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Must Eat in Portland: D is for Donut Day

By Christina Thomas 2 Comments

Must Eat Portland: D is for Donut Day with www.GoEpicurista.com and the best donut shops in Portland

A Must Eat Donut Tour of Portland in celebration of Donut Day


This post is part of my Must Eat A to Z series. Join me as I share my favorite Must Eat Experiences from around the world.

Donut Day Celebration


Around the United States, each year, we celebrate National Donut Day on the first Friday in June.

Are you rolling your eyes right now? Yes, there seems to be a food holiday for every food imaginable.

Even a Lima Bean Day, really?!

Many food holidays are created as a marketing tactic and can lend themselves for a bit of trivial celebration. I think they are as good a reason as any to get together with friends and celebrate.

If you love lima beans, then go for it! GO have a party! Ironically, it falls on my birthday, April 20. Again, really?! It couldn’t have been chocolate day? I’m sorry, I digress.

Back to Donut Day.

Whether you spell it donut or doughnut – I don’t understand the difference but I’ve seen both spellings and so will you throughout this post – it was nice to learn that National Donut Day had more noble origins than just business. It was created in 1938 by The Salvation Army, to raise funds for charity and honor the volunteers, known as “Donut Lassies”, who brought a little cheer to soldiers during World War I, with homemade meals and lots of donuts.

I don’t know about you, but a baked treat always brightens up my day. I can only imagine it did the same for those who bravely served our country.

Must Eat Portland: D is for Donut Day with www.GoEpicurista.com and the best donut shops in Portland

Cover of the Salvation Army “War Cry” magazine, November 9, 1918

Operation Donut Day


Last year, I was back home in Portland, Oregon on National Donut Day, and decided to explore the donut scene and have some fun. I chose four donut shops around town, each for unique reasons, and my sister happily joined me on the mission that would be known as “Operation Donut Day”.

Must Eat Portland: D is for Donut Day with www.GoEpicurista.com and the best donut shops in Portland

We’re on a mission!

Donut Day Stop #1: Krispy Kreme


On National Donut Day, this popular chain, open since 1937, offers a free donut of any kind, to all who come in, and who could resist that offer.

Must Eat Portland: D is for Donut Day with www.GoEpicurista.com and the best donut shops in Portland

Although Krispy Kreme is not a Portland original, it is a favorite around town and the world with over 1,000 locations worldwide! We were mourning the passing of our dad, just a few days prior, and Krispy Kreme was his Must Eat Donut. It was a weekly tradition to get a dozen donuts for him to enjoy with his morning coffee (he actually only got 11 because one always mysteriously went missing -wink-). On this day, those glazed donuts brought us comfort. They will always bring a smile to my face, especially when I see them coming out “Hot” from the conveyor belt.

Must Eat Portland: D is for Donut Day with www.GoEpicurista.com and the best donut shops in Portland

Excitement builds as the donuts come around!

Krispy Kreme serves a variety of traditional donuts, however, the Original Glazed Doughnut reigns supreme. My sister devoured hers, leaving only sticky fingers behind, before I could even attempt to take a picture.

Must Eat Portland: D is for Donut Day with www.GoEpicurista.com and the best donut shops in Portland

I had to take a picture of the case of Original Glazed

I decided to be a rebel and try something new. I got an Old Fashioned Cake doughnut, and loved it. Dare I say, I actually liked it better than the glazed? A rebel, indeed!

Must Eat Portland: D is for Donut Day with www.GoEpicurista.com and the best donut shops in Portland

The stages of donut enjoyment

The cake donut was not as sweet. The consistency was dense, yet moist, very different from the glazed, which practically melts in your mouth like cotton candy. I honestly don’t want to know what makes it do such a thing. I swear they must be from another planet. Whatever alien DNA they have, I call those Krispy Kreme donuts simply glorious nostalgia.

Must Eat Portland: D is for Donut Day with www.GoEpicurista.com and the best donut shops in Portland

Donuts bring smiles!

Follow Krispy Kreme on Facebook for Donut Day details and other special offers. You can also download their “Hot Light App” to get alerts when donuts are the hottest!

Donut Day Stop #2: Pip’s Original


Our next stop was Pip’s Original in Northeast Portland. What I’m about to say I don’t say lightly. These are the best mini donuts in Portland, and probably anywhere. If you only have one donut in The City of Roses, this should be it.

Must Eat Portland: D is for Donut Day with www.GoEpicurista.com and the best donut shops in Portland

Stop in to Pip’s Original for the best mini donuts in Portland!

This true mom and pop small store, with a homey feel and a fairly simple menu of only six donut flavors, local Extracto Coffee Roasters coffee, creamy chai lattes and refreshing iced teas, is big where it counts. They have a big heart for their community, employees and customers, and they are big on quality.

