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Taste of the Nation {!}

Aug 282016

Last night we grazed at Orlando’s Taste of the Nation, if you’ve never been to this event you must go next year! As food lovers, there’s nothing better than walking into a massive room filled with culinary delights to sample at your leisure.

Forty two leading chefs and restaurants, served up endless plates during last night’s event. Every dollar raised fights hunger and homelessness in the Central Florida. Local beneficiaries include Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida and Florida Impact.

After hours of sampling dishes from the area’s finest Chefs, we rolled ourselves out of the Marriott. Here’s a few of our favorite dishes from the night, can’t wait to visit these chefs in restaurant!

Seasons 52: Fresh Summer Truffle Risotto, Shaved Italian Black Truffle, Roasted Mushrooms, Corn, Chive Oil and a selection of wines!

Nova Scratch Kitchen: Pecan-smoked Bacon-roasted Diver Scallops with Vermont White Cheddar Anson Mills Grits.

Highball and Harvest at Ritz-Carlton: Palmetto Creek Pork Belly, Braised Pork Belly with Zellwood Corn.

Florida Nitro Ice Cream: Assorted Liquid Nitrogen Ice Creams and Sorbets including a Tito’s infused sorbet!

Capa at Four Seasons Resort Orlando: Crispy, Blistered Shishito Peppers with Chorizo paired with one of their signature cocktails.

Eddie V’s: Ahi Tuna Tartare on Sesame Lavosh with Avocado and Citrus.

Sanpellegrino: Tito’s Vodka mixed with a fruity, bubbly beverage.

The Capital Grille: The best of the night! Kona Rubbed Sliced Filet with Horseradish Cream and Sam’s Mashed Potatoes.

Make sure you attend next year’s 28th annual event!

{PS: look what we found, sporks!}

The Mouse Goes Luxe

Aug 252016

From buckets of buttery popcorn to king salmon with sun-kissed melon, Walt Disney World offers quite the range of culinary offerings and experiences. The average Disney vacation is filled with family time, iconic attractions and the occasional Mickey Mouse ice cream bar. However, there’s a side of the mouse that goes beyond character dining and endless queue lines. It’s a magical world filled with luxurious hidden gems. If you’re looking for a theme park experience sprinkled with high-end pixie dust, be sure to add one of these experiences to your Orlando agenda.

For our full Disney luxe story, head over to TravelPulse!

Reggae Fest: Dinner + Dancing at Bahama Breeze

Aug 232016

I’m a little behind, but July 1 was International Reggae Day! To celebrate, Bahama Breeze hosted a Reggae Fest from July 1 through August 13.

You see, my love for the Caribbean is deeply rooted. My dad’s family is from the Bahamas, so I know a thing or two about fresh fish, peas and rice and the beauty of a ripe plantain.

For this experience, I decided to invite some of the people I love most — including my dad, who happens to have a picky palate.

The evening began properly with a warm welcome from the staff and fun at the table as sang along with Lauryn Hill to the track “Turn The Lights Down Low” by Bob Marley.

For starters, we ordered the Conch Fritters, Fried Shrimp, Curry Goat served with naan and the Taste of Jamaica, which caught my eye because it included callaloo — a green, leafy vegetable. Imagine collard greens, but different. From this dish, plated to resemble the Jamaican flag, I sampled the callaloo, rice and plantains. I honestly enjoyed everything I tasted, and my guests raved about the Jerk Chicken and other proteins.

Moving on, we ordered our entrées. The table boasted two orders of Jerk Chicken Pasta, my Shrimp & Mahi with Lemongrass Sauce Bowl, and a Steak Oscar.

Health Note: At Bahama Breeze, you’re empowered to order your preferred portion size. With many of the entrées, they offer you the choice of a full or half option. Although this idea of portion control is not a new concept, it was refreshing to be asked, because it’s not common.

About 30 minutes passed, and we entered into the final stretch. Bellies were full, pants were a bit tighter and we all still committed to dessert. We devoured two orders of the Banana Nut Bread Supreme, which includes sliced bananas, vanilla ice cream on warm banana nut bread with hot butterscotch brandy sauce and the Chocolate Island that has a rich chocolate mousse on a fudge brownie island in chocolate sauce and vanilla bean anglaise.

The night didn’t end there. Following our desserts, we headed to the outdoor deck where we walked right into the middle of Orlando Reggae Party’s mic check. The music started at the same time as the Olympic track races, so we stayed around to enjoy the atmosphere. After giving my dancing shoes some play, we left with amazing memories.

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

+++

A restaurant that needs no introduction {Victoria & Albert’s}

Aug 222016

There’s one magical place in town that serves up a vacation state of mind. Victoria & Albert’s, the only AAA Five-Diamond restaurant in Central Florida, is filled with Riedel crystal, Cristofle silver from France and renowned cuisine by Chef Scott Hunnel. With its low lighting and limited tables, you’re instantly transported to a level of luxury that’s both comfortable and exquisite.

