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GO Epicurista Top 9 Orlando Events & Outings Aug 16-Sept 30

By Christina Thomas Leave a Comment

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GO #MakeSomedayHappen at these Orlando Events & Outings

Events and Outings in and around Orlando to inspire you to GO celebrate life with family and friends.

1. GO get Happy!


If you’ve been telling friends “we need to get together someday”, why not make “someday” happen at a fun Happy Hour? Great restaurants around town now offer more than your typical 2-for-1 cheap drinks, choosing instead inventive cocktails, craft beers and more substantial menu items. Catch up over a few drinks and delicious bites and you can still be home in time for dinner. I had an amazing time with friends I hadn’t seen in over 15 years at Southern-inspired local Orlando favorite Cask & Larder. Happy Hour is offered daily, including weekends (Monday – Saturday 4-6pm, Sunday 3-6pm). Sample $6 craft cocktails such as the Winter Park Mule made with local Winter Park genius vodka, fun wine varietals, and $3 house-brewed beers. The food enthusiast in you will be jumping with glee as you skip the typical bar snacks in favor of $2 oysters with mignonette sauce, melt-in-your-mouth ham biscuits with pepper jelly and new “Devils on Horseback” country ham-wrapped dates stuffed with bleu cheese, drizzled with vincotto. Happy times indeed! Happy Hour Menu changes regularly. GO get happy!

Cask & Larder Happy Hour Orlando Events GO www.goepicurista.com

2. GO for a delicious journey!


Dying to do a culinary tour of the South of France or have a feast in Mumbai but the trip is out of reach right now? Head over to your local theater for a showing of the film The 100 Foot Journey. A beautiful tale of food and family, that would have only been better if the food aromas had filled the theater for a true feast of the senses. Make it a delicious dinner and a movie experience with a visit to your local Indian or French restaurant. My foodie friends and I had a wonderful outing sampling traditional Indian dishes like Garlic Naan, Chicken Tikka, and lamb Roganjosh at Tamarind Indian Cuisine in Winter Park, sharing lavender and caramel French Macarons from Le Macaron in Winter Park and then watching the movie at Winter Park Village’s Regal Cinema. Here’s my recap of this delicious night. The movie is in theaters now. GO for a delicious journey!

The 100 Foot Journey a GO Orlando Event to #MakeSomedayHappen with www.goepicurista.com

3. GO Wine Tasting!


Want to sample wines from around the world? Check out The Wine Room on Park Avenue and its 156 wines served from Enomatic wine dispensing machines. One of my favorite wine bars in Orlando, also offers a nice variety of cheeses, flatbreads and appetizers for a perfect evening of tasting. Take advantage of this Groupon offer for $50 Wine-Sampling Card for only $33.99. Read about my fun celebration at The Wine Room recently. GO wine tasting!

The Wine Room Wine Tasting Orlando Event with www.goepicurista.com

Photo courtesy of The Wine Room

4. GO Race!


Is walking or running a 5K on your someday list? Now is the time! The 22nd Annual Celebration of Running 5K on Saturday August 16 kicks off The Track Shack running series. All finishers receive a tech tee-shirt, a finisher’s medal, discounts to The Orlando Science Center ($2) and The Track Shack ($15), plus one Sam Adams Boston Lager (for those over 21). This running and walking celebration starts at Orlando Cultural Park located at 530 East Princeton Street, Orlando FL at 7:30am. Afterwards, why not celebrate with brunch at nearby White Wolf Café which has been delighting locals with their friendly service, giant cinnamon rolls and comfort foods for over twenty years. GO race!

Celebration of Running 5K, a GO Orlando event to #MakeSomedayHappen with www.goepicurista.com

Photo courtesy of The Track Shack

5. GO Get Spicy!


Looking to add some spice to your life? Why not celebrate Hot & Spicy Food Day on Tuesday August 19 at your favorite eatery. RA Sushi Bar newest location in Pointe Orlando is commemorating this food holiday with a spicy Cinna-Punch cocktail made with Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey and fresh fruit juices paired with their spicy Gojira Roll with shrimp tempura & Crab and Zonie Roll with spicy salmon & jalapeno. Cool down from all the spice with a refreshing Green Tea Ice Cream. If Tex-Mex is your favorite spicy food, try Cocina 214 fresh house-made salsas such as the Morita Salsa, a featured ingredient in their “two-pepper” spicy Grilled Brun-Uusto Cheese Tacos, one of the spiciest dishes on their menu! GO get spicy!