Must Eat Portland: D is for Donut Day with www.GoEpicurista.com and the best donut shops in Portland

Simplicity at its best! Raw Honey and Sea Salt Donut at Pip’s Original

These tiny donuts, made fresh to order, can be ordered drizzled with local raw honey and sea salt (the most popular), cinnamon sugar, or Nutella and sea salt.

Must Eat Portland: D is for Donut Day with www.GoEpicurista.com and the best donut shops in Portland

They’re minis. Get a dozen and try them all!

The Dirty Wu, my favorite, an “Everything Doughnut” topped with cinnamon sugar, creamy Nutella, sweet raw honey, and Himalayan sea salt. Created in honor of Reggie Lee, aka Sgt. Wu on NBC’s Grimm, which films in Portland and are big fans of Pip’s. People travel from all over the world for these amazing mini bites of what I imagine heaven must taste like. I’m drooling just thinking about them!

Must Eat Portland: D is for Donut Day with www.GoEpicurista.com and the best donut shops in Portland

The Dirty Wu is Wu-tastic!

A Doughnut Special, made with local seasonal ingredients, is available daily. During this visit it was Peanut Butter and Jelly made with the most exquisite Strawberry Rhubarb jam. Absolutely amazing. Perfectly deep-fried, using organic soy shortening, with a crispy golden exterior, soft and warm on the inside. We also ordered some without the peanut butter, and oh my! That homemade jam had the right blend of sweet and tangy that burst with flavor.

Must Eat Portland: D is for Donut Day with www.GoEpicurista.com and the best donut shops in Portland

The Strawberry Rhubarb seasonal special, oh so good!

The incredibly nice girl behind the counter proclaimed we must have one of their unique chai lattes to accompany our assorted dozen doughnuts (they are minis!). I’ve never had a chai latte before but she was so convincing we had to go for it. They offer a variety of lattes, all made in small batches in-house with delicious ingredients like local lavender, chrysanthemum, chamomile and raw honey for an herbal delight called Emmylou, or cardamom, clove and anise with black tea for a bolder orange tinged concoction called The King and I. Other tempting choices included Heart of Gold with coconut, golden turmeric, clove and cardamom, and the Ginger Rogers with ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, molasses, Thai chile with Assam black tea for a spicy brew.

We chose the iced King and I chai latte. All I could think of is where has this sweet beverage been all my life? If they all taste that good, I am officially hooked. Next time, I’m going for the Chai Flight and sampling all flavors.

Must Eat Portland: D is for Donut Day with www.GoEpicurista.com and the best donut shops in Portland

Fresh made King and I Chai Latte, creamy, spicy and delicious!

I also loved the Jasmine Lemongrass green iced tea. It was fresh, crisp and incredibly refreshing.

Must Eat Portland: D is for Donut Day with www.GoEpicurista.com and the best donut shops in Portland

The iced tea is perfect on a hot day!

Quality ingredients is what Pip’s Original is all about and you can taste it. These mini doughnuts are comfort food to the max, the place and the people are warm and inviting as if they were inviting you into their home. A home with vintage furniture and small homey touches. You can’t help but feel pure joy after your visit. This is why it has found a permanent spot on my Must Eat Portland list.

Must Eat Portland: D is for Donut Day with www.GoEpicurista.com and the best donut shops in Portland

Cozy up by the big window at Pip’s Original with a big plate of mini donuts and a chai latte

Located at 4759 NE Freemont Street, Suite C, Portland. 503-206-8692. Follow them on Facebook for seasonal flavors and offers, plus you will love all the updates from owners Nate and Jamie Snell.

Donut Day Stop #3: Voodoo Doughnut

We then headed to one of the most recognizable donut shops in Portland. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, I’m certain you’ve heard of Voodoo Donuts. Thanks to features on the Travel Channel, Food Network, and even The Amazing Race, plus countless other national shows and print articles, they are the official donut representatives of Portland.

Must Eat Portland: D is for Donut Day with www.GoEpicurista.com and the best donut shops in Portland

Oh Captain My Captain, Portland Cream and Old Dirty Bastard are just some of the fun selections at Voodoo Doughnut

The Portland Creme Donut, a cousin of the Boston Cream but with two eyeballs on top said to represent the vision of this great city, was designated as Portland’s “Official City Doughnut” on December 24, 2008 by then mayor Tom Potter. Example #3,847 of why Portland is such a cool city.

The city’s motto of “Keep Portland Weird” could very easily apply to this mecca of weird donut flavor combinations.

Must Eat Portland: D is for Donut Day with www.GoEpicurista.com and the best donut shops in Portland

They put bacon topped donuts on the foodie map with their delicious Bacon Maple Bars and the cereal topped varieties with Capt’n Crunch, Fruit Loops or Cocoa Puffs are always popular.

Must Eat Portland: D is for Donut Day with www.GoEpicurista.com and the best donut shops in Portland

Bacon on anything is good!

You want Tang on a donut, you got it. I don’t particularly care for it.

One of my favorites, the Old Dirty Bastard doughnut topped with chocolate frosting, Oreo’s and peanut butter is killer! Who doesn’t love the marriage of chocolate and peanut butter?

