With no formal plans, and a lot of time on our hands this weekend, we dined out. A lot. Our plates varied wildly from Park Ave eats to drive through dining. Here’s what we enjoyed (and didn’t) this weekend as we scoured the city for the best eats.

Prato: Arguably the trendiest restaurant in Winter Park and one that just exudes that coolness factor. My brother gave us a generous gift card for Christmas, so we were eager to nab a reservation and a date night. I’m obsessed with their Widowmaker Pizza, but opted for a seasonal pie instead this trip. Big mistake. While still tasty, you just cannot beat that egg and sausage goodness. Alas, their famous meatballs made up for the mildly disappointing pineapple pizza.

Peterbrooke: We strolled over for some creamy gelato and inhaled their Banana Caramel Praline gelato with sugar coated pralines. It’s rumored that Oprah has buckets of this confection shipped to her house, so you know it has to be good. 

Lineage Coffee: I love that this place takes coffee as serious as say a winemaker takes grapes or a chef with his ingredients. Their passion is intense and their methods refined. I ordered the mocha (too bitter) but gulped down their white cold brew. This bottled goodness is bound to replace your Starbucks habit.

The Boathouse: We finally made it to this Disney Springs spot. After strategically avoiding the parks due to marathon weekend, we settled into a waterfront seat out on the dock. We enjoyed a very belated lunch and glasses of sparkling rosé. Their impressive wine list boasts all the “celebrity” brands you’d expect to see at a trendy restaurant, many of which you can enjoy by the glass. From Caymus to Penfolds, and plenty of bubbly, you’ll have a difficult time deciding on your libation. We ordered a variety of plates to share, but settled on the filet mignon sliders as our favorite. Grab a seat by the water, order a bottle (or two) and enjoy that endless summer that Florida has to offer at The Boathouse.

The Ganachery: An adorable little chocolate shop adjacent to The Boathouse. Other than the terribly unpleasant odor (assuming there was a plumbing problem this weekend?) these bites of bliss were perfection. My caramel sea salt square was sprinkled with the perfect amount of salty crystals and filled with luxurious caramel. Pop in for a few squares during your next trip to Disney Springs.

Until next weekend Orlando….

Photo Credits: Disney Springs/The Ganachery + Peterbrooke

When January rolls around we all make resolutions to eat “healthier.” And we try, we really do. Those first few days (or hours) are a complete success. But eventually you have a stressful day at work, or someone has a birthday and you ditch those well-intentioned resolutions.

We’re so looking forward to next week’s long weekend, and particularly due to Tim’s Wine Market upcoming event. Taste wines from the US, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Argentina and Australia and meet many of the people who make them. This open house tasting will stretch across the Ivanhoe Row complex, with tasting stations in neighboring stores as well. There will be an appetizer buffet and special pricing to purchase the wines and restock those depleted wine cellars. Pick up the phone and set a date to break that resolution. And technically wine = grape = fruit = superfood. See how I did that math?

BREAKING RESOLUTIONS – STARTING 2016 OFF IN STYLE
Location: Tim’s Wine Shop
Address: 1223 North Orange Ave Orlando, FL 32804
Cost: $30, call (407) 895-9463 for reservations
Start: January 16, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

‘Tis the season for indulging! Here’s what’s happening around town during the most wonderful week of the year.

4 Rivers Smokehouse: Accepting catering orders until December 21

Dragonfly Robata Grill + Sushi: Winter Omakase Menu

• Robata Grilled Baby Octopus: yuzu fennel, heirloom cherry tomato, cucumber, kaiware, wasabi greens, japanese italian soy vinaigrette.
• Fuyu Roll: scallop delight, asparagus, shrimp. spinach, avocado, tempura shrimp, beni-shoga, cilantro, sweet ginger aioli.
• Kinoko Gohan w/ Robata grilled Veal Tenderloin: shimeji, shiitake, eryngii, mushroom dashi, bonito flakes, nori, purple shiso, egg yolk, spicy red bean paste.
• Dorayaki: japanese red bean cake, red bean ice cream, chocolate walnut crumbles, seasonal berries, green tea crème anglaise  

Taverna Opa:

• Loukoumades (fried dough balls) with Nutella: a dish commonly served during Greek celebrations!

Tapa Toro:

• Cranberry handpies: with house-made ice cream
• Caldo Gallego, a traditional  Spanish soup made with cabbage, greens, chorizo, pork and white beans

Christner’s Prime Steak & Lobster:

• Pomegranate Martini: Cherry Vodka, Triple Sec, Pama Pomegranate Liqueur, squeeze of fresh lemon, served up or on the rocks
• The Revolver: Bullet 10 Year Bourbon, coffee liqueur, orange bitters, served on the rocks with a large orange zest

Cheers and Merry Christmas!

Dragonfly Robata Grill & Sushi will be hosting their second Behind the Knife: Sushi Class on Saturday, December 19. Priced at $60 per person, you can learn how to roll four different types of sushi rolls with Chef de Cuisine David Song.

During the course, you will learn about the tools of the trade, both ancient and new. Chef Song will provide his students with the tips, tricks and techniques it takes to make perfect sushi rice, and how to recognize sushi-grade fish based on color, texture and smell.

Designed to be an experience, a champagne aperitif and floating appetizers are included. The bar will also be available with rare Japanese whiskeys, saké, shōchū and any of your favorite cocktails à la carte. Check-in will begin at 11:30 a.m. with the class starting at 12 p.m.

We so enjoyed our sushi class a few weeks ago, check out our full review here.