Brad here, I’m back this week with some fall flavor and beer pairings from World of Beer! Cheers.

With fall in full swing, we recently headed to one of our favorite outdoor spots in search of craft brews and heartier cuisine. Whether relaxing by Lake Eola or looking for a place to watch the big game, the downtown World of Beer delivers on the views and the brews. Their new Plates and Pints seasonal menu pairs some solid beer with new and innovative menu offerings, proving there’s more to fall flavors than just pumpkin spice lattes.

We started with the PB&J wings, a creative departure from traditional comfort food. These crispy beauties brought a balance of sweet and savory with their blackberry balsamic jelly glaze and drizzle of spicy peanut butter sauce. Pair with Stone Brewing Co., Stone Mixtape Vol. 14 – The Gatekeeper, a Russian Imperial Stout and IPA blend with figs and plums.

The Prosciutto and Spiced Apple Flatbread is topped with prosciutto, spiced apple, toasted hazelnuts and goat cheese. The thoughtful pairing here is Dogfish Head Fall On Me, a Belgian-style Farmhouse Ale with hints of apples and fall spices.

The Green Chili Chicken Nachos were constructed so that every corn tortilla chip was treated fairly. Each were equally smothered in green chili chicken, spicy cheese, tomatoes, green onion, jalapeño peppers and chopped cilantro – making every bite just as good as the last.

Having trouble deciding between a brat or a burger for your game day fare? Order the WOBtoberfest Brat Burger, a fresh beef burger topped with a beer brat, house-made stone ground mustard, sauerkraut, beer cheese sauce and caramelized onions on a toasted brioche bun. Pair it with a Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA.

This menu will be available until November 20! See you downtown.

Photo Credits: World of Beer

Central Florida’s annual Cows ‘n Cabs is set to return for its sixth year on Saturday, October 22 from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Hosted by ABC Fine Wine & Sprits’ David Larue and 4 Rivers Smokehouse founder John Rivers, the event will be benefitting the Community Food and Outreach Center and Elevate Orlando.

It will be returning to 150 North New York Avenue in Winter Park’s West Meadow and will feature more than 20 of Central Florida’s top restaurants.

Prices include general admission tickets at $110 with VIP packages starting at $140 for early admission.

For more information or to purchase tickets please visit www.cowsncabs.com. Guests must be 21 and older to attend.

Do you have your tickets yet?

Earls Kitchen + Bar has opened at The Mall at Millenia in the former Blue Martini space. The opening will mark the second Florida location and 68^th restaurant overall which had its beginnings in Vancouver, Canada and started an expansion into the eastern United States in 2014 in South Florida.

Earls Kitchen + Bar marries modern, made-from-scratch cuisine and their beverage program with beautifully designed dining rooms offering a relaxed culinary experience. Breaking from the conventional mold, Earls restaurants are notable for their unique personalities. Locations are all designed differently, with local artists selected to contribute to the overall design, and menus are crafted with an eye toward location and demographics. At Millenia, you’ll feel as if you’ve walked into a West Elm, but with booze and fries.

The Orlando menu is tailored to the local market, with regional and seasonal products that showcase the restaurant’s commitment to quality and sustainability. In addition to sourcing local ingredients where possible, Black Angus Beef is Certified Humane (raised without antibiotics or added growth hormones and fed a natural vegetarian diet) and all seafood is sustainable certified.

Their expansive menu encourages convivial shared dining. In keeping with the menu’s global focus, appetizer highlights will include Tuna Poke, Sicilian Calamari and classics like crisp Caesar Salads and Cajun Chicken. Made-to-order entrees are paired with dressings and sauces made in-house daily

Cocktails, non-alcoholic beverages, wine and beer are an important part of the Earls Kitchen + Bar experience. With a commitment to using only 100% fresh squeezed in-house juices, Earls’ craft cocktails are infused with seasonal ingredients. Happy Hour occurs twice daily with sessions Monday through Friday – from 3PM to 6PM and again from 9PM to midnight offering specials on wine, beer, cocktails and appetizers. They also have promotions running Monday through Thursday with nightly specials on kitchen offerings, different craft cocktails, craft beers and “That’s How We Roll Tuesdays” featuring $3 sushi rolls and half-priced bottles of wine.

Earls is located on the second level adjacent to Macy’s at the Mall at Millenia. Share with us in the comments, what do you think of the latest addition to our dining scene?

With 62 days, 30 global marketplaces and 49 new cocktails, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all of Walt Disney World’s magical options during their 21^st annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. But, with a little planning and a sprinkle of patience (or more wine), it’s easy to navigate this epic event. From culinary demonstrations to lavish parties and eating and drinking around the world, there’s something for every palate and preference.

Here’s how to master this unparalleled festival like a master:

• Timing is Everything: Weekends are usually packed, if you have time during the week you can breeze through the World Showcase with minimal crowds and lines. If Saturday and Sunday are your only option, go early to avoid the mega crowds. Epcot typically opens at 9 or 10 a.m., so if you’re into day-drinking you can beat the influx of tourists earlier in the morning.

• Make a Plan: Scope out the marketplaces ahead of time that are a must visit for you. It’s tempting to grab the first plate you see, but with 30 spots you’ll want a plan. If you’re in need of some air conditioning and beer stop by the Craft Beers indoor pavilion for pimento cheese, charcuterie and sips from local Florida breweries.

• The Price of Bubbles: Save your cash for the good stuff, Dom Pérignon and Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label are available by the glass at the Desserts & Champagne Marketplace. Both are the perfect complement to virtually any dish at the festival and won’t weigh you down on a hot Florida fall day.

• Pace Yourself with a FastPass+: Unless you’re a professional eater, there’s only so much your stomach can handle in a day. Break up your time with a FastPass+ and check out the new Soarin’ or recently re-imagined Test Track. Download the Walt Disney World app and grab your attraction reservation in advance, you’ll relish the caloric break and welcome the air conditioned rides.

• Learn from the Masters: For a mere $15 you can hear from renowned chefs and wine experts with culinary demonstrations and wine seminars. From local talent to nationally acclaimed professionals, these seminars occur multiple times a day throughout the festival. There’s something for every interest and palate, plus they’re quite the bargain!

• Reservations Recommended: After a day of wine samples and small plates you’ll probably be in the mood for a full and balanced meal. Drive (or Uber) over to the Four Seasons Resort near the Magic Kingdom for a change of scenery and visit their authentic Italian spot, Ravello. Plus, if you visit in September you can enjoy their $33 three-course prix-fixe menu. Their wood-fired pizza and wine by the glass list are exceptional as well.

Cheers to 62 days of culinary magic at Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival!