A true locally-sourced delicacy, stone crab season is officially in full swing, and returning with its rich, sweet flavor. Unlike its relatives, the snow crab itself is fairly small and rarely consumed. In fact, fishermen remove one of the crab’s claws and return the crab to the ocean where it can re-grow its lost limb. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. Right?

While tender and delectable inside, the stone crab’s exterior is strong enough to break an oyster’s shell. Totally believable considering the amount of arm muscle required to crack open one of these claws.

We were lucky enough to receive an invitation from Bonefish Grill to try this seaside delicacy. And all Florida locations are offering locally sourced stone crabs. These little bites of bliss are served chilled, cracked and ready for dipping in their signature sauces. Admittedly, I’d yet to taste stone crabs in my life, I’ve always simply missed the season all together. We so enjoyed cracking open the claws and diving into the sweet flavors of these stone crabs. And like most seafood, we’d recommend washing down your claws with some white wine.

For $35 you’ll receive an abundant portion of large stone crab claws, which is totally reasonably considering the typical sky-high prices for this specialty fare! So hurry into Bonefish Grill because the peak of the season is nearly closing.

Curious how to make your own sushi? Dragonfly Orlando is hosting Behind the Knife: Sushi Class, join Chef de Cuisine David Song for this interactive and fun class.

During the course, you’ll learn about the tools of the trade, both ancient and new. You’ll learn the tips, tricks and techniques it takes to make perfect sushi rice, and they’ll teach you how to recognize sushi-grade fish based on color, texture and smell. Once immersed in the history and proper techniques, the chefs will help you make rice and prepare your very own sushi!

Designed to be an experience, sodas, tea and floating hors d’oeuvres are included. Check-in at 11:30 am for complimentary sake sangria and small hors d’oeuvres for $60.

Americans eat about 100 acres of pizza a day which equates to about 350 slices sold per second. The types and combinations of pizza are endless, from Chicago to New York and every region in-between, America serves up some pretty incredible pies across the country. And while build-your- own-burrito and burger places cover the food scene, the pizza version of Chipotle has yet to emerge into the mainstream.

Locally though, the growing franchise Pizza@ is popping up all over Orlando from Artegon Marketplace to Downtown Orlando later this year. Pizza@ was founded in 2014 as one of the first fast casual pizzerias in the area. With big 13×6 inch pies and over 6 billion possible topping combinations, Pizza@ allows you fully craft your own pie from a wide array of ingredient and dough options. Ready in approximately two minutes, these large pizzas are made under the care of the owner and his family. It’s always refreshing to meet someone that enjoys their trade, and it’s evident that co-founder Johnny Peterson is passionate about sharing his pizzas with Orlando.

We’re anxiously awaiting the opening of Pizza@ Lake Eola as the fast casual options downtown are severely limited. In the meantime, we visited their location at Artegon Marketplace and sampled a couple of pies last week. In addition to a build-your-own menu, the restaurant also offers a number of menu items to order directly. Here’s what we tasted and enjoyed last week:

Artegon Ana: Named after Johnny’s wife, this white pizza is covered with mozzarella, sausage, artichokes, chickpeas, feta, truffle oil and a white Alfredo ricotta sauce. A departure from your typical red sauce pizza and the truffle oil was a nice touch of flavor.

Classic With a Kick: Flooded with tomatoes, sausage, pepperoni and basil with dash of spicy chili oil.

With endless possibilities and crispy crusts, Pizza@ is serving up some much needed fast casual pizza! So get ready downtown Orlando, personal pizzas are coming your way soon.

Christner’s Prime Steak & Lobster will collaborate with Stags Leap Winery on Tuesday, November 3 for the latest installment of the Cutting Board Dinner Series. For $125 (tax and gratuity included), an intimate group of steak and wine enthusiasts will gather in a private dining room for an interactive wine experience led by Christner’s Sommelier, Dan Colgan and Todd Whitman of Treasury Wine Estates and Stags Leap Winery.

The evening will kick off with an introduction to the series by Alice Christner, followed by a five-course dinner and wine tasting, which will highlight the history and ingredient portfolios of the spirits. Reservations can be made via e-mail at Christners@rockawaypr.com.

• WHERE: Christner’s Prime Steak & Lobster
• WHEN: Tuesday, November 3 at 7:00 p.m.
• COST: $125 (tax and gratuity included)

Photo Credit: Stag’s Leap