Feb 212017
 

Paddlefish, formerly known as Fulton’s Crab House, is officially open at Disney Springs. The multi-million-dollar transformation brings new life to this modern yacht experience. The menu showcases fresh seafood including Maine lobster, king and snow crab and a selection of fresh fish including sea bass, catfish and salmon. Fan favorites and classic dishes from Fulton’s, such as lobster corn dogs and crab legs, will still be offered on the menu alongside new options such as lobster risotto and lobster guacamole.

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Their cocktail menu was inspired by classic, turn-of-the-century American cocktails with fresh ingredients and spirits that are house-made by small craft artisan distillers. On the drink menu you’ll find rare wines and spirits alongside timeless offerings.

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Here’s what you should order during your visit:

  • Crab Fries: Hand cut potatoes with lump blue crab and Louie dressing. Just when you thought sliced spuds couldn’t get any better….they did.
  • Tableside Lobster Guacamole: Not to be outshined by the avocado, the spiced tortilla chips are perfect for dipping in creamy guac that’s filled with Maine lobster.
  • Lobster Roll: A perfectly toasted roll filled with 1.25 pounds of Maine lobster (!)
  • Jambalaya: We’ve yet to taste this dish, but we’ll be back to try all the glory of gulf shrimp, andouille, crawfish and popcorn rice.
  • Low Country Boil: Similar to the jambalaya, we’d go back to try this dish of snow crab, Gulf of Mexico shrimp and boudin served with Plant City farmer’s market corn, new potatoes and jalapeño cornbread.
  • Doughnuts and Coffee: Warm cinnamon sugar doughnut holes served with coffee gelato and a vanilla honey tuille.
  • Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Tart: Filled with candied bacon, sea salt and a side of dulce de leche ice cream.

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Paddlefish will be open for lunch and dinner in addition to Sunday brunch. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy three unique dining room experiences on the ship, which can seat a whopping 760 guests. In main dining room you can create your own seafood boil, or enjoy the rooftop deck to sip on libations and snack on shared plates while soaking in the sun and views of Disney Springs. They also offer versatile private dining rooms and event spaces to accommodate celebrations or meetings from 20 to 1,000 guests.

Hop aboard the new Paddlefish, you won’t be disappointed by the new views or cuisine.

Feb 202017
 

We’re pleased to introduce Arlene, our newest Spork contributor! You can follow her Orlando adventures on Instagram and Twitter @doorlandolocal.

Brio Tuscan Grille has expanded their menu to feature dishes incorporating seasonal flavors. The new offerings are available until February 28 at both Winter Park Village and Mall at Millenia locations. Here’s what’s new on the “Flavorful Features” menu!

Appetizer:

  • Burrata & Prosciutto Bruschetta: Red peppers, mayonnaise, sea salt, black pepper, extra virgin olive oil and parsley ($11.95). We were given a bruschetta platter to sample, out of the three, my favorite was the burrata and prosciutto version. The ingredients complimented each other in perfect harmony.

Brio

Entrées:

  • Chicken Saltimbocca Risotto: Provolone, crispy pancetta, fried sage and butternut squash risotto ($16.95). The chicken was moist and the dish as a whole was extremely flavorful – a favorite of the evening! 

Brio

  • Sea Scallops & Ratatouille Risotto: Seared scallops served over risotto with roasted eggplant, red peppers, zucchini, tomato compote, basil and Parmigiano Reggiano ($21.95). The Rataouille Risotto had a little kick, but it was welcomed. The scallops were tender and easy to cut into as well. The dish had a distinct taste compared to the other two and is a good intro for those new to the world of seafood.
  • Crab Stuffed Shrimp & Broiled Maine Lobster Tail: Orzo, farro, zucchini, red peppers, asparagus and lemon butter sauce ($25.95). The lobster and the crab stuffed shrimp provided a sweet yet savory taste with each bite. I took half of this dish home (so much food!) but enjoyed it the next day. It was still tasty and thoroughly passed the “leftover test.”

Brio

Dessert:

  • Butterscotch Budino: Italian for “pudding,” this dish features marcona almonds and caramel and vanilla whipped cream ($3.95). The dessert reminded me of a sundae as it was warm, topped with vanilla gelato, almonds and finished with a caramel drizzle. 

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In addition to the food, the service was excellent – thanks Cameron! Visit the Winter Park Village or Millenia location soon before these dishes disappear.

 

 

 

 

BRIO Tuscan Grille Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Feb 192017
 

A wall of vintage rums, your own rum specialist, a ceviche bar and a patio overlooking the lagoon combine to make Strong Water Tavern an exceptionally cool and stylish watering hole. Featuring tapas style dining options with rum tastings, this is a true destination lounge at Universal Orlando’s newest resort, Loews Sapphire Falls. Whether you’re visiting Orlando or local, Strong Water Tavern is the cure for escaping the ordinary. With a serious focus on rum, which includes 65 varieties on their list with plans to expand, the tavern also boasts an impressive menu of authentic island fare. More than just a hotel bar, here’s why Strong Water Tavern is worth a visit (or two).

  • Rum, rum, rum: Escape to an island mindset with the Tavern Grog. A refreshing cocktail that’s best enjoyed while overlooking the resort’s 16,000 square foot pool. This signature drink with hints of spiced apple is made with freshly squeezed juices and was inspired by a 350-year-old recipe. The perfect drink for rum connoisseurs and novices alike.

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  • Two words, rum flights: Choose three rums from various regions, then taste and sample your way through the world via rum. With a knowledgeable staff you’ll have the privilege of learning about each sample and the difference between rums around the globe.

