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Easy Slow Cooker Homestyle Turkey Chili

By Christina Thomas Leave a Comment

Slow Cooker Homestyle Turkey Chili Recipe and Confessions from a chili cook-off judge on tips to make award winning chili and what happens at the judges table.

Confessions From a Chili Cook-Off Judge and Tips To Make Award-Winning Chili

A good bowl of chili is hard to beat! It’s the ultimate comfort food in the United States. A legendary American dish that has spurred many to put their recipes to the test at local and national chili cook-offs, game day parties, and potlucks everywhere.

I’ve eaten enough chili in my life to know a thing or two about what makes good chili. Especially since I’ve had my share of award-winning chili and not-so-good chili after judging one of our local charity chili cook-offs for 5 years straight. But I confess, I’m not a pro. Chili is serious business for many. And I’m merely in it for the fun a good chili often generates. In the end, if it tastes good, then it’s good!

I’m spilling the beans (pun intended) about what happens behind-the-scenes at the judge’s table, what makes an award-winning chili (in my book), and if you’re interested, I’m also sharing my favorite easy slow cooker Homestyle Turkey Chili recipe that I often make at home.

This southwestern chili recipe can be adjusted to your taste and preferences. Don’t like turkey or want to make it vegetarian? You can! Like it mild or three-alarm hot? You can do that too! This is the beauty of chili. The recipe can be as unique as each person making it.

Join me and let’s make an epic chili to share with family and friends. It’s time to #MakeSomedayHappen one delicious bite, sip, and trip at a time.

Let’s go!

Slow Cooker Homestyle Turkey Chili Recipe and Confessions from a chili cook-off judge on tips to make award winning chili and what happens at the judges table.

The Unique Chili Experience

Chili is often an experience. It’s not a quick last-minute meal. It’s planned. It requires time and the right ingredients. And, let’s not forget, it’s best after it sits in the refrigerator overnight. So again, it’s not a meal you whip up quickly.

But, with this slow cooker homestyle Chili recipe, I’m making it a bit easier for you to make award-winning chili. The ingredients are probably in your pantry. It’s a set it and forget it, dump almost all ingredients at once kind of recipe.

There’s no such thing as one way to make chili. You can make a Texas Red or Chili Verde which each have very specific requirements. There’s “homestyle” chili for everything else.

Anything goes when you make a Homestyle Chili!

Meaty or vegetarian? That’s ok. And the question of beans or no beans leads to heated debates. With homestyle chili, it often includes beans. And there are so many varieties of chili, no two are ever alike.

Cherished family recipes are passed down from generation to generation with guarded secret ingredients.

Do you have a family recipe? Want to share your unique ingredients? Please comment below.

In this Homestyle Turkey Chili, I’m adding sweet potatoes, black and red beans, and sweet corn. I like it chunky. Full of veggies. And, I love the colors and textures. You do you. If you don’t like an ingredient, skip it!

Slow Cooker Homestyle Turkey Chili Recipe and Confessions from a chili cook-off judge on tips to make award winning chili and what happens at the judges table.

Travel Inspiration: Texas and Myrtle Beach!

Here’s a bit of chili history. It’s widely believed chili originated in Texas. In the 1880s, a market in San Antonio started setting up chili stands from which chili or “bowls o’red” were sold by women called “chili queens.”

In 1977, the Texas Legislature designated chili con carne as the official dish of the state! I would love to go on a chili-tasting spree.

Some insist the first chili cook-off took place in the early 1950s. Terlingua, Texas claims chiliheads first convened there in 1967 for the very first World Championship Chili Cook-off (WCCC). Pioneered by car racing legend Carroll Shelby.

The International Chili Society Made Chili Cook-Offs a Tradition!

Since 1967, The International Chili Society (ICS) has been bringing people together over America’s greatest culinary creation with sanctioned nationwide chili cook-offs to raise money for charities and an Annual Championship to produce a World Champion! In 2020, the top food sport organization, World Food Championships, officially acquired ICS and will host the event in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina in 2021!

If you’re looking to travel for chili, check out their website for details on this event.

Behind The Scenes at a Chili Cook-Off Judge’s Table

I was honored to be asked to judge the Winter Park Rotary Club “Chili For Charity” Cook-Off event for 5 years straight starting in 2015. Participants included everyone from top chefs and restaurants in town to local colleges and organizations. The judge’s table included an illustrious group of top local food writers, city officials, and even the mayor of Winter Park.

I was happy to lend my enthusiastic taste buds and my strong stomach for a good cause. Tasting 20+ different chilis in one seating require both.

Winter Park Rotary Club "Chili For Charity" Chili Cook-Off Judges including Christina Thomas of Go Epicurista
This picture was taken before we started judging. As you can see, we are refreshed and excited. You truly don’t want to see the picture after tasting 20 different chilis.

Our main criteria for judging chili were: Appearance, Taste, and Texture. We also judged for “Winter Park Attitude,” which meant your chili needed some “swagger” and style. This often involved using local ingredients, adding a unique garnish or ingredient.

Slow Cooker Homestyle Turkey Chili Recipe and Confessions from a chili cook-off judge on tips to make award winning chili and what happens at the judges table.
This chili competitor went for a “Margarita” presentation. We liked the fun of it and the chunkiness of the chili. The cornbread accompaniment was tasty too!

