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Magical Dining: Kasa Restaurant Downtown Orlando Review

By Christina Thomas 2 Comments

Kasa Restaurant & Raw Bar is Magical Dining indeed


Kasa Restaurant Magical Dining Menu Review with www.goepicurista.com, a Magical Dining Experience indeed in Downtown Orlando

Trying a restaurant for the first time is like playing the lottery. Fingers crossed, you hope for the winning ticket. Chances are, if you’re really lucky, you only get a few numbers right. Great food, drinks, service, ambiance and value – shouldn’t we get them all? I am happy to say I won the jackpot! My first visit to Kasa Restaurant & Raw Bar was a Magical Dining experience indeed. I guarantee it won’t be my last.

Kasa Restaurant is relatively new to the Orlando dining scene. It opened in Downtown Orlando’s Plaza Building in Fall of 2013. A new participant of Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month, which Chef Shawn Kaplan tells us has been very successful bringing first timers, like me, through the door. The menu is eclectic, showing a global influence with predominant Latin and Asian flavors and California flair, no doubt a result of Kaplan’s time working in Napa Valley. The presentation of each dish was gorgeous, colorful and fun. The flavors followed suit and exceeded my expectations. Every dish was perfectly seasoned with its unique identity. It was difficult to pick a favorite of the night. They were all good in their own way.

The Magical Dining menu featured some of the most popular dishes on the Kasa Restaurant menu. It showcased Chef Kaplan’s creativity, the reason I was drawn to visit. Kasa Corn and Tuna Avocado Tostones appetizers sound more exciting than a house soup or salad any day of the week – take note other Magical Dining Restaurants.

Kasa Restaurant Beverages


Kasa Restaurant Magical Dining Menu Review with www.goepicurista.com, great cocktails in downtown Orlando

The White Diamond

The bar offers creative hand-crafted cocktails ($9-$12), sangrias ($7-$8), beers ($4-$5), wines from around the globe in a good price range, several under $50/bottle ($38-110) and champagnes ($100-$250).

We started our evening with these cocktails:

    ^ The White Diamond ($10), one of their most popular, with Marilyn Monroe strawberry vodka, Malibu rum, prosecco, lychee and pear puree, was sweet but not overly syrupy.
    ^ Kasa Old Fashioned ($12) with Knob Creek Bourbon was traditionally made, and even for a non-bourbon drinker like me, quite enjoyable. I appreciated the use of one big ice-cube. Quality ice is an important component of great cocktails, often missed in most bars.
    ^ Fired Up Sangria ($7), a blend of red wine, Fireball whiskey and fresh fruit, had the cinnamon flavor from the whiskey without the bite, making it quite good – and probably a bit dangerous as I can see these being consumed quickly on a warm day. The sangrias at Kasa Restaurant are quite popular, including a Sparkling Hibiscus made with sparkling wine and hibiscus vodka and Kasa Blanca with white wine and elderflower liqueur, which I have to try on my next visit.
Kasa Restaurant Magical Dining Menu Review with www.goepicurista.com offering handcrafted cocktails in Downtown Orlando

Kasa Restaurant offers handcrafted cocktails

Magical Dining Appetizers:

    ^ Kasa Corn ($6) inspired by Mexican street fare, is not your ordinary corn on the cob. The corn was nicely roasted, covered in miso lime aioli, togarashi spices, manchego cheese and queso fresco. You may find it strange to cover corn in mayo and then top it with cheese but this was fantastic. The flavor of the cheese gave it depth and the spices provided a nice punch of flavor. It was not necessarily the most lady-like dish to eat. You have to get messy and use your hands and yes, you may need some floss afterwards, but every bite is worth it. I was not surprised to learn the Kasa Corn is one of their most popular dishes on their Tastings Menu.

