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Southern Dishes by Julie Petrakis Featured in Suite Meals by Club Wyndham

By Christina Thomas Leave a Comment

Southern Recipes by Chef Julie Petrakis bring a Taste of Orlando for Suite Meals by Club Wyndham

Recipes for Easy Entertaining with a Taste of Orlando featured at Club Wyndham

Exploring the local food scene is a big draw when you’re on vacation. And while Orlando remains theme park capital of the world, it has also become a foodie destination. Club Wyndham, the world’s largest vacation club with more than 100 resorts around the world, one of which is located steps away from Walt Disney World Resort, recognized this. I was thrilled to see they enlisted award-winning Orlando chef Julie Petrakis as one of three chefs nationwide to help launch their Suite Meals by Club Wyndham™ program. She is one of the women chef’s who rock Orlando’s food scene.

I’m grateful Club Wyndham shared the recipes with us during an intimate media preview. I’m sharing them with you below because they are perfect for Easy Entertaining at home to get you excited for your trip to Orlando.

Southern Recipes by Chef Julie Petrakis bring a Taste of Orlando for Suite Meals by Club Wyndham
Chef Julie Petrakis and her Florida Farmer’s Salad for Suite Meals by Club Wyndham

What is Suite Meals by Club Wyndham?

The digital culinary series features destination-inspired, simple and delicious recipes that travelers can recreate while exploring a new city. Families can prepare these dishes right in their vacation club suite, following the recipes crafted by James Beard Award nominated chef Julie Petrakis from Orlando, Florida; Portland’s Chef of the Year Karl Holl from Oregon, and junior chef Gabriel Paredes from Austin, Texas.

“Club Wyndham is all about inspiring families to live their travel bucket list, and trying new flavors is a big part of discovering a new city,” said Lori Gustafson, SVP of Brand Strategy for Wyndham Destinations. “This new culinary series combines the first-hand, local experiences our vacation club members crave when exploring a new destination, while embracing the digital-first environment our travelers live in.”

Having a fully-equipped kitchen is one of the top amenities guests enjoy about their vacation club membership. In fact, sixty-five per cent of club members cook while on vacation.

With a dedicated, mobile-first website featuring the chefs’ recipes, how-to videos and gorgeous photography of the final dishes, along with in-suite recipe cards, guests will be able to recreate the featured dishes at Club Wyndham Austin, WorldMark – Portland Waterfront Park and Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort.

Vacation club suites at Club Wyndham resorts offer spacious condo-style accommodations, featuring separate living and dining areas, bedrooms, and kitchens or kitchenettes, equipped with all the tools needed to whip up a quick meal before setting out to explore. The Suite Meals by Club Wyndham recipes were crafted using local ingredients and all of the kitchen tools that are available in vacation club suites, ensuring travelers have everything needed to create a chef-approved dish. 

Southern Recipes by Chef Julie Petrakis bring a Taste of Orlando for Suite Meals by Club Wyndham

Experience A Taste of Orlando

Chef Julie’s three exclusive recipes are inspired by Floridian flavors. They are takes on popular dishes featured on her restaurant menus but made approachable for home cooking. Perfect for Easy Entertaining at home and for cooking in your vacation suite.

The recipes are easy to prepare and full of flavor. Plus, they will appeal to all age groups, including the grandparents and kids, because after all, a vacation at Club Wyndham is a family affair.

Southern Recipes by Chef Julie Petrakis bring a Taste of Orlando for Suite Meals by Club Wyndham
Chef Julie Petrakis shares her popular Shrimp & Grits Recipe

A simple Southern Breakfast Sandwich is taken to the next level with Pimento Cheese. Florida Style Shrimp & Grits is a Southern favorite dressed up with Florida shrimp and savory sausage. The Florida Farmer’s Salad puts the outdoor grill to good use with marinate pork chops and charred corn.

Pair them with a bottle of bubbles, crisp refreshing wines and craft beers and they are perfect for brunch.

Southern Recipes by Chef Julie Petrakis bring a Taste of Orlando for Suite Meals by Club Wyndham
Easy Entertaining Pro-Tip: Bubbles turn any recipe into an instant brunch! And champagne pairs with every dish!

About Chef Julie Petrakis

Chef Julie Petrakis is at the forefront of Orlando’s growing food movement. Together with her husband Chef James Petrakis, they’ve played a key role in Orlando’s culinary scene transformation. With numerous accolades including five James Beard nominations, a stop at their restaurants is not only a favorite for locals, it’s a must for any Orlando visitor.

The Ravenous Pig, an award-winning American Gastropub opened in 2007. Cask & Larder, a Southern Public House featuring seasonal ingredients opened in 2012 and relocated to Orlando’s International Airport in 2016. The Polite Pig, a fast-casual concept in Disney Springs combining local Florida flavors with wood-fired, smoked modern barbecue opened in 2017. Their newest venture is The Ravenous Pig Brewing Company, a 3,000 square foot facility that will produce namesake brews, available at both The Ravenous Pig, The Polite Pig and Cask & Larder opened in 2019. A beer garden is on the horizon for 2020.

Southern Recipes by Chef Julie Petrakis bring a Taste of Orlando for Suite Meals by Club Wyndham

With her recipes at Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort, Petrakis aimed to provide family-friendly dishes that everyone can enjoy while taking a break from a busy day at the theme parks. The mom of two young boys knows all about feeding the family quickly without sacrificing flavor. Living in Florida, the grill is their best friend. Any type of grilled meat or seafood and colorful salad, like their Florida Salad is her go-to for easy entertaining on the fly.

Southern Recipes by Chef Julie Petrakis bring a Taste of Orlando for Suite Meals by Club Wyndham
The Ravenous Pig “Seasons of Florida” Cookbook by Chef James and Julie Petrakis is a must for every foodie!

Southern Breakfast Sandwich Recipe

The Southern Breakfast Sandwich is so easy to make and quite addictive. I confess I’ve made it several times since I got this recipe! The use of Pawley’s Island Palmetto Cheese™ from South Carolina takes it to the next level. Because if you can’t make your own, as they do at The Ravenous Pig, then this is the next best alternative. Made with Wisconsin sharp cheddar cheese, it has the texture and flavor you’d expect in a homemade pimento cheese recipe. And the best part, it’s available at local grocery stores like Publix and also on Amazon.

Southern Recipes by Chef Julie Petrakis bring a Taste of Orlando for Suite Meals by Club Wyndham
Southern Recipes by Chef Julie Petrakis bring a Taste of Orlando for Suite Meals by Club Wyndham
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Southern Breakfast Sandwich

Easy breakfast sandwich recipe with a Southern touch by award winning chef Julie Petrakis of The Ravenous Pig. Created especially for Suite Meals by Club Wyndham.

Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: Southern
Keyword: Breakfast Sandwich
Servings: 6
Author: Chef Julie Petrakis for Club Wyndham
Ingredients
  • 6 English muffins
  • 6 slices bacon
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups arugula
  • 1 tbsp. water
  • Pimento cheese spread
  • Extra-virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
Instructions
  1. Heat non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook bacon until crisp, then drain on a paper towel.
  2. Split English muffins in half and toast until golden. Spread both halves of toasted muffins with pimento cheese. Chef Tip: Try Pawley’s Island.

  3. In a bowl, whisk eggs with water, salt, and pepper. Return cleaned pan to heat. Once hot, add 1 tbsp. olive oil, pour in the egg mixture, and immediately swirl to coat the entire bottom of pan. Cook for about 1 minute or until set. Loosen edges and flip cooked egg round onto cutting board. Allow to cool slightly, then cut into 6 wedges.
  4. Place a folded egg slice on the muffin, top with crispy bacon and arugula, then close the sandwich. Slice in half and enjoy.
Southern Recipes by Chef Julie Petrakis bring a Taste of Orlando for Suite Meals by Club Wyndham
I made this Southern Breakfast Sandwich at home using Chef Julie’s easy recipe and sat by the pool – pretending I was vacationing at Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek in Orlando!
Southern Recipes by Chef Julie Petrakis bring a Taste of Orlando for Suite Meals by Club Wyndham
This may be a breakfast sandwich but pair with bubbles and you have an instant brunch dish! After all, you’re on vacation (or can pretend to be!)

Florida Farmer’s Salad Recipe

The Florida Farmer’s Salad uses every Floridian’s favorite kitchen appliance, the grill! Luckily Club Wyndham guests have access to outdoor grills so they can feel right at home. This salad features a host of colorful ingredients but don’t sweat it if you have to improvise and replace a few ingredients. They key is get yourself in season veggies.

Southern Recipes by Chef Julie Petrakis bring a Taste of Orlando for Suite Meals by Club Wyndham
Florida Farmer’s Salad pairs nicely with local craft beer or glass of rose
Southern Recipes by Chef Julie Petrakis bring a Taste of Orlando for Suite Meals by Club Wyndham
Print
Florida Farmer’s Salad

Grilled Pork chops marinated with honey Dijon vinaigrette with colorful salad veggies make a perfect Florida lunch, brunch or dinner entree. Recipe by Chef Julie Petrakis of The Ravenous Pig. Created especially for Suite Meals by Club Wyndham.

Course: Salad
Cuisine: Southern
Servings: 6
Author: Chef Julie Petrakis for Club Wyndham
Ingredients
  • 4 each boneless, center cut pork chops
  • 1 bottle Honey Dijon vinaigrette
  • 2 each ears of corn
  • 6 cups baby kale
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes
  • 2 each ripe avocados
  • 2 each large hard-boiled eggs
  • 2 each bacon slices
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Coat pork chops with 2 cups of vinaigrette and marinate for 2 hours.

