Attending the Taste of Winter Park? Here’s what to expect and why this is a “Must Do” event in Orlando.
Tasting events are regular occurrences in Central Florida, but not all “Taste” events are created equal. Check out all the drool-worthy photos and my Top 9 Reasons why Taste of Winter Park is on my list as a “Must Do” event in Orlando.
I was an invited media guest of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce to cover this event, however all opinions are my own. As always, I only share experiences worth celebrating to inspire you to go #MakeSomedayHappen one delicious bite, sip and trip at a time.
Many cities, neighborhoods and even entertainment complexes are hosting tasting events featuring a variety of the area’s restaurants and food vendors. In most cases, these events benefit a local charity which is an added bonus. The event concept is basically the same, whether the location is a fancy hotel ballroom or outdoors in a park. Guests purchase an event ticket which allows unlimited eating and drinking as you roam from station to station. But, as I said, not all tasting events are created equal and here’s why Taste of Winter Park is a “Must Do” in Orlando!
Luma on Park E. Pea Mousse with raspberry and white chocolate
Taste of Winter Park is a tasting event worthy of your social calendar each Spring. Here’s why:
1. Winter Park is the Ultimate Foodie Destination in Orlando
Taste of Winter Park is billed as “Winter Park’s Ultimate Foodie Festival.” It’s easy to see why considering the City of Winter Park is hailed as the foodie mecca of Orlando. In one night you get to sample the best of the best of the area, over 50 of Central Florida’s top chefs, restaurants, bakers, caterers and confectioners.
The Swine Family of Restaurants and a whole hog!
2. Unlimited Signature Bites.
Tasting events offer unlimited eating and drinking during the time of the event (usually 3 hours). However, the quality of those bites and sips varies based on the event and the ticket price may not always reflect that.
At Taste of Winter Park, you get to experience signature dishes from top chefs, some James Beard nominated, like James and Julie Petrakis (Ravenous Pig and Cask & Larder), Brandon McGlammery (Luma on Park, Luke’s American Kitchen and Prato), John Rivers (4 Rivers Smokehouse and The Coop) and many more. You also get to sample delightful vendors like my favorites, Whole Foods Market, Barnie’s Coffee & Tea, Peterbrooke Chocolatier of Winter Park and Olde Hearth Bread Company.
Bring your appetite, visit all the tables – many feature multiple items – and eat up!
Everything looks so good!
3. Popular Dishes & New Creations.
All participants are members of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce and this event is their chance to shine. Many restaurants and artisans will create new, over the top dishes to introduce first at this event. Other’s will highlight their most popular offerings. Don’t miss the Peterbrooke Chocolatier of Winter Park table as every year they surprise and delight. In years past they’ve introduced their popular broissants, milk cups and bubble waffle sundaes!
Peterbrooke Chocolatier unveiled their new creation, the bubble waffle sundae! Scrumptious!
4. Unlimited Top Shelf Beverages.
A foodie event is not complete without fantastic beverages to pair up. Taste of Winter Park is no exception. Beverages include a selection from the Terlato Wines portfolio, including pairings with select vendors, and signature cocktails featuring Hendrick’s Gin. Other spirits may also be available for tasting and it’s all included in the price of your ticket!
Hendrick’s Gin Cocktails: White Linen, Black Rose, and Unusual Negroni
5. A Great Price.
You can expect well over 50 different dishes! All of this exceptional food from the area’s top restaurants, top shelf libations and live entertainment are included in your ticket for only $50 for Chamber members (purchased in advance) and $65 for non-members and day of event. Splurge for a VIP Experience ticket for $100 and receive a host of upgrades such as reserved seating, parking and a free Corkcicle Stemless cup.
Bulla Gastrobar seafood salad
6. The Farmer’s Market.
The event takes place in the Winter Park Farmer’s Market. The weather this time of year is perfect for an evening outdoors. Best part, you don’t have to dress up to enjoy this high quality foodie event. Booths are located both inside and outside the Farmers’ Market building, as well as along portions of New England and New York Avenues.
Tasty Night at the Winter Park Farmer’s Market
7. Live Entertainment.
If you enjoy live music, you can take a break from eating and drinking for a little dancing!
This couple was my favorite. They were having the best time!
This is how you take a break from eating and drinking!
8. Adult Night Out.
The event is 21 and over so if you’re looking for a fun night out, sans kids, this is a great option. Although kids may be allowed with a different color wristband, the event is not family-friendly so get a sitter and leave the kids at home.
