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Easy Entertaining: Comfy & Classy Oscars Party

By Christina Thomas Leave a Comment

Academy Awards Party

Host an Oscars Party that is Comfy & Classy with little effort

Although this post was published in 2014 and references are to that year’s list of nominees, the tips and recipes provided in this post can easily be used to create a comfy and classy Oscars party any time.

This year’s Oscars race is tighter than ever. Who knows who will ultimately be the winner! I tell you what won’t be up in the air, my Oscars party! The date is on the calendar, invitations have gone out and the party plan is set. Over 40 million people around the world will be watching The Oscars and 10 of them will be at my house. This event is like the Super Bowl for fashion and movie lovers out there and apparently there are a lot of us! It’s the perfect occasion to have friends over, enjoy great food, do your best red carpet fashion critiques, laugh, drink champagne and all around have a great time – whether you’ve seen all the movies nominated or not. That is what a Go Epicurista event is all about.

Many will choose to have fancy parties and dress up. This night is all about glitz and glamour so if you want to dress to the nines, go for it! Personally, I choose to go the opposite direction for my “Comfy & Classy Oscars Party” It’s a long day and it goes pretty late into the evening, especially if the broadcast runs past schedule (the longest Oscars show telecast lasted 4 hours 16 minutes in 2002!), so my choice for attire is my most comfy and classy PJs. Somehow, it feels much better critiquing the red carpet fashions in clothing with an elastic waist band. Ironic? Maybe. But as they say “it’s my Oscars party and I can be comfy if I want to!” (and by “they” I mean “me”). Being comfortable is always the best way to a good time. However, just because we are in our PJs doesn’t mean it can’t be a classy affair! That’s where the food and drink choices come in to the picture. Who says you can’t have a bottle of your best champagne while wearing PJs? I say #DrinkTheGoodWine and have your Oscars party be that special occasion you’ve been saving that bottle for, #MakeSomedayHappen.

Since time is always in short supply, here is my party plan for this year’s Oscars Party to help you put your own party together in a few hours with very little effort. Feel free to copy it, change it, embellish it, take what you like and leave what you don’t. The main objective is for you to use this opportunity to get together with your friends and have a good time-sharing great food and drinks. You don’t need to go crazy with a huge elaborate soiree to do so, unless of course you want to!

Invite:

Email invites are the best for casual gatherings. They are easy, free and no-hassle. Paperless Post have classy templates for your “Awards Party” that you can put together in no time.

Paperless Post Academy Awards Invite

You’re Invited!

Fun Games:

“I don’t like playing games and having fun” said no one, ever!

During the Red Carpet Arrivals, channel your best Joan Rivers Red Carpet Fashion Critic using small dry erase boards or paper cards to rate the outfits on a scale of 1-10. Determine who wore it best and pick your best and worst dressed celeb before the end of the show. Some say the Red Carpet Arrival pre-show is more popular than the actual show and it can make or break fashion designers and stylists. Check the next day gossip columns to see if your picks are winners. Don’t be surprised if they are not. Fashion-sense is all in the eye of the beholder and the beholder has strange taste sometimes. For every Lupita Nyong’o there are several Helena Bonham Carters!

During the Awards Show: It’s time to bring out the Oscars ballot. This one is for fun, prizes and bragging rights! Print out the ballot and hand one to each guest as they arrive so they can select the winners prior to the show opening number. This year I‘m awarding the guest with the most correct guesses a bottle of bubbly. It’s the perfect ending for the evening. Pick your prize or just do it for bragging rights. It’s lots of fun either way!

Oscars Party

And The Oscar goes to…

Service Wares:

No one wants to be cleaning up at midnight, so use pretty disposable plates for easy clean up. Check out this lace collection, ivory-gold plates from Amazon. They’ll give your party all the fancy touches without the dishes to clean up after:

Pick up some inexpensive popcorn buckets to serve snacks and popcorn of course!

Having a menu full of finger foods also eliminates the need for lots of silverware. One area you don’t want to skip on is your glassware. Wine and cocktails are meant to be drunk in a nice glass.

This is my favorite all purpose wine glass collection from Riedel:

Menu:

I don’t want to miss one second of the action because you never know what can happen when the who’s who of Hollywood is together in one place. In 1974, a crazy and very uninhibited guy named Robert Opal streaked while David Niven was at the podium! And who can forget Roberto Benigni jumping over the seats in the audience when he won for Life is Beautiful and the stunned look on Halle Berry’s face when she was kissed by Adrien Brody when he received his Best Actor for The Pianist in 2008? I’m ready for wardrobe malfunctions, snarky expressions from the stars in the audience and any funny antics from host Ellen DeGeneres by selecting a combination of appetizers and finger foods that are easy to make ahead of time and can be finished off quickly during commercial breaks. It’s also great to add items from your favorite store or restaurant which are already prepared to keep your party prep load to a minimum and your Oscars party enjoyment to a maximum. This is one event where you don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen. Since The Oscars telecast is like a 5 hour marathon, it’s also a good idea to space out serving different dishes. Slow and steady wins the race and keeps your guests happy through the night.

For the menu, I like to select dishes inspired by the movies nominated, wherever possible. I admit, in some cases it’s a stretch. In 2014, the nominated films were riveting dramas but most did not have food-centric scenes or themes so I took some creative liberties and I hope you will just go on that whimsical ride with me. These dishes will work any year!

 

2014 Oscars Party Menu

Nebraska Spiced Popcorn
American Hustle Italian Antipasto
Gravity Crescent Moon Rolls
Captain Phillips Shrimp Ceviche Life Boats
The Wolf of Wall Street Sushi Extravaganza
Dallas Buyers Club Texas Sheet Cake with Dark Chocolate & Caramel Ice Cream
Her Chocolate Covered Strawberries & Popcorn
Philomena Buck Fizz Cocktail
12 Years a Slave Blackberry Iced Tea Southern Cocktail

Spiced Popcorn

According to the U.S. Popcorn Board, the “Cornhusker” State is the leading producer of popcorn in the United States. Popcorn is also the most classic of movie snacks so in honor of the movie Nebraska and its star Bruce Dern, we will be serving spiced popcorn. You can top popcorn with anything your heart desires. Mix salty and sweet, experiment, go crazy! I visited The Spice & Tea Exchange and The Ancient Olive in Winter Park for inspiration on the fun combinations of oils and spices below.

Preparation Tips:

  1. I recommend using plain unsalted popcorn so your spiced toppings really shine. You can cook it the old-fashioned way on the stove top or in the microwave, it’s up to you.
  2. Depending on how many guests and how many different types of popcorn you wish to make, plan on approximately one bag per 2-3 guests.
  3. Once popped, divide the popcorn into small paper bags, drizzle with 2 tablespoons of the oil or melted butter of your choice and toss to coat.
  4. Add approximately 2 tablespoons of the seasonings mixture, toss and serve immediately
  5. Whatever combination of spices you choose, for best taste, don’t forget to add salt and some oil or melted butter for the spices to best adhere to the popcorn.

Topping Ideas:

  • The Classic: Popcorn Salt & Butter, lots of butter
  • The Florida GSP: Garlic Salt, Black Pepper & Orange or Citrus Infused Olive Oil
  •  The Italian: Italian Seasonings, Sea Salt, Fresh Grated Parmesan Cheese & Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  •  The Millionaire: Truffle Salt, Tri-Color Pepper Blend, Fresh Grated Parmesan Cheese & Truffle Oil.
  •  The Chocolate Lover: Assorted M&M’s, Cocoa Powder, Kosher Salt & Butter.
  •  The Bacon Lover: Maple Syrup, Caramelized Bacon & Butter
  •  The Asian: Five Spice or Szechuan Spice, Cayenne Pepper, Sea Salt & Sesame Oil
  •  The Hot One: Cajun Seasoning & Red Chili Oil
  •  The Chili Bowl: Chili Seasoning, Grated Cheddar Cheese & Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  •  The Mexican: Lime Juice, Cilantro, Cumin, Sea Salt & Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  •  The Buffalo: Hot Sauce & Butter
Oscars Party

The Spice & Tea Exchange in Winter Park

Italian Antipasto

Inspired by the movie American Hustle and the Italian restaurant dinners between Christian Bale’s Irving Rosenfeld and Jeremy Renner’s Carmine Polito characters, stop by your favorite store for a variety of cured meats, cheeses, olives, artichokes, and peppers and arrange them on a pretty platter. If you’re in Orlando, La Femme du Fromage at East End Market and Whole Foods Market each have an impressive cheese selection.

Oscars Party

Italian Meats & Cheeses, a winning combination

Crescent Moon Rolls

To celebrate the movie Gravity, we are serving easy to make crescent “moon” rolls (it’s a bit of a stretch but go with it – you don’t want to serve freeze-dried astronaut food do you?) This recipe was inspired and adapted from the cookbook “Movie Menus” by Francine Segan. A lovely lady whom I had the pleasure of meeting at the 2013 Florida Film Festival at Enzian. If you like movies and you like to cook, this is a very creative cookbook for you. Find it on Amazon here: Movie Menus: Recipes for Perfect Meals with Your Favorite Films

To prepare, use refrigerated crescent rolls, roll out and fill the separated triangles with various fillings of your choice. I am doing a variety including: Shredded mozzarella cheese & Spinach, Black Forest Ham and Gruyere Cheese, Pesto & Parmesan Cheese. You can prepare these ahead of time and have them on a baking sheet ready to pop in a 375 degree oven for 12 minutes or until golden. Do this during a commercial break and you won’t miss any of the action. Adjust your quantity based on the number of guests. Each pack makes 8 crescent rolls. I plan to make 3 packs for my party of 10.

Oscars Party

Francine Segan “Movie Menus” Cookbook Author

Shrimp Ceviche Life Boats

I wanted to honor Captain Phillips and its star, Tom Hanks, who did an amazing job portraying the real life titular hero, however, in this movie about Somali pirates taking hostage an American Cargo Ship there is no mention of food other than coffee and fruit which leaves lots of room for creative interpretation. I am preparing a chilled appetizer that can be made ahead of time featuring shrimp ceviche style on endive leaves used as a “life boat”. I can’t ever think of Tom Hanks without thinking of one of my favorite movies, Forrest Gump. And as Bubba would say “Shrimp is the fruit of the sea. You can barbecue it, boil it, broil it, bake it, sauté it…” and you can even make it into a shrimp ceviche! You could also use a white fish or scallops if you prefer.

The recipe is so simple and looks very classy:

  • Combine the following ingredients in a bowl:
  • one pound medium-sized, peeled, deveined, cooked shrimp chopped in cubes,
  • one cup finely chopped red onion,
  • one minced Serrano chile,
  • one cup chopped cilantro,
  •  one cup of diced mango,
  •  ¾ cup lime juice (juice from 4-5 limes),
  •  ¾ cup lemon juice (juice from 2-3 lemons),
  •  one peeled diced cucumber,
  •  one peeled and cubed avocado,
  •  You may also add cubed pineapple for added fruitiness.
  • Cover mixture and refrigerate for an hour
  • Scoop mixture into separated Belgian Endive leaves and garnish with cilantro.
  • You may also use Tortilla Chip Scoops instead of Endive leaves and top with a dash of hot sauce.

Sushi Extravaganza

To represent The Wolf of Wall Street and the extravagant lifestyle it portrays, order takeout from your favorite sushi restaurant and live it up! Unlike the excess in the movie, plan on approximately 7-8 pieces per person. Each sushi roll is usually cut in 6 pieces. This is an awards show tradition for me that started with my sister years ago and there is no better pairing than sushi and champagne on Awards Night. I order from Mikado Sushi in Hunters Creek, my favorite for fresh inventive sushi and friendly service. I love when a restaurant remembers my orders and that I like my shrimp heads extra crispy. I selected rolls that reminded me of the movie and the crazy and out of control lifestyle of Jordan Belfort, the lead character played so convincingly by Leonardo DiCaprio. The “Out of Control” Roll with fried shrimp and king crab, the “Crazy Roll” with spicy tuna and chili pepper on top, the “Dynamite Roll” with grilled white fish, the “Naruto Special Roll” with a cucumber wrap instead of rice, and the “King Lobster Roll” because who can forget the scene where DiCaprio is throwing lobsters at the FBI agents? I also order a variety of nigiri sushi including Tuna, Mackerel and my favorite, Sweet Shrimp with the crispy shrimp heads. These will give your plate a beautiful presentation and you can pretend like you are on the show “Bizare Foods” when you bite into them. So fun!

