Chroma Modern Bar + Kitchen, the Modern-American concept located in Lake Nona Town Center, offers eclectic small plates and is overseen by Executive Chef Jason Bergeron, who competed earlier this year on Food Network’s “Chopped Grill Masters.” At the heart of Chroma’s 256-seat restaurant is an oversized bar, where you can belly up, unwind and enjoy wines-on-tap, local draft beers and cocktails.

Boasting a contemporary and communal dining atmosphere, Chroma’s extensive small plates menu takes a “something for everyone” approach with dishes inspired by a global spice palate. Chroma’s menu is intentional in every sense; with an extensive vegetable selection to seafood and meat dishes.  A fresh focus fuels moderate menu changes to reflect what is local and in abundance.

Here’s what to order at this Lake Nona spot, and make sure you check out their sister restaurant, Canvas, which is also in the neighborhood:

• Chicken Satay: Smoked, juicy and served with a peanut sauce that compliments the poultry perfectly.

• Sticky Florida Pork Ribs: A twist on your classic barbecue, these tender ribs are coated in a spice rube and savory blueberry sauce.

• Hand-Cut Fries: My new favorite fries in town, prepared in house and overseen by the chef himself, these fried potatoes are f-a-b-u-l-o-u-s. Make sure you ask for a side of their spiced ketchup and dunk away.

• Chroma Burger: These three-bite sliders are tender, buttery and the perfect accompaniment to the aforementioned fries. Filled with a short rib patty, cheddar cheese, bourbon and even bacon jam. There’s so much flavor packed into these miniature burgers, kudos to the chef for keeping the small patties so tender.

• Jambalaya: One of the few items made for sharing among four people, this larger-style entree is filled with andouille sausage, seared shrimp, smoked pork, Cajun rice and heirloom tomatoes.While we didn’t order this dish, I’d place bets that it’s equally as tasty as their small plates.

Visit ChromaLakeNona.com for reservations and full menu details!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! With so much to eat, drink and do in The City Beautiful, there’s no reason to stay home this holiday season. Here are some fun ideas at our favorite spots around town!

4 Rivers Smokehouse: New holiday menu available for online ordering. Menu items include Boneless Ham($69.99), Smoked Turkey ($89.99), and Beef Brisket ($129.99). All orders can placed on 4RSmokehouse.com/holiday and must be ordered by December 21!

1921 by Norman Van Aken: Situated in a converted home built in 1921, this newly opened Mount Dora restaurant by James Beard Award-winning chef Norman Van Aken serves as a reminder that Florida’s cuisine is a celebration of Southern and Caribbean recipes and flavors. Check out our review here.

• Christmas Eve, a la carte menu available, 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
• New Year’s Eve, a la carte menu available, 11:30 am – 2 pm; Dinner, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Chroma Modern Bar + Kitchen: Now open in Lake Nona Town Center, this newly opened Modern-American concept serves eclectic small plates in a contemporary and communal dining atmosphere. Our full review coming soon!

• Special holiday menu selections include Pomegranate Braised Lamb Shank ($25) with wild mushroom risotto and sorrel salad; and Grilled Prime Filet and Maine Lobster Tail ($58) with burnt orange beurre blanc, marble potatoes and asparagus.

The COOP: Always celebrating the home-style fare of the South. This holiday season, The COOP is offering decadent Southern-inspired sweet treats including Chocolate Pop-Tarts adorned with holiday bows, Snowman Coconut Bombs and a Caramel Layer Cake.

The Osprey Tavern: Special holiday dessert selections include the Bûche de Nöel ($8) chocolate-peppermint roulade, candy cane ice cream, dark chocolate ganache and peppermint bark. Y’all this is my all time favorite treat! Can’t wait to taste this holiday sweetness.

Morimoto: What is the perfect way to get in the spirit? A fun holiday cocktail full of bold flavors, spice and everything nice! Visit this Disney Springs spot for seasonal cocktails and new Japanese whisky flights.

Reunion Resort: From The Grinch to Sangria and Campfire Delight, this Kissimmee resort is serving up some festive cocktails. Throwing a party? The resort is sharing their sangria recipe just in time for that soiree.

Merry Berry Sangria 

• 5oz Dry Red Wine
• 0.75oz Peach Schnapps
• 0.25oz Raspberry Vodka
• 0.25oz Strawberry Vodka
• 2oz Pineapple Juice
• 1.5oz Simple Syrup

Shake all ingredients together with ice in a cocktail shaker, pour into glass of choice, garnish with fresh fruit, sip & enjoy!

Photo Credits: Owned by each respective location 

There are food festivals filled with average wine and mediocre bites, and then there are those stellar events that demand the attention of nationally acclaimed chefs and sommeliers. The South Beach Food & Wine Festival falls into the latter category and features an unrivaled lineup of wine tastings and celebrity chefs. Back for its 16th year, SOBEWFF will take place Feb. 22–26, 2017 with a lineup of more than 90 events.

Head to TravelPulse to see our tips for planning the best trip yet!

There are restaurants named after a celebrity chef, and then there are restaurants where big name chefs are actually involved in the menu and operations. Morimoto Asia at Disney Springs falls into the latter category where the Iron Chef himself is actively involved in the menu creation and known to quiz servers when he’s in town. It’s a refreshing approach to the often disappointing world of celebrity chef restaurants.

At Morimoto there’s a reason to dine for literally any occasion. From late night to date night, and now weekend brunch, this popular Disney Springs spot continues to serve up a myriad of fabulous dining options. Offered both Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. for a mere $27, this coursed experience is one to add to your weekend lineup! With the cooler weather that’s arrived, why not grab your BFFs and head to Disney Springs for a fabulous afternoon on the balcony?

Wash all that brunch fare down with some seasonal cocktails, including the Autumn Pumpkin Martini, which is basically pumpkin eggnog in a glass – with a graham cracker lined rim! If Christmas and Thanksgiving had a baby, this is what she would be like. Beyond martinis, their Nashi Pear Margarita is perfect for sipping on these (sometimes brutal) Florida fall days. It’s a flavor of fall with a dash of summer, which is also how I’d describe our current weather situation. So cheers to you Morimoto – your brunch (and cocktail) game is strong.