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Food Holidays and Fun Reasons to Celebrate in January

By Christina Thomas 2 Comments

Food Holidays and Fun Reasons to Celebrate in January with GoEpicurista.com

Best Food Holidays, National Holidays, Entertainment & Sporting Events To Celebrate in January

The calendar always tells us about the regular holidays – observed holidays in January include New Year’s Day and Martin Luther King Jr Day. But what about all these fun food holidays you hear about on social media? There seems to be a day designated for just about any kind of food you can think of – from Bloody Marys (January 1st) to hot chocolate (January 31).

Who comes up with these holidays and are they really official? Most are typically decreed by local government, others all the way up to the president! They are, more often than not, invented by clever marketing agencies. Food holidays are commonly used for promotional purposes, although others are created for charity, like National Doughnut Day was created by the Salvation Army. I truly don’t care that they are a marketing ploy of sorts – I think they offer a fun way to share food with friends. And that, is what is most important. I don’t need a reason to have a party but one of these holidays is sure to provide inspiration for a fun outing to check out a new restaurant or party at home, don’t you think?

If you’ve been telling friends that you promise you’ll get together more often this year, then pick a date, decide on a place and go Make Someday Happen!

Where To Celebrate Food Holidays and Other Fun Events In Orlando?

Since I’m in Orlando, I will offer some ideas where to celebrate in Central Florida. I hope this list will give you inspiration to find similar places in your hometown.

The Month of January has several month-long celebrations to choose from:

National Hot Tea Month

How about celebrating National Hot Tea Month by hosting a tea party at home or making a reservation at one of the luxury afternoon tea experiences? Local Orlando resorts like Disney’s Grand Floridian, Ritz-Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes and Waldorf Astoria Orlando provide the perfect setting for an afternoon of chatting and sharing great bites. Here’s an article I wrote for Orlando Sentinel’s Signature Magazine which should inspire a special afternoon tea outing with friends.

Food Holidays and Fun Reasons to Celebrate in January with GoEpicurista.com
Celebrate Hot Tea Month with Afternoon Tea at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

National Oatmeal Month

January is also National Oatmeal Month and new restaurants are popping up with savory oatmeal to challenge everything you knew about the (often boring) breakfast food that is no longer reserved just for mornings. Create Your Nature in Winter Park serves up a savory Lacey Caprese oatmeal bowl that is to die for! It includes creamy avocado, fresh tomatoes, Parmesan cheese and drizzle of olive of oil atop steel-cut oats and quinoa. So good you’ll forget you’re eating healthy. Their fruit topped bowls are also amazing, my favorite is called SOFO – Seasonal Fruits for Orlando – which includes seasonal fruits, Greek yogurt, pecans and Central Florida’s local preserves by Sunchowder’s Emporia.

Food Holidays and Fun Reasons to Celebrate in January with GoEpicurista.com
Celebrate Oatmeal Month with Create Your Nature sweet SOFO Bowl and savory Lacey Caprese

National Soup Month

Although in Florida we often miss the soup weather, a hearty bowl of soup is always welcome. Celebrate National Soup Month with a bowl from my favorite local spot, Houndstooth Kitchen & Eatery. Originally located at East End Market, they are now located in Maitland City Centre. Chef David Bressler makes fresh soups from scratch using his family recipes and offers a rotating selection of soups each week. His Vegan Curried Split Pea and Tomato Basil Bisque soups are pure comfort food in a bowl. Pair it with one of his sandwich creations and enjoy the weather, because hey, we’re in Florida!

Food Holidays and Fun Reasons to Celebrate in January with GoEpicurista.com
Celebrate Soup Month with fresh made soups at Houndstooth Sauce Company, all ready to go!

National Baking Month

With the copious amounts of baked treats consumed during the holidays, I would have imagined December to be National Baking Month. That honor goes to the month of January and thankfully there are plenty of great bakeries around town serving every baked good imaginable from cookies to pies to cupcakes and more. My favorite sweet and savory bakery in Orlando, Se7en Bites, continues to delight locals and visitors from around the world. Their Food Network fame has only made them better with expanded menus and more to love. Get there early because this place is always hopping. Their Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Pecan Pie is worthy of celebrating all month long!

Food Holidays and Fun Reasons to Celebrate in January with GoEpicurista.com
Lots of choices in the bakery case at Se7en Bites Bakery

National Fat Free Living Month

Everyone starts the year with the resolution to eat healthy, exercise more and lose weight. Right? I guess it’s no surprise this month was deemed National Fat Free Living Month. Not exactly sure what “fat-free living” means because we all need a little fat, both for health purposes and for life enjoyment. Indeed, if you are looking to eat healthier, and balance out the baked goods you ate to celebrate “National Baking Month”, how about doing a smoothie challenge like the Simple 7 from Simple Green Smoothies? They offer easy smoothie recipes for 7 days using only 7 ingredients. Best part is, they taste great. If you are eating out, go for a colorful bowl.

National Slow Cooking Month

After the hustle-bustle of the holidays in December, I can see where everyone may want to slow down in January. It’s time to pull out the crock pots and create some tasty meals, low and slow. This is a great option for Easy Entertaining at home since you can prepare ahead of time without a lot of fuss. I love this Ropa Vieja shredded beef recipe from my friend Erica Acevedo of TheCrumbyCupcake.com. It’s the kind of hearty meal you will go back for seconds and thirds and so versatile – you can eat it over rice (the traditional Latin way), over potatoes, or as nachos with tortilla chips – perfect when entertaining a crowd on game day.

Food Holidays and Fun Reasons to Celebrate in January with GoEpicurista.com
Ropa Vieja Recipe and Photo by The Crumby Kitchen perfect for Slow Cooking Month

National Bloody Mary Day

Did you know the Bloody Mary cocktail was invented in the 1920s? January 1st is National Bloody Mary Day but you can celebrate any day of the month. How about weekend brunch and Bloody Marys with friends at one of these restaurants, known to serve the Best Bloody Mary in Orlando? Guaranteed good times!

Best Bloody Mary in Orlando with GoEpicurista.com
Celebrate Bloody Mary Day at DoveCote Orlando

National Spaghetti Day

Spaghetti was always a favorite growing up. As an adult, I’ve mostly shied away from pastas because of the perception that it’s fattening and a diet no-no. Then, I interviewed Vanessa Falcone owner of Trevi Pasta at the time, now owner of Vita Pasta, and learned how fantastically good and good for you fresh made pastas can be. She offers an incredible selection of flavors, made fresh daily, like rosemary, spinach and roasted garlic tomato. You can select your cut, short or long like fettucine, tagliatelle or pappardelle. Pair it with house-made sauces of the day, like tomato basil or Bolognese. Buy it by the pound to take home and host your own pasta party on January 4th or any day you feel like celebrating with friends.

Food Holidays and Fun Reasons to Celebrate in January with GoEpicurista.com
Choose your pasta flavor and sauce at Trevi Pasta

National Whipped Cream Day

Did you know that January 5th is not only National Whipped Cream Day, it’s also the birthday of Reddi-wip founder Aaron “Bunny” Lapin. Aaron who invented Reddi-wip in 1948, was born on January 5, 1914, and died on July 10, 1999. Whipped Cream dates back to the 1600s when it was also called snow cream.

when I think of whipped cream, I think of mounds and mounds of it atop ice cream sundaes. I’m an ice cream fanatic, always on the “Ultimate Ice Cream Hunt” everywhere I go. Two of the most incredible sundaes I’ve ever had the pleasure of sharing with friends, include “The Kitchen Sink” at Beaches & Cream Soda Shop in Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resort, a gigantic bowl in the shape of a kitchen sink, loaded with every flavor of ice cream and toppings plus a whole can of whipped cream! A bit smaller but equally worthy of praise is “The Zoo” at The Soda Fountain, a quaint retro styled 1950s ice cream parlor in College Park which serves house made ice cream in a variety of flavors. It’s always fun to grab a spoon and dig in to a big bowl of ice cream loaded with whipped cream. Sounds like the perfect outing to celebrate this food holiday!

Food Holidays and Fun Reasons to Celebrate in January with GoEpicurista.com
The Zoo at The Soda Fountain is the perfect way to celebrate National Whipped Cream Day

Check out this recipe for Berries and Cream Trifle with tips to make whipped cream from scratch. It’s so easy and so much tastier, you’ll never reach for store bought again.

National Bean Day

January 6th is National Bean Day. Did you know there were over 40,000 varieties of beans in the world? Wow! Not all are made for mass-production but beans are a staple in many diets around the world due to their high protein and overall nutritional value and low cost. Growing up in Dominican Republic, beans in some form were consumed almost daily, from “arroz con habichuelas” (beans and rice) to “habichuelas dulce” (sweet beans) for dessert. Red beans were predominant whereas Cuban cuisine mostly serves black beans. A discovery I made when I lived in Miami. I ordered “rice and beans” at my favorite Cuban restaurant La Carreta and was surprised to be served black beans instead of red. A dish with rice and beans already mixed in also has various names, “Moro” or “Moros y Cristianos”, or “congri” depending on what country you are in. In Turks & Caicos, I found that red beans and rice was called “rice and peas” whereas for Dominicans peas would infer “guandules” or pigeon peas, another popular legume served with rice. In Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, beans are called “habichuelas” but in Mexico I found out they are called “frijoles”. There is often a puzzled confused look amongst Spanish speaking friends from different countries when talking about food.

