides for approximately 1.5 minutes each side for a medium rare-medium scallop
    ^ Remove from heat and deglaze pan with a splash of lemon juice

Easy Entertaining: Irish Dinner Recipes from Raglan Road Chef Kevin Dundon with www.goepicurista.com

MASHED POTATOES
20 oz Potatoes
Pinch Pepper
Pinch Salt
8 tsp Heavy Cream
8 tsp Butter

    ^ Steam the potatoes for 35 minutes ensuring they are all the same size. When cooked, pass through a potato mill.
    ^ In a pan, melt your 8 tsp of butter, when melted add in the 8 tsp cream.
    ^ Bring to a boil.
    ^ In the mixer, using the paddle, mix your wet ingredients and your potatoes together until completely incorporated.
    ^ Add the salt and pepper to taste.

The smell as Kevin Dundon demoed this dish had me drooling and then this plate showed up! Oh my! Scallops with Pomme Purée and Mornay Gratin was so amazing I wish there were more scallops on the plate! @raglanroadpub #GOIrish #RaglanRoad #TravelThroughFood

A photo posted by Christina Thomas (@goepicurista) on Mar 11, 2015 at 11:01am PDT

Duet of Tomato Soup and Champagne Splashed Oyster Recipe


The Tomato Gin Soup with Champagne Splashed Oyster paired with Chandon Brut bubbles was beautifully simple and quite fancy. Definitely not what I expected to be eating at an Irish pub. The soup had a vibrant fresh tomato taste made decadent by the copious amounts of butter the chef added to the pot. He did not hold back for a fantastic result. It was the kind of soup you want to curl up on your couch and consume on a cold rainy day.

Chef Dundon’s Easy Entertaining Tip: Serve soup in a small espresso cup to guests as they arrive at your home to allow you more time to prepare the rest of the meal.

Easy Entertaining: Irish Dinner Recipes from Raglan Road Chef Kevin Dundon with www.goepicurista.com

TOMATO GIN SOUP
2 oz Olive Oil
2 oz Butter
1 ea Yellow Onion (diced)
2 cloves Garlic (chopped)
2 1/4 lb Roma or Plum Tomatoes, ripe, cut in half
1/2 cup Gin
1 qt Vegetable Stock
1 cup Heavy Cream
to taste salt and pepper

    ^ Heat the oil lightly
    ^ Add in the onions and cook over medium heat until translucent
    ^ Add in the garlic and sweat for about 2 minutes
    ^ Add in the tomatoes and a pinch of salt and pepper
    ^ Cook for 6 minutes stirring
    ^ Deglaze with gin: cook stirring for about 7 minutes
    ^ Add in the stock, bring to a boil, lower to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes until tomatoes are tender and broken up
    ^ Add in the heavy cream, bring to a boil and cook for 8 minutes
    ^ Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper
    ^ Remove from the fire and puree with a hand blender until smooth and then strain
    ^ Serve hot, garnish with Creme Fraiche, crostini and snipped chives

CHAMPAGNE SPLASHED OYSTER
4 ea Oysters
4 tsp Champagne

    ^ Scrub, rinse and shuck oysters
    ^ Once clean, splash about 1 tsp of champagne onto each oyster

Roast Rack of Lamb in Irish Stew Consomme Recipe


Lamb can be tricky. Often I’ve heard friends say they don’t like lamb, however, I suspect what they didn’t like was the type of lamb and preparation. Very easily it can be tough or taste too gamey. The secret here is to buy it from a quality butcher. Where the lamb comes from and how it is raised will affect its flavor. New Zealand lamb tends to be sweeter, Canadian and Australian lamb more buttery. Lamb from Colorado most closely resembles lamb from Ireland with a milder, less gamey flavor. How you cook it also plays a big role. While some meats are best cooked medium rare, lamb is best at medium temperature. The lamb chop served at Raglan Road was tender, perfectly cooked and the flavors were brought to life by the broth.

Easy Entertaining: Irish Dinner Recipes from Raglan Road Kevin Dundon with www.goepicurista.com

Thank you to Amy Recicar of Coastal Wine & Spirits for the wine pairing recommendations and fun facts

The dish was paired with B.V. Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon. Fun fact: Beaulieu Vineyards, built in 1885 is the longest continually operating winery in Napa Valley and the only to legally operate during times of Prohibition. That’s a lot of wine-making experience! The wine’s aromas of black cherry, plum, cinnamon and tobacco and vibrant black fruit flavors with hints of vanilla and mocha added a richness in contrast to the lamb.

Easy Entertaining: Irish Dinner Recipes from Raglan Road Chef Kevin Dundon with www.goepicurista.com

Perfect pairing of B.V. Rutherford Cabernet with Roast Rack of Lamb

ROAST RACK OF LAMB
2.25 lb Scrag end of neck of lamb
2 ea Leeks
2 ea Carrots (roughly chopped)
1 ea Large Onion (finely diced)
2 ea Celery Sticks (roughly chopped)
1 ea Bay Leaf
1 ea Thyme sprig
small handful Flat-Leaf Parsley stalks
a few Black Peppercorns
10-12 oz 2×6 bone best end of lamb
6 oz Small Carrots
10 oz Baby New Potatoes
1 1/4 tsp Olive Oil
Pinch Salt
Pinch Pepper
As needed Fresh Rosemary and thyme sprigs