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  • Full of flavor: Their made from scratch menu is inspired by the executive chef’s heritage and background. With a focus on international flavor you’ll be treated to some unique flavors unlike any other menu in town. We’d suggest ordering a ceviche to start followed by the Ropa Vieja and Braised Pork Arepa. Finish your mini culinary vacation with some rum raisin house-made ice cream. With plans to expand the menu with Haitian food, there’s always something new to explore at Strong Water Tavern.

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strong water tavern

strong water tavern

  • Prefer Wine?: If you’d rather sip on a glass of vino for your cocktail time, this spot also boasts an extensive wine list. While we highly recommend ordering a rum cocktail, Lyric by Etude Pinot Noir, Stag’s Leap “Hands of Time” Cabernet Sauvignon or Veuve Clicquot “Yellow Label” Champagne are good options if you’re set on ordering wine.
  • Entertainment Abounds: Like many of our theme parks, Universal also has plans to expand their attractions. The much anticipated Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon is scheduled to open April 6. And the ever-growing Volcano Bay Water Park (which I’m sure you’ve seen driving along I-4) will open its doors May 25. After a day in the parks make sure you put Strong Water Tavern on your agenda.

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If you’re seeking an experience beyond trendy craft cocktails and gastropub offerings, head to Strong Water Tavern inside the new Loews Resort at Universal.

 

 

 

 

 

Photo Credit: Jimmy Fallon/Universal, all others by Spork

Feb 172017
 

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Morimoto Asia will officially welcome the soon-to-open Wine Bar George to the Disney Springs neighborhood with a special collaboration wine dinner. The menu, created by Executive Chef Yuhi Fujinaga, will showcase a selection of modern Pan-Asian dishes. Master Sommelier George Miliotes will pair each course with wines that will be served at the wine bar when it opens later this year at Disney Springs. The dinner is priced at $150 per guest (excluding tax and gratuity) and will feature the following food and wine pairings:

1st Course:

  • Bluefin Toro Tartare, soy caviar, Jamon Iberico Crisps
  • Ruinart Rosé Champagne, France

2nd Course:

  • ‘Bag of Pho’ local lionfish, Hudson Valley Foie Gras dashi, mitsuba, rice noodles
  • Raats Original Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch-South Africa

3rd Course:

  • Slow Roasted Crispy Baby Pig, Chinese black bean trotter jus, hot spring Jidori egg
  • Selbach-Oster Riesling Feinherb, Mosel-Germany

Dessert Course:

  • Green Tea Panna Cotta
  • Broadbent Colheita Madeira, Portugal

All the details…

Looks like an epic food and wine evening!

Feb 082017
 

walt disney world

Covering nearly 40 square miles, Walt Disney World is roughly the size of San Francisco or two Manhattan islands. Within this expansive space you’ll find 46 resort hotels, four massive theme parks, 475 places to dine and a host of other entertainment options. Although you could stay at Disney for weeks without repeating the same activity, here are the attractions you must do during your time at Walt Disney World.

Head over to TravelPulse for our tips! 

Feb 022017
 

The third concept from the Luma and Prato crew, Luke’s Kitchen and Bar, offers classic American cuisine and cocktails. Inspired by timeless American libations, the bar program features signature classic cocktails using house-made ingredients that complement the menu. Luke’s also offers an array of fine wines and craft beer like La Cana Albariño.

Executive Chef Derek Perez has created a menu that highlights classic fare using seasonal ingredients, responsibly-sourced proteins and sustainable seafood offerings. Inspired by the culinary traditions from coast to coast, Luke’s delivers fare prepared with the finest ingredients and innovative techniques.

Here’s a peek at the menu!

Shellfish Tower: Brimming with oysters, ceviche in seashells, and shrimp, this tiered starter is a feast for the eyes and palate.

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Deviled Eggs with Braised Bacon: Perfect eggs surrounded by pork belly and a dash of paprika-pepper jam will make for the right start to your Maitland meal.

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Soup Please: Enjoy a selection of soups from french onion with oxtail to charcoal roasted vegetable with farro. Perfect for warming up on these fleeting “winter” nights.

Reserve Steaks: Ask for their land and sea reserve card for culinary delights like Wagyu and filet.

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Luke’s Kitchen and Bar is located at 640 South Orlando Avenue in Maitland, FL. Call 407.674.2400 or visit www.eatatlukes.com for reservations and follow Luke’s on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Luke's Kitchen and Bar Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Feb 022017
 

Combining fare with memorable performances on 14 consecutive Saturdays, the new Seven Seas Food Festival is coming to SeaWorld Orlando Feb. 11 – May 13, 2017.  Each week you can sip and sample your way around the park with international coastal cuisine while enjoying craft beers, paired wines and specialty entertainment. The Seven Seas Food Festival brings 14 live acts to SeaWorld Orlando’s Bayside Stadium including Phillip Phillips and Lee Brice.

Complete with 11 global markets, discover more than 60 unique Asian, Latin, European, Polynesian and North Atlantic dishes throughout the park. An array of wine, specialty cocktails and over 55 local and international craft brews will be featured as well. Pick up a sampling pass (bonus, the portions are quite large!) and can enjoy 10 items for $40 or 15 for $55. Selections will change throughout the festival so there’s always more to explore.

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Here’s a sample lineup of the fare you’ll find at SeaWorld’s newest festival:

  • Braised Chicken Adobo with Mole Sauce
  • Double Decker Pound Cake with Raspberry Sauce and Cheddar Cheese
  • Bacon Hushpuppies with Bacon and Honey Butter
  • Grilled Corn on the Cob with Cheese
  • Fried Kataifi Orange drizzled with Local Honey
  • Banana & Caramel Cheesecake topped with Whipped Cream & Caramelized Bananas
  • Southern Creamy Cheese Grits with a Blackened Shrimp

For more details click here: SeaWorldOrlando.com/SevenSeas

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