Let’s face it, there’s a lot of beans out there. How about celebrating this food holiday by checking out an ethnic restaurant with a group of friends and seeing what type of bean dish they serve?

One of my favorite black bean dishes in Orlando, I found at Black Rooster Taqueria in the Mills 50 District, while on an epic Taco Crawl (read all about it here). They were a perfect side dish to their inventive tacos with home-made tortillas but could also be a meal on their own with cilantro rice and sweet plantains.

Inventive Tacos in Orlando Mills 50 Taco Crawl with GoEpicurista.com
Black Beans at Black Rooster Taqueria

National Tempura Day

Are you a fan of anything battered and fried? Then, you’ll love National Tempura Day food holiday on January 7th. Tempura is a traditionally Japanese dish made of seafood or vegetables dipped in a tempura batter and deep fried. Sushi rolls now often incorporate tempura shrimp and vegetables, especially to please those who want to avoid raw fish. But did you know that it was Portuguese Jesuit missionaries who introduced the recipe for tempura to Japan during the sixteenth century (around 1549)? It is believed that Portuguese Jesuit Tokugawa Isyasu, founder and first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate of Japan, loved tempura.

How about celebrating at your favorite Japanese or sushi restaurant? I’m a fan of Umi Japanese Restaurant in Winter Park, Florida. A beautiful restaurant decorated with museum art pieces throughout, a fantastic happy hour, artistic sushi creations and robata grill dishes. Their signature Spicy Jalapeño Shrimp is perfect fusion cuisine offering a spicy Mexican touch to traditional tempura. A hearty roll with shrimp‎ tempura, cream cheese, jalapeño, wrapped with spicy tuna, sliced jalapeño, spicy mayo drizzle, and spicy kobachi sauce that will perk up your taste buds.

Food Holidays and Other Fun Reasons to Celebrate in January with GoEpicurista.com
Umi Japanese Restaurant Spicy Jalapeño Shrimp Roll

National Sunday Supper Day

It started as the second Sunday of January being observed as National Sunday Supper Day and now the entire month of January is Sunday Supper Month. Isabel Laessig, founder of the Sunday Supper Movement and Food Wine Conference, often says “Sunday Supper starts off as one day a week and soon becomes a way of life”. I feel the same about my mission to #MakeSomedayHappen. One step at a time. One bite, sip and trip at a time.

I am very proud to actually have first hand knowledge about the Sunday Supper Movement as I’ve had the honor of calling Isabel Laessig a dear friend after meeting her by chance at a wine dinner in 2012, when the Sunday Supper Movement has in its early days. It is truly inspiring to see how her mission to inspire families to gather around the dinner table has grown by leaps and bounds.

Time spent around the dinner table with family and friends is a valuable tradition. I have been proud to participate in Sunday Supper Movement campaigns, creating recipes to hopefully encourage “Easy Entertaining” so you don’t put off getting together with friends to an elusive “someday”, so you can focus on what’s important – the interaction with your loved ones and not on the cooking and planning.

How about spending the evening with family and friends preparing and sharing Sunday Supper? Check out my recipe for “My Big Lean Beef Greek Wrap” it’s perfect for a casual gathering, easy to make and everyone joins and has fun by preparing their own.

My Big Lean Beef Greek Wrap Recipe with GoEpicurista.com. Easy Entertaining Recipe perfect to feed a crowd a healthy and flavorful meal!

National Apricot Day

On January 9th, we celebrate National Apricot Day. Do you have a favorite way to eat apricots? I tend to always eat them in preserves atop parfaits or with scones. Dried apricots and nuts are also great garnishes on cheese boards. Did you know apricots originated in northeastern China, near the Russian border? It was introduced to North America when English colonists settled in Virginia and brought further west by Spanish explorers and missionaries. The origin of this food holiday is unknown but it is likely to have been arranged by an apricot loving marketing company.

I’m reminded of the fantastic parfait topped with apricots I had at Four Seasons Resort Orlando, Plancha Restaurant at Tranquilo Golf Course. This was honestly all I needed as it was quite filling with layers of granola, fruit preserves and yogurt, but the brunch spread was difficult to resist. Assorted charcuterie, cheeses, salmon, bagels, breads and bakery items plus an entree like Very Berry French Toast and Eggs Benedict, and unlimited mimosas and Bloody Mary bar! If you want to indulge for Sunday Brunch, Four Seasons Orlando does not disappoint and provides a perfect way to celebrate this food holiday. You can read more about this epic brunch here.

Food Holidays and Fun Reasons to Celebrate in January with GoEpicurista.com. Check out great ideas to inspire your next gathering at home or around Orlando.
Apricot Parfait at Four Seasons Orlando Plancha Brunch

National Oysters Rockefeller Day

On January 10th, we celebrate National Oysters Rockefeller Day. A dish so rich, only the wealthiest man alive at the time could compare, John D. Rockefeller. The time is 1899, the place is Antoine’s Restaurant in New Orleans. Jules Alciatore, son of founder Antoine Alciatore, devised the recipe of oysters on the half shell, topped with various green herbs (he insisted it was not spinach, although that is commonly used today), a rich butter sauce, and bread crumbs, then baked or broiled. The recipe is a closely guarded secret to this day. Although the dish is served around the world, only Antoine’s makes the original. It has been served to celebrities, royalty and food enthusiasts over 4.5 million times at this iconic restaurant (they keep count and your order is numbered!). Opened in 1840, Antoine’s is the oldest in New Orleans and the oldest family-owned, continually operating restaurant in the US (today it is run by 5th generation relatives of the founder). This restaurant is on my ‘someday list’ and I can’t wait to visit New Orleans and #MakeSomedayHappen.

In Orlando, one of my favorite places for oysters is Reel Fish Coastal Kitchen in Winter Park. Their fantastic Happy Hour menu includes Gulf oysters for $1 and Oyster shooters for $4 ,Tuesday – Friday, from 4pm-7pm! You can get them raw, roasted or Rockefeller. Raw are served with the best cucumber mignonette and house made cocktail sauce. Roasted Oysters with garlic butter, horseradish, and parmesan bread crumbs. Rockefeller are baked with spinach, artichoke, cream and parmesan bread crumbs. And the house made oyster crackers are a addictive! Why not get some friends together and go celebrate Jules Antoine’s epic oysters at your favorite oyster bar?

Enjoy the three R’s at Reel Fish! Raw, Roasted and Rockefeller Oysters!

National Milk Day

Did you know January 11, 1878 was the first day milk was delivered in sterilized bottles? It used to be delivered by horse and carriage, in a big jug, and it was scooped into your own container. Imagine that! Plastic-coated milk cartons were introduced in 1932. The International Association of Milk Inspectors submitted a request to Congress in October of 1915 for a resolution naming an observance of National Milk Day. It is not certain when January 11th was selected as the day to celebrate. Go enjoy a nice tall glass of milk or great ice cream sundae! (Can you tell I like ice cream?) You can also celebrate with my Boozy Frozen Hot Chocolate recipe which I created for Florida Dairy. It will be just as good hot and it makes for great times with friends!

Boozy Hazelnut Frozen Hot Chocolate #SundaySupper #JuneDairyMonth #FloridaMilk GoEpicurista.com

National Curried Chicken Day

January 12 is National Curried Chicken Day. Who knew? The origins of this day are not known but I was curious to discover that curried chicken is not made by using curry powder but instead a sauce made from clarified butter, onions, garlic and a variety of spices such as cumin, coriander, ginger and turmeric.

In England, curried chicken salad is called Coronation Chicken. The dish, created by Constance Spry and Rosemary Hume for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation banquet in 1953, is a popular filling for afternoon tea sandwiches. I had the most delicious ones at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort afternoon tea experience and since it is National Hot Tea Month, you have two reasons to celebrate with a luxurious tea party.

Food Holidays and Fun Reasons to Celebrate in January with GoEpicurista.com. Check out great ideas to inspire your next gathering at home or around Orlando.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Afternoon Tea Sandwiches

National Peach Melba Day

January 13 is National Peach Melba Day. A layered sundae dessert of Vanilla ice cream, peaches and raspberry sauce invented in 1892 by illustrious French chef Auguste Escoffier at the Savoy Hotel, London to honor the Australian soprano, Nellie Melba. It was originally called a “Pecheau Cygne” or “Peach Swan” and was presented in a swan-shaped ice sculpture and topped with spun sugar. Talk about fancy! I would love to have a dessert named after me? What could it be?

As a kid, going out for ice cream sundaes was only for special occasions. I remember my first Peach Melba, at an ice cream shop simply called “Gelato” – it was THE place to go in Santo Domingo DR in the late 70’s. The combination of peaches and raspberries, two fruits we did not see fresh in DR, made it feel even more luxurious than what it actually was. This was no ordinary sundae. What did I know about luxury at 7 years old? Nothing. But Peach Melba felt and tasted like it. There’s something special about eating foods you don’t normally eat every day. It’s a celebration! What food instantly makes you feel like a special occasion? Head out to your favorite ice cream shop and ask for a Peach Melba!

Food Holidays and Fun Reasons to Celebrate in January with GoEpicurista.com. Check out great ideas to inspire your next gathering at home or around Orlando.