    Kasa Restaurant Magical Dining Menu review with www.goepicurista.com offering handcrafted cocktails and tapas in Downtown Orlando

    Kasa Corn

    ^ Adobo Pork & Crispy Polenta Cake ($9) also on their Tastings Menu, these small bites packed a ton of flavor. Mini rounds of polenta cake, made with marscapone and parmesan for added richness, are topped with chipotle braised pork – slow cooked for six hours – avocado puree, pickled red onions, queso fresco, and fresh cilantro.

    Kasa Restaurant Magical Dining Menu Review with www.goepicurista.com offering handcrafted cocktails and Tapas in Downtown Orlando

    Adobo Pork & Polenta Cakes

    ^ Mini Tuna Tostones ($12) coming from their Raw Bar, this dish showcased the fusion of Latin and Asian cuisine beautifully. Spicy tuna tartare topped with avocado puree (which at first had me worried as it looked like wasabi), and tropical mango relish accompanied by plantain chips. Chef Kaplan called these tostone chips, which is a loose interpretation, and all I could say is I wanted more of them to scoop up the generous portion of tuna.

Kasa Restaurant Magical Dining Menu Review with www.goepicurista.com offering Tapas in Downtown Orlando

Tuna Avocado Tostones

Magical Dining Entrees:

    ^ Grilled Chimichurri Hangar Steak ($26) the beef is thoroughly tenderized with a hand tool Chef Kaplan happily showed us. Comprised of 48 stainless steel blades and a handle, it’s perfect for a Halloween movie, but it definitely does its job as the meat was practically fork tender for this usually tough cut of beef. Cooked perfectly with a beautiful char on the outside,served over smashed smoked paprika fingerling potatoes and topped with shiitake mushrooms and sugar snap peas with slight pickling. The flavors worked well together and the steak was well seasoned. The traditional Argentinian chimichurri sauce was emulsified for a more elegant look. Lots of garlic and red pepper flakes gave it a nice kick which was a surprise. I would definitely order this entrée again.

    Kasa Restaurant Magical Dining Menu review with www.goepicurista.com offering handcrafted cocktails and tapas in Downtown Orlando

    Grilled Chimichurri Hangar Steak

    ^ Vegetable Spring Pea Gnocchi ($18) Hand crafted gnocchi tossed with an exotic mushroom ragu, spring peas,and carrots, topped with parmesan cheese, pickled onions, watercress and frisse greens. I am not a big fan of ordering pasta when there are so many other choices on the menu, however, this dish was a winner. Bright flavors to match the bright colors of all the ingredients.

    Kasa Restaurant Magical Dining Menu review with www.goepicurista.com offering handcrafted cocktails and tapas in Downtown Orlando

    Vegetable Spring Pea Gnocchi

    ^ Pan Seared Salmon ($22) perfectly seared with a nice crust and medium interior. Served atop ratatouille risotto, made hearty by roasted eggplant puree, sautéed zucchini, roasted tomatoes artistically presented, and red pepper consommé, added a nice contrast and made the plate even more colorful. Where many Magical Dining menus are offering salmon, this one stood in a class on its own. Full of flavor, beautiful presentation and a nice portion which sent me home with leftovers.

Kasa Restaurant Magical Dining Menu review with www.goepicurista.com offering handcrafted cocktails and tapas in Downtown Orlando

Pan Seared Salmon

Magical Dining Desserts:

    ^ Wrecked Apple Pie Roll ($8) is not your grandma’s apple pie. Thinly sliced granny smith apples are made into a sushi-like roll, tempura battered and fried to a golden crisp. Served with sea salt caramel ice cream, topped with Maple sea salt, it was pure heaven. I will not be able to eat a regular piece of apple pie again. Garnished with a beautiful spun sugar crisp. It was a gorgeous presentation. This was one dish we did not want to share.

    Kasa Restaurant Magical Dining Menu review with www.goepicurista.com offering handcrafted cocktails and tapas in Downtown Orlando

    Wrecked Apple Pie Roll

    ^ Decadent Chocolate Cake ($8) Flourless-gluten free chocolate cake with orange Chantilly cream. It looked quite decadent indeed and one every chocoholic would love.

