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Top 9 Tips to Enjoy Visit Orlando Magical Dining 2015

By Christina Thomas 2 Comments

Top 9 Tips to Enjoy Visit Orlando Magical Dining

Orlando restaurants wow with three-course dinners for only $33 in September!

Visit Orlando Magical Dining Month is in full swing for a tenth year to the thrill of adventurous foodies across Central Florida. Through September 30th, Orlando visitors and locals can dine to their hearts’ content with magical three-course dinners at over 70 restaurants around The City Beautiful, including 8 recently opened. The special price of $33 per person includes choice of appetizer, entrée and dessert with $1 per meal donated to local charity Elevate Orlando, dedicated to supporting urban youth and helping them graduate with a plan for a bright future. That is magical indeed!

The Orlando culinary scene has been abuzz with national media attention this year. It’s exciting for locals to see Orlando included in lists like The New York Times’ 52 Places to Go in the World in 2015 and Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s The 10 Best Wine Travel Destinations in 2015, however, their collective response is an emphatic “It’s about time!”.

Orlando Magical Dining and Orlando K Restaurant Bite30 Dinner Review with www.GoEpicurista.com

Fan Favorite Fried Green Tomatoes at K Restaurant

Media outlets are touting the rise of Orlando’s chef-driven restaurants and their farm to fork approach, as if these phenomenal restaurants all popped up out of nowhere in the past year. Orlandoans, who often use the hashtag #OrlandoDoesntSuck to highlight the many exciting things happening around town, know this is nothing new. Chefs like Kevin Fonzo from K Restaurant in College Park, Greg Richie of SoCo in Thornton Park, Kathleen Blake of The Rusty Spoon, and many others have impressed us for years, doing what they do best, quietly and without fanfare satisfying the appetites of diners looking for inventive food rooted in local comfort. Take one bite of Fonzo’s fried green tomato with local corn and crab salad, Richie’s three-meat meatloaf with lobster mashed potatoes or any of Blake’s blackboard dishes of the day and you know why Orlando has been long overdue for the spotlight. It took some time for the national press to catch up and look beyond the magic glow of the theme parks to peek into what is happening in neighborhoods all around Orlando. That is truly where the magic can be found. Orlando Magical Dining Month is a great way to experience it!

With no shortage of great restaurants to choose from, and so little time, how do you decide where to eat? The big question of Orlando foodies on social media right now is where to go for the best Magical Dining experience? These tips will hopefully help answer that question.

How to get the most out of Orlando Magical Dining Month

1. GO Try Something New.


New restaurants and entertainment venues have been popping up all over Orlando this past year. Lucky for us, several have chosen to participate in Orlando Magical Dining Month. You can afford to be more adventurous when you’re spending less dough. These two restaurants are on my #MustEat list so GO make reservations!

    ^ Txokos Basque Kitchen features multi-year James Beard Award nominee Chef Henry Salgado’s homage to the flavors of Northern Spain at locavore favorite East End Market. Don’t miss the fabulous gin cocktails and the popular Pulpo Gallego. You’ve never tasted octopus like this! The three course menu was created especially for Magical Dining so it will only be available this month, giving even more reason to GO!

    ^ SoCo is Thornton Park’s newest neighborhood eatery where Chef Greg Richie wows you with Southern classics with a contemporary twist. Sit at their bar and enjoy fantastic whiskey cocktails like The Sparkler, a manly mimosa with Bernheim Wheat Whiskey, and don’t miss the Hawaiian inspired Pork Belly Biscuits with a killer jalapeno jam.

Top 9 Tips to enjoy Visit Orlando Magical Dining

SoCo Slow BBQ Glazed Roasted Pork Belly Biscuits

2. GO For The Classics.


Every town has restaurants that achieve the respected “institution” status as they have been consistently wowing local residents for decades. They are the ones many only visit on special occasions. At $33 per person, Magical Dining Month is the perfect time to GO enjoy these institutions of dining and make any day a special occasion. You know you’ve been saying you wanted to go there someday, so GO #MakeSomedayHappen at:

    ^ Le Coq Au Vin, voted Orlando’s Best French restaurant, is serving their traditional French experience with classics Esargot, Beef Bourguignon and Crepe Suzette.