National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day

January 14 is National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day. Did you know New York kosher butcher, Sussman Volk is credited with producing the first pastrami sandwich in 1887? He claimed to have received the recipe from a Romanian friend in exchange for storing his luggage (now that’s a great deal!) and the sandwich came about when patrons started asking for bread to eat with his pastrami. The sandwich became so popular he converted his butcher shop into a restaurant. Pastrami was invented as a way to preserve meat before modern refrigeration. The raw meat is placed in brine, then partially dried, seasoned with various herbs and spices, smoked and steamed.

Volk’s claim as the inventor of the pastrami sandwich was disputed by the founder of Katz Delicatessen, which opened in 1888. A pastrami piled high sandwich at the iconic Katz Deli is a Must Eat in NYC! The eatery was made popular around the world by the movie “When Harry Met Sally”. While there you must “have what she’s having”. Carnegie Deli was the other legendary spot for pastrami in NYC but sadly they closed in December 2016 after 78 years in business. You can read all about my unforgettable experience there.

Food Holidays and Fun Reasons to Celebrate in January with GoEpicurista.com. Check out great ideas to inspire your next gathering at home or around Orlando.

National Strawberry Ice Cream Day

January 15 is National Strawberry Ice Cream Day. Not sure why we have an ice cream holiday in the middle of winter, unless they are using Florida Strawberries, which is the only winter berry.

Did you know Plant City, Florida is recognized worldwide as the “Winter Strawberry Capital of the World”? (And it’s less than an hour drive from Orlando and Tampa). It is the dominant region in the U.S. that produces strawberries in the winter, and the second largest producing region in the U.S.

The 82nd annual Florida Strawberry Festival, held March 2-12, 2017, is a great reason to visit! You’ll find the best strawberry ice cream, shakes and shortcake! Read all about it here.

Year-round you can also visit Parkesdale Farm Market in Plant City, FL. This family-run farm and market’s Florida strawberry shortcake and milkshakes have been legendary since they opened in 1969!

Did you know strawberry ice cream was served at James Madison’s second inauguration as US president in 1813? That’s a party I would have liked to attend!

Food Holidays and Fun Reasons to Celebrate in January with GoEpicurista.com. Check out great ideas to inspire your next gathering at home or around Orlando.

National Bootlegger’s Day

Wouldn’t you rather be drinking ice cold rum drinks by the Caribbean sea right now instead of hot buttered rum in the chill of winter? January 17 is National Bootleggers Day and National Hot Buttered Rum Day. The history of bootlegging is quite colorful. Although the term was first used in the 1880s Midwest when men would conceal flasks of liquor in their boot tops when going to trade with Native Americans, the term truly took hold in the era of prohibition (1920-1933). While bootleggers smuggled alcohol by land, rum-runners smuggled it by sea. The term was coined as ships from Bimini in the western Bahamas transported cheap Caribbean rum to Florida speakeasies. They later moved on to smuggle other types of alcohol but the term rum-runner remained.

Strong Water Tavern in Loews Sapphire Falls Resort in Universal Orlando makes for a fun adventure as the bartender or rum guide takes you on a journey tasting a variety of rums from around the world.

How to Entertain Like a Mixologist by GoEpicurista.com
Inventive Rum Revival Cocktail at Strong Water Tavern at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

National Peking Duck Day

This holiday celebrates the national dish of China on January 18. Sharing Chinese food is always fun, especially when you have lots of little plates on a lazy susan at the center of the table. One of my favorite spots for a fun night out is Disney Springs and a must visit is Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s impressive Morimoto Asia restaurant. Step inside and you’ll see the bustling kitchen behind a glass wall. The showman chef has created a show kitchen like no other. There as the focal point are perfectly crispy peking duck hanging all in line waiting for your order. Chef Morimoto’s signature duck is fire roasted, then deep fried for perfectly crispy skin, the main feature of this dish and why it’s considered such a delicacy. The presentation is perfect for sharing, served with steamed flour pancakes, picked onions, hoisin miso sauce and apricot sweet chili sauces, to make fun wraps.

Food Holidays and Other Fun Reasons to Celebrate in January with GoEpicurista.com
Morimoto Asia kitchen centerpiece: Peking Duck

National Popcorn Day

January 19 is National Popcorn Day. Are you a fan of classic buttered, caramel or gourmet flavors? Did you know popcorn dates back to the 16th century Aztecs? Early Spanish explorers were fascinated by the corn that burst into a “white flower.” It wasn’t until the mid 1800’s when candy store owner, Charles Cretors developed a machine for popping corn with steam that the tasty treat became popular. By 1900 he had horse-drawn popcorn wagons going through the streets of Chicago. About the same time Louise Ruckheim added peanuts and molasses to popcorn, introducing Cracker Jack to the world! Today, Americans consume 13 billion quarts of popcorn a year, more than any other country in the world!

Pick up locally-made Major’s Project Pop gourmet popcorn. Chauniqua Major – Louis, often known as Major offers her fresh take on kettle corn for a sweet, salty and vegan treat! She uses carefully-selected organic ingredients, including a bold virgin coconut oil, vegan cane sugar and Himalayan pink salt. And it’s made in small batches to preserve the high quality.

National Cheese Lovers Day

January 20 is National Cheese Lovers Day. Did you know the earliest record of cheese making dates back to 5,500 BCE in what is now Poland? Today there are over 1,400 varieties of cheese. What’s your favorite?

Celebrate with friends by throwing an epic wine and cheese party. Want to know the best place to buy cheese in Orlando? It’s La Femme du Fromage in East End Market, owned by the coolest cheese monger around, Tonda Corrente. She always has an incredible selection of high quality cheeses to enjoy in the market or at home.

Food Holidays and Fun Reasons to Celebrate in January with GoEpicurista.com. Check out great ideas to inspire your next gathering at home or around Orlando.

If you fancy dessert on Cheese Lover’s Day, then check out the Italian Cheesecake with fresh berries and marsala zabaglione at Terralina Crafted Italian. Located in Disney Springs, this rustic Italian restaurant by award-winning chef Tony Mantuano is the perfect place to celebrate. But hurry, this is a limited time only special!

Terralina Crafted Italian Cheesecake

National Pie Day

It’s time to celebrate pie! January 23 is National Pie Day. Get your friends together and go out for pie or bake a pie. What’s your favorite pie? Did you know the first pies appeared around 9500 BC in the Egyptian Neolithic period or New Stone Age? I wonder what kind of pie it was. National Pie Day was established by the National Pie Council in 1986 to commemorate Crisco’s 75th anniversary. Their annual pie competition in Orlando has always been a fun event. You can read about the longest pie buffet in history here.

In Orlando, my favorite pie shop is P is For Pie Bake Shop in Winter Park, FL. They make every kind of pie you can imagine from bite size to sheet pan, hand pies to moon pies, in both savory and sweet flavors. This was their epic Salted Caramel Apple sheet pie and BBQ pulled pork hand pies served at the Cows N Cabs charity event in October. Both the pies and the event are not to be missed!

Food Holidays and Fun Reasons to Celebrate in January with GoEpicurista.com. Check out great ideas to inspire your next gathering at home or around Orlando.

National Peanut Butter Day

On January 24 we celebrate National Peanut Butter Day. How do you like to eat peanut butter? Creamy or chunky? In a sandwich, chocolate cup or other crazy combination?

Did you know Dr Harvey Kellogg (of cereal fame) invented a version of peanut butter in 1895 to feed an alternative source of protein to patients who had poor teeth health? It is actually believed that peanut butter goes as far back as the ancient South American Inca Indians. Peanut butter was first introduced to the world at the St. Louis World’s Fair in 1904 and has been a staple of our diet every since. Americans eat more than six pounds of peanut products per year. Peanut butter accounts for half of the U.S. consumption of peanuts.

Although peanut butter and jelly sandwiches have been popular since they were used as rations for soldiers in World War I, it is The Elvis Peanut Butter Sandwich with bananas (and often bacon) that captures the taste buds of foodies everywhere.

B Cupcakes in Altamonte/Apopka, FL “Elvis cupcake” is a Must Eat! Inspired by The King’s favorite sandwich features a moist banana cake, peanut butter cream cheese frosting dipped in chocolate ganache and sprinkled with sea salt. How will you celebrate this food holiday? You can learn more about B Cupcakes and its founder Sheila Norton here.

Food Holidays and Fun Reasons to Celebrate in January with GoEpicurista.com. Check out great ideas to inspire your next gathering at home or around Orlando.

National Irish Coffee Day

On January 25 we celebrate National Irish Coffee Day. Sipping an Irish coffee in Ireland is at the top of my “foodie travel someday list” How about you? Is Ireland on your bucket list? When will you go #MakeSomedayHappen?

Did you know Irish Coffee was first served at a restaurant in the small Shannon airport in southwest Ireland where Joe Sheridan created the strong coffee concoction spiked with Irish whiskey and topped with whipping cream to warm up a group of weary travelers? He described his recipe as containing “cream as rich as an Irish brogue, coffee as strong as a friendly hand, sugar sweet as the tongue of a rogue, and whiskey smooth as the wit of the land.” The exact proportions are left to experiment.

