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Travel Through Food with Omni Hotels: Destination Chile!

By Christina Thomas Leave a Comment

Travel Through Food with Omni Hotels Destination Chile

#TasteChile with Omni Hotels and Wines of Chile “Flavors of the World” promotion!

If a trip to South America this time of year sounds deliciously tempting yet physically impossible, worry not. The talented culinary team at Omni Hotels & Resorts has brought the rustic flavors of Chile to Orlando, and other Omni properties around the country, during their “Flavors of the World” promotion, now through December 31, 2015.

Travel Through Food with Omni Hotels Destination Chile

Each year, Omni Resorts’ Food & Beverage teams travel to a select destination for a cultural immersion to explore the flavors of the region in order to create a menu full of authenticity and charm to share with guests. In its ninth year, “Flavors of the World” shines the spotlight on the vibrant South American destination of Chile.

Omni Orlando at Champions Gate Food & Beverage Director Tobias Cox tried his best to convince us the trip was hard work. Touring vineyards along the Colchagua Valley, and tasting the indigenous foods and drinks, all sounded like an absolute dream for the food enthusiasts in attendance at a recent media dinner. Not even his mention of colored spiders found in the vineyards could have changed our minds. More on that later, but needless to say, we all wished we had been invited along on the trip.

I believe when physical travel is not possible, the next best thing is to travel through food, and that is exactly what we did with Executive Chef Robert Ash serving as our expert tour guide.

My good friend X and I often dream about a trip to her home country of Chile to explore the vineyards, the beautiful landscape and, of course, the food. She was the perfect dinner date and “authenticity consultant”. As each dish was served, I looked to X for a nod of approval. Needless to say, she practically nodded her head off the entire night. I was pleasantly surprised the dishes were not only fantastic in flavor and presentation, but also in tribute to the Chilean culture.

Our tasting journey began with Chile’s national cocktail, Pisco Sour, made with Capel Premium Pisco. This double-distilled brandy made of Muscat, Pedro-Jimenez and Torrontes grapes grown in the Andes mountains, is known as a national treasure. Pisco often elicits proud (and mostly friendly) arguments amongst Peruvians and Chileans over who invented it first. The refreshing cocktail made with fresh lemon juice and sugar was given a colorful twist with a splash of pomegranate syrup. Pisco Sours are popular across the country right now. Expect to see more bars around town serving this fantastic cocktail, especially in our warm weather.

Travel Through Food with Omni Hotels Destination Chile

Destination Chile: Appetizers

We noshed on these nibbles with our pisco sours during the pre-dinner cocktail time and found the filling bites to be a perfect match with the powerful Pisco Sour. They don’t call it “fire water” for nothing! Those cocktails pack a dangerous punch as they are so easy to drink.

    Milcaos con Pebre de Palta
    Pebre, meaning pepper in Catalan, is the Chilean version of salsa using aji peppers as the primary ingredient. It is one of the most common condiments on a Chilean table. It can also be made with tomatoes or avocado – known as ‘palta’. This chunky yet creamy version of guacamole with tomatoes and banana peppers added a nice contrast to the crunchy potato cake.

    Travel through food with Omni Hotels Destination Chile

    Chacarerito
    The Omni chefs transformed the traditional Chilean sandwich, Chacarero, into mini sliders for a plentiful appetizer made with beef steak, crisp green beans, tomato and banana pepper. Who knew green beans in a sandwich would be so delicious? They added a nice crunch and contrast to the tender prime rib with the banana pepper giving a touch of sweet heat.

Travel Through Food with Omni Hotels Destination Chile

Dinner began with a soup course and everyone was instantly quiet at the table. Always a good sign.

    Sopa de Choclo con Pino de Champinones
    Corn – choclo – is a rustic staple of Chilean cuisine and this soup showcased it beautifully using local Zellwood corn. Blended with mushrooms and acorn squash for a rich texture and depth of flavors and garnished with a hard-cooked egg and basil. Everyone practically licked their plates. I can only imagine enjoying this soup after a chilly day skiing on the slopes of the majestic Andes.

Travel Through Food with Omni Hotels Destination Chile

Platters of Empanadas and succulent Mussels followed. Sparkling wine contributed to the lively conversation as we listened to stories from Mr. Cox’s visit to the Cono Sur vineyards, a leader in sustainable and organic winemaking in Chile.

    Empanada con Pebre
    These hand pies with a variety of fillings are a staple of Latin American cuisine. My friend X’s mom makes the best empanadas, served by the dozens at their family feasts. For fear of not being invited back, I cannot disclose how many of these I devoured during their “Fiestas Patrias” national independence celebration. Let’s just say I ate my share, and then some.

