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Easy Entertaining: Exciting Summer Cocktail Recipes seen at WSWA

By Christina Thomas 4 Comments

Easy Entertaining: Exciting Summer Cocktail Recipes seen at WSWA 2015 with www.GoEpicurista.com

The Best Summer Cocktail Recipes from Hot Beverage Brands and Trends seen at WSWA 2015

Summer Cocktail Season is here and you’re probably planning some fun gatherings with friends. A great party requires great drinks, so a trip to your nearest liquor store is in order. To make buzz-worthy drinks you don’t need a lot of ingredients, what you do need is quality ingredients, especially as the latest trend is going back to classic, simple and elegant cocktails. Now the question is, what to buy?

If you’ve ever stood in a liquor store looking at rows and rows of bottles and said to yourself “wow there’s a lot of choices”, or if you’ve ever wondered how all these different vodkas, gins, rums, whiskeys, tequilas and liqueurs come to market, let me tell you, it ain’t easy. And, choosing a good brand is not easy either. It requires a lot of tasting.

Easy Entertaining: Exciting Summer Cocktail Recipes seen at WSWA 2015 with www.GoEpicurista.com

So many choices!

I recently attended the Wine Spirits Wholesalers of America 72nd WSWA Convention held at Grande Lakes Orlando JW Marriott and Ritz-Carlton Hotels. It is the premier event where distributors seek out new and exciting beverage products to bring to your store shelves. 2,300 suppliers, wholesalers, mixologists and wine and spirits brands showcasing their newest and best products, were hard at work with tastings held everywhere from the exhibit hall, to gorgeous suites and spectacular receptions.

I did my fair share of exploring (i.e tasting) to help you navigate those crowded liquor store shelves just in time for Summer Cocktail Season. I must tell you, I did not taste everything there – simply impossible – so I’m certain I missed some great ones. I’m sharing with you the most fun cocktails and exciting brands I tasted at WSWA. Some are new and others are long time favorites, all are certain to help you entertain and celebrate with friends this Summer (or anytime you want it to feel like Summer).

A fabulous Summer cocktail must be refreshing with clean, bright flavors that can be enjoyed leisurely and keep you coming back for more. The Summer cocktail Recipes below not only meet that criteria, they may even inspire your next Summer vacation.

Brazilian Cocktails at Boteco Americano

Mojitos are old news. Here comes The Caipirinha. Brazil’s quintessential cocktail is perfect for Summer and is definitely trendy, appearing on Beverage Menus all across the country. Cachaça, a Brazilian distilled spirit made from sugarcane juice, is mixed with muddled fresh limes and sugar for a refreshing drink, similar in style to a mojito but without mint.

Easy Entertaining: Exciting Summer Cocktail Recipes seen at WSWA 2015 with www.GoEpicurista.com

Brazilian Spirits for the Best Summer Cocktail!

The key to a good caipirinha is the Cachaça. I sampled the Espirito XVI Ultra Premium Cachaça imported from Brazil by Ambrabev, winner of Double Gold Medals for Best in Show at WSWA. It is made in small batches using only the nectar of 100% fresh pressed Brazilian sugarcane and pure spring water from the mountains of Rio de Janeiro, resulting in a smooth, clean, and elegant spirit. Whereas most rums, also made from sugarcane, have a syrupy consistency, this Cachaça is lighter and crisper, perfect for those hot days ahead.

Easy Entertaining: Exciting Summer Cocktail Recipes seen at WSWA 2015 with www.GoEpicurista.com

Photo credit: Espirito XVI

    XVI Caipirinha Cocktail Recipe


    Recipe courtesy of Espirito XVI. For more recipes visit their website.
    2 oz Espirito XVI Cachaça
    1/2 Fresh Lime, Cut and Quartered
    2 tbsp Refined Sugar
    Ice

    ^ Place lime and sugar in cocktail mixer and muddle.
    ^ Add Espirito XVI Cachaça, ice and shake.
    ^ Pour into rocks glass without straining
    ^ Garnish with lime slice

Easy Entertaining: Exciting Summer Cocktail Recipes seen at WSWA 2015 with www.GoEpicurista.com

The charming Eduardo shakes up an exciting Summer Cocktail

Like food, a cocktail can inspire travel to far-away destinations. The Boteco Lime Coco Fresca made me dream of being in Brazil, with the seductive samba music playing, warm breezes and the beautiful people all around. Made with Boteca Vodka, the only Brazilian ultra premium vodka available in the United States made from 100% fresh-pressed sugar cane. This vodka was smooth and easy to drink with hints of sweetness, quite different from its potato or grain based vodka cousins. It’s available unflavored and in berry and lime flavors. The Boteco Lime Coco Fresca was refreshing and light, and I loved it. I imagine this is what Brazil tastes like!

Easy Entertaining: Exciting Summer Cocktail Recipes seen at WSWA 2015 with www.GoEpicurista.com

Refreshing Boteco Lime Coco Fresca

    Boteco Lime Coco Fresca Recipe

    Recipe courtesy of Boteco Vodka. For more recipes, visit their website.
    2 oz Boteco Lime Vodka
    2 oz Fresh Coconut Water
    Mint

    ^ Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker over ice
    ^ Shake vigorously
    ^ Pour contents into a Collins Glass
    ^ Garnish with lime slice

A Taste of Florida with St. Petersburg Distillery

As much as I like to travel, I also like to stay close to home in Florida. I was thrilled to find a new craft distillery that is only a couple of hours away, in Tampa Bay. Family owned and operated, St. Petersburg Distillery produces Sweet Corn Whiskey, Righteous Rum & Spice, Tropical Gin and Artisanal Vodka in the independent artisan tradition using copper pot stills that are over 70 years old and organic ingredients. All were of high quality, aromatic, smooth and easy to drink. Perfect for classic, clean and elegant cocktails. The small batch distilling trend is continuing full steam ahead.

Easy Entertaining: Exciting Summer Cocktail Recipes seen at WSWA 2015 with www.GoEpicurista.com

This was the tasting line up!


My love of Florida oranges influenced the selection of my favorites in their line up:

^ Old St. Pete Tropical Gin, had beautiful bright notes of citrus on the palate. You could smell and taste the grapefruit, orange, lemon & lime zest, with just a hint of juniper and spices.

^ Winner of Double Gold as Best Fruit Liqueur at WSWA, Tippler’s Orange Liqueur uses whole Florida temple oranges, peels and all, and when you smell and then taste all I could think of was a juicy ripe orange. It was nicely balanced, wonderful sweetness that was not cloying, with a hint of spice and floral notes. It is what I imagine Florida tastes like!

    White Lady Cocktail Recipe

    Recipe courtesy of St. Petersburg Distillery. For more recipes, visit their website.
    1.5 oz Old St. Pete Tropical Gin
    0.5 oz Tippler’s Orange Liqueur
    0.75 oz Fresh Lemon Juice

    ^ Add all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice
    ^ Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass
    ^ Garnish with lemon zest

^ Old St. Pete Righteous Rum & Spice is an elegant spiced rum. When I think of Summer, I think of relaxing in the Florida sun with pool or boat drinks, predominantly made with rum. This spiced rum gives a taste of the Caribbean with toffee, vanilla and a hint of sweetness and aromas of vanilla, cinnamon, dried oranges and baking spices. The Pirates of the Caribbean would have certainly been looking for this rum when they arrived in Tampa Bay.

Easy Entertaining: Exciting Summer Cocktail Recipes seen at WSWA 2015 with www.GoEpicurista.com

    Planter’s Punch Cocktail Recipe

    Recipe courtesy of St. Petersburg Distillery. For more recipes, visit their website.
    3 oz Old. St. Pete Righteous Rum
    0.75 oz Fresh Lime Juice
    1 oz Simple Syrup
    2 dashes of Angostura Bitters

    ^ Add all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice
    ^ Shake well and strain into a goblet/rocks glass with ice
    ^ Garnish with Orange zest

Tea infused Summer Cocktail with Owl’s Brew and Azzurre Spirits

Tea is all the rage right now. A visit to the Southern parts of the United States is not complete without a tall glass of Iced Tea, Southerners preferred thirst quencher in the heat of Summer, however, making cocktails with tea has not always resulted in the tastiest of drinks, until now.

Easy Entertaining: Exciting Summer Cocktail Recipes seen at WSWA 2015 with www.GoEpicurista.com

A new kind of Iced Tea for your Summer Cocktail

Owl’s Brew, a dynamic women-owned company, has crafted the perfect tea mixer for cocktails. How great is that? Fresh brewed from real, whole spices, fruits and herbs, with no artificial flavors or additives, these ready to pour mixers are a great way to create beautiful cocktails without a lot of work. Easy Entertaining at its best! You can mix your favorite spirits and even beer and wine with the unique flavors of tea and at only a third of the calories from other mixers on the market. I sampled their Coco-Lada, Pink & Black, The Classic and White & Vine and all were unique in their own way.