Orlando events with www.goepicurista.com

RA Sushi Cinna-Punch & Spicy Gojira Roll pack a spicy punch! Photos courtesy of RA Sushi


Orlando events with www.goepicurista.com

The new Grilled Brun-Uusto Cheese Tacos with spicy morita salsa. Photos courtesy of Cocina 214

6. GO Greek!


Ready for a Greek Summer vacation without leaving Orlando? Taverna Opa Tastings & Libations wine dinner on Thursday August 21 will transport you to the island of Crete. Chef Katerina Coumbaros introduces a special five course tasting menu paired with Greek Wines that highlights the best of Greek Street foods. This is the best wine dinner value in Orlando at only $45 per person (not inclusive of tax and gratuity). Dinner starts at 6:30pm. Seating is limited, reservations required, call 407.351.8660. GO Greek!

Taverna Opa Wine Dinner Orlando Events with www.goepicurista.com

7. GO Do Good!


Do you love food competitions? Check out Give Kids The World O-Town MacDown on Saturday August 23. This is a food fight for a good cause presented by SeaWorld at the Orange County Convention Center, from 11am-4pm. Professional chefs, restaurant owners, home cooks and non-profit organizations will fight it out to determine who has the best Mac-n-Cheese in Orlando. Event includes all the mac-n-cheese samples you can eat, live entertainment, celebrity chef cooking demos including my favorite Food Network personality Emily Ellyn, kid’s fun zone, theme park character meet and greets and more. Proceeds benefit Give Kids The World Village, a 70-acre, non-profit resort in Central Florida that provides weeklong cost-free vacations to children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. Purchase tickets in advance, admission is $15 adults, $10 kids. GO do good!

Give Kids The World O-Town MacDown GO Orlando event to #MakeSomedayHappen with www.goepicurista.com

8. GO Be Fabulous!


Want to dine like a celebrity but your bank account is missing some zeroes? GO on the road to Miami for Miami Spice month , now through September 30. Check out 170 restaurants featuring the best of Miami dining at a fraction of the cost (3 course lunch $23 and dinner $39). Top swanky choices include The Bazaar by Jose Andres, Michael Mina’ 74, Michael Schwartz’ The Cypress Room, Chef Rainer Becker’s Zuma Restaurant, Chef Jamie De Rosa’s Tongue & Cheek, and Soho Beach House Cecconi’s Miami Beach. Chic hotels around town are also offering Miami Spice Hotel specials to make it a fabulous getaway that won’t decimate your pocket-book. GO be fabulous!

Miami Spice a GO Orlando Event to #MakeSomedayHappen with www.goepicurista.com

Photos courtesy of Miami Spice

9. GO Be A Culinary Thrill-Seeker!


While in Miami, check out our local superstar and James Beard Award nominated chefs James Petrakis of The Ravenous Pig & Cask & Larder and Kathleen Blake of The Rusty Spoon as they make Orlando proud during the Kitchen Collab events at Chef Jamie DeRosa’s hot spot Tongue & Cheek. Monday August 25 will feature James Petrakis as he wows adventurous foodies with Orlando’s most creative collection of junk food classics (think Mortadella hot pockets and Foie Gras Reese’s Cups), three limited edition Cask & Larder beers and a five course nose to tail dinner made from local pigs he raised himself. Monday September 22, Chef Kathleen Blake, the remarkable talent behind true farm to table cookery in Orlando’s The Rusty Spoon, will take the spotlight. Seating is limited and reservations are required. Call 305-704-2900. GO be a culinary thrill seeker!

Kitchen Collab Tongue & Cheek GO Orlando Event with www.goepicurista.com

Photo courtesy of The Ravenous Pig

Why not a Top 10 list? Because you may have some fun ideas to recommend. If so please let me know in the comments below. If you like my Top 9 GO list, please share it with your friends.

My mission is to ‪#‎MakeSomedayHappen‬ one delicious bite, sip & trip at a time! I hope to inspire you to do the same with your family & friends. Enjoy Today, Someday may never come.‪‎

Cheers!

GO Epicurista!‬

GO #MakeSomedayHappen

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Filed Under: Go Travel & Dine Orlando Tagged With: #MakeSomedayHappen, 100 Foot Journey, Cask and Larder, Cocina 214, Events, Give Kids The World, James Petrakis, Jamie DeRosa, Kathleen Blake, Le Macaron, Miami Spice, Orlando, RA Sushi, Restaurants, Tamarind Indian, Taverna Opa, The Wine Room, Tongue & Cheek, Track Shack

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About Christina Thomas

I'm Christina, a hospitality consultant, freelance writer, food & travel enthusiast, brand cheerleader, ice cream fanatic, chocoholic, and eternal optimist on a mission to #MakeSomedayHappen one delicious bite, sip and trip at a time. Celebrating life with great food, wine and friends throughout Central Florida and everywhere I GO! I want to inspire you to take time out of your busy schedule to do the same. GO celebrate life today, for someday may never come. Join me and GO Epicurista!

