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Must Eat in Orlando: C is for Orlando Coffee Crawl

By Christina Thomas 4 Comments

Must Eat in Orlando C is for Orlando Coffee Crawl with www.GoEpicurista.com, The best independent Orlando Coffee Vendors

This post is part of my Must Eat A to Z series as I cover the alphabet sharing my favorite Must Eat experiences from around the world. Read all about it and join in on the fun!

Orlando Bike Tours Coffee Crawl explores the best Orlando Coffee

You could assume I was a coffee drinker and you would be wrong. By virtue of location association, I should be addicted to coffee. Having grown up in two coffee-centric cities, Portland Oregon, home of umpteen independent coffee houses despite having a Starbucks on every corner, and Santo Domingo in Dominican Republic, where a “tacita de cafe” – small cup of coffee – is a morning, noon and night tradition, with coffee so strong it can only be administered in small shots, caffeine should have been coursing through my veins since birth. Even years in the hospitality industry, working from dark to dark, didn’t convert me to the dark side, until recently. 

What changed? 

My sense of adventure.

My GO Epicurista mission to #MakeSomedayHappen, and the desire to do all the things I’ve postponed to that elusive “someday”, has led me to say “YES, Let’s GO!”, regardless of the question.  Yes to exploring new places, new tastes and new experiences. And, yes, that included coffee.

When a foodie friend, a fellow Dominican I met via Instagram due to our shared love of food (and taking “foodporn” worthy pictures) invited me to GO on a Coffee Crawl around Orlando, the answer was YES. Frankly, I thought I was just going along for the ride, more for the camaraderie than the coffee tasting. The caffeine fueled day that followed was enlightening, surprising, and actually an out-of-body experience.

Coffee is big. We may have Starbucks to thank for our addiction to blended coffee drinks – I can’t deny I’ve become hooked on Caramel Macchiatos – however, it is independent coffee houses that are pushing to educate consumers, like me, teaching us that not all coffee tastes the same, which for me was in the category of ‘bitter’ and ‘nasty’.

My apologies to all coffee growers and baristas out there. Those were my first impressions of coffee, which sadly turned me away for years. I wonder how many of you out there have had the same experience? Every coffee cup I sampled, was either a watery hot mess or thick as mud. Not pleasant, unless I added loads of sugar. Then, it just tasted like a sweet hot mess.

Looking at my Facebook feed every morning, filled with dozens of coffee memes proclaiming the love of java, or better yet the absolute need for this dark beverage, I honestly couldn’t understand the coffee addiction, until recently. I have local artisan coffee roaster, Javatino, to thank for my first introduction to the art of fine coffee. The Orlando Coffee Crawl helped further my appreciation.

Must Eat in Orlando: C is for Orlando Coffee Crawl with www.GoEpicurista.com and the best independent Orlando Coffee vendors

Photo credit: generatormeme.com

Coffee is serious business. Coffee sommeliers can now be found in fine restaurants to guide our java selection and coffee pairings. Our guide on this fun bike ride / coffee tasting experience, Jimmy Sherfey of Abeja Coffee is a coffee journalist reporting on all things coffee. He filled us with knowledge about coffee growing and production, roasting and tasting.

Must Eat in Orlando: C is for Orlando Coffee Crawl with www.GoEpicurista.com and four of the best Orlando Coffee Vendors

Coffee journalist, Jimmy Sherfey is passionate about Coffee!

I learned coffee, like wine, is as varied as the location it comes from and the people who make it. My curiosity was peeked. Coffee from Colombia, Guatemala, Ethiopia and Dominican Republic all tastes different. Sounds obvious but a non-coffee drinker can easily miss those nuances. I once thought all wine tasted like a liquid two by four with a stick of butter (oh those dreaded cheap chardonnays). Not until I took a wine course did I begin to appreciate the differences and basically the “hey this stuff is really good” aspect of wine. It’s now coffee’s turn to gain my appreciation.
  

A Coffee Education On Wheels


Orlando Bike Tours, a new startup operation by Sarah Peerani, a local entrepreneur whose mission is to promote Orlando’s vibrant food, wellness and culture scene, all via bicycle, conducted a fun tour on a beautiful Saturday morning with visits to four local independent Orlando coffee vendors. I love doing food tours and on a bike you cover more territory, exercise, spend time outdoors and eat. Those are all things I could dig into.

Must Eat in Orlando: C is for Orlando Coffee Crawl with www.GoEpicurista.com and four of the best Orlando Coffee Vendors

Sarah Peerani of Orlando Bike Tours with a packed house at Downtown Credo

The Orlando Coffee scene is not quite at the same coffee-drinking seriousness level as Portland, but you wouldn’t know it looking at the Orlando coffee shops we visited. There is more to Orlando than tourists and theme parks and this tour proved it. “Orlando Doesn’t Suck” was emblazoned on one tour participant’s t-shirt and that proved to be a sentiment we all shared after this tour.

If you are looking for a great cup of coffee in Orlando, these coffee shops should be on your Must Eat List in Orlando (or should I say Must Drink?).

Downtown Credo


Our caffeine-fueled day began at Downtown Credo’s newest location next to Florida Hospital. Immediately walking into the two-story space, with tons of natural light and understated sleek decor, reminded me of Portland.

Must Eat in Orlando: C is for Orlando Coffee Crawl with www.GoEpicurista.com and the best independent Orlando coffee vendors

Downtown Credo at Florida Hospital

With their philosophy of pay what you can afford and a menu with suggested prices, Downtown Credo’s “Think Global, Act Local” mission promotes relationship coffee and social responsibility. The challenges faced by coffee growers around the world, and the instability of the market, drives Downtown Credo to make an impact for good by maintaining relationships with growers and paying well above the market fair trade price, a practice shared with the other Orlando coffee vendors on this tour. They host various programs and workshops to further grow their relationship with the Orlando community.