Must Eat Portland: D is for Donut Day with www.GoEpicurista.com and the best donut shops in Portland

You will want a bite of this Old Dirty Bastard!

With over 90 varieties, displayed on a rotating case, Voodoo Doughnut strives for shock value. Likely influenced by its original neighbor, The Paris Theater, a historic adult movie house, they offer several X-rated varieties such as the phallic shaped bar filled with cream, enough to make mom blush. The signature Voodoo Doughnut, in the shape of a voodoo doll with a pretzel stick poking into its stomach and raspberry jelly oozing out of it, is also a fun one.

Must Eat Portland: D is for Donut Day with www.GoEpicurista.com and the best donut shops in Portland

You will become hypnotized if you stare at the rotating case too long! (That’s how they get you to order more than you can eat!)

They have cake, raised, and vegan doughnuts, fritters and crullers and yes, they even have plain, traditional donuts, but here, you must always go big or go home! Pick up one of their signature pink boxes and fill it with a variety of doughnuts to satisfy your crazy side.

Must Eat Portland: D is for Donut Day with www.GoEpicurista.com and the best donut shops in Portland

Who’s ready for delivery?

Like I said, weird is their middle name and that makes this one of the funnest, most irreverent donut shops in town. Not always fun is the usual long line, especially at their original location on SW 3rd Street. I recommend going to Voodoo Donut Too on the east side of town for a much shorter wait.

Some call Voodoo Donuts a tourist trap, as if admitting they visit the shrine of the weird donuts would automatically revoke their cool kid card. Or, God forbid, have their foodie status downgraded. My sentiment is quite opposite from the hipsters out there that want to shun it, simply because this once cool, 24-hour donut hole in the wall, is now mass consumed and no longer a hidden secret. My philosophy is, if there is a line, it’s for a reason. Are these the best donuts ever? No, probably not. However, they are worthy of a visit.

Voodoo Doughnut is an experience. You may fall in love with the donuts, and the guy in line in front of you which you can actually marry in the store, standing beneath the holy doughnut and a velvet painting of Isaac Hayes, or you may be satisfied with just one visit to see what all the hoopla is about. The choice is yours, but don’t miss out.

Check their website for details and locations. One more thing. They are cash only, so don’t forget your paper bills. An ATM is available.

Donut Day Stop #4: Blue Star Donuts


I don’t like to admit defeat but I must say that on this day, we were unable to complete our mission. Operation Donut Day was sabotaged by a horrible super villain known as “Sugar Overload”, accompanied by his side-kicks “Full Stomach” and “Time Crunch”, as we were unable to make it to our fourth stop, Blue Star Donuts in time.

I am told by all authorities this doughnut store offers yet another delicious face of the donut landscape in Portland. Here you will find “donuts for grown-ups” with a decadent French brioche donut topped with gourmet toppings like blueberry-basil-bourbon glaze, Cointreau creme brulee, hazelnut dulce de leche, lemon poppy-seed, bananas foster and vegan pistachio with raspberry hibiscus, to name a few. They are made from scratch daily, with local ingredients. We found they are only open until they sell out of donuts, so best bet is to get there early. You can guarantee Blue Star Donuts will be my first stop on my upcoming trip to Portland. They now have three locations to choose from and I’m determined, the evil “Sugar Overload” will not beat me this time.

So there you have it. Operation Donut Day, despite only being three-quarters completed, was an absolute delicious success.

We went from one extreme to the next, from the comfort of Krispy Kreme to the homey simplicity of Pip’s Original to the weird and garish flamboyance of Voodoo Doughnut and that, my friends is exactly how I describe the city of Portland. Here you can easily find both extremes and everything in between, and is what makes this city so absolutely special.

Must Eat Portland: D is for Donut Day with www.GoEpicurista.com and the best donut shops in Portland

Art from coffee mug at Pip’s Original to remind me that we all belong in Portland!

The Portland Donut scene is as diverse as the city. Whether you like your donuts on the traditional side or the crazy side, the gourmet or the classic, one of these four stops is sure to satisfy. That is why they are on my Must Eat List.

GO Epicurista, get some friends together and head out on Donut Day, or any day, and check out these Must Eat Donuts of Portland or the best donuts in your town. Word of advice, learn from my mistake. Start early and pace yourself or else the evil “Sugar Overload” will come for you too.

Portland Donuts on My Someday List, which I plan to cross off this Summer, include:

    ^ Blue Star Donuts, top of my list.
    ^ Coco Donuts for the chocolate butter bar and old-fashioned donuts.
    ^ Helen Bernhard Bakery, open since 1924, I must find out why. Plus, I’ve seen it on several ‘Best of’ lists.
    ^ Fleur De Lis Bakery, this French bakery is known for their potato donut coated in cinnamon sugar and the donut hole on top. You get the hole and the donut, what a bonus?
    ^ Annie’s Donuts, another old-fashioned donut shop with killer crullers, bear claws and fritters.
    ^ Staccato Gelato, for the homemade Italian gelato paired with a variety of donuts like Marionberry and S’mores. Donuts and gelato together! Enough said.

