As with most restaurants this season, Bonefish Grill is serving up their own version of fall favorites including dishes from Pumpkin Ravioli to cocktail pairings such as the Fall Apple Martini. I’ve always been a fan of Bonefish, they fillet their fish on-site daily and their servers are incredibly knowledgeable about the menu and seafood selection. From time to time the Bonefish team invites us in to try their seasonal offerings, it’s always an enjoyable meal and a place that we’d recommend for a night out with your family or for a casual date night. And now through November 30 you can enjoy some of these seaside selections:

Saucy Shrimp: Once a menu staple, this Bonefish classic now makes a rare appearance seasonally. A plate full of feta, sautéed shrimp with olives and sun dried tomatoes. This tangy (in a good way), seemingly light dish was the perfect start to our meal.

Rhea’s Grouper: Lean, moist fish with a distinctive, yet mild flavor that’s wood-grilled and topped with sautéed spinach, lump crab and lime tomato garlic sauce. We ordered our grouper blackened for some extra spice and paired it with broccoli and cheesy potatoes. A very filling, flavorful dish.

Scampi-Style Snapper + Shrimp: Grilled over oak then topped with pan roasted shrimp, grape tomatoes, and a white wine scampi sauce. Another fresh fish option that we enjoyed alongside some margaritas.

As usual, Bonefish did not disappoint and we left full + happy. If you’re looking for some October 31 plans foodie-style, check out their Hooked onHalloween three-course menu starting at $14.90. Each dish is served with a salad and choice of dessert including Jen’s Jamaican Coconut Pie, Classic Cheesecake or Macadamia Nut Brownie. Entrée options are abundant ranging from their Atlantic Salmon to Cold Water Lobster Tail. For more details and reservations, click here.

Photo Credit Above: Bonefish Grill, all other photos taken by Spork

For 14 years Thornton Park residents have gathered to enjoy a taste of their neighborhood, located in the heart of Downtown Orlando, Thornton Park is unique in that it makes a large town feel tiny. And the liveliness and flavor of Thornton Park was on display last week as we attended the annual Taste of Thornton Park. For $30 locals enjoyed unlimited mixed drinks, small plates and beer and wine. Proceeds will benefit various community events as well as their beloved fountain at the intersection of Washington & Hyer. A foodie “hidden gem event” of sorts, A Taste of Thornton Park was an all out feast brimming with endless libations. Here’s what we enjoyed and recommend tasting the next time you’re in the neighborhood.

Dexter’s: My personal favorite of the evening with their warm shrimp and grits, pork belly sliders with cilantro, all washed down with a berry guava mimosa.

Black Bean Deli: An impressive presentation between their pork “pate” and deconstructed tamale. Props to this place for bringing their culinary creativity and tasty bites to the neighborhood.

Soco Thornton Park: You can’t go wrong with tacos. Especially tacos with rock shrimp. And BTW have you seen our Soco review? Click here for why you need to try their brunch.

Graffiti Junktion: Buffalo…..TOTS! If you know me, you know I’m buffalo obsessed and while buffalo tater tots may not be for everyone, I’m personally a huge fan. We’ll be back for more of this greasy appetizer. PS: Further proof of my buffalo obsession here.

Publix: Shout out to everyone’s favorite grocery store for bringing an ample wine selection. They even brought wines you’d find at a fine dining establishment. So thanks Publix, for bringing your A-game with ample vino.

310 Lakeside: The overall winners of taste for the evening, 310 brought out their culinary expertise for this event. Duck confit with a side of cucumber covered with caviar. #winning

Raw: Earning points for making kale drinkable….with vodka. Yep, their “Drunk” Green Goddess beverage was filled with pineapple, apple, kale and oh yes, vodka. A perfectly acceptable way to drink your produce if you ask me.

We’ll be back soon Thornton Park, we’re already looking forward to our next culinary adventure in this beloved neighborhood.

Celebrating its five-year anniversary, Central Florida’s premier culinary festival, Cows ‘n Cabs, a charity-based event curated by ABC Fine Wine & Spirits’ David Larue and celebrated Chef John Rivers of 4 Rivers Smokehouse is back. The event is set to return to Winter Park’s West Meadow at 150 North New York Avenue on Saturday, October 24.

The outdoor, Western-themed festival—founded in 2010 with the hope to break the cycle of poverty Central Florida—is anticipating more than 400 guests and is slated to double last year’s donation of $10,000.  One hundred percent of ticket sale proceeds and auction items will benefitthe Community Food & Outreach Center and Elevate Orlando, which assists with fighting hunger and mentoring youth, respectively.

Anheuser-Busch, Southern Wine & Spirits and ABC Fine Wine & Spirits will contribute to the evening with more than 200 wines, spirits and craft beers samplings. A selection of gourmet samples will be presented by a group of more than 20 invite-only, local restaurants. 4 Rivers Smokehouse, Soco, Taverna Opa, K Restaurant, are among the many that have rubbed shoulders with the James Beard Foundation, while local newcomers include The Osprey Tavern, SLATE and Tapa Toro.

For $140, guests can purchase a VIP ticket and receive a one-hour sneak preview at 6 p.m. General admission tickets priced at $110 grant entrance at 7 p.m. until the festival concludes at 10 p.m. For more information and a complete list of sponsors and participating restaurants, please visit www.cowsncabs.com.

Chef created Cuban-American cuisine isn’t the obvious choice for post-golf fare, but it sure tasty. Plancha, located at the Four Seasons Tranquilo Golf Club, offers a picturesque lakeside view where you can enjoy Cuban flavor as well as traditional clubhouse plates. Signature dishes such as the Cubano sandwich and empanadas provide a refreshing taste of Cuba, and their confections are the perfect ending to a day on the course. Whether you play golf or prefer to watch, Plancha is a delightful, serene spot on Disney property that’s sure to meet your lunchtime cravings. Here’s what we recently tasted and enjoyed at Plancha:

Guacamole: Skip the tortilla chips and enjoy some house-made guac dipped in Naan chips.

Tuna Ceviche: Layered with avocado and coconut vinaigrette. A light and healthy dish that uses exceptional tuna and guacamole that’s perfect for enjoying on a hot Florida day.

El Cubano: After debating excessively over my entree, I decided when in “Rome”, I’d better enjoy a Cuban sandwich. This large pile of fluffy bread layered with roasted pork, black forest ham, Swiss, mustard and house-made pickles was bursting with authentic flavor and freshness. True to all of Chef Pedro’s dishes, every ingredient in this sandwich was picked and curated with care.

And in a surprising finish, Plancha’s dessert was equally impressive as the former courses. Here’s some of our favorite confections:

Traditional Flan: with Caña Sugar Caramel, a soft and sweet dessert surrounded with a delectable pool of caramel.

Tres Leches: with Dulce de Leche and crunchy chocolate pearls. This airy sponge cake was layered with all kinds of goodness. Our favorite sweet treat of the day and one that won’t weigh you down if you’re headed back on the course.

A hidden gem of sorts on Disney property and located minutes from the Magic Kingdom, Plancha is an exceptional option for lunch, dessert or a few drinks. Just make sure you order that guacamole and Tres Leches!