    ^ Place the neck of the lamb in a large stock pot
    ^ Roughly chop one of the leeks and add with the roughly chopped carrots, half of the onion, the celery, herbs and peppercorns
    ^ Cover with at least 8 cups of cold water
    ^ Bring to a boil
    ^ Season lightly and then simmer gently, uncovered, for about 2 hours until reduced by nearly two-thirds
    ^ You’ll need 2 cups of lovely, sweet stock in total
    ^ Skim off any scum or grease that rises to the surface with a large spoon
    ^ Strain the stock through a fine sieve into a large jug and ideally leave to cool overnight so that you can scrape off any fat that has settled on top
    ^ Preheat oven to 400*
    ^ Season the racks of lamb and place in a small roasting tin
    ^ Roast for 20-25 minutes, or a little longer, depending on how pink you like your lamb
    ^ Remove from the oven and set aside in a warm place to rest for 10-15 minutes
    ^ Meanwhile, peel and shape the small carrots and baby potatoes into neat barrels
    ^ Add to the lamb stock with the remaining onion and bring to a simmer
    ^ Cook gently for 10-15 minutes until the carrots and potatoes are completely tender but are still holding their shape
    ^ Season to taste
    ^ Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in the frying pan
    ^ Cut the remaining leek into julienne (long thin strips) and add to the pan, then saute for 3-4 minutes until softened but not colored
    ^ Season to taste

TO SERVE:

    ^ Carve the rested racks of lamb into chops
    ^ Place the leek julienne in the center of each warmed wide-rimmed serving bowl and spoon around the Irish stew consomme
    ^ Arrange the lamb chops on top of the leeks and garnish with the rosemary and thyme sprigs

Easy Entertaining: Irish Dinner Recipes from Raglan Road Chef Kevin Dundon with www.goepicurista.com

Pimms Knickerbocker Glory Recipe


This dessert combines the flavors of a refreshing Pimms Cocktail with the creaminess and layered look of a Knickerbocker Glory dessert and instead of using ice cream it adds the fancy factor with Vanilla mousse. An amazing blend of flavors and textures with a gourmet twist. To say there was a lot going on in this glass is an understatement, yet, each layer complemented the other beautifully. You had the lemon and Pimms flavored jelly at the bottom with crunchy chunks of apple, grapes, orange and cucumber, topped with vanilla mousse made with mascarpone cheese and heavy cream, then further topped with a cucumber melon foam. As if that was not enough, the dessert was garnished with a pistachio macaron. Perfection!

Easy Entertaining: Irish Dinner Recipes from Raglan Road Chef Kevin Dundon with www.goepicurista.com

TO SERVE:
4 ea Jelly/Fruit filled glasses
4 oz Vanilla Mousse
4 oz Cucumber Melon Foam
4 ea Pistachio Macarons

    ^ In each glass of fruit and jelly, add 1 oz of vanilla mousse
    ^ Add 1 oz cucumber and melon foam
    ^ Top with 1 each pistachio macaron
Easy Entertaining: Irish Dinner Recipes from Raglan Road Chef Kevin Dundon with www.goepicurista.com

This dessert is ready for its close up!

FOR THE JELLY:
2.5 oz Sugar
2 oz Water
1/2 ea Lemon Juice
4 oz Pimms
2.5 cups Fizzy Lemonade (sprite)
6 ea Gelatin sheets

    ^ Bloom in the gelatin on ice water
    ^ In a pan, combine the sugar, water, lemon juice, Pimms and 1/2 lemonade
    ^ Heat and stir until sugar dissolves, remove from the fire
    ^ Squeeze off and add in the gelatin, stir to dissolve
    ^ Add in the remaining lemonade and allow to cool slightly

FOR THE GLASS:
1-2 ea Apples (Parisienne cut)
6 ea Cucumbers (peeled and Parisienne cut) keep the peel
4 ea Grapes (cut in 1/2)
4 ea Orange segments
20 oz Jelly

    ^ Take a cup of the jelly mix, dip in, per glass, 1 each apple ball, cucumber ball, 2 grape halves, 1 orange segment and 1 cucumber peel and set into the bottom of glass
    ^ Place in the cooler and allow to set a for a few minutes
    ^ Pour in the remainder of the jelly mix to cover the fruit
    ^ Place in the cooler to set for at least 4 hours

VANILLA MOUSSE
2 /12 cups Mascarpone Cheese
3 cups Heavy Cream
1/2 cup Egg White
1 tsp Vanilla

    ^ In a chilled bowl of a mixer, combine and whip all ingredients to soft peaks
    ^ Store chilled until ready to use
    * May add a dash of gelatin powder or xantham gum as stabilizer if used hot

CUCUMBER AND MELON FOAM
1 1/2 cups Cucumber Peeled
1 1/2 cups Honeydew peeled and seeded
2 cups Water
1 ea Egg white
2 ea Gelatin sheets bloomed

    ^ Puree the cucumbers with 1/2 of the water
    ^ Puree the honeydew with the remaining 1/2 of the water
    ^ Pass through a fine sieve to get a clear juice, set aside
    ^ Heat up 2 oz of the juice, squeeze off the gelatin and add to the juice
    ^ Stir to dissolve
    ^ Add in the remaining liquid, cool slightly
    ^ Place into a syphon, close the bottle and attach the gas
    ^ Shake and store upside down until ready for use