  2. Heat non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook bacon until crisp, let it cool, then crumble into small pieces.

  3. Shuck and clean corn ears, cut grape tomatoes in half and slice avocados and hard-boiled eggs.

  4. Heat grill to medium-high. Drain pork from marinade and pat dry. Toss corn cobs with olive oil, salt and pepper.

  5. Oil grill grates and grill pork chops 5-7 minutes per side, until juices run clear. At the same time, grill corn until slightly charred, about 5 minutes.

  6. Remove pork from grill and allow to rest at least 8 minutes. Cut kernels from corn cobb and slice the pork.

  7. To assemble the salad, arrange kale, tomatoes, avocados, eggs, bacon, feta, charred corn and sliced pork on a large platter. Serve with remaining vinaigrette.

Southern Recipes by Chef Julie Petrakis bring a Taste of Orlando for Suite Meals by Club Wyndham

Pair this fresh salad with a local craft beer like Ravenous Pig Brewing Company Saison du Cochon, a Belgian style farmhouse ale.

Southern Recipes by Chef Julie Petrakis bring a Taste of Orlando for Suite Meals by Club Wyndham

Florida-Style Shrimp & Grits Recipe

Florida-Style Shrimp & Grits is the most Southern dish there is. In fact, it’s one of the most popular dishes at The Ravenous Pig. The secret pro-tip from Chef Julie, don’t skimp on the bacon fat and cheese in the grits. You can also make grits the day before if you’re short on time. Lastly, the sausage oil rendering is what takes this dish to award-winning status.

Southern Recipes by Chef Julie Petrakis bring a Taste of Orlando for Suite Meals by Club Wyndham
Florida Shrimp & Grits by Chef Julie Petrakis. Pair it with a crisp white Albarino.
Southern Recipes by Chef Julie Petrakis bring a Taste of Orlando for Suite Meals by Club Wyndham
Print
Florida-Style Shrimp & Grits

A Southern favorite dressed up with Florida Shrimp style shrimp and savory sausage, corn, tomatoes, goat cheese grits topped with chives by Chef Julie Petrakis of The Ravenous Pig. Created especially for Suite Meals by Club Wyndham.

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Southern
Servings: 6
Author: Chef Julie Petrakis for Club Wyndham
Ingredients
  • 1.5 lbs raw, peeled and deveined shrimp
  • 8 oz Andouille sausage
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 1 cup coarse-ground corn grits
  • 1 cup fresh corn kernels
  • 1 cup halved grape tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • salt and pepper
Instructions
  1. Bring cream and stock to a boil in a large saucepan over high heat. Add grits slowly, whisking vigorously. Cook, whisking frequently, about 10 minutes until grits are tender.

  2. Heat 1 tsp olive oil in large saute pan over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and cook 3-5 minutes until warmed and slightly crispy. Remove sausage from pan with slotted spoon, then pour all but 1 tbsp of the cooking oil in a bowl to reserve.

  3. Return saute pan to medium-high heat. Add shrimp, corn and tomatoes. Saute until shrimp are just barely opaque, then add cooked sausage.

  4. Whisk goat cheese and reserved sausage cooking oil into the warm grits. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  5. In each bowl, spoon shrimp mixture over grits, top with chopped chives and enjoy.

About Club Wyndham

Club Wyndham is the flagship vacation ownership brand in the Wyndham Destinations portfolio, the world’s largest vacation ownership and exchange company. From the busy streets of the Big Apple to the calming shores of Hawaii, Club Wyndham owners have access to more than 200 resorts to unlock new cities, new experiences and new destinations. Club Wyndham lets travelers spark their sense of adventure with spacious resort suites featuring the comforts of home, including fully equipped kitchens, separate living and dining areas, and separate bedrooms, plus resort amenities and quality service. Wander across town, across the country or across the ocean – no matter what’s on your travel bucket list, Club Wyndham offers the chance to live it. All Club Wyndham resorts participate in Wyndham Rewards, the number one hotel rewards program as named by readers of USA TODAY with more than 30,000 hotels, vacation club resorts and vacation rentals globally.

Southern Recipes by Chef Julie Petrakis bring a Taste of Orlando for Suite Meals by Club Wyndham
Guest Room at Club Wyndham at Bonnet Creek in Orlando

For more information, visit ClubWyndham.com. Follow on Twitter @ClubWyndham; Facebook @ClubWyndham; and Instagram @ClubWyndham. 

Southern Recipes by Chef Julie Petrakis bring a Taste of Orlando for Suite Meals by Club Wyndham
Take the vacation home!

I hope you’re inspired to go #MakeSomedayHappen one delicious bite, sip and trip at a time! Book that vacation, get friends together and prepare the meals at home. These recipes are great for a Florida themed brunch. Whatever you do, just go do it! And don’t forget to share. Tag me @GoEpicurista and let’s celebrate checking off our “someday” list experiences together!