The winter favorite drink didn’t become known worldwide until San Francisco Chronicle travel writer/columnist, Stanton Delaplane had the drink at the airport and loved it so much, he brought the idea to San Francisco’s Buena Vista Cafe in 1952. After much trial and error, and lots of sampling, Delaplane along with Buena Vista owners Jack Koeppler and George Freeberg were able to replicate the delicious coffee and the method for floating the cream on top of the coffee, which is the tricky part. The Buena Vista Cafe was made popular by Delaplane and this Irish Coffee. To this day it is said the Buena Vista serves an average 2,000 Irish coffees per day! As a result, this legendary café is also the largest consumer of Irish whiskey in the US. Definitely a place to visit next time in San Francisco.

Being in Florida, we like our iced beverages year-round. The best Irish Coffee inspired concoctions I’ve ever had are found at Raglan Road Irish Pub in Disney Springs. Labeled “Ireland’s answer to Starbucks” the “Iced Irish” is decadent made with Paddy’s Irish Whiskey, butterscotch snaps, Baileys Salted Caramel, and iced coffee topped with whipped cream. It’s no surprise this is one of their longtime popular cocktails on the menu and a #MustDrink. A traditional Irish Coffee or the Bush-Tail Nitro, a caffeinated concoction of Bushmill’s Irish whiskey and Orlando-favorite Foxtail cold brew coffee, mixed with brown sugar syrup, and topped with sweat cream. Celebrate National Irish Coffee Day with friends at your favorite Irish Pub. In Orlando we have several to choose from. You can check out my Top 9 List. Slainte!

Food Holidays and Fun Reasons to Celebrate in January with GoEpicurista.com. Check out great ideas to inspire your next gathering at home or around Orlando.

National Chocolate Cake Day

On January 27 we celebrate the classic chocolate cake. But did you know that chocolate was initially invented to be consumed as a beverage? It wasn’t until 1847 when the first recipe for chocolate cake was published by cookbook author Eliza Leslie in The Lady’s Receipt Book in Philadelphia. The first boxed cake mix was created by a company called O. Duff and Sons in the late 1920s. Since I’ve never made a chocolate cake from scratch, I’m glad Betty Crocker released their first dry cake mixes in 1947.

Where will you celebrate this epic dessert? Strong Water Tavern located in Loews Hotels Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando, with its rum-centric cocktails (over 60 rum varieties served!) and its Caribbean style tapas, is the perfect place to celebrate National Chocolate Cake Day with friends! Their decadent, rich, gooey and sinful Mexican Chocolate cake had the perfect hint of cinnamon, made with Mexican Abuelita chocolate, to end the meal on a high note. A sugar high note! Oh and I encourage sharing, but perfectly understand if you want to keep this piece of chocolate goodness all to yourself. No judgement here!

Food Holidays and Fun Reasons to Celebrate in January with GoEpicurista.com. Check out great ideas to inspire your next gathering at home or around Orlando.

Chinese New Year

The Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year is celebrated at the turn of the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar. Celebrations traditionally run from the evening preceding the first day, to the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the first calendar month. The first day of the New Year falls on the new moon between January 21 and February 20. In 2018, the first day of the Chinese New Year is on Friday February 16, initiating the Year of the Dog.

The holiday is steeped in tradition. Families gather for an annual reunion dinner because what better way is there to celebrate than to gather around the table and eat! They thoroughly cleanse the house in order to sweep away any ill-fortune and make way for good luck. Red lanterns and decorations with themes of good fortune, happiness, wealth and longevity abound. The sumptuous meal includes foods deemed to bring good luck, wealth, happiness and good fortune. Each dish has a good luck symbolism based on the name or appearance. Uncut strands of longevity noodles for a long life, orange fruits like kumquats and oranges symbolize prosperity, golden foods and caviar and whole fish for an impressive display of abundance, dumplings, in the shape of the old gold ingots, the ancient currency for good fortune, spring rolls with their crisp gold color look like gold bars and signify wealth, babao fan (eight treasures rice) literally promises eight treasures to those who eat it, and sweet rice balls symbolize togetherness and family reunion.

Legend has it that the more dumplings or Jiao Zhi you consume at midnight, the more money you will make in the new year. It’s a custom that dates back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The dumpling is shaped like an old-fashioned gold ingot, they are boat shaped turned up at both ends and filled with minced meat and finely chopped vegetables. Get your friends together and head out to your favorite Chinese restaurant and eat up!

A favorite Pan-asian stop in the Lake Buena Vista area of Orlando is Morimoto Asia in Disney Springs. The menu is varied and includes a variety of dumplings, filled with pork, chicken and vegetables, perfect for a feast. I sampled these at their Sunday Brunch and they are available all day.

Food Holidays and Fun Reasons to Celebrate in January with GoEpicurista.com. Check out great ideas to inspire your next gathering at home or around Orlando.

National Corn Chip Day

On January 29 we celebrate National Corn Chip Day! One of my favorite ways to eat corn chips is with chili. How about you? Do you like your chili with corn chips or other toppings? Did you know that corn chips were patented in San Antonio, Texas in 1932?

According to NationalDayCalendar.com (a great site for food holidays trivia), two traveling salesmen created recipes for the corn chip. First, Isador J. Filler, a traveling salesman who often ate tostadas (a hard corn tortilla with toppings) while traveling in San Antonio, Texas came up with the idea of making them in rectangles and marketing them as a chip. In 1932 he patented his concept. Around the same time, Elmer Doolin was also traveling in San Antonio and enjoying friotes, which are different from tortilla chips in that they are sturdier and with a stronger corn flavor. According to legend, he paid $100 for the recipe and experimented with it until he created the ideal chip. Doolin started selling them from the back of his Model T Ford until he began mass producing them under the name of Frito Corn Chips. In 1945, Doolin came to an agreement with Herman Lay (of potato chip fame) to distribute Doolin’s Fritos across the country. The two companies merged in 1959 after Doolin’s death known today as Frito-Lay.

Go get yourself a nice bowl of chili with Fritos or simply share some Fritos and salsa with friends!

Food Holidays and Fun Reasons to Celebrate in January with GoEpicurista.com. Check out great ideas to inspire your next gathering at home or around Orlando.

National Croissant Day

On January 30th, celebrate National Croissant Day! Do you prefer plain, almond or filled with chocolate? The best croissants I’ve ever had were in Berlin, Germany. My morning routine consisted of a buttery crescent shaped roll, perfectly crispy on the outside and soft pillowy on the inside, paired with a latte. Getting a chocolate-filled kind was reserved for days I wished to indulge. (Which was often!

Did you know croissants date back to the 13th century? You may think they are of French origin but it wasn’t until 1939, when Austrian military officer August Zang opened his Viennese bakery in Paris that the modern croissant made with laminated dough as we know today was invented.

Where will you celebrate today? I love Le Gourmet Break, a French bakery tucked in a side street of Downtown Orlando, where the owners make perfect giant croissants with chocolate or almonds. If you want a hearty breakfast try the omelette croissant sandwich. It’s enormous!

Food Holidays and Fun Reasons to Celebrate in January with GoEpicurista.com. Check out great ideas to inspire your next gathering at home or around Orlando.

National Hot Chocolate Day

On January 31st, celebrate National Hot Chocolate Day with a warm mug of this delicious beverage. Did you know that Hot Chocolate and Hot Cocoa are not the same thing? Hot chocolate uses milk and milk chocolate whereas hot cocoa uses only powdered cocoa. The Mayans are credited with inventing hot chocolate. Back then it was served with chili peppers!

Food Holidays and Fun Reasons to Celebrate in January with GoEpicurista.com. Check out great ideas to inspire your next gathering at home or around Orlando.

Vivoli Il Gelato in Disney Springs is celebrating the holiday by offering a free cup of hot chocolate with any purchase. This gelato shop serves up the authentic taste of Florence with original gelato recipes dating back to the 1930s. Overseen by third-generation gelato maker Silvana Vivoli, her team creates Italian masterpieces with fresh ingredients just like they did in her grandfather Raffaello’s shop in Italy (still in operation today and one I hope to visit someday!) Signature gelato flavors include seasonal offerings, milkshakes, affogato and sorbet are all delicious.

If you’re looking for a cool treat instead, check out my Boozy Frozen Hot Chocolate recipe. Either hot or cold, get together with friends and enjoy.

Information on the various food holidays was gathered from various sources including Wikipedia, National Day Calendar, and Foodimentary.com

Below is the full list of Food Holidays and other fun events by day. This post will be updated to include more ideas each day so don’t forget to bookmark it and pin it for later! (Plus, you can celebrate these holidays any day of the year!). Any day can be a holiday and a reason to celebrate! Cheers!