You’ll enjoy a nostalgic trip back in time when the ritual of dining out was civilized and lavish. If you’re in the main dining room you’ll be handed a seven-course, seasonal menu with wine pairings, all of which are customized daily. Our husband-wife server team gracefully explained every aspect of the menu and dining experience all while making us feel like the only table in the restaurant. At Victoria & Albert’s food is an art form, featuring vivid colors and textures, making you wish seven courses could evolve into 17. Even the restaurant’s wine cellar has been recognized by Wine Spectator magazine with an “Award of Excellence.” With more than 700 selections on the menu and 4,200 in the cellar, your toughest decision for the night may just be what to drink.

From the King Salmon to Long Island Duck with Soba Noodles, every bite was masterfully prepared and paired alongside fine wines. With each course you’ll be given a choice between two dishes, which means you can really try all 14 dishes if your date orders the opposite selection. I’ll spare you the list of everything we tasted, but here are some of the culinary highlights from our evening at Victoria & Albert’s:

Long Island Duck with Soba Noodles, with Poet’s Leap Riesling, Columbia Valley 2014
King Salmon with Sun Kissed Melon, with Granbazan Albarino “Etiqueta Ambar”, Rias Baixas 2014
Alaskan Halibut with Creamy Leeks and Fennel, with Cadaretta SBS, Columbia Valley 2013
Kurobuta Pork Tenderloin with Dashi Scented Rice, with Ridge “Three Valleys” Sonoma County 2013
Palmetto Farms Quail with Asparagus Ristto, with Domaine Grosbois “Gabare” Chinon, Loire 2013
Grand Marnier Soufflé
Caramelized Banana Gâteau

What to know before you go:

Make reservations early, as in 90-120 days before your arrival. Seriously, set an alarm on your phone, tables wait for no one. {407.824.1893}
There are two seatings daily September through June, one seating daily July through August. Chef’s Table seating is 6 p.m. daily.
Dinner is $185 per person (tax and gratuity not included), $250 with wine pairing
Jackets are required for men (tie optional) and “dinner attire” for women
Come hungry (and thirsty), because you’ll want to enjoy every last bite and sip

What’s for Dinner?

Aug 202016

It’s hot, down pouring, or you’re just feeling plain lazy, but you still want something besides cereal for dinner. So what’s a gal to do? Download OrderUp, an on-demand delivery app and online platform recently acquired by Groupon. With the click of a button, you can order food from more than 150 Orlando area restaurants.

All available at the touch of an app, simply select a restaurant, see what items are available for delivery and place and pay for your order. There is typically a $3.99 delivery fee, and some restaurants have a minimum order – but that’s small pennies compared to the convenience of local fare delivered to your door.

Since launching a year ago, OrderUp has delivered 28,000 chicken wings to hungry houses all over the city and have expanded to UCF, College Park, Baldwin Park and Winter Park. Laid end-to-end the 2,842 sushi rolls OrderUp has delivered could go around the Orlando Eye and still have enough to scale the height of the SunTrust building. In celebration of the delivery service’s birthday, we were invited to a progressive dinner in College Park featuring Jade Sushi & New Asian, The Peppy Bistro and Hubbly Bubbly Falafel Shop. With a vast variety of cuisine, you’re sure to find something for every craving in the app. Here’s some of our favorite eats you can enjoy with OrderUp:

Anthony’s Pizza: Bianca Pizza with mozzarella and ricotta cheese with garlic and olive oil
Kasa Restaurant and Bar: Kasa corn with miso lime aioli and manchego
Le Gourmet Break: Omelette Croissant with your choice of toppings from bacon to cheese
Jade Sushi: The WOW Bao with cola pork belly, steamed bun and pickles
The Peppy Bistro: Parpadelle alla Vodka with grilled chicken
Hubbly Bubbly: Falafel with a secret blend of freshly ground chickpeas and signature herbs and spices, lightly fried until crispy

So make it a delicious night in and enter EATIT at checkout for $7 off your first order. Download the app or visit orderup.com for dinner delivered.

Bulla Gastrobar to Open in Winter Park

Aug 152016

Bulla (“boo-ya”) Gastrobar will officially open its doors this fall at Lakeside Crossing in Winter Park. Boasting two private dining spaces and both indoor and outdoor seating, the 5,500-square-foot restaurant seats more than 200 guests. Bulla will focus on straightforward cooking techniques with authentic Spanish flair.

