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Journey to Greece with Taverna Opa #Wine Dinner

By Christina Thomas 2 Comments

Taverna Opa Orlando Tastings & Libations Wine Dinner Event #Review


Taverna Opa Wine Dinner review with www.goepicurista.com

Taverna Opa Orlando, with its authentic Greek cuisine and lively atmosphere, transports us to the Greek Isles without the need for packing or invasive airport security checks. A trip to Greece is on my “someday list” – the things I wish to do someday (sounds better than a “bucket list” don’t you think?) Since a journey to Greece is not feasible right now, a little delicious creativity is in order. Lucky for me, and you, Taverna Opa hosts Tastings & Libations Summer Dinner series, a five course wine pairing dinner event that I consider the best wine dinner value in Orlando.
 
Taverna Opa Wine dinner with www.goepicurista.com

Last month, I had the absolute pleasure to #MakeSomedayHappen with friends, and enjoyed an amazing Greek culinary experience. We dined al fresco on a large rustic communal table decorated with grapevine inspired centerpieces. It was a beautiful summer night. Although a bit warm – July in Orlando after all – multiple fans kept us comfortable. The warm breeze and the food aromas helped our imagination travel to the Mediterranean. 

Taverna Opa Wine Dinner with www.goepicurista.com

We started our journey with one of my favorite Taverna Opa treats, hummus made fresh at the table. I don’t usually do bread with dinner (to save room for dessert) but fresh garlic and chickpeas mashed together and scooped onto warm herb salted pita bread wedges is a nice exception.

Taverna Opa Wine Dinner with www.goepicurista.com

Our Crete inspired first course was Horiatiki, a colorful traditional Greek village salad with crisp cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, kalamata olives, feta cheese, watercress, extra virgin olive oil and paximadi (barley rusks). Alex Attart, Administrative Manager of Taverna Opa, attentively introduced each dish and its history which provided a greater understanding of Greek gastronomy and the dishes we were enjoying. He mentioned there is no lettuce in this salad as this is an American addition. The restaurant uses fresh locally grown produce with imported cheeses, olives and oil from Greece to truly showcase the essence of Greek cuisine – simple and fresh, high quality ingredients elevated to greatness. This salad was great indeed, paired with Markham Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc. A perfect summer menu match-up. Bright, crisp, clean and delicious. Great to sip and perfect with food. I got light floral and pineapple scents with notes of honeydew, fresh lemons and citrus fruit on the palate. The crisp minerality and acidity of this wine made my mouth water and want more. Our Greek journey was off to a great start.

Taverna Opa Wine Dinner with www.goepicurista.com

The second course was Sarikopita – Cretan Turban Pie – a popular breakfast dish that is gaining popularity as a savory appetizer. Phyllo dough pastry filled with xinomyzithra and feta cheese, coiled in the shape of a turban (or “sariki”), drizzled with petimezi, a grape must reduction sweetener. The pastry was incredibly buttery and rich and the grape must was a perfect addition, sweet yet not overly so. Markham Vineyards Chardonnay, with its balanced toasty oak and buttery mouthfeel paired beautifully with this dish. Every bite and sip combination was lush and rich like a Greek paradise.  

Taverna Opa Wine Dinner with www.goepicurista.com

Oh so rich and creamy Sarikopita Turban Pie

Jed Ziegler, with Southern Wine & Spirits, expertly introduced each wine pairing from Markham Vineyards. The fourth oldest continuously operating winery in Napa County since 1879, produces consistently great wines, and has been a favorite of mine for years. If you find yourself staring at a wine list or the store wine shelf, unsure what to buy, you can’t go wrong with any of the Markham wines. I had the pleasure of hosting a wine dinner with their president, Bryan Del Bondio, one of the nicest men in the Napa wine world I’ve ever met and a tireless promoter of the wines known all over the world. He shares with winemaker Kimberlee Nicholls a passion for creating high quality wines that are unpretentious in style, much like he is. 