JANUARY FOOD HOLIDAYS AND OTHER FUN REASONS TO CELEBRATE

January 1

^ New Year’s Day
^ National Bloody Mary Day

January 2

^ National Buffet Day
^ National Cream Puff Day

January 3

^ National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day

January 4

^ National Spaghetti Day

January 5

^ National Whipped Cream Day

January 6

^ National Shortbread Day
^ National Bean Day

January 7

^ National Tempura Day

January 8

^ National English Toffee Day
^ National Sunday Supper Day

January 9

^ National Apricot Day

January 10

^ National Bittersweet Chocolate Day
^ National Oysters Rockefeller Day

January 11

^ National Hot Toddy Day
^ National Milk Day

January 12

^ National Marzipan Day
^ National Curried Chicken Day
^ National Glazed Doughnut Day

January 13

^ National Peach Melba Day

January 14

^ National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day

January 15

^ National Strawberry Ice Cream Day

January 16

^ National Fig Newton Day
^ National Hot and Spicy Food Day

January 17

^ National Bootleggers Day
^ National Hot Buttered Rum Day

January 18

^ National Gourmet Coffee Day
^ National Peking Duck Day

January 19

^ National Popcorn Day

January 20

^ National Buttercrunch Day
^ National Cheese Lover’s Day
^ National Pot Luck Day

January 21

^ National Granola Bar Day
^ National New England Clam Chowder Day

January 22

^ National Blonde Brownie Day
^ National Southern Food Day

January 23

^ National Pie Day
^ National Rhubarb Pie Day

January 24

^ National Peanut Butter Day

January 25

^ National Irish Coffee Day

January 26

^ National Peanut Brittle Day
^ National Pistachio Day
^ National Green Juice Day

January 27

^ National Chocolate Cake Day

January 28

^ National Blueberry Pancake Day

January 29

^ National Corn Chip Day

January 30

^ National Croissant Day

January 31

^ National Hot Chocolate Day

Any of these food holidays and events will give you plenty of reason to call up your friends, set a date and go #MakeSomedayHappen.

Follow on Instagram for some daily inspiration featuring some of my favorite dishes and places to celebrate each holiday. Bookmark this post, pin it and save it for quick reference.

Did I miss your favorite food holiday or special event in January? Which ones do you plan on celebrating? I would love to know so please comment below.

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. Cindy L. Kerschner says

    01/12/2017 at 6:35 pm

    I want to go daytripping with you Christina you know where al the best places to eat are!

    Reply
    • Christina Thomas says

      01/17/2017 at 1:04 pm

      It would be my pleasure to take you around to all my favorite eats!

      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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It’s always a good time for ice cream… 🍦 # It’s always a good time for ice cream… 🍦

# 39 on our list of 50 Things To Do In Orlando 

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams now has a new ice cream shop in @winterparkvillage 

You can pick up this unique ice cream brand from your nearest grocer or stop by their new shop in Winter Park (only the 3rd in Florida!) for super tasty from scratch ice cream flavors. I love that they partner with local farmers and growers to create their buttercream based ice cream flavors.  You can taste the freshness! 

I stopped by the shop and got a split scoop of Lemon Bar & Salted Caramel. Both yummy! 

I also got a super fun tasting pack in the mail with these flavors:

🍦Gooey Butter Cake: my favorite!
🍦Salty Caramel: classic! 
🍦Brambleberry Crisp: if you love a berry pie you’ll love this!
🍦Darkest Chocolate: chocoholic dream!
🍦Salted Peanut Butter & Chocolate Fleks: The Perfect PB & Chocolate combo! 
🍦Brown Butter Almond Brittle: buttery & nutty!

Go enjoy a great ice cream! #MakeSomedayHappen 

🎁Thank you @jenisicecreams for the ice cream pints gift! 

#GoEpicOrlando #LoveOrlando #JenisIceCream
#WinterParkFL
Celebrate the “Unofficial End of Summer” this Celebrate the “Unofficial End of Summer” this Labor Day at these 3 Fun Places To Go in Orlando.

Next on our List of 50 Things To Do In Orlando:

# 35 - @promenadeatsunsetwalk / @margaritavilleresortorlando
Located in the Sunset Walk complex on 192, you’ll find tons of options to spend the entire day! 

🎶 Street Entertainment, Live Music, Bands, DJs, at Promenade at Sunset Walk. Free admission and parking!
💃🏻 Dinner and a Show at @estefankitchenorlando
🍽️ Fun Bites at @fordsgarageusa, @eatatbento and more!
🍺 Raise a glass and enjoy a Margarita or @landsharklager beer in honor of Jimmy Buffet
🍦 Get a refreshing shaved ice at @bahamabucks 
💆🏻‍♀️ Relax at St. Somewhere Spa inside Margaritaville Resort

# 36 - @boxiparklakenona / @learnlakenona
Located in Lake Nona Town Center, this entertainment complex is fun for the entire family! 
🎶 Live Music: Layla Brisbois Band 1pm-4pm, Groove Infusion 5:30pm-9pm
🍹Plenty of bar options for margaritas, cocktails, wine and beer
🚚 Enjoy a variety of Counter Service offerings from repurposed shipping containers. My favorites Cañonita Tacos and Claw and Order Lobster Rolls
🍽️ For a nice dinner, check out @canvaslakenona and @chromalakenona , serving #MagicalDining
🎟️ Free admission, Enjoy Labor Day specials 12p-9pm

# 37 - @iconparkorlando 
Located in the heart of I-Drive, you’ll find a variety of entertainment attractions, restaurants, and bars. Fun for the entire family! My favorite picks include:
🎡 Ride The Wheel! This 400ft tall landmark offers the best views of Orlando
🎩 Visit @museumofillusions.orlando for mind-blowing interactive displays
🍽️ Cocktails, Casual Bites, & Live Music at Tin Roof and Ole Red
💃🏻Dinner & Show at @tapatoroorlando is a must! Check out their #MagicalDining menu, sip sangria and fun cocktails, and enjoy the Flamenco show.
🎟️ Check out the Icon Park website for attraction packages, tickets and reservations

Happy Labor Day! Enjoy your day with friends and family and Go #MakeSomedayHappen

Is Summer really over? 

Follow for more... 

#GoEpicOrlando #LoveOrlando #UnbelievablyReal #SunsetWalk #BoxiPark #IconPark #LearnLakeNona #IDrive #MargaritavilleOrlando
Celebrate the “Unofficial End of Summer” and h Celebrate the “Unofficial End of Summer” and half way to St. Patrick’s Day at Raglan Road Irish Pub 11th Annual Great Irish Hooley Music Fest!  Happening now until 9/4

# 34 - on our List of 50 Things To Do In Orlando! 

🎶  Top Irish bands straight from Ireland rock the house all weekend! Including Sina Theil, named “Rising Star of 2022” by American Celtic Listener Music Awards, The Byrne Brothers, Strings & Things, One For The Foxes, The Connemara Ramblers, Oliver Havlin and more
💃🏻 Raglan Road Irish Dancers
 🥃 New “Stars & Hearts” Keeper’s Heart Whiskey flight, an Irish-American collaboration aged in stout barrels. 
🍹 New Hooley cocktail “Heart of the Hooley” with Keeper’s Heart Irish Bourbon and blackberry and mint shrub. 🍸 Irish Espresso Martini is my favorite!
🍻 New De Fesht Irish Lager
🥗 New Crispy Cream Goat Cheese Salad
🇮🇪 New Dishes at Cookes of Dublin - Raglan Road’s quick service: Dalkey Dog, Loaded Bang Bang Chicken Fries, Hog in a Box
🍰 Decadent Strawberry Cheesecake at Cookes of Dublin and at the pub! MUST EAT!

When you hear the word “Hooley,” you know to expect a good time. It’s an excuse to party! It’s a Gaelic term for a lively, family-friendly party that ends up becoming legendary in one’s memory.

Reservations recommended. Go #MakeSomedayHappen

(hosted media preview) #GoEpicOrlando #GoEpicDisney #ThingsToDoinOrlando #LoveOrlando #DisneySprings #RaglanRoadIrishPub #LaborDayWeekend
Magical Dining at award-winning Kabooki Sushi is o Magical Dining at award-winning Kabooki Sushi is on our list of 50 THINGS TO DO IN ORLANDO

# 33 @kabooki_orlando 

Owner / Chef Henry Moso has been recognized by James Beard Foundation, Michelin Guide,& named Orlando Weekly’s 2023 “Best Sushi Restaurant” and “Best Local Chef” 

@visitorlando Magical Dining 3-Course menu for only $40 is a great opportunity to experience some of their most popular dishes!

We enjoyed: 

APPETIZERS
✨ Leche De Tigre: torched salmon, truffle paté, kizami wasabi, aji amarillo, smoke trout roe, sunchoke chips
✨ Hamachi Carpaccio: Japanese yellowtail, yuzu tobiko, ponzu, kaffir lime oil, yuzu kosho, serrano peppers

MAIN COURSE
✨ Kasei Don: assorted fresh sashimi of the day
✨ Berkwood St. Louis Sticky Ribs: braised then crispy tempura, tossed in smoked chili hoisin sauce

DESSERT
✨ C4 Chocolate lava cake with dulce de leche, vanilla ice cream, chocolate ganache sauce
✨ Mochi Trio ice cream mochi

COCKTAILS:
🍸 Booki Limeade
🍸 Green Goddess
🍸 Kabooki Espresso Martini

ABOUT KABOOKI SUSHI:

📍 2 locations:  @kabooki_orlando on Colonial Drive & @kabooki_sandlake by chef @henry_moso88 
🍣 Kabooki Sushi features a creative sushi & Japanese menu in a club-like stylish atmosphere. 
🍴 You can’t go wrong with any choice on the menu! 

