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Tips To Entertain Like a Mixologist

By Christina Thomas Leave a Comment

How to Entertain Like a Mixologist by GoEpicurista.com

Learn From The Pros How To Give Your Party The Mixologist’s Touch?

Ever watch the uber talented bartenders at popular restaurants and bars? (dare I say hipster hangouts?) They craft cocktails with genuine creativity and daringly push the envelope to dazzle your taste buds much like chefs do in the kitchen. They are called mixologists. They are more than bartenders mixing drinks. They create flavor profiles and ingredient combinations that elevate any cocktail from simple to unforgettable which garner easily $15-$25 per drink!

How to Entertain Like a Mixologist by GoEpicurista.com

Director of Mixology for Southern Glazer Wine & Spirits, Armando Rosario competes in the Iron Mixologist competition at WSWA

It takes years of practice and studying to perfect their craft so please don’t assume these tips will instantly get you a job at a haute bar. I’ve learned some tricks from the best in the business and my goal is to help you give your parties and cocktails at home that elevated touch that can make any gathering special.

Featured below are some of my favorite Orlando restaurants and bars which serve some of the best cocktails in town. Go visit, enjoy a few libations and pick up a few tips from their experts.

What is Mixology?

According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, “Mixology” is the art or skill of preparing mixed drinks.

There’s more to it than that. The Art of Mixology is all about high quality, great taste and visual appeal. The drink must not only taste good, it must look good too. It should be “mahvelous” in every way.

The Courtesy Bar, Orlando’s first craft cocktail bar, continuously dazzles locals taste buds with inventive libations.

How to Entertain Like a Mixologist by GoEpicurista.com

Blake Jones, expert mixologist from The Courtesy

Here are my simple tips to entertain like a mixologist.

1. Red, White and Bubbly.

Think Red, White and Bubbly. It’s important to have house wines on hand to entertain friends at all times. This concept is not just for restaurants. I have my favorite red, white and bubbles ready to pop and pour so I don’t stress out when friends come over.

Select wines that are easy drinking on their own with some light snacks and a cheese board, but can also easily transition to pair with any meal. You also want to choose wines within your affordable price point so that you don’t hesitate to open another bottle. I always say “Don’t Wait to Drink The Good Wine” but you don’t want to pop open the Dom Perignon to have mimosas do you? Bubbles like prosecco, cava or asti are perfect for entertaining.

I’m a fan of CK Mondavi and Family wines for easy entertaining because they are not only very affordable but of high quality in their price category. The winery is family owned and run for four generations since 1943. They create wines to enjoy every day for any occasion. You can make any day a party when you open a bottle of wine. I am a CK Mondavi Ambassador because I drink these at home. My favorite varietals to have on hand for entertaining in the fall and holiday season are Chardonnay, lightly oaked with citrus aromas and notes of apples and pears, and Scarlet Five, a red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. The full-bodied wine is their signature cuvee for good reason. It will stand up to a thick juicy steak or elegantly play with your fine cheeses. During Spring and Summer I prefer the Pinot Grigio for its fresh tropical flavors. Whatever your favorite varietal of wine is, keep a few bottles ready to go to entertain on a whim.

How to Entertain Like a Mixologist by GoEpicurista.com

Red, White and Cheese with CK Mondavi and Family makes any day a party!

2. Keep It Fresh.

Use fresh ingredients in your cocktails wherever possible. Fresh herbs, spices, fruits and pressed juices not only taste better but they are better for you. I use fresh apple cider in my Southern Apple Pie Sangria and it makes a big difference in flavor. Together with fresh apples and fresh ground spices it makes the flavors of the season pop!

Fall Cocktail's Best Southern Apple Pie Sangria recipe by GoEpicurista.com made with CK Mondavi and Family Chardonnay and Vanilla Bourbon

3. Think Like A Chef.

Mixologists today are chefs in the front of the house. They are constantly thinking of how to combine different spirits, mixers, ingredients and spices to create the most flavorful cocktails. They create their own shrubs, syrups, juices, bitters and garnishes. Although some of these require a bit more time and skill, most are not difficult to make and there are some quality brands you can buy ready-made.

At Loews Sapphire Falls Caribbean inspired Strong Water Tavern, bartender Brad Pickle creates his own shrubs and a variety of rum cocktails worthy of a pirate’s dream. This Rum Revival cocktail featured a blueberry basil shrub that gave the cocktail a unique layer of flavors.

How to Entertain Like a Mixologist by GoEpicurista.com

Brad Pickle of Strong Water Tavern

How to Entertain Like a Mixologist by GoEpicurista.com

Inventive Rum Revival Cocktail at Strong Water Tavern at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

I created an apple pie spiced simple syrup to give my Southern Apple Pie Sangria those spice notes that immediately conjure visions of warm apple pie out of the oven and orange leaves on the trees. It was incredibly easy to make and better yet store in the refrigerator for use in everything from my morning coffee to my after dinner cocktails.

Fall Cocktail's Best Southern Apple Pie Sangria recipe by GoEpicurista.com made with CK Mondavi and Family Chardonnay and Vanilla Bourbon

4. Quality is Important.

Use the highest quality alcohol you can afford, especially when serving straight up or with a small amount of mixer. When you are creating mixed drinks, like a sangria or punch, you don’t need to use the most expensive but it is still important to use spirits with the highest quality in that price point. This is another reason why I like having CK Mondavi wines on hand because they are not only 100% All American, they are of great quality and value. Perfect for parties. To sip on their own, pair with foods and mix in drinks. Making a mimosa with Dom Perignon is foolish. Choose your spirits and wines accordingly.

Fall Cocktail's Best Southern Apple Pie Sangria recipe by GoEpicurista.com made with CK Mondavi and Family Chardonnay and Vanilla Bourbon

5. A Dash of Bitters

A dash of bitters goes a long way. Bitters was a long forgotten bar “condiment” mostly used in Old Fashioned cocktails. A bottle of Angostura bitters usually sat all dusty and lonely behind the bar. That all changed when the craft cocktail movement started to make what’s old new again. I love the Peychaud’s, Bitterman’s and Fee Brothers bitters selection because a tiny dash will give your cocktails that special touch to take them to the next level.

How to Entertain Like a Mixologist by GoEpicurista.com

Osprey Tavern in Baldwin Park has a beautiful bar set up!

6. Glassware

Have fun with your glassware. Use vintage-looking cocktail glasses or a variety of sizes to keep your party interesting. You can pick up single glasses at discount home stores and garage sales. It’s ok if they don’t match as long as they have a certain feel and style to them that goes together.

I will also mention that although I love mason jars, we can all agree there’s a time and place for them and they have been excessively overused in recent years. If you’re doing an outdoor picnic, perfect. If you want to class it up, go with a nice rocks glass or coupe.

How to Entertain Like a Mixologist by GoEpicurista.com

The Dinner Party Project in Orlando hosts unique small group dinners bringing strangers together around a beautiful dinner table. Go to an event, always held in a different location, meet new friends and pick up some party planning tips from expert party planner and owner of TDPP, Dana Marie Roquemore. I attended an event held in the furniture /housewares department of Bloomingdale’s in Mall of Milenia. We were treated to tequila cocktails in vintage glasses from her own collection with fun print linen napkins. Doesn’t this look fantastic?

How to Entertain Like a Mixologist by GoEpicurista.com

Vintage glassware and linen napkins at The Dinner Party Project event

7. Ice is Nice.

Mixologists know that good ice is key to a good cocktail. You see the pros shaving blocks of ice into all sorts of shapes but that’s impractical for easy entertaining at home. Instead, I add clean filtered water to a fun mold to get giant spheres, tubes or squares and it instantly takes your cocktail from “meh” to “wow!” These also melt slower and therefore your drink does not get diluted.

How to Entertain Like a Mixologist by GoEpicurista.com

Ice shapes in your glass make fun cocktails!

Crushed ice works well for rum punches and tropical drinks.

How to Entertain Like a Mixologist by GoEpicurista.com

Fresh Cocktail from Blake Jones of The Courtesy

Another fun trick is to add fresh fruit and herbs to your ice cubes for color and a great visual. You can also make ice cubes out of juices and wine for further impact on the flavor of your drink.

8. Garnish.

Don’t forget the garnish. It is that final touch that dresses up your drink. The classic garnishes include sliced oranges, limes, lemons, cherries and cocktail onions but mixologists like to get more creative. Candied fruit, sundried fruit, peppers, herbs and spices can amp up the flavors and aromas but mostly the visual component. In my Southern Apple Pie Sangria I used a spiced sugar rim, a cinnamon stick and slice of green apple to give it the fall flavors, smells and look even before you taste the cocktail.

Fall Cocktail's Best Southern Apple Pie Sangria recipe by GoEpicurista.com made with CK Mondavi and Family Chardonnay and Vanilla Bourbon

Edible flowers and petals make for pretty garnishes. Capa Steakhouse at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort makes the best and prettiest Gin & Tonic and signature cocktails in town.

How to Entertain Like a Mixologist by GoEpicurista.com

Cocktails at Capa, Four Seasons Resort Orlando

Candied ginger and fresh rosemary gave this ginger tequila cocktail a wonderful scent at Plancha at Four Seasons Resort Orlando.

How to Entertain Like a Mixologist by GoEpicurista.com

Four Seasons Orlando Casa Dragones Tequila Cocktail

Paddlefish mixologists make some gorgeous drinks. Their Southern Sangria inspired my Southern Apple Pie Sangria and this Margarita garnished with smoked black salt on the rim, blackberry and a jalapeno slice is not your everyday margarita.

How to Entertain Like a Mixologist by GoEpicurista.com

Paddlefish “Not Everyone’s Margarita”

How about veggies in your drink? At DoveCote in Downtown Orlando, that’s what you get in their flavorful bloody Mary. Their bar program is also second to none with house-made root beer, absinthe and vermouth cocktails.

Best Bloody Mary in Orlando with GoEpicurista.com

At DoveCote pickled okra and cauliflower add a nice zing!

9. Have a Story.

To entertain like a mixologist and make your party and your cocktail more memorable, have a story. It’s easy to do some research online and find a bit of trivia and history on the cocktail you’re making or the wine and spirits you are serving. Sharing this with friends will not only make the tasting experience more enjoyable but also much more memorable.

My fall Southern apple pie sangria was inspired by the homemade apple pies my big sister used to make when I was a kid. It was the only recipe I ever made out of the Better Homes and Gardens cookbook she gave me when I went away for college. That cocktail was much more special because of memories it conjured not just for me but for my friends.

Armando Rosario, Director of Mixology for Southern Glazer Wine & Spirits writes in his book “Twelve Cocktails” that “the study of cocktail history is necessary to learn key information to help you memorize not only each cocktail’s specific ingredients, but how the cocktail is made and why it was created.”

At Waldorf Astoria Orlando, mixologist Justin Newman uses smoked peppers and a flamed chartreuse liqueur to give the glass a smoky note that takes the flavors of this creamy rich margarita to the next level. He created the recipe for a company wide competition held in California. He decided to take the margarita to the next level and hearing him talk about his inspiration is a part of the fun you don’t want to miss.

How to Entertain Like a Mixologist by GoEpicurista.com

Justin Newman, Mixologist at Waldorf Astoria Orlando impresses with his avocado margarita creation!

How to Entertain Like a Mixologist by GoEpicurista.com

Justin Newman of Waldorf Astoria Orlando presents his unique margarita and tells us a story as he lights the glass contents on fire! Memorable indeed!

I hope these tips will inspire you to get together with family and friends, celebrate life, enjoy great food, wine and cocktails any day of the week. Don’t make excuses and put off entertaining at home to an elusive someday. Make Someday Happen today!

Cheers!

Go Epicurista

Learn How to Entertain Like a Mixologist with GoEpicurista.com. Make craft cocktails like the pros.

Disclosure: Although I am a CK Mondavi Ambassador and have been a media guest of the various establishments mentioned, this post was not sponsored and I was under no obligation to write it. All opinions are my own. As always, I only share with you experiences worth celebrating and products I love to inspire you to go celebrate life and #MakeSomedayHappen one bite, sip and trip at at a time. To learn more about my guidelines read my disclosure policy.

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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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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:
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✨ Akira Back Tuna Pizza: his famous dish is a Must Eat! 
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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
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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
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This was my last purchase of 12/31/22... I wanted to start 2023 on a sweet note!
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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! 
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Wishing you all happiness and lots of delicious treats in 2023! 
#GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #DisneySprings
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Happy New Year! 🥂
Let’s go #MakeSomedayHappen in 2023! 
#GoEpicOrlando #2022recap
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➡️ Add Kaya to your list!  Reservations required
#MakeSomedayHappen
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2022 in Review - Favorite Revamp of a Classic: T 2022 in Review - Favorite Revamp of a Classic: 
The Venetian Chop House Lobster Bisque @cariberoyaleorlando
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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?
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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 
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🍸 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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