Taverna Opa Wine dinner with www.gooepicurista.com

Merlot, the flagship wine of Markham Vineyards

For our third course we enjoyed Arni Me Patates Sto Fourno – Lamb Shoulder with Roasted Potatoes. The lamb, slow cooked for 5 to 6 hours, was fork tender and so tasty. The potatoes, cooked together with the lamb, become infused with the meat juices and were out of this world. It was a hearty dish and, again, I was impressed by the simplicity of these high quality ingredients elevated to greatness. The flavors of oregano, lemon, olive oil, and garlic – staples in Greek cuisine – all working in harmony for a perfect bite. 

Taverna Opa Wine Dinner with www.goepicurista.com

The dish was paired with Markham Vineyards Merlot. Full bodied with dark fruit, cherry, jammy notes and balanced tannins. This dark ruby gem is blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, petite sirah, cabernet franc and syrah which gives it character and substance. 

The fourth course was a rare treat. Gamopilafo, a Cretan rice pilaf cooked in lamb stock. This labor intensive dish requires slow cooking and meticulous attention for over 8 hours. It is not a “set it and forget it” kind of dish so it was not surprising to learn it is only served at Greek weddings. It had a similar consistency to risotto, infused with “lots of butter” according to Chef Evan. It was thick, creamy and full of flavor, derived mostly from the high quality of the lamb and the butter used.  

Taverna Opa Wine Dinner with www.goepicurista.com

My favorite pairing of the night was the Gamopilafo with Markham Vineyards Cellar 1879 Blend. This red blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Petite Sirah offered earthy smokey tones, dark cherry fruit and blackberry jam flavors which brought out the richness of the dish. It has a velvety mouthfeel, elegant and complex. A must add to your wine list. 

Taverna Opa Wine  dinner with www.goepicurista.com

As the conversation around the table grew livelier, the results of multiple glasses of wine no doubt, staff and guests joined in the Dancing Zorba and circled our table to everyone’s cheer. This traditional Cretan song played in Greek Tavernas around the world truly adds to the experience  and helps you feel as though you have traveled to Greece.

Taverna Opa Wine Dinner with www.goepicurista.com

Opa!

One of the fun elements of dining at Taverna Opa is you never know when a dance is going to break out and napkins will fly in the air! If you’re daring, you can even join the belly dancer on top of the tables.

Taverna Opa Wine Dinner with www.goepicurista.com

Ready to dance on tables?

We finished this amazing dinner with Fresh Watermelon with Greek Feta Cheese and Fresh Mint. A perfect ending to this rich, flavorful dinner and my new favorite way to eat watermelon. It was a refreshing Summer treat.

Taverna Opa Wine Dinner with www.goepicurista.com

The dish was paired with Fizz 56 Brachetto Spumante, a sparkling red wine that was delightful. The Brachetto grape is native to the Piedmonte region of Italy, light-bodied, highly aromatic and naturally effervescent. The wine was a beautiful sweet treat, with pretty ruby-red color, aromas of rose petals and berries and luscious flavors of raspberry and cherries. I love dessert and this was dessert in a glass. The name Fizz 56 alludes to the 56 million bubbles in every bottle! That’s a lot of bubbles!

Taverna Opa did an outstanding job! A true summer feast in every way. The dishes were full of flavor and richness with simple ingredients elevated to greatness. The portions were generous leaving everyone pleasantly full without overdoing it. Chef Evan Done greeted guests at the conclusion of the dinner and shared the intricacies of timing when producing a special menu like this. His efforts were praised by everyone.

Taverna Opa Wine dinner with www.goepicurista.com

Chef Evan Done chatting with guests

The wines were perfect pairings, bringing out the fresh flavors of each dish. Serving Markham Vineyards wines was worth the price of dinner alone, which is one of the many reasons I considered this dinner experience such a great value at $45pp. The service was attentive and friendly. I loved the casual and relaxing feel of dinner in the patio, while inside dancing and fun music filled the place with energy. If you want a quiet spot, the patio is perfect. 