My first cup of joe was a Guatemalan fine ground roast, brewed using an AeroPress. This is a quick method using a hand-held device, considered a modified French press, which provides the same flavor oils for a smooth and velvety morning coffee, in less time. If you’re in a hurry this is the cup for you.

Must Eat in Orlando: C is for Orlando Coffee Crawl with www.GoEpicurista.com and four of the best Orlando Coffee Vendors

First cup at Downtown Credo

Downtown Credo’s original location at 706 W Smith Street, in College Park, has been popular since opening in 2010. This new location at 550 E. Rollins St, Orlando is bound to follow suit.

After an informative talk with Jimmy and Nicole Higgins from Downtown Credo and the first cup of coffee in my system, I hopped on my bright green bike rental from Orlando Bike Share and followed the group to our next stop. This was conveniently included in the price of the tour ($25pp) for the non-bike owners, or you could bring your own ride ($20pp). I found out, in a branding move, the green bikes are being replaced with orange ones and the company will now be called “Juice” to honor Central Florida’s citrus heritage. Pretty cool way to make Orlando a little more hipster.

Must Eat in Orlando: C is for Orlando Coffee Crawl with www.GoEpicurista.com and four of the best Orlando Coffee Vendors

Ride like the wind on one of these bikes from Orlando Bike Share!

We rode past Orlando’s cultural hub including the Orlando Science Center and Orlando Museum of Art, along the tree-lined streets of Loch Haven Park and into the surrounding neighborhoods.

Must Eat in Orlando: C is for Orlando Coffee Crawl with www.GoEpicurista.com and four of the best Orlando Coffee Vendors

The Beauty of Orlando’s Loch Haven Park

I’ve lived here for 18 years and had never truly admired the beauty of this lush green area. With the wind in my hair, I felt like a kid exploring my own back yard. It’s great to be a tourist in your hometown.

Must Eat in Orlando: C is for Orlando Coffee Crawl with www.GoEpicurista.com and four of the best Orlando Coffee Vendors

Riding past The Orlando Museum of Art

Lineage at East End Market


Our next stop was East End Market, an Epicurista dream come true. This neighborhood market and culinary mini mecca, featuring restaurants and local artisans, selling everything from incredible cheeses at La Femme du Fromage, to fresh bread from Olde Hearth Bread Company, to Italian homemade treats at Fatto in Casa, to craft coffee at Lineage Coffee Roasting and so much more is a Must Eat stop in Orlando as well.

Must Eat in Orlando: C is for Orlando Coffee Crawl with www.GoEpicurista.com and four of the best Orlando Coffee Vendors

Lineage Coffee Bar inside East End Market

Many of the vendors here, like Lineage Coffee Roasting, started out at local farmers markets and once they set up shop at East End Market, their popularity sky rocketed, gaining national attention. Alton Brown was a recent visitor proclaiming East End Market and Lineage as one of his #ABRoadEats favorites in Orlando. Downtown Credo made his list too!

Must Eat in Orlando: C is for Orlando Coffee Crawl with www.GoEpicurista.com and four of the best Orlando Coffee Vendors

Jimmy Sherfey pours a hot cup of joe at East End Market

My second cup of the day was an Ethiopian Adado, brewed using the pour over method, the latest craze in the craft coffee movement. Hot water is slowly poured directly over the grounds held in a paper filter to extract bolder flavors. There is an art to this method, for the coffee to “bloom” (you like that coffee terminology?) and the Lineage team are eager to master it. This coffee had less acidity and a fruity, blueberry, tea-like quality to it. I drank it black, which was a first for me, and surprisingly drank most of the full cup. My usual “bitter/nasty” coffee-descriptors did not come to mind, even though the Florida heat was beginning to get the best of me.

Must Eat in Orlando: C is for Orlando Coffee Crawl with www.GoEpicurista.com and four of the best Orlando Coffee Vendors

Second cup at Lineage Coffee Roasting

We sat outdoors, in the expansive gravel-floored patio, amidst beautiful plants from Porch Therapy as Ryan Wilcox, the resident education and quality control director at Lineage, shared stories of his recent trip to Colombia. He took part in a competition judging 60 coffees from the region and spent time with local growers as part of their mission to source top quality product. Ryan frequently hosts educational sessions at Lineage so if you’re looking for some coffee education of your own without the cycling, be sure to check out their website. Here’s a great article from our guide, Jimmy Sherfey, about Lineage featured on Eater.

Must Eat in Orlando: C is for Orlando Coffee Crawl with www.GoEpicurista.com and four of the best Orlando Coffee Vendors

Coffee Talk with Jimmy Sherfey and Ryan Wilcox of Lineage

We sipped our brew and nibbled on quinoa muffins prepared by Emma Bean, a pop up caterer making a splash in the local food movement. These were so good I may have eaten nearly a half-dozen. I confess I couldn’t resist. The fresh-baked pear and the moistness of these mini bites were a perfect match to the coffee.

Must Eat in Orlando: C is for Orlando Coffee Crawl with www.GoEpicurista.com and four of the best Orlando Coffee Vendors

Oh these mini quinoa muffins from Emma Bean were too good to resist having more than one!