I would love to hear about you. What is your favorite donut shop? Do you plan to celebrate Donut Day? Please share in the comments below and let’s chat.

Must Eat Portland: D is for Donut Day with www.GoEpicurista.com and the best donut shops in Portland

One more picture of these beautiful Donut Day minis from Pip’s Original. I couldn’t resist

Join me on my Must Eat A to Z journey. Do you have a Must Eat experience that starts with the letter D? Please share it.

D for Donut Day is complete. On my next stop I plan to eat around the world in one day! E is for…

Any guesses? Stay tuned, or better yet, sign up to receive the GO Epicurista Insider Experience Newsletter and you will get these posts delivered straight to your inbox together with some fun tips I only share via email. Thanks for joining!

Cheers!

GO Epicurista

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Filed Under: Go Travel & Dine The World Tagged With: Blue Star Donuts, Donut, Donut Day, Doughnut, Krispy Kreme, Must Eat, Must Eat A to Z, PDX, Pip's Original, Portland, Travel Portland, Voodoo Doughnut

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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. John Rolston says

    06/04/2020 at 10:51 pm

    You missed the best donut shop in Portland: Delicious Donuts on Grand St. not only are they the best, but this husband and wife team are socially conscious and happily promote other donut shops.

    Reply
    • Christina Thomas says

      06/11/2020 at 7:09 pm

      I will definitely check them out on my next trip to Portland. Thanks so much for the recommendation. I can’t wait to visit.