Cheers to a fantastic Taste of Winter Park event!
9. The People of Winter Park.
Getting to know the people behind the food in Winter Park is the best reason to attend. You’ll get a chance to interact with chefs, restaurant owners and managers, artisans, brewers, bakers and confectioners and learn more about what makes them and their foodie treats so special. Guaranteed you’ll find a new or new to you restaurant to add to your list. The discovery is what makes these tasting events so much fun.
John Rivers of 4 Rivers Smokehouse doing what he does best!
The Taste of Winter Park is a fundraiser for the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber is a non-profit organization that serves the local business community throughout the year. Follow #WinterParkTaste to see social posts from the event. For more information and for tickets, visit Winter Park Chamber of Commerce’s website.
Add Taste of Winter Park to your list of Must Do Events in Orlando. Go Make Someday Happen!
Take a look at the photos below and see for yourself how fantastic the food and drinks looked in 2017.
So Much Food, So Little Time…
4 Rivers Smokehouse Carved Cochon de Lait taco
Boi Brazil Churrascaria rotisserie style steak, chicken wrapped in bacon and sausage
Bulla Gastrobar Giant Mushroom and Chicken Paella!
Bulla Gastrobar Salpicon de Mariscos
Cask & Larder pork slider
Cocina 214 famous avocado bites and chips and salsa
Create Your Nature Cool Beans Salad
Create Your Nature Banana Bread Steel Cut Oatmeal Bowl
Create Your Nature “Bowlando” Acai Bowl
Hamilton’s Kitchen at The Alfond Inn Southern Bread Pudding
Hamilton’s Kitchen at The Alfond Inn Pork Belly with Jalapeno & Cheddar Grits
Hamilton’s Kitchen at The Alfond Inn Watermelon & Feta Salad
Hunger Street Tacos Chicken Tinga
Hunger Street Tacos trio of Brisket Quesadilla, Chicken Tinga and Esquites
Kona Grill Pulled Pork Sliders
Luke’s Kitchen Crab Cakes
Luma on Park desserts are always inventive!
Prato Meatballs are legendary!
New General Store Rosemary White Bean Soup
New General Store Lemon Whipped Ricotta Toast
Olde Hearth Bread Company assorted breads
Peterbrooke Chocolatier introduced the Bubble Waffle!
Chocolate covered popcorn at Peterbrooke Chocolatier of Winter Park is a Must Eat!
Peterbrooke Chocolatier of Winter Park truffles are always a treat!
The Ravenous Pig Table overflowed with housemade condiments, pickled vegetables, and snacks
Ravenous Pig Pork Sliders
Swine & Sons housemade caramel popcorn
Rubio’s Coastal Grill Salsa Verde Shrimp Tacos
The Coop Feisty Chicken Sandwich
Umi Japanese Restaurant serves the best sushi in Winter Park!
Whole Foods Market Summer Kale Salad, cave aged cheese with olive mix and Key Lime Shrimp
Whole Foods Market Olive Mix
Are you thirsty for more?
Luke’s Kitchen Bartenders made some awesome Hendrick’s Gin cocktails
Hendrick’s Gin Black Rose
Hendrick’s Gin Unusual Negroni
Hendrick’s Gin crazy contraption!
Hendrick’s Gin creative cocktail making to the next level!
Brewstillery The Bear and Peacock Brewery
Balvenie Tasting 17yr
Balvenie Tasting
New Moon Market organic cold-pressed juices: Lovely Day, Beet Happy and Good Vibrations
Barnie’s Single Origon Pour-Over Coffee
The Smiles of Winter Park
Antonella LaCommare-Paradiso and Francesco Paradiso, owners of Antonella’s Pizzeria
Joseph Creech, chef owner of Hunger Street Tacos
John Rivers of 4 Rivers Smokehouse hams it up for the camera!
New General Store owners Tracy Liffey and Christine Mitchell
The staff at New Moon Market is always smiling!
Vicky Santamaria and the team of Whole Foods Market
The talented team at Peterbrooke Chocolatier of Winter Park
Dancing the night away!
Are you ready to add Taste of Winter Park to your list of Must Do Events in Orlando? Go get your tickets! Make Someday Happen!
Cheers!
Go Epicurista
Disclosure: I was an invited media guest and received complimentary admission. As always, all opinions are my own and I only share with you experiences worth celebrating to inspire you to go #MakeSomedayHappen one delicious bite, sip and trip at a time. Read my disclosure policy for more information.
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