Unique Thanksgiving Tastes in Orlando

Orlando Restaurants & Shops serve Thanksgiving Flavors in Unique Bites & Sips

Want all the flavors of the Thanksgiving table but prefer to skip the big feast? Check out some of my favorite festive Thanksgiving Tastes in Orlando.

Thanksgiving in America is the most delicious and the most calorie-filled holiday of all! The traditional holiday meal’s centerpiece is a roasted turkey – usually the biggest bird you can find. (Got a 25 lbs turkey?) This would not be so indulgent, unless we forget ALL the accompaniments. We start off with deviled eggs and appetizers while the meal is being prepared. Then, fill our plates with turkey and gravy, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casseroles, green beans topped with bacon, macaroni and cheese, potato salad, stuffing made with corn bread or white bread, baked rolls, cranberry relish and more. It’s no wonder this is an all day affair!

After all this, we make room for dessert. Fall flavors abound with pumpkin pie, apple pie, sweet potato pie, pecan pie, and any other pie you can think of. Topped of course with ice cream and whipped cream.

Yes! The Thanksgiving holiday meal is plenty. And, we are thankful for it. A nap usually follows, and then the eating cycle begins again with seconds and thirds. Leftovers the next day? Oh yes.

We love it but we don’t always love all the extra pounds.

These restaurants and shops will put you in the Thanksgiving holiday spirit with their fun creations. Guaranteed you’ll love them and be thankful for the reduced calories. And although you won’t need it, you can still take a nap afterwards. Your secret’s safe with me. Sweet Dreams!

All in One Thanksgiving Meal in a Sandwich

A complete holiday meal in a sandwich is served year-round at Pom Pom’s Teahouse & Sandwicheria in the Milk District. The eclectic eatery, open 24 hours, a local favorite of college students to suited professionals, hospitality workers, families, foodies and everyone in between since 2005. Owner Pom Moongauklang, a pastry chef by trade, a rebel in the kitchen by heart, features her famed ginger cranberry chutney punched up with fall spices in sandwiches inspired by gourmet meals she created at famed Nobu in New York City. ‘Mama Ling Ling’s Thanksgiving’ sandwich with turkey, melted gouda, corn stuffing, and mashed potatoes cover every inch of pressed crisp yet soft sourdough bread, layered like a beautiful cake. Don’t miss dipping it in the turkey gravy. Every bite, pure decadence. Brewed loose-leaf tea like spicy ‘Pumpkin Love’ and a cup of fresh soup complete the holiday experience. They are closed on the actual Thanksgiving holiday so be sure to get this fantastic sandwich they day before or any day of the year you feel like celebrating. 67 N Bumby, Avenue, Orlando. PomPomsTeahouse.com

All in One Meal in a Bao

Chef Greg Richie of Baoery Asian GastroPub in Thornton Park is no stranger to elevating traditional flavors into unique new menu creations. He’s taken the traditional turkey, stuffing, cranberry relish and gravy Thanksgiving tastes and stuffed them into pillowy soft steamed Chinese buns. The Thanksgiving Bao will be served thru the end of November. Pair it with a sake cocktail and make your holiday merrier! If you need to escape the hustle and bustle of the holidays, don’t miss their daily happy hour with $4 drinks and bites. It’s one of the best in Orlando. 617 E Central Blvd, Orlando. Baoery.com

All in One Thanksgiving Meal in a Cupcake

Gobble Gobble! Jillycakes has turned the cupcake craze upside down with their savory cupcakes and the Thanksgiving Dinner ‘Cup-Fake’ is the winner! Its incredible how Cupcake Wars champion, chef Jillian puts so much flavor into such a small bite. The ‘cake’ portion is made with a mixture of stuffing, turkey and cranberry filling. Then it’s ‘frosted’ with sour cream mashed potatoes, drizzled with gravy and topped with onion strings. This seasonal favorite is the most popular bite at Thanksgiving gatherings around Orlando! Read all about them in my review. 125 N Orlando Ave, Suite 105, Winter Park. JillycakesOrlando.com

Holiday Side Dish in a Cup

Wondermade, the craft gourmet marshmallow shop with exotic flavors like bourbon and champagne marshmallows, also makes amazing hand-made ice cream in a variety of rich flavors. Their Sweet Cornbread ice cream is full of the richness of this buttery holiday side dish, with bits and pieces of cornbread folded into the frozen creamy layers. Delightful and surprising how sweet corn could be delicious frozen. Located in historic downtown Sanford, get yourself a scoop and stroll around this charming town with it’s antique shops and fun mom and pop restaurants. 214 E First St, Sanford. Wondermade.com

Holiday Dessert in a Cup

The traditional desserts at Thanksgiving tables across America are Pumpkin Pie and Apple Pie. How about going for a frozen treat instead at Vivoli Il Gelato in Disney Springs? The Fall season flavors include a perfect pumpkin pie gelato, rich, creamy and full of the pumpkin spice flavors we all love. The Apple Pie sorbet is a true surprise. Made simply with fresh apples and cinnamon, it is full of all the deliciousness of this classic dessert with less calories. Disney Springs is only the second store-front for this 85 year old, world-famous, family-run gelato shop from Florence, Italy and their hand-crafted small batch gelato is meant to be savored. Go for a stroll and enjoy the holiday decor and all the entertainment in this bustling new entertainment complex. Disney Springs, The Landing. Website

Holiday Dessert in a Glass

The seasonal flavors of sweet cranberry tarts come alive in the bright Pink Carnation cocktail at Highball & Harvest Kitchen & Bar. A cheery vodka concoction by bartender JR Cook with fresh cranberry and pomegranate juices, combined with hints of citrus. A touch of fun molecular gastronomy with Chambord caviar pearls and crunchy graham crackers completes the holiday in a glass experience. The rustic-chic restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes not only serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and brunch menus brimming with fresh local ingredients, many from the 7,000SF garden on-site at Whisper Creek Farm, their bar program is every bit as inventive. On Thanksgiving, indulge in a festive buffet-style feast, open 12pm – 9pm. Reservations recommended. 4012 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando. HighballandHarvest.com

These Thanksgiving Tastes are all special but regardless of which way you celebrate, with a big feast, a small bite, or a meal on the go, I hope you will spend the day with family and friends enjoying what truly matters most: being together!

I am so grateful for you who are reading this post right now and have allowed me the opportunity to share my passion of great food, wine, travel and friends. Go #MakeSomedayHappen and celebrate life with friends!

Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving,

Cheers!

Go Epicurista