MACARONS
BATTER
0.7 oz Powdered Sugar
0.47 oz Almond Flour
0.23 oz Pistachios
0.26 oz Egg Whites
0.26 oz Egg Whites (for meringue)
0.7 oz Granulated Sugar
0.26 oz Water
as needed Green coloring

    ^ In a food processor, mix the powdered sugar, almond flour and pistachios
    ^ Then add 0.26 oz of egg whites and mix
    ^ Heat granulated sugar and water until it reaches 226.4*F
    ^ Meanwhile, whip the remaining egg whites with coloring on high speed
    ^ When the syrup reaches 246.2*F, cool down
    ^ Then fold in both mixes
    ^ Sprinkle with pistachios
    ^ Leave at room temperature for 20-40 minutes
    ^ Add to a piping bag and pipe into 1.5 oz balls
    ^ Bake at 302*F for 13-16 minutes

BUTTERCREAM
0.7 oz Unsalted butter (softened)
0.45 oz Powdered Sugar
0.28 oz Almond flour
0.21 oz Pistachios
0.28 oz Pistachio paste

    ^ Whisk the softened butter
    ^ Add in the powdered sugar until incorporated
    ^ Add in the almond flour until incorporated
    ^ Add in the chopped pistachios until incorporated
    ^ Add in pistachio paste until incorporated

PISTACHIO MACARONS
8 ea Macaron Cookies
2 oz Pistachio buttercream

    ^ Once the macarons are cool, take 1 macaron and pipe with 0.5 oz of pistachio buttercream and top with another macaron making a sandwich.
Easy Entertaining: Irish Dinner Recipes from Raglan Road Chef Kevin Dundon with www.goepicurista.com

GO Epicurista & Chef Kevin Dundon at Raglan Road

To the absolute glee of all present (including myself!) Chef Dundon announced during the event a special Master Chef cooking contest he is hosting, where five lucky amateur cooks will be flown, all expenses paid, to his famous abode in Ireland. This is an experience of a lifetime which fueled my dreams to cross off Ireland from my Travel Someday List. Get all the details and enter to win here.

Easy Entertaining: Irish Dinner Recipes from Raglan Road Chef Kevin Dundon with www.goepicurista.com

Chef Kevin Dundon excitedly tells us of the Master Chef Cooking Competition! They are going all out for their 10 yr Celebration!

Are you ready to create your very own special Irish dinner? I guarantee you will be dreaming of traveling to Ireland with this feast and hopefully it will inspire you to enter this fabulous contest! Tell me in the comments below, are you ready to GO to Ireland?

Raglan Road Irish Pub is open for lunch, dinner and late night. Don’t miss their Rollicking Raglan Weekend Brunch. Live music and the Raglan Road Dancers perform daily for a fun, casual, Irish dining experience. If you can’t be in Ireland, this is the next best thing! Raglan Road is located at Downtown Disney, Walt Disney World Resort, 1640 E. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL. 407-938-0300.

Cheers!

GO Epicurista

Disclosure: I was a media guest of Raglan Road for this event. No other form of compensation was provided. As always, opinions are my own and I only share with you experiences worth celebrating!

Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant on Urbanspoon

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Filed Under: Easy Entertaining Recipes, Go Travel & Dine Orlando Tagged With: Irish Dinner, Orlando, Raglan Road Irish Pub, recipes, St. Patrick's Day

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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. Gina @ Oaxacaborn says

    03/24/2015 at 10:46 am

    Delicious post! Ireland’s on my travel bucket list, too. 🙂

    Reply
    • Christina Thomas says

      03/24/2015 at 10:52 am

      Thank you! Ireland has been on my bucket list for years but after this meal I was even more inspired! I hope you get to cross it off your list soon!

      Reply
  2. Michelle Snow says

    03/24/2015 at 6:51 am

    The Pimms Knickerbocker Glory looks yummy. It looks like it was an amazing meal. Some posts should come with samples. LOL

    Reply
    • Christina Thomas says

      03/24/2015 at 9:44 am

      It was an incredible meal and I agree with you, I wish posts came with samples! Thanks for checking out the blog!

      Reply
  3. Elena says

    03/23/2015 at 11:04 pm

    That dinner looks like such a good time! Cucumber foam!

    Reply
    • Christina Thomas says

      03/24/2015 at 9:45 am

      The Irish sure know how to have a good time that’s for sure! I loved the cucumber foam on the Kickerbocker Glory. It gave such a unique flavor twist. Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  4. Joanie @ ZagLeft says

    03/23/2015 at 11:02 pm

    What a great collection of recipes, I would have loved to have been there! Raglan Road is one of my favorite restaurants in Orlando and we stop in every time we visit Orlando.

    Reply
    • Christina Thomas says

      03/24/2015 at 9:46 am

      Raglan Road is a definite #MustEat in Orlando. It is such a fun place and Chef Dundon really outdoes himself when he does these events. The dishes were all fantastic! Thanks for stopping by GoEpicurista!

      Reply
  5. Christie says

    03/23/2015 at 8:14 pm

    Sounds like a glorious dinner. What a fun evening

    Reply
    • Christina Thomas says

      03/23/2015 at 8:52 pm

      It really was such a fun event which only fueled by dreams to travel to Ireland even more! Thanks for checking out the blog. Cheers!

      Reply
  6. Susan Young says

    03/23/2015 at 7:37 pm

    Geez, I gained 5 pounds just reading these recipes!