Cheers!

Go Epicurista

Disclosure: I have been hosted as a media guest for promotional purposes. I am under no obligation to share this post. As always, all opinions are my own. I only share with you products and experiences I love to inspire you to safely get together with family and friends, celebrate life, and go #MakeSomedayHappen one delicious bite, sip, and trip at a time!  You can read more about my guidelines in my disclosure policy. Cheers!

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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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💜 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
And with that… 2022 comes to an end. 🎉 What a And with that… 2022 comes to an end. 🎉 What a delicious year it has been! 
⭐️ Orlando got @michelinguide recognition and some amazing new restaurants. I haven’t tried them all so I have a great list to check off in 2023, but these made my 2022 favorite list: 
@fsorlando Capa Steakhouse got a Michelin Star!
@ettehotel @saltandthecellarbyakiraback fabulous vibe, food & zero proof cocktails 
@doshiorlando Must Eat Korean fine dining! 
@edoboy Orlando’s first standing sushi bar! 
@kaya.orlando Phenomenal Filipino fine dining! 
@avamediterraegean best Winter Park vibe! 
@fourflamingosorl - so good I went 3 times! (bonus I got to meet @richardblais 🎉)
✈️ I visited my home state of Oregon a few times and enjoyed my Portland favorites as well as discovered new ones! 
@hubers.portland.or best Spanish Coffee
@bluestardonuts best bougie donuts 
@pipsoriginal best mini donuts & chai
@havl_restaurant  amazing noodle soups 
Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm 
🚢 Went on my first @norwegiancruiseline Prima inaugural cruise with @thetravelbite & had fantastic bites! The @Moet Bar at the private island was awesome! 🥂
💫 Orlando favorites continued to shine bright! 
☘️ @raglanroadpub Hooley & Mighty Irish Festivals always fun!!
🍸 @thecourtesy reopened in Winter Park with @bar.swine - superb!😘 
🍽️ @walforforlando @signiabonnetcreek Epicurious Event featuring La Luce, Bull & Bear, Zeta Asia (great foodie staycation) 
🍴@cariberoyaleorlando revamped The Venetian Chop House
🍾 @ritzcarltonorlando & @jwmorlando epic Michelin Curated Weekend (great foodie staycation) 
🍷 @viniawinekitchen continued their popular Fabio’s Table 
🍬 @choulalapastries Twix Bar & seasonal treats & flights!
🍖 @smokemademeats awesome BBQ pop-ups (if you haven’t tried Tyler’s brisket you’re missing out!)
🍪 @gideonsbakehouse best cookies, cakes & cold brew! 
🍊 Loved @disneysprings Flavors of Florida 
🍩 @everglazed_fl Donuts & Chicken Sandwich 
🎄 @learnlakenona Oh, What Fun Holiday Festival! 
This is only but a short glimpse I could fit in 22 seconds! I’m so grateful for all the wonderful experiences. Cheers to 2022! 
Happy New Year! 🥂
Let’s go #MakeSomedayHappen in 2023! 
#GoEpicOrlando #2022recap
2022 in Review: Favorite New Restaurant @kaya.orla 2022 in Review: Favorite New Restaurant @kaya.orlando 
So many wonderful restaurants opened in Orlando this year that it’s tough to pick a favorite. 
Why Kaya? Because it felt like coming home to family. (When your family includes a Michelin-star chef!) 😉
The food was exceptional & the service was the epitome of warm hospitality.
Orlando’s first Filipino Casual Fine Dining. 
The creation of Chef Lordfer Lalicon and GM Jamilyn Salonga Bailey (previously of Michelin-Star Kadence) 
🍽️ 5-Wave Tasting Menu highlights primarily local produce & seafood in addition to select meats. (Ooh that pork belly!) 
Full of flavor and so full of surprises, each course (wave) left us saying “that was my favorite!” - until the next dish arrives and you’re wowed all over again!
The setting feels like home - family pictures and little touches, including a piano from previous tenants Dandelion Cafe as a nod to the community Kaya celebrates.
I was invited to Friends and Family preview and already have reservations to return. I need that amazing garlic rice again!
4 Wave menu we sampled:
🥄 amuse-bouche | BURONG ISDA
hakurei turnip, lionfish
🥄 first wave | KINILAW
kombujime Key West flounder, radish
🥄 second wave | PANCIT
sotanghon mung bean noodles stir fried in mushroom jus, red pepper poached egg
third wave | KANIN at ULAM
🥄 GARLIC RICE tamaki gold short grain rice, garlic chips, garlic oil 🤯 
🥄 ADOBONG KABUTE lion’s mane + oyster mushrooms
🥄 GINATAAN NA HIPON Key West pink shrimp, crab fat + coconut milk broth