A great meal has the power to transport you to another place, another time and another world! Taverna Opa transported us to the Greek Island of Crete and I can’t wait to return. According to the Visit Greece website (a great source for travel info to help plan that perfect trip to Greece)

“Discovery of the secrets of Cretan cuisine is an invitation to sample the art of living” and living we did!

We are lucky to have these opportunities in Orlando to enjoy great food and wine with friends. My mission is to #MakeSomedayHappen with every delicious bite, sip & trip and this meal certainly helped us accomplish that!

Taverna Opa Wine dinner with www.goepicurista.com

Go Epicurista & Friends!


 
Don’t miss Taverna Opa’s last wine dinner of the summer on Thursday August 21 at 6:30pm. A few seats are still available. This five course tasting menu will be paired with Greek wines for only $45pp (not including tax and gratuity) Call 407-341-8660 to make a reservation and take that vacation to the Greek Isles you’ve been saying you want to take “someday”. GO #MakeSomedayHappen!

Taverna Opa is located in Pointe Orlando, 9101 International Drive, Suite 2240 Orlando, FL

Opa! (Cheers!)

GO Epicurista!

Looking for more fun outing ideas to celebrate life with great food, wine and friends? Check out my Top 9 GO Events List taking place now through September 30 here and here.

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Filed Under: Go Travel & Dine Orlando Tagged With: #MakeSomedayHappen, fun outings, Markham Vineyards, Orlando, Restaurants, Taverna Opa, Wine Dinner

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About Christina Thomas

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

Comments

  1. Ann says

    09/05/2014 at 8:53 am

    By the time I got to Arni Me Patates Sto Fourno my mouth was watering. I love how you discuss wine pairing with the food (I’m still learning about wines so this was informative). Plus, you sold me on Tavern Opa – good food, good wine and a fun atmosphere – yes, please.

    PS- I went with my family to visit Greece when I was young. At the time I didn’t appreciate the food (kicking myself) – what I wouldn’t give to go back!!!

    Reply
    • Christina Thomas says

      09/05/2014 at 9:22 am

      Ann, sadly we don’t always appreciate the opportunities we get when we are young but that’s ok, because it just means we get to appreciate them even more as we get older. Definitely check out Taverna Opa, I promise you won’t be disappointed. Just for a minute, you can pretend you are a kid back in Greece, except this time you get to drink wine! Thanks for stopping by. Cheers!

      Reply

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Meet your Chief Epicurista

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

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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.
🥐 Don’t miss Dessert Happy Hour every Sunday from 8p-9p, all pastries are 50% off!
Get your besties and go! #MakeSomedayHappen 
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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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📚 @mcmenamins Kennedy School - super cool bars/restaurant/hotel/movie theater/brewery in a revamped elementary school from 1915!
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🌱 @dailyfuelpdx - best vegan / plant-based Nachos & Bowls I’ve ever had! 
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🚗 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!
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📍 Next: road trip to @traveldundee wine tasting in Willamette Valley!
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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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☘️ NOM NOM WINGS: Sweet ‘n’ spicy wings in honey, chili flake, soy & ginger sauce
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☘️ SHEPHERD’S TO DIE FOR PIE
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)
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☘️ ROSEMARY & MAPLE WHISKEY SOUR: Dickel 12 Tennessee Whisky, crushed rosemary, dark maple syrup, Fees foam, Lemon Sour
☘️ IRISH ESPRESSO MARTINI: Slane Irish Whiskey, J.F. Hadens espresso liqueur,
Guinness simple syrup, chilled espresso
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☘️ IT’S A HELL OF A HOOLEY: Minke Irish Vodka, Muddled Raspberry’s, Lemon Sour, House made Rosemary Syrup, Fees Foam, Prosecco
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Sláinte!
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🍩 THE DONUTS: Better than ever! Try fun new cake donut creations as well as all the favorite classics taken to a whole new level by pastry chef Brett Vezina! 
❤️ 🔥 The Signature Donut with the logo disc on top features blood orange glaze, champagne sabayon & S&D meringue.
🥃 THE BAR: Yes! they have a full bar! How about a Smoked Old Fashioned? Go for Happy Hour weekdays 3pm-6pm
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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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