From tapas to distinctive wines, Spanish flavors are coming on strong in the culinary world. Spanish food is hot, and it’s bound to become the next mainstream taco or Asian craze. New to our dining scene is Bulla (“boo-ya”) Gastrobar, which has officially opened at Lakeside Crossing in Winter Park. Bulla, which is Spanish slang for “chatter”, boasts an energetic, vibrant atmosphere with traditional tapas and creative libations.

The menu highlights vibrant Spanish cuisine that is simple and clean, but with an artisanal twist. Assisting with their culinary creations is the Josper oven which is both an oven and grill. This ensures a quick cook time, vast flavors and an exceptional finished dish. We ventured over to Bulla last week and enjoyed a wide range of the menu among a lively weeknight crowd.

Make sure these dishes end up on your table!

• Huevos ‘Bulla’: Eggs, homemade potato chips, Serrano ham, potato foam and truffle oil. Perfect for brunch or breakfast all day.

• Pintxo Moruno: Cumin marinated grilled pork, mojo verde and Greek yogurt. A fantastically flavorful dish.

• Solomillo Iberico: Iberian pork tenderloin, sautéed apple, rosemary demi glace and wild mushrooms.

• Paella: Bomba rice, calamari, king prawn, clams, shrimp, hake, red sofrito and saffron. An authentic presentation, preparation and it pairs perfectly with their Albariño by the glass.

• Churros Con Chocolate: Traditional fried dough, chocolate sauce, dulce de leche. A heavenly plate of fried goodness, pair it with their espresso for the perfect ending to your Bulla experience.

Bulla Gastrobar is located at 110 Orlando Ave., Suite #7, open daily for lunch and dinner and brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Follow Bulla Gastrobar on Facebook and Instagram @BullaGastrobar.

The humidity is less oppressive, boots are coming out of the closet and locals have started praising the weather. All of which can only mean one thing, it’s PATIO season y’all! So break out those winter (ish) coats and snag a table outside. Here’s where you should visit for dining alfresco during this glorious season!

• Baoery Asian Gastropub: The outdoor patio features sleek umbrellas for comfortable shaded seating in a casual and contemporary atmosphere. Strings of mini lantern lights adorn a red awning over a row of picture perfect picnic tables. Indulge in one of their signature baos or bowls of ramen while sipping on a cocktail during the lively buzz of happy hour for a spirited night. PS: Grab your tickets to their one-year anniversary party. Sake bombs included.

• Soco: Outdoor seating available at Soco under a sea of striped umbrellas that make up their bistro-style terrace. Whether you’re in the market for an elegant evening meal or an upscale Sunday brunch, glasses of red wine and flutes of mimosas pair perfectly with the southern charm and inviting ambiance only found in Soco’s open air dining space. And here’s our top 10 reasons why Soco is worthy of your precious brunch time.

• Morimoto Asia: The modern two story outdoor veranda offers seating both upstairs and downstairs. The stunning venue is especially a sight to behold particularly at night. Feast on spicy salmon sushi rolls or chicken dumplings and treat yourself to a drink from Morimoto’s fall cocktail menu while savoring in the cool night air.

• STK: Unwind with the Poisoned Apple mixed drink from STK’s decadent seasonal cocktail menu while lounging on their rooftop deck overlooking Disney Springs. Stay for a full filet dinner or just pop in for appetizers while basking in the fleeting fall breeze.

• Tutto Italia at Walt Disney World Resort: Their intimate outdoor shaded patio is perfect for a romantic candle-lit dinner for two or for a gourmet lunch with friends. With a view of Italy’s central piazza, enjoy both a front row seat to the daily flag shows and an escape from the crowds for a relaxing meal.

Cheers to you Florida fall.

Photo Credits: Baoery, all other photos taken by Spork

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.

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!