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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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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.⠀
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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
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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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