    Reply
    • Christina Thomas says

      03/23/2015 at 8:52 pm

      Believe it or not, these recipes are pretty lean, except for the Tomato soup, that one had a lot of butter but oh so good! Thanks for stopping by Go Epicurista!

      Reply
  7. Jeff Wetherington says

    03/23/2015 at 5:55 pm

    Now I’m hungry! Lol, thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Christina Thomas says

      03/23/2015 at 8:50 pm

      This menu definitely is hunger inducing! Thanks for stopping by! I hope it inspired your Ireland dreams!

      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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🌟 While at Disney Springs, Amorette’s Bakery Pistachio Eclair was delightful! Such a whimsical place to visit.⠀
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💫 We can’t talk pistachio and not mention gelato. Get a cone and enjoy in the piazza of Portofino Bay Hotel at @universalorlandohotels ⠀
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🌟 For an inventive cocktail, @thenewstandardwp Pistachio infused Old Fashioned was fabulous! ⠀
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💫 Get in the car and drive to @mazzaros in St. Pete. The pistachio cannoli and everything in this Italian market is worth the drive!⠀
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👉🏼 Lastly, no matter where you are, you can enjoy my easy to make “Berry Nutty Eton Mess” dessert recipe. Find it on GoEpicurista.com⠀
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Here’s a fun fact: in the Middle East, pistachios are called “the smiling nut” and in China, “the happy nut” 😃 I hope you have a happy and smiling nutty day! ⠀
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#GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #PistachioLover
"Next to jazz music, there is nothing that lifts t "Next to jazz music, there is nothing that lifts the spirit and strengthens the soul more than a good bowl of chili." - Harry James⠀
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Yesterday was #NationalChiliDay but crazy work schedule got in the way and I didn’t get a chance to share my favorite bowl of chunky homestyle turkey chili with you.⠀
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On the blog I'm spilling the beans (pun intended) with confessions of a chili cook-off judge, what happens behind the scenes at the judge's table, tips how to make award-winning chili and my Easy Slow Cooker Homestyle Turkey Chili recipe.⠀
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👉🏼 Go to GoEpicurista.com and check it out! It's so easy to make and you probably have all ingredients in your pantry. Ground turkey (but you can use any meat or skip it and make it vegetarian!) sweet potatoes, red peppers, onions, sweet corn, black and red beans. Almost everything goes in the slow cooker at once with spices. Set it and forget it! ⠀
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And Yes! I'm in the chili with beans camp. How about you? Beans or no beans?⠀
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What I love about chili is each recipe is as unique as the family who makes it. There’s no one right way to make chili. It’s always an experience! ⠀
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👉🏼 SAVE THIS POST for when you’re craving some good chili! ⠀
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#GOepicRecipes  #MakeSomedayHappen #ChiliRecipe #chilicookoff
"Only one way to cover a story like this, and make "Only one way to cover a story like this, and make that a double, bartender, please." - P. J. O'Rourke⠀
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It's #WorldBartenderDay Let's give a BIG shoutout to all the fantastic bartenders out there keeping us hydrated with their boozy concoctions and mesmerized with their craft mastery. And although drinking has probably gone up, it's been a tough year for those in the bar industry. ⠀
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It was so fun to meet PJ Smerechansky @the_alcohol_alchemist during a visit to @theedisonfla a few years ago. He wowed us with inventive takes on classic cocktails like this fantastic @basilhaydens Old Fashioned garnished with a fragrant basil leaf. ⠀
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I'm not surprised to learn PJ is in the "Top 50 Bartenders" in the country, currently competing in the @usbg @worldclassus competition sponsored by @diageo to be named "Bartender of The Year"! ⠀
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He's already a winner in my book but let's cheer him on to bring this title home to Orlando! ⠀
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Go visit him at The Edison at @disneysprings Thursday-Sunday's and ask him to make you something special from his new "High Roller" menu! ⠀
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#GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #WorldClass2021 #TheEdisonFlorida #DisneySprings #BartenderLife
“I cook with wine. Sometimes I even add it to th “I cook with wine. Sometimes I even add it to the food.”– W.C. Fields (hosted)⠀
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It’s #NationalDrinkWineDay or simply #ThirstyThursday 🤣🍷 What’s your go-to wine? ⠀
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For every day, casual fun, I choose no-fuss wines that drink well on their own and pair with whatever we got on the table. A bottle of Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or a red blend always do the trick.⠀
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That’s why we love @ckmondaviwines and why I’ve continued to be a proud ambassador of their wines for over 5 years. They just celebrated 75 years making wine for 4 generations and the people behind the brand are the nicest.⠀
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Here’s my other go-to for easy entertaining:⠀
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A Caprese Salad with vine ripe tomatoes and fresh Orlando local made @freshmozzarellausa by the Dicuro family (also the nicest people!)⠀
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Top with fresh herb chimichurri sauce and serve with a Tuscan loaf of bread. ⠀
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👉🏼 Go to GoEpicurista.com and get the recipe for this awesome fresh herb sauce that goes on everything! Trust me. Level up steaks, fish, chicken, and veggies! ⠀
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#GOepicRecipes #MakeSomedayHappen #DrinkWineDay ⠀
#CKMondaviWines
"Life is full of surprises, but the biggest one of "Life is full of surprises, but the biggest one of all is learning what it takes to handle them." - Deborah Wiles (hosted)⠀