    Travel through food with Omni Hotels Destination Chile

    When these gorgeous looking platters of empanadas arrived at the table we both knew the Omni had big shoes to fill. We sampled three varieties – Beef, Shrimp and Cheese and Onion – and all got the thumbs up. The dough was perfectly baked, golden brown and crisp on the outside yet slightly doughy and chewy soft on the inside. The fillings were flavorful and plenty and the accompanying pebre of tomato and avocado provided a nice freshness to each one, although you would easily enjoy them without it.

    ^ “Pino” filled with shredded short rib, onions, hard cooked eggs and green olives, given a sweet savory quality by the addition of golden raisins which was quite enjoyable. These brought back wonderful flavor memories of my grandmother’s signature pastelitos (a round version of an empanada).

    ^ “Camaron Queso” filled with prawns, three cheeses including cream cheese and Parmesan and spring onion, these were a real treat.

    ^ “Pequen”, the traditional Chilean empanada, filled with caramelized onions flavored with four types of chiles and Merquen, a traditional Chile spice. It was like a decadent French Onion Soup transformed into a doughy pastry.

    Choritos con Pebre
    A favorite of the night, steamed mussels in a flavorful broth with tomato, onion, bell pepper and cilantro.

Travel through food with Omni Hotels Destination Chile

Destination Chile: Entrees


The entrees offered something for everyone. The pescatarian, the vegetarian and the meat lovers all had something to rave about.

    Bacalao con Tomatican
    Not the typical “Chilean Sea Bass” i.e. Patagonian toothfish, as you’d expect, but rather cod similar to striped bass, perfectly seared. Braised tomato, sweet Zellwood yellow corn and cilantro salad served as a great accompaniment for this homerun of an entrée. The flavors all blended together brilliantly.

    Travel through food with Omni Hotels Destination Chile

    Costilla con Pure Picante
    Pork ribs slowly cooked in beer and palm honey, which made them indulgently sticky and messy to eat – as all BBQ ribs should be. Served with potato puree flavored with Chilean smoked chili pepper.

    Travel through food with Omni Hotels Destination Chile

    Quinnoto de Champinones con Pebre de Palta
    A dish which satisfied vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike, the golden Chilean quinoa slowly cooked as a risotto with roasted mushrooms and avocado was rich and decadent, without any guilt.

Travel through food with Omni Hotels Destination Chile

Destination Chile: Desserts

By the time sweets arrived, it is safe to say we were pleasantly stuffed. Thankfully these offered the opportunity to have a few bites to end the evening on a sweet note without the need to over-indulge.

Travel Through Food with Omni Hotels Destination Chile

    Tres Leches Cake
    Sponge cake soaked with three milks – whole milk, evaporated and condensed – topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberries. The dessert was lighter and not as sweet as traditional Tres Leches, which tends to be quite rich. After the meal we had, this was a good thing.

    Travel Through Food with Omni Hotels Destination Chile

    Arroz con Leche Y Salsa de Manjar
    A traditional comfort food treat in Latin American homes, the Arroz con Leche, made with short grain rice cooked with milk and cinnamon was given a Florida citrus twist with fresh oranges and a dollop of dulce de leche – or Manjar as this thick caramel paste is called in Chile. Although X., my authenticity checker, did not give this one a thumbs-up, I enjoyed the creamy texture and touch of citrus, and of course anything with dulce de leche is worth the calories. Did I say earlier we didn’t over-indulge in desserts? Who am I kidding?

    Travel Through Food with Omni Hotels Destination Chile

A Chilean dessert I hoped to see on this menu was Milhojas Cake, made of layers upon layers of puff pastry with dulce de leche sandwiched in between, it is one of my favorites. You can read why in this post.

Wines of Chile

Imagine the Atacama Desert to the north, the Andes Mountains to the east, the Patagonian ice fields to the south and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Picture yourself in this gorgeous winemaking paradise, tasting everything from sparkling brut, viognier, Sauvignon blanc and chardonnay, to Cabernet Sauvignon, syrah, Pinot noir and the national varietal, only found in Chile, Carmenere. Chilean wines are some of the most versatile and easy to pair with food, plus they offer great quality and value. Next time you’re in the wine store, pick up a few bottles. Certain to stand up to more expensive versions from Napa and Bordeaux.