      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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Grande Lakes Resort is hosting another perfectly planned "Curated Experiences Weekend" on April 23-25, 2021. Reserve your tickets! #GOepicOrlando
"Aioli intoxicates gently, fills the body with war "Aioli intoxicates gently, fills the body with warmth, and the soul with enthusiasm. In its essence, it concentrates the strength, the gaiety of Provence: sunshine." - Frederic Mistral (hosted)⠀
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I would love to travel back to Provence. The sunshine and wine, the markets filled with all sorts of fresh goodies, the air filled with aromas of lemon and lavender. One of my favorite places.⠀
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Fabio and Paula, the charming owners of @viniawinekitchen in Winter Park indulged my Provence foodie dreams with a delightful seasonal 3-course menu perfectly paired with wines from the region. The only thing better than the deliciously executed dishes was their warm hospitality as if welcoming us to their home.⠀
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Vinia is a hidden gem tucked on cobblestoned New England Street. Sit outdoors, grab a spot at the bar or booth by the window.⠀
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Start with Tartare de Crabe - a generous stack of blue crab layered with thin slices of crisp green apple, lightly seasoned with Herbs de Provence dressed with a squeeze of fresh lemon. Dip into the painted plate of aioli dressing dotted with chili oil which Fabio tells us to go crazy and mix it all up.⠀
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Every heavenly bite chased with the crisp Figuiere, Cotes de Provence Valerie Blanc. Lovely with notes of ripe pear & herbs.⠀
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Next, Filet de Bar Roti au Jambon, sauce au citron & herbes et Confiture de Ratatouille - roasted branzino filet adorned with porchetta ham crisps in a light lemon herb sauce. The red pepper Ratatouille jam creates the perfect bite.⠀
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Rosés of Provence are my favorite and Le Paradou, Cotes de Provence Rose was classic, delicate, dry & fruity. ⠀
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Dessert was surprising! Sorbet of Romarin a L'huile d'Olive. An odd combination of lemon-rosemary sorbet with fruity olive oil sprinkled with fleur de sel that totally works. Fabio tells us it's his favorite. So refreshing paired with sweet full-bodied wine with honey notes, Chateau de Caladroy, Muscat de Rivesaltes.⠀
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3-course menu is available on Tuesdays for $49 + Wine Pairings $35, worth every penny. Make reservations & enjoy a night in Provence. Be sure to say hi to Fabio, Paula & adorable Olivia 🥂⠀
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#GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen
“Brunch without booze is just a sad, late breakf “Brunch without booze is just a sad, late breakfast.” - anonymous 🥂⠀
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This is NOT a sad breakfast at all! What’s not to love about Steak & Eggs Frites with sriracha hollandaise and Burrata topped Avocado Toast? Paired with next level Frozcato Mimosa made with DOLE Whip® Pineapple! And a gorgeous Rose Cream topped cookie? 💕 ⠀
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If you love brunch, then you’d love the brunch menu at @winebargeorge in @disneysprings, available 10:30a-2p, Saturday and Sunday. Perfect for a date with your honey or your bestie. I included WBG in my write up for my favorite date spots  in @experiencekissimmee and my favorite Easter Brunch in Orlando. 
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👉🏼 Check out GoEpicurista.com for the ultímate roundup of places to celebrate Easter next weekend! And don’t forget to make reservations! ⠀
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#GOepicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #WineBarGeorge #SundayBrunch #DisneySprings
“The Italians and Spanish, the Chinese and Vietn “The Italians and Spanish, the Chinese and Vietnamese see food as part of a larger, more essential and pleasurable part of daily life.” - Anthony Bourdain (hosted)
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🥘 It’s #NationalPaellaDay and one of my favorite date night’s in Kissimmee is enjoying fantastic sangria and paella in the courtyard at @columbiarestaurant⠀
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Did you know Columbia Restaurant is the oldest family owned and run restaurant in Florida?⠀
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The same day the Wright Brothers flew their historic mission in 1903, Cuban immigrant Casimiro Hernandez, Sr. founded the Columbia Saloon in Tampa’s Ybor City. ⠀
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From the classic Spanish-Cuban dishes which boast recipes created over a hundred years ago, to the artwork on the walls, and the many stories the staff has to share, there’s history in every bite. The sister location in Celebration opened in 1997, and is still managed by the Hernandez / Gonzmart family for 5 generations.⠀
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Leisurely share a refreshing pitcher of sangria - classic red, white and rose available but I recommend the sparkling cava for a year-round taste of summer. Start with Columbia’s Original “1905” Salad® and don’t fill up on the bread that comes to the table although you will be tempted to keep breaking off bites of the crispy Cuban loaf from equally iconic @lasegundabakery which also opened in 1905 in Ybor City and has been Columbia’s bread purveyor ever since.⠀
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For your entree, choose the traditional prepared Paella “a la Valenciana” brimming with an assortment of clams, mussels, shrimp, scallops, calamares, chicken and pork, baked with the highest quality La Bomba Spanish rice from Spain. ⠀
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Save room for the utterly decadent White Chocolate Bread Pudding. It gives that delightful La Segunda Cuban bread new life baked with crispy edges and gooey soft center, a scrumptious white chocolate and rich Bacardi rum sauce. It was love at first bite! Pair it with a perfectly brewed cafecito Cubano or cafe con leche.⠀
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You can read all about my favorite date night spots in Kissimmee including Columbia Restaurant for @experiencekissimmee on experiencekissimmee.com/blog/top-date-night-restaurants-kissimmee⠀
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#GOepicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #PaellaDay
"Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred min "Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes. Five hundred twenty-five thousand moments so dear. How do you measure, Measure a year? How about love? Measure in love...Remember the love..." 🎶- Rent⠀
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525,600 minutes we'll never forget. I'm a little late posting my "I can't believe it's been a year since the pandemic began" post but time has been rather fluid this year, hasn't it? A year full of sadness, isolation, and loved ones lost. But also a year that's shown us how resilient we can be. ⠀