🥄 HUMBA Berkshire pork belly, brown butter seminole squash puree, sweet potato greens
fourth wave | MATAMIS
🥄 UBE FLAN egg yolk flan, toasted coconut, citrus
🥄SUMAN MALAGKIT glutinous rice cake in banana leaves, coconut caramel
🥄MANGO ICE CREAM BY SAMPAGUITA & latik URARO COOKIE arrowroot cookie
🥂 Don’t miss the cocktails & wine pairings!
➡️ Add Kaya to your list!  Reservations required
#MakeSomedayHappen
My prediction is Chef Lo will be winning another Michelin Star at Kaya! 
Thank you Lo, Jami & team! You rock! (that dance was perfect! 😜)
#GoEpicOrlando
2022 in Review - Favorite Revamp of a Classic: T 2022 in Review - Favorite Revamp of a Classic: 
The Venetian Chop House Lobster Bisque @cariberoyaleorlando
Longtime fans of The Venetian Chop House, Caribe Royale Orlando’s on-property fine-dining restaurant, can rest assured that the reimagined menu of this classic Orlando restaurant still includes their fantastic Lobster Bisque. 
It’s been on the menu for over 15 years! I loved the creamy, decadent soup served with chunks of lobster meat, topped with a lattice puff pastry dome for a more elevated and stunning presentation at the table.
The menu by Chef David Hackett is a journey through fine Italian Steakhouse cuisine. You can enjoy classic steakhouse specialties (Hungry for a 36 oz Tomahawk?) together with finer dining Italian entrees such as an enormous Chicken Parmigiana, perfectly crusted and crispy and pasta dishes beautifully garnished such as the Carbonara topped with ricotta cream and delicate herb olive oil pearls.
Of course, you must start the evening with craft cocktails at their new Intimate Bar and end with another tableside showstopper, the Ultimate Chocolate Sphere dessert!
>> If you want to read more about the new menu, @tastecooksip and I wrote a guest post for the resort’s website: “The Must Try Guide To The New Venetian Chop House Menu”
Read it here (link in stories): https://www.cariberoyale.com/blog/must-try-guide-to-the-new-venetian-chop-house-menu
>> Looking for New Year’s Eve Plans?  The Venetian Chop House will offer a celebratory 6-course chef-driven prix-fixe menu including an amuse-bouche, choice of soup (that gorgeous Lobster Bisque!) and salad, choice of entrée — wagyu beef tenderloin, porchetta or pesto baked king salmon — plus a few delicious accompaniments, and choice of delicate desserts. $130pp++ / Reservations: 407-238-8060
#MakeSomedayHappen
#GoEpicOrlando #CaribeRoyaleOrlando #2022Review
2022 Review: Best Sunset - Caribbean Cruise / Atla 2022 Review: Best Sunset - Caribbean Cruise / Atlantic Ocean onboard @norwegiancruiseline Prima
🌅 Sunsets at sea are my absolute favorite! How about you?
One of my favorite travel experiences of 2022 was the #NorwegianPrima inaugural sailing with @thetravelbite 
It was a short 3 days but I loved the new ship design, the food and all the amenities. I’m definitely planning another NCL cruise in 2023! 
#MakeSomedayHappen 
#GoEpicCruise #caribbeancruise #EpicSunset #norwegiancruiseline
2022 Review: The Best View in Orlando + The Best G 2022 Review: The Best View in Orlando + The Best Gin Tonic in Orlando = Capa at @fsorlando 
📍 The view from the 17th floor of Four Seasons Orlando Resort, Michelin star Capa Steakhouse is spectacular! You can see the Walt Disney World Resort, epic sunsets & fireworks. 
🍸 For GT fans in Orlando, don’t miss the Capa GinTonic made with Coarunn Gin & Fever Tree Mediterranean Tonic. It’s colorful garnishes: Gala Apple, Juniper, Key Lime, & Botanicals take it next level! 
Cheers to 2022 and an even better 2023! 🥂
#MakeSomedayHappen 
#GoEpicOrlando #FSTaste #FiveDiamondOrlando #LoveOrlando #MichelinGuideFL
“Ooooh I like it!” - Merry Xmas! I hope you go “Ooooh I like it!” - Merry Xmas! I hope you got to unwrap delicious treats today, and more importantly that you got to share a special time with loved ones.
I got to enjoy my favorite local-made cookies from @GideonsBakehouse 
In order of appearance:
🍪 The Original Chocolate Chip
🍪 December special: Kris Kringle White Chocolate Coffee Bean - my favorite!
🍪 Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
🍪 December special: Krampus Dark Chocolate Mint
🍰 December special: Krampus Snack Cake - Chocolate Cake with Andes Mint Buttercream
>> Hurry if you want to try the December limited-time flavors! They are all so yummy!
I missed my all-time favorite coffee cake cookie so I may have to go back this week! LOL!
Happy Holidays! 
Gideon’s is located at @disneysprings and @eastendmkt
