Celebrate International Sushi Day on June 18 at Dragonfly. Become the chef during the “Craft Your Roll” day through the five step prep of roll creation and pick: the canvas; farm product; pairing; topping and sauce. Then, name your dish and share #HowIRoll.

Crafting its role in the community, Dragonfly will donate 100 percent of the proceeds to the following charities:

• Orlando Location: Community Food and Outreach Center
• Gainesville Location: Ronald McDonald House

PS Bonus Foodie Alert! This month’s issue of Food & Wine highlights izakayas, Japanese mom-and-pop taverns, as the budding food trend across the country. You can experience this in our backyard at Dragonfly, which is founded on izakaya principles. Click here for more on our experience! 

Dragonfly Sushi – Editorial Photography

Photo Credit: Jeffrey A McDonald

Marlow’s Tavern opens its third location in Central Florida; serving chef-inspired American tavern fare and handcrafted cocktails in a comfortable and unique atmosphere. Marlow’s Tavern is now open across from Regal Cinemas at Waterford Lakes Town Center, conveniently located off the East-West Expressway (SR-408) at 547 N. Alafaya Trail (SR-434) in East Orlando.

The restaurant will feature the “best of the best” in classic American tavern fare served in a modern atmosphere. Menus offer a diverse combination of classic dishes that are updated and elevated to a higher level.

The beverage menu will include a wide variety of wines from around the world, all available by the glass, and a handcrafted cocktail menu that combines fresh juices and specialty, small batch liquors in an innovative and approachable way. The beer list is unique and varied, featuring local favorites and craft and import offerings by the bottle and on draft.

Specials and Celebrations

• Daily Happy Hour: 3 to 7 p.m., $3 Domestic Drafts $4 Glasses of Select Wines $4 Premium Wells
• Girls Night Out Specials: Wednesdays 5 p.m. to close, $5 Martini and Appetizer Specials
• Live Entertainment: Wednesdays and Saturdays Starting at 7 p.m.
• Save the Date: Summer Celebration July 13 – 19

 In every community Marlow’s Tavern serves, it partners with local neighborhood associations and charities to support and give back to the people who have generously supported the local tavern and staff. Marlow’s Tavern Waterford Lakes evokes a sense of community through its continued partnership with non-profit organizations such as the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. Guest donations from the pre-opening events totaled more than $4,400.  This translates to more than $39,000 worth of grocery product that the Food Bank will be able to provide to neighbors in need.

Photo Credits: Marlow’s Tavern

It’s almost that time of year….dad day! Here’s a few ways to make your  father feel special on his big day.

Taverna Opa Orlando | www.opaorlando.com

Go Greek on I-Drive with 36-Hour Marinated Lamb Chops and Greek beer for dad! Dads eat free with the purchase of a family-style dinner for four. Location: 9101 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819

4 Rivers Smokehouse | www.4rsmokehouse.com

Make dad king of the grill this Father’s Day with the Pitmaster Kit featuring its hot and signature sauces, and rubs including the All-Purpose, Brisket and Coffee. Bought this for my dad, can’t wait to taste his grill creations!

Dragonfly Robata & Grill | www.dragonflyorlando.com

Celebrate dad. Create moments. Experience Dragonfly for Father’s Day.  The Restaurant Row concept modeled after a Japanese izakaya is bringing the ranch to the table with a three-course featuring Snake River Farms for a three-course menu. Cost: $65 per person; Add Japanese Whiskey Flight including Hakushu, Nikka, Hibiki for $25. For more on our experience click here! Location: 7972 Via Dellagio Way, Orlando, FL 32819. 

American Q | www.americanq.com

Join us at American Q where dad eats free from the FLATBED BUFFET with a booking for four or more and one child. Dads also receive one complimentary house-made barbecue sauce and a cigar. Live music and a whiskey bar will be available in the courtyard. For more on our experience, click here!

Cost: Father’s Day buffet $44.99 per person; $10 for kids under seven chickens tall Location: 1905 Hotel Plaza Blvd, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Duffy’s Sports Grill | www.duffysmvp.com

Bring dad into Duffy’s to celebrate and be the first to preview the Prime Time Burger, featuring 1/3 lb. hand-formed prime chuck topped with Manchego cheese, candied bacon, sriracha ketchup, which officially hits the menu on July 2. Don’t forget to register as a Duffy’s MVP to score a $10 bonus with your Father’s Day meal! Location: Offer valid at all Duffy’s locations

Soco | www.socothorntonpark.com

Sip and savor on Southern bites and libations for Father’s Day at Soco for brunch with favorites including Kentucky Cooler and Lobster Eggs Benedict. Location: 629 E Central Blvd, Thornton Park, Downtown Orlando

Photo Credits: Dragonfly, 4Rivers

Some prefer bourbon, others cocktails, but my drink of choice is always wine. And good wine, not that boxed stuff. Although, if that’s your forte, don’t let me stop you. So, when I came across California Wine Club, I knew I’d struck gold.

Unlike The Sunshine State, the West Coast is home to thousands of small family wineries which handcraft extraordinary wine in quantities too limited for local stores or shops. Sorry Barefoot.

The California Wine Club was founded 25 years ago by true wine connoisseurs seeking to share artisan wineries with the world. And to share these rare gems with The City Beautiful, CA Wine Club has some fabulous monthly wine club packages. The best part? No contract, yearly, monthly commitment here – just the chance to experience some unique wines in Florida from wine country. With packages starting at $40, there’s something for every budget and taste.

Each wine is hand-selected from a real-working winery and if you’re not happy, you’re not stuck. As part of The California Wine Club’s superior customer service, you will have access to Personal Wine Consultants that will help serve as your guide to discovering fabulous wine. So if wine is foreign to you, CA Wine Club has got you covered.

Sure there’s a myriad of monthly wine subscriptions on the web, but why trust the newbies? For nearly two decades California Wine Club been delivering monthly wine  to thousands of wine club members across the country.

So, what landed on our doorstep recently? A delightful red and white from Cambridge Cellars founded and run by a husband and wife duo. Here’s what we’ve been tasting and enjoying this week!

“Limited” by Cambridge Cellars 2013 Central Coast Cabernet Sauvignon

• Aromas: Peppercorn, dried herbs, blackberry and plum
• Pair With: Beef with roasted potatoes, carrots and thyme

“Limited” by Cambridge Cellars 2013 Monterey Chardonnay

• Aromas: Apricot, pineapples and flavors of peach and toast spice
• Pair With: Garlic sautéed clams or bacon wrapped grilled prawns

California Wine Club has a taste for everyone, and really, how can you refuse wine that’s delivered to your door? While Florida has a lot to offer, we certainly can’t measure up in the wine category. So cheers to California, small wineries and The California Wine club, thanks for sending some goodness our way. Now, go get yourself some small-production boutique wine!

Photo Credits: The California Wine Club