Kasa Restaurant Magical Dining Menu review with www.goepicurista.com offering handcrafted cocktails and tapas in Downtown Orlando

Chocolate Decadence

Service was genuinely friendly and attentive from all staff we encountered. Our server knew the menu well and expertly made recommendations for both our food and beverage choices. I already have a list of items I must try next time. I hadn’t even finished this meal and I was already thinking about my next visit. Isn’t that what every restaurant considers hitting the jackpot?

The restaurant design is beautiful. South Beach modern chic, comfortable and spa-like, with soft green and light wood tones. Kasa has an expansive bar area, popular for evenings out with friends, especially for their weekly events. Daily Happy Hour from 5pm-7pm and Tasting Tuesday from 5p-10:30p offers specially priced tasting plates and cocktails starting at $4. Unwine’d Wednesday offers all you can drink wine, beer and bites, plus live entertainment for $20 per person from 5pm-9pm. Thursday Ladies Night offers an all night happy hour from 5pm-close for the ladies. Kasa Restaurant’s Sunday Brunch offers an all you can eat buffet and all you can drink mimosas for only $30, from 11am-4pm.

Kasa Restaurant Magical Dining Menu review with www.goepicurista.com offering handcrafted cocktails and tapas in Downtown Orlando

Photos courtesy of Kasa Restaurant

Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month offers the perfect opportunity to try a new restaurant – either a new establishment to the area or one that is new to you – at a fraction of the cost. You enjoy three courses consisting of an appetizer, entrée and dessert from a fixed menu for only $33, usually the price of the entrée alone at most of these high-end restaurants. Locals and visitors alike take advantage of this program with over 70 restaurants to choose from. Here are my tips to get The Most Magic from Magical Dining.

GO check out Kasa Restaurant! It would be a magical dining experience indeed.

Kasa Restaurant is located at 183 S. Orange Ave., Orlando FL (407) 985-5272.

Hours of operation:

    Monday & Tuesday 11:30 am – 10:30 pm
    Wednesday – Friday 11:30 am – Late
    Saturday 5 pm – Late
    Sunday Brunch 11 am – 4 pm
    Tasting Tuesday: 5pm-10:30pm
    Happy Hour: 5pm-7pm, bar and lounge only

Discounted parking available at the Plaza Garage for a duration of 90 minutes. You may also want to check out nearby parking options which would be less expensive.

My dining companions and I were invited guests of Kasa Restaurant to sample their Magical Dining menu. I was not compensated in any way for this review. All opinions are my own and I only share dining experiences worth celebrating.

Cheers!

GO Epicurista

Kasa Restaurant & Bar on Urbanspoon

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Filed Under: Go Travel & Dine Orlando Tagged With: Downtown Orlando, Kasa Orlando, Kasa Restaurant, Magical Dining, Orlando, Orlando Dining, Restaurants, Tapas, Visit Orlando Magical Dining

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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. Lisa says

    09/28/2014 at 1:08 pm

    Great recap and pictures, I’m hungry all over again! Deliciously tempting, @GoEpicurista!

    Reply
    • Christina Thomas says

      10/01/2014 at 12:43 pm

      Thanks Lisa! I can’t wait to go back for more!

