Originally called “fairy floss,” this sugary confection we’ve all come to know as cotton candy has a big day this weekend. Apparently cotton candy gets a “national” holiday in addition to kale, steaks and any other food that comes to mind. While cotton candy is usually reserved for fair food, it’s actually served in a variety of ways around town (no rickety rides or tilt-a-whirl required). Here’s our picks for a cotton candy fix on its national day, December 7. Calories don’t count on Sunday right?

• Duffy’s Sports Grill, Cotton Candy Cosmopolitan – Served with real cotton candy, Pinnacle County Fair Cotton Vodka, cranberry juice and fresh lime juice. Two for $10.00. For more on Duffy’s food and atmosphere check out our review.

• Kona Café at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, The Kona Kone – a childish delight for kids of all ages: a giant waffle cone filled with ice cream and served with cotton candy and M&Ms.

• Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, Cotton Candy Gelati – Made from their signature blend combining soft serve ice cream and made-in-house Italian ice. A treat so tasty, you’ll never want to eat soft serve plain again!

• Sassafras Sweet Shoppe, The Real Deal – Yep, their fairy floss is made on site so it’s warm, sweet, delicious and made locally. Rumor on the street is custom flavors are coming early next year! Possibly flavors to include chocolate, lavender, butterscotch and more. Sassafras also boasts an impressive collection of cotton candy flavored treats from bubblegum to taffy, pop rocks and more.

Cheers to a sugary weekend and Sunday’s National Cotton Candy Day!

Photo Credits: Duffy’s Sports Grill, Yelp, Jeremiah’s, Sassafras

I first became a Marlow’s fan when I feasted on their “Famous Hummus” over brunch. The simple touch of drizzled olive oil over the hummus and chunks of feta immediately drew me to this small, yet growing, restaurant. Established in 2004 in Alpharetta, Georgia Marlow’s Tavern has continued to expand, adding several Atlanta-area and Orlando-area restaurants.  In 2013, Nation’s Restaurant News named Marlow’s Tavern one of its “NRN 50 Breakout Brands” of the year. We concur.

John C. Metz, Executive Chef and Co-Founder of Marlow’s Tavern, has designed the food and beverage menus to offer a diverse combination of classic dishes and cocktails that are updated, yet recognizable for the 21st century. Their new winter menu offers hearty and satisfying dishes for a unique twist on tavern favorites and seasonal classics.

New and Updated Menu Items:

• Crispy Short Rib with jalapeño and corn grits, sautéed kale and red wine demi reduction.
• Grilled “Center Cut” Filet with roasted fingerling potato, seared butternut squash and a red wine shallot reduction.
• Pan Seared Snapper with celeriac puree, asparagus, tomato fondue and parslied olive oil.
• Lump Crab Cake, served with baby arugula, grapefruit, pickled onion, fresh avocado and jalapeño.
• Lemon Olive Oil Cake, inspired by a secret Metz family recipe with Italian heritage, is a moist, spongy cake served with a flavorful topping of fresh grapefruit, vanilla syrup and candied orange for a sweet and tangy flavor combination.

New Handcrafted Cocktails:

• The Saint – St. George Terroir Gin, Strong Tonic, House-Made Simple Syrup, Fresh Lemon, Sage and a Splash of Club.
• Fire On Ice – Novo Fogo Cachaca Gold, Blood Orange Shrub, St Elizabeth Allspice Dram and Lemon “On the Rocks.”

Visit their two locations on International Drive at Pointe Orlando and in Winter Park on Orlando Avenue (17-92). Open for lunch and dinner daily. www.marlowstavern.com/

Photo Credit: Marlow’s Tavern

“I’m a huge proponent of generational quality when it comes to baking and cooking tools,” Karen Manfredi, Owner of Whisk and Bowl said. “I inherited a bowl and whisk from my grandmother, which is actually how I named our shop, Whisk and Bowl. Even more importantly these baking tools connect me to my grandmother and her memory.”

Located on the top floor of East End Market is a quaint shop that’s tucked away and full of charm and unique culinary finds. Whisk and Bowl boasts a large selection of baking goods and hand-curated items. This 180 square foot shop features the finest baking and pastry tools as well as milk glass cake stands, copper cookie cutters and more.

Read more of Spork’s story and interview with Karen on Orlando My Way!

NORMAN’S is hosting a dinner to outdo all other dinners. If you thought your Thanksgiving feast was large, think again. The restaurant at The Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes is hosting an elegant reception to honor the late Charlie Trotter. The evening will feature hors d’oeuvres presented by renowned local chefs as well as culinary stations by Chef Norman and his team. Sommeliers will be pairing wines accordingly.

Here are the delicious details and lavish menu!

When: Saturday, December 13, 2014, 7:00-10:00 pm

Where: NORMAN’S at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, 4012 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando, FL 32837

Reservations: $200 plus tax and gratuity. Call 407.393.4333 for reservations.

Who’s Going?

• Chef Norman Van Aken, NORMAN’S at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
• Chefs James and Julie Petrakis, The Ravenous Pig and Cask & Larder
• Chef Hari Pulapaka, Cress Restaurant
• Chef Greg Baker, The Refinery
• Chef Scott Hunnell, Victoria & Albert’s
• Chef Brandon McGlammery, Luma on Park and Prato
• Chef Timothy Keating, Flying Fish Café
• Chef Greg Richie, Soco Thornton Park
• Chef Ryan Vargas, Tchoup Chop
• Chef John Rivers, 4 Rivers and The Coop
• Chef Kathleen Blake, The Rusty Spoon
• Chef Kevin Fonzo, K Restaurant & Wine Bar
• Chef David Serus, The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
• Chef Stephane Cheramy, The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes

Dishes to Savor:

• Ahi Poke – Emeril’s Tchoup Chop
• Umami-laced Florida Day Boat Spiny Lobster – Cress Restaurant
• Slow Roasted Barbecued Pork Belly – Soco Thornton Park
• Caviar
• Australian Wagyu Ribeye
• Florida Cobia
• Roasted Pig – John Rivers

So many more dishes and indulgences, I’m running out of room! Wouldn’t this make the perfect Christmas gift? Hint, hint. Throw in a one night stay for bonus points. Click here for full details and happy feasting!