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Meet your Chief Epicurista

I'm Christina, a hospitality consultant, freelance writer, food & travel enthusiast, brand cheerleader, ice cream fanatic, chocoholic, and eternal optimist on a mission to #MakeSomedayHappen one delicious bite, sip and trip at a time. Celebrating life with great food, wine and friends throughout Central Florida and everywhere I GO! I want to inspire you to take time out of your busy schedule to do the same. GO celebrate life today, for someday may never come. Join me and GO Epicurista! Find out more...

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Christina Thomas-Foodie Travel
Instagram post 17844131047860430 "For centuries men have kept an appointment with Christmas. Christmas means fellowship, feasting, giving and receiving, a time of good cheer." - William Jewett Tucker⠀
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It's definitely a time of feasting! I'm looking forward to celebrating Christmas Eve with an epic feast and then vegging out in my PJs on Xmas day. LOL!  How do you plan to celebrate? ⠀
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Whenever asked for a great local seafood restaurant in Orlando, @ReelFishCoastal  in Winter Park is at the top of my list. Not only do they source the freshest seafood from Florida and the Gulf coast, the casual chic setting and the staff always makes you feel at home. ⠀
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On Xmas Eve Reel Fish hosts their 3rd Annual Feast of The Seven Fishes with a 7 course seafood extravaganza paired with fantastic wines. For only $79 pp++⠀
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🎄 The traditional Italian feast with a Florida twist menu:⠀
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> Reception "Snack" Course: Parmesan & Grits crusted San Antonio Bay Oysters, Cedar Key Clam & Tasso Toast and Florida Swordfish Ceviche with La Crema Brut Rose⠀
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> "Savory" Course: Shrimp "Touchy Touchy" Florida Royal Red Jumbo Prawns sauteed in white wine, garlic, lemon butter dijon⠀
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> "Salty" Course: Seafood Nachos with Blue Crab & Crawfish topped house-made wontons with Diatom Chardonnay Bar-M, Santa Barbara (pictured)⠀
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> "Fried" Course: Whole Fried Genuine American Red Snapper with Willakenzie Estate Pinot Noir from Willamette Valley, Oregon⠀
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> Intermezzo "Earthy" Course: San Antonio Bay Oyster Shooter featuring Tito's Vodka⠀
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> Pasta Course: Florida Rock Shrimp Arrabiata over Bucatini & grilled ciabatta with Tenuta di Arceno "Strada al Sasso" Chianti Classico⠀
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> Dessert "Sweet" Course: Carey's Coconut Cake, Emily's Raspberry Cream filled chocolate ganache cupcakes with Blandy's Madeira Malmsey 10 yr⠀
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*In the spirit of holiday giving, 10% of the proceeds will be donated to Coastal Conservation Association. ⠀
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Dinner with reception starts at 6:30pm. Event is limited to 50 guests and will sell out so don't delay. Call (407) 543-3474 to purchase tickets.⠀
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I hope you’re inspired to join me and #MakeSomedayHappen one delicious bite, sip and trip at a time! Cheers! 🥂⠀
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#GOepicOrlando #SupportLocal #ThisisOrlando
Instagram post 17860653550610674 ‘Tis The Season... “Paris is 'the city,' isn't it, and I am a lover of cities.” - John Ashbery

I always say “oui oui” and “ooh la la” when I visit Epcot. My favorite “Must Visit” pavilion is France. Their slushees are legendary and this holiday season they did not disappoint with a boozy Frozen Hot Chocolate made with @greygoose vodka! 🇫🇷 I enjoyed a double dose of chocolate pairing it with the Buche du Noel Au Chocolate, Christmas Log chocolate cake with dark chocolate caramel ganache. It was so rich I could (ahem, should) have shared it! 😉 
Epcot Festival of the Holidays is happening now thru 12/30/19. A wonderful way to get into the holiday spirit, learn about holiday traditions around the world, enjoy lovely bites and sips created especially for the festival and even do a little shopping. 
Will you be visiting #EpcotHolidays? There’s lots of great choices to get the most foodie bang for your buck. Let me know if you need any recommendations.

Cheers! Joyeux Noel! #MakeSomedayHappen 
#GOepicOrlando #GOepicDisney #TasteEpcot #EpcotFrance #Epcot #WaltDisneyWorld #orlandofoodie #disneyfoodie #greygoosevodka #frozenhotchocolate #EpcotFestivaloftheHolidays #christmas #orlandofl #visitorlando @artisandesglace
Instagram post 17935707052326140 “May your stuffing be tasty. May your turkey plump. May your potatoes and gravy, Have nary a lump. May your yams be delicious, And your pies take the prize, And may your Thanksgiving dinner Stay off your thighs!” - Grandpa Jones