Travel Through Food with Omni Hotels Destination Chile

Photo courtesy of Wines of Chile

Cesar Matus, Omni Orlando’s Director of Food and Beverage Outlets, introduced us to three beautifully paired selections, from the eleven wines featured in partnership with Wines of Chile.

    Vina Cono Sur Brut from Bio Bio Valley was crisp and bright with notes of green Granny Smith apples. You can never go wrong with bubbles, especially during this festive time of year. A versatile wine which pairs with everything on the menu, Vina Cono Sur is one of the few wine producers in Chile making sparkling brut of this quality.

    Vina Cono Sur Viognier “Bicicleta” from Colchagua Valley, Central Valley was aromatic with great structure to stand up to the varied flavors of the Chilean dishes. This winery has been a leader in sustainable Chilean winemaking, even using red and white spiders as part of its pest control practices. We learned the red spiders take care of pests, while the white spiders take care of the red spiders and then die off. A perfect circle of life allowing winemakers to avoid use of chemicals for pest control. A fact which was both fascinating and intimidating for those of us with arachnophobia. I will say, spiders won’t keep me from visiting Cono Sur when we travel to Chile. I wonder if riding bicycles around the vineyard is allowed?

    Travel Through Food with Omni Hotels Destination Chile

    Bisquert La Joya Syrah “Gran Reserva” from Colchagua Valley, Central Valley was elegantly inky with lots of black and red ripe fruit and balanced earthiness. I could have enjoyed this wine all night, lingering on every flavorful sip with dreams of travel to Chile on my mind. It was a nice pairing with all the entrees sampled.

Travel Through Food with Omni Hotels Destination Chile

Further showcasing the Chilean product, Omni Hotels will feature premium Chilean olive oil at every table. It’s good for you.

Travel Through Food with Omni Hotels Destination Chile

If Chile is on your Travel “Someday List”, check out ProChile and start planning your trip. While you do, stop by Omni Resorts for inspiration and to indulge your foodie wanderlust until you can #MakeSomedayHappen. The Destinacion Chile Flavors of the World menu is available at the upscale David’s Club. Reserve your table and I promise your taste buds will thank you for taking them on this fantastic South American culinary journey.

If you want to make a night of it, book the Destinacion Chile package including deluxe room accommodations, a bottle of Chilean wine, the traditional Chile spice Merquen and an empanada recipe card. For more information visit OmniHotels.com/Chile or call 1-800-The-Omni

Cheers!

GO Epicurista

Disclosure: We were invited guests of Omni Orlando Resort at Champions Gate for this media dinner. No other form of compensation was received. Opinions are my own, and as always, I only share with you culinary experiences worth celebrating.

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Filed Under: Go Travel & Dine Orlando Tagged With: #TasteChile, Omni Hotels; Chile; Travel, Wines of Chile

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About Christina Thomas

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

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Meet your Chief Epicurista

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

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Cheers to #NationalCocktailDay at Orlando’s OG D Cheers to #NationalCocktailDay at Orlando’s OG Dedicated Cocktail Bar! @thecourtesy in Winter Park!
The cocktail menu changes frequently but you can’t go wrong with any of them. Let the mixologists recommend a cocktail based on your spirit of choice. 
Here are a few favorites:
🥃 Tourist Season: American Whiskey, Pineapple Rum, Smoked Honey, Vango Tobacco Bitters (A tropical Old Fashioned!)
🍹 Deku Tree: Gin, Aloe, Midori, Lemon, Mint, Angostura, Honey (Refreshing melon gin cocktail!)
🍹 Daydreamer: Vodka, Spiced Cranberry, Lemon, Elderflower Tonic (Holiday in a glass!)
🥃 Rotating Clarified Milk Punch: Ask for the day’s creation!
🍸 Serious Delirium: Tequila, Averna, Chicory, Falernum, Orange Bitters, Foxtail Cold Brew (next-level espresso martini!) - not currently on menu but just ask for their current espresso cocktail
Also, don’t miss the fab @bar.swine bar bites!! Cheers to the weekend and to a great cocktail! What’s your drink of choice?
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Chocolate + Caramel + Choulala = Fabuleux. Absolum Chocolate + Caramel + Choulala = Fabuleux. Absolument Fabuleux! 💕
Stop by @choulalapastries in Winter Park & celebrate #NationalChocolateCaramelDay 
Isn’t this fabulous?
Here’s what we ordered:
🍫 Twix Bar Caramel: vanilla tart shell filled with caramel sauce & caramel pastry cream topped with chocolate glaze & edible gold flake! So decadent!
🍪 NEW: Caramel Turtle Chocolate Chip Cookie made with brown butter cookie dough with caramel bits, pecans & Hershey’s chocolate chips. @chefstephsteph did it again! It’s scrumptious!  C’est si bon! 
🍮 Crème Brûlée Choux Cream Puff: Their most popular signature pâte à chou dough filled with vanilla bean French pastry cream, topped with burnt caramel chantilly cream & gold sprinkles. Epic!
🍫 Dark Chocolate Macaron filled with rich dark chocolate ganache. Yum!
🥂 Pair your Choulala pastries with a glass of bubbles! They offer Prosecco and Sparkling Rose
⏰ Choulala Park Avenue is now open Tuesday - Sunday 
🍾 Happy Hour Tuesday-Friday offering half-priced bubbles, craft beers and floats from 7pm-9pm.
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Highlights of 3 Days in Portland, Oregon! As a P Highlights of 3 Days in Portland, Oregon! 
As a Portland girl living in Orlando, here are some favorite Must Eat, See & Do in PDX
✈️ @alaskaair non-stop @flymco MCO to PDX (7:20am - gorgeous sunrise!)
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🛞 @cartopiafoodcarts - OG Eastside PDX food cart pod since 2008! 
🥔 @potato_champion - best fries & poutine! Get the housemade mushroom gravy and don’t skip the sauces on your fries. Curry ketchup is 😘 
🇬🇷 @tahrirsquarepdx - Eat Like An Egyptian!  OG cart! We got the mezze and grilled salmon. So good!
🚗 Rent car from @drivekyte - super easy, great service, deliver & pick up car to your location! My first time using and loved it! DM for discount code. 
What To Do between meals: 
🌁 Drive around & take in the views! lots to see. Unique architecture, gorgeous mountains & all the bridges into downtown are so cool!
🏃🏻‍♀️ Hike Mt. Tabor or Forest Park (largest urban forest!)
🚶🏻‍♀️ Walk around artsy neighborhoods & check out @pdxstreetart 
📕 Visit @powellsbooks largest independent bookstore in the country
📍 Next: road trip to @traveldundee wine tasting in Willamette Valley!
Follow @goepicurista & #MakeSomedayHappen
Tagged some of my favorite PDX creators. I always try new spots when I come back to visit family thanks to them! And 💕 Thanks @tastecooksip for being a great travel partner
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Happy St. Patrick’s Day! ☘️ The Mighty St. P Happy St. Patrick’s Day! ☘️ The Mighty St. Patrick’s Day Festival at @raglanroadpub in @disneysprings is my favorite spot in Orlando to celebrate all weekend long! Here are 17 of my Must Eat & Drink items on the menu I always recommend. The fantastic entertainment with Raglan Road Dancers and musicians straight from Ireland only adds to the ‘craic’! 
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☘️ NOM NOM WINGS: Sweet ‘n’ spicy wings in honey, chili flake, soy & ginger sauce
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Braised and pulled beef & lamb with root vegetables in a rich red wine jus with Irish peat smoked mashed potato
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☘️ FLUFFY LEMON CLOUDS: Intense lemon curd tart with fluffy meringue
BRUNCH (SAT & SUN)
☘️ IT’S OK TO DROOL: Ger’s Bread & Butter pudding French toast style with vanilla mascarpone, mixed berries, hazelnut crunch, crispy maple glazed bacon
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☘️ IRISH ESPRESSO MARTINI: Slane Irish Whiskey, J.F. Hadens espresso liqueur,
Guinness simple syrup, chilled espresso
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Sláinte!
Go #MakeSomedayHappen
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❤️ 🔥 The Signature Donut with the logo disc on top features blood orange glaze, champagne sabayon & S&D meringue.
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#GoEpicOrlando #TheMilkDistrict #SmokeandDonuts #LoveOrlando
“You do not find a happy life, you make it!” “You do not find a happy life, you make it!” 
I spent one of the best days ever at Discovery Cove! It was my first visit to this one-of-a-kind, all-inclusive, tropical day resort in Orlando, and it won’t be my last! I’m planning a return soon because they have a fantastic special happening now! (See below)
Admission includes: 
🍽️ Unlimited Buffet Breakfast, Lunch & Snacks
🍹 Unlimited Beer & Wine, (add the Premium Drink Package for $40!)
🤿 Swim & snorkel with rays & tropical fish
🐦 Hand-feed exotic birds
🏊‍♀️ Drift along the Wind-Away River
🏖️ Relax on sandy beaches
😎 Chill in the sand-bottom pool with drink in hand (we did this most of the day!) it was glorious!
🚿 Wetsuits, masks, snorkel, lockers, & showers 
🐬 Swim with dolphins experience (for additional fee)
Stay tuned for more about the delicious new Caribbean menu and cocktails at Hibiscus Hideaway & Blue Bamboo Bar, all-new food and beverage outlets. I was very impressed with their Food & Beverage program. 
Highly recommend this experience for locals and visitors. The entire day felt like a true vacation! 
💥 Limited time offer: Florida residents save 30% on their 2023 visits and out of state guests save 20% on a Signature Dolphin Swim Package. You can visit anytime in 2023 based on availability but must book by 3/12/23. Options for packages with admission to @seaworldorlando @aquaticaorlando & @bushgardenstampa available 
Go #MakeSomedayHappen 
(hosted) @DiscoveryCove 
#GoEpicOrlando #DiscoveryCove #LoveOrlando
Orlando’s OG Coffee Shop is Back! Where are you Orlando’s OG Coffee Shop is Back! Where are you getting your caffeine & brunch fix this weekend?
@barniescoffeeandtea flagship cafe in Park Avenue, Winter Park has now re-opened with a brighter modern look, new breakfast, lunch & brunch menu, and new coffee blends. Go check it out! 
I was invited to a preview and loved doing a coffee tasting of 4 blends with Christian, Barnie’s head coffee roaster. My favorite was the Guatemala Gehsa with citrus, cocoa nibs and orange blossom notes. We also sampled new menu items. Don’t miss the Shakshuka & the Popovers!
Here’s what we sampled:
☕️ Coffee:
✨Barnie’s Cafe Blend
✨Guatemala Gehsa
✨Birthday Cake Batter (notes of vanilla sprinkles)
✨UCF Pegasus Blend (notes of chocolate & caramel!) yum! 
> I couldn’t resist getting a latte even though it was 6pm! 🤣 Barista Renata did a fab vanilla latte! 
🍳 Breakfast:
✨ Signature Popovers
✨French Toast with fresh truit
✨Shakshuka with poached egg
✨Seasonal Quiche
🥪 Lunch:
✨Cuban Sandwich
✨Roasted BeetSalad
Did you know Barnie’s is Orlando’s original coffee shop? It opened right here in Winter Park in 1980!
Go support local! #MakeSomedayHappen 
#GoEpicOrlando #LoveOrlando #barniescoffeeandtea #orlandocoffee
Hey Orlando Foodies, @orlandocitysc and @orlpride Hey Orlando Foodies, @orlandocitysc and @orlpride games at @exploriastadium just got a whole lot tastier!
Five #OrlandoMade local restaurants are now permanent concessions vendors so you can tame your hunger with the best local tacos, hot dogs, BBQ, Chicken & Burgers in Orlando! 
Thank you Exploria Stadium for inviting me to the media preview. Can’t wait to go cheer on our 2022 US Open Champions at the season opener this Saturday!
Here’s a preview of what we sampled: 
🌮 BLACK ROOSTER TAQUERIA - Chicken Tinga Taco on Flour Tortilla, w. lettuce, radish, cotija cheese, cilantro. Love those tacos! It was nice to see owner Juliana Calloway and Chief Tasting Officer Ryder Calloway dancing! 🕺🏻 @blkroostertaco 🙌🏼
📍 The Wall / Section 24
🌭 HARRELL’S HOT DOGS - Orlando City Stadium Dog features a Nathan’s Hot Dog topped with House Red Onion Sauce, Sauerkraut & Sport Peppers and finished with a Spicy Brown Mustard. Nice to meet owners Drew & David Cardaci! @_whats.up.dog_ 🙌🏼
📍 Section 30
🍖 4 RIVERS SMOKEHOUSE - Orlando’s favorite Pulled Pork Sandwich! Didn’t get to see owner John Rivers did you know you can now pick up 4R sauces & spices at Publix?! @4riverssmokehouse 🙌🏼
📍 Section 31
🐓 THE COOP by 4Rivers - Hand-breaded Chicken Tenders with 4R BBQ sauce @thecoop_wp 🙌🏼
📍 Section 9
🍔 TEAK NEIGHBORHOOD GRILL - Drunken Monk Burger with Smoked Bacon, Provolone Cheese, Roasted Cherry Tomotoes, house-made Angry Orchard Onion Jam, on Herb Mayo & Melted White Cheddor on a Pretzel Bun with Teak Chips. Best Burger in Orlando!  It was so nice to meet owner Jon Proechel after all these years of being a fan of their epic burgers! @teakneighborhoodgrill 🙌🏼
📍 Section 18
🍹MANE-GO MARGARITA - In The Wild Margarita with @camarenatequila - super tasty! 
⭐️ FYI - A Rotating Vendor Cart will feature @cholodogs & @sushieatstation among others 
⚽️ Will you be at the season opener this Saturday? 
#VamosOrlando Let’s Go! #ManEveryWall 💜 
Hosted #GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #ThingsToDoinOrlando
Happy #NationalMargaritaDay 🎉 This is “NOT E Happy #NationalMargaritaDay 🎉
This is “NOT EVERYONE’S MARGARITA” -  But it is mine! Made with Vida Mezcal, Cuervo Traditional Plata Tequila, Jalapeño, Creme de Mure, House Sour, & Black Salt. Epic! 
📍 Go get yours at @paddlefishorl in @disneysprings
Cheers! 
#GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #DisneySprings
Hey Wine Lovers, I almost missed it’s #NationalD Hey Wine Lovers, I almost missed it’s #NationalDrinkWineDay 🥂
Here’s my 3 Favorite Wine Bars in Orlando: 
🍷 @quantumleapwinery - Orlando’s only sustainable winery & cidery, located in Mills 50 District. Try Kaley’s Rescue Red Blend & don’t miss the @thetastytrio “Wine, Cheese & Chocolate”events. 
🍷 @viniawinekitchen - fantastic boutique wines & Italian / Brazilian shareable plates in a charming intimate setting, located in Winter Park. Be sure to ask owner Fabio for his recommendations! 
🍷 @winebargeorge - Orlando’s only Master Sommelier owned restaurant with over 160 wines by the glass, bottle & ounce, located in Disney Springs. Say hi to somm genius George Miliotes and don’t miss their fab boards & wines from around the globe! 
Go #MakeSomedayHappen 
#GoEpicOrlando #OrlandoWine #loveOrlando
Don’t miss “Eat Ice Cream For Breakfast Day” Don’t miss “Eat Ice Cream For Breakfast Day” on Saturday 2/18! 
@kellyshomemadeicecream has created special breakfast-themed ice cream flavors for this annual International Childhood Cancer Awareness event
Order a cup, cone or shake or better yet, get an Ice Cream Flight & try all four! 
🥞 Blueberry Pancake (My favorite!)
🥣 Breakfast Buddies
🥓 Maple Bourbon Bacon
💥 Cinnamon Crunch
🗓️ When: Saturday February 18th, 9am-11am
📍 Where: All Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream Scoop Shops and participating Counters 
💰 50% of sales during breakfast will be donated to @gktwvillage 
🍦 “Eat Ice Cream For Breakfast Day” was created in 2013 in honor of Malia Grace, by her mom and aunt after she lost her battle with cancer in 2010. Malia Grace loved ice cream and her family wanted to commemorate her birthday, 2/18, in a way that would be fitting for her. During her wish trip at Give Kids The World, she had the opportunity to eat ice cream for breakfast and it was a highlight of the family’s experience. 
🌎 Give Kids The World Village is an 89-acre, whimsical nonprofit in Central Florida that provides critically ill children and their families with magical week-long wish vacations at no cost. Every wish family is treated to accommodations, transportation, donated theme park tickets, all meals and snacks, nightly entertainment, and more. Since 1986, Give Kids The World has welcomed more than 182,000 families from all 50 states and 76 countries.
Stop by Kelly’s and pick up these awesome flavors! But, regardless of where you are, Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast in honor of Malia, and raise awareness for those who battle childhood cancer. 💛
#GoEpicOrlando #eaticecreamforbreakfastday #kellyshomemadeicecream #kellysicecream #orlandoicecream
Happy Valentine’s Day! ♥️ Add a little fire Happy Valentine’s Day! ♥️ Add a little fire & passion to your life, head to @gideonsbakehouse for their Eternal Flame Cookie & Cake. They are 🔥in the best way!
🍰 Eternal Flame Cake is a 3-Layer Double Frosted Chocolate work of art! Red Cherry Buttercream layers and Chocolate Fudge Buttercream mixed with a bit of that Eternal Flame spice on the outer layer. Not too spicy and absolutely decadent! Pair it with a nice bold red wine!
🍪 Eternal Flame Chocolate Cookie packs a nice kick laced with house-made Ancho, Cayenne, and Cinnamon Spice Mix, infused with a magical essence of cherry and topped with Chocolate Covered Cherries. 
❤️ For a limited time, a special version of the Eternal Flame cookie without the spice mix is available too! (Check Gideon’s IG for details)
📍 Available only in February at Gideon’s in East End Market & Disney Springs
Go celebrate with the best cookies and cakes on the planet!
#MakeSomedayHappen #GoEpicOrlando #GideonsBakehouse #DisneySprings #ValentinesDayTreat
For The Love of Chocolate… stop by @peterbrookew For The Love of Chocolate… stop by @peterbrookewp and pick up the best treats for your sweetie and besties 💕
A few of my favorites: 
🍓 Chocolate Covered Strawberries (require advanced order)
❤️ “Jami Choo’s” Chocolate Shoes
💋 Assorted Truffles (loved the red lips!)
♥️ Chocolate Covered Popcorn! 
💖 Baskets with a variety of treats! (Don’t miss the Chocolate Covered Oreos, Cat Tails & Cookies)
☎️ Call the shop to reserve a basket for quick pick up at (407) 644-3200. They’re open regular hours today & 7AM -11:15PM on Valentine’s Day!
🍓 Thank you to Peterbrooke’s creative Cupid chocolatiers for these gorgeous berries! 
#GoEpicOrlando #PeterbrookeWP #winterparkfl
Bon jour! Bon soir, enchante! 💕 The perfect way Bon jour! Bon soir, enchante! 💕 The perfect way to celebrate Galentine’s Day & Valentine’s Day is with the best French pastries in Orlando! 
Thank you @chefstephsteph for these epic @choulalapastries 💕
Pre-order and pick up at either Choulala Park Avenue and 436 location! You’re going to want to get all of this! 
VALENTINE’S DAY DESSERT BOX!
Chef Steph created an epic gourmet assortment of Valentine’s Day delights perfect to share:
💋 (1) Lychee Rose French Kiss Entremet
♥️ (2) Conversation Heart Vanilla Macarons
💝 (2) Crème Brûlée Choux Cream Puffs!
“I LOVE CHOU” BOX includes:
❤️ Passion Fruit, Raspberry & Crème Brûlée Choux Cream Puffs
♥️ Red Velvet, Lavender & Conversation Heart Macaron
❤️ Strawberry Eclair
I also picked up these gorgeous heart shaped entremets:
💜 Exotique: Passion Fruit & Coconut 
💖 Sweeties: Strawberry & Chocolate Brownie
Go enjoy the sweetest Galentine’s & Valentine’s Day #MakeSomedayHappen 
📍Choulala Park Avenue is open regular hours Saturday & Sunday, closed Mon, but will open special hours on V-Day Tuesday 11a-8p.
📍Choulala 436 open regular hours including 10-5pm V- Day
(Hosted) #GoEpicOrlando #BlissfulBite #ChoulalaPastries #Galentines #ValentinesTreats
It’s #NationalPizzaDay but all I’m thinking ab It’s #NationalPizzaDay but all I’m thinking about is Hot Garlic Knots from @official_pizza_bruno 
Have you tried these?  They are a #MustEat in Orlando!
Look for the lit “Hot Knots Now!” sign! 🔥 And, when you think there isn’t enough garlic... there’s more! 🧄 🍕 
Go get some!
#GoEpicOrlando #OrlandoFoodie #MakeSomedayHappen
💜 Feeling the lavender haze... One of my favori 💜 Feeling the lavender haze... One of my favorite foodie experiences of 2022 was dining at Salt & The Cellar by Michelin Chef Akira Back and spending the night at the new @ettehotel - a gorgeous boutique hotel with impeccable attention to detail! I even got to meet @chefakiraback 
So excited I’m going back tonight to check out their new Lipa Rooftop Bar & Restaurant and have reservations for Afternoon Tea next month! 
Add a visit to ette hotel to your Foodie Bucket List for 2023! 
A few favorites from my last visit:
🍸 Fantastic Zero-Proof Cocktails by @jarldevries: It’s Dry January all year long! Featured first is The Kraken, a gorgeous purple cocktail made with Butterfly Pea Flower Tea & Champagne Vinegar
✨ Toro Tartare: A gorgeous board with fatty tuna and accompaniments
✨ Akira Back Tuna Pizza: his famous dish is a Must Eat! 
✨ Spinach Oshitashi Salad: the most gorgeous salad I’ve ever seen! 
✨ NY Strip with Wasabi Kizami Butter, Chimichurri Sauce, & choice of gourmet salts. Amazing! Loved that Espresso salt
✨ Miso Black Cod, yuzu air, pickled cauliflower 