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I'm choosing to remember the love. Remember the moments when we slowed down and appreciated the simpler things.  Remember how we grew closer with loved ones despite the physical distancing. ⠀
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I'll never forget our last dinner before everything fully shutdown in Orlando. The opening of @sixtyvineswinterpark enjoying a fabulous wood-fired Butcher pizza and Tonnarelli Shrimp pasta with a nice glass of wine and friends. ⠀
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I'm looking forward to getting vaccinated and having a big dinner with family and friends and giving them all big hugs! ⠀
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Did you hear the OCCC site will open for vaccination appointments for 40+ year olds on Monday 3/22 at 9am? 🤞🏼⠀
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Remember the love 💕⠀
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#GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #LoveOrlando
“The best things in life are the people we love, “The best things in life are the people we love, the places we have been and the memories we have made along the way.” - Irish saying 🇮🇪⠀
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Happy St. Patrick's Day! ☘️ I can't believe it's been 2 years since I last celebrated this day at my favorite Irish pub in Orlando @raglanroadpub We've had loads of fun there with friends over the years! ⠀
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They always put on the best festivals, and this year with safety in mind, The Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival goes Unplugged. It will be a bit different but still promises to bring the "craic." It's more subdued, more intimate rather than boisterous, more acoustic than electric. ⠀
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Great live entertainment with bands imported from Ireland plus the Raglan Road dancers perform all day starting at 11am. Of course phenomenal food and drinks are a must! Crafted signature cocktails, exclusive local craft beers, Irish whiskies and authentic Irish fare with a modern twist. ⠀
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Raglan Road opens at 10 a.m. with a $10 cover charge for guests.  Reservations are required due to limited capacity and guests can book a two-hour slot to enjoy the festivities. Visit @RaglanRoadPub for more details and entertainment schedule. ⠀
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Celebrate safely my friends! Slainte!☘️⠀
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#GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #RaglanRoadPub #StPatricksDay #disneysprings
"Those who don't believe in magic will never find "Those who don't believe in magic will never find it." - Roald Dahl (gifted)⠀
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Magic to me is found in a perfectly baked macaron. It's magic you can taste!⠀
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If you want to know the difference between a macaron and a macaroon, Executive Pastry Chef Franck Riffaud at Waldorf Astoria Orlando (@waldorforlando) and Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek (@bonnetcreek) will not only tell you, he'll show you!⠀
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The desserts, pastries, and breads are one of the top reasons why all foodies love to visit this gorgeous resort complex near Walt Disney World. Truly world-class delicious magic! ⠀
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Over the course of his 27+ year career, Chef Riffaud has mastered the magic of bringing happiness and smiles in the smallest, most gorgeous bites. He’s worked in one, two and three-star Michelin restaurants all over the world, so to indulge in his creations is a MUST DO in Orlando!⠀
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And what's the difference between macaron and macaroon? The words may look the same but macarons' (with one “O”) main ingredient is almond meal and macaroons' is shredded coconut. Macarons are colorful and airy and macaroons are textured, chewy coconut and usually dipped in chocolate. Which one is your favorite? ⠀
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Thank you Chef Franck for this sweet surprise! 💕⠀
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#GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #LiveUnforgettable #LoveOrlando
“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for “Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.” - Albert Einstein⠀
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It’s 3.14 #NationalPiDay, the second day pie lovers love to celebrate!⠀
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My question today is: ⠀
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Lemon Meringue or Key Lime Pie? ⠀
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What’s your favorite pie? ⠀
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I’ve already shared how much I love @sisterhoneys but I’ll say it again, owner Evette Rahman makes the best pies. And if all the awards and blue ribbons on her wall don’t convince you, your taste buds definitively will!⠀
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I have a tough time deciding between the sweet tart key lime pie or the lemon meringue with that dreamy fluffy topping. So I get a slice of both! ⠀
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👉🏼 You can read more about Evette and other inspiring women chefs and entrepreneurs on GoEpicurista and keep celebrating #WomensHistoryMonth⠀
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How do you celebrate Pi Day? ⠀
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Some do with dessert pies, or savory pies and others with pizza pies. But did you know the origin of this national celebration began in 1988 with fruit pies and tea served at 1:59pm (the next 3 digits of pi) at the Exploratorium in San Francisco? Physicist Larry Shaw thought it would be a fun celebration for the staff. A few years later, after Larry’s daughter, Sara, remarked that the special date was also the birthday of Albert Einstein, they started celebrating the life of the world-famous scientist. In 2009 US Congress declared it a National Holiday. ⠀
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Happy Pi Day! ⠀
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#GOepicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #LoveOrlando #PieDay #PiDay
“You can’t ZOOM a vacation.” - Phil Brown, C “You can’t ZOOM a vacation.” - Phil Brown, CEO Greater Orlando Airport Authority ⠀
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We're craving a return to travel and safe getaways because as Phil says, we can't zoom a vacation. Since Hawaii is at the top of my US travel bucket list (my "someday list") I'm so excited to share @hawaiianairlines now has non-stop flights from Orlando International Airport (@flyMCO) & Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) ⠀
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Great reason to cheer so I'm celebrating their inaugural flight today with the most Hawaiian cocktail of all time: The Mai Tai! ⠀