      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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Cheers to #NationalCocktailDay at Orlando’s OG D Cheers to #NationalCocktailDay at Orlando’s OG Dedicated Cocktail Bar! @thecourtesy in Winter Park!
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Here are a few favorites:
🥃 Tourist Season: American Whiskey, Pineapple Rum, Smoked Honey, Vango Tobacco Bitters (A tropical Old Fashioned!)
🍹 Deku Tree: Gin, Aloe, Midori, Lemon, Mint, Angostura, Honey (Refreshing melon gin cocktail!)
🍹 Daydreamer: Vodka, Spiced Cranberry, Lemon, Elderflower Tonic (Holiday in a glass!)
🥃 Rotating Clarified Milk Punch: Ask for the day’s creation!
🍸 Serious Delirium: Tequila, Averna, Chicory, Falernum, Orange Bitters, Foxtail Cold Brew (next-level espresso martini!) - not currently on menu but just ask for their current espresso cocktail
Also, don’t miss the fab @bar.swine bar bites!! Cheers to the weekend and to a great cocktail! What’s your drink of choice?
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Chocolate + Caramel + Choulala = Fabuleux. Absolum Chocolate + Caramel + Choulala = Fabuleux. Absolument Fabuleux! 💕
Stop by @choulalapastries in Winter Park & celebrate #NationalChocolateCaramelDay 
Isn’t this fabulous?
Here’s what we ordered:
🍫 Twix Bar Caramel: vanilla tart shell filled with caramel sauce & caramel pastry cream topped with chocolate glaze & edible gold flake! So decadent!
🍪 NEW: Caramel Turtle Chocolate Chip Cookie made with brown butter cookie dough with caramel bits, pecans & Hershey’s chocolate chips. @chefstephsteph did it again! It’s scrumptious!  C’est si bon! 
🍮 Crème Brûlée Choux Cream Puff: Their most popular signature pâte à chou dough filled with vanilla bean French pastry cream, topped with burnt caramel chantilly cream & gold sprinkles. Epic!
🍫 Dark Chocolate Macaron filled with rich dark chocolate ganache. Yum!
🥂 Pair your Choulala pastries with a glass of bubbles! They offer Prosecco and Sparkling Rose
⏰ Choulala Park Avenue is now open Tuesday - Sunday 
🍾 Happy Hour Tuesday-Friday offering half-priced bubbles, craft beers and floats from 7pm-9pm.
🥐 Don’t miss Dessert Happy Hour every Sunday from 8p-9p, all pastries are 50% off!
Get your besties and go! #MakeSomedayHappen 
Follow @GoEpicurista for more! 
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Highlights of 3 Days in Portland, Oregon! As a P Highlights of 3 Days in Portland, Oregon! 
As a Portland girl living in Orlando, here are some favorite Must Eat, See & Do in PDX
✈️ @alaskaair non-stop @flymco MCO to PDX (7:20am - gorgeous sunrise!)
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☘️ FLUFFY LEMON CLOUDS: Intense lemon curd tart with fluffy meringue
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Admission includes: 
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🍹 Unlimited Beer & Wine, (add the Premium Drink Package for $40!)
🤿 Swim & snorkel with rays & tropical fish
🐦 Hand-feed exotic birds
🏊‍♀️ Drift along the Wind-Away River
🏖️ Relax on sandy beaches
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🚿 Wetsuits, masks, snorkel, lockers, & showers 
🐬 Swim with dolphins experience (for additional fee)
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Highly recommend this experience for locals and visitors. The entire day felt like a true vacation! 
💥 Limited time offer: Florida residents save 30% on their 2023 visits and out of state guests save 20% on a Signature Dolphin Swim Package. You can visit anytime in 2023 based on availability but must book by 3/12/23. Options for packages with admission to @seaworldorlando @aquaticaorlando & @bushgardenstampa available 