ABOUT VISIT ORLANDO MAGICAL DINING: 

💵 $40 3-course menu available now - 10/1
📱 Reservations highly recommended 
💻 Visit MagicalDining.com for details 
🎁 $1 per meal benefits local charity @thelifeboatproject 

Make reservations & GO #MakeSomedayHappen 

(Dinner hosted by #VisitOrlando) #GOepicOrlando #UnbelievablyReal #LoveOrlando
50 THINGS TO DO IN ORLANDO ... # 26 - Foodie Brun 50 THINGS TO DO IN ORLANDO ... 
# 26 - Foodie Brunch Crawl of Disney Springs - our 3rd Stop!

There are so many fun brunch options at Disney Springs, why not do a progressive brunch crawl and try several restaurants? 

Get a group of friends together and have a fun scavenger hunt like I did with my girlfriends visiting from out of town. We had a great time! 

Our 3rd Stop: Raglan Road Irish Pub for a Rollickin’ Good Time, great elevated Irish pub fare, fantastic craft cocktails and live entertainment with the talented Raglan Road Dancers and Band.

We shared these sweet brunch dishes:

🍞 It’s Ok To Drool -  the best French Toast you’ll ever have! Made with their famous Bread & Butter pudding topped with vanilla mascarpone, mixed berries, hazelnut crunch, & crispy maple glazed bacon. A MUST EAT!

🥞 Oh My, Pancake - topped with banana & cashew caramel sauce, milk chocolate mousse & chocolate ganache. OH MY!

My Favorite Brunch Cocktails:

🥂 Misty Irish Eyed - Irish Mist Honey, Grace O’Malley Gin, Italicus, lemon sour, Prosecco

🥂 Strawberry Fields Mimosa - Dingle Irish Vodka, Luxardo Apertivo, lemon sour, house-made strawberry puree, prosecco.

🥂 It’s a Hell of Hooley - Minke Irish Vodka, Muddled Raspberries, lemon sour, house-made rosemary syrup, Fees Foam, prosecco.

☕️ The Lost Irish Coffee - Lost Irish Whiskey, house-made Demerara sugar syrup, coffee, cream.

☕️ Irish Espresso Martini - Slane Irish Whiskey, J.F. Hadens espresso liqueur, Guinness simple syrup, chilled espresso

Brunch is served every Saturday and Sunday - get a seat at the bar or make reservations based on the size of your group. - It does get busy so reservations are recommended! 

Check out the previous videos for Stop 1 and 2,  and follow for more Fun Things To Do (and Eat) in Orlando

Go #MakeSomedayHappen 

(Hosted) #GoEpicOrlando #GoEpicDisney #RaglanRoadIrishPub #DisneySprings
Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining is back with a ba Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining is back with a bang and bigger than ever with 130+ of Orlando’s most popular restaurants — including MICHELIN Guide honorees such as NEW this year @avamediterraegean in Winter Park 💫 

Here’s a preview of their delicious @visitorlando #MagicalDining 3 course menu for $60. I love the vibe, ambiance and delicious Mediterranean food! Don’t miss having a cocktail in their lounge before dinner. 

—

APPETIZERS

🐟 Sea Bream Ceviche: verjus aguachile, green tomato pico de gallo, levantine bread
🥗 Horiatiki Greek Salad: PDO aged-feta, heirloom tomato, persian cucumber, greek mountain aregano, Kalamata olive
🥕The Greek Spread: hummus, baba ganoush, tzatziki, garden vegetables, warm pita

MAIN COURSE

🐟 Grilled Faroe Island Salmon, fennel salad, baby spinach, avgolemono dressing
🥩 Creekstone Farm Prime Flank Steak, green harissa, sun dried tomato, eggplant caviar
🍄 Black Truffle Risotto: seasonal mushroom fricassée, kefalograviera, chives

DESSERT

🍯 Baklava: layers of crispy phyllo dough, honey nuts, pistachio orange blossom ice cream
🍨 Sorbet & Ice Cream Daily Selection
🍫 Chocolate Fondant molten chocolate lava cake, caramel, almond crumble, mastiha liquor gelato

Details: 

🗓️ six full weeks / 45 delicious days, from August 18 through October 1, 2023
🍽️ 130+ restaurants 
💵 3-Course Menus at a special price of $40 & $60 per person plus tax and gratuity
🙌🏼 Through Visit Orlando, up to $2 from each meal served will benefit @thelifeboatproject and more local nonprofits

Visit the website magicaldining.com to view all the restaurant menus. Reserve your table and GO experience Orlando’s awesome culinary scene! 

💫 Where will you be Magical Dining? 

(Hosted) #GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #AvaMediterraegean #LoveOrlando #UnbelievablyReal
Ready for a Permanent Vacation? Summer is not over Ready for a Permanent Vacation? Summer is not over yet… Next on our list of 50 THINGS TO DO IN ORLANDO…

# 23 - Visit the coolest NEW bar @permanentvacationfl for an immersive hidden tiki bar experience!

The theming and vibe will transport you to a spooky tropical destination! “Excitement & Danger Come To Life as you Experience Thrills & Relaxation On This Island Escape!” 

Enjoy a phenomenal cocktail menu created by @dan_tedson & a talented team of mixologists (some drinks will even trigger a show!) And of course you need some fun bites to go with the boozy drinks and this menu offers a nice variety of shareable dishes.

I loved all of the attention to details and the hidden table nooks. The theme is on point and not gimmicky, cocktails and food are high quality. Definitely a must visit! 

Here are the details: 

📍 Located inside The Copper Rocket, 106 Lake Avenue, Maitland.

🗓️ Reservations are required and they go fast! Follow their IG for dates. 21+ only

⏰ Your “Permanent” Vacation experience is 2 Hours (which is actually plenty!) 

🍹 PICK YOUR POISON: cocktails come in various strengths. Be sure to look for the skulls on the menu! From Sober strength zero proof called “Placebos” to Rest In Peace (💀💀💀) called “Tranquilizers” 🤣

They also have fun drink bowls to “SHARE THE BOOTY” serving 2-6! 

🍴 BITES: you’ll find appetizers, flatbreads, & kabobs

🍕 FLATBREADS -  we tried BRUCE! (Veggies) SHELL-FISH DECISIONS (rock shrimp) & WHERE’S WILBUR? (Pork)
🐷 PUMBAA - Braised & slow roasted pork shank 
🍍 TOUCAN STAN - Tropical Fruit Salad with yogurt dipping sauce

Make reservations and go #MakeSomedayHappen 

(Hosted) #GoEpicOrlando #PermanentVacation #LoveOrlando #thingstodoinorlando
50 THINGS TO DO IN ORLANDO THIS SUMMER - Don’t m 50 THINGS TO DO IN ORLANDO THIS SUMMER - Don’t miss @disneysprings Flavors of Florida sponsored by @corkcicle 🍊

Here are my favorite bites and sips from this year’s Flavors of Florida: 

# 17 🍊 @everglazed_fl 
🍩 Citrus Dream Donut
🥤Orange Lemonade with Sweet Cold Foam

# 18 🍊 @gideonsbakehouse 
🍪 Key Lime Chocolate Chip Cookie
☕️ Orange Mocha Nitro Cold Brew (AKA Stuart’s Cold Brew)

# 19 🍊 @saltandstraw 
🍦 Exquisito Guanabana Stracciatella Ice Cream

# 20 🍊 @raglanroadpub 
🍰 Sunshine State of Mind Sweet orange pudding

# 21 🍊 @jaleobyjose 
🍅 Ensalada de Sandía y Tomate
🐖 Jamón Serrano con Melón
🍹 Frozen Agua de Valencia

# 22 🍊 @winebargeorge 
🍹Frozen Old Fashioned with DOLE Whip Orange and George Dickel 8-Year-Old Tennessee whiskey - get it in the souvenir Corkcicle. 

Go #MakeSomedayHappen 

#GoEpicOrlando #DisneySprings
#FlavorsofFlorida #LoveOrlando
50 THINGS TO DO IN ORLANDO THIS SUMMER - # 15 - C 50 THINGS TO DO IN ORLANDO THIS SUMMER - # 15 -  Celebrate #NationalOysterDay at these 8 Top Spots for Oysters in Orlando

🦪 @fourflamingosorl by @richardblais, @hyattregencygrandcypress - Disney Area
• Try the famous Ice Cold Oysters & Pearls! They are a showstopper! 

🦪  @theospreyorlando - Baldwin Park
• Choose from James River, Florida, East Coast, or West Coast oysters
• Happy Hour: (Tue-Fri 5-6:30p) $2 Mid-Atlantic or Florida Oysters (min. 6)

🦪 @eatatlukes - Maitland
• Atlantic Oysters
• Thursday All Day Happy Hour Half Off Oysters

🦪 @reelfishcoastal - Winter Park
• Several varieties of Oysters on the Half Shell, including Florida’s Sublime boutique oysters, served raw with house-made cocktail sauce & cucumber mignonette, Baked with Parmesan Bread Crumbs or Oysters Rockefeller with Spinach and Artichoke Cream
• Happy Hour (Tuesday-Friday) $9 Half-Dozen Gulf Oysters, Raw or Baked

🦪 @nautilobstah - Apopka
• Every day, James River Blue Point Virginia Oysters, Served Raw or Steamed for only $1.75 each/ per dozen! 
• Oystahs Casino with Chef Mike’s Casino Butter & Bacon are also fantastic!

🦪 @kaya.orlando - Mills 50 District
• TALABA half dozen oysters - Indian river or Matanzas oysters - with spiced vinegar and ramp sawsawan

🦪 @primoatgrandelakes , @jwmorlando, @grandelakesorlando 
• The Seafood Tower includes gorgeous Moondancer Oysters, Lobster Celery Remoulade, Shrimp Cocktail, Bacalao and Smoked Wild Salmon

🦪  @knifespoonorlando, @ritzcarltonorlando, Grande Lakes
• Oysters topped with Passmore Caviar at various special events are always a treat!

Follow for more Fun Things To Do in Orlando and Go #MakeSomedayHappen

#GoEpicOrlando #Oysters #LoveOrlando
50 THINGS TO DO IN ORLANDO THIS SUMMER - #12 Spe 50 THINGS TO DO IN ORLANDO THIS SUMMER - #12 

Spend a sophisticated evening with a progressive dinner & cocktails at the newly reimagined Grand Bohemian Hotel. 🥂

@grandbohemianorlando - Downtown Orlando’s Luxury Boutique Hotel got a multi-million dollar makeover. From the dining & bar options to the guest rooms & event space, if you haven’t been in a while, it’s time to go back! 💥 You’re going to love the new look. 💥 And you don’t want to miss checking out the artwork throughout the property and exploring the space like we did on a recent visit! 

The food. The drinks. The vibe. Perfect for an evening or a staycation getaway. And only steps away from Dr. Phillips Center and Amway Center. Drinks and dinner before and after shows is a must! 

Here’s what we enjoyed: 

🍸 BÖSENDORFER LOUNGE - start & end your night with cocktails in this gorgeous lounge.

🥂 FRENCH 75 (1st drink)
🍸 ESPRESSO MARTINI (last drink)

🎹 Fun Fact: There were only two Bösendorfer pianos designed by architect Hans Hollein in 1990 in the world! One can be found in the lounge of the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Orlando!

🍽️ BOHEME - fantastic dinner! 

🍤 SHRIMP COCKTAIL
🍅 BURRATA
🥩 WAGYU BEEF CARPACCIO - my favorite!

🦚 THE PEACOCK ROOM - Private Dining Room for 24pp available for family style dinners

🥗 FARMER’S GREENS
🥕 BABY ROOTS
🍄 WILD MUSHROOMS
🍞 BRAISED LAMB
⭐️ SCALLOPS - loved this!
🥩 TOMAHAWK EXPERIENCE - WOW! 

🍷 Kessler Chardonnay and Kessler Cabernet

🍹ALTIRA ROOFTOP BAR & LOUNGE - brand new poolside bar on 6th floor, and it’s open to the public. Live DJ every evening Wed-Sun. Brunch on Saturdays.
Perfect sunset spot! 
🥂 THE GRAND COCKTAIL 
🍮 CHEESECAKE & CHOCOLATE CREME BRÛLÉE 

Thank you to General Manager Benjamin McCarney and his team for hosting a wonderful media preview. 

Reserve Your Night and Go #MakeSomedayHappen 

(Hosted) #GoEpicOrlando #GrandBohemianOrlando #KesslerCollection #MarriottBonvoy #LoveOrlando #TheCityBeautiful
Thank you for the memories… 🐓 💕 Sad to hea Thank you for the memories… 🐓 💕 Sad to hear the news about @thecoop_wp closing their doors in Winter Park after 9 1/2 years! Thank you to @johnrivers4r & The 4R team for the great memories and delicious Southern classic home cooking. That Classic Chicken Sandwich is still my favorite! 

🍗 Go get one last bite before their last day on 7/16. 

I hope to see The Coop again at another location soon! 

#MakeSomedayHappen #GoEpicOrlando
50 THINGS TO DO IN ORLANDO THIS SUMMER… # 9 on t 50 THINGS TO DO IN ORLANDO THIS SUMMER… # 9 on the list:

Eat & Drink Around The World at Epcot! 🌎

No Orlando list is complete without our amazing theme parks, and as a travel foodie, Epcot is my favorite! Festivals are the best time to visit! 

🌸 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival runs until 7/5… 

Here are my favorite sips & bites from this year as well as Must Eat & Drink classics I never miss! 

🍍 Pineapple Bistro:
• Dole Whip
• Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade (a favorite for 10 years!) 

🍯 Honey Bee-stro:
• Chicken and Waffles
• Honey-Mascarpone Cheesecake

🇨🇦 Northern Bloom: (Canada)
• Seared Scallops with French Green Beans, & Butter Potatoes
• Beef Tenderloin Tips & Mushroom Bordelaise
• Chocolate Maple Whisky Cake

🍊 Florida Fresh: My favorite Festival stop!! @freshfromflorida 
• Grilled Street Corn on the Cob with Savory Garlic Spread and Spicy Corn Chips 
• Blackened Fish Slider with Roasted Tomatoes, Watercress & Citrus Remoulade on Brioche
• Watermelon Salad with Blueberries, Pickled Red Onions, Balsamic and Feta

🇫🇷 France Pavilion: Le Vins de Chefs de France
• Orange Slushy with Grand Marnier, Rum, Grey Goose Orange and Orange Juice
• Citron Slushy with Grey Goose Citron, Vodka & Lemonade

🇲🇽 Mexico Pavilion: Choza de Margarita
• Fiesta Margarita 
• Fresh Guacamole & Chips

Don’t miss the Topiaries and The Butterfly Garden! Loved seeing the new Encanto topiaries at the entrance! 

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival kicks off July 27th to keep Eating & Drinking Around The World! 

Follow for more Fun Things To Do in Orlando This Summer...

Go #MakeSomedayHappen

#GoEpicOrlando #GoEpicDisney #LoveOrlando #Epcot #EpcotFlowerandGarden #FreshFromFlorida #drinkaroundtheworld #eataroundtheworld
50 THINGS TO DO IN ORLANDO THIS SUMMER… # 8 on t 50 THINGS TO DO IN ORLANDO THIS SUMMER… # 8 on the list…

Indulge your taste buds in a tropical getaway at
Michelin Guide Recommended Four Flamingos: A Richard Blais Florida Kitchen located at Orlando’s Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort 
🦩🦩🦩🦩 

Chef de Cuisine Shelby Farrell & her team serve creative Florida favorites!

Here are my “Must Eats” after several visits: 

🍣 Tuna Tostada with Passion Fruit Yolk. Gorgeous & so delicious!

🐟 Swordfish Prime Rib 16oz “Neptune’s Cut” - coated in Black Lime, Black Pepper, & Garlic. It’s hands down, THE best swordfish dish you’ll find anywhere!

🦞🥩 Surf to Fire-Grilled Turf combos:
🦞 Half Lobster - Blackened, Grilled with Herb Butter, or Poached with Citrus Beurre Blanc
🥩 Bacon-wrapped Filet, Confit Potato Hash, Coconut Au Poivre, Pickled Mushroom

🦀 A gigantic Crab Cake! (The toppings have changed since my last visit)

🦀 Crab Raviolo with Papaya Vodka Sauce, Florida Lobster, Gremolata

☕️ Cuban Espresso Panna Cotta, Salted Caramel, Butterscotch Biscotti - this is a dream for any coffee lover! 

🍹 Fun tropical cocktails and a fantastic Florida Old Fashioned with spiced orange blossom honey syrup 

** If you want to meet Richard Blais of @nextlevelcheffox @foodnetwork & @bravotopchef fame, he’s in town this weekend!! 

Get reservations and go!

Follow @fourflamingosorl and sign up for their newsletter to find out when  @richardblais will be visiting next! (He visits regularly throughout the year and is the nicest guy to meet!)

🚗 Complimentary Valet & Self Parking for Guests of Four Flamingos
📍 @hyattregencygrandcypress near Walt Disney World

Follow for more Fun Things To Do (and Eat) in Orlando… Go! #MakeSomedayHappen 

#GoEpicOrlando #LoveOrlando #RichardBlais
REMEMBER THE BRAVE. 🇺🇸 #MemorialDay We spen REMEMBER THE BRAVE. 🇺🇸 #MemorialDay

We spent an amazing holiday weekend at @ritzcarltonorlando Grande Lakes Resort and enjoyed so many wonderful activities part of their “GLO Summer” program. But we can’t forget the reason we have a long weekend… and I’m filled with gratitude. 

🇺🇸 Today we remember the brave service men and women who gave all they had for us to enjoy these freedoms. We also pay respect to their families who miss them every day. Thank you!

🥂 I’m grateful for the opportunity to share about these fun experiences around Central Florida and hopefully inspire you to enjoy time with family and friends. Go #MakeSomedayHappen one bite, sip & trip at a time because tomorrow is not guaranteed.

☀️ I’m grateful we have gorgeous resorts to enjoy a relaxing staycation without having to travel far! Orlando is the # 1 travel destination in the country and we live here! 

Thank you @grandelakesorlando, @ritzcarltonorlando and @jwmorlando for hosting us. Congratulations on your 20th Anniversary!

I hope you enjoyed a great weekend with family and friends. Cheers! 