Oscars Party

Live the good life!

Oscars Party

Crispy Shrimp Heads from Mikado Sushi

Texas Sheet Cake

This year’s most incredible performances in the male categories came from Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto in Dallas Buyer’s Club. In the film, Jared Leto’s character Rayon nicknames Ron Woodroof, McConaughey’s character, “Lone Star”. Inspired by Texas, we are making the Texas Sheet Cake, named for its size because it’s “a cake as big as Texas”. It is simple and so deliciously rich consisting of a thin layer of chocolate cake topped with a rich gooey chocolate buttercream frosting. You can use any chocolate cake recipe you choose. Here’s a delicious one from Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman. Of course, I can’t serve cake without serving ice cream and nothing is better than chocolate on chocolate, except adding caramel and nuts! My choice is the Bear Claw ice cream from Publix, a dark chocolate ice cream with ribbons of caramel and nuts. Pick up your favorite flavor or pair this decadent chocolate cake with a glass of your “best Cabernet” as Ron Woodroof would have done.

Oscars Party

Texas Sheet Cake

Oscars Party

Dark Chocolate & Caramel Ice Cream

Chocolate Covered Strawberries & Popcorn

What girl doesn’t love chocolate covered strawberries or anything covered in chocolate for that matter? I think even a virtual girl, like in the movie Her with Joaquin Phoenix, would be totally in love with Peterbrooke Chocolatier of Winter Park’s Mega Chocolate Covered Strawberries. They are perfect just like the perfect girlfriend.

Oscars Party

Perfection!

It is also fitting to have Peterbrooke’s most popular item, chocolate covered popcorn for this occasion, because it’s just so good, salty and sweet. You can make your own but why go through the trouble. Just stop by their store or order it online and they will ship it to you. It’s that simple, easy and so classy. The first time they served it was over thirty years ago at a big charity event and it’s been a hit ever since.

Oscars Party

Comfy & Classy Snack from Peterbrooke

Beverages:

Sparkling Wine is a must for any award night party! Whether you choose Prosecco, a Spanish Cava, a French Champagne or a California Sparkling, it doesn’t matter as long as it’s bubbly. Open a good bottle if you have it, this is as good an occasion as any to #DrinkTheGoodWine!

ban the word someday from vocabulary

Today is a special occasion for bubbles!

Buck Fizz Cocktail

For a fancy welcome cocktail, offer a variation on the Buck Fizz cocktail served frozen. In the movie Philomena, Judy Dench’s lead character is offered a Buck Fizz on her flight from London to America and she loved it. The traditional cocktail is 2 parts orange juice to one part champagne (basically a mimosa with less champagne!). For this evening, I am making a variation with fresh Florida orange juice and peach nectar. You can use any juices you prefer. To prepare, fill ice-cube trays with a mixture of equal parts fresh orange juice and peach nectar and freeze overnight. When guests arrive, pop a fruit juice cube in a glass and top with sparkling wine. This cocktail idea came from our friends at Barnie’s Coffee Kitchen in Winter Park where they serve beautifully inventive sparkling wine cocktails. It’s delicious and looks so classy and fun. Serve a non-alcoholic version using sparkling grape juice or soda water for the kids and the designated drivers.

Oscars Party

Bubbles!

Blackberry Iced Tea Southern Cocktail

The movie 12 Years a Slave was incredibly moving and my pick for best picture this year. The scene where the main character, Solomon Northrup, is mashing the blackberries in order to use the juice to write a secret letter is absolutely riveting. I was inspired to serve a Southern style cocktail with iced tea, muddled blackberries and vanilla bourbon. To prepare simply muddle a handful of blackberries, mint leaves and simple syrup in a shaker, fill with ice and top with iced tea and 2 ounces of Vanilla Bourbon, like Phillip’s Union Vanilla Bourbon. Shake and pour into your favorite glass. Garnish with fresh mint leaves. The picture below is using pomegranates instead of Blackberries and that’s what is so great about this cocktail. You can use other fruits like pomegranates, strawberries, blueberries or raspberries depending on what fresh fruits you find in your store. You can also omit the bourbon for the designated drivers non-alcoholic version.