Wishing you a most delicious Thanksgiving holiday shared with loved ones. 🍁🦃 Would you like to celebrate Thanksgiving Dinner 365 days a year? 
One of my favorite restaurants in Portland Oregon is not a trendy James Beard Award winner. And, it’s not known for the latest food trends. In fact, what I love most  is that not much has changed since it opened in 1879. The oldest restaurant in town, opened originally as a saloon, started serving turkey dinners and sandwiches during Prohibition thanks to Jim Louie, a Chinese immigrant cook who later became owner. Today Huber’s is owned by Jim’s nephew’s children James Kai, David and Lucille Louie and is known for their famous traditional turkey dinner, cooking anywhere from 20-100 herbed turkeys per day! 
James “Jim” Louie introduced their now iconic Spanish Coffees with a show. I had the great honor of interviewing him a few years ago and he was fascinating.  My husband and I went to Huber’s on our first date 24 years ago and visit every year when we go back home. It’s on my Must Eat List of Portland and I highly recommend it be on yours. 
Happy Thanksgiving! 
#GOepicPDX #thanksgivingdinner #huberspdx #turkeydinner #portlandfoodie #pdxnow #pdx
Instagram post 17854363252657534 “So we came to the Ritz hotel and the Ritz Hotel was divine. Because when a girl can sit in a delightful bar and have delicious champagne cocktails and look at all the important French people in Paris, I think it is divine.” - Anita Loos, “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” .
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It may not have been Paris, but cocktails, champagne and gorgeous nibbles at the newly revamped Lobby Lounge at the Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes in Orlando was simply divine. Yes, Orlando!
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I was invited to experience the new space and started the night with dessert and cocktails!  As everyone should... Who could resist a made to order coffee ice cream and Nutella panini? Worth-Every-Calorie! .
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And "The Tales of Mermaids" cocktail made with Cathead Honeysuckle vodka, Creme de Violet, and prosecco with a glimmer sugar rim put me in a festive mood. .
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By the way, this is no longer your grandfather’s and grandmother’s Ritz. Gone are the classic drapes and ornate carpet. Instead we found a modern and luxurious indoor space with massive floor to ceiling windows which welcome the outdoors (especially when they open up and let cool breezes in). Perfect for enjoying the beautiful nights in Central Florida this time of year. .
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The Ritz. As chic and divine as ever. 🥂

Check out stories for more. @ritzcarltonorlando is definitely worth the drive. I recommend cocktails in the lobby bar at sunset and dinner at @highballandharvest Highball & Harvest for a perfect date night. On Fridays and Saturdays they feature live entertainment. Last night we were wowed by James (@jamyourfaceoff) with everything from Van Morrison, Dire Straights to Prince's Purple Rain. He will return with a full band on New Year's Eve! .
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I also can’t wait to return to check out their new offerings for the legendary "Afternoon Tea at the Ritz". It’s always been one of my favorite outings with girlfriends. .
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Go #MakeSomedayHappen .
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Thank you @tastecooksip for capturing this photo. .
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#GoepicOrlando #RitzCarltonOrlando  #RCmemories
Instagram post 18077268130176315 "The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes." - Marcel Proust

I love to discover new food! Have you been to Zeta Asia at Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek? It's a bit of a hidden gem worth the drive to this gorgeous resort in the Walt Disney World Resort area. The chic lounge features a pan-Asian menu to please all diners. Check out my favorite 9 Must Eats on the menu! 
From spicy tuna nachos on wasabi scented nori chips to slow roasted pork belly bao buns, gorgeous sushi rolls and crispy pork tonkatsu, there's something for everyone at Zeta Asia. Even vegans will love the vegan version of the hearty short rib bibimbap bowl. And for dessert, it doesn't get more decadent than a warm brownie swirled with peanut butter cheesecake topped with vanilla ice cream. Pair it with the @suntorywhisky Suntory Toki Whiskey Chocolate Old Fashioned and you've got yourself a winner! >>> This is the last weekend for @waldorforlando and Hilton @bonnetcreek popular Food & Wine Weekends special events. You can dine on all my Zeta Asia favorites in a four course menu for only $35 pp!! Add wine and cocktail pairings for $35 pp, well worth it considering the high end selections. Available only this Friday and Saturday. Don't miss it! 
#MakeSomedayHappen