#MakeSomedayHappen #GoEpicOrlando #GideonsBakehouse #DisneySprings
“Merry Christmas Everybody!”🎄 We spent a b “Merry Christmas Everybody!”🎄
We spent a beautifully chilly and sunny Christmas Eve morning at @disneysprings. So fun & deliciously festive! (Surprisingly not too crowded but we were there early)
Here’s all we did & ate! 
1) Breakfast at @everglazed_fl - 
🍩 Holiday Lights Glazed Donut (to match my Xmas turtleneck!) 
🐓 Funky Chicken BBQ sandwich - my favorite! 
2) Put our name on the Virtual Queue at @gideonsbakehouse (90 min quoted, got text to return at 60 min, waited in actual queue 15 min!) The staff at Gideon’s is 💯 
3) Relaxed & got warm at @Starbucks (while we waited for Gideon’s)
☕️ Caramel Macchiato 
4) Gideon’s Bakehouse: picked up treats for Xmas dinner
🍪 December specials: Kris Kringle White Chocolate Coffee Bean, Krampus Dark Chocolate Mint, Chocolate Chip Banana Bread, Coffee Cake
🍰 Krampus Snack Cakes
☕️ Peanut Butter Cold Brew (the chilly 39F temp didn’t keep me from this favorite!)
🎄 Leisurely stroll around Tree Trail to see all the beautifully decorated themed Xmas trees - loved the Mickey & Minnie tree!
🎁 Window Shopping & Browsed The World Of Disney merchandise shop - lots of last minute Xmas shopping going on! 🤣
After a great morning, I’m home cooking for tonight’s dinner. I hope you’ve made the best of this arctic chilly day. Feely very grateful for the blessings we enjoy. 
Happy Christmas! 🎄 
#MakeSomedayHappen #GoEpicOrlando #GoEpicDisney #DisneySprings
This audio cracked me up! 🤣 But it seriously re This audio cracked me up! 🤣 But it seriously reminded me of all the times I take video over and over (and over) again - Mostly because I’m making weird faces or I don’t like the angle, or I feel like I look fat or… you name it! 🫣 
There are a lot more fails than wins when you scroll my camera roll, and which never make it to the curated IG feed. (In this video, I didn’t like how I was chewing because the cookie was super gooey so it stuck to my teeth!🤣)
We’re so often reminded, nothing is as perfect as it seems on social media, but it bears repeating. You never know what’s going on behind the scenes. Please spread kindness, compassion, and joy with everyone you see - online and IRL 💕
While I will never share something on my feed I don’t wholeheartedly recommend, I must share that I’m not always having ALL the “fun” you see. It’s work to get video and photos and make sure you get everything there is to share. To think of creative posts ideas and offer something unique and different. No complaints, because I do love it, but it’s still work. It’s work to edit photos & videos, find the right audio, research, write the caption and post at the right time. Creating content that provides value is a full time job. Many creators burn out, I’ve been there. We often ask ourselves why we do it.
If you’ve read this far, THANK YOU! I appreciate you. With dwindling views and algorithm changes, IG is not as fun as it once was. I’ve enjoyed nearly 9 years of sharing my favorite bucket list restaurants & events in Orlando and around the world with you. And I hope to continue to bring you a little bit of inspiration to go #MakeSomedayHappen one delicious bite, sip and trip at a time in the new year! 💕 
Oh BTW, commenting, saving & sharing posts you like is always so appreciated. It’s the encouragement we as creators need to continue to do what we do. 💕
🎄Wishing you a warm, joyful and delicious holiday! 
📍 Check out @learnlakenona Oh, What Fun! Holiday Festival. It is free and fun for everyone! And that Grinch Cookie paired with Hot Chocolate spiked with Bailey’s was indeed a delicious treat!! (See my previous post for details) 
#GoEpicOrlando #HolidaysinOrlando
OH, WHAT FUN! We spent a fun holiday themed evenin OH, WHAT FUN! We spent a fun holiday themed evening in Lake Nona last night! Their Holiday Festival is in full swing and fun for the entire family! 
Oh, What Fun! makes the holidays magical, featuring: 
🎄 Beautiful lights & holiday decorations
🎁 Holiday Market featuring local vendors & artisans for one-of-a-kind gifts
❄️ Nightly Snowfalls
📷 Photo Ops
🎄 Live entertainment including a holiday cirque show & professional carolers 
🎅 Santa’s Cottage (reservations required) 
🎶 Live Music at Boxi Park & Town Center including the Hollywood Holidays Band
🍴 Lots of Dining Options: Great pizza, wings & craft beer at @parkpizzalakenona, to fancy small plates at @chromalakenona a variety of foods at @boxiparklakenona - we had Lobster Fries & Fried Shrimp! 
🍪 Holiday Cookies, Treats & Beverages! I loved the “Grinch” chocolate mint chip cookie paired with Hot Chocolate & Bailey’s 
🌊 @lakenonawavehotel Fa La La Bar featuring holiday cocktails 
Events this weekend: 
🐩 pet parade & costume contest (Saturday), 
🎄Christmas Creatures live animal encounter (Sunday),
🕎 Hannukah Celebration (Sunday Evening)
📍 Lake Nona Town Center
🗓️ Thursday - Sunday
🎟️ Admission is free 
For more information, visit @learnlakenona 
#MakeSomedayHappen 
(Media Invite) #GoEpicOrlando #LearnLakeNona
Favorite Sunday Brunch & Coffee spot in Portland, Favorite Sunday Brunch & Coffee spot in Portland, Oregon: @ProudMaryUSA
We’ve been fans of this Aussie cafe since owners Nolan & Shari opened in 2017. Super nice people! 
🥑 I always order the Avo Toast - one of the best anywhere! But on this last visit I felt like trying their new menu and the green shakshuka did not disappoint. So. Much. Flavor!!! 
☕️ Their coffee program is amazing! We ordered one of their deluxe pour overs and it was a process. From the proper grinding of the beans to the filters and the water used, to giving you a card with the story from the grower. It was fun to watch! 
Here’s what we ordered: 
☕️ Flat White 
☕️ Deluxe Pour Over: INDONESIA
4th Place Cup Of Excellence- IJEN LESTARI
Black cherry, grape, cola, & clove
🍳 green shakshuka: harissa labneh, dukkah, two poached eggs, toast + side of hash browns with their epic house hot sauce! Must Eat! 
🍜 noodle bowl: warm soba noodles, fried tofu, tea egg, avocado, green onion, daikon radish, togarashi
📍 2012 NE Alberta St. Portland, Oregon
Add Proud Mary to your #PDX list! 
#MakeSomedayHappen 
#GoEpicPDX #GoEpicOregon #SundayBrunch
Hey Orlando Foodies, a culinary tour of @waldorfor Hey Orlando Foodies, a culinary tour of @waldorforlando & @signiabonnetcreek Bonnet Creek Resort is a Must Do! 
🍽️ Epicurious Sip & Savor event is this Friday December 9 from 7-11 pm, Indulge in a sumptuous showcase of 35 food & beverage tastings inspired by the renowned chefs of Waldorf Astoria Orlando and Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek.
Visit waldorfastoriaorlando.com/epicurious
If you miss this event, simply plan a foodie weekend and let your taste buds lead the way through the fantastic restaurants of this gorgeous resort, including famed Bull & Bear, La Luce, & Zeta Asia
Say Hi to their epic culinary team! 
👨🏼‍🍳 Bernard Fiemeyer, Complex Executive Chef @chefbernard7 
👨🏼‍🍳 Jeremy Gibboney, Executive Sous Chef, Waldorf Astoria Orlando @chefjeremy814 
👨🏼‍🍳 Dannilo Zapatel Herrera, Executive Sous Chef, Signia by Hilton Orlando @dannilosignia 
👨🏼‍🍳 Franck Riflaud, Complex Executive Pastry Chef @chocolatguimauve 
👨🏼‍🍳 Alberto Navarrete Arias, Chef D’Cuisine, La Luce @alberto.navarretearias 
👨🏼‍🍳 Juan Suarez, Chef D’Cuisine, Bull & Bear @chefjoju_su 
👨🏼‍🍳 Jesus Pinto, Chef Tournant, Zeta Asia
@jesuspinto0707 
🥇 Congrats again to Executive Chef Bernard Fiemeyer on receiving the prestigious title of Maître Cuisinier de France. His passion combined with classical French training and a flair for international cooking sets him apart as Orlando’s only Master Chef of France! 🥂
Go #MakeSomedayHappen 
Hosted #GoEpicOrlando #WaldorfOrlando #SigniaBonnetCreek
🎉My favorite fancy donut shop in PDX - @bluesta 🎉My favorite fancy donut shop in PDX - @bluestardonuts - is celebrating its 10th Anniversary! 🎉 I got the chance to meet rockstar Pastry Chef Stephanie Thornton and totally fangirl over her EPIC “Once-in-a-Decade” Donut!  Guaranteed it will blow your mind! 
✨ 18-hour brioche made with vanilla & strawberry butter! 
✨Filled with strawberry jam
✨Dipped in yuzu-strawberry glaze -  the most incredible glacage!
✨Topped with piped mascarpone-vanilla whip, chocolate cocoa nibs, & gold dust! Oh my!
🥂Perfectly paired with a mini bottle of champagne!
It’s only available THIS WEEK as part of their 10th Anniversary celebration!
👉🏼 Pro-Foodie-Travel-Tip: When visiting Portland, Oregon, DO NOT MISS a stop at Blue Star Donuts. These “Donuts for Grown Ups” are the best in town!
🙏 *I’m begging @chefstephaniethornton for an Orlando location someday!  #MakeSomedayHappen 😉 
🎉 Happy Anniversary and Congrats Blue Star Donuts team. Thanks for letting me crash your party! 
#GoEpicPDX #GoEpicOregon #bestdonutsintheworld #BlueStarDonut
Are You Having Any Fun? We sure did on @norwegianc Are You Having Any Fun? We sure did on @norwegiancruiseline newest ship PRIMA!
