The Rusty Spoon is celebrating its five-year anniversary throughout the month of April with a series of chef-driven events featuring some of Chef Blake’s friends and past collaborators within the industry including Melissa Kelly, Kevin Fonzo, Penny Barend and Melissa Khoury.

• On April 2, Chef Kevin Fonzo will join Chef Blake to celebrate The Rusty Spoon’s five-year anniversary and K Restaurant’s fifteen-year anniversary with a family style dinner featuring the farmer that introduced them to each other, Jim Wood of Palmetto Creek Farm. The menu will be 4 courses of seasonal favorites and of course lots of pork. The dinner includes 4 courses and two wine pairings at $55.

• On April 21, artisan butchers Penny Barend and Melissa Khoury of Cleveland-based Saucisson will collaborate with Chef Blake for a nose-to-tail dinner. Barend and Khoury worked with Chef Blake during her time at Primo and Penny was instrumental in opening The Rusty Spoon as Chef de Cuisine. The Chefs will be presenting a variety of dishes where locally-sourced and handcrafted is highlighted.

• On April 22, Chef Melissa Kelly of Primo will join Chef Blake for a very special Earth Day dinner. The collaborative dinner celebrates not only the bounty of Central Florida, the farmers, the artisans, family and friends but also their 20 plus year friendship. Chef Blake was Chef Kelly’s opening Chef de Cuisine of Primo in 2003 and the two have remained culinary confidants ever since.

Happy Birthday to The Rusty Spoon!

I’ve never understood why most happy hours end at 6 p.m. Aren’t they designed for the working force? And these days between endless emails and I-4 traffic, who can make it anywhere by the time the clock strikes six? In a world of overpriced small plates and trendy cocktails it’s nice to find a spot that caters to the after-work crowd with some unique offerings. We recently visited RA Sushi to try out their happy hour and were delighted to find full size sushi rolls and a respectable craft beer and cocktail selection, all reasonably priced and tasty too.

Here’s what we tasted, sipped and enjoyed after a long day of work!

Rainbow Roll: A classic roll served in a colorful display for well under $10. {Score!}

Viva Las Vegas Roll: The star of the night, fully living up to its showy name. Crab and cream cheese rolled in rice and seaweed, tempura battered and topped with spicy tuna, crab mix and sliced lotus root, then it’s finished with sweet eel sauce.

Tuna Tataki: Perfect for sharing and for the novice sushi diner, this mild roll is perked up with some soy sauce and a touch of wasabi.

Blush Geisha: Cold lemonade mixed with Skyy Raspberry Vodka, Bols Black Raspberry Liqueur and lemon sour; tastes innocent enough, but sip this sly drink slowly – it’s strong!

Lunetta Prosecco – Trentino, Italy: They say bubbles go with everything, and I couldn’t agree more. Enjoy a sip of Italy alongside a taste of Japan for a mere $8.

Now for the good stuff, the chance to win free food! We’re giving away two $50 gift cards to RA Sushi, all you have to do is comment on our Instagram post featuring this article and share your go-to sushi roll or happy hour drink. Cheers!

RA Sushi serves up happy hour daily from 3 p.m.-7 p.m. and 10 p.m. – close on Monday – Saturday and from 3 p.m. – close on Sundays. Located in Pointe Orlando at 9101 International Drive. Paying a visit? Tell them Spork sent ya!

Spork Orlando was compensated for this post and subsequent campaign. All opinions are reserved by Spork Orlando. Winners will be randomly selected.

Every so often a restaurant comes along that you know is destined to become a beloved location by both locals and foodies alike. Spots like Pig Floyd’s or Black Rooster Taqueria only stay secretive for so long, and soon enough your hidden gem becomes an Orlando staple. And while selfishly I’d like to keep Nova a secret (so I can guarantee myself a table), this new Ivanhoe Village restaurant is just too good to keep to myself.

Situated on the corner of Orange and Virginia, this long anticipated restaurant has finally arrived and is making quite the splash. With outdoor seating, a swanky bar and fascinating menu, Nova may just be your new go-to spot for drinks or date night.

• Cheese and Crackers: Sounds simple enough, but this house-made Boursin style goat cheese with jalapeño peach jelly and flatbread crackers, was outstanding. And bonus points for making an edible goat cheese! Don’t overlook this simple, yet delectable appetizer.

• Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes: With a horseradish remoulade it’s everything you’d want in a crab cake; pure, plump and simple.

• Ahi Tuna: My new favorite tuna dish featuring sesame-crusted ahi tuna with kimchi fried rice, coconut ginger curry and a local vegetable stir fry. Not a dish I’d recommend for every palate, but if you’re into sliced tuna and the flavors of Chinese five spice, this buttery tuna is exceptional.

• 1409 Burger: This is bliss wedged between two buns with a short rib patty, Vermont white cheddar, over-easy egg, pecan smoked bacon with a side of duck fat fries. It’s a burger so loaded with gooey, fatty goodness you’ll crave this steak and potato dish long after your visit.

• Chocolate Crème brûlée: There’s always room for dessert right? A twist on the traditional version, this dish was the perfect ending to a star-studded menu lineup.

And of course there’s a substantial variety of craft cocktails, wines by the glass and beers to suit your palate. Weekday or weeknight, Nova will quickly become Orlando’s go-to spot for all occasions. Cheers!