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Yesterday I got the chance to tour the roomy Airbus A330 aircraft during a media visit with Jeff Helfrick, Hawaiian Airlines Vice President of airport operations & Phil Brown, CEO of MCO ⠀
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✈️ Non-stop flights to Hawaii offered twice a week (Tue & Sat) increasing to 3 flights this summer⠀
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😷 Extensive safety precautions in place including electrostatic spraying aircraft & face mask required. ⠀
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😷 Hawaii requires negative state-approved Covid test prior to departure or 10-day quarantine upon arrival. Hawaiian makes it easy to start your vacation right away with Vault-At Home Testing kits with expedited results in 24 hours. Check website & @gohawaii ⠀
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✈️ Hawaiian’s Airbus A330 offers comfortable design with 18 fully flat Premium Cabin leather seats arranged in a 2-2-2 configuration, 68 Extra Comfort seats with more legroom and enhanced amenities & 192 Main Cabin seats. ⠀
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🌸 Experience Hawaiian hospitality the minute you step inside with a friendly “Aloha” from the Hawaii-based crew. ⠀
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🍹Sip signature Hawaiian cocktails by @otrcocktails @cruzanrum Mai Tai, Moloka'i Mule & Tropical Landing complimentary for First Class & Business, for purchase in Main Cabin⠀
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🍽 Exec. Chefs Wade Ueoka & Michelle Karr-Ueoka of Honolulu’s MW Restaurant oversee meal program featuring Island-inspired meals, complimentary for all passengers. First Class menus by award-winning local guest chefs. Currently Robynne Maii, Owner/Chef at @FêteHawaii ⠀
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🌸In-flight amenities by @kealopiko are fantastic!
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Ready for Hawaii? #MakeSomedayHappen⠀
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Thanks @TasteCookSip for my photos! #GOepicOrlando #GoHawaii
"I love spring anywhere, but if I could choose I w "I love spring anywhere, but if I could choose I would always greet it in a garden." - Ruth Stout⠀
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Spring in the garden is the best place to be! Would you love to enjoy great food and drinks in a beautiful garden setting? ⠀
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Edible Education Experience @EdibleEdExp at the Emeril Lagasse Foundation Kitchen House & Culinary Garden in College Park is launching a new event series called "IN THE GARDEN" and you don't want to miss it! ⠀
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Each event will give us a tour of different food cultures around the world in a safe setting. The first event on Sunday 3/21, "IN GIARDINO" is all about Italy! ⠀
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Hosted in collaboration with award-winning Chef Kevin Fonzo of La Tavola, the event will feature a distinguished group of local chefs and artisan vendors, each preparing Italian regional specialties which you can learn more about as they prepare your dish. ⠀
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Here's a bit of what will be available for purchase at the event:⠀
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🌱 @cheffonzo scrumptious Porchetta Sandwich⠀
🌱 @itsthepizzaslut famous pizzas made with fresh ingredients from the EEE garden ⠀
🌱 @chefjasonwolfe PASTA! and goodies from @tornatorespizzeriaorlando Shop to take home.⠀
🌱 Chef Erica Asti's fresh Mushroom and Celery Salad ⠀
🌱 @mhulbert22 Michelle, Maker of Sweet Things - Traditional desserts including cannoli and tiramisu⠀
🌱 @palatecouture Charcuterie and Cheese boards! ⠀
🌱 @cuisiniers Beer and Wine ⠀
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Admission ticket is only $5 per person and all food and drink items are affordably priced a la carte to be purchased at each vendor. ⠀
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Event is expected to sell out so get your tickets ASAP! Two event times offered: 12pm-3pm or 3pm-6pm⠀
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Visit www.edibleed.org/payforclass to purchase. ⠀
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Future events will focus on a different country, so whether it's “sa hardin” (Philipines), “bageeche mein” (India), or “bageeche mein” (Germany) - we will get a chance to embrace different cultures in the garden! ⠀
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#GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #EdibleEducationExperience #LoveOrlando
“I wish that more women realized that helping an “I wish that more women realized that helping another woman win, cheering her on, praying for her, or sharing a resource with her does not take away from the blessings coming to them. In fact, the more you give, the more you receive. Empowering women doesn’t come from selfishness but rather from selflessness.” – Selene Kinder⠀
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Cheers to all the strong and powerful women whom I've had the privilege to know. Those who've cheered me on and those who've inspired me with their wisdom and passion. ⠀
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This year, I've turned to women entrepreneurs and chefs for inspiration and I've been so lucky to share their stories on GoEpicurista.com ⠀
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👉🏼 Check out "Women Chefs Who Rock Orlando’s Food Scene" post and read all about some of the amazing women led restaurants, bakeries and food shops in town. The list is far from complete though! I would love to get your recommendations on who I should feature next.⠀
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P.S. This photo is in one of my favorite Spanish restaurants in town, @tapatoroorlando which is local owned and led by the talented Katerina Coumbaros and her husband Vassilis. ⠀
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#GOepicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #IWD2021 #WomenSupportingWomen #WomensDay #LoveOrlando
“The soul becomes dyed with the color of its tho “The soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts.” - Marcus Aurelius⠀
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It’s #NationalCerealDay and time for colorful treats and happy thoughts! 😃⠀
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What was your favorite cereal as a kid? ⠀
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I still remember sitting in front of the TV watching Saturday morning cartoons with a bowl of Fruit Loops, Frosted Flakes or Cinnamon Toast Crunch. It was a weekend treat!⠀
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Nowadays, I get my breakfast cereal fix as a topping on donuts and pastries. No spoon required. Here’s a few fun ones: ⠀
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🥄 @dochi.fl in @eastendmkt Taro Pebbles donut is light and airy with a taro glaze. Yum! ⠀
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🥄 @everglazed_fl in @disneysprings Fruity Pebbles donut or Cinnamon Toast Crunch are both yummy. Pair it with cereal milk! Sweeeet! ⠀
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🥄 At @choulalapastries in Park Avenue and 436, Winter Park the Fruity Pebbles chou cream puff is delightful. @chefstephsteph also added a Lucky Charms chou just for March! Classy & gorgeous! ⠀
