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Cows ‘n Cabs {Recap}

Oct 262016

There are tasting events….and then there’s Cows ‘n Cabs. This annual Western-themed Winter Park event is brimming with 200+ wines, spirits and beers all alongside mini dishes from 20 of the best local restaurants. If you missed out on the sixth annual Cows ‘n Cabs, make sure you block your calendar for next year’s event.

This food and wine (and more wine, and even more wine) event was founded to help break the cycle of poverty in Central Florida. One hundred percent of ticket sale proceeds and auction items benefited the United Against Poverty and Elevate Orlando.

This event was a feast for your eyes, stomach and palate. Here’s what we tasted and sipped last week alongside a rowdy crowd and Western backdrop.

Rusty Spoon: Lake Meadow “Red Devil” stuffed eggs
Hunger Street Tacos (coming soon to WP!): Guacamole shots and, of course, tacos
Black Rooster Taqueria: Achiote pork taco
Peterbrooke: Chocolate and peanut butter petit fours
The Osprey Taven: Oxtail tartlets
Ravenous Pig: Smoked beef ham crostini
The Coop: Mini fried chicken sandwich

An overall exceptional evening of Orlando’s best dining on display. For more details and future event information visit cowsncabs.com.

Sunday Brunch at the Ritz

Oct 262016

Like happy hour or a coffee break, brunch is quickly becoming a regular dining occasion. Once reserved for Easter and special events, this weekend tradition now needs no excuse for one to partake. Between the bottomless Veuve mimosas and endless sweet offerings, Sunday brunch at Highball & Harvest at The Ritz-Carlton is not to be missed.

Their new Sunday brunch features fresh-off-the-farm ingredients sourced from area farms and the resort’s own 7,000-square-foot garden. These ingredients are transformed into Southern comfort food like Smoked Pork Eggs Benedict with BBQ Hollandaise and Pecan-Smoked Bacon and Country Potatoes.

With an ever-changing seasonal menu, there’s plenty of reasons to return as the seasons change. In addition to endless pastries, you’ll find familiar brunch fare such as the omelet station and cold water oysters. For your savory side there’s offerings such as Rosemary Rubbed Prime Rib or Smoked Pork Loin with Sweet Potato Puree and Bacon-Glazed Brussels Sprouts. The menu’s “Chopped and Chilled” section showcases salads like Bourbon Marinated Fruit Salad as well as a savory kale option. And while the menu items are largely on the savory side, their selection of sugar should end up on your plate. Between endless glasses of bubbles, a myriad of tastes and dessert for days – make sure you put this brunch on your weekend rotation.

Brunch (served alongside live music) is served on Sundays from 12 to 2 p.m. for $58 for adults and $20 for children ages 12 and younger. And why not round out your morning of luxury with an afternoon at the spa? Reservations can be made by calling (407) 393-4422 or through OpenTable. See you at the Ritz.

New Winter Park Café Makes Oats a Meal

Oct 252016

Harvest Oatmeal To-Go

Before Create Your Nature, Winter Park’s newest fast-casual concept, I never would have imagined having oatmeal for dinner. As Bon Appetit predicted for 2016, the industry is hitting snooze on boring oats, and Create Your Nature is serving them up in some unique ways… along with many other health-conscious dishes in tow.

The café — owned and operated by husband-and-wife duo Dan and Kim Dill — is located at 1284 Orange Avenue in Winter Park. The space was recently renovated into a modern retail complex featuring a variety of local businesses, including The Bear & Peacock Brewery, Foxtail Coffee Co. and Dolce Vita Salon. (All of which are super legit and visit worthy.)

The menu boasts healthier options, such as açaí bowls, oatmeal blends and salads. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free items are available.

A few notables include:

Coastal Açaí Bowl

Açaí Bowls: Signature, Create-Your-Own and Kids’ options available

All American | Blend: Blueberries, Banana, Organic Açaí // Toppings: Granola, Blueberries, Banana, Strawberries with Local Raw Honey
Greensday | Blend: Pineapple, Banana, Avocado, Baby Spinach, Organic Açaí // Toppings: Granola, Almonds, Hemp Seeds, Pineapple and Kiwi

Oatmeal: Available in on-the-go mason jars and bowls

Adults Only | Gluten Free Oats, Chia Seeds, Almond Milk, Greek Yogurt, Almonds, Apricot, Vanilla Bean and Tuaca Preserves
Happy Hour (Choose from Steel Cut or Steel Cut/Quinoa Blend) | Parmesan Cheese, Pecans, Golden Raisins, Local Raw Honey

Trail Mix: (Customize to your liking)

Granola, Walnuts, Pecans, Cashews, Almonds, Toasted Chickpeas, Chia Seeds, Hemp Seeds, Flax Seeds, Pumpkin Seeds, Golden Raisins