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(hosted) @DiscoveryCove 
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Here’s what we sampled:
☕️ Coffee:
✨Barnie’s Cafe Blend
✨Guatemala Gehsa
✨Birthday Cake Batter (notes of vanilla sprinkles)
✨UCF Pegasus Blend (notes of chocolate & caramel!) yum! 
> I couldn’t resist getting a latte even though it was 6pm! 🤣 Barista Renata did a fab vanilla latte! 
🍳 Breakfast:
✨ Signature Popovers
✨French Toast with fresh truit
✨Shakshuka with poached egg
✨Seasonal Quiche
🥪 Lunch:
✨Cuban Sandwich
✨Roasted BeetSalad
Did you know Barnie’s is Orlando’s original coffee shop? It opened right here in Winter Park in 1980!
Go support local! #MakeSomedayHappen 
#GoEpicOrlando #LoveOrlando #barniescoffeeandtea #orlandocoffee
Hey Orlando Foodies, @orlandocitysc and @orlpride Hey Orlando Foodies, @orlandocitysc and @orlpride games at @exploriastadium just got a whole lot tastier!
Five #OrlandoMade local restaurants are now permanent concessions vendors so you can tame your hunger with the best local tacos, hot dogs, BBQ, Chicken & Burgers in Orlando! 
Thank you Exploria Stadium for inviting me to the media preview. Can’t wait to go cheer on our 2022 US Open Champions at the season opener this Saturday!
Here’s a preview of what we sampled: 
🌮 BLACK ROOSTER TAQUERIA - Chicken Tinga Taco on Flour Tortilla, w. lettuce, radish, cotija cheese, cilantro. Love those tacos! It was nice to see owner Juliana Calloway and Chief Tasting Officer Ryder Calloway dancing! 🕺🏻 @blkroostertaco 🙌🏼
📍 The Wall / Section 24
🌭 HARRELL’S HOT DOGS - Orlando City Stadium Dog features a Nathan’s Hot Dog topped with House Red Onion Sauce, Sauerkraut & Sport Peppers and finished with a Spicy Brown Mustard. Nice to meet owners Drew & David Cardaci! @_whats.up.dog_ 🙌🏼
📍 Section 30
🍖 4 RIVERS SMOKEHOUSE - Orlando’s favorite Pulled Pork Sandwich! Didn’t get to see owner John Rivers did you know you can now pick up 4R sauces & spices at Publix?! @4riverssmokehouse 🙌🏼
📍 Section 31
🐓 THE COOP by 4Rivers - Hand-breaded Chicken Tenders with 4R BBQ sauce @thecoop_wp 🙌🏼
📍 Section 9
🍔 TEAK NEIGHBORHOOD GRILL - Drunken Monk Burger with Smoked Bacon, Provolone Cheese, Roasted Cherry Tomotoes, house-made Angry Orchard Onion Jam, on Herb Mayo & Melted White Cheddor on a Pretzel Bun with Teak Chips. Best Burger in Orlando!  It was so nice to meet owner Jon Proechel after all these years of being a fan of their epic burgers! @teakneighborhoodgrill 🙌🏼
📍 Section 18
🍹MANE-GO MARGARITA - In The Wild Margarita with @camarenatequila - super tasty! 
⭐️ FYI - A Rotating Vendor Cart will feature @cholodogs & @sushieatstation among others 
⚽️ Will you be at the season opener this Saturday? 
#VamosOrlando Let’s Go! #ManEveryWall 💜 
Hosted #GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #ThingsToDoinOrlando
Happy #NationalMargaritaDay 🎉 This is “NOT E Happy #NationalMargaritaDay 🎉
This is “NOT EVERYONE’S MARGARITA” -  But it is mine! Made with Vida Mezcal, Cuervo Traditional Plata Tequila, Jalapeño, Creme de Mure, House Sour, & Black Salt. Epic! 
📍 Go get yours at @paddlefishorl in @disneysprings
Cheers! 
#GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #DisneySprings
Hey Wine Lovers, I almost missed it’s #NationalD Hey Wine Lovers, I almost missed it’s #NationalDrinkWineDay 🥂
Here’s my 3 Favorite Wine Bars in Orlando: 
🍷 @quantumleapwinery - Orlando’s only sustainable winery & cidery, located in Mills 50 District. Try Kaley’s Rescue Red Blend & don’t miss the @thetastytrio “Wine, Cheese & Chocolate”events. 
🍷 @viniawinekitchen - fantastic boutique wines & Italian / Brazilian shareable plates in a charming intimate setting, located in Winter Park. Be sure to ask owner Fabio for his recommendations! 