Bulla – which is Spanish slang for “chatter” – prides itself on its energetic, vibrant atmosphere. Designed by Celano Design Studio, Bulla will project a welcoming feel with warm, stylish décor all inspired by modern European design mostly taken from the traditional tapas bar and cervezerias of Barcelona. Upon arrival, guests will see outdoor seating blended with a lively interior playing off a Barcelona marketplace. The main dining room will offer traditional seating accented by deep blue, rich leather, and dark and light woods. The tapas bar will be highlighted by an open expo kitchen and a large bar.

The menu will highlight vibrant Spanish cuisine that is simple and clean, with an artisanal twist. Executive Chef Rebolledo will bring his extensive culinary experience, talents and unending love for Spain to Winter Park, incorporating some of his favorite Spanish dishes, including tapas and paellas.

Menu highlights include:

Huevos ‘Bulla’ – Eggs, homemade potato chips, Serrano ham, potato foam, truffle oil
Croquetas de Jamón – Ibérico ham croquettes, fig jelly
Arroz a Banda – Arroz bomba, calamari, clams, shrimp, branzino
Cubano Ibérico – Pan de cristal, bellota ham, piparras, presa bellota, tetilla cheese, mustard aioli

Chef Rebolledo and Chef Plasencia’s culinary team will work with a Josper Oven, a coveted and important aspect of the Bulla kitchen only seen in a few restaurants throughout the United States. The Josper is both an oven and grill, ensuring a quick cook time, vast flavors and a top-notch finished dish.

The bar will be the center attraction at Bulla – serving both classics and new cocktail selections. Highlights include:

La Madrileña – Bulleit Bourbon, La Gitana Manzanilla, apple cinnamon syrup, lemon juice
Rosa Salvaje – Tito’s Vodka, strawberry-ginger syrup, lemon juice, Fever Tree ginger beer
Seville Sour – Gran Duque d’Alba brandy, La Gitana Manzanilla, simple syrup, lemon juice, egg white, red wine
A selection of Sangrias – Including white wine, red wine and Bulla’s signature Sangria de Cerveza

Bulla Gastrobar, located at 110 Orlando Ave., Suite #7, will open daily for lunch and dinner and will serve brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Email info@bullagastrobar.com using the keywords “Can’t wait” to receive a $20 gift card to use once the restaurant opens!

Chuy’s Tex-Mex Arrives in Winter Park

Aug 072016

Chuy’s, the Austin-based restaurant famous for its authentic Tex-Mex menu, officially opened its newest Central Florida location along Orlando Avenue last week. For more than 30 years, Chuy’s has served Tex-Mex favorites made from scratch, including Stuffed Chile Rellenos, Chicka-Chicka-Boom Enchiladas and Chuy’s famous Big As Yo’ Face Burritos.

Perhaps most surprising is the kitchen, with virtually no freezer space and everything from tortillas to drinks made-from-scratch, you can taste the difference with every bite. Flour and corn tortillas are hand-rolled and cooked every day on an authentic comal, a flat griddle traditionally used in Mexico and Central America to make tortillas. Also unique to Chuy’s are their ten Signature Sauces, you can even ask your server for a sampling of all 10 sauces and they’ll walk you through each one. And the drinks? No mixes here, the bartenders come in early each morning to squeeze the lime juice used for the day. So don’t expect frozen re-heated imitation Tex-Mex, because everything from the beverages to tortillas are crafted with care.

We visited on a Wednesday and arrived to a full and bustling restaurant filled with families and friends seeking a respite from their kitchen. Between the charismatic servers, eclectic restaurant and tasty menu we’d recommend adding Chuy’s to your restaurant rotation. Here’s what we sampled and enjoyed!

Guacamole: What’s a Mexican meal without some guac? Their version consists of a creamy blend of fresh avocados and Salsa Fresca.

Chicken Fajitas: Fresh chicken marinated in Shiner Bock beer, Serrano peppers, lime juice and secret spices. Chuy’s uses whole chickens that are never frozen and prepared daily. This classic dish comes with all the accouterments you’d expect – cheese, sour cream, lettuce, tomatoes – you know the whole smorgasbord.

Mexican Martini: Served with jalapeño stuffed olives, green-chile infused El Jimador Silver Tequila and rimmed with salt, my favorite drink of the night!

Classic Margarita: With bartenders that come in extra early each morning to hand-squeeze limes, it’s no surprise that their drinks simply taste better than pre-made beverages. Why drink sugary, powdered mixes when you can have the real thing?

Tres Leches: Maybe it was the margaritas talking, but this sweet, creamy sponge cake was pure goodness. Totally surprising coming from a place known for tortillas and tequila – but I’m glad we agreed to try a sweet course!

If you haven’t been to Chuy’s it’s definitely worth a visit. Grab your friends and go enjoy some Tex-Mex flavors! For location detail and their full menu, click here.

Photo Credits: Drink photos by Chuy’s

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