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Epcot Food and Wine Festival with MasterChef winner Shaun O’Neale

By Christina Thomas Leave a Comment

MasterChef Shaun O'Neale Visits Epcot Food and Wine Festival - Interview with GoEpicurista.com talks about eating and drinking around the world and his Squid Ink Lobster Ravioli

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival appearance by MasterChef winner Shaun O’Neale reveals his excitement for all things Disney and Food!

MasterChef Season 7 winner Shaun O’Neale visits the 22nd Epcot International Food & Wine Festival for the first time! Yet, his childhood story is tied to Epcot in a very special way. I had the opportunity to chat with the dynamic Las Vegas DJ turned celebrity chef in anticipation of his special appearance at the world-renowned festival.

If you watch MasterChef on TV, then you know Shaun O’Neale. If you don’t, then you’ll want to get to know him!

His enthusiasm for food is contagious. His love of meat and big bold flavors borders on obsession. His modern and artistic take on American cuisine, which inspired his cookbook “My Modern American Table” is inspiring to any home cook who wants to get out of the rut of cooking the same old thing in the same old way. He adds inventive ingredients to everyday dishes and really jazzes up your taste buds. The self-taught home cook learned his craft from cookbooks and impressed Gordon Ramsay to win the title. Not an easy thing to do!

He still goes by @DJShaunOneale on social media, a nod to his initial claim to fame, electrifying dance floors from the DJ booth at legendary dance clubs and music festivals from South Florida to Las Vegas, and everywhere in between. His biggest gig? Getting the party going on Las Vegas Blvd for 100,000 people on New Year’s Eve!

Over 100,000 people visit Epcot’s extravaganza of festivals, this year running for an unprecedented 75 days. Alas, he will only be cooking for a select group who were fortunate to purchase tickets to his special event appearance. These tickets go fast! More details are listed below for the next events with other legendary chefs.

Special Appearance at Epcot Food & Wine Festival

I previously met Shaun O’Neale during a special demo for the Cocoa Beach Uncorked event, where he demoed an amazing salmon crudo in addition to a version of his lobster ravioli. O’Neale will be the guest chef during the “Eat, Drink and Ask Questions” special event on September 3rd and those guests are in for a treat! Since I didn’t get a chance to interview him then, I thought it was perfect I get to ask him a few questions in anticipation of his Epcot Food and Wine Festival debut.

Check out the video for the full interview and read below for much more about this inspiring chef.

What can guests expect during your event?

“I’m super excited to be demoing my squid ink and lobster ravioli. It’s a beautiful squid ink pasta dough with a nice pink filling. The lobster comes out. Super vibrant and super fresh.” He describes the squid ink giving the pasta this black color but the flavor is light, like a sea breeze. And now my mouth is watering.

“It’s an amazing dish, a spin-off of something that is in my cookbook, My Modern American Table: Recipes for Inspired Home Cooks and I’m excited to share it with fans at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival. It’s going to be an exciting experience for me and the guests.”

MasterChef Shaun O'Neale Visits Epcot Food and Wine Festival - Interview with GoEpicurista.com talks about eating and drinking around the world and his Squid Ink Lobster Ravioli

Look at this gorgeous Squid Ink Lobster Ravioli by MasterChef Shaun O’Neale!

This is his first time visit to the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival and he is going all out. He’s brought his family and they’ve even made matching tee-shirts. (A common tradition amongst frequent festival goers.) This is like a team sport!

Eating and Drinking Around The World

Epcot is known for being THE destination in Central Florida to eat and drink around the world. This festival takes that concept and amps it up to 1000 volts! It’s massive! 35 marketplaces serving hundreds of dishes and drinks! A calendar full of special appearances, and ultra special events. A massive variety of experiences to choose from!

What are you most excited to check out during the festival?

“I’m just excited to be here with my loved ones. I’ve worked hard to get to this stage to be able to do events like this. To be at Disney, at The pinnacle of Food and Wine Festivals. It’s amazing to be here with the people I care about.”

He adds what every Epcot Food and Wine groupie would agree with: “I’m excited to check out the food around the world. It’s such an amazing event, they bring in so many cultural aspects and so many flavors. Epcot has been so amazing at really cultivating a true experience, like you’re actually in that country. I’m excited to get out and really immerse myself in the food and everything that’s going on here.”

He adds with a chuckle “but hopefully not put on too many pounds.”

That is something I’m afraid we all struggle with when visiting Epcot. To that I say “Live it Up Shaun!”

MasterChef Shaun O'Neale Visits Epcot Food and Wine Festival - Interview with GoEpicurista.com talks about eating and drinking around the world and his Squid Ink Lobster Ravioli

Travel Bucket List

In his cookbook, he talks about how culinary journeys around the country have inspired him. And since I love talking travel bucket lists, I’m curious to learn about his.

What country around the World Showcase is on your travel bucket list?

Although he shares he is “over the moon obsessed with Italy. The culture, the art, the food, is absolutely incredible.” There is another country with a prominent presence at Epcot that tops his travel bucket list.

“I really want to visit Japan someday.”

Epcot serves as great inspiration for travel so don’t be surprised if you see Shaun in the Japan marketplace this weekend, chowing down on Wasabi Shumai Steamed Pork Dumplings, Salmon BLT Sushi Rolls and Teriyaki Ginger Pork.

I share with him my mission to “Make Someday Happen” and I hope it inspires him to cross Japan off his “someday list.”

When I ask if he would like to cook in Japan? His answer shows his practical giddiness for being in the kitchen. A guy who gets to live his dream every day.

“I want to cook everywhere I can! Sharing food is sharing love. And if you’re sharing love everybody’s happy. I want to cook everywhere from Orlando to Tokyo. I am down to cook anywhere this amazing journey takes me.”

Epcot celebrates 35 years!

Disney’s “Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow” (EPCOT) opened on October 1, 1982 and Shaun has a special connection. He first visited as a baby in December of that year. Epcot holds a special place in the heart of the 35-year-old chef and he shares why this visit is so special “It’s a full circle life moment for me. The people at Epcot have been amazing and the chefs pump out some amazing food here!”

What’s your earliest memory of visiting Epcot and Walt Disney World?

He smirks and answers with a chuckle at the thought.

“Probably when I first got my taste of freedom! I don’t remember much of the earlier times with my parents. But that first time they said “go wild, get on the bus and go wherever you want” (referring to the Disney buses that travel throughout the vast Walt Disney World complex.)

“They felt safe. Disney is a family place. A place where you can feel safe. Let your kids run around and have a good time. So my first freedom experience came at Disney.”

“I went straight to get a turkey leg.”

The gigantic turkey legs found throughout the parks have been an unofficial “signature dish” and much to the chagrin of local foodies, the representative of theme park food and Orlando food for decades. His first taste of freedom was getting a giant turkey leg since his parents typically refused when he was younger. I naturally have to ask the inventive chef what he thinks of the food at Disney today.

Disney’s Culinary Surprises

Orlando and Disney have come a long way in the culinary world since your early obsession with turkey legs. What’s been your biggest culinary surprise at Disney?

One of the top signature restaurants at Disney’s Animal Kingdom offered the best surprise during his last visit in May for the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival. “Tiffins was spectacular. I was not expecting to come to a Disney restaurant and see venison on the menu. When they put the plates down, they are so elegantly presented. The plating is spectacular. Not to boast, but it’s like something I would have done on MasterChef.”

His winning dish on MasterChef was venison so he knows a thing or two about this.

“It’s not just Epcot. Disney as a whole has stepped up their game in the food world. It makes sense because Americans as a culture, we are becoming more knowledgeable. We want to try crazier and crazier things. We want to expand our palate, expand our horizon to try new stuff. Disney is on the forefront of that. To help move food forward. And it’s great to see.”

Advice for the Home Cook

Since he started as a home chef doing some impressive and bold things in the kitchen, I ask his advice.

For the home chef who is hesitant to try new things in the kitchen, like venison, what’s your advice?”Eat Drink and Ask Questions

His Epcot event is called “Eat, Drink and Ask Questions”, and as a celebrity chef I imagine he gets asked the same things over and over again. I needed to know…

What’s the one question you get asked all the time?

Without hesitation he says “what’s Gordon Ramsay really like?”

Everyone is intrigued to know if the famous chef and judge of MasterChef is as tough, mean and foul-mouthed in real life as he is on TV.

“He’s one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet “ he tells me.

I can already imagine the groans of disappointment from the crowd as they expect him to share the dirt and gossip.

“He’s very intense and very serious about what he does. But he’s an amazing man and a true inspiration to me.” he adds. Ramsay wrote the foreword for his cookbook and sang the praises of the amateur chef, which if you know Ramsay he does not do often.

And he warns, “I get asked this question two and three times in a row because people are not paying attention.”

If you’re going to see Shaun on Sunday or at any appearance, you have been warned.

The Soundtrack of Your Life

Music is a big part of Shaun O’Neale’s life even though he is spending much more time in a hot kitchen instead of a hot nightclub these days. So I take the chance to ask about music and I think I finally asked him a question he was not expecting. (Yes!)

If you were to create a fun soundtrack for a day at Epcot Food and Wine Festival, what favorite song or type of music would you play?

“That’s a tough one. Obviously you have to go with the big Disney songs. “Let It Go” and stuff like that. Besides that, super high energy music. It’s a party here. There’s all different types of cocktails, food from around the world, so you need high energy to keep the party going. Something you would hear me playing in the Vegas nightclubs for sure.”

Shaun’s parting words are “get down here!” He shares “If you see me, stop me and say hello. I love to hear people’s stories and to share my stories with the fans of Epcot.

I’m ready to download my EDM playlist to play as I walk around the park. It’s going to be a blast!

Details About The Event

The “Eat, Drink and Ask Questions” special event is a great way to kick off the day at Epcot in a delicious way… Enjoy a plated breakfast, watch guest celebrity chefs and industry experts demo a favorite dish and ask all your burning questions – everything you ever wanted to know about the life of a celeb chef, and their insider tips and tricks! Conclude with a sparkling wine toast before you head out into the park to enjoy all the amazing foods and drinks around the world. There are 35 marketplaces this year. This is a celebration of global cuisine so bring your sense of adventure and your appetite! Cheers!

General Event Details:

    Location: Festival Center, Chef’s Showcase
    Dates: Select Fridays and Sundays throughout the Festival
    Start Time: 9:45am
    Cost: $129 per Guest—plus tax, gratuity included. Plus park admission.

    Dates and Chefs in 2017:

    September 3 – Shaun O’Neale
    September 10 – Alex Guarnaschelli
    September 15 – Stuart O’Keeffe
    September 17 – Jet Tila
    September 22 – Art Smith
    September 29 – Graham Elliot
    October 6 – Jamie Deen
    October 8 – Geoffrey Zakarian
    October 15 – Bryan Voltaggio
    October 20 – Robert Irvine
    October 22 – Robert Irvine
    October 27 – Cat Cora
    October 29 – Cat Cora
    November 3 – Carla Hall
    November 10 – Sarah Fioroni
    November 12 – Buddy Valastro

    * All events are subject to change or cancellation without notice.

Make your reservation today and go #MakeSomedayHappen!

For reservations, please call (407) 939-3378. But don’t delay—the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival runs from August 31 to November 13, 2017. Be sure to book your reservation now! Advanced reservations are highly recommended, as this event fills up quickly. In addition, Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.

For more information check out the Epcot Food and Wine Festival website.

Epcot 22nd International Food and Wine Festival with GoEpicurista.com

About the 22nd Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

The annual Walt Disney World Resort culinary tour of flavors will expand in 2017 for a longer-than-ever 75-day run, from Aug. 31-Nov. 13, 2017. A record number of global food and wine marketplaces – 35 in all – will sizzle with new edible delights to celebrate 35 years of Epcot. Growing in scope as one of America’s top food festivals each year since 1996, the Epcot event will run for 13 additional days of inspired sips and bites throughout the park’s World Showcase and Future World.

Park guests can mix and mingle with celebrity chefs, experience hands-on culinary workshops and demonstrations and get their gourmet groove on at nightly Eat to the Beat concerts. They also can book special tasting experiences at Epcot and at Disney resort restaurants. Family fun will be in the mix with kid-friendly dishes geared toward young palates and a Ratatouille-inspired culinary scavenger hunt.

This is an event you don’t want to miss. If you’ve always wanted to come, now is your chance to Make Someday Happen!

A big thank you to Chef Shaun O’Neale for being so gracious with his time, and to the Walt Disney World PR team for arranging this opportunity to meet a MasterChef winner! (Cross that off the “someday list”)

MasterChef Shaun O'Neale Visits Epcot Food and Wine Festival - Interview with GoEpicurista.com talks about eating and drinking around the world and his Squid Ink Lobster Ravioli

I look forward to seeing you eating and drinking around the world!

Cheers!

Go Epicurista

Disclosure: I was an invited media to Walt Disney World for purposes of conducting this interview. No compensation was received. I am a Walt Disney World Annual Passholder. All opinions are my own and as always I only share with you experiences worth celebrating to inspire you to go Make Someday Happen! We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. This post may contain affiliate links where if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you, I may obtain a small commission to help defray costs for maintaining this website. My disclosure policy is available for your review.

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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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Here are a few favorites:
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🥃 Rotating Clarified Milk Punch: Ask for the day’s creation!
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Here’s what we ordered:
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⏰ Choulala Park Avenue is now open Tuesday - Sunday 
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Stay tuned for more about the delicious new Caribbean menu and cocktails at Hibiscus Hideaway & Blue Bamboo Bar, all-new food and beverage outlets. I was very impressed with their Food & Beverage program. 
Highly recommend this experience for locals and visitors. The entire day felt like a true vacation! 
💥 Limited time offer: Florida residents save 30% on their 2023 visits and out of state guests save 20% on a Signature Dolphin Swim Package. You can visit anytime in 2023 based on availability but must book by 3/12/23. Options for packages with admission to @seaworldorlando @aquaticaorlando & @bushgardenstampa available 
Go #MakeSomedayHappen 
(hosted) @DiscoveryCove 
#GoEpicOrlando #DiscoveryCove #LoveOrlando
Orlando’s OG Coffee Shop is Back! Where are you Orlando’s OG Coffee Shop is Back! Where are you getting your caffeine & brunch fix this weekend?
@barniescoffeeandtea flagship cafe in Park Avenue, Winter Park has now re-opened with a brighter modern look, new breakfast, lunch & brunch menu, and new coffee blends. Go check it out! 
I was invited to a preview and loved doing a coffee tasting of 4 blends with Christian, Barnie’s head coffee roaster. My favorite was the Guatemala Gehsa with citrus, cocoa nibs and orange blossom notes. We also sampled new menu items. Don’t miss the Shakshuka & the Popovers!
Here’s what we sampled:
☕️ Coffee:
✨Barnie’s Cafe Blend
✨Guatemala Gehsa
✨Birthday Cake Batter (notes of vanilla sprinkles)
✨UCF Pegasus Blend (notes of chocolate & caramel!) yum! 
> I couldn’t resist getting a latte even though it was 6pm! 🤣 Barista Renata did a fab vanilla latte! 
🍳 Breakfast:
✨ Signature Popovers
✨French Toast with fresh truit
✨Shakshuka with poached egg
✨Seasonal Quiche
🥪 Lunch:
✨Cuban Sandwich
✨Roasted BeetSalad
Did you know Barnie’s is Orlando’s original coffee shop? It opened right here in Winter Park in 1980!
Go support local! #MakeSomedayHappen 
#GoEpicOrlando #LoveOrlando #barniescoffeeandtea #orlandocoffee
Hey Orlando Foodies, @orlandocitysc and @orlpride Hey Orlando Foodies, @orlandocitysc and @orlpride games at @exploriastadium just got a whole lot tastier!
Five #OrlandoMade local restaurants are now permanent concessions vendors so you can tame your hunger with the best local tacos, hot dogs, BBQ, Chicken & Burgers in Orlando! 
Thank you Exploria Stadium for inviting me to the media preview. Can’t wait to go cheer on our 2022 US Open Champions at the season opener this Saturday!
Here’s a preview of what we sampled: 
🌮 BLACK ROOSTER TAQUERIA - Chicken Tinga Taco on Flour Tortilla, w. lettuce, radish, cotija cheese, cilantro. Love those tacos! It was nice to see owner Juliana Calloway and Chief Tasting Officer Ryder Calloway dancing! 🕺🏻 @blkroostertaco 🙌🏼
📍 The Wall / Section 24
🌭 HARRELL’S HOT DOGS - Orlando City Stadium Dog features a Nathan’s Hot Dog topped with House Red Onion Sauce, Sauerkraut & Sport Peppers and finished with a Spicy Brown Mustard. Nice to meet owners Drew & David Cardaci! @_whats.up.dog_ 🙌🏼
📍 Section 30
🍖 4 RIVERS SMOKEHOUSE - Orlando’s favorite Pulled Pork Sandwich! Didn’t get to see owner John Rivers did you know you can now pick up 4R sauces & spices at Publix?! @4riverssmokehouse 🙌🏼
📍 Section 31
🐓 THE COOP by 4Rivers - Hand-breaded Chicken Tenders with 4R BBQ sauce @thecoop_wp 🙌🏼
📍 Section 9
🍔 TEAK NEIGHBORHOOD GRILL - Drunken Monk Burger with Smoked Bacon, Provolone Cheese, Roasted Cherry Tomotoes, house-made Angry Orchard Onion Jam, on Herb Mayo & Melted White Cheddor on a Pretzel Bun with Teak Chips. Best Burger in Orlando!  It was so nice to meet owner Jon Proechel after all these years of being a fan of their epic burgers! @teakneighborhoodgrill 🙌🏼
📍 Section 18
🍹MANE-GO MARGARITA - In The Wild Margarita with @camarenatequila - super tasty! 
⭐️ FYI - A Rotating Vendor Cart will feature @cholodogs & @sushieatstation among others 
⚽️ Will you be at the season opener this Saturday? 
#VamosOrlando Let’s Go! #ManEveryWall 💜 
Hosted #GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #ThingsToDoinOrlando
Happy #NationalMargaritaDay 🎉 This is “NOT E Happy #NationalMargaritaDay 🎉
This is “NOT EVERYONE’S MARGARITA” -  But it is mine! Made with Vida Mezcal, Cuervo Traditional Plata Tequila, Jalapeño, Creme de Mure, House Sour, & Black Salt. Epic! 
📍 Go get yours at @paddlefishorl in @disneysprings
Cheers! 
#GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #DisneySprings
Hey Wine Lovers, I almost missed it’s #NationalD Hey Wine Lovers, I almost missed it’s #NationalDrinkWineDay 🥂
Here’s my 3 Favorite Wine Bars in Orlando: 
🍷 @quantumleapwinery - Orlando’s only sustainable winery & cidery, located in Mills 50 District. Try Kaley’s Rescue Red Blend & don’t miss the @thetastytrio “Wine, Cheese & Chocolate”events. 
🍷 @viniawinekitchen - fantastic boutique wines & Italian / Brazilian shareable plates in a charming intimate setting, located in Winter Park. Be sure to ask owner Fabio for his recommendations! 
🍷 @winebargeorge - Orlando’s only Master Sommelier owned restaurant with over 160 wines by the glass, bottle & ounce, located in Disney Springs. Say hi to somm genius George Miliotes and don’t miss their fab boards & wines from around the globe! 
Go #MakeSomedayHappen 
#GoEpicOrlando #OrlandoWine #loveOrlando
Don’t miss “Eat Ice Cream For Breakfast Day” Don’t miss “Eat Ice Cream For Breakfast Day” on Saturday 2/18! 
@kellyshomemadeicecream has created special breakfast-themed ice cream flavors for this annual International Childhood Cancer Awareness event
Order a cup, cone or shake or better yet, get an Ice Cream Flight & try all four! 
🥞 Blueberry Pancake (My favorite!)
🥣 Breakfast Buddies
🥓 Maple Bourbon Bacon
💥 Cinnamon Crunch
🗓️ When: Saturday February 18th, 9am-11am
📍 Where: All Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream Scoop Shops and participating Counters 
💰 50% of sales during breakfast will be donated to @gktwvillage 
🍦 “Eat Ice Cream For Breakfast Day” was created in 2013 in honor of Malia Grace, by her mom and aunt after she lost her battle with cancer in 2010. Malia Grace loved ice cream and her family wanted to commemorate her birthday, 2/18, in a way that would be fitting for her. During her wish trip at Give Kids The World, she had the opportunity to eat ice cream for breakfast and it was a highlight of the family’s experience. 
🌎 Give Kids The World Village is an 89-acre, whimsical nonprofit in Central Florida that provides critically ill children and their families with magical week-long wish vacations at no cost. Every wish family is treated to accommodations, transportation, donated theme park tickets, all meals and snacks, nightly entertainment, and more. Since 1986, Give Kids The World has welcomed more than 182,000 families from all 50 states and 76 countries.
Stop by Kelly’s and pick up these awesome flavors! But, regardless of where you are, Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast in honor of Malia, and raise awareness for those who battle childhood cancer. 💛
#GoEpicOrlando #eaticecreamforbreakfastday #kellyshomemadeicecream #kellysicecream #orlandoicecream
Happy Valentine’s Day! ♥️ Add a little fire Happy Valentine’s Day! ♥️ Add a little fire & passion to your life, head to @gideonsbakehouse for their Eternal Flame Cookie & Cake. They are 🔥in the best way!
🍰 Eternal Flame Cake is a 3-Layer Double Frosted Chocolate work of art! Red Cherry Buttercream layers and Chocolate Fudge Buttercream mixed with a bit of that Eternal Flame spice on the outer layer. Not too spicy and absolutely decadent! Pair it with a nice bold red wine!
🍪 Eternal Flame Chocolate Cookie packs a nice kick laced with house-made Ancho, Cayenne, and Cinnamon Spice Mix, infused with a magical essence of cherry and topped with Chocolate Covered Cherries. 
❤️ For a limited time, a special version of the Eternal Flame cookie without the spice mix is available too! (Check Gideon’s IG for details)
📍 Available only in February at Gideon’s in East End Market & Disney Springs
Go celebrate with the best cookies and cakes on the planet!
#MakeSomedayHappen #GoEpicOrlando #GideonsBakehouse #DisneySprings #ValentinesDayTreat
For The Love of Chocolate… stop by @peterbrookew For The Love of Chocolate… stop by @peterbrookewp and pick up the best treats for your sweetie and besties 💕
A few of my favorites: 
🍓 Chocolate Covered Strawberries (require advanced order)
❤️ “Jami Choo’s” Chocolate Shoes
💋 Assorted Truffles (loved the red lips!)
♥️ Chocolate Covered Popcorn! 
💖 Baskets with a variety of treats! (Don’t miss the Chocolate Covered Oreos, Cat Tails & Cookies)
☎️ Call the shop to reserve a basket for quick pick up at (407) 644-3200. They’re open regular hours today & 7AM -11:15PM on Valentine’s Day!
🍓 Thank you to Peterbrooke’s creative Cupid chocolatiers for these gorgeous berries! 
#GoEpicOrlando #PeterbrookeWP #winterparkfl
Bon jour! Bon soir, enchante! 💕 The perfect way Bon jour! Bon soir, enchante! 💕 The perfect way to celebrate Galentine’s Day & Valentine’s Day is with the best French pastries in Orlando! 
Thank you @chefstephsteph for these epic @choulalapastries 💕
Pre-order and pick up at either Choulala Park Avenue and 436 location! You’re going to want to get all of this! 
VALENTINE’S DAY DESSERT BOX!
Chef Steph created an epic gourmet assortment of Valentine’s Day delights perfect to share:
💋 (1) Lychee Rose French Kiss Entremet
♥️ (2) Conversation Heart Vanilla Macarons
💝 (2) Crème Brûlée Choux Cream Puffs!
“I LOVE CHOU” BOX includes:
❤️ Passion Fruit, Raspberry & Crème Brûlée Choux Cream Puffs
♥️ Red Velvet, Lavender & Conversation Heart Macaron
❤️ Strawberry Eclair
I also picked up these gorgeous heart shaped entremets:
💜 Exotique: Passion Fruit & Coconut 
💖 Sweeties: Strawberry & Chocolate Brownie
Go enjoy the sweetest Galentine’s & Valentine’s Day #MakeSomedayHappen 
📍Choulala Park Avenue is open regular hours Saturday & Sunday, closed Mon, but will open special hours on V-Day Tuesday 11a-8p.
📍Choulala 436 open regular hours including 10-5pm V- Day
(Hosted) #GoEpicOrlando #BlissfulBite #ChoulalaPastries #Galentines #ValentinesTreats
It’s #NationalPizzaDay but all I’m thinking ab It’s #NationalPizzaDay but all I’m thinking about is Hot Garlic Knots from @official_pizza_bruno 
Have you tried these?  They are a #MustEat in Orlando!
Look for the lit “Hot Knots Now!” sign! 🔥 And, when you think there isn’t enough garlic... there’s more! 🧄 🍕 
Go get some!
#GoEpicOrlando #OrlandoFoodie #MakeSomedayHappen
💜 Feeling the lavender haze... One of my favori 💜 Feeling the lavender haze... One of my favorite foodie experiences of 2022 was dining at Salt & The Cellar by Michelin Chef Akira Back and spending the night at the new @ettehotel - a gorgeous boutique hotel with impeccable attention to detail! I even got to meet @chefakiraback 
So excited I’m going back tonight to check out their new Lipa Rooftop Bar & Restaurant and have reservations for Afternoon Tea next month! 
Add a visit to ette hotel to your Foodie Bucket List for 2023! 
A few favorites from my last visit:
🍸 Fantastic Zero-Proof Cocktails by @jarldevries: It’s Dry January all year long! Featured first is The Kraken, a gorgeous purple cocktail made with Butterfly Pea Flower Tea & Champagne Vinegar
✨ Toro Tartare: A gorgeous board with fatty tuna and accompaniments
✨ Akira Back Tuna Pizza: his famous dish is a Must Eat! 
✨ Spinach Oshitashi Salad: the most gorgeous salad I’ve ever seen! 
✨ NY Strip with Wasabi Kizami Butter, Chimichurri Sauce, & choice of gourmet salts. Amazing! Loved that Espresso salt
✨ Miso Black Cod, yuzu air, pickled cauliflower 
✨ Togarashi Fries & Kimchi Brussels
✨ Dessert: Yuzu Curd and Chocolate in a Cup
☕️ “Where The Cloud Ends” Zero-Proof espresso martini with Yuzu Tonic, Lemon Cordial, Espresso, 0% Coffee Liquor
💜 The lobby decor with lavender and green touches was dreamy.
🧺 They have a Laundry Museum! 
📕 The Book Room features incredible books. The giant picture book requires gloves to review as it is one of a few in the world! 
The hotel is focused on wellness and offers Wellness Suites completely equipped with a full gym! 
Make plans to dine at @saltandthecellarbyakiraback and stay at @ettehotel and GO #MakeSomedayHappen
(Hosted) #GoEpicOrlando #ettehotel #saltandthecellarbyakiraback #experiencekissimmee #LoveOrlando
Don’t let the casual vibe at @jujubysusuru fool Don’t let the casual vibe at @jujubysusuru fool you. The Kappo Bar Omakase experience with Chef Lewis Lin is out of this world (& Michelin-worthy!)
“irasshaimase / come in!” is what you hear first upon entering this revamped Pizza Hut building off Colonial Drive. Everyone is welcome at Juju, one of Orlando’s newest restaurants and one that belongs on every #OrlandoFoodie bucket list! 
I was invited to experience their Kappo Bar and it checked all the boxes for a truly amazing #MakeSomedayHappen experience.
The retro Japanese izakaya-style restaurant serves up a 10-course menu at the bar and a more casual a la carte menu in the dining room. 
Omakase menu changes regularly but always features the five primary cooking techniques (grilling, steaming, frying, simmering, and raw) using local and imported ingredients, in-house dry-aged fish, and binchotan charcoal-fired dishes. Everything is prepared right in front of you for an immersive experience.
And, Don’t miss the fun cocktails! I loved “That Old Pizza Hut” was like an orange creamsicle with Suntory Toki Whiskey served in a Pizza Hut cup! 
Make reservations and go check this Orlando restaurant off your bucket list.
Thank you Chef Lewis and Mai for your outstanding hospitality. I’ll be coming back soon!
(Hosted) #GoEpicOrlando #LoveOrlando #omakase
Hello 2023! Why start the year on a diet? My new y Hello 2023! Why start the year on a diet? My new year’s resolution is to focus on self-care.  Eating healthy and exercising, sure. But also treating myself to more @gideonsbakehouse cookies, cakes & cold brews. Who’s with me? What will you treat yourself with this year?
You want something. Go Get It. Period!
This was my last purchase of 12/31/22... I wanted to start 2023 on a sweet note!
What if my 2023 resolution is to visit Gideon’s every month for their awesome limited-edition treats? 
I think that’s a resolution I can keep!  January’s Butterscotch flavors sound to die for.
Did you hear? The epic Banana Bread Chocolate Chip cookie is now part of the permanent lineup. While the Coffee Cake is my all-time favorite, this one is in the top 3! And, the original Peanut Butter Cold Brew is a must pairing.
What resolution will you set today? Go #MakeSomedayHappen 🎉 Happy New Year everyone!
#GoEpicOrlando #2023resolutions #GideonsBakehouse #DisneySprings
Happy New Year 2023! 🎉 We had a fun and very ch Happy New Year 2023! 🎉 We had a fun and very chill night at @disneysprings. How about you?
I love Progressive Dining and Disney Springs has plenty of options. We just get a spot at the bar and order a drink and a fun bite. Then move on to the next spot. So easy! No reservations required! 
🦀 1st Stop: @paddlefishorl 
Steak Skewers
Crab Topped Fries 
Larceny Old Fashioned 
Capt Handsome - Cathead Vodka & Raspberry 
Mayan Empress - Santa Teresa Añejo Rum, pineapple
🍰 2nd Stop: @homecominfl 
Espresso Martini 
Carrot Cake 
☘️ 3rd Stop: @raglanroadpub 
Great entertainment! 
@guinnessus 
Great Irish Hooley Cocktail - so refreshing with strawberries & Prosecco 
🍪 Not pictured: we managed a stop at @gideonsbakehouse to pick up treats to start the new year!!! (They had a 2 second brief moment with no line around 11pm! I could not resist! I picked up a Banana Bread Chocolate Chip cookie which is now part of the year-round line up! I also got a slice of Golden Oreo cake and a PB Cold Brew to enjoy today! Starting 2023 off right… and not a diet 😂
We went early, had a great time and got home in time to watch the ball drop!!! 🎉
Wishing you all happiness and lots of delicious treats in 2023! 
#GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #DisneySprings
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