    ^ Newcomer to Orlando Magical Dining this year, Christini’s, has been making diners swoon for decades with an elegant Italian feast and all the fine dining touches. The perfect spot for a classically romantic dinner of filet of sole, veal scallopine al marsala and ricotta cheesecake.

3. GO For The Choices.


Conveniently review the Magical Dining Menus here and GO for restaurants with the most dishes to your liking. More is definitely better and some restaurants are doing it right by offering more than 2 choices per course.

    ^ At Cuba Libre Restaurant and Rum Bar, you get your choice of 8 different appetizers offering the full flavors of the Caribbean like Bruschetta de Tostones, a trio of fried plantain topped with grilled pineapple guacamole, Baja bay scallops ceviche and beef picadillo Cubano with dijon mojo. Then you get a bonus salad course, plus six choices of entrees like Arroz con Pollo and Lechon Asado and a rotating selection of desserts to top it all off. Sip on authentic mojitos, and you will feel like you hopped on a plane ride to the current destination of the moment.

    ^ Seasons 52, celebrates living well 52 weeks of the year, and this month’s Magical Dining menu gives you four courses instead of three by starting with a shared flatbread appetizer – the Blackened Steak and Blue Cheese flatbread is a big favorite! A salad course, choice of 5 entrees including Oak Grilled Filet Mignon, and for a sweet ending you get 2 of their famous mini desserts. They started the mini dessert trend and still do it best! The wine list also offers unique varietals and you have two locations to choose from, Dr. Phillips and Altamonte Springs.

    ^ For an unlimited amount of great food with over 60 items to choose from, Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse is your spot, where gauchos – lovely men wielding various grilled meats on a stick – come by your table non-stop to delight your carnivore side while the outrageous salad bar balances out the meal with starches and veggies. Dinner price is normally $48.50 not including dessert, so at $33 this is a great deal!

    ^ American Q at the B Resort is a BBQ-lovers dream, showcasing various barbeque styles from the Carolinas, Kansas City, Texas and Latin America, in an endless parade of meat. The sides and salad bar are displayed on the back of a classic red pick-up truck making it a fun place for the whole family.

Top 9 Tips to enjoy Visit Orlando Magical Dining

A taste of Cuba with Cuba Libre Guava Empanadas

4. GO For Creativity.


When offering prix fixe menus, some restaurants sadly miss the opportunity to showcase their creativity. Offering instead, safe options of soup or salad, beef, chicken or salmon and chocolate mousse. Incredibly boring, unless they kick it up a notch! Other restaurants GO for creativity in a big way. Look at the menus and reward those that do it right.

    ^ K Restaurant, my favorite neighborhood restaurant, if only I lived in College Park, is worth the drive no matter where you are. Chef Kevin Fonzo is one of the area’s top chefs and his ever-changing menu does not skimp on showing off the best this region has to offer. Start with Korean Beef Tar Tar with cured Lake Meadow Farm egg and I guarantee you will have an out-of-body experience with the tender Roasted Tri-Tip with bone marrow butter and crispy steak fries. End the night with any of Pastry Chef Michelle Hulbert’s fantastic desserts such as the Cinnabun Coffee Cake with house made salted caramel ice cream.

    ^ Emeril’s Tchoup Chop, where Emeril Lagasse and local celebrity chef Ryan Vargas know how to “kick it up a notch” offers an Asian-Polynesian fusion menu full of inventive choices. Start with creative, fun and flavorful dishes like Lobster cheesecake, Pulehu Rib Eye Steak “Alae” with garlic yucca steak fritas or Hawaiian style Saimin Noodle Bowl with braised oxtail and end with a chocolate PBJ Crunch Jar.

    ^ Chef Brandon McGlamery’s Luma on Park never disappoints and is still on my all-time Orlando favorites list. The menu changes regularly based on seasonal ingredients. Some samplings could include starting with Fois Gras Parfait with Rhubarb Gelee, moving on to Bratwurst Stuffed Chicken Thighs with marble potatoes and ending with at taste of Florida Key Lime Curd. The wine list, with half glass options, is also perfect for selecting pairings with each course. Plus, the people-watching on Park Avenue is the best in town.

    ^ Kathleen Blake’s The Rusty Spoon is a welcome addition to Orlando Magical Dining Month. You can’t get any more local and creative than her ever-changing blackboard menu including dishes like Lake Meadow Stuffed Eggs, Butter Poached Local Clams, and Canaveral Shrimp with local catch and littleneck clams in a rich shrimp-peanut broth. End with a nod to your childhood with grown-up s’mores given a healthy kick of booze.

Top 9 Tips to enjoy Visit Orlando Magical Dining

K Restaurant Roast Tri Tip with bone marrow butter and crispy steak fries, sinful choice!

5. GO For The MVP.


A three course meal for $33 per person at any of these top restaurants is already a fantastic value across the board. However, some restaurants truly have the MVP – Most Valuable Proposition. If entrees on the regular menu are $30 or more, you have a steal with Magical Dining. Some of the best values with plenty of choices on the menu, include:

    ^ Eddie V’s, my go-to spot for posh dining on Restaurant Row, is not only a beautiful restaurant with gorgeous views of Sand Lake but they wow you from start to finish. You can read my review here and definitely save room for their Bananas Foster Flambed table-side. Plus, don’t miss the live jazz in their V Lounge.

    ^ Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse, is a newcomer to Orlando this year, yet their reputation for fine steaks precedes them. At the Orlando Magical Dining price, this is the place for classic American steakhouse dining of Caesar salad, filet medallions with chateau potatoes and decadent cheesecake, without the price tag.

Top 9 Tips to enjoy Visit Orlando Magical Dining Month

Eddie V’s Bananas Foster is worthy of the indulgence!

5. GO Make A Night Of It.


The Orlando Magical Dining program this year no longer includes the hotel and dining packages of years past, however, that does not mean you can’t make a package of your own. Area hotels usually offer special promotions during the month of September, traditionally one of the lowest occupancy months in the city. Why not make a night of it and get away for a mini vacation (or staycation)?

    ^ For a relaxing resort getaway where, in addition to a great dinner, you can indulge in spa services, lounging by the pool and a round of golf, check in at local favorite Rosen Shingle Creek Resort, and dine on Ahi Tuna and a fantastic 12oz Center Cut Rib Eye with Shrimp Scampi at A Land Remembered Steakhouse.

    ^ Enjoy a romantic weekend exploring the picturesque city of Winter Park with a stay at the upscale boutique hotel Alfond Inn and dine at Hamilton’s Kitchen, where Chef Marc Kusche brings you his farm to table experience sampling citrus cured salmon and slow braised short ribs.

    ^ Disney is always magical and The Four Seasons does it better than anyone else. Spend the night in posh accommodations and indulge in Italian specialties like beef carpaccio, Veal Milanese and sweet grape focaccia with Nutella gelato at Ravello. This is a gorgeous place to GO indulge.

    ^ In need of a girlfriend’s getaway? Take advantage of all the outlet malls shopping nearby International Drive and indulge in world-class spa services and relaxing poolside at Rosen Centre with dinner at Everglades Restaurant, noshing on Orlando Dining Hall of Fame Chef Fred Vlachos’ Macadamia-crusted scallops, Florida Grouper with smoked tomato grits and Key Lime Pie, or stay at The Hyatt Regency Orlando and dine on a Seafood lover’s feast of Maine Lobster, hearty Cioppino and Yellowtail Snapper at the new Urban Tide Restaurant.

Top 9 Tips to enjoy Visit Orlando Magical Dining Month

Rosen Centre’s Everglades Florida Grouper

7. GO With Friends.


Magical Dining is a great opportunity to get friends together, celebrate life and create lasting memories over a fantastic meal. Plus, the more friends, the more you get to sample different dishes, as long as you’re all willing to share. Around my table it’s tradition to pass plates around. Sharing is caring! These are great spots to GO with friends as they not only have creative menus but inventive happy hour cocktails to get the party started.

    ^ Kasa Restaurant & Bar in Downtown Orlando not only has a fun menu of shisito peppers and pan seared gyoza, chimichurri hanger steak and matcha green tea panna cotta but they also offer themed nights and great happy hours to enjoy before dinner. You can read all about it in my review.

    ^ Dragonfly Robata Grill & Sushi has a bounty of creative choices on their menu plus their Omakase-style bar program is worthy of a visit. Let the bartender create a cocktail to suit your mood while you nosh on seafood sunomono salad, tender misoyaki black cod, artistic sushi rolls and seasonal housemade ice cream. Read all about dining at this local favorite in my review here.