We eat with our eyes first. How your chili looks is important. According to ICS “Chili that looks appealing with a pleasing aroma and that tastes good – and that meets the requirements of each category’s rules – is typically scored well.”

Winter Park Rotary Club "Chili For Charity" Chili Cook-Off Judge's Table
We were lucky to get some good local craft beer to cleanse our palates between tastes. Not sure if that’s ICS sanctioned but this is for fun and for charity!

This is what the table looks like at some point in the process. We typically take one to two bites. If a chili encourages three tastes it’s usually a winner. If we can’t bear more than one bite, then it goes off to the side. In competition, you have to make an impact quickly. Being first in the lineup could be a disadvantage. Unless of course, you’ve made a memorable chili. So don’t worry about order and focus on quality.

Slow Cooker Homestyle Turkey Chili Recipe and Confessions from a chili cook-off judge on tips to make award winning chili and what happens at the judges table.

Most often, the chili that won was not a crazy concoction. It was simply a well-made, properly thought out, and balanced marriage of textures and flavors. Award-winning chili is not simply about what’s in it. It’s about how every ingredient has purpose and intention and how well the ingredients work together. It’s about the blend.

Slow Cooker Homestyle Turkey Chili Recipe and Confessions from a chili cook-off judge on tips to make award winning chili and what happens at the judges table.

How To Make Award-Winning Chili

Taste, texture, consistency, blend of spices, aroma, and color are the main criteria for a winning chili. Competition cooks spend countless hours fretting over ingredients and seasonings looking for the right blend of spices to stand out above the rest.

For most dedicated “Chiliheads,” the purest form of chili is traditional red. Also known as “Texas red.” Most red chili recipes include finely chopped meat, diced vegetables, tomato sauce or paste, garlic, chili powder, and other spices. According to official ICS rules, beans or other fillers may not be added.

Luckily at home, you don’t have to worry about rules and can simply focus on what you like and what tastes good.

Keep These Tips In Mind For How To Make Great Tasting Chili

  • Use any kind of meat you like. You can even use a blend. The key here is to ensure the meat does not overcook or gets mushy. Ground turkey and chicken offer a learner alternative while still providing good texture.
  • If you depart from a traditional chili, then make sure it’s just as good or better than the original. I tried several white chilis that just couldn’t compete.
  • Balance flavors between sweet, spicy, and savory. Too sweet and it’s not chili. Too spicy and you can’t enjoy it.
  • When using beans, it’s ok to use canned. If you’re using dried beans, ensure they are cooked properly. Hard beans are no bueno.
  • Vegetarian chili can be just as good as the meaty kind. Use lots of tomatoes and veggies like in this homestyle turkey chili recipe, I’m using sweet potatoes, peppers, two kinds of beans, and sweet corn.
  • Refrigerate your chili overnight and serve the next day. The more time you give the flavors to marry, the better the taste.
  • Use a variety of canned tomatoes. I like a mix of Fiery Roasted tomatoes and crushed tomatoes. You can also use diced tomatoes with green chilies.
  • Adjust spices and add fresh and dry chilies if you want to amp up the heat. I prefer to make a milder chili for everyone to add their own hot sauces and jalapenos or an extra sprinkling of cayenne pepper to give it a unique kick.
  • Secret ingredients run the gamut from marmalade to chocolate, molasses, red wine, beer, and various hot sauces. Have fun with it. However, keep in mind that every ingredient should have a purpose and add something to the mix.
  • Adjust the quantity of liquid ingredients accordingly to how many chunky ingredients you have. You don’t want it too runny or watery but you also don’t want it so thick that the liquid is gone. It’s all about balance.

There’s a lot of debate in different parts of the country about what makes a good chili but ultimately it’s a matter of preference. Whether you like a lot of meat or no meat, beans or no beans, etc. it’s up to you. What makes a good chili is the right combination of texture, and balance of flavors.

Slow Cooker Homestyle Turkey Chili Recipe and Confessions from a chili cook-off judge on tips to make award winning chili and what happens at the judges table.

What Toppings To Add To Your Homestyle Turkey Chili

In ICS competitions no toppings are allowed. At home, go crazy! But within reason. Remember that we eat with our eyes. The toppings are the first thing we see. And the first we taste.

We had one competitor add grated parmesan cheese and it had such a strong aroma that it overpowered the chili. To boot it was from a jar and not fresh grated. Quality matters.

Balance and texture are key. Chopped onions are a common add-on but not a great one when the onions are in such large chunks all you get is a mouthful of onions on your first bite.

Have fun with your toppings! Plantain chips, avocado, pico de gallo, and cilantro were great toppings for a Latin flair.

Sour cream and freshly grated cheddar cheese are perfect if your chili is on the fiery side to help balance the heat.

Like the rule of accessorizing “take one thing off before you leave the house” the same goes with chili sometimes too much is just too much. Make sure everything is in balance.

For my Homestyle Turkey Chili I added fresh cilantro, jalapeños, shredded pepper jack and cheddar cheese, and avocado. I also served it with tortilla chips and white rice on the side. Cornbread, crackers, and Fritos on the side are more traditional.

Slow Cooker Homestyle Turkey Chili Recipe and Confessions from a chili cook-off judge on tips to make award winning chili and what happens at the judges table.

Easy Slow Cooker Homestyle Turkey Chili Recipe

Slow Cooker Homestyle Turkey Chili Recipe and Confessions from a chili cook-off judge on tips to make award winning chili and what happens at the judges table.
Print
Easy Slow Cooker Homestyle Turkey Chili
Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
5 hrs 20 mins
 

A bold and chunky chili that is easy to make in your slow cooker and easy to adjust to your tastes. Make it with ground turkey, chicken, beef, or vegetarian! Add sweet potatoes, red peppers, onions, fiery tomatoes, beans, and sweet corn. Adjust spices to make it as mild or spicy as you like it!

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Southwestern
Keyword: Chili, Slow cooker, Vegetarian
Author: Christina Thomas
Ingredients
  • 2 lbs. lean ground turkey (or chicken or beef, or omit for vegetarian)
  • 1 sweet onion diced
  • 2 large sweet potatoes peeled and diced
  • 1 red bell pepper diced (or yellow or orange bell peppers)
  • 1 14oz can fiery roasted tomatoes (or regular diced tomatoes)
  • 2 14oz cans crushed tomatoes
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 4 Tbsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp oregano
  • fresh cracked pepper
  • 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth if making vegetarian)
  • 1 15 oz can black beans rinsed
  • 1 15 oz can red beans rinsed
  • 1 15 oz can sweet corn rinsed
  • Garnish options: fresh cilantro, avocado, shredded jack cheese, pickled or fresh jalapeño, sour cream
  • Serve with tortilla chips, white rice, cornbread or crackers
Instructions
  1. Place ground meat, onion, sweet potato, diced tomatoes, garlic, all seasonings in the slow cooker. Add broth and stir.

  2. Cover and cook on LOW 7 hours or HIGH 5 hours.
  3. Stir to break up the meat, add beans and corn and cook for additional 20 minutes.
  4. Garnish and serve with your favorite toppings and sides.
Recipe Notes

This chili is so easy to adjust to your tastes.

  • Make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and using vegetable broth.
  • We like garlic but if you don’t, reduce the amount to 2 cloves.
  • Don’t have fiery roasted tomatoes? You can also use regular diced tomatoes instead but the roasted ones do add a nice flavor profile.
  • Don’t want it spicy? Reduce the amount of chili powder by 1 tsp and skip the cayenne.
  • Want more heat? Add more chili powder and cayenne pepper. Serve with hot sauce and jalapenos.

Note on Cooking:

  • All ingredients except beans and corn can be added all at once including the uncooked meat. If using ground turkey or chicken, there’s no need to cook separately as these are lean meats. If using ground beef, sautee beef first until cooked through then drain the fat and add to the slow cooker with other ingredients.
  • This chili will cook in 4 hours on high but the sweet potatoes need extra cooking time. If you wish to reduce cooking time, cook sweet potatoes ahead of time and reduce the cooking time by 1 hour. Add cooked sweet potato at the same time you add beans and corn.
  • Chili tastes best after spending a night in the refrigerator but we understand if you can’t wait to dig in. Start your chili by lunchtime and eat it for diner! 

Slow Cooker Homestyle Turkey Chili Recipe and Confessions from a chili cook-off judge on tips to make award winning chili and what happens at the judges table.
Pin this post and save it for later!

Do you have a favorite chili recipe? If you like this easy slow cooker homestyle turkey chili recipe, let me know in the comments and share it with your friends.

I hope you’re inspired to celebrate at home and keep your travel dreams alive. #MakeSomedayHappen one delicious bite, sip, and trip at a time. If you do make this recipe, please share on social media and tag @goepicurista #GoEpicRecipes. I would love to virtually clink glasses with you and cheer you on your award-winning creation.

Cheers!

Go Epicurista

Slow Cooker Homestyle Turkey Chili Recipe and Confessions from a chili cook-off judge on tips to make award winning chili and what happens at the judges table.
If this post is not enough proof of how much of a chilihead I am, I love chili so much I once endured a chili cook-off soaking wet in the rain. Happy National Chili Day everyone!

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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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💜 Feeling the lavender haze... One of my favori 💜 Feeling the lavender haze... One of my favorite foodie experiences of 2022 was dining at Salt & The Cellar by Michelin Chef Akira Back and spending the night at the new @ettehotel - a gorgeous boutique hotel with impeccable attention to detail! I even got to meet @chefakiraback 
So excited I’m going back tonight to check out their new Lipa Rooftop Bar & Restaurant and have reservations for Afternoon Tea next month! 
Add a visit to ette hotel to your Foodie Bucket List for 2023! 
A few favorites from my last visit:
🍸 Fantastic Zero-Proof Cocktails by @jarldevries: It’s Dry January all year long! Featured first is The Kraken, a gorgeous purple cocktail made with Butterfly Pea Flower Tea & Champagne Vinegar
✨ Toro Tartare: A gorgeous board with fatty tuna and accompaniments
✨ Akira Back Tuna Pizza: his famous dish is a Must Eat! 
✨ Spinach Oshitashi Salad: the most gorgeous salad I’ve ever seen! 
✨ NY Strip with Wasabi Kizami Butter, Chimichurri Sauce, & choice of gourmet salts. Amazing! Loved that Espresso salt
✨ Miso Black Cod, yuzu air, pickled cauliflower 
✨ Togarashi Fries & Kimchi Brussels
✨ Dessert: Yuzu Curd and Chocolate in a Cup
☕️ “Where The Cloud Ends” Zero-Proof espresso martini with Yuzu Tonic, Lemon Cordial, Espresso, 0% Coffee Liquor
💜 The lobby decor with lavender and green touches was dreamy.
🧺 They have a Laundry Museum! 
📕 The Book Room features incredible books. The giant picture book requires gloves to review as it is one of a few in the world! 
The hotel is focused on wellness and offers Wellness Suites completely equipped with a full gym! 
Make plans to dine at @saltandthecellarbyakiraback and stay at @ettehotel and GO #MakeSomedayHappen
(Hosted) #GoEpicOrlando #ettehotel #saltandthecellarbyakiraback #experiencekissimmee #LoveOrlando
Don’t let the casual vibe at @jujubysusuru fool Don’t let the casual vibe at @jujubysusuru fool you. The Kappo Bar Omakase experience with Chef Lewis Lin is out of this world (& Michelin-worthy!)
“irasshaimase / come in!” is what you hear first upon entering this revamped Pizza Hut building off Colonial Drive. Everyone is welcome at Juju, one of Orlando’s newest restaurants and one that belongs on every #OrlandoFoodie bucket list! 
I was invited to experience their Kappo Bar and it checked all the boxes for a truly amazing #MakeSomedayHappen experience.
The retro Japanese izakaya-style restaurant serves up a 10-course menu at the bar and a more casual a la carte menu in the dining room. 
Omakase menu changes regularly but always features the five primary cooking techniques (grilling, steaming, frying, simmering, and raw) using local and imported ingredients, in-house dry-aged fish, and binchotan charcoal-fired dishes. Everything is prepared right in front of you for an immersive experience.
And, Don’t miss the fun cocktails! I loved “That Old Pizza Hut” was like an orange creamsicle with Suntory Toki Whiskey served in a Pizza Hut cup! 
Make reservations and go check this Orlando restaurant off your bucket list.
Thank you Chef Lewis and Mai for your outstanding hospitality. I’ll be coming back soon!
(Hosted) #GoEpicOrlando #LoveOrlando #omakase
Hello 2023! Why start the year on a diet? My new y Hello 2023! Why start the year on a diet? My new year’s resolution is to focus on self-care.  Eating healthy and exercising, sure. But also treating myself to more @gideonsbakehouse cookies, cakes & cold brews. Who’s with me? What will you treat yourself with this year?
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I love Progressive Dining and Disney Springs has plenty of options. We just get a spot at the bar and order a drink and a fun bite. Then move on to the next spot. So easy! No reservations required! 
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Steak Skewers
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Larceny Old Fashioned 
Capt Handsome - Cathead Vodka & Raspberry 
Mayan Empress - Santa Teresa Añejo Rum, pineapple
🍰 2nd Stop: @homecominfl 
Espresso Martini 
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🍪 Not pictured: we managed a stop at @gideonsbakehouse to pick up treats to start the new year!!! (They had a 2 second brief moment with no line around 11pm! I could not resist! I picked up a Banana Bread Chocolate Chip cookie which is now part of the year-round line up! I also got a slice of Golden Oreo cake and a PB Cold Brew to enjoy today! Starting 2023 off right… and not a diet 😂
We went early, had a great time and got home in time to watch the ball drop!!! 🎉
Wishing you all happiness and lots of delicious treats in 2023! 
#GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #DisneySprings
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@fsorlando Capa Steakhouse got a Michelin Star!
@ettehotel @saltandthecellarbyakiraback fabulous vibe, food & zero proof cocktails 
@doshiorlando Must Eat Korean fine dining! 
@edoboy Orlando’s first standing sushi bar! 
@kaya.orlando Phenomenal Filipino fine dining! 
@avamediterraegean best Winter Park vibe! 
@fourflamingosorl - so good I went 3 times! (bonus I got to meet @richardblais 🎉)
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@pipsoriginal best mini donuts & chai
@havl_restaurant  amazing noodle soups 
Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm 
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☘️ @raglanroadpub Hooley & Mighty Irish Festivals always fun!!
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🍖 @smokemademeats awesome BBQ pop-ups (if you haven’t tried Tyler’s brisket you’re missing out!)
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Happy New Year! 🥂
Let’s go #MakeSomedayHappen in 2023! 
#GoEpicOrlando #2022recap
2022 in Review: Favorite New Restaurant @kaya.orla 2022 in Review: Favorite New Restaurant @kaya.orlando 
So many wonderful restaurants opened in Orlando this year that it’s tough to pick a favorite. 
Why Kaya? Because it felt like coming home to family. (When your family includes a Michelin-star chef!) 😉
The food was exceptional & the service was the epitome of warm hospitality.
Orlando’s first Filipino Casual Fine Dining. 
The creation of Chef Lordfer Lalicon and GM Jamilyn Salonga Bailey (previously of Michelin-Star Kadence) 
🍽️ 5-Wave Tasting Menu highlights primarily local produce & seafood in addition to select meats. (Ooh that pork belly!) 
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The setting feels like home - family pictures and little touches, including a piano from previous tenants Dandelion Cafe as a nod to the community Kaya celebrates.
I was invited to Friends and Family preview and already have reservations to return. I need that amazing garlic rice again!
4 Wave menu we sampled:
🥄 amuse-bouche | BURONG ISDA
hakurei turnip, lionfish
🥄 first wave | KINILAW
kombujime Key West flounder, radish
🥄 second wave | PANCIT
sotanghon mung bean noodles stir fried in mushroom jus, red pepper poached egg
third wave | KANIN at ULAM
🥄 GARLIC RICE tamaki gold short grain rice, garlic chips, garlic oil 🤯 
🥄 ADOBONG KABUTE lion’s mane + oyster mushrooms
🥄 GINATAAN NA HIPON Key West pink shrimp, crab fat + coconut milk broth
🥄 HUMBA Berkshire pork belly, brown butter seminole squash puree, sweet potato greens
fourth wave | MATAMIS
🥄 UBE FLAN egg yolk flan, toasted coconut, citrus
🥄SUMAN MALAGKIT glutinous rice cake in banana leaves, coconut caramel
🥄MANGO ICE CREAM BY SAMPAGUITA & latik URARO COOKIE arrowroot cookie
🥂 Don’t miss the cocktails & wine pairings!
➡️ Add Kaya to your list!  Reservations required
#MakeSomedayHappen
My prediction is Chef Lo will be winning another Michelin Star at Kaya! 
Thank you Lo, Jami & team! You rock! (that dance was perfect! 😜)
#GoEpicOrlando
2022 in Review - Favorite Revamp of a Classic: T 2022 in Review - Favorite Revamp of a Classic: 
The Venetian Chop House Lobster Bisque @cariberoyaleorlando
Longtime fans of The Venetian Chop House, Caribe Royale Orlando’s on-property fine-dining restaurant, can rest assured that the reimagined menu of this classic Orlando restaurant still includes their fantastic Lobster Bisque. 
It’s been on the menu for over 15 years! I loved the creamy, decadent soup served with chunks of lobster meat, topped with a lattice puff pastry dome for a more elevated and stunning presentation at the table.
The menu by Chef David Hackett is a journey through fine Italian Steakhouse cuisine. You can enjoy classic steakhouse specialties (Hungry for a 36 oz Tomahawk?) together with finer dining Italian entrees such as an enormous Chicken Parmigiana, perfectly crusted and crispy and pasta dishes beautifully garnished such as the Carbonara topped with ricotta cream and delicate herb olive oil pearls.
Of course, you must start the evening with craft cocktails at their new Intimate Bar and end with another tableside showstopper, the Ultimate Chocolate Sphere dessert!
>> If you want to read more about the new menu, @tastecooksip and I wrote a guest post for the resort’s website: “The Must Try Guide To The New Venetian Chop House Menu”
Read it here (link in stories): https://www.cariberoyale.com/blog/must-try-guide-to-the-new-venetian-chop-house-menu
>> Looking for New Year’s Eve Plans?  The Venetian Chop House will offer a celebratory 6-course chef-driven prix-fixe menu including an amuse-bouche, choice of soup (that gorgeous Lobster Bisque!) and salad, choice of entrée — wagyu beef tenderloin, porchetta or pesto baked king salmon — plus a few delicious accompaniments, and choice of delicate desserts. $130pp++ / Reservations: 407-238-8060
#MakeSomedayHappen
#GoEpicOrlando #CaribeRoyaleOrlando #2022Review
2022 Review: Best Sunset - Caribbean Cruise / Atla 2022 Review: Best Sunset - Caribbean Cruise / Atlantic Ocean onboard @norwegiancruiseline Prima
🌅 Sunsets at sea are my absolute favorite! How about you?
One of my favorite travel experiences of 2022 was the #NorwegianPrima inaugural sailing with @thetravelbite 
It was a short 3 days but I loved the new ship design, the food and all the amenities. I’m definitely planning another NCL cruise in 2023! 
#MakeSomedayHappen 
#GoEpicCruise #caribbeancruise #EpicSunset #norwegiancruiseline
2022 Review: The Best View in Orlando + The Best G 2022 Review: The Best View in Orlando + The Best Gin Tonic in Orlando = Capa at @fsorlando 
📍 The view from the 17th floor of Four Seasons Orlando Resort, Michelin star Capa Steakhouse is spectacular! You can see the Walt Disney World Resort, epic sunsets & fireworks. 
🍸 For GT fans in Orlando, don’t miss the Capa GinTonic made with Coarunn Gin & Fever Tree Mediterranean Tonic. It’s colorful garnishes: Gala Apple, Juniper, Key Lime, & Botanicals take it next level! 
Cheers to 2022 and an even better 2023! 🥂
#MakeSomedayHappen 
#GoEpicOrlando #FSTaste #FiveDiamondOrlando #LoveOrlando #MichelinGuideFL
“Ooooh I like it!” - Merry Xmas! I hope you go “Ooooh I like it!” - Merry Xmas! I hope you got to unwrap delicious treats today, and more importantly that you got to share a special time with loved ones.
I got to enjoy my favorite local-made cookies from @GideonsBakehouse 
In order of appearance:
🍪 The Original Chocolate Chip
🍪 December special: Kris Kringle White Chocolate Coffee Bean - my favorite!
🍪 Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
🍪 December special: Krampus Dark Chocolate Mint
🍰 December special: Krampus Snack Cake - Chocolate Cake with Andes Mint Buttercream
>> Hurry if you want to try the December limited-time flavors! They are all so yummy!
I missed my all-time favorite coffee cake cookie so I may have to go back this week! LOL!
Happy Holidays! 
Gideon’s is located at @disneysprings and @eastendmkt
#MakeSomedayHappen #GoEpicOrlando #GideonsBakehouse #DisneySprings
“Merry Christmas Everybody!”🎄 We spent a b “Merry Christmas Everybody!”🎄
We spent a beautifully chilly and sunny Christmas Eve morning at @disneysprings. So fun & deliciously festive! (Surprisingly not too crowded but we were there early)
Here’s all we did & ate! 
1) Breakfast at @everglazed_fl - 
🍩 Holiday Lights Glazed Donut (to match my Xmas turtleneck!) 
🐓 Funky Chicken BBQ sandwich - my favorite! 
2) Put our name on the Virtual Queue at @gideonsbakehouse (90 min quoted, got text to return at 60 min, waited in actual queue 15 min!) The staff at Gideon’s is 💯 
3) Relaxed & got warm at @Starbucks (while we waited for Gideon’s)
☕️ Caramel Macchiato 
4) Gideon’s Bakehouse: picked up treats for Xmas dinner
🍪 December specials: Kris Kringle White Chocolate Coffee Bean, Krampus Dark Chocolate Mint, Chocolate Chip Banana Bread, Coffee Cake
🍰 Krampus Snack Cakes
☕️ Peanut Butter Cold Brew (the chilly 39F temp didn’t keep me from this favorite!)
🎄 Leisurely stroll around Tree Trail to see all the beautifully decorated themed Xmas trees - loved the Mickey & Minnie tree!
🎁 Window Shopping & Browsed The World Of Disney merchandise shop - lots of last minute Xmas shopping going on! 🤣
After a great morning, I’m home cooking for tonight’s dinner. I hope you’ve made the best of this arctic chilly day. Feely very grateful for the blessings we enjoy. 
Happy Christmas! 🎄 
#MakeSomedayHappen #GoEpicOrlando #GoEpicDisney #DisneySprings
This audio cracked me up! 🤣 But it seriously re This audio cracked me up! 🤣 But it seriously reminded me of all the times I take video over and over (and over) again - Mostly because I’m making weird faces or I don’t like the angle, or I feel like I look fat or… you name it! 🫣 
There are a lot more fails than wins when you scroll my camera roll, and which never make it to the curated IG feed. (In this video, I didn’t like how I was chewing because the cookie was super gooey so it stuck to my teeth!🤣)
We’re so often reminded, nothing is as perfect as it seems on social media, but it bears repeating. You never know what’s going on behind the scenes. Please spread kindness, compassion, and joy with everyone you see - online and IRL 💕
While I will never share something on my feed I don’t wholeheartedly recommend, I must share that I’m not always having ALL the “fun” you see. It’s work to get video and photos and make sure you get everything there is to share. To think of creative posts ideas and offer something unique and different. No complaints, because I do love it, but it’s still work. It’s work to edit photos & videos, find the right audio, research, write the caption and post at the right time. Creating content that provides value is a full time job. Many creators burn out, I’ve been there. We often ask ourselves why we do it.
If you’ve read this far, THANK YOU! I appreciate you. With dwindling views and algorithm changes, IG is not as fun as it once was. I’ve enjoyed nearly 9 years of sharing my favorite bucket list restaurants & events in Orlando and around the world with you. And I hope to continue to bring you a little bit of inspiration to go #MakeSomedayHappen one delicious bite, sip and trip at a time in the new year! 💕 
Oh BTW, commenting, saving & sharing posts you like is always so appreciated. It’s the encouragement we as creators need to continue to do what we do. 💕
🎄Wishing you a warm, joyful and delicious holiday! 
📍 Check out @learnlakenona Oh, What Fun! Holiday Festival. It is free and fun for everyone! And that Grinch Cookie paired with Hot Chocolate spiked with Bailey’s was indeed a delicious treat!! (See my previous post for details) 
#GoEpicOrlando #HolidaysinOrlando
OH, WHAT FUN! We spent a fun holiday themed evenin OH, WHAT FUN! We spent a fun holiday themed evening in Lake Nona last night! Their Holiday Festival is in full swing and fun for the entire family! 
Oh, What Fun! makes the holidays magical, featuring: 
🎄 Beautiful lights & holiday decorations
🎁 Holiday Market featuring local vendors & artisans for one-of-a-kind gifts
❄️ Nightly Snowfalls
📷 Photo Ops
🎄 Live entertainment including a holiday cirque show & professional carolers 
🎅 Santa’s Cottage (reservations required) 
🎶 Live Music at Boxi Park & Town Center including the Hollywood Holidays Band
🍴 Lots of Dining Options: Great pizza, wings & craft beer at @parkpizzalakenona, to fancy small plates at @chromalakenona a variety of foods at @boxiparklakenona - we had Lobster Fries & Fried Shrimp! 
🍪 Holiday Cookies, Treats & Beverages! I loved the “Grinch” chocolate mint chip cookie paired with Hot Chocolate & Bailey’s 
🌊 @lakenonawavehotel Fa La La Bar featuring holiday cocktails 
Events this weekend: 
🐩 pet parade & costume contest (Saturday), 
🎄Christmas Creatures live animal encounter (Sunday),
🕎 Hannukah Celebration (Sunday Evening)
📍 Lake Nona Town Center
🗓️ Thursday - Sunday
🎟️ Admission is free 
For more information, visit @learnlakenona 
#MakeSomedayHappen 
(Media Invite) #GoEpicOrlando #LearnLakeNona
Favorite Sunday Brunch & Coffee spot in Portland, Favorite Sunday Brunch & Coffee spot in Portland, Oregon: @ProudMaryUSA
We’ve been fans of this Aussie cafe since owners Nolan & Shari opened in 2017. Super nice people! 
🥑 I always order the Avo Toast - one of the best anywhere! But on this last visit I felt like trying their new menu and the green shakshuka did not disappoint. So. Much. Flavor!!! 
☕️ Their coffee program is amazing! We ordered one of their deluxe pour overs and it was a process. From the proper grinding of the beans to the filters and the water used, to giving you a card with the story from the grower. It was fun to watch! 
Here’s what we ordered: 
☕️ Flat White 
☕️ Deluxe Pour Over: INDONESIA
4th Place Cup Of Excellence- IJEN LESTARI
Black cherry, grape, cola, & clove
🍳 green shakshuka: harissa labneh, dukkah, two poached eggs, toast + side of hash browns with their epic house hot sauce! Must Eat! 
🍜 noodle bowl: warm soba noodles, fried tofu, tea egg, avocado, green onion, daikon radish, togarashi
📍 2012 NE Alberta St. Portland, Oregon
Add Proud Mary to your #PDX list! 
#MakeSomedayHappen 
#GoEpicPDX #GoEpicOregon #SundayBrunch
Hey Orlando Foodies, a culinary tour of @waldorfor Hey Orlando Foodies, a culinary tour of @waldorforlando & @signiabonnetcreek Bonnet Creek Resort is a Must Do! 
🍽️ Epicurious Sip & Savor event is this Friday December 9 from 7-11 pm, Indulge in a sumptuous showcase of 35 food & beverage tastings inspired by the renowned chefs of Waldorf Astoria Orlando and Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek.
Visit waldorfastoriaorlando.com/epicurious
If you miss this event, simply plan a foodie weekend and let your taste buds lead the way through the fantastic restaurants of this gorgeous resort, including famed Bull & Bear, La Luce, & Zeta Asia
Say Hi to their epic culinary team! 
👨🏼‍🍳 Bernard Fiemeyer, Complex Executive Chef @chefbernard7 
👨🏼‍🍳 Jeremy Gibboney, Executive Sous Chef, Waldorf Astoria Orlando @chefjeremy814 
👨🏼‍🍳 Dannilo Zapatel Herrera, Executive Sous Chef, Signia by Hilton Orlando @dannilosignia 
👨🏼‍🍳 Franck Riflaud, Complex Executive Pastry Chef @chocolatguimauve 
👨🏼‍🍳 Alberto Navarrete Arias, Chef D’Cuisine, La Luce @alberto.navarretearias 
👨🏼‍🍳 Juan Suarez, Chef D’Cuisine, Bull & Bear @chefjoju_su 
👨🏼‍🍳 Jesus Pinto, Chef Tournant, Zeta Asia
@jesuspinto0707 
🥇 Congrats again to Executive Chef Bernard Fiemeyer on receiving the prestigious title of Maître Cuisinier de France. His passion combined with classical French training and a flair for international cooking sets him apart as Orlando’s only Master Chef of France! 🥂
Go #MakeSomedayHappen 
Hosted #GoEpicOrlando #WaldorfOrlando #SigniaBonnetCreek
🎉My favorite fancy donut shop in PDX - @bluesta 🎉My favorite fancy donut shop in PDX - @bluestardonuts - is celebrating its 10th Anniversary! 🎉 I got the chance to meet rockstar Pastry Chef Stephanie Thornton and totally fangirl over her EPIC “Once-in-a-Decade” Donut!  Guaranteed it will blow your mind! 
✨ 18-hour brioche made with vanilla & strawberry butter! 
✨Filled with strawberry jam
✨Dipped in yuzu-strawberry glaze -  the most incredible glacage!
✨Topped with piped mascarpone-vanilla whip, chocolate cocoa nibs, & gold dust! Oh my!
🥂Perfectly paired with a mini bottle of champagne!
It’s only available THIS WEEK as part of their 10th Anniversary celebration!
👉🏼 Pro-Foodie-Travel-Tip: When visiting Portland, Oregon, DO NOT MISS a stop at Blue Star Donuts. These “Donuts for Grown Ups” are the best in town!
🙏 *I’m begging @chefstephaniethornton for an Orlando location someday!  #MakeSomedayHappen 😉 
🎉 Happy Anniversary and Congrats Blue Star Donuts team. Thanks for letting me crash your party! 
#GoEpicPDX #GoEpicOregon #bestdonutsintheworld #BlueStarDonut
Are You Having Any Fun? We sure did on @norwegianc Are You Having Any Fun? We sure did on @norwegiancruiseline newest ship PRIMA!
Best Thing I Ate on #NorwegianPrima - Dessert Edition: 
🍰 Pastel de Tres Leche with Coconut Cream 
🍩 Churros with Dulce de Leche Caramel 
📍 Los Lobos Mexican Restaurant 
@thetravelbite and I were stuffed after our 2nd dinner of the night (🫣) but we had to get dessert so we ordered the Tres Leches Cake to share. I never say no to dessert!
We said we’d only have one bite…
* We finished the whole thing! 🤦🏻‍♀️🤣
Then… wait for it! 
We saw the Churros Tower at the table next to us and couldn’t resist. We did it for the Gram! I could have drank that Dulce de Leche sauce! 
Los Lobos is one of several specialty dining restaurants you can book onboard, and the biggest surprise. Much more than tacos, it was a more elevated experience. One of our favorite dinners onboard. The bonus we got to sit outdoors and dine with the sounds of the ocean. 🌊 
You gotta have fun! Always order two desserts!
#MakeSomedayHappen 
#GoEpicCruise #TasteNorwegian #CruiseNorwegian
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I wish you a beautifu Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I wish you a beautiful day of sharing great food and wine with family and friends. Grateful for all the little things and most importantly all the wonderful people in my life. 💕
🍁 It’s the unofficial last day of fall! 🍂Enjoy pumpkin everything today…. Tomorrow Christmas Season “officially” begins…🎄
Which camp are you in?
🦃 -🎄”Xmas comes after Thanksgiving” & you’ll set up your Xmas tree this weekend
OR
🎃- 🎄”Xmas after Halloween” & your Xmas tree is already up
I’ve always loved Thanksgiving - a day centered around spending time with loved ones and sharing entirely too much food. So I’m in the “Xmas after Thanksgiving” camp. But if you’re excited for Christmas and want to get 2 months out of all the decorations, I get it if your tree is up already.
Enjoy the season and all the little things that make you happy. Cheers! 🥂
Caffeinated: Morning, Noon & Night - At Sea! ☕️ This coffee lover enjoyed Shaken Espresso in the morning with a great ocean view, Nitro from a Beach Cart and a fantastic sustainable Espresso Martini on @norwegiancruiseline newest ship #NorwegianPrima. The gorgeous ocean views, and sunsets were the most relaxing pairing. 
☕️ Starbucks at Indulge Food Hall was a great spot for breakfast. Full Starbucks menu including our favorite Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso with Oat Milk, you can’t beat the shorter lines than the second location in the atrium & fun swinging chairs on the deck. 
⛱️ Starbucks Cart at NCL private island Stirrup Cay served Nitro Cold Brew all day! 
🥃 Metropolitan Bar’s Café Replay - think an elevated espresso martini - made with Avorza Ultra Premium Organic vodka, Angostura bitters, Frangelico, spent coffee ground cordial, pineapple juice was so inventive. I enjoyed chatting with Clarence, resident mixologist about the full list of sustainable cocktails made from discarded food products.
Are you a coffee fanatic? Which coffee experience would you choose?
☕️ Happy #NationalEspressoDay ☕️
Thank you to my coffee-loving travel buddy @thetravelbite for discovering the short line Starbucks on our first morning! 
Media Hosted #GoEpicCruise #TasteNorwegian #CruiseNorwegian #Espresso #CoffeeLover
Do Not Disturb. Currently dreaming of my next crui Do Not Disturb. Currently dreaming of my next cruise vacation! Do you love cruising?
I had the awesome opportunity to sail #NorwegianPrima on its inaugural sailing from Port of Miami this week and it was fabulous! Thank you @norwegiancruiseline and @thetravelbite 🎉
PRIMA, first in its class, was gorgeous! Loved the modern design, the artwork, the shows, and all the fun spaces to relax and hangout throughout the ship. I was so impressed with the food and beverage program, the new food hall concept, all the options for freestyle dining, and the sustainable cocktails. 
If you’re looking for a wonderful foodie cruise vacation, check out Norwegian Prima. There are some great Black Friday deals happening right now. Book it! 
Nothing better than your first cocktail on deck… the Miami skyline is always gorgeous at sunset. BTW this was one of my favorite cocktails - La Madrina. An Aperol Spritz taken to the next level: Avorza Ultra Premium Organic vodka, Aperol, strawberry and orange oleo, lime juice, fresh lime, ginger beer. Fantastic! 
Go #MakeSomedayHappen 
Hosted #GoEpicCruise #CruiseNorwegian #cruiselife #nclprima
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