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.
Thirty five leading chefs and restaurants, including TWO James Beard Foundation Award semi-finalists, served up fabulous plates during last night’s event. Even better, all proceeds benefit Share Our Strength’s efforts to end childhood hunger. Just $50 provides a week of nutritious meals to 34 homeless children, so each ticket purchased made a significant impact! Local beneficiaries include Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida and Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.
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!
- Cafe Tu Tu Tango: Korean Marinated Confit of Chicken with Grilled Buttermilk Cornbread and Sambar Butter. Hello delicious, making a reservation here asap.
- Capa at Four Seasons Resort Orlando: Braised Spanish Octopus, Marinated in Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Garlic, Thyme and Chili. I passed on the eight legged creature, but my husband is still raving about the dish.
- The Capital Grille: Kona Crusted Sirloin with Truffle Mashed Potatoes. Capital Grille, you can do no wrong. If you missed our steakhouse review, click here.
- Crimson Tavern at Orlando Airport Marriott: Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta, Fig, Vinegar, Spiced Figs, Chervil. Airport food? Skip the peanuts next time and head upstairs to the Crimson Tavern, even if just for dessert.
- Empress Sissi Cake & Pastry Specialties: Creme Brulee Cheesecake. Creamy, sugary goodness mixed into a melty cheesecake. Empress Sissi, who are you and where can we taste more of your fabulous desserts?!
- LongHorn Steakhouse: “Slow & Low” Braised Short Ribs, Horseradish Whipped Potato, Crispy Shiitake Mushrooms, Port Wine Braising Liquid and Petit Herbs. Fabulous! PS: have you tasted their new Peak Season menu?
- Orlando World Center Marriott: Red Velvet Donuts with Chocolate Chili Melted Chocolate. Wishing I could have these for breakfast. Every morning.
- Sea World Orlando: Sustainable Ahi Tuna and Halibut, cold-infused with Citrus Vodka and Coconut Rum over a Wakame Salad. The dry ice presentation was a feast for the eyes too! See below for a snapshot of their preparation.
- Sushi Pop Restaurant: Gangnam Style Roll (Haha) Salmon Tartare topped with Local White Fish, Yang Yum Jung Sauce and Waterkist Farm Sprouts. Our search for Orlando’s best sushi is over, you win Sushi Pop! Where have you been hiding all this time?
Cue the food hangover, glad it’s Sunday so we can sit on the sofa in sweatpants. Thank you Orlando Taste of the Nation for the invitation, we thoroughly enjoyed the evening! If you missed out this year, make plans to be there in 2015!