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Life is indeed full of surprises. And how we handle them makes all the difference in the world. We're wearing different kinds of masks this Mardi Gras and having a different kind of celebration but I'm grateful to know that someday soon we'll be able to let the good times roll once again.⠀
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This photo is a #TBT to February 2020 Mardi Gras celebration at @UniversalOrlando. Little did we know then that masks would become part of our daily wear. I couldn't even wear that one right! LOL! ⠀
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Universal's Mardi Gras events have been my favorite for over 20 years. This year, they are hosting a more subdued, socially distanced appropriate "International Flavors of Carnaval" event featuring authentic cuisine inspired by the most iconic Carnival festivities across the globe. Now thru Sunday 3/28, regular admission to Universal Studios park includes fun and safe festivities. Purchase and sample 70 tasty dishes and beverages from 13 destinations around the world. ⠀
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Of course, there's Cajun fare with flavors from The Big Easy like Crawfish Boil, Jambalaya, and Beignets! You'll also find Classic Carnaval dishes from Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago, Bahamas, Germany, Spain, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Cuba, Italy, France and more!⠀
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Check out the Mardi Gras floats stationed throughout the theme park, enjoy a Big Easy bash in the streets with energetic dancers and stilt performers in extraordinary costumes, brass band musicians, countless beads and a newly-themed Mardi Gras Tribute Store.⠀
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Stay safe, Be kind. Wear a Mask! ⠀
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"Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler" (but safely!)⠀
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#GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen⠀
#UniversalMoments #ReadyforUniversal #MardiGras #FatTuesday
“If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris “If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast.” - Ernest Hemingway (hosted) ⠀
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During my recent visit to French bakery @choulalapastries this yummy pastry caught my eye: “Maple Bourbon Paris Brest” ⠀
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Have you tried a Paris Brest? I had to google what it was! ⠀
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The choux pastry shaped like a wheel is traditionally filled with praline flavored cream. It was invented by Louis Durand, pâtissier of Maisons-Laffitte, in 1910 to promote the bicycle race from Paris to Brest, a town in the north west of France. ⠀
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You can certainly say this is a “moveable feast”! ⠀
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At Choulala, @chefstephsteph fills the flaky pastry with a decadent Maple Bourbon cream, topped with lots of crunchy toasted almonds and powdered sugar. It was such a lovely contrast of flavors and textures. ⠀
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Paris is on my Top 5 places to visit someday. For now I’ll let my taste buds take me there and maybe I’ll find the time to finally read Hemingway’s beloved memoir about his time in Paris there for added travel inspiration. ⠀
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It’s #NationalAlmondDay what’s your favorite almond topped treat? ⠀
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Stop by Choulala (like ooh la la!) at one of 3 locations and have a Paris inspired feast! ⠀
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#GoEpicOrlando #ChoulalaFinePastries #MakeSomedayHappen #WinterParkFL #LoveOrlando
“You know I have never met a woman who is not st “You know I have never met a woman who is not strong. They don’t exist.” - Diane Von Furstenberg ⠀
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As 2021 keeps rolling along, I continue to turn to amazing female entrepreneurs for a bit of food, travel and entrepreneurship inspiration. Luckily, Orlando has so many strong women to know and I’m just getting started in my series about “Inspiring Women in the Orlando Food Industry” on GoEpicurista.com ⠀
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My latest chat is with Sue Buttery, the dynamic owner of @juicebarorlando in @TheMilkDistrict ⠀
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She had some awesome tips about clean eating and how to do a juice cleanse right. She shared her travel dreams, what tops her “someday list” and fantastic entrepreneurship advice. ⠀
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If like me, you’ve indulged a bit too much recently, fresh juices, healthy bites and a bit of wellness inspiration is just what we need to start the week on a positively feel-good kick!⠀
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👉🏼 Check out the blog (link in bio) and #MakeSomedayHappen ⠀
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👩🏻‍🍳 Don’t miss previous chats with @pompomsteahouse @SisterHoneys @eatprojectpop @bcupcake ⠀
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#GOepicOrlando #JuiceBarOrlando #WomenSupportingWomen #WomenEntrepreneurs
“Moons and Junes and ferris wheels⠀ The dizzy “Moons and Junes and ferris wheels⠀
The dizzy dancing way that you feel⠀
As every fairy tale comes real⠀
I've looked at love that way.” - Joni Mitchell (hosted)⠀
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Happy Valentine’s Day everyone! Whether you’re celebrating with your bae, your bestie, your kids or on your own. Today is about loving life! Enjoy it! 💕 ⠀
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Did you know today is also “National Ferris Wheel Day”? It celebrates George Washington Gale Ferris Jr., the man who invented the Ferris Wheel for the 1893 World’s Fair. His invention was a success and lives on today with iconic ones in London, Singapore and now Orlando’s ICON Park! ⠀
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@iconparkorlando is a fantastic date destination in Orlando. Dine at one of 40 restaurants including my favorite for Spanish tapas @tapatoroorlando and then reserve a private capsule on The Wheel to get the best views of The City Beautiful. ⠀
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👉🏼 Check out  special offers on their website and inquire with restaurants for discounts to attractions after you dine. ⠀