Pictured:
1. 🇺🇸 Game of foosball, Ritz
2. 🧁 Cupcake from First Drop, Ritz
3. 🏃🏻‍♀️ Ritz Carlton Memorial Day 5K Medal & Mimosas
4 & 5. 🎆 Picnic & Fireworks Package - you get a reserved blanket in a prime viewing area to watch the fireworks by the gazebo & basket with Whispering Angel Rose and a variety of snacks. (Reservation required)
6. 🍸 Fun Cocktails at EVRBAR JW Marriott new lobby bar! 
7. 🎈 Stilt-walker making balloon animals poolside, Ritz

(Hosted) #GoEpicOrlando #RCMemories #LoveOrlando
Nothing says “SUMMERTIME!” better than a BIG J Nothing says “SUMMERTIME!” better than a BIG JUICY BURGER! 🍔 

We’ve been enjoying an amazing staycation at @ritzcarltonorlando & @jwmorlando Grande Lakes Resort! Their GLO Summer Weekends programming is fantastic! (Check out my stories to see more!)

Today we had lunch at one of my favorite restaurants - @highballharvest, located at The Ritz. And since It’s #NationalHamburgerDay I have to show you their epic H&H Pimento Cheese Burger!

It’s loaded! Double Short-Rib Patties, Bacon, Pimento Cheese, & Mustard Spiced Pickles. Full of flavor!

PS - check out my stories for another big juicy burger from  @knifeburger - lots of great burger options at Grande Lakes!

>>> Stay tuned for my “50 Things To Do in Orlando This Summer” series… it’s going to be a fun & tasty one! 

Hope you’re enjoying your holiday weekend with friends and family. Go #MakeSomedayHappen 

(Hosted) #GoEpicOrlando #LoveOrlando #ThingsToDoinOrlando  #RCMemories #RitzCarltonOrlando #BurgerDay
Next Level Avocado Toast! 🥑 Do you love to brun Next Level Avocado Toast! 🥑 Do you love to brunch? Here’s a fun & healthy recipe using #FreshFromFlorida veggies! 

I’m totally hooked on using Florida sweet potatoes instead of bread after I made “Everything But The Bagel Sweet Potato Toast with smoked salmon (the recipe on the blog) , I had to make a Sweet Potato Avocado Toast and it was amazing! It’s so good I did not miss the bread! 

Super easy to make! 

1. Thin slice sweet potatoes and bake in 450F oven for 15-20 minutes or use an air-fryer 
2. Top with guacamole or sliced avocado (I did both!) 
3. Top with a variety of fresh toppings: I used pickled radishes, grape tomatoes, arugula, cabbage, sweet peppers, pickled onions, & cilantro all grown in Florida! 
4. I added Kalamata olives and you can also add a fried egg!Have fun with a variety of toppings!

Pro Tip: Set up a Sweet Potato Toast Bar with a variety of toppings and host an easy brunch for friends.

Look for the "Fresh From Florida" label on products in your grocery store or ask your produce department manager for Florida produce.

More details on the blog GoEpicurista.com
Recipe created in partnership with @flafruitandveg and @freshfromflorida

#GoEpicRecipe #FFVAfarmtour #floridaagriculture #brunch #FreshFromFlorida
Homemade Potato Chips for Brunch? Yes, Please! 🥔 

More than 2,000 varieties of potatoes are grown in Florida, so I figured I'd make homemade potato chips with a few different kinds. I used @lmcompanies Gold Potatoes and Blue Sky Farms Purple Potatoes and Red Potatoes (which I actually dug up myself during the #FFVAFarmTour hosted by @flafruitandveg @freshfromflorida & @agcommunicatorsfl @ufifas_solutions & @stjohns_ag 

Fresh always tastes better! Each potato has its own unique flavor and texture which you can appreciate tasting side by side. It was so easy to make potato chips in the oven, you won't go back to the bag of chips! (it's better for you too!) 

1. Scrub the potatoes well and pat dry with a paper towel
2. Thin slice potatoes carefully with a mandolin
3. Lightly toss or spray with avocado oil, sprinkle fresh cracked salt & pepper 
4. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet - make sure potato slices are in a single layer and not touching
5. Bake in 400F oven for 20 minutes (turn over halfway through)

Set up your Florida Potato Chips Bar with a variety of dips and #FreshFromFlorida veggies for toppings. Add a poached or sunny-side-up egg and brunch is served! Guaranteed everyone will love creating their own messy pile of Florida potato chips! 

Toppings ideas:
- "Everything But The Bagel" dip (see my previous post for the recipe)
- Guacamole
-  Sweet peppers
- Radishes
- Arugula
- Grape tomatoes 
- Poached or Sunny Side Up Egg
- Flaky Salts (I used Smoked Maldon Salt)

Look for the "Fresh From Florida" label on products in your grocery store or ask your produce department manager for Florida produce. Have some fun exploring all the varieties of potatoes you can find. 

🥔 More on the blog GoEpicurista.com
Recipe created in partnership with @flafruitandveg and @freshfromflorida

#GoEpicRecipe #FFVAfarmtour #floridaagriculture #brunch #FreshFromFlorida #FloridaPotatoes
Looking for a fun, easy, delicious, and healthy re Looking for a fun, easy, delicious, and healthy recipe for your next brunch with friends? Check it out! “Everything But The Bagel” Sweet Potato Toast made with Fresh From Florida Sweet Potatoes, Smoked Salmon, “Everything Bagel” Spread (a delicious spread and dip made with cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and Everything Bagel seasoning you’ll want to make over and over again!), plus all your favorite bagel sandwich toppings. Arrange it as a toppings bar and let everyone create their own Sweet Potato Toast. It will take your weekend brunch - or any day lunch - to the next level!

You won’t miss the bagel with this tasty smoked salmon bagel sandwich alternative recipe using sweet potatoes as your base.  The best part, Florida sweet potatoes are in season all summer long!

Full recipe and more on the blog GoEpicurista.com
Recipe created in partnership with @flafruitandveg and @freshfromflorida

#GoEpicRecipe #FFVAfarmtour #floridaagriculture #brunch #freshfromfloridakids
🥂 Cheers! @argylewinery - my favorite Oregon sp 🥂 Cheers! @argylewinery - my favorite Oregon sparkling wine perfect to celebrate Oregon Wine Month and National Wine Day! 🥂

Their tasting room and winery in Dundee, Oregon is a Must Visit! Located less than an hour’s drive from Portland, it’s a gorgeous space and a perfect first stop on a day of wine tasting in the heart of Willamette Valley. 

On my last trip, I enjoyed the “Sparkling Selection” Tasting Flight - complimentary as a wine club member ($45 retail)

2019 Estate Reserve Brut Rose, Willamette Valley
2017 Spirit Hill Blanc de Blancs, Eola-Amity
2018 Knudsen Blanc de Blancs, Dundee Hills
2011 Extended Tirage Brut, Willamette Valley
2012 Extended Tirage Brut, Willamette Valley

I’ve been a fan of Argyle for decades and it’s always on my list of places to visit when I return home to Portland and why I’ve been a wine club member for years. I get so excited when we receive a shipment! 

Add it to your list & Go #MakeSomedayHappen

#GoEpicOregon #OregonWineMonth #NationalWineDay
Dreaming of getting away with your besties? Get Yo Dreaming of getting away with your besties? Get Your Girls Together This Weekend and get away for a couple of hours for Wine Tasting & a Movie! … And start planning that girl’s trip! 

My friend Brooke & I were invited by Focus Features to celebrate the release of “BOOK CLUB: THE NEXT CHAPTER” - in theaters now - the sequel to the 2018 hit starring the legendary quartet of Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen, & Mary Steenburgen. 

The four best friends take their book club to Italy for the fun girls trip they never had. It’s hilarious and inspiring! Kind of like my motto Go #MakeSomedayHappen 😉 

Have you visited Quantum Leap Winery? It’s FLORIDA’S ONLY SUSTAINABLE WINERY!

They partner with sustainable and organic growers in notable wine growing regions around the world - I.e. Italy, France, California, Oregon, Washington… NOT Florida grapes! - to produce high quality wines with a reduced carbon footprint at a great value. This is truly world-class wine right here with a beautiful tasting room.

We enjoyed a tour of the facility, located in Orlando’s Mills 50 District, learned about their sustainable practices and enjoyed a wonderful tasting session. A Must Do for any wine lover in Orlando! 

Follow the 5 “S” of Wine Tasting - See, Swirl, Smell, Sip & Savor: 

🥂Garda White Wine Blend. Veneto, Italy. Perfect summer sipping wine by the pool! 

🥂Pinot Grigio, Veneto, Italy 2022. Lovely aromas & body, great with food or without. 

🍷 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, CA 2017. Classic California Pinot!

🍷 Kalev’s Rescue Red, Sierra Foothills, CA 2018
The 7th edition of their flagship blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Malbec. Proceeds benefit Orlando’s Pet Alliance. 

🍷 Petit Verdot, Columbia Valley, WA 2019 - fun to taste this varietal on its own instead of typical blend. 

🍷 Dog Watch, Port Style Dessert Wine, Santa Barbara, CA - a dessert wine treat for your senses!

🎥 #BookClub, @BookClubMovie
🍷 @quantumleapwinery

(Hosted) #GoEpicOrlando #LoveOrlando #WineTasting #FunThingsToDoinOrlando
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Your source for inspiration to take time out of your busy schedule and celebrate great food and wine experiences with friends everywhere you go! Let’s talk about Restaurants, Unique Events and Travel Experiences that belong on your “someday list.”

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