East End Market, located at 3201 Corrine Drive in Winter Park, features a prominent vegetable garden at their front entrance and actively promotes urban farming. And wouldn’t you know it? You meet the coolest people on these tours. One of the coffee crawl participants is part of a new initiative in Orlando called Fleet Farming, which uses volunteers to set up home gardens and pedal power to bring the produce to the community. They host monthly SWARM rides to teach urbanites all about farming our yards. The coffee, the bikes and the urban farming and I’m definitely loving the west coast invasion.

Must Eat in Orlando: C is for Orlando Coffee Crawl with www.GoEpicurista.com and four of the best Orlando Coffee Vendors

Checking out the garden at East End Market

Propagation


Feeling properly refueled, we headed along Corrine drive, past the beautiful Leu Gardens, to Propagation, a new furniture store in The Mills 50 district, with a penchant for great coffee.

Must Eat in Orlando: C is for Orlando Coffee Crawl with www.GoEpicurista.com and four of the best Orlando Coffee Vendors

Propagation, it’s a furniture store / coffee-house with a hipster factor of a billion!

Brittany and Travis Reed, Orlando natives, just opened this ultra hipster furniture store /coffee-house where you can buy everything you see, from the couch, the chairs, the beautiful vintage consoles, to the mini succulent plants, all while enjoying an expertly crafted coffee drink from their rockin’ gold Italian coffee machine. They use Lavazza coffee from Italy to prepare their espresso drinks, offering everything from a cortado – espresso with a small shot of steamed milk – to an affogato, an Italian dessert of vanilla ice cream topped with a shot of espresso. This ice cream lover has to try that next time! I also hear they are now carrying Lineage Coffee, which goes to show what a great local community collaboration Orlando is creating.

Must Eat in Orlando: C is for Orlando Coffee Crawl with www.GoEpicurista.com and four of the best Orlando Coffee Vendors

Orlando’s coolest barista, Travis Reed at Propagation

What started out with a successful Etsy store is now brick and mortar and the space couldn’t be more beautiful. The Reed’s hope to invigorate the area offering a selection of pretty things. I have to say that Travis and Brittany have that hipster look that just adds to the cool factor of this place. If I lived in the neighborhood, it would certainly be a favorite hangout. Check out their awesome Instagram feed and GO in for a visit. Located at 1221 North Mills Street, Orlando.

Must Eat in Orlando: C is for Orlando Coffee Crawl with www.GoEpicurista.com and four of the best Orlando Coffee Vendors

Walk in for coffee, leave with beautiful furnishings for your home at Propagation.

Blacksmith Brew Works

The theme of the day was coffee on the GO, and husband and wife team, Ross and Brittany Smith of Blacksmith Brew Works did not disappoint.

Must Eat in Orlando: C is for Orlando Coffee Crawl with www.GoEpicurista.com and four of the best Orlando Coffee Vendors

Ross and Brittany Smith of Blacksmith Brew Works with Jimmy Sherfey

They set up their mobile brew cart at the entrance of Propagation and served us a delicious cold brewed coffee directly from a nitrogen-chilled keg. They will happily jazz up your special events with an even bigger artisan coffee bar on wheels!

Must Eat in Orlando: C is for Orlando Coffee Crawl with www.GoEpicurista.com and four of the best Orlando Coffee Vendors

Blacksmith Brew Works offers a cool way to serve coffee

My third cup of the day was an Ethiopia Agaro processed in the wash method. Ross prefers roasting in small batches to preserve quality and showcase the true features of the coffee. It had floral, black tea aromas without any bitterness due to the cold brewing. The coffee is steeped cold for 14 hours resulting in low acidity. It is then transferred to kegs powered with Nitrogen, which was quite a unique experience. Milk and sugar have always been necessities in coffee for me but I happily finished a full cup of this black cold brew. You can find them at Thornton Park Farmers Market and Whole Foods Market in Dr. Phillips.

Must Eat in Orlando: C is for Orlando Coffee Crawl with www.GoEpicurista.com and four of the best Orlando Coffee Vendors

Great coffee amidst cool vintage furniture

The coffee education on wheels was quite extensive during the Orlando Coffee Crawl. Each stop featured coffee made with a different method of brewing, from aeropress, to pour over, to cold brew, which I discovered to be my favorite due to having less bite.

We sampled natural dry processed and wash processed coffee and it was interesting to learn how the production method used impacts the acidity and body of the coffee we drank. The dry process is more costly, as the coffee cherries are dried with the fruit and beans inside resulting in a natural fermentation that has to be carefully monitored or it can easily spoil the product. The result however is worth it for coffee aficionados with a more dense and exotic or intense flavor. The wash method is more commonly used, where the cherry is picked once ripened and removed immediately, leaving only the seed to be dried produces a higher acidity, clean, bright and mild flavor product.

Must Eat in Orlando: C is for Orlando Coffee Crawl with www.GoEpicurista.com and four of the best Orlando Coffee Vendors

Orlando Coffee Crawl chilling out at Propagation

After hanging out at Propagation, soaking in the cool vibes, chatting and commenting on how much Orlando indeed does not suck, we hopped on our bikes and returned to our starting point. I am certain I pedaled back a bit faster than normal, propelled by what felt like rocket fuel coursing through my veins. Is this what drinking coffee feels like?

Must Eat in Orlando: C is for Orlando Coffee Crawl with www.GoEpicurista.com and four of the best Orlando Coffee Vendors

Can you tell I’ve had a little too much coffee? I’m ready to race the car behind me!

This is where the out-of-body experience comes in.

Driving home after this fun day, very pleased with myself for having explored and gained a new appreciation for coffee, I felt like I could have run the 24 miles across town, all while pushing my car in the style of those tough-man competitions you see on TV.

Holy cow! Wow!

Three cups of coffee may have been a bit much for a non-coffee consumer like me, but I felt great. I could conquer the world!

Must Eat in Orlando: C is for Orlando Coffee Crawl with www.GoEpicurista.com and four of the best Orlando Coffee Vendors

Tony Stark, I hear ya!

Then, I got home and took a nap. (no joke, I was knackered!)

It was a great afternoon meeting new friends, learning new things, exploring new tastes, supporting local businesses and being a tourist in my own town.

Whether you GO with a group of friends or GO solo and make new ones, a bike crawl with Orlando Bike Tours is fun way to spend an afternoon. Don’t worry if you don’t own a bike, just reserve your spot early to get one of the Bike Shares available. Each tour has a different theme and they are held every first and third Saturday of the month. Follow them on Facebook for details.

Must Eat in Orlando: C is for Orlando Coffee Crawl with www.GoEpicurista.com and four of the best Orlando Coffee Vendors

Fun ride with my Instagram buddy, @Metaldon, on Orlando Coffee Crawl

Don’t forget to add these four coffee artisans: Downtown Credo, Lineage, Propagation and Blacksmith to your Must Eat List for Orlando Coffee, or rather a Must Drink List. These local folks know how to roast and brew the perfect cup of coffee, served with a side of warm hospitality.

Are you a coffee pro or amateur like me? I would love to hear about your coffee experiences, please share in the comments below and let’s chat.

C is for Orlando Coffee Crawl. Do you have a favorite Must Eat dining experience that starts with the letter C? Please share in the comments and join me on the Must Eat A to Z adventure.

Check out Must Eat in New York: A is for Big Apple and Must Eat in Berlin: B is for Berlin Currywurst and Beer. I promise they will make you drool and plan your next trip to these delicious destinations.

Cheers! 

GO Epicurista

Click to add a blog post for Downtown Credo on Zomato

Click to add a blog post for Lineage Coffee Roasting on Zomato

Click to add a blog post for Propagation on Zomato

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Filed Under: Go Travel & Dine Orlando Tagged With: bike tour, Blacksmith Brew Works, Coffee, Coffee House, Downtown Credo, East End Market, Food Tour, Lineage Coffee Roasting, Orlando, Orlando Bike Tours, Propagation, travel

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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. Marla Young says

    06/26/2015 at 10:41 am

    I hope to participate in a bike tour soon. Sounds like so much fun! I love artisan coffee too! I hope Stumptown opens a location in O Town soon! I am crazy about their cold brew with milk.

    Reply
    • Christina Thomas says

      06/26/2015 at 11:17 am

      OMG! Stumptown Coffee in Orlando would be fantastic! I’m in Portland right now so I have to go try their cold brew. Thanks for checking out Go Epicurista! Cheers and hope to see you again on the blog soon.

      Reply
  2. Terry says

    06/15/2015 at 2:07 pm

    Fabulous blog post! Never heard of these bike tours before but now I’m anxious to sign up for one. Thanks for sharing the love, and speaking of that love I just tweeted this out and also reposted. That’s how much I loved your words!

    Reply
    • Christina Thomas says

      06/16/2015 at 6:05 am

      Thanks so much for the love! I really appreciate it. I hope you will join me on the next bike tour around Orlando. Cheers!

      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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Go visit him at The Edison at @disneysprings Thursday-Sunday's and ask him to make you something special from his new "High Roller" menu! ⠀
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#GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #WorldClass2021 #TheEdisonFlorida #DisneySprings #BartenderLife
“I cook with wine. Sometimes I even add it to th “I cook with wine. Sometimes I even add it to the food.”– W.C. Fields (hosted)⠀
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It’s #NationalDrinkWineDay or simply #ThirstyThursday 🤣🍷 What’s your go-to wine? ⠀
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For every day, casual fun, I choose no-fuss wines that drink well on their own and pair with whatever we got on the table. A bottle of Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or a red blend always do the trick.⠀
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That’s why we love @ckmondaviwines and why I’ve continued to be a proud ambassador of their wines for over 5 years. They just celebrated 75 years making wine for 4 generations and the people behind the brand are the nicest.⠀
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Here’s my other go-to for easy entertaining:⠀
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A Caprese Salad with vine ripe tomatoes and fresh Orlando local made @freshmozzarellausa by the Dicuro family (also the nicest people!)⠀
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Top with fresh herb chimichurri sauce and serve with a Tuscan loaf of bread. ⠀
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👉🏼 Go to GoEpicurista.com and get the recipe for this awesome fresh herb sauce that goes on everything! Trust me. Level up steaks, fish, chicken, and veggies! ⠀
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#GOepicRecipes #MakeSomedayHappen #DrinkWineDay ⠀
#CKMondaviWines
"Life is full of surprises, but the biggest one of "Life is full of surprises, but the biggest one of all is learning what it takes to handle them." - Deborah Wiles (hosted)⠀
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Life is indeed full of surprises. And how we handle them makes all the difference in the world. We're wearing different kinds of masks this Mardi Gras and having a different kind of celebration but I'm grateful to know that someday soon we'll be able to let the good times roll once again.⠀
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This photo is a #TBT to February 2020 Mardi Gras celebration at @UniversalOrlando. Little did we know then that masks would become part of our daily wear. I couldn't even wear that one right! LOL! ⠀
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Universal's Mardi Gras events have been my favorite for over 20 years. This year, they are hosting a more subdued, socially distanced appropriate "International Flavors of Carnaval" event featuring authentic cuisine inspired by the most iconic Carnival festivities across the globe. Now thru Sunday 3/28, regular admission to Universal Studios park includes fun and safe festivities. Purchase and sample 70 tasty dishes and beverages from 13 destinations around the world. ⠀
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Of course, there's Cajun fare with flavors from The Big Easy like Crawfish Boil, Jambalaya, and Beignets! You'll also find Classic Carnaval dishes from Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago, Bahamas, Germany, Spain, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Cuba, Italy, France and more!⠀
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Check out the Mardi Gras floats stationed throughout the theme park, enjoy a Big Easy bash in the streets with energetic dancers and stilt performers in extraordinary costumes, brass band musicians, countless beads and a newly-themed Mardi Gras Tribute Store.⠀
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Stay safe, Be kind. Wear a Mask! ⠀
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"Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler" (but safely!)⠀
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#GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen⠀
#UniversalMoments #ReadyforUniversal #MardiGras #FatTuesday
“If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris “If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast.” - Ernest Hemingway (hosted) ⠀
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During my recent visit to French bakery @choulalapastries this yummy pastry caught my eye: “Maple Bourbon Paris Brest” ⠀
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Have you tried a Paris Brest? I had to google what it was! ⠀
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The choux pastry shaped like a wheel is traditionally filled with praline flavored cream. It was invented by Louis Durand, pâtissier of Maisons-Laffitte, in 1910 to promote the bicycle race from Paris to Brest, a town in the north west of France. ⠀
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You can certainly say this is a “moveable feast”! ⠀
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At Choulala, @chefstephsteph fills the flaky pastry with a decadent Maple Bourbon cream, topped with lots of crunchy toasted almonds and powdered sugar. It was such a lovely contrast of flavors and textures. ⠀
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Paris is on my Top 5 places to visit someday. For now I’ll let my taste buds take me there and maybe I’ll find the time to finally read Hemingway’s beloved memoir about his time in Paris there for added travel inspiration. ⠀
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It’s #NationalAlmondDay what’s your favorite almond topped treat? ⠀
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Stop by Choulala (like ooh la la!) at one of 3 locations and have a Paris inspired feast! ⠀
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#GoEpicOrlando #ChoulalaFinePastries #MakeSomedayHappen #WinterParkFL #LoveOrlando
“You know I have never met a woman who is not st “You know I have never met a woman who is not strong. They don’t exist.” - Diane Von Furstenberg ⠀
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As 2021 keeps rolling along, I continue to turn to amazing female entrepreneurs for a bit of food, travel and entrepreneurship inspiration. Luckily, Orlando has so many strong women to know and I’m just getting started in my series about “Inspiring Women in the Orlando Food Industry” on GoEpicurista.com ⠀
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My latest chat is with Sue Buttery, the dynamic owner of @juicebarorlando in @TheMilkDistrict ⠀
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She had some awesome tips about clean eating and how to do a juice cleanse right. She shared her travel dreams, what tops her “someday list” and fantastic entrepreneurship advice. ⠀
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If like me, you’ve indulged a bit too much recently, fresh juices, healthy bites and a bit of wellness inspiration is just what we need to start the week on a positively feel-good kick!⠀
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👉🏼 Check out the blog (link in bio) and #MakeSomedayHappen ⠀
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👩🏻‍🍳 Don’t miss previous chats with @pompomsteahouse @SisterHoneys @eatprojectpop @bcupcake ⠀
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#GOepicOrlando #JuiceBarOrlando #WomenSupportingWomen #WomenEntrepreneurs
“Moons and Junes and ferris wheels⠀ The dizzy “Moons and Junes and ferris wheels⠀
The dizzy dancing way that you feel⠀
As every fairy tale comes real⠀
I've looked at love that way.” - Joni Mitchell (hosted)⠀
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Happy Valentine’s Day everyone! Whether you’re celebrating with your bae, your bestie, your kids or on your own. Today is about loving life! Enjoy it! 💕 ⠀
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Did you know today is also “National Ferris Wheel Day”? It celebrates George Washington Gale Ferris Jr., the man who invented the Ferris Wheel for the 1893 World’s Fair. His invention was a success and lives on today with iconic ones in London, Singapore and now Orlando’s ICON Park! ⠀
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@iconparkorlando is a fantastic date destination in Orlando. Dine at one of 40 restaurants including my favorite for Spanish tapas @tapatoroorlando and then reserve a private capsule on The Wheel to get the best views of The City Beautiful. ⠀
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👉🏼 Check out  special offers on their website and inquire with restaurants for discounts to attractions after you dine. ⠀
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Where are you celebrating today? #MakeSomedayHappen 💕⠀
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#GOepicOrlando #IconParkOrlando #NationalFerrisWheelDay #ValentinesDay
“No matter how hard the past, you can always beg “No matter how hard the past, you can always begin again.” — Buddha (hosted)⠀
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I love celebrating the Lunar New Year! We get a second chance to begin the year again! ⠀
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Our friends at @eathawkers Hawkers Asian Street Food are celebrating in a fun and safe way this year with the “Hawkers Ox Box To Go” available now through Friday 2/26 during the 15 day Lunar NY celebration.⠀
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It’s such a thoughtfully composed box. Inside is everything you need to celebrate! And I love how each dish is labeled! ⠀
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The 6 dishes considered “lucky” traditionally eaten on Lunar New Year celebrations: ⠀
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🥡 Singapore Mei Fun noodles bring longevity & prosperity⠀
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🥢 Chicken Lo Mein brings longevity & happiness⠀
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🥡 Yi-Yi’s Chicken Dumplings bring wealth & treasure⠀
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🥢 Spring Rolls bring wealth & prosperity⠀
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🥡 Hawker’s Delight brings health & well-being⠀
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🥢 Sugared Donuts with Orange Glaze brings fullness & fortune⠀
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The box also includes: ⠀
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🎉 A confetti popper to represent the fireworks enjoyed on Lunar New Year to ward off evil and bad omens. ⠀
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🎉 A QR code with access to a private video of the traditional Lion Dance performance. ⠀
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🎉 An info-card full of fun facts & details about Lunar New Year and how to celebrate at home. ⠀
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🎉 Hóngbāo, the traditional red envelope, which includes the chance to win a variety of gifts including complimentary Roti Canai and FREE HAWKERS TAKEOUT FOR A YEAR!⠀
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Order at EatHawkers.com for takeout & delivery for the lucky numbers price of $36.88! ⠀
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PS: Be sure to add some Vietnamese Iced Coffee to your order for an extra caffeine boost! I always do! It’s sooo yummy!⠀
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Happy Lunar New Year! ⠀
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#GOepicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #EatHawkers #LunarNewYear
"Let us be grateful to people who make us happy." "Let us be grateful to people who make us happy." - Marcel Proust (hosted)⠀
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What makes you happy? 😄⠀
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Two things make me happy: sweets and friends! 💕 I’m so grateful I found both at @choulalapastries in Winter Park. ⠀
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I finally met @chefstephsteph in person after drooling over her fantastic macarons and pastries for years! I first tried them during my staycation at @wyndhamgrandorl and fell in love. Stephanie is originally from Oregon like me, and it was so fun to meet her at the Park Avenue bakery. She’s dynamic so expect to hear more about her in future posts! ⠀
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These gorgeous Choulala macarons, chou puff pastries, eclairs, and entremets with some bubbles are the perfect way to celebrate any day of the week! ⠀
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💕 If you're looking for ideas for this Galentine's or Valentine's Day, check out my post Top 9 Ways To Celebrate Valentine’s and My Epic Guide for an easy French-themed movie night at home on GoEpicurista.com and pick up a box of assorted treats at Choulala. ⠀
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One eclair, 3 macarons and 3 chou pastries in a cute little box are only $18! It makes a great gift too! ⠀
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Here's what I had so you can get inspired. Flavors change frequently! ⠀
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White Plate: Pina Colada, Black Forest and Amaretto Macaron, S'mores Eclair topped with marshmallows and chocolate drizzle and Bananas Foster, Fruity Pebbles, and Lemon Meringue chou puff pastry⠀
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Paris Plate: Pistachio and PB&J macarons, Lychee Rose and Mango chou puff pastries⠀
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Board: Lavender and Lemon Poppy Seed Macaron, Creme Brulee and Key Lime pie chou puff pastry, Tiramisu entremet. ⠀
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👉🏼 Tag your favorite person in the comments and have a sweet weekend! 💕⠀
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#GoEpicOrlando #ChoulalaFinePastries #WinterParkFL #LoveOrlando #ValentinesWeekend
"I love pizza; you can't really go wrong with pizz "I love pizza; you can't really go wrong with pizza." - Nick Jonas ⠀
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Nick is spot on! Yesterday was #NationalPizzaDay but I think every day is a good day for pizza! 🍕⠀
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Tell me are you a 🥩 meat lover, 🥗 veggie head, 🍳 foodie with an egg on top, or🧀 classic cheese when ordering pizza? ⠀
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Let’s talk about a few of my favorite pizzas around Orlando for inspiration:⠀
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🍕Kissimmee:  @caponespizzakissimmee in @PromenadeatSunsetWalk - Al's Carne Grande was a meat lover's dream! Fun date night spot which I featured in an article for @experiencekissimmee ⠀
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🍕 Hunter's Creek: @pienezzapizza Angie’s veggie pizza and Meat Monster because I like veggies and hubby likes all the meats. ⠀
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🍕 Lake Nona: @parkpizzalakenona Pepperoni Picante and Med Veg (do you spot the trend for our pizza nights?) 🤣 ⠀
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🍕 Winter Park:  @sixtyvineswinterpark a classic Margherita with pepperoni never goes out of style! ⠀
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🍕 Park Ave: @pratowp Widowmaker! When you know you know why this one makes every best pizza list! ⠀
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🍕 Disney Springs: @blazepizza Veg Out! (I love the make your own option too!) ⠀
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🍕 SoDo: @official_pizza_bruno the best in town. The one every pizza lover should try at least once in their life! ⠀
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There’s quite a few new pizzas in town that I haven’t had a chance to try but are on my list thanks to @amydroo @orlando.foodie,  @bebefehr @orlandomag and @faiyazkara @orlandoweekly Pizza stories! ⠀
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Do you have a favorite pizza spot? Let me know in the comments, because pizza makes every day better!⠀
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#GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #PizzaDay #LoveOrlando
"Shine bright like a diamond. Find light in the be "Shine bright like a diamond. Find light in the beautiful sea. I choose to be happy." - Rihanna (hosted)⠀
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Congratulations to Fred and the team at @reelfishcoastal in Winter Park on celebrating their 4th Anniversary today! ⠀
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RiRi must have been singing about the awesome "Get Reel Happy Hour" - it's one of the best #HappyHour for foodies in Orlando! If you haven't been,  make plans and go check it out! ⠀
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In celebration of their anniversary today, don your favorite sailor attire and don't miss a special themed "Yacht Rock Happy Hour" from 4 pm - 7 pm with @dj50one50 ⠀
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Their Happy Hour Tuesday - Friday includes awesome food and drink specials (scroll to see fish tacos, oysters & they have non seafood options too like chicken sliders and chicken tacos!!):⠀
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$4 Select Draft Beers, Premium Well Drinks, ⠀
$4 Oyster Shooter, with Vodka or Tequila⠀
$5 Select Wines by the Glass, Sangria & Select Specialty Cocktails including the Seaside Margarita, Sunset Sangria (my favorite)⠀
$6 Half-Dozen Gulf Oysters, Raw or Baked, Two Baja-Style Fish or Shrimp Tacos, Hand-Battered Fried Clam Strips Basket⠀
$7 Two Burger or Chicken Sliders ⠀
$8 Firecracker Shrimp, Half-Pound Peel & Eat Mayport Shrimp ⠀
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Stay for dinner, enjoy this week's Lobster Fest Anniversary Special: All day, Tue 2/9 - Thur 2/11,  1.5 lb Maine Lobster with baked potato, coleslaw & drawn butter for only $39! (Market price is $50) ⠀
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Choose Happy! Go #MakeSomedayHappen⠀
#GoEpicOrlando #ReelFishCoastalKitchen #LoveOrlando
"All you need is love. But a little chocolate now "All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt." - Charles M. Schulz (hosted)⠀
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We had the most decadent dinner at A Land Remembered, the fine dining restaurant at @rosenshinglecreek which ended with this indulgent flourless chocolate mousse cake!⠀
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We took advantage to enjoy the great weather we’re having and sat outdoors on the veranda overlooking the beautiful grounds and golf course. It felt like being back home. ⠀
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The flagship resort of beloved local hotel company @rosenhotels had been closed since the pandemic began last March and just reopened this week. Yet the restaurant staff did not skip a beat, providing the same exceptional service and expertly executed dishes they've been known for since they opened in 2006. ⠀
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ALR (A Land Remembered) is one of the hidden gem restaurants in Orlando that locals may forget because it's tucked inside this sprawling resort. If you haven't been, it's time to go! ⠀
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Scroll to see our scrumptious dinner. We started with scallops and the best jumbo lump crab cake in town. Followed by lobster bisque & wedge salad. For entrees, the Surf & Turf with Filet and Lobster and the buttery Sea Bass with Lobster Mac n' Cheese and asparagus on the side. We were stuffed but could not skip the bread pudding with rum raisin ice cream and that decadent cake! ⠀
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If you're looking for a wonderful restaurant for a romantic date night, whether this Valentine's weekend or any time, make reservations. Check stories for a 25% discount coupon especially for GoEpicurista. ⠀
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They are following “Rosen's Total Commitment" extensive safety protocols. Temperature checks, mask required upon entry and we noticed constant cleaning by the staff. ⠀
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💕 Special Valentine's Menu available Thur. 2/11 - Sun. 2/14. Make it a full weekend getaway with special overnight package and spa treatments at The Spa at Shingle Creek with complimentary bubbles and 25% discount.⠀
 ⠀
Read more about Rosen Shingle Creek on GoEpicurista.com - I've written about the 9 reasons foodies love it and named it one of the best Orlando resort for foodies to visit. ⠀
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#GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #RosenShingleCreek
"I have the right to life, liberty and chicken win "I have the right to life, liberty and chicken wings." - Mindy Kaling⠀
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It's Super Bowl Sunday! The biggest chicken wing consuming day of the year! Fun Fact: over 1.25 BILLION wings are consumed on this day alone in the US! ⠀
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As much as I love traditional Buffalo wings, here are a few favorite wings around Orlando with a unique global flair and one classic Buffalo that left my lips on fire, craving more! ⠀
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@ssontheroll in @historicdowntownsanford Korean style crispy wings are packed with flavor! Enjoy in the patio with a cold beer from @celerycitycraft⠀
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@yeomanscaskandlion "Cambridge Wings" are addictive at this British pub in @promenadeatsunsetwalk in Kissimmee! Slow oven baked then seared on the grill, tossed in Buffalo sauce or my favorite, Coconut Curry Sauce. Pair with a crisp cider or Boddington's on tap. ⠀
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@domufl in EastEndMkt wings have become so popular they now have @DomuWings virtual delivery!  Extra Extra Crispy coated in kimchi butter sauce. Addictive like candy! Pair with Sriracha Bloody Mary for brunch!⠀
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@eathawkers Korean twice-fried wings in garlic gochujang, topped with peanuts, cilantro and sesame are the bomb! Also get Hawker's Wings with sweet Thai chili, Hainanese, honey sriracha, spring onion ginger or a five-spice rub. Pair with Sapporo beer.⠀
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@raglanroadpub at @disneysprings "Nom Nom" sweet 'n' spicy wings tossed in a honey, chili flake, soy & ginger sauce. Pair with Guinness of course! ⠀
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@parkpizzalakenona Oak-Fired Chicken Wings Reverse Buffalo (my favorite), Cajun, Sticky Thai, Carolina Reaper, or Mango Habanero. Pair with a house-crafted beer. ⠀
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Yuzu Miso Wings at @japanpavilionmitsukoshiusa Katsura Grill at Epcot, a peaceful hidden gem to grab a bite. ⠀
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1521 Wings at @wyndhamgrandorl Resort were fiery good! The kind you can smell spicy before you take a bite. The kind you take bite after bite. They also have sweet & sticky and bourbon BBQ if you don't want to set your soul on fire. (but in a good way!) ⠀
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Lastly, for plant-based meat-free eaters, @DharmaFineVittles at @marketonsouth Fried Chick'n dippers with agave pepper drizzle fooled me!!⠀
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Which wings will you go for?⠀
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#GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen
"It's never too early for ice cream." - Michael Sc "It's never too early for ice cream." - Michael Scott (hosted)⠀
⠀
Did you know the first Saturday in February is #IceCreamforBreakfastDay?! I think any time and any weather is a good time for ice cream! ⠀
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I had a little fun during a recent visit to @sweetbyholly to pick up some scrumptious cupcakes and couldn't resist getting a soft serve ice cream topped with Nutella and caramel drizzle, and chocolate and caramel pearls. ⠀
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Don't miss getting an ice cream sundae made with "Chill In Peace" Premium Ice Cream from Santa Monica, California.  There are 8 flavors, 8 toppings and 8 drizzles to choose from. Each serving comes with 2 drizzles and 2 toppings!⠀
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I also had some fun with colored backgrounds taking pictures of my ice cream! Scroll to see... which one do you like best? Red, Blue, Black... ⠀
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Happy Saturday Everyone! ⠀
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#GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #SweetByHolly #IceCream #LoveOrlando
"Among the things you can give and still keep are "Among the things you can give and still keep are your word, a smile, and a grateful heart." - Zig Ziglar⠀
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Kindness. Smiles. Decadent Desserts! Every day is a new opportunity to share! I hope your day is full of joy.⠀
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If you want to do something nice for your favorite person, go get an assortment of cakes and pies at @SisterHoneys in the SoDo District. ⠀
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Here’s a little secret: If you truly want a way to a girl's heart, I promise you cakes and pies are better than flowers! 😉 ⠀
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Today is #WearRedDay in support of the American Heart Association, so I have to place a disclaimer here: "Enjoy all in moderation!" ⠀
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I'm so honored to be able to share the inspiring entrepreneurial stories of strong and bold women I admire. I recently published an article about Sister Honey's owner and chef Evette Rahman on GoEpicurista.com  Check it out. I promise you'll be inspired, and hungry for some of the best cakes and pies in Orlando!⠀
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Happy Friday! ⠀
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#MakeSomedayHappen⠀
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#GoEpicOrlando #SisterHoneys #BlackWomenOwnedBusiness #InspiringWomen #LoveOrlando
"Life is very simple. What I give out comes back t "Life is very simple. What I give out comes back to me. Today, I choose to give love." - Louise Hay (hosted) 💕 ⠀
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Give love, share tapas! Whether you're looking for a romantic date night or a fun night out with your besties, you'll want to check out @tapatoroorlando at @iconparkorlando⠀
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We had such a fun night out at one of our favorite Spanish restaurants in Orlando. We sat outdoors and watched the Orlando Eye lit up. Sipped tasty cocktails - Zaragoza Spritz with Aperol, Cava & blackberry brandy and Paloma de Majorca with Avion Tequila & Q Grapefruit soda. ⠀
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We also sampled a few courses from their upcoming Valentine's Day Dinner Suf & Turf menu. The "Pan con Tomate" Tomato-Rubbed Bread with Iberico ham was so tasty paired with Cava Rose. The Surf & Turf with filet, lobster tail, cheesy mashed potatoes and asparagus was divine. ⠀
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👉🏼 Make reservations! The four-course Surf & Turf meal for $85 per couple (plus tax & gratuity) is available Friday 2/12 - Sunday 2/14 and includes:⠀
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💕 Tomato-Rubbed Bread with Iberico Ham⠀
💕 Shrimp Cocktail⠀
💕 Surf & Turf Platter with Filet & Lobster Tail⠀
💕 Chocolate Lava Cake⠀
⠀
Tapa Toro is also offering fun Grazing Boards: a "Smashing Heart", Savory Snack Board, or Sweet Treats Board available for pickup February 12 - 14 at Tapa Toro.⠀
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On Valentine's Day, Sunday 2/14, enjoy brunch from 11am to 3pm with free mimosa with the purchase of any brunch entree. ⠀
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Tapa Toro also has a takeout option if you prefer to dine at home. ⠀
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Share The Love and The Tapas!⠀
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#GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #TapaToroOrlando #IconParkOrlando #LoveOrlando
“Never say never, because limits, like fears, ar “Never say never, because limits, like fears, are often just an illusion.” - Michael Jordan (hosted) ⠀
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Just hold on! Illusions are all around us! And while #GroundhogDay tells us we have 6 more weeks of winter, there’s plenty of fun to be had in Orlando. ⠀
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I was invited to check out the new @museumofillusions.orlando at @iconparkorlando on I-Drive and oh my, what a mind-bending experience that was! ⠀
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We had a blast checking out over 50 exhibits that fool the eye and the mind using math, psychology, and science. Of course, taking these fun photos was hilarious. Scroll to see our favorite illusions! ⠀
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It made for perfect date night fun after our dinner next door at @tapatoroorlando and it's a fun experience for the whole family. They call this “Edutainment” 😃⠀
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A variety of COVID-19 safety measures are in place, including mandatory face masks, limited capacity, designated time slots reservations, one-way paths through exhibits, ongoing cleaning by staff, and hand sanitizers and wipes for guests. The experience lasted about an hour but you can be there a bit longer.⠀
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This is the first Florida outpost and 20th location for the rapidly-expanding Museum of Illusions brand that started in Zagreb, Croatia in 2015. Follow them on social media for special promotions and more information.⠀
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“Don't part with your illusions. When they are gone, you may still exist, but you have ceased to live.” - Mark Twain⠀
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Go #MakeSomedayHappen⠀
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#GoEpicOrlando #museumofillusionsorlando #moiFL15 #loveorlando
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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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