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Where are you celebrating today? #MakeSomedayHappen 💕⠀
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#GOepicOrlando #IconParkOrlando #NationalFerrisWheelDay #ValentinesDay
“No matter how hard the past, you can always beg “No matter how hard the past, you can always begin again.” — Buddha (hosted)⠀
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I love celebrating the Lunar New Year! We get a second chance to begin the year again! ⠀
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Our friends at @eathawkers Hawkers Asian Street Food are celebrating in a fun and safe way this year with the “Hawkers Ox Box To Go” available now through Friday 2/26 during the 15 day Lunar NY celebration.⠀
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It’s such a thoughtfully composed box. Inside is everything you need to celebrate! And I love how each dish is labeled! ⠀
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The 6 dishes considered “lucky” traditionally eaten on Lunar New Year celebrations: ⠀
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🥡 Singapore Mei Fun noodles bring longevity & prosperity⠀
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🥢 Chicken Lo Mein brings longevity & happiness⠀
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🥡 Yi-Yi’s Chicken Dumplings bring wealth & treasure⠀
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🥢 Spring Rolls bring wealth & prosperity⠀
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🥡 Hawker’s Delight brings health & well-being⠀
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🥢 Sugared Donuts with Orange Glaze brings fullness & fortune⠀
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The box also includes: ⠀
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🎉 A confetti popper to represent the fireworks enjoyed on Lunar New Year to ward off evil and bad omens. ⠀
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🎉 A QR code with access to a private video of the traditional Lion Dance performance. ⠀
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🎉 An info-card full of fun facts & details about Lunar New Year and how to celebrate at home. ⠀
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🎉 Hóngbāo, the traditional red envelope, which includes the chance to win a variety of gifts including complimentary Roti Canai and FREE HAWKERS TAKEOUT FOR A YEAR!⠀
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Order at EatHawkers.com for takeout & delivery for the lucky numbers price of $36.88! ⠀
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PS: Be sure to add some Vietnamese Iced Coffee to your order for an extra caffeine boost! I always do! It’s sooo yummy!⠀
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Happy Lunar New Year! ⠀
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#GOepicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #EatHawkers #LunarNewYear
"Let us be grateful to people who make us happy." "Let us be grateful to people who make us happy." - Marcel Proust (hosted)⠀
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What makes you happy? 😄⠀
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Two things make me happy: sweets and friends! 💕 I’m so grateful I found both at @choulalapastries in Winter Park. ⠀
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I finally met @chefstephsteph in person after drooling over her fantastic macarons and pastries for years! I first tried them during my staycation at @wyndhamgrandorl and fell in love. Stephanie is originally from Oregon like me, and it was so fun to meet her at the Park Avenue bakery. She’s dynamic so expect to hear more about her in future posts! ⠀
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These gorgeous Choulala macarons, chou puff pastries, eclairs, and entremets with some bubbles are the perfect way to celebrate any day of the week! ⠀
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💕 If you're looking for ideas for this Galentine's or Valentine's Day, check out my post Top 9 Ways To Celebrate Valentine’s and My Epic Guide for an easy French-themed movie night at home on GoEpicurista.com and pick up a box of assorted treats at Choulala. ⠀
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One eclair, 3 macarons and 3 chou pastries in a cute little box are only $18! It makes a great gift too! ⠀
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Here's what I had so you can get inspired. Flavors change frequently! ⠀
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White Plate: Pina Colada, Black Forest and Amaretto Macaron, S'mores Eclair topped with marshmallows and chocolate drizzle and Bananas Foster, Fruity Pebbles, and Lemon Meringue chou puff pastry⠀
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Paris Plate: Pistachio and PB&J macarons, Lychee Rose and Mango chou puff pastries⠀
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Board: Lavender and Lemon Poppy Seed Macaron, Creme Brulee and Key Lime pie chou puff pastry, Tiramisu entremet. ⠀
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👉🏼 Tag your favorite person in the comments and have a sweet weekend! 💕⠀
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#GoEpicOrlando #ChoulalaFinePastries #WinterParkFL #LoveOrlando #ValentinesWeekend
"I love pizza; you can't really go wrong with pizz "I love pizza; you can't really go wrong with pizza." - Nick Jonas ⠀
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Nick is spot on! Yesterday was #NationalPizzaDay but I think every day is a good day for pizza! 🍕⠀
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Tell me are you a 🥩 meat lover, 🥗 veggie head, 🍳 foodie with an egg on top, or🧀 classic cheese when ordering pizza? ⠀
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Let’s talk about a few of my favorite pizzas around Orlando for inspiration:⠀
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🍕Kissimmee:  @caponespizzakissimmee in @PromenadeatSunsetWalk - Al's Carne Grande was a meat lover's dream! Fun date night spot which I featured in an article for @experiencekissimmee ⠀
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🍕 Hunter's Creek: @pienezzapizza Angie’s veggie pizza and Meat Monster because I like veggies and hubby likes all the meats. ⠀
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🍕 Lake Nona: @parkpizzalakenona Pepperoni Picante and Med Veg (do you spot the trend for our pizza nights?) 🤣 ⠀
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🍕 Winter Park:  @sixtyvineswinterpark a classic Margherita with pepperoni never goes out of style! ⠀
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🍕 Park Ave: @pratowp Widowmaker! When you know you know why this one makes every best pizza list! ⠀
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🍕 Disney Springs: @blazepizza Veg Out! (I love the make your own option too!) ⠀
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🍕 SoDo: @official_pizza_bruno the best in town. The one every pizza lover should try at least once in their life! ⠀
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There’s quite a few new pizzas in town that I haven’t had a chance to try but are on my list thanks to @amydroo @orlando.foodie,  @bebefehr @orlandomag and @faiyazkara @orlandoweekly Pizza stories! ⠀
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Do you have a favorite pizza spot? Let me know in the comments, because pizza makes every day better!⠀
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#GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #PizzaDay #LoveOrlando
"Shine bright like a diamond. Find light in the be "Shine bright like a diamond. Find light in the beautiful sea. I choose to be happy." - Rihanna (hosted)⠀
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Congratulations to Fred and the team at @reelfishcoastal in Winter Park on celebrating their 4th Anniversary today! ⠀
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RiRi must have been singing about the awesome "Get Reel Happy Hour" - it's one of the best #HappyHour for foodies in Orlando! If you haven't been,  make plans and go check it out! ⠀
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In celebration of their anniversary today, don your favorite sailor attire and don't miss a special themed "Yacht Rock Happy Hour" from 4 pm - 7 pm with @dj50one50 ⠀
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Their Happy Hour Tuesday - Friday includes awesome food and drink specials (scroll to see fish tacos, oysters & they have non seafood options too like chicken sliders and chicken tacos!!):⠀
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$4 Select Draft Beers, Premium Well Drinks, ⠀
$4 Oyster Shooter, with Vodka or Tequila⠀
$5 Select Wines by the Glass, Sangria & Select Specialty Cocktails including the Seaside Margarita, Sunset Sangria (my favorite)⠀
$6 Half-Dozen Gulf Oysters, Raw or Baked, Two Baja-Style Fish or Shrimp Tacos, Hand-Battered Fried Clam Strips Basket⠀
$7 Two Burger or Chicken Sliders ⠀
$8 Firecracker Shrimp, Half-Pound Peel & Eat Mayport Shrimp ⠀
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Stay for dinner, enjoy this week's Lobster Fest Anniversary Special: All day, Tue 2/9 - Thur 2/11,  1.5 lb Maine Lobster with baked potato, coleslaw & drawn butter for only $39! (Market price is $50) ⠀
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Choose Happy! Go #MakeSomedayHappen⠀
#GoEpicOrlando #ReelFishCoastalKitchen #LoveOrlando
"All you need is love. But a little chocolate now "All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt." - Charles M. Schulz (hosted)⠀
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We had the most decadent dinner at A Land Remembered, the fine dining restaurant at @rosenshinglecreek which ended with this indulgent flourless chocolate mousse cake!⠀
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We took advantage to enjoy the great weather we’re having and sat outdoors on the veranda overlooking the beautiful grounds and golf course. It felt like being back home. ⠀
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The flagship resort of beloved local hotel company @rosenhotels had been closed since the pandemic began last March and just reopened this week. Yet the restaurant staff did not skip a beat, providing the same exceptional service and expertly executed dishes they've been known for since they opened in 2006. ⠀
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ALR (A Land Remembered) is one of the hidden gem restaurants in Orlando that locals may forget because it's tucked inside this sprawling resort. If you haven't been, it's time to go! ⠀
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Scroll to see our scrumptious dinner. We started with scallops and the best jumbo lump crab cake in town. Followed by lobster bisque & wedge salad. For entrees, the Surf & Turf with Filet and Lobster and the buttery Sea Bass with Lobster Mac n' Cheese and asparagus on the side. We were stuffed but could not skip the bread pudding with rum raisin ice cream and that decadent cake! ⠀
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If you're looking for a wonderful restaurant for a romantic date night, whether this Valentine's weekend or any time, make reservations. Check stories for a 25% discount coupon especially for GoEpicurista. ⠀
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They are following “Rosen's Total Commitment" extensive safety protocols. Temperature checks, mask required upon entry and we noticed constant cleaning by the staff. ⠀
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💕 Special Valentine's Menu available Thur. 2/11 - Sun. 2/14. Make it a full weekend getaway with special overnight package and spa treatments at The Spa at Shingle Creek with complimentary bubbles and 25% discount.⠀
 ⠀
Read more about Rosen Shingle Creek on GoEpicurista.com - I've written about the 9 reasons foodies love it and named it one of the best Orlando resort for foodies to visit. ⠀
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#GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #RosenShingleCreek
"I have the right to life, liberty and chicken win "I have the right to life, liberty and chicken wings." - Mindy Kaling⠀
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It's Super Bowl Sunday! The biggest chicken wing consuming day of the year! Fun Fact: over 1.25 BILLION wings are consumed on this day alone in the US! ⠀
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As much as I love traditional Buffalo wings, here are a few favorite wings around Orlando with a unique global flair and one classic Buffalo that left my lips on fire, craving more! ⠀
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@ssontheroll in @historicdowntownsanford Korean style crispy wings are packed with flavor! Enjoy in the patio with a cold beer from @celerycitycraft⠀
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@yeomanscaskandlion "Cambridge Wings" are addictive at this British pub in @promenadeatsunsetwalk in Kissimmee! Slow oven baked then seared on the grill, tossed in Buffalo sauce or my favorite, Coconut Curry Sauce. Pair with a crisp cider or Boddington's on tap. ⠀
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@domufl in EastEndMkt wings have become so popular they now have @DomuWings virtual delivery!  Extra Extra Crispy coated in kimchi butter sauce. Addictive like candy! Pair with Sriracha Bloody Mary for brunch!⠀
