Nestled behind Park Avenue is a hidden gem and mini oasis. Step behind the iron gates and you’re transported into a quaint courtyard that houses The Ancient Olive. If you missed our original post on The Ancient Olive, click here.

In addition to their fabulous gourmet goods this shop also hosts top culinary events from time to time. At November 10 at 5 p.m., don’t miss your chance to meet “The Fabulous Beekman Boys” and have their latest book, The Beekman 1802 Heirloom Vegetable Cookbook: 100 Delicious Heritage Recipes From the Farm and Garden signed by the authors.

Part of the proceeds from the purchase of the cookbooks will go to support Winter Park’s community event, Feed the Need, which provides funds to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.

Known best as “The Fabulous Beekman Boys” from their hit television reality show airing on Cooking Channