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Epic Wine and Cheese Party Tips

By Christina Thomas 1 Comment

Epic Wine and Cheese Party Tips with GoEpicurista.com

Follow These Tips for Easy Entertaining with Wine and Cheese

Wine and Cheese is easy entertaining at its best! Simple, elegant and always a crowd pleaser.  It’s all you need to get friends together and have a good time. It’s such a classic pairing that “Wine and Cheese” even have their own holiday! July 25th is “National Wine and Cheese Day.” Although it’s common practice to serve wine with cheese and cheese with wine, actually pairing wines and cheeses so the flavor and texture nuances, the sweet and acidic complexities complement rather than detract from each other is not as easy as it may seem.

 
If you’re wondering how to choose the right cheeses, what is the perfect accompaniment, what kinds of wines to buy, how to serve and what wines to pair with which cheeses at your next party, then read on. I’m sharing my Easy Entertaining tips to put together an epic cheese board, jazz it up with some fun accompaniments, tips on serving wine and fun wine and cheese pairings.>

 

Epic Wine and Cheese Party Tips with GoEpicurista.com

Have you tried Humboldt Fog cheese? It has a signature ash line along the center.

 
Try new combinations. Explore new wine and cheese regions. Be a little adventurous and step out of your comfort zone. Skip the cheddar if that’s always your go to. Or you can try a flavored or aged cheddar instead. Get together with friends and try different combinations and compare notes. This is truly an opportunity to celebrate and go #MakeSomedayHappen

Epic Wine and Cheese Party Tips with GoEpicurista.com

 

5 Tips to Create An Epic Cheese Board

Choosing cheeses at your favorite store can be a daunting task. Follow these 7 tips to create an epic cheese board and whenever possible, speak to the cheese department manager or cheesemonger. They are a wealth of information.

 

Epic Wine and Cheese Party Tips with GoEpicurista.com

How to choose the best cheeses for an epic cheese board?

 

  1. Choose 3 – 6 different cheeses. Include different cheeses of the same type or different cheeses along a variety of tastes, textures, styles and place of origin.
    • Textures: Soft, semi-soft, creamy, soft rind, hard, blue, flavored cheeses and marinated cheeses.
    • Fresh vs. Aged cheeses will have different flavor and texture.
    • Choose from various types of milks such as cow, goat, and sheep.
    • Look for unique places of origin and styles to give your board an interesting appeal. It’s a conversation starter.
  2. Don’t cut into cubes as it looks store-bought. Instead display the large block of each cheese and let guests help themselves by serving with a small knife for hard cheeses and small spreader for soft. If cutting, only cut some pieces and leave the rest in the block.
  3. The easiest way to display your cheeses is on a cutting board, a slate tile or marble slab.
  4. Label your cheeses so everyone knows what they are eating.
  5. Don’t forget garnishes and accompaniments. Have fun with your picks.

 
Epic Wine and Cheese Party Tips with GoEpicurista.com

 

7 Accompaniments to Jazz Up Your Cheese Board

 
The accompaniments for your cheese board are just as important as the cheeses you buy.  Here’s 7 types of garnishes and accompaniments you should consider to jazz up your cheese board.

  1. Fresh and Dried Fruits: There’s a reason fruit and cheese is such a popular combo. Select a variety of fresh and dried fruits for contrasting colors and flavors. Grapes are the most common. Berries add beautiful color and can be quite delicious especially with soft cheeses like brie. Dried fruits like figs, dates, cranberries, apricots, and raisins on the vine are just as interesting and pair beautifully with goat cheese, brie and blue cheese.
  2. Raw honey, or a honey comb if you can get it, adds a touch of sweetness to aged cheeses.
  3. Gourmet chutneys, jams and fruit preserves also make a great topping.
  4. Nuts like Marcona almonds, pistachios and candied pecans are favorites.
  5. Olives are best served in a separate side dish. The salty brined component contrasts the creaminess of the cheese.
  6. Crackers and crusty bread are a must. Choose an assortment of water crackers, wafers, wheat crackers and fresh baguette.
  7. Crisp veggies like celery, carrots and cucumber provide a healthy alternative to crackers for brie and soft spreadable cheeses.

 

Epic Wine and Cheese Party Tips with GoEpicurista.com

 

9 Tips to Serving Wine at A Party

 

  1. Always offer a white and a red wine. Sparkling wine is a welcome third option and perfect to make any gathering a celebration!
  2. White and red blends offer the most versatility for food pairings and appeal to most guests. Look for a white blend of Chardonnay,
  3. Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon have been popular for decades because they are great for serving with food, however, for more casual entertaining I prefer versatile varietals that drink well on their own such as Riesling, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Syrah.
  4. Serving wines at the proper temperature is crucial. Chill white and sparkling wines for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator. Place red wines in the refrigerator to cool down a bit if they were not in a wine cooler. Most often red wines are served too warm as “room temperature” especially in Florida, is not the desired 65 degrees. White wines should be served at 50 degrees and sparkling wines at 40-45 degrees.
  5. Serve wine to the widest part of the glass, about 3/4 full. You want to leave room in the glass to swirl.
  6. Luscious white wines and fruity reds are great to pair with cheese. See more pairings tips below.
  7. Always provide mineral water and non-alcoholic beverages.
  8. A rule of thumb to determine how much wine to have on hand, is one bottle per two non-drivers. One 750ml bottle serves five glasses.
  9. Price does not always determine quality. Don’t be afraid to explore and ask the wine buyer at your local store for recommendations.

 

Epic Wine and Cheese Party Tips with GoEpicurista.com

 

11 Tips to Pair Wine and Cheese

 

  1. The first guideline of wine and cheese pairing you want to consider is choosing wines and cheeses from the same region. Rioja and Manchego from Spain for example, make a perfect pair. Then, don’t be afraid to explore and mix regions.
  2. Bubbles pair well with everything! Prosecco goes nicely with salty aged cheeses like Parmesan and Pecorino (they’re also both from Italy – see #1) Dry, traditional-method sparkling wines like brut Champagne pair well with bloomy cheeses like ultra creamy Triple Cream Brie and luscious Robiola.
  3. Luxurious sweet wines like Sauternes pair beautifully with rich and creamy fondue.
  4. Cabernet Sauvignon is a tough wine to pair with cheese. Aged cheeses like aged gouda and cheddar work best to stand up to the tannic, full-bodied wines.
  5. Fruit forward and nutty Chardonnay goes well with Gruyere, especially when melted.
  6. The sweetness and heavy body of fortified wines like port and the sweet white dessert wines like late harvest Riesling, pair well with pungent, stinky cheeses like bleu cheese, Gorgonzola, Cambozola, Roquerfort.
  7. Creamy Ricotta likes tangy wines like Pinot Grigio and dry Riesling.
  8. Dry fruity unoaked reds like Pinot Noir add complexity without overpowering soft light cheeses like Brie and Camembert.
  9. Mozzarella and Pinot Grigio are the Pizza and Wine classic combo!
  10. Feta is a tough one to pair. Choose off-dry wines like Gewürztraminer or Riesling to match up to the saltiness of feta.
  11. Tart, crisp Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with tangy Goat Cheese. The Sancerre region of France is known for producing both perfectly.

 

Epic Wine and Cheese Party Tips with GoEpicurista.com

 

My last tip to learn more about wine and cheese pairing is to find local events in your area where you can learn from the experts. In Orlando, one of my most trusted sources (and good friends) are Tonda Corrente of La Femme du Fromage, Orlando’s premier cheese shop at East End Market, Jill Ramsier of Quantum Leap Winery, Florida’s only sustainable winery, and Lisa Wilk of Orlando Uncorked and Taste Cook Sip, wine educator and expert pairing guru. Together, these three ladies form The Tasty Trio and host regular sold-out “Wine, Cheese and Chocolate” pairing events throughout the year.

On August 30th, the Tasty Trio will be the special guests at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida Chef’s Night. An event where not only will they prepare and present a fantastic multi-course dinner featuring wine, cheese and chocolate in every course but all proceeds benefit the Darden Foundation Community Kitchen’s Culinary Training Program. Get more information and tickets here.

 

Epic Wine and Cheese Party Tips with GoEpicurista.com

The Tasty Trio

 

I hope these tips will help take some of the stress out of party planning and inspire you to “Make Someday Happen” and invite friends over to celebrate everyday! When in doubt, choose what you like, pick the wine by the pretty label and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. This too can make for a great tasting experience as you discuss what you liked and didn’t like, what you will repeat in the future and what you will definitely stay away from. We’ve all had those “meh” and “not so great” pairing moments. It’s all ok. Life is not perfect but moments shared with friends definitely are.

Cheers,

Go Epicurista

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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. Joe Hall says

    03/23/2020 at 5:50 pm

    I really like that you talked about how you don’t need to be so strict with the rules, and instead try new combinations and flavors. My partner and I are trying to host a few parties this year for our friends and family. We want to try a wine tasting party so that we can have a great night with friends.

    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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💜 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
And with that… 2022 comes to an end. 🎉 What a And with that… 2022 comes to an end. 🎉 What a delicious year it has been! 
⭐️ Orlando got @michelinguide recognition and some amazing new restaurants. I haven’t tried them all so I have a great list to check off in 2023, but these made my 2022 favorite list: 
@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 🎉)
✈️ I visited my home state of Oregon a few times and enjoyed my Portland favorites as well as discovered new ones! 
@hubers.portland.or best Spanish Coffee
@bluestardonuts best bougie donuts 
@pipsoriginal best mini donuts & chai
@havl_restaurant  amazing noodle soups 
Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm 
🚢 Went on my first @norwegiancruiseline Prima inaugural cruise with @thetravelbite & had fantastic bites! The @Moet Bar at the private island was awesome! 🥂
💫 Orlando favorites continued to shine bright! 
☘️ @raglanroadpub Hooley & Mighty Irish Festivals always fun!!
🍸 @thecourtesy reopened in Winter Park with @bar.swine - superb!😘 
🍽️ @walforforlando @signiabonnetcreek Epicurious Event featuring La Luce, Bull & Bear, Zeta Asia (great foodie staycation) 
🍴@cariberoyaleorlando revamped The Venetian Chop House
🍾 @ritzcarltonorlando & @jwmorlando epic Michelin Curated Weekend (great foodie staycation) 
🍷 @viniawinekitchen continued their popular Fabio’s Table 
🍬 @choulalapastries Twix Bar & seasonal treats & flights!
🍖 @smokemademeats awesome BBQ pop-ups (if you haven’t tried Tyler’s brisket you’re missing out!)
🍪 @gideonsbakehouse best cookies, cakes & cold brew! 
🍊 Loved @disneysprings Flavors of Florida 
🍩 @everglazed_fl Donuts & Chicken Sandwich 
🎄 @learnlakenona Oh, What Fun Holiday Festival! 
This is only but a short glimpse I could fit in 22 seconds! I’m so grateful for all the wonderful experiences. Cheers to 2022! 
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!) 
Full of flavor and so full of surprises, each course (wave) left us saying “that was my favorite!” - until the next dish arrives and you’re wowed all over again!
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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What is Go Epicurista?

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