Salads: (Signature and Create-Your-Own options available)

The ABC’S of Me | Baby Spinach,Romaine Lettuce,Blueberries, Strawberries, Pecans // Dressing: Chocolate Balsamic, Basil Olive Oil
Cool Beans! | Black Beans, Garbanzo Beans, Celery, Tomato, Cucumber, Parsley, Mint // Dressing: Lemongrass-Mint Balsamic, Milanese-Gremolata Olive Oil

The Skinny

Trail Mix

Format: Fast Casual

What’s Açaí:

The açaí berry (pronounced ah-sigh-ee) is harvested from the Amazon. The superfood’s pure pulp is flash frozen before it makes its way to the U.S. The purple color comes from anthocyanin, which is also the reason for its high nutritional value in power antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and close to zero naturally occurring sugars per serving.

Atmosphere: Clean and warm, beach and nature design accents, great photography taken by Kim Dill in Costa Rica, and Washburn Imports’ Bali art pieces

Local Gems:

Honey by Honey Feast
Preserves by Sunchowder’s Emporia
Oils and Balsamic Vinegars by Ancient Olive
Coffee by Foxtail Coffee Co.

Something I Love: Food is served in bowls made out of coconut

Wi-Fi: Yes

One Dish Everyone Should Try But Might Not: Lacey Caprese | Choice of Oats, Diced Tomatoes, Avocado, Parmesan Cheese, Basil Olive Oil with Sea Salt and Cracked Pepper

Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

If you catch me practicing my corn hole in the yard, please wait to say hi — I need silence when I throw ( I’m a beginner!)

Açaí you there!

Snack on,
Chauniqua Major, but we’re friends so call me Major!

Fall Flavor at World of Beer

Oct 242016

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

Cows ‘n Cabs

Oct 102016

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?

Wine Bar George {!}

Oct 102016

Master Sommelier George Miliotes will bring his renowned wine expertise to Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort when his new venture, Wine Bar George, opens in fall 2017. Wine Bar George will be the only Master Sommelier-led wine bar in Florida.

Miliotes is widely regarded as one of the restaurant industry’s foremost wine experts with accolades and awards from national publications including Wine Spectator. Miliotes is no stranger to Walt Disney World Resort – he was part of the opening team of California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and managed the venue from 1995 to 2002. While there, he created an award-winning wine list and one of the first 100 wines by the glass lists in the country.
“I’m excited to return to Walt Disney World Resort, and Disney Springs is the perfect place to open a wine bar and share my passion with the world,” Miliotes said. “Having the opportunity to train and hire my own team while sharing my 40-plus years of knowledge is truly incredible, and I look forward to opening our doors in the coming year.”

As one of only 230 worldwide industry professionals certified by the Court of Master Sommeliers, Miliotes will feature wines from famed growing regions both stateside and abroad at Wine Bar George. The location will offer an unparalleled wine list including more than 100 selections both by the bottle and the glass.

“With an international wine list that’s both approachable and adventurous, my hope is that Wine Bar George will cater to wine connoisseurs and novices alike,” Miliotes said. “The wine menu will feature a range of varietals, vintages and prices. Guests will be able to experience sips from acclaimed and well-known wineries as well as growing regions and wineries that are up-and-coming.”

Additionally, Wine Bar George will include a food menu featuring small plates, cheese, and charcuterie designed to complement the wine list. Offerings will feature local artisans and seasonally relevant items.

“As a native Floridian, it’s important to me to support local farms and businesses,” Miliotes said. “And with our seasonal menu, we’ll change our offerings as ingredients come into their prime. Every menu item will complement selections on our wine list, bringing guests ideal food and wine pairings and culinary explorations.”

Guests can expect their experience to include wine education, which will be served up in an approachable and fun manner. Every part of the Wine Bar George experience, including special events and visits from renowned winemakers, will educate and enlighten guests about food and wine.

“I’m thrilled to share my enthusiasm and passion for wine with every single guest,” Miliotes said. “Every interaction we have with our guests is the chance to teach them about the fascinating world of wine. Good wine and good food go together, and sometimes people overcomplicate that notion. At Wine Bar George, guests will enjoy the trifecta of exceptional food, renowned wines and leave with as much wine knowledge as they wish.”

When the 210-seat wine bar opens, it will join a growing and remarkable group of dining, shopping and entertainment offerings at Disney Springs. The design for the 6,000-square-foot space will be reminiscent of a winemaker’s home estate featuring oak wood, warm lighting and a welcoming, comfortable atmosphere.

Follow George @WineBarGeorge on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest and join the #WineBarGeorge conversation. Visit WineBarGeorge.com for news and updates.

Cheers!

Winery Photo Credits: Honig

Earls Kitchen at Millenia

Oct 102016

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?

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