    ^ Chef Scott Copeland showcases his artistic side at downtown Orlando’s Artisan’s Table with lamb meatballs, chicken fried ribs and Persian zucchini frittata. Don’t miss their all-day happy hour with ever changing infused cocktails. Here’s my review to tempt your taste buds.

Top 9 Tips to enjoy Visit Orlando Magical Dining

Dragonfly Miso Yaki Black Cod

8. GO Off Peak.


Restaurants are popular on weekends so I prefer to dine mid-week and have a more leisurely evening. Reservations are always recommended, regardless of when you choose to go and many offer online reservations. Also keep in mind, some restaurants will gladly present the Magical Dining menu when you are seated, and may even offer extra perks and bonuses for you to return. At other restaurants, you must specifically request it.

Top 9 Tips to enjoy Visit Orlando Magical Dining Month

Don’t forget to make reservations for SoCo so you don’t miss this Banana Pudding!

9. GO Just Ask.


Looking for vegetarian dishes? Worried about food allergies? Is parking additional? Do they offer wine pairings? Call and just ask. Every restaurant participating in Magical Dining does so as an opportunity to gain new customers. Ask about any concerns or wants, and chances are they will accommodate. Most hotel restaurants will offer complimentary parking including valet. Every restaurant will accommodate vegetarian requests and food allergies, yet some do it better than others. Again, just call ahead, ask and then be the judge. One thing you don’t need to ask about is the prices for Magical Dining. It is always $33 per person and does not include tax and gratuity, so take good care of your servers.

Top 9 Tips to enjoy Visit Orlando Magical Dining

Hamilton’s Kitchen Truffle Mushroom Risotto is a great vegetarian choice

I hope you will GO take advantage of Visit Orlando Magical Dining Month. It’s not only a fantastic value and a fun opportunity to dine out with friends but it’s also a great way to support local businesses and dine for a good cause. Knowing your dining dollars will help Elevate Orlando’s mission to support local urban youth will definitely make dining out much more magical.

Have you made your choices yet? Which restaurants will you be dining at for this Orlando Magical Dining Month? Please share in the comments below and don’t forget to share these tips with your friends using the social media buttons below.

If you want more recommendations for Magical Dining Month including the best options for a fantastic date night, check out my article in Orlando Signature magazine right here.

Cheers!

GO Epicurista

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Filed Under: Go Travel & Dine Orlando Tagged With: Magical Dining, Magical Dining Month, Orlando, Orlando Restaurant, Travel Orlando, Visit Orlando

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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. Katie @ Recipe for Perfection says

    09/08/2015 at 8:19 am

    Just went to Urban Tide at Hyatt Regency last night! Had a wonderful time and got to meet the sous chef as well.

    Reply
    • Christina Thomas says

      09/15/2015 at 9:05 am

      How wonderful! That Cioppino is fantastic there. I must go back soon to have another bowl! 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?
Go #MakeSomedayHappen
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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 
Follow @GoEpicurista for more! 
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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!)
📷 @pdxairport carpet (IYKYK 😉)
🍩 @pipsoriginal - Best Chai Flight & Mini Donuts. Don’t miss Flavor of The Month! (March-Coconut Custard. Yum!)
📚 @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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🛞 @cartopiafoodcarts - OG Eastside PDX food cart pod since 2008! 
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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. 
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🌁 Drive around & take in the views! lots to see. Unique architecture, gorgeous mountains & all the bridges into downtown are so cool!
🏃🏻‍♀️ Hike Mt. Tabor or Forest Park (largest urban forest!)
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STARTERS:
☘️ BOARD OF BEAUTY: An Irish Egg, Dalkey Duo, Bang Bang’s chicken, and Beef in Bed all on one beautiful board to share!
☘️ NOM NOM WINGS: Sweet ‘n’ spicy wings in honey, chili flake, soy & ginger sauce
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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
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Sláinte!
Go #MakeSomedayHappen
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• Ore-Dough Ice Cream (signature flavor) can’t beat cookies & cream and cookie dough combined!!! 💕 
• Salted Caramel Oreo (March limited time flavor)😘 
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• Valentina Cake - red velvet & cookies n cream (signature flavor)
• Frankenstein Cookie (Limited Time /October) 
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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! 
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#GoEpicOrlando #TheMilkDistrict #SmokeandDonuts #LoveOrlando
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Admission includes: 
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🍹 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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