#GoEpicOrlando#GoEpicDisney #WAOfoodie #HBCfoodie #FoodandWineWeekends #Orlandofoodie #Disneyfoodie #disneyresort #asiancuisine #sushi #orlandorestaurant #thisisorlando #hosted
Instagram post 17861132359586951 “Paris is always a good idea.” - Audrey Hepburn⠀
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Hands down my favorite experience of this year’s 2019 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival was “The Parisian Afternoon” special event in Monsieur Paul, signature restaurant of the France Pavilion. 🇫🇷 ⠀
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We escaped the hustle bustle and crazy long lines outside and in the blink of an eye were transported to Paris via MTS (Magical Transportation System). ✨ The plush surroundings and attentive French staff helped fuel our imagination. Our taste buds made the magical journey complete.⠀
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We sipped unlimited mimosas and noshed on beautiful finger sandwiches, chilled vichyssoise with a delightful worth-the carbs puff pastry and best of all decadent pastries and macarons. All made in house by the talented culinary team led by Executive Pastry Chef Olivier Saintemarie, named one of the Top 10 Pastry Chefs in America! ⠀
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Add this experience to your “Must Do” List and get ready to “ooh la la!” ⠀
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#MakeSomedayHappen ⠀
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#hosted #GOepicOrlando #GOepicDisney #TasteEpcot #EpcotFrance #EpcotFoodandWineFestival #Epcot #WaltDisneyWorld #orlandofoodie #disneyfoodie #frenchpastries #mimosas  @artisandesglace
Instagram post 17866140607538965 “When love and skill work together, expect a masterpiece.” - John Ruskin⠀
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That’s what we got when @socothorntonpark celebrated their 5 Year Anniversary with an epic collaboration dinner featuring Soco Chef/Partner Greg Richie with Chef Patrick Tramontana of @antonios_maitland1 , Chef Venoy Rogers III of @americankitchenlbv, ⠀
Chef Stuart Whitfield of @theglassknifewp ⠀
and Mixologist PJ Smerechansky @the_alcohol_alchemist of Nomad Lounge. ⠀
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Read all about the evening of surprises on GoEpicurista.com⠀
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From a gin cocktail with a punch, scallops that masqueraded as smoked meat, pasta that wasn’t pasta, a meaty course that came with a warning and bread pudding that didn’t look like what you expect. These talented gentlemen brought their A game and surprised us with creativity and heart. A true representation of the culinary community in Orlando. ⠀
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Most of all it was delicious fun with foodie friends in this neighborhood restaurant we love. ⠀
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If you haven’t been to Soco in Thornton Park, add it to your list. Don’t wait and go #MakeSomedayHappen ⠀
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#GOepicOrlando #socothorntonpark #orlandofoodie #thisisorlando #thorntonpark #downtownorlando #orlandorestaurants
Instagram post 17868186814514853 “Coffee and chocolate - the inventor of mocha should be sainted.” - Cherise Sinclair⠀
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Do you love coffee and chocolate as much as I do? The Brazilian Cappuccino at Holy Grain Coffee Shop is divine. 😇 ⠀
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When the nice girl behind the counter told me there was “real melted milk chocolate” at the bottom of the mug, I immediately said “SIM POR FAVOR & OBRIGADO” (Yes, Please & Thank You!) 🙏⠀
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It’s #NationalCappuccinoDay and from now on I’m making mine a Brazilian 🇧🇷 ⠀
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@holygraincoffee is my new favorite coffee shop in the Dr Phillips area of Orlando. There’s plenty of seating and WiFi to get work done. I had a tasty Caprese Sandwich on one visit and the Caprese Salad with fresh pesto dressing on another. I had to resist temptation from the gorgeous Brazilian pan de queijo, (cheese bread!) pastries and cakes. But next time I’m going for it! ⠀
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Have you tried a Brazilian Cappuccino?⠀
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#MakeSomedayHappen ⠀
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#GOepicOrlando #CappuccinoDay #HolyGrainCoffee #orlandofoodie
Instagram post 18113112538011460 "Always be aware that you have the power to create the naturally stress-free and tranquil life you desire."- Wayne Dyer⠀
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What's your favorite way to release stress? Today is #StressAwarenessDay and a great reminder to take time out of your busy schedule and enjoy life. ⠀
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My favorite stress-reliever is having a spa day with friends. Yesterday I had the best day playing hooky in the middle of the week at @universalorlandohotels Portofino Bay Hotel and @mandaraspa. The "Super Food Facial" was fantastic! (They use @Elemis just like on cruise ships so I felt like I was truly on vacation!) Followed by hot stone massage, paraffin hand and foot treatments, sauna and hot tub. I literally felt the stress melt away. ⠀
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After we were thoroughly pampered, we sipped prosecco and shared an enormous Antipasto Salad and Prosciutto and Mozzarella panini from Sal's Marketplace while finally enjoying cooler weather in Orlando. Of course, we pretended we were on vacation in Italy. Sometimes all you need is a few hours with a good friend to reset your mind and body and resorts like Portofino help us do just that. ⠀
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Go #MakeSomedayHappen⠀
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#GoEpicOrlando #UniversalOrlandoResort #LoewsResort #VisitOrlando #StressFree