🍷 @winebargeorge - Orlando’s only Master Sommelier owned restaurant with over 160 wines by the glass, bottle & ounce, located in Disney Springs. Say hi to somm genius George Miliotes and don’t miss their fab boards & wines from around the globe! 
Go #MakeSomedayHappen 
#GoEpicOrlando #OrlandoWine #loveOrlando
Don’t miss “Eat Ice Cream For Breakfast Day” Don’t miss “Eat Ice Cream For Breakfast Day” on Saturday 2/18! 
@kellyshomemadeicecream has created special breakfast-themed ice cream flavors for this annual International Childhood Cancer Awareness event
Order a cup, cone or shake or better yet, get an Ice Cream Flight & try all four! 
🥞 Blueberry Pancake (My favorite!)
🥣 Breakfast Buddies
🥓 Maple Bourbon Bacon
💥 Cinnamon Crunch
🗓️ When: Saturday February 18th, 9am-11am
📍 Where: All Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream Scoop Shops and participating Counters 
💰 50% of sales during breakfast will be donated to @gktwvillage 
🍦 “Eat Ice Cream For Breakfast Day” was created in 2013 in honor of Malia Grace, by her mom and aunt after she lost her battle with cancer in 2010. Malia Grace loved ice cream and her family wanted to commemorate her birthday, 2/18, in a way that would be fitting for her. During her wish trip at Give Kids The World, she had the opportunity to eat ice cream for breakfast and it was a highlight of the family’s experience. 
🌎 Give Kids The World Village is an 89-acre, whimsical nonprofit in Central Florida that provides critically ill children and their families with magical week-long wish vacations at no cost. Every wish family is treated to accommodations, transportation, donated theme park tickets, all meals and snacks, nightly entertainment, and more. Since 1986, Give Kids The World has welcomed more than 182,000 families from all 50 states and 76 countries.
Stop by Kelly’s and pick up these awesome flavors! But, regardless of where you are, Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast in honor of Malia, and raise awareness for those who battle childhood cancer. 💛
#GoEpicOrlando #eaticecreamforbreakfastday #kellyshomemadeicecream #kellysicecream #orlandoicecream
Happy Valentine’s Day! ♥️ Add a little fire Happy Valentine’s Day! ♥️ Add a little fire & passion to your life, head to @gideonsbakehouse for their Eternal Flame Cookie & Cake. They are 🔥in the best way!
🍰 Eternal Flame Cake is a 3-Layer Double Frosted Chocolate work of art! Red Cherry Buttercream layers and Chocolate Fudge Buttercream mixed with a bit of that Eternal Flame spice on the outer layer. Not too spicy and absolutely decadent! Pair it with a nice bold red wine!
🍪 Eternal Flame Chocolate Cookie packs a nice kick laced with house-made Ancho, Cayenne, and Cinnamon Spice Mix, infused with a magical essence of cherry and topped with Chocolate Covered Cherries. 
❤️ For a limited time, a special version of the Eternal Flame cookie without the spice mix is available too! (Check Gideon’s IG for details)
📍 Available only in February at Gideon’s in East End Market & Disney Springs
Go celebrate with the best cookies and cakes on the planet!
#MakeSomedayHappen #GoEpicOrlando #GideonsBakehouse #DisneySprings #ValentinesDayTreat
For The Love of Chocolate… stop by @peterbrookew For The Love of Chocolate… stop by @peterbrookewp and pick up the best treats for your sweetie and besties 💕
A few of my favorites: 
🍓 Chocolate Covered Strawberries (require advanced order)
❤️ “Jami Choo’s” Chocolate Shoes
💋 Assorted Truffles (loved the red lips!)
♥️ Chocolate Covered Popcorn! 
💖 Baskets with a variety of treats! (Don’t miss the Chocolate Covered Oreos, Cat Tails & Cookies)