Best Thing I Ate on #NorwegianPrima - Dessert Edition: 
🍰 Pastel de Tres Leche with Coconut Cream 
🍩 Churros with Dulce de Leche Caramel 
📍 Los Lobos Mexican Restaurant 
@thetravelbite and I were stuffed after our 2nd dinner of the night (🫣) but we had to get dessert so we ordered the Tres Leches Cake to share. I never say no to dessert!
We said we’d only have one bite…
* We finished the whole thing! 🤦🏻‍♀️🤣
Then… wait for it! 
We saw the Churros Tower at the table next to us and couldn’t resist. We did it for the Gram! I could have drank that Dulce de Leche sauce! 
Los Lobos is one of several specialty dining restaurants you can book onboard, and the biggest surprise. Much more than tacos, it was a more elevated experience. One of our favorite dinners onboard. The bonus we got to sit outdoors and dine with the sounds of the ocean. 🌊 
You gotta have fun! Always order two desserts!
#MakeSomedayHappen 
#GoEpicCruise #TasteNorwegian #CruiseNorwegian
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I wish you a beautifu Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I wish you a beautiful day of sharing great food and wine with family and friends. Grateful for all the little things and most importantly all the wonderful people in my life. 💕
🍁 It’s the unofficial last day of fall! 🍂Enjoy pumpkin everything today…. Tomorrow Christmas Season “officially” begins…🎄
Which camp are you in?
🦃 -🎄”Xmas comes after Thanksgiving” & you’ll set up your Xmas tree this weekend
OR
🎃- 🎄”Xmas after Halloween” & your Xmas tree is already up
I’ve always loved Thanksgiving - a day centered around spending time with loved ones and sharing entirely too much food. So I’m in the “Xmas after Thanksgiving” camp. But if you’re excited for Christmas and want to get 2 months out of all the decorations, I get it if your tree is up already.
Enjoy the season and all the little things that make you happy. Cheers! 🥂
Caffeinated: Morning, Noon & Night - At Sea! ☕️ This coffee lover enjoyed Shaken Espresso in the morning with a great ocean view, Nitro from a Beach Cart and a fantastic sustainable Espresso Martini on @norwegiancruiseline newest ship #NorwegianPrima. The gorgeous ocean views, and sunsets were the most relaxing pairing. 
☕️ Starbucks at Indulge Food Hall was a great spot for breakfast. Full Starbucks menu including our favorite Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso with Oat Milk, you can’t beat the shorter lines than the second location in the atrium & fun swinging chairs on the deck. 
⛱️ Starbucks Cart at NCL private island Stirrup Cay served Nitro Cold Brew all day! 
🥃 Metropolitan Bar’s Café Replay - think an elevated espresso martini - made with Avorza Ultra Premium Organic vodka, Angostura bitters, Frangelico, spent coffee ground cordial, pineapple juice was so inventive. I enjoyed chatting with Clarence, resident mixologist about the full list of sustainable cocktails made from discarded food products.
Are you a coffee fanatic? Which coffee experience would you choose?
☕️ Happy #NationalEspressoDay ☕️
Thank you to my coffee-loving travel buddy @thetravelbite for discovering the short line Starbucks on our first morning! 
Media Hosted #GoEpicCruise #TasteNorwegian #CruiseNorwegian #Espresso #CoffeeLover
Do Not Disturb. Currently dreaming of my next crui Do Not Disturb. Currently dreaming of my next cruise vacation! Do you love cruising?
I had the awesome opportunity to sail #NorwegianPrima on its inaugural sailing from Port of Miami this week and it was fabulous! Thank you @norwegiancruiseline and @thetravelbite 🎉
PRIMA, first in its class, was gorgeous! Loved the modern design, the artwork, the shows, and all the fun spaces to relax and hangout throughout the ship. I was so impressed with the food and beverage program, the new food hall concept, all the options for freestyle dining, and the sustainable cocktails. 
If you’re looking for a wonderful foodie cruise vacation, check out Norwegian Prima. There are some great Black Friday deals happening right now. Book it! 
Nothing better than your first cocktail on deck… the Miami skyline is always gorgeous at sunset. BTW this was one of my favorite cocktails - La Madrina. An Aperol Spritz taken to the next level: Avorza Ultra Premium Organic vodka, Aperol, strawberry and orange oleo, lime juice, fresh lime, ginger beer. Fantastic! 
Go #MakeSomedayHappen 
Hosted #GoEpicCruise #CruiseNorwegian #cruiselife #nclprima
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