Easy Entertaining: Exciting Summer Cocktail Recipes seen at WSWA 2015 with www.GoEpicurista.com

Owl’s Brew for a fun Summer Cocktail with tea flavors

^ Owl’s Brew White & Vine, the newest flavor for Summer, made with white tea, pomegranate, lemon peel, and watermelon juice, provides clean, light flavors that pair well with tequila, bourbon, gin or wheat beer. I sampled it mixed with Azzurre Spirits gluten-free Gin for a delightfully refreshing and slightly fruity, but not overly sweet, cocktail. The Azzurre Spirits Gin, winner of Silver medal in the Best in Show competition at WSWA, is infused with juniper, tangerine peel, sweet basil, exotic spices and rose petal for a vibrant herbal citrusy notes and a hint of spice.

Easy Entertaining: Exciting Summer Cocktail Recipes seen at WSWA 2015 with www.GoEpicurista.com

Anna’s Hummingbird with Azzurre Gin

    Anna’s Hummingbird Recipe #1

    Recipe courtesy of Cassandra Rosen of Azzurre Spirits. For more recipes, visit their website.
    2 oz Owl’s Brew ‘White & Vine’
    1 oz Azzurre Gin
    0.5 oz Elderflower Liqueur
    Sparkling Water

    ^ Add all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice
    ^ Mix and serve on the rocks
    ^ Top with Sparkling Water
    ^ Garnish with Lemon Twist

I loved that simply interchanging the Owl’s Brew mixer and Azzurre Spirit would create a whole new exciting cocktail, following the same recipe. Here they mixed Owl’s Brew Pink & Black with Azzurre Spirits Vodka. This cocktail had more pronounced berry flavors but was just as good. It was difficult to pick a favorite between these two so ultimately it is your preference whether you like gin or vodka better.

^ Owl’s Brew ‘Pink & Black’, made with fresh-brewed black tea, strawberries, lemon peel and hibiscus and sweetened with pure agave, had a beautiful floral and fresh berry flavor without being syrupy. Paired with Azzurre Spirits Vodka, which is soft and clean with a hint of pineapple and creme brûlée on the nose and citrus and hazelnuts on the palate.

Easy Entertaining: Exciting Summer Cocktail Recipes seen at WSWA 2015 with www.GoEpicurista.com

Anna’s Hummingbird with Azzurre Vodka

    Anna’s Hummingbird Recipe #2

    Recipe courtesy of Owl’s Brew. For more recipes visit their website.
    2 oz Owl’s Brew ‘Pink & Black’
    1 oz Azzurre Vodka
    0.5 oz Elderflower Liqueur
    Sparkling Water

    ^ Add all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice
    ^ Mix and serve on the rocks
    ^ Top with Sparkling Water
    ^ Garnish with Lemon Twist

If you love the taste of iced tea and lemonade combined, this is the cocktail for you. Owl’s Brew ‘The Classic’ offers your traditional blend of English Breakfast tea with lemon peel, sweetened with pure agave. Paired with Pallini Limoncello, a natural liqueur crafted by the Pallini family in Italy since 1875 using Sfumato lemons, indigenous of the Amalfi coast. It is a beautiful liqueur to enjoy on its own or to add vibrant, sweet tart lemon flavors to your cocktails. A trip to the Amalfi Coast of Italy has been on my Someday List for quite some time. Until that day when I #MakeSomedayHappen, I will have to dream with this cocktail in hand.

Easy Entertaining: Exciting Summer Cocktail Recipes seen at WSWA 2015 with www.GoEpicurista.com

A taste of Italy!

    English Limon Recipe

    Recipe courtesy of Owl’s Brew. For more recipes visit their website.
    2 oz Owl’s Brew ‘The Classic’
    1 oz Pallini Limoncello
    Sparkling Water
    Lemon

    ^ Add all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice
    ^ Mix and serve on the rocks
    ^ Top with Sparkling Water
    ^ Garnish with squeeze of fresh lemon

Sail Away to The Caribbean with Club Caribe Rum

Florida Caribbean Distillers are the largest producers of rum in the U.S. They not only produce their fine line of flavored rums, Club Caribe Rum, as well as other spirits but they also bottle Cruzan rum and Ron Carlos. With two distilleries in Florida (Lake Alfred and Auburndale) and one Puerto Rico, you can say Club Caribe Rum has the perfect blend of Caribbean and Florida heritage to infuse your Summer Cocktail with dreams of gorgeous white sandy beaches, palm trees and sun.

Club Caribe Mango Rum, Double Gold winner as best Flavored Rum at WSWA, has bright tropical candy flavors, great for Summer cocktail recipes. The traditional Madras cocktail made with vodka, gets a tropical makeover in this recipe using the Club Caribe Mango Rum. Mix up a batch of this tasty beverage and dream of your next Caribbean cruise vacation. I know I will.

Easy Entertaining: Exciting Summer Cocktail Recipes seen at WSWA 2015 with www.GoEpicurista.com

A taste of the Caribbean!

    Caribe Mango Madras Recipe

    Recipe courtesy of Florida Caribbean Distillers. For more recipes visit their website.
    1 1/4 oz Club Caribe Mango Rum
    4 oz Orange Juice
    4 oz Cranberry Juice

    ^ Add all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice
    ^ Mix and serve on the rocks
    ^ Garnish with Pineapple Slice and Cherry

Kentucky Flair with Heaven Hill

You may not traditionally think of bourbon for your Summer cocktail, but bourbons and whiskeys are hot right now. Brown spirits have seen a resurgence over the past few years, showing the biggest sales growth in the U.S spirits market. Although purists will say you should never mix it with anything other than good ice, I credit mixologists everywhere who are having a bit of fun making unique cocktails and reinventing Prohibition era classics, as the ones responsible for their rise in fame, converting non-whiskey drinkers, like me, to the dark side. Bourbons and whiskeys offer a richness of flavor, sweet, woodsy, spicy notes that no other distilled spirit can offer.

Heaven Hill, America’s largest independent family owned and operated distillery, based in Kentucky, has been producing the Elijah Craig 12 Year Old Small Batch Bourbon since before the term was popular. It was selected as Best Small Batch Bourbon, Best Bourbon and Best Whiskey In Show at WSWA. If you’re not a fan of fruity drinks and want something a bit more sophisticated at your next Soirée, this could be your next Summer cocktail. The blend of the ginger liqueur with fresh lemon juice and sweetness of the bourbon makes it quite enjoyable and easy to drink.

Easy Entertaining: Exciting Summer Cocktail Recipes seen at WSWA 2015 with www.GoEpicurista.com

Summer Cocktail Jackpot with Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon

    The Gold Rush Cocktail Recipe

    Recipe courtesy of Heaven Hill Distilleries. For more recipes, visit their website.
    1 oz Domaine de Canton ginger liqueur
    2 oz Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon
    0.5 oz Fresh Lemon Juice

    ^ Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice
    ^ Shake well and strain over ice into rocks glass
    ^ Garnish with lemon wedge and cherry

Scotland’s Unique Hendrick’s Gin

The curious blend of botanicals such as yarrow, elderflower, juniper, angelica root, orange peel, caraway, coriander, chamomille, and a few other secret ingredients, infused with rose and cucumber, makes this Scottish gin unlike any other. It’s produced by William Grant & Sons in small batches of 500 litres, for a smoother, gentler spirit with lots of character. If you are not a gin drinker, Hendrick’s Gin will convert you. If you thought gin always smelled like your grandma’s medicine cabinet, think again. I know I did.

The unique flavors of Hendrick’s make it a refreshing favorite in cocktails. The traditional Gin and Tonic garnished, in this case, with their signature cucumber slice, is a crowd favorite. At WSWA, I sampled a lemonade concoction with a nice floral fresh herbaceous kick. I don’t have the recipe from Hendrick’s Gin, so here is my interpretation. They have some gorgeous recipes on their website that I look forward to tasting.

Easy Entertaining: Exciting Summer Cocktail Recipes seen at WSWA 2015 with www.GoEpicurista.com

Simple Elegance with Hendrick’s Gin

    Hendrick’s Lemonade


    2 oz Hendrick’s Gin
    3 oz fresh Lemon Juice
    2 oz Simple Syrup
    Sparkling Water

    ^ Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice
    ^ Stir and serve over ice
    ^ Top with sparkling water
    ^ Garnish with lemon wheel and cucumber wheel

Cocktails To Go with KissMix

I discovered Kiss Mix in Miami and was reminded how much I enjoyed these little cans of perfectly prepared cocktails ready to GO, when I saw them again at WSWA. Whether you’re going to the beach, the pool or the park this Summer, these cans will make it a lot easier to entertain on the GO.

Easy Entertaining: Exciting Summer Cocktail Recipes seen at WSWA 2015 with www.GoEpicurista.com

Ready to GO!

Made in the UK with natural ingredients, including a double shot of quality spirits (not wine or malt based) mixed as they would in a bar, then packaged in cans for portable enjoyment. You can get a Cosmopolitan, Screwdriver, Margarita, Gin & Tonic, and Lemon Drop. And best of all, they are low-calorie (under 100!) and have zero fat! My favorites are the Lemon Drop and Cosmopolitan. For more information, check out their website.

Easy Entertaining: Exciting Summer Cocktail Recipes seen at WSWA 2015 with www.GoEpicurista.com

This is what Summer is all about!

What’s your favorite Summer Cocktail? Please share in the comments below and let’s have a party. Invite your friends, make a batch of one of these fun cocktails and celebrate. Summer is here!

Cheers!

GO Epicurista

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Filed Under: Easy Entertaining Recipes Tagged With: Beverage Brands, Cocktails, Easy Entertaining, recipes, Summer, Summer Cocktail, WSWA

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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. Cassandra @ CraveLocal says

    06/03/2015 at 12:32 pm

    Love this round up, and thanks for giving my recipes some love! Can’t believe I haven’t been to St. Pete Distillery…will have to put that one on our list.

    Reply
    • Christina Thomas says

      06/03/2015 at 2:12 pm

      Thanks Cassandra! I loved trying those recipes, they were perfect for Summer. I love how many local distilleries we now have in Florida. I can’t wait to go on a tour. Cheers!

      Reply
  2. Kelli Matheny says

    05/28/2015 at 9:56 am

    While I love my beer it is nice to mix it up a bit. I’ve been trying to do more beer cocktails. It’s nice to see more distilleries popping up in Florida. Going local is great.

    I’ll have to keep my eye open for KissMix. Like the low calorie serving and you can enjoy them in so many places.

    Reply
    • Christina Thomas says

      05/28/2015 at 12:18 pm

      Kelli I have gotten into beer this past year too, thanks to The Lady Crafters of Orlando ;), and I’ve seen some fun beer cocktail recipes. There are several local Florida distilleries producing some great quality spirits and some even offer classes and tours which I look forward to checking out this Summer. The Kiss-Mix cocktails are a great find because they don’t have that syrupy /malty taste that many To-Go cocktails have. Plus there are times when mixing a cocktail is just not feasible so the little cans come in handy. Have a tasty Summer! Cheers!

      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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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.⠀
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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
“Never say never, because limits, like fears, ar “Never say never, because limits, like fears, are often just an illusion.” - Michael Jordan (hosted) ⠀
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Just hold on! Illusions are all around us! And while #GroundhogDay tells us we have 6 more weeks of winter, there’s plenty of fun to be had in Orlando. ⠀
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I was invited to check out the new @museumofillusions.orlando at @iconparkorlando on I-Drive and oh my, what a mind-bending experience that was! ⠀
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We had a blast checking out over 50 exhibits that fool the eye and the mind using math, psychology, and science. Of course, taking these fun photos was hilarious. Scroll to see our favorite illusions! ⠀
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It made for perfect date night fun after our dinner next door at @tapatoroorlando and it's a fun experience for the whole family. They call this “Edutainment” 😃⠀
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A variety of COVID-19 safety measures are in place, including mandatory face masks, limited capacity, designated time slots reservations, one-way paths through exhibits, ongoing cleaning by staff, and hand sanitizers and wipes for guests. The experience lasted about an hour but you can be there a bit longer.⠀
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This is the first Florida outpost and 20th location for the rapidly-expanding Museum of Illusions brand that started in Zagreb, Croatia in 2015. Follow them on social media for special promotions and more information.⠀
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“Don't part with your illusions. When they are gone, you may still exist, but you have ceased to live.” - Mark Twain⠀
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Go #MakeSomedayHappen⠀
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#GoEpicOrlando #museumofillusionsorlando #moiFL15 #loveorlando
One Night Only!!! If you love really good Thai foo One Night Only!!! If you love really good Thai food, you don't want to miss the "Pomisaan" Pop-Up at @pompomsteahouse tonight 2/1! ⠀
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Chef / Owner Pom Moongauklang, the fiery force behind award-winning, Pom Pom’s Teahouse is taking over her own kitchen, setting aside the sandwich press and creating a dinner feast from Isaan, the Northern Thailand region where she grew up.⠀
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"Don't call it "Thai" - Call it Isaan!" She tells me. The cuisine is different from what we normally find in Thai restaurants with a Bangkok influence. In the northern region, they use more herbs, roots & spices. It's very healthy "good for you" food. ⠀
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I had the chance to taste the Pomisaan dishes during a visit to her commissary kitchen & had a tough time choosing a favorite. They were all bright, light, and full of flavor. The kind you just want to take one more bite. ⠀
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If this pop up goes well, there may be more in the future. Go show your support. Orlando's culinary scene needs this kind of food for more than one night! ⠀
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KAO MUN GAI: steamed chicken, topped with roasted garlic, cilantro, scallions, served on a bed of ginger jasmine rice. Fermented soybean and homemade sweet chili dipping sauces, Nappa cabbage, vegetable soup side. ⠀
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K-NOM  JEEN “Thai spaghetti” fish pureed with lemongrass, turmeric, krachai ginger root, coconut milk, fish sauce, coconut cream, served with fresh bean sprouts, kaffir lime, Thai basil, rice vermicelli. ⠀
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HA MOK PLA steamed in banana leaf, red curry fish made with kaffir lime, with coconut cream with Nappa cabbage, ginger rice. Fantastic, very concentrated flavors intended to eat in7-10 bites. ​⠀
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LAAB with a blend of fresh maitake, shiitake, and enoki mushrooms, lime, mint, cilantro, cilantro, scallions, red onions, sweet soy, fermented soy roasted rice.⠀
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KUAY TIEW HAENG (goy tew hank) cold rice noodle street food style with mushroom soy, bean sprouts, cilantro, scallions, cilantro, roasted garlic. ⠀
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Visit GoEpicurista.com for an inspiring conversation with Pom. We chatted about food, travel, someday lists, and entrepreneurial inspiration. You don't want to miss it! ⠀
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#GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen
“Life is what happens to us while we are making “Life is what happens to us while we are making other plans." - Allen Saunders (ad) ⠀
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Boy are we being constantly reminded “life happens!”⠀
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This month, I was planning to celebrate BIG. It’s the 7th Anniversary of GoEpicurista.com and I had so many projects and goals. Unfortunately untold setbacks, major plumbing issues, car troubles and a host of other challenges completely derailed my best laid plans. It was one thing after another. I had to keep reminding myself setbacks are temporary. ⠀
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Creating memories and spending time with loved ones, celebrating every day, is truly the most important. So we found the time within the chaos to make a fun dinner, open a bottle of wine and celebrate! ⠀
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I made my go-to chimichurri style fresh herb sauce I’ve been making for years to elevate any dish and used it on grilled surf & turf, veggies, Caprese salad and crusty Tuscan bread. ⠀
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It all came together in about 15 minutes! The sauce is super versatile using fresh herbs and ingredients you have at home to adapt to your tastes. ⠀
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And the sauce that goes with everything, deserves the wine that pairs with everything! ⠀
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CK Mondavi & Family are celebrating their 75th Anniversary!!! Their wines at $6.99 are phenomenally approachable and affordable with great quality and value. Perfect to enjoy any time. ⠀
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It’s the reason I’ve been a @ckmondaviwines ambassador since 2016! We drink these at home all the time, especially the Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.⠀
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👉🏼 Check out GoEpicurista.com for the herb sauce recipe and a bunch of ways you can use it to take everything from avocado toast to grilled meats, seafood and veggies to the next level!⠀
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This is Easy Entertaining. Especially for when life happens! ⠀
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Celebrate every day! ⠀
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#GoEpicRecipes #MakeSomedayHappen ⠀
#CelebratewithCKMondavi #CKM75years ⠀
#CKMondaviWines
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CK Mondavi Ambassador

CK Mondavi Ambassador

Proud to be a 2021 CK Mondavi Ambassador! Follow #CKMondaviAmbassador and #CKMondaviWines for recipes and wine pairing tips.

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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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Contact me if you’re interested in collaborating with Go Epicurista on special food and wine events, hospitality digital marketing and social media consulting, restaurant & event reviews, travel product reviews, or to create a customized Go Epicurista Insider Experience for your friends, clients or employees. The possibilities are endless!

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