Instagram post 18075113119153190 “You can’t make everyone happy, you’re not a doughnut.” “And that’s the way it is” as Walter Cronkite would say.⠀
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Do you agree that Doughnuts + Gelato = Happiness? 🍩🍦😁⠀
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Who would you share this Sugar Bomboloni filled with Amarena Cherry Gelato with? Or would you eat it all by yourself? 🙋🏻‍♀️⠀
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In honor of the most sacred of holidays, #NationalDoughnutDay I’m celebrating with the Italian version. Bomboloni are irresistibly light and delicious fried Italian doughnuts, coated in granulated sugar. They are often stuffed with pastry cream. At La Luce at Hilton Bonnet Creek, it was stuffed with gelato which is even better!⠀
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This indulgent dessert is part of the Food & Wine Weekends 4 course “Best of La Luce” tasting menu, $55 pp available Fridays and Saturday’s thru November 24, 2019 at La Luce Hilton @bonnetcreek ⠀
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Don’t miss it! #MakeSomedayHappen ⠀
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#hosted #GOepicOrlando #WAOfoodie #HBCfoodie #FoodandWineWeekends @waldorforlando
Instagram post 18012063454254363 “Mangia bene, ridi spesso, ama molto." / Eat well, laugh often, love much” 🇮🇹⠀
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A visit to family owned and run Stasio’s Italian Deli & Market in The Milk District of Orlando is worth the drive if you want to eat well, laugh often and love much, as the Italian saying goes. ⠀
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It may have been #NationalSandwichDay yesterday but scroll through to see their killer subs made with fresh house-made bread, Italian cured meats and imported cheeses and you'll agree that every day is Sandwich Day at Stasio's. ⠀
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According to owner Maria Palo, today is “National Happy Day!” but that one would also be any day at Stasio’s!  Louie and Maria along with their children, Al, Michael and Dianna know how to make you feel at home. Stock up on Italian goodies from the marketplace, and then get an Italian sub, an espresso and an Italian pastry at the counter.⠀
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"The Stasio" loaded with prosciutto, hot cappicola, mild sopressata, fresh mozarella, roasted peppers, red onion drizzled with white balsamic vinaigrette is the Italian sub of my dreams.⠀
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The Pork Sausage and Broccoli Rabe is a perfect mix of spicy and slightly bitter flavors.⠀
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The Melanzani with eggplant, spinach, roasted red pepper, marinated tomatoes and fresh mozzarella is another winner. ⠀
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Mangia! #MakeSomedayHappen⠀
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#GoEpicOrlando #StasiosItalianDeli #TheMilkDistrict  #ItalianSub #ItalianFood @stasiositaliandeli @themilkdistrict
Instagram post 17850496573678788 “He was a bold man that first ate an oyster.” - Jonathan Swift⠀
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Ever stop to think about the first person who ate something odd like oysters or frogs legs? What do you consider a bold foodie move?⠀
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I loved the @theravenouspig  Crispy Oysters Steak Tartare and @1921mtdora “Nashville Hot Frog Legs” at last years Cows N Cabs event. I considered them the “foodie sorting hat” of the night. It was priceless to watch people’s reaction when they saw these dishes and the chefs told them what it was. You either 👍🏼 (foodie) or 👎🏼 (not) 🤣⠀
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But you don’t have to be bold to enjoy over 30 of the best restaurants in Orlando at the @cowsncabs event on 11/9. Get your tickets ASAP before they sell out! All proceeds benefit @elevate_orlando  and @afterschoolallstars ⠀
👉🏼 Read all about why this epic foodie feast is a “Must Do Event” that keeps getting bigger and better on GoEpicurista.com 🐄🍷 Hope to see you there! ⠀
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Go #MakeSomedayHappen ⠀
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#hosted #GOepicOrlando #CowsNCabs #OrlandoFoodie ⠀
Instagram post 18010128427254233 Happy Halloween! 👻 Want to know what scares me? Don't let the nervous laughter fool you, zombies don't scare me. I braved the scare zones and haunted houses at @UniversalOrlando Halloween Horror Nights #HHN29 twice this year (you can read all about my deliciously spooky time on the blog). But, let me tell you what is more frightening than zombies and monsters... ⠀
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The huge amount of waste generated by single use plastics is scary. I'm amazed to still see so many plastic bottles and plastic bags everywhere. ⠀
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My friend Rachelle from @thetravelbite challenged me to join #OneLoveOnePlanet to bring awareness about reducing single use plastic at home, and how easy it is to eliminate them and make a difference for our planet. Small gestures such as carrying a reusable water bottle, using reusable shopping bags, and saying no to straws are easy to do.⠀
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My @corkcicle bottle goes everywhere with me.  Not only is it good for the planet, but it helps me get my daily water intake. I brought it to Universal Studios and although I was a bit annoyed I couldn't go thru security with it filled with water (I thought that only applied to airports), it was easily remedied once I got to @Starbucks inside City Walk and they kindly filled it for me.  I would love to see water bottle refill stations and soft drink stations at all the theme parks instead of single use plastic bottles. Hey, imagine if they sold collectible bottles with special priced refills. I bet they would make a fortune and help the environment in the process. (Just sayin' 😉) ⠀