✨ Togarashi Fries & Kimchi Brussels
✨ Dessert: Yuzu Curd and Chocolate in a Cup
☕️ “Where The Cloud Ends” Zero-Proof espresso martini with Yuzu Tonic, Lemon Cordial, Espresso, 0% Coffee Liquor
💜 The lobby decor with lavender and green touches was dreamy.
🧺 They have a Laundry Museum! 
📕 The Book Room features incredible books. The giant picture book requires gloves to review as it is one of a few in the world! 
The hotel is focused on wellness and offers Wellness Suites completely equipped with a full gym! 
Make plans to dine at @saltandthecellarbyakiraback and stay at @ettehotel and GO #MakeSomedayHappen
(Hosted) #GoEpicOrlando #ettehotel #saltandthecellarbyakiraback #experiencekissimmee #LoveOrlando
Don’t let the casual vibe at @jujubysusuru fool Don’t let the casual vibe at @jujubysusuru fool you. The Kappo Bar Omakase experience with Chef Lewis Lin is out of this world (& Michelin-worthy!)
“irasshaimase / come in!” is what you hear first upon entering this revamped Pizza Hut building off Colonial Drive. Everyone is welcome at Juju, one of Orlando’s newest restaurants and one that belongs on every #OrlandoFoodie bucket list! 
I was invited to experience their Kappo Bar and it checked all the boxes for a truly amazing #MakeSomedayHappen experience.
The retro Japanese izakaya-style restaurant serves up a 10-course menu at the bar and a more casual a la carte menu in the dining room. 
Omakase menu changes regularly but always features the five primary cooking techniques (grilling, steaming, frying, simmering, and raw) using local and imported ingredients, in-house dry-aged fish, and binchotan charcoal-fired dishes. Everything is prepared right in front of you for an immersive experience.
And, Don’t miss the fun cocktails! I loved “That Old Pizza Hut” was like an orange creamsicle with Suntory Toki Whiskey served in a Pizza Hut cup! 
Make reservations and go check this Orlando restaurant off your bucket list.
Thank you Chef Lewis and Mai for your outstanding hospitality. I’ll be coming back soon!
(Hosted) #GoEpicOrlando #LoveOrlando #omakase
Hello 2023! Why start the year on a diet? My new y Hello 2023! Why start the year on a diet? My new year’s resolution is to focus on self-care.  Eating healthy and exercising, sure. But also treating myself to more @gideonsbakehouse cookies, cakes & cold brews. Who’s with me? What will you treat yourself with this year?
You want something. Go Get It. Period!
This was my last purchase of 12/31/22... I wanted to start 2023 on a sweet note!
What if my 2023 resolution is to visit Gideon’s every month for their awesome limited-edition treats? 
I think that’s a resolution I can keep!  January’s Butterscotch flavors sound to die for.
Did you hear? The epic Banana Bread Chocolate Chip cookie is now part of the permanent lineup. While the Coffee Cake is my all-time favorite, this one is in the top 3! And, the original Peanut Butter Cold Brew is a must pairing.
What resolution will you set today? Go #MakeSomedayHappen 🎉 Happy New Year everyone!
#GoEpicOrlando #2023resolutions #GideonsBakehouse #DisneySprings
Happy New Year 2023! 🎉 We had a fun and very ch Happy New Year 2023! 🎉 We had a fun and very chill night at @disneysprings. How about you?
I love Progressive Dining and Disney Springs has plenty of options. We just get a spot at the bar and order a drink and a fun bite. Then move on to the next spot. So easy! No reservations required! 
🦀 1st Stop: @paddlefishorl 
Steak Skewers
Crab Topped Fries 
Larceny Old Fashioned 
Capt Handsome - Cathead Vodka & Raspberry 
Mayan Empress - Santa Teresa Añejo Rum, pineapple
🍰 2nd Stop: @homecominfl 
Espresso Martini 
Carrot Cake 
☘️ 3rd Stop: @raglanroadpub 
Great entertainment! 
@guinnessus 
Great Irish Hooley Cocktail - so refreshing with strawberries & Prosecco 
🍪 Not pictured: we managed a stop at @gideonsbakehouse to pick up treats to start the new year!!! (They had a 2 second brief moment with no line around 11pm! I could not resist! I picked up a Banana Bread Chocolate Chip cookie which is now part of the year-round line up! I also got a slice of Golden Oreo cake and a PB Cold Brew to enjoy today! Starting 2023 off right… and not a diet 😂
We went early, had a great time and got home in time to watch the ball drop!!! 🎉
Wishing you all happiness and lots of delicious treats in 2023! 
#GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #DisneySprings
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