Oscars Party

Sweet with a punch!

Well, there you have it. I hope I inspired you to invite some friends over and have your own “Comfy & Classy Oscars Party”. Since the main objective of our Go Epicurista gatherings is to get together with friends and have a good time, if you don’t have time or are inclined to cook, you can always just order a good pizza, pop some popcorn and open a nice bottle of wine. Great food, wine and friends is always the best combination.

Oscars Party

It doesn’t get any more comfy & classy than this!

Use this checklist to make your party planning even easier!

If you have any questions or need help with your party just post them in the comments or reach out to me via any of the social media links below. I’m here to take care of all the planning so you can just go and #MakeSomedayHappen with your friends. Let me know how you like to celebrate on Oscars Night.

Cheers!

Go Epicurista

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links which, at no cost to you, provide a small commission to help defray the costs of our site when you make a purchase. As always, I only share with you experiences worth celebrating and products I use and love. Thank you for your support by using the links provided. Cheers!

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Filed Under: Easy Entertaining Recipes Tagged With: Ancient Olive, Appetizers, Barnies Coffee Kitchen, Chocolate, Cocktails, Easy Entertaining, Francine Regan, Ice Cream, La Femme Du Fromage, Mikado Sushi, Oscars Party, Party Guide, Peterbrooke Chocolatier, Sparkling Wine, The Spice & Tea Exchange, Whole Foods Market

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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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@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!⠀
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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
“When the going gets tough, the tough make cooki “When the going gets tough, the tough make cookies.” - Erma Bombeck⠀
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It’s been a tough year to say the least so I skipped the baking and got these cookies at @ritzcarltonorlando instead! ⠀
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I absolutely loved their crinkle cookies and the cranberry chocolate bark, and who could resist a gingerbread man? ⠀
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They were some of the treats found along our festive lakeside walk at the beautiful resort. We paired with a glass of bubbles, Coquito and Hot Chocolate. Perfect! ⠀
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Is baking cookies part of your holiday traditions? What’s your favorite cookie? ⠀
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How are you celebrating the holidays this year? ⠀
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👉🏼 I published an update to my “Top Orlando Hotels for Christmas Dining” on GoEpicurista.com and the Grande Lakes Resort comprised of Ritz Carlton and @jwmorlando is one my must visit favorites this holiday season! ⠀
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Several resorts are offering to go options this year for those who wish to dine lavishly at home but skip all the work. Check out the Knife & Spoon To Go feast for 4-6. It’s impressive! ⠀
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Happy Holidays! ⠀
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#GOepicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #RCmemories #LoveOrlando #christmascookiesfordays
"Nobody's walking out on this fun, old-fashioned f "Nobody's walking out on this fun, old-fashioned family Christmas." — Clark Griswold, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation⠀
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What’s your favorite holiday activity tradition?⠀
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I’ve been on a Xmas movie binge and never realized there were so many holiday movies out there! Scroll Netflix, Prime, and let’s not forget ALL the Hallmark Channel lineup and there’s every predictable holiday love story. It’s hilarious! I think I’ll stick to comedies like Christmas Vacation, Home Alone, and Elf and The Holiday & Love Actually for rom-coms. Of course I always watch White Christmas. It’s a classic! What are your favorites? ⠀
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Speaking of favorite holiday traditions, let’s talk about chocolate treats! ⠀
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One of my favorite local chocolate shops @peterbrookewp has everything you can dream of covered in chocolate. Popcorn, pretzels and Oreo cookies are my go to’s. They make great gifts for the chocolate lovers in your life. (Hint Hint 😉)⠀
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And if you’re looking for a fun activity the whole family will enjoy, pre-order a Chocolate House Decorating Kit. It comes with everything you need to make the most adorable - and delicious - chocolate house! ⠀
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Check out their IG and website for details. They offer curbside pickup, delivery and shipping too! ⠀
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Make the holidays as delicious as can be this year! God knows we all deserve it! ⠀
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#GOepicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #PeterbrookeWP #nationalchocolatecoveredanythingday
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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.”

Don’t put off enjoying life with friends until someday. #MakeSomedayHappen Go Epicurista!

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