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🌎Now I’m asking YOU to be part of this challenge! Bring awareness and spread this much-needed conversation around the world. Let’s unite and do this together!⠀
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Here are the rules on how you can participate:⠀
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1) Post photo of yourself using a reusable water bottle or bag with the hashtag #OneLoveOnePlanet⠀
2) Tag 2 (or more!) friends to challenge them next to post a photo!⠀
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I'm nominating my friends @beautyandthebeets and @tastecooksip to take the challenge!⠀
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#GoEpicOrlando #ecofriendly #UniversalStudiosOrlando #Halloween #SaveThePlanet #climateaction
Instagram post 18101213929072757 “Part of life is to live it, and enjoy it, and seize the moments that you find particularly pleasing.” - Robert M. Parker, Jr.⠀
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Have you done anything impulsive lately? Sometimes you just have to say YES!⠀
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Seize the moment! ⠀
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🦀 When my friend Chef Jason Shenefield said he had fresh off the boat stone crabs from Central Florida Coast, I said YES! ⠀
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🍷 When my friends at C Mondavi Wines said they had a new lineup of easy drinking, affordable boutique style wines called Flat Top Hills Wines being introduced to market and asked if I’d like to try them, I said YES! ⠀
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This is Carpe Diem. Enjoying life to the fullest. 🥂⠀
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👉🏼 Stone Crab Season is now! If you live in Florida and want some of these fantastic large claws served with a killer mustard sauce (like famous Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami!) look up Chef Jason Shenefield on Facebook to place your order.⠀
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👉🏼 Pick up Flat Top Hills Wines (@flattopwines) at your favorite wine shop. The Sauvignon Blanc was a perfect pairing with shellfish. Crisp and clean with lovely lemon notes. It’s 100% varietal which for the price around $13.99 is a plus. I enjoyed the full lineup of stylized full bodied wines including Rose, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Red Blend. They each paired with food wonderfully but were also easy sipping on their own. Angelina Mondavi, 4th generation is the consulting winemaker which makes them even more special.⠀
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Cheers! ⠀
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#GOepicOrlando #WineWednesday #FlatTopWines #FloridaStoneCrabs ⠀
#SeizeTheDay #CarpeDiem #FindYourFlatTop #FlatTopMoments
Instagram post 17848524361719727 “The Internet is the most important single development in the history of human communication since the invention of call waiting.” - Dave Barry⠀
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Can you believe the internet was invented in UCLA 50 years ago today!?⠀
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Definitely an invention that has changed all our lives whether we wanted to or not. I still remember faxing rather than emailing, using paper maps instead of GPS & Google maps, calling friends vs DM, going to the library for research rather than “Just Googling” it, And saying “whatever happened to so and so?” rather than simply checking out their Facebook or Instagram account. 🤦🏻‍♀️⠀
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How did we live without the internet?  It took a lot longer to do everything! It’s now one of the first things you consider when booking a hotel or traveling anywhere. How’s the Wi-Fi?⠀
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And as much as we have a “Love-Hate” relationship with social media, the truth is I’m grateful for the opportunities it has brought. To connect with old friends and make new ones, and to allow businesses to connect with their customers and find new ones, in ways that simply were not possible before. It’s still exciting to explore the digital world.  This is why I love working with clients to help them take advantage of it as much as they can. ⠀
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On the flip side is the need for digital detox every once in a while. I have yet to manage a getaway free from the internet but would love to know if you have. ⠀
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BTW this was the most delicious welcome amenity I’ve ever received. It was a work of art made of giant blocks of @valrhonausa chocolate! Thank you InterContinental Miami pastry chef Berger and Exec Chef Tatan. I hope to return soon for another epic foodie weekend! ⠀(you can read all about it on GoEpicurista.com)
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#hosted #GOepicMiami #interconmiami #internetday  #internationalinternetday #facebook @interconmiami
Instagram post 17851905271648465 "Your hand and your mouth agreed many years ago that, as far as chocolate is concerned, there is no need to involve your brain." - Dave Barry⠀
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Where are my chocolate lovers at? I know you can relate. I used a lot of restraint, but you know I could've eaten the entire slab of chocolate bark, right? ⠀
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It's #NationalChocolateDay and I can't help but dream of "Bar Du Chocolat" at @WaldorfOrlando Bonnet Creek Food & Wine Weekends. It's a feast for the chocolate lover, only available Saturday evenings until 11/24. When you go, abandon all sense of reason and restraint! ⠀
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During the media preview, we watched with child-like glee as Exec Chef Bernard and Pastry Chef Carrie made this giant slab of chocolate bark come alive before our eyes using a mix of dark and ruby chocolate with all sorts of fun mix ins like caramelized hazelnuts and almonds, crispy strawberries and mango, and lots of caramel popcorn. It was so decadent! (Scroll to see the progress and check out stories for the full video)⠀
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Bar du Chocolat consists of a giant display of assorted chocolate desserts and treats which you can pair with a glass of champagne for the perfect ending to a fantastic dinner at Bull & Bear, La Luce or Zeta Asian.⠀
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Food & Wine Weekends is a Must Do Event! Go #MakeSomedayHappen⠀
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#hosted #GoEpicOrlando #GoEpicDisney #FoodandWineWeekends #BarduChocolat #OrlandoFoodie #TasteEpcot
Instagram post 17868066592508695 “Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” -⠀
Albert Schweitzer⠀
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Cheers to John Rivers on the 10 Year Anniversary of 4Rivers Smokehouse and his BBQ Ministry! Chef John always radiates joy and genuine love for what he does. And we are so grateful he feeds us his delicious BBQ. (This BBQ Party Board is happiness! Scroll to see some of my favorite @4riverssmokehouse meals!) ⠀
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It’s wonderful to see how a small BBQ operation, which began in his garage as a fundraiser for a young girl battling cancer, has grown into 15 and counting 4R Smokehouse locations around Florida and the Southeast, various concepts (The Coop, Sweet Shop, 4Roots Farm, 4R Cantina) as well as my favorite fundraising event of the fall, Cows N Cabs. He has helped put Orlando on the culinary map and is a true supporter of the community.  Thank you @johnrivers4r. You and your team deserve all the success! 🎉⠀
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Today 10/26 is being proclaimed “4 Rivers Day" by Winter Park Mayor Steve Leary. 4 Rivers will celebrate the delicious decade at their Fairbanks Ave location with live music, free deep fried desserts, a pig roast, free giveaways, beer samples provided by Redlight Redlight and more!  Celebration party starts at 5pm, open to the public. Proclamation Ceremony at 5:45 p.m. ⠀
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Go get happy! Get 4R BBQ. Success will follow. #MakeSomedayHappen ⠀
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#GOepicOrlando #4Rivers #4riverssmokehouse
Instagram post 18088861615128491 “We came, we saw, we kicked its ass.” – Dr. Peter Venkman, Ghostbusters (1984)⠀
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That’s how I felt after conquering @UniversalOrlando Halloween Horror Nights twice this season! From the houses including Ghostbusters and Stranger Things, to the shows, the scare zones and so much more! 👻 ⠀
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Hey Dracula, keep your fangs away from my Nachos with Queso Fundido. It's one of my "Must Eat" favorites from this year's event. ⠀
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Check out GoEpicurista.com for The Best of #HHN29 including my Must Eat, Must Drink, Must See and Must Do favorites as well as the one thing you MUST NOT DO and how to avoid it. ⠀
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Check out Stories for more #HHN Fun! What's been your favorite this year? Are you planning to go, let me know if you have any questions. GO #MakeSomedayHappen ⠀
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#hosted #GOepicOrlando #ReadyforUniversal #HalloweenHorrorNights #UniversalOrlando #UniversalMemories #Halloween #VisitOrlando #hhnorlando @hhnorlando
Instagram post 17896588360392470 “When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.” - Willie Nelson⠀
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Grateful for relaxing Sundays, foodie friends and Grilled Watermelon...because it’s always Summer in Florida! And enjoying it all at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World is definitely the way to do it! ⠀
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So happy I finally got to meet Fiona from @gourmetpigs IRL! Been following her foodie travels for years from Boston to LA and her love of craft cocktails and good food rivals my own. Follow her if you’re not already! 🙌🏼 ⠀
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If you ever need a “getaway” go have lunch at PB&G at @fsorlando. You don’t have to be a resort guest but you’ll feel like one. Check out stories for more of our delicious lunch by the lake. ⠀
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Go #MakeSomedayHappen ⠀
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#GOepicOrlando #hosted #fsorlando #fivediamondorlando #fstaste #thisisorlando
Instagram post 18075983578136864 "Those who don't believe in magic will never find it." - Roald Dahl⠀
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Magic Found! ✨A giant pumpkin spice macaron ice cream sandwich at Epcot’s L’Artisan Des Glaces ice cream shop in the France pavilion! This “Must Eat” seasonal treat is one of my 9+ Reasons You Must Visit Epcot France. Check out the list on GoEpicurista.com this Wednesday. Some may surprise you. 🇫🇷 ⠀
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I think #NationalDessertDay being on a Monday is no coincidence. What sweet treat will you be celebrating with? ⠀
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Go #MakeSomedayHappen ⠀
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#GOepicOrlando #GOepicDisney #TasteEpcot #ThisisOrlando⠀
@artisandesglace
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Proud to be a 2019 CK Mondavi Ambassador! Follow #CKMondaviAmbassador and #CKMondaviWines for recipes and wine pairing tips.

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