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Markets You Must Visit in Orlando

By Christina Thomas Leave a Comment

Where To Go In Orlando to Create an Epic Picnic Basket

Whether it’s National Picnic Day (April 23rd), International Picnic Day (June 18th), any day when the weather is nice to go outdoors, or let’s face it, any day when the weather is not so nice and all you want to do is stay indoors and chill in front of the TV, it’s always a good time for a picnic! These three markets in Orlando are a Must Visit to create an epic picnic basket. You want local products, great snacks and upgraded treats? These three favorites got you covered!

Also, don’t miss my 9 Tips to Create an Epic Picnic! The word “picnic” implies it’s easy and with these tips you can keep it that way. Get the gang together and host your epic picnic any day!S

The Local Butcher & Market

Located on the corner of Orange Avenue and Fairbanks in Winter Park, you’ll find a great stop for picnics and cookouts. The full service butcher shop features premium meats, poultry, veal, pork, and Boar’s Head Deli products. They also carry more than 100 varieties of wine from around the world, fine cheeses, fresh produce, breads, side dishes, desserts, pastries and other gourmet grocery items to make every meal memorable and delicious. Swine & Sons and Da Kine Poke join the market to form a one stop gourmet shop. Visit LocalButcherandMarket.com to learn more.

Swine & Sons, the casual eatery by husband and wife chefs Rhys and Alexia Gawlak has been a favorite since it opened next to The Ravenous Pig. Now in this new location they still produce fantastic charcuteries and meals on the go but are now focused on catering so call ahead and place your order. You can also pick up your Frog Song Organics CSA.

Alexia tells me her “go-to” beach picnic must haves include a charcuterie plate with assorted meats (the spicy hot sopressata and wild boar salumi or any of the house-cured meats in the case are a great choice). Add several cheeses, IPA mustard, house made pickles and fresh bread.

Markets in Orlando to Create an Epic Picnic Basket by GoEpicurista.com
Swine & Sons cures most of the meats in house!

Of course, you can’t skip the beverages. Alexa’s favorite picnic and outdoor meal pairing is the slightly effervescent Broadbent Vinho Verde Rose (in a screw-cap so no wine opener required). It adds that nice zing to your day! More than a 100 varieties of wine are found in the market.

For those who prefer sandwiches, order ahead the rustic shaved country ham and cheddar chive biscuit sliders with tomato jam. They are a tasty alternative to traditional subs and hoagies. They do not need to be eaten hot, so they travel well. When available they sell fast and they are divine!

Markets in Orlando You Must Visit to Create an Epic Picnic Basket by GoEpicurista.com
Swine and Sons Ham Biscuits are to die for!

If your picnic must include greens, avoid wilted lettuce with a Q’ salad made with curly green kale, smoked chicken, apples, pickled onions, and mustard vinaigrette.

Markets in Orlando to Create an Epic Picnic Basket by GoEpicurista.com
Swine & Sons Kale Salad

Snacks are a must and at Swine & Sons features housemade treats that will beat what you get out of the roadside rest-stop vending machines any day. Past favorites have included house-made‘bourbon-yaki’ beef jerky, caramel corn spiced with a touch of paprika and cayenne, Nashville pork rinds and chips.

If you’re grilling at the beach, pick up house-made ribeye hot dogs and sausages. Guaranteed you’ve never had a hot dog taste so good!

Learn more atSwineandSons.com

Markets in Orlando to Create an Epic Picnic Basket by GoEpicurista.com

East End Market

Another trendy spot to pick up meals-to-go that are anything but ordinary for your epic picnic is the East End Market on Corrine Drive in the Audubon Park Garden District. Various food artisans serve up gourmet provisions to fill your basket or insulated cooler bag. Pick and choose as you work your way through the marketplace.  

Bread is a must in your picnic basket. At Olde Hearth Bread Company, fresh loaves of bread include a French batard or the Millet. Here’s a tip: pre-slice your bread before you leave home and wrap in foil, then place in a sealed bag.

Markets in Orlando to Create an Epic Picnic Basket by GoEpicurista.com
Artisan bread at Olde Hearth Bread Company

Cheese lovers should head to Tonda Corrente’s La Femme du Fromage. The cheese whiz recommends easy-to-spread soft and semi-soft cheeses (L’Explorateur triple cream and Meredith Dairy feta) for picnic cheese boards. The feta, Corrente points out, does double-duty as it is packed in olive oil which can be used for dipping bread and dressing salads.Decadent triple cream L’Explorateur pairs with fresh strawberries and champagne for a romantic picnic.  Ice packs are conveniently provided to keep the cheese chilled during its journey.  

Markets in Orlando You Must Visit to Create an Epic Picnic Basket by GoEpicurista.com
Cheese & Charcuterie board from La Femme du Fromage paired perfectly with Iron Horse Fairy Tale Celebration Cuvee

Skyebird’s all raw menu served in mason jars is tailor made for the road. Zucchini marinara, a layered salad with spiralized zucchini, beet balls, spinach and cashew parm is a hearty option paired with refreshing sweet tart cold pressed lavender lemonade or Florida Sunshine juice.

Markets in Orlando You Must Visit to Create an Epic Picnic Basket by GoEpicurista.com
Skyebird in East End Market serves up mason jar salads and juices

Farm & Haus daily grain bowl selection like Southwest Quinoa with black beans, sweet potatoes and honey lime vinaigrette can be ordered online or available in the case for a healthy filling lunch.

Local Roots carries local products like chef’s Matt Hinkley’s cured meats like Palmetto Creek cured tasso ham, 6-packs of local craft beers and wines.

Serious coffee drinkers know to avoid watered-down gas station brews. So picking up a couple of bottles of Lineage Coffee Roaster’s Cold Brew, available black, white or vegan, is always a good idea.  

Last stop before hitting the road is Gideon’s Bakehouse. Travelers with a sweet tooth will want to take along what has been hailed as the best cookies on the planet by Orlando locals.  The Toffee Pistachio Chip is a popular favorite. Each half-pound cookie is completely covered in chocolate chips, pistachios, and toffee bits with a touch of sea salt. One bite may be enough but you’re guaranteed to devour it all before you reach your destination. Guests can only purchase up to six cookies at a time because they are in such high demand. They are gigantic and unlike anything I’ve seen anywhere else in town. 

3 Markets in Orlando to Create an Epic Picnic Basket by GoEpicurista.com
Gideon’s Cookies are a Must Eat in Orlando!

You can even get some pretty flowers or succulents for your picnic at Porch Therapy.

Markets in Orlando to Create an Epic Picnic Basket by GoEpicurista.com

Call ahead for advance orders. EastEndMkt.com

Earth Fare:

If you prefer shopping grocery store style, the new Earth Fare in downtown Orlando and Lake Nona locations offer a wide variety of healthy and tasty products for meals on the go. Their food philosophy is one of the 9 reasons to shop at Earth Fare. They pledge all food products in the store are free of added hormones, antibiotics, artificial fats and trans-fats, high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, artificial preservatives, bleached or bromated flour and artificial colors and flavors. They read the labels so you don’t have to.

Markets in Orlando You Must Visit to Create an Epic Picnic Basket by GoEpicurista.com
A picnic table full of goodies from Earth Fare

I found hundreds of grab and go options to put together a beautiful party table with minimal or no cooking involved. Get some olives and pickled veggies at the Olive Bar. Grab some pre-cut veggies and fruits for a colorful crudite platter. A wide variety of cheeses and charcuterie create a beautiful board.

Markets in Orlando You Must Visit to Create an Epic Picnic Basket by GoEpicurista.com
Cheese tastings!

The variety of prepared foods including an organic salad bar, hot food bar, pizza station, and sandwiches made to order offered some delicious options in the Orlando Kitchen.

Markets in Orlando You Must Visit to Create an Epic Picnic Basket by GoEpicurista.com
Pickled veggies from the antipasto bar

I loved their signature chicken salad, made with oven-roasted chicken free of antibiotics, hormones or steroids. Available in 5 varieties: the Curry and Cranberry Pecan were perfect on Earth Fare’s multigrain pita crackers or place in a bibb lettuce cup for carb free option.

Markets in Orlando You Must Visit to Create an Epic Picnic Basket by GoEpicurista.com

Make a stop at the bakery for scrumptious mini desserts and cookies and voila! You’re ready to party!

Markets in Orlando You Must Visit to Create an Epic Picnic Basket by GoEpicurista.com

For more information visit EarthFare.com

Lucky’s Market:

Pop into Lucky’s Market various locations around Orlando and make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to browse the aisles, brimming with local, natural and organic products. Good food shouldn’t be a luxury is the Lucky’s way of thinking – they tout themselves as “organic for the 99%” – so plenty of affordable picnic options abound at this chain grocer.  

An extensive salad bar features assorted olives, antipasto, pickled vegetables and my favorite, a kale and Brussels sprouts slaw, all sold by the pound.

3 Markets in Orlando to Create an Epic Picnic Basket by GoEpicurista.com

In the deli, you’ll find house-roasted and smoked deli meats (pastrami, roast beef and turkey) and sliced cheeses to build your own sandwich. Pair roasted turkey breast and house-made bacon with avocado on multigrain bread and kick up the flavor with sriracha mayonnaise. To avoid soggy bread, ask for the mayo in a side container.  

Markets in Orlando to Create an Epic Picnic Basket by GoEpicurista.com
Lucky’s Market roasts and smokes all deli meat in-house

There’s a plethora of bins filled with house-made granola, trail mix, nuts, seeds, dried fruit and bulk candy. Chocolate lovers will swoon over the 25 varieties of chocolate-covered goodies. Try adding the dark chocolate espresso beans to your own blend of trail mix for an energy-boosting snack.   

Markets in Orlando to Create an Epic Picnic Basket by GoEpicurista.com
Lucky’s Market Candy World!

Staying hydrated during a road trip or on the beach is important. Fresh-pressed juices and herb- and fruit-infused waters (rosemary grapefruit, orange blueberry, and strawberry basil) are great additions to your cooler. You’ll also find 64-ounce refillable Lucky Jug growlers to carry your Nitro coffee, kombucha or craft beers. As an added bonus, you get free tastes while you shop!

Markets in Orlando You Must Visit to Create an Epic Picnic Basket by GoEpicurista.com
Fill these in-store and get samples while you stroll the aisles at Lucky’s Market

Look for the “local” tags throughout the store for a variety of products from Florida. Made in-house tagged product also provides a percentage donated to community charities. This is how to Eat Local. For more information visit LuckysMarket.com

All you need to do now is pack your picnic! Don’t forget trash bags and paper towels for easy clean up. Check out my 9 Tips to Create an Epic Picnic.

Are you ready to host an epic picnic in orlando? I hope these Market in Orlando inspire you to go! #MakeSomedayHappen

Cheers!

Go Epicurista

Markets in Orlando You Must Visit to Create an Epic Picnic Basket by GoEpicurista.com
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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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Audrey Hepburn (hosted)⠀
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It’s time to #PlanForVacation and have something fun to look forward to for when you’re ready to travel. ⠀
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👉🏼 Go to GoEpicurista.com for a full review and list of all participating businesses! ⠀
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🍺 A variety of vegan beers and menu options including tasty sandwiches at @sidewardbrewing - try the Tempeh Reuben! ⠀
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🥪 At @pompomsteahouse , warm pumpkin spiced tea with a bourbon kick paired with the Vegan Pom, Tuscan Melt and Dreamwich sandwich bites got us excited. Have you ever had a sandwich with noodles? Soooo good! ⠀
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🥛 At @juicebarorlando, owner Susan Buttery treated us to her fresh cold pressed juices, hummus, and a fantastic chia seed muffin with almond milk. It was all so good I brought more home. The Sassy Grassy and Spice of Life juices I could drink every day!! ⠀
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🍪 We ended our tour at @MarketonSouth - champions of 100% vegan eats in this district since 2015, we tried a variety of southern style BBQ sliders, Mac n’ Cheese and spicy chik'n dippers from @dharmafinevittles & scrumptious cookies and donuts from @valhallabakery ⠀
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Read more about it on the blog and go support these fantastic local businesses. The promotion with AMD specials is thru January, however you’ll find vegan and plant based options year-round. ⠀
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#MakeSomedayHappen #GoEpicOrlando #TheMilkDistrict
“Everywhere you go, take a smile with you.” - “Everywhere you go, take a smile with you.” - Sasha Azevedo (hosted) ⠀
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Who said anything about a diet in January? We need smiles right now. 😃 Happiness, donuts, coffee and smiles go hand in hand, don’t you think?⠀
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@everglazed_fl is now open in @disneysprings and I spent a sugar rush fueled morning learning all about this new donut and coffee shop. But there’s much more than donuts, I found plenty of surprises and even some really good things for the community. Donuts are simply the conduit to happiness! ⠀
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Here I am with one of my favorites - Reese's Nitro & Peanut Butter Explosion Donut. This is dessert for breakfast, lunch and dinner! ⠀
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👉🏼 Check out my full review on GoEpicurista.com, find out my favorites, my least favorites, and learn more about why you may want to add Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew to your list of places to dine at on your next Walt Disney World visit.⠀
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There’s so much to bring us down in the world right now. A sugar high is guaranteed to bring spirits up. Smiles guaranteed. 😃⠀
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#MakeSomedayHappen ⠀
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#GOepicOrlando #DisneySprings #Everglazed #GoEpicDisney
“There is no cure for birth and death save to en “There is no cure for birth and death save to enjoy the interval.” - George Santayana⠀
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Hello 2021! May we enjoy the interval more than ever this year. It's time for "The Cure".... 😉⠀
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Got any plans for the first day of the year? ⠀
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@raglanroadpub in @disneysprings is celebrating with their popular "Rollicking Raglan Weekend Brunch" today and their fantastic “The Cure” signature Bloody Mary. ⠀
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Dig into a phenomenal brunch menu of delicious offerings ranging from The Full Irish breakfast and Pancakes Diaspora to the OMG Burger and the pub’s famous Fish & Chips – a premium 10-ounce North Atlantic beer-battered cod filet.  Enjoy live Irish entertainment (starting at noon) while you sip “The Cure” or one of their epic Irish coffees. ⠀
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Space is limited so reservations are encouraged at 407/938-0300 or online. ⠀
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👉🏼 Check out GoEpicurista.com for more details on the best Bloody Mary & Weekend Brunches in Orlando including Raglan Road Irish Pub. ⠀
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Slainte! Cheers to a better 2021! 🎉🥂 #GOepicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen
"Acknowledging the good that you already have in y "Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance." - Eckhart Tolle⠀
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In a year that will never be forgotten, there's still so much I'm grateful for. ⠀
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💫  Life. We made it this far! ⠀
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💕  Love. There will never be a day I'm not most grateful for my husband, my family and my dear friends. If you're reading this - I'm grateful for YOU!⠀
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🥂  Fun. Yes! Despite the challenges of this pandemic. We adapted. And we searched for joy in every turn. ⠀
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✨  We got creative in the kitchen⠀
✨  We enjoyed the outdoors & went for more walks than ever before⠀
✨  We used Zoom, What's App & social media to stay connected⠀
✨  We attempted to learn new skills in the early days (remember March?!) ⠀
✨  We watched a lot of TV! (Schitt’s Creek, Ted Lasso, Killing Eve, The Queen’s Gambit, Mandalorian & even Tiger King got us thru it!)⠀
✨  We heard the words “pivot” “unprecedented” & “hunker down” way too much. ⠀
✨ “We’re in this together” has a new meaning ⠀
✨  We were distanced yet became much more aware of the world around us ⠀
✨  We had our eyes opened to the harsh inequalities that exist and the importance of speaking out ⠀
✨  We appreciated quality experiences over quantity and became much more selective of where we went when we left the house⠀
✨  Staycations did wonders for our mental health. Thank you @wyndhamgrandorl and @waldorforlando for epic "getaways"! ⠀
✨  In the year of "Take Out" we were awed by epic "At Home Experiences" Thank you @newstandardwp & @tavernaopaorl (Read about them on GoEpicurista.com) ⠀
✨  We were inspired by the tenacity & creativity of small business owners, restaurateurs & food'preneurs who worked so hard to survive & thrive (so many to mention!)⠀
✨  We were encouraged for the future of our hospitality industry by new openings like Knife & Spoon @ritzcarltonorlando & revamps like Henry Moso's @kabooki_orlando 2.0 - The Most Epic Meals of 2020!⠀
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There were so many things on my “To Do List” that didn't get checked off. But for today, I'm choosing simply to be grateful for this moment. ⠀
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Wishing you loads of abundance & joy. Happy New Year 2021!⠀
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#MakeSomedayHappen
“No matter how hard the past, you can always beg “No matter how hard the past, you can always begin again.” — Buddha (hosted)

Hope for a better new year. Hope is all we can hang on to. That and a glass of champagne! 😉🥂

As I reflect back on this difficult year, there's still so much to be grateful for. I'm mostly grateful for the friendships that have sustained me and the continued partnerships with my favorite local businesses that have inspired me to keep GoEpicurista going. And, while we didn't travel or dine out much in 2020, we did manage to enjoy a few fabulous staycations and epic meals in Orlando that truly made our spirits bright. More than ever I appreciate now, it's about "Quality vs. Quantity."

Our dinners at Bull & Bear at @waldorforlando and La Luce at @bonnetcreek were epic! I'm still dreaming of that beef carpaccio and the pasta explosion and the perfectly cooked filet and.... all the perfectly paired wines. 

If you haven't dined at Bull & Bear and La Luce or if its been a while, add them to your list and make it a point to GO! 2021 needs all the goodness you can bring! 

Make any day a celebration. Seriously, life is too short. #MakeSomedayHappen

🎉 If you don't have plans for New Year's Eve, La Luce and Bull & Bear are serving fabulous multi course menus to help you say “Hello 2021” in style! 

👉🏼 Check out GoEpicurista.com for a full list of all the festive ways to celebrate in Orlando on 12/31.

#GoEpicOrlando #WAOFoodie #HBCFoodie #WaldorfOrlando #HiltonBonnetCreek
“The bad news is time flies. The good news is yo “The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot. — Micheal Altshuler⠀
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Everyone’s asking “Are you ready for 2021?” And as much as I want to say YES and put this crazy year in the rear view mirror, I also have a long "To Do List" to get done before the year is over. 😩  Where does the time go? Am I the only one who feels like the days are just flying by? ⠀
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Speaking of blink and you miss it moments, I couldn’t believe when I heard @seitobp is celebrating their 20th Anniversary! It's one of my favorite sushi spots in town and I'm sad to say it's been a while since my last visit. This lobster claw sushi is a throwback of a most epic dinner there! ⠀
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If you haven't been to Seito in Baldwin Park, now's the time to visit or re-visit. They're celebrating with over $2K in giveaways! (Follow on social for details!) Plus featuring a fantastic special multi-course menu of old favorites and new flavors this week. ⠀
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Congratulations to Jason and Sue Chin, the talented "pilots" of the Good Salt Restaurant Group. They've filled Orlando's culinary scene with loads of flavor with Seito, @theospreyorlando and @reyesmezcaleria with a 4th restaurant @themonroeorlando coming to give more to look forward to in 2021! ⠀
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Cheers to local restaurants doing good! 🥂⠀
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#GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #SeitoBaldwinPark
“Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to c “Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering, ‘It will be happier.'” — Alfred Lord Tennyson (hosted)⠀
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It’s the last Monday of 2020! 🎉 How about ushering 2021 with a little sweetness and lots of hope? These gorgeous @sweetbyholly mini cupcakes are the perfect treat for your NYE party safe at home. ⠀
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The New Year’s Eve 6 Pack is only $6, available for pick up on 12/30 & 12/31⠀
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👉🏼 Quantities are limited so it’s best to Pre-Order,  online or by phone.⠀
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Good Riddance 2020! Cheers to a happier and sweeter 2021! 🥂🧁⠀
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How are you celebrating this New Year’s Eve? Please stay safe & celebrate responsibly so we can all enjoy a happier 2021. 😷 ⠀
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#GOepicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #SweetByHolly #NewYearsEve
"I don't know if there'll be snow, but have a cup "I don't know if there'll be snow, but have a cup of cheer." 🎶 —Johnny Marks and Burl Ives⠀
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What festive cocktail will be in your cup of cheer this New Year’s Eve? ⠀
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I loved this gorgeous sangria at Capa in @fsorlando 🍹 The bartenders at the posh resort’s restaurants are some of the best in town, and a great place to welcome 2021, whether you’re craving a Spanish feast at  Capa with a fab Gin Tonic or sangria, Ravello’s Italian cuisine with a Lavender Sgroppino Prosecco cocktail or Cranberry Old Fashioned (recipes below!), Plancha’s mojitos, PB&G indulgent Chocolate Peppermint Martini, or The Lobby Bar’s “Be Gone 2020” - You know there’s plenty of cheer! ⠀
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👉🏼 SAVE THIS POST! ⠀
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👍🏼 Check out GoEpicurista.com for my fun festive and safe ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Orlando including Four Seasons Resort!⠀
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Here’s 2 fun cocktail recipes for a delightful Four Seasons Orlando experience at home.⠀
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🥃 Cranberry Old Fashioned⠀
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1 oz “Cranberry Simple”: fresh cranberries, water, and sugar. Simmer one cup of cranberries with sugar (about ¼ cup or to preferred sweetness) and 2 cups of water in a pan on medium heat, and then reduce to low heat. Once cranberries are tender, strain out the cranberries, and the remainder serves as the cranberry simple syrup.⠀
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1 oz Bourbon⠀
3 Drops Cranberry Bitters⠀
1 Dash Angostura⠀
1 Lemon Wedge⠀
Sprig of thyme⠀
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Add all ingredients to a mixing glass and stir. Strain into a rocks glass over an ice sphere. Squeeze in and add the lemon wedge. Garnish with a sprig of thyme. Enjoy!⠀
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🍾 Lavender Sgroppino⠀
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3 oz Lemon Sorbet⠀
2 oz Prosecco⠀
.5 oz Lavender Infused Vodka⠀
Sprig of rosemary⠀
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Scoop the lemon sorbet into a Champagne flute, and then add the vodka. Top with Prosecco. Garnish with rosemary. ⠀
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Cheers!⠀
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#GOepicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #FSConnectsAtHome #FSOrlando
"The party's on, the feeling's here that only come "The party's on, the feeling's here that only comes this time of year." —Paul McCartney⠀
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We're all anxiously looking forward for 2020 to end and a more hopeful 2021 to arrive.  Aren't we? How will you celebrate on New Year's Eve this year? ⠀
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I'm happy as long as I have a glass of bubbles in my hand. I plan to order takeout and welcome the new year in my PJs at home. The 2020 way! LOL! 🥂⠀
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👉🏼 Check out GoEpicurista.com for my extensive list of options for festive ways to celebrate New Year's Eve in Orlando - whether you're looking for a multi-course dinner prepared by a talented chef, a theme party, to be entertained at an outdoor concert, or like me, to order a holiday feast to go. ⠀
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One of my favorite restaurants in Orlando, @reelfishcoastal is bringing back their 1.5 lb Maine lobster special for only $39 in addition to their fantastic full menu including the best selection of fresh oysters in town to ring in the new year! Best part is you can order it all to go! ⠀
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Of course, if you choose to dine in, they’re following all safety protocols. ⠀
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Enjoy "GET REEL" Happy Hour from 4-7p, Bottomless Champagne for only $20.21 starting at 4pm, Live DJ from 7:30pm until late and complimentary champagne toast when the clock strikes 12midnight! Make reservations as space is limited. Call (407) 543-3474 or visit: ReelFishCoastal.com ⠀
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Cheers to 2021! We can't wait! ⠀
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#GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #ReelFishCoastal #NewYearsEve
“Will you please tell Santa that instead of pres “Will you please tell Santa that instead of presents this year, I just want my family back.” – Kevin, Home Alone ⠀
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Merry Christmas Everyone🎄 Kevin may have wanted a cheese pizza but he wanted his family more. I know the feeling. Today I got both!⠀
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There’s no better present than spending time with family, even if that means having a pizza party on Zoom. ⠀
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So many of us are missing our families this year and so we’ve gotten creative. We may have even started a new Xmas tradition. ⠀
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From Portland, Oregon to Orlando, Florida. Dominican Republic to Chicago. We all gathered on Zoom, made pizza, played trivia games, did a scavenger hunt and had an amazing time! ⠀
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For our pizzas, I used @bredinbk ready made crust and topped with roasted peppers, prosciutto, roasted garlic, arugula and my favorite, local Orlando made, family owned Dicuru @freshmozzarellausa. Vladimir and his nephew Jorge are the nicest guys and their Burrata and mozzarella is by far the best in town! ⠀
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👉🏼 Look for Dicuru in your grocery store or order direct from them. I love supporting family owned and run small businesses like them. ⠀
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The holidays are all about family. I’m grateful to be able to spend it with mine even if it’s virtually. While some are no longer with us, their memories will always remain in our hearts. ⠀
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Scroll to see my family Xmas pizza party. The best present was the last video. 💕 😊 🍕🎄⠀
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Merry Christmas! ⠀
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#GOepicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #DicuruMozzarella #ChristmasonZoom
“From what we get, we can make a living; what we “From what we get, we can make a living; what we give, however, makes a life.” - Arthur Ashe⠀
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Thank you for following my @GoEpicurista journey. I’m so grateful for each one of you who reads, comments and shares my posts. You inspire me! Together we #MakeSomedayHappen 💕 ⠀
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It’s Christmas Eve and I have some yummy cupcakes for YOU! ⠀
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But this isn’t your traditional #GIVEAWAY...⠀
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@sweetbyholly was so kind to give me gift certificates for their fab mini cupcakes and I would love to pay it forward and give them to YOU or anyone who needs a little cheer this time of year.⠀
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The holidays can be tough, this year more than ever. If you or someone you know needs some sweetness in their life, please leave a comment below. 😊⠀
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Maybe you know a front line health care worker, first responder, teacher or delivery driver, restaurant staff or anyone who’s had a really tough year. Tag them in the comments and let them know you care. ⠀
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I know these are just cupcakes. They won’t change the world. But I guarantee they will bring a smile to their face. Sometimes that can make a world of difference. 😄⠀
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This is not your typical GIVEAWAY. ⠀
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I’m not asking you to FOLLOW @GoEpicurista or @sweetbyholly or LIKE this post to win - although it would be nice 😊⠀
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👉🏼 Simply leave a comment & TAG the person you want to bring a little cheer to. ⠀
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👉🏼 Tag as many people as you want by leaving separate comments. ⠀
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👉🏼 The winner does have to live in Orlando area to pick up their cupcakes.⠀
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👍🏼 4 winners will be selected at random on 12/25 and each will receive (1) six pack of awesome mini cupcakes from Sweet By Holly. ⠀
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Winners will be notified by DM. This giveaway is in no way affiliated with Instagram. ⠀
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🧁 If you’re interested in bringing some cheer to your loved ones this season, pick up a HollyDay Dozen TODAY! Scroll to see how pretty!⠀
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#GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #SweetByHolly #merrychristmaseveryone🎄
“OK, what about the gift situation then? Because “OK, what about the gift situation then? Because everything on my list requires pre-order." — David Rose, #SchittsCreek⠀
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Looking for last minute local gift ideas for the #OrlandoFoodie in your life? ⠀
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Treat your friends and family to something they can look forward to using! You know they’ll love their favorite dish or cocktail at their favorite restaurant, like this festive “Christmas in Singapour” at @eathawkers. ⠀
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Restaurant gift cards always come in handy. And they help support our local restaurants, which need it more than ever. Plus they’re great for those of us who are last minute shoppers. 🙈⠀
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Many restaurants like Hawkers are offering bonuses! ⠀
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#Hawkerdays gift card promotion is going on now through 12/31. The more you spend, the more you receive! You get $5 bonus gift card for every $25 gift card purchased, and no one has to know if you keep the bonus! 😉 ⠀
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Have you finished your Xmas shopping?⠀
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Happy Holidays! 🎄 ⠀
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#GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #HolidayGifts #SaveRestaurants
“Like snowflakes, my Christmas memories gather a “Like snowflakes, my Christmas memories gather and dance — each beautiful, unique, and gone too soon.” —Deborah Whipp⠀
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This year has certainly made us cherish the memories of great times spent with loved ones sharing yummy food, laughing and living life. They are such fleeting moments, gone too soon. ⠀
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I'll tell you what else goes fast, and that's these gorgeous @dgdoughnuts 💕 ⠀
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I didn't know they were named the best donut in the State of Florida on Yelp but I can see why! ⠀
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They're so creative, made in small batch, hand rolled, hand cut and hand decorated daily with inventive flavors that change weekly. They sell out quickly so if there's a flavor you want, be sure to get there early or order ahead. Definitely a Must Eat!⠀
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These are "Fancy Pants" Donuts! ⠀
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And if you want a boozy treat to celebrate the season, check out the ones with a pipette shot! ⠀
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The "Coquito" filled with sweet coconut custard, topped with a pipette of @bacardi  limited edition Coquito cream rum and Jack Daniels Caramel Winter Apple filled with spiced apple filling topped with dulce de leche rosettes and a pipette of of @jackdaniels Winter Jack Tennessee Whiskey are sure to make a fun celebration! ⠀
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#SupportLocal #EatLocal this holiday season! Forget the calories. Indulge! It's 2020 after all! ⠀
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Thank you @bebefehr for sharing! #GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #dgdoughnuts
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What is Go Epicurista?

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.”

Don’t put off enjoying life with friends until someday. #MakeSomedayHappen Go Epicurista!

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