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Did you know Fruity Pebbles cereal rolled out nationwide in 1971? It turns 50 this year! ⠀
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Have a colorful day. You deserve it! ⠀
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#GOepicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #CerealDay #FruityPebbles #LoveOrlando
“I want adventure in the great wide somewhere! I “I want adventure in the great wide somewhere! I want it more than I can tell!” - Belle, Beauty & The Beast ⠀
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I’m craving adventure and my favorite giant chocolate macaron lollipop from EPCOT France pavilion. How about you? ⠀
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The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival kicked off this week! All the Outdoor Kitchens and beautiful topiaries are back! Some new as well as returning favorites. Sadly I no longer have my Disney Annual Pass so I haven’t had a chance to go check it out, but since the festival runs thru July 5th, I’m hoping to go for a day. ⠀
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I’m so happy this “Macaron au Chocolat en Sucette” is back at @artisandesglace and all the gardens are in bloom! It’s such a beautiful festival which last year was abruptly cut short due to the pandemic. ⠀
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This photo is a throwback from those carefree pre-pandemic days when we took so much for granted. I can’t believe it’s been a year already. Don’t forget if you plan to go that Disney is still restricting capacity, reservation is required and you must wear a mask at all times, except when stationary while eating and drinking. ⠀
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Will you be going to Epcot for Flower & Garden this year? What’s your favorite dish and topiary? ⠀
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#GOepicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #FreshEpcot #GOepicDisney #LoveOrlando
"Your mission: Be so busy loving your life you hav "Your mission: Be so busy loving your life you have no time for hate, regret or fear." - Karen Salmansohn (hosted)⠀
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"Busy Busy Busy" - Story of my life! But I'm so grateful and it's important to take time out to enjoy it. Couldn't think of a better way to do that than with these gorgeous sweet treats from @choulalapastries . ⠀
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The coffee lover in me wanted the Tiramisu entremet made of fluffy mascarpone mousse with a creamy mocha coffee center, dark chocolate crisp pearls, and an espresso-soaked ladyfinger cake dusted with cocoa powder. Dreamy!⠀
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The caramel lover in me wanted Crème brûlée chou puff. And of course, one must always get macarons. The Perfect Trio!⠀
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Don't forget to take a break from your busy schedule and treat yourself today. What tasty treat do you crave for the perfect coffee break? ⠀
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#GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #ChoulalaPastries #LoveOrlando #WinterParkFL
“If you are cold, tea will warm you; if you are “If you are cold, tea will warm you; if you are too heated, it will cool you; If you are depressed, it will cheer you; If you are excited, it will calm you.” - William E. Gladstone (hosted)⠀
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Hello March! Happy Monday! 😃 I feel like I need all the caffeine today and while I tend to go for lattes, I love all different kinds of teas. If you do too, you’ll love the article Lisa Wilk and I wrote for HistoricDowntownSanford.com featuring all the best places to get caffeinated in this charming town. ⠀
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Stop by @rosieleeteaco, the quaint shop with an old fashioned European feel on South Park Avenue is known as Historic Downtown Sanford’s tea lover’s utopia! A vast selection of over 100 teas from around the world are showcased in the fragrant tea bar to enjoy there, at home or gift to the tea lover in your life. ⠀
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Try the “Rosie Love” Iced Tea, the perfect sipper for a warm day of #sanfording around @historicdowntownsanford ⠀
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It has a subtle blend of strawberries, cherry and roses. When you order it iced, they add a dash of rose & strawberry syrup and a splash of lemonade. So refreshing! ⠀
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If you prefer your tea hot, order a soothing classic London Fog Latte with Earl Grey Creme tea. It was perfect to enjoy while sitting in their funky high back chairs. ⠀
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If coffee is your thing, you’ll love they now feature local artisan @wavelengthcoffee and don’t miss getting some sweet treats from my favorite @choulalapastries ⠀
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👉🏼 Check out the article! I’ll add the link in my stories. ⠀
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“Come, let us have some tea and continue to talk about happy things.” - Chaim Potok⠀
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#GOepicOrlando #HistoricDowntownSanford #CoffeeandTea #RosieLeeTea
“It is the experiences, the memories, the great “It is the experiences, the memories, the great triumphant joy of living to the fullest extent in which real meaning is found. God it's great to be alive! Thank you. Thank you.” - Jon Krakauer (hosted)⠀
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I’m at @ritzcarltonorlando Curated Experiences Weekend and I’m so grateful to be a part of a return to foodie experiences, in a safe environment. ⠀
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The Grande Lakes team at Ritz Carlton and @jwmorlando has done an amazing job putting together a series of elevated curated experiences to enjoy this weekend. ⠀
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During our Harvest Farm To Table Lunch today I had this fantastic Strawberry Dessert made with local Plant City Strawberries made by Pastry Chef Joanna Kaskiw. Perfect for #NationalStrawberryDay 🍓It was also fun to look at the Exotic Cars from a McLaren to Porsche to Aston Martin.⠀
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We’ve learned about The Art of Chocolate from an Olympian pastry chef, the tricks to Fly Fishing, Sous Vide Mastery from Top Chef @chefGerald_, how to cook low and slow BBQ with Top Chef @chefbkalman, Dry Aging techniques with legendary @ChefJohnTesar, blending wines with @QuintessaWinery and the art of Mixology with a phenomenal group of ladies including bar chef Brenda, and Knife & Spoon Mixologists Alexa and Anna. ⠀
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The next Curated Experiences is in April and you don’t want to miss it! ⠀
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👉🏼 Follow along in stories and stay tuned on GoEpicurista.com for more! ⠀
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#GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #rcmemories
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