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@eathawkers Korean twice-fried wings in garlic gochujang, topped with peanuts, cilantro and sesame are the bomb! Also get Hawker's Wings with sweet Thai chili, Hainanese, honey sriracha, spring onion ginger or a five-spice rub. Pair with Sapporo beer.⠀
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@raglanroadpub at @disneysprings "Nom Nom" sweet 'n' spicy wings tossed in a honey, chili flake, soy & ginger sauce. Pair with Guinness of course! ⠀
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@parkpizzalakenona Oak-Fired Chicken Wings Reverse Buffalo (my favorite), Cajun, Sticky Thai, Carolina Reaper, or Mango Habanero. Pair with a house-crafted beer. ⠀
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Yuzu Miso Wings at @japanpavilionmitsukoshiusa Katsura Grill at Epcot, a peaceful hidden gem to grab a bite. ⠀
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1521 Wings at @wyndhamgrandorl Resort were fiery good! The kind you can smell spicy before you take a bite. The kind you take bite after bite. They also have sweet & sticky and bourbon BBQ if you don't want to set your soul on fire. (but in a good way!) ⠀
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Lastly, for plant-based meat-free eaters, @DharmaFineVittles at @marketonsouth Fried Chick'n dippers with agave pepper drizzle fooled me!!⠀
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Which wings will you go for?⠀
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#GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen
"It's never too early for ice cream." - Michael Sc "It's never too early for ice cream." - Michael Scott (hosted)⠀
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Did you know the first Saturday in February is #IceCreamforBreakfastDay?! I think any time and any weather is a good time for ice cream! ⠀
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I had a little fun during a recent visit to @sweetbyholly to pick up some scrumptious cupcakes and couldn't resist getting a soft serve ice cream topped with Nutella and caramel drizzle, and chocolate and caramel pearls. ⠀
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Don't miss getting an ice cream sundae made with "Chill In Peace" Premium Ice Cream from Santa Monica, California.  There are 8 flavors, 8 toppings and 8 drizzles to choose from. Each serving comes with 2 drizzles and 2 toppings!⠀
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I also had some fun with colored backgrounds taking pictures of my ice cream! Scroll to see... which one do you like best? Red, Blue, Black... ⠀
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Happy Saturday Everyone! ⠀
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#GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #SweetByHolly #IceCream #LoveOrlando
"Among the things you can give and still keep are "Among the things you can give and still keep are your word, a smile, and a grateful heart." - Zig Ziglar⠀
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Kindness. Smiles. Decadent Desserts! Every day is a new opportunity to share! I hope your day is full of joy.⠀
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If you want to do something nice for your favorite person, go get an assortment of cakes and pies at @SisterHoneys in the SoDo District. ⠀
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Here’s a little secret: If you truly want a way to a girl's heart, I promise you cakes and pies are better than flowers! 😉 ⠀
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Today is #WearRedDay in support of the American Heart Association, so I have to place a disclaimer here: "Enjoy all in moderation!" ⠀
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I'm so honored to be able to share the inspiring entrepreneurial stories of strong and bold women I admire. I recently published an article about Sister Honey's owner and chef Evette Rahman on GoEpicurista.com  Check it out. I promise you'll be inspired, and hungry for some of the best cakes and pies in Orlando!⠀
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Happy Friday! ⠀
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#MakeSomedayHappen⠀
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#GoEpicOrlando #SisterHoneys #BlackWomenOwnedBusiness #InspiringWomen #LoveOrlando
"Life is very simple. What I give out comes back t "Life is very simple. What I give out comes back to me. Today, I choose to give love." - Louise Hay (hosted) 💕 ⠀
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Give love, share tapas! Whether you're looking for a romantic date night or a fun night out with your besties, you'll want to check out @tapatoroorlando at @iconparkorlando⠀
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We had such a fun night out at one of our favorite Spanish restaurants in Orlando. We sat outdoors and watched the Orlando Eye lit up. Sipped tasty cocktails - Zaragoza Spritz with Aperol, Cava & blackberry brandy and Paloma de Majorca with Avion Tequila & Q Grapefruit soda. ⠀
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We also sampled a few courses from their upcoming Valentine's Day Dinner Suf & Turf menu. The "Pan con Tomate" Tomato-Rubbed Bread with Iberico ham was so tasty paired with Cava Rose. The Surf & Turf with filet, lobster tail, cheesy mashed potatoes and asparagus was divine. ⠀
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👉🏼 Make reservations! The four-course Surf & Turf meal for $85 per couple (plus tax & gratuity) is available Friday 2/12 - Sunday 2/14 and includes:⠀
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💕 Tomato-Rubbed Bread with Iberico Ham⠀
💕 Shrimp Cocktail⠀
💕 Surf & Turf Platter with Filet & Lobster Tail⠀
💕 Chocolate Lava Cake⠀
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Tapa Toro is also offering fun Grazing Boards: a "Smashing Heart", Savory Snack Board, or Sweet Treats Board available for pickup February 12 - 14 at Tapa Toro.⠀
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On Valentine's Day, Sunday 2/14, enjoy brunch from 11am to 3pm with free mimosa with the purchase of any brunch entree. ⠀
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Tapa Toro also has a takeout option if you prefer to dine at home. ⠀
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Share The Love and The Tapas!⠀
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#GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #TapaToroOrlando #IconParkOrlando #LoveOrlando
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