☎️ Call the shop to reserve a basket for quick pick up at (407) 644-3200. They’re open regular hours today & 7AM -11:15PM on Valentine’s Day!
🍓 Thank you to Peterbrooke’s creative Cupid chocolatiers for these gorgeous berries! 
#GoEpicOrlando #PeterbrookeWP #winterparkfl
Bon jour! Bon soir, enchante! 💕 The perfect way Bon jour! Bon soir, enchante! 💕 The perfect way to celebrate Galentine’s Day & Valentine’s Day is with the best French pastries in Orlando! 
Thank you @chefstephsteph for these epic @choulalapastries 💕
Pre-order and pick up at either Choulala Park Avenue and 436 location! You’re going to want to get all of this! 
VALENTINE’S DAY DESSERT BOX!
Chef Steph created an epic gourmet assortment of Valentine’s Day delights perfect to share:
💋 (1) Lychee Rose French Kiss Entremet
♥️ (2) Conversation Heart Vanilla Macarons
💝 (2) Crème Brûlée Choux Cream Puffs!
“I LOVE CHOU” BOX includes:
❤️ Passion Fruit, Raspberry & Crème Brûlée Choux Cream Puffs
♥️ Red Velvet, Lavender & Conversation Heart Macaron
❤️ Strawberry Eclair
I also picked up these gorgeous heart shaped entremets:
💜 Exotique: Passion Fruit & Coconut 
💖 Sweeties: Strawberry & Chocolate Brownie
Go enjoy the sweetest Galentine’s & Valentine’s Day #MakeSomedayHappen 
📍Choulala Park Avenue is open regular hours Saturday & Sunday, closed Mon, but will open special hours on V-Day Tuesday 11a-8p.
📍Choulala 436 open regular hours including 10-5pm V- Day
(Hosted) #GoEpicOrlando #BlissfulBite #ChoulalaPastries #Galentines #ValentinesTreats
It’s #NationalPizzaDay but all I’m thinking ab It’s #NationalPizzaDay but all I’m thinking about is Hot Garlic Knots from @official_pizza_bruno 
Have you tried these?  They are a #MustEat in Orlando!
Look for the lit “Hot Knots Now!” sign! 🔥 And, when you think there isn’t enough garlic... there’s more! 🧄 🍕 
Go get some!
#GoEpicOrlando #OrlandoFoodie #MakeSomedayHappen
💜 Feeling the lavender haze... One of my favori 💜 Feeling the lavender haze... One of my favorite foodie experiences of 2022 was dining at Salt & The Cellar by Michelin Chef Akira Back and spending the night at the new @ettehotel - a gorgeous boutique hotel with impeccable attention to detail! I even got to meet @chefakiraback 
So excited I’m going back tonight to check out their new Lipa Rooftop Bar & Restaurant and have reservations for Afternoon Tea next month! 
Add a visit to ette hotel to your Foodie Bucket List for 2023! 
A few favorites from my last visit:
🍸 Fantastic Zero-Proof Cocktails by @jarldevries: It’s Dry January all year long! Featured first is The Kraken, a gorgeous purple cocktail made with Butterfly Pea Flower Tea & Champagne Vinegar
✨ Toro Tartare: A gorgeous board with fatty tuna and accompaniments
✨ Akira Back Tuna Pizza: his famous dish is a Must Eat! 
✨ Spinach Oshitashi Salad: the most gorgeous salad I’ve ever seen! 
✨ NY Strip with Wasabi Kizami Butter, Chimichurri Sauce, & choice of gourmet salts. Amazing! Loved that Espresso salt
✨ Miso Black Cod, yuzu air, pickled cauliflower 
✨ Togarashi Fries & Kimchi Brussels
✨ Dessert: Yuzu Curd and Chocolate in a Cup
☕️ “Where The Cloud Ends” Zero-Proof espresso martini with Yuzu Tonic, Lemon Cordial, Espresso, 0% Coffee Liquor
💜 The lobby decor with lavender and green touches was dreamy.
🧺 They have a Laundry Museum! 
📕 The Book Room features incredible books. The giant picture book requires gloves to review as it is one of a few in the world! 
The hotel is focused on wellness and offers Wellness Suites completely equipped with a full gym! 
Make plans to dine at @saltandthecellarbyakiraback and stay at @ettehotel and GO #MakeSomedayHappen
(Hosted) #GoEpicOrlando #ettehotel #saltandthecellarbyakiraback #experiencekissimmee #LoveOrlando
Don’t let the casual vibe at @jujubysusuru fool Don’t let the casual vibe at @jujubysusuru fool you. The Kappo Bar Omakase experience with Chef Lewis Lin is out of this world (& Michelin-worthy!)
“irasshaimase / come in!” is what you hear first upon entering this revamped Pizza Hut building off Colonial Drive. Everyone is welcome at Juju, one of Orlando’s newest restaurants and one that belongs on every #OrlandoFoodie bucket list! 
I was invited to experience their Kappo Bar and it checked all the boxes for a truly amazing #MakeSomedayHappen experience.
The retro Japanese izakaya-style restaurant serves up a 10-course menu at the bar and a more casual a la carte menu in the dining room. 
Omakase menu changes regularly but always features the five primary cooking techniques (grilling, steaming, frying, simmering, and raw) using local and imported ingredients, in-house dry-aged fish, and binchotan charcoal-fired dishes. Everything is prepared right in front of you for an immersive experience.
And, Don’t miss the fun cocktails! I loved “That Old Pizza Hut” was like an orange creamsicle with Suntory Toki Whiskey served in a Pizza Hut cup! 
Make reservations and go check this Orlando restaurant off your bucket list.
Thank you Chef Lewis and Mai for your outstanding hospitality. I’ll be coming back soon!
(Hosted) #GoEpicOrlando #LoveOrlando #omakase
Hello 2023! Why start the year on a diet? My new y Hello 2023! Why start the year on a diet? My new year’s resolution is to focus on self-care.  Eating healthy and exercising, sure. But also treating myself to more @gideonsbakehouse cookies, cakes & cold brews. Who’s with me? What will you treat yourself with this year?
You want something. Go Get It. Period!
This was my last purchase of 12/31/22... I wanted to start 2023 on a sweet note!
What if my 2023 resolution is to visit Gideon’s every month for their awesome limited-edition treats? 
I think that’s a resolution I can keep!  January’s Butterscotch flavors sound to die for.
Did you hear? The epic Banana Bread Chocolate Chip cookie is now part of the permanent lineup. While the Coffee Cake is my all-time favorite, this one is in the top 3! And, the original Peanut Butter Cold Brew is a must pairing.
What resolution will you set today? Go #MakeSomedayHappen 🎉 Happy New Year everyone!
#GoEpicOrlando #2023resolutions #GideonsBakehouse #DisneySprings
Happy New Year 2023! 🎉 We had a fun and very ch Happy New Year 2023! 🎉 We had a fun and very chill night at @disneysprings. How about you?
I love Progressive Dining and Disney Springs has plenty of options. We just get a spot at the bar and order a drink and a fun bite. Then move on to the next spot. So easy! No reservations required! 
🦀 1st Stop: @paddlefishorl 
Steak Skewers
Crab Topped Fries 
Larceny Old Fashioned 
Capt Handsome - Cathead Vodka & Raspberry 
Mayan Empress - Santa Teresa Añejo Rum, pineapple
🍰 2nd Stop: @homecominfl 
Espresso Martini 
Carrot Cake 
☘️ 3rd Stop: @raglanroadpub 
Great entertainment! 
@guinnessus 
Great Irish Hooley Cocktail - so refreshing with strawberries & Prosecco 
🍪 Not pictured: we managed a stop at @gideonsbakehouse to pick up treats to start the new year!!! (They had a 2 second brief moment with no line around 11pm! I could not resist! I picked up a Banana Bread Chocolate Chip cookie which is now part of the year-round line up! I also got a slice of Golden Oreo cake and a PB Cold Brew to enjoy today! Starting 2023 off right… and not a diet 😂
We went early, had a great time and got home in time to watch the ball drop!!! 🎉
Wishing you all happiness and lots of delicious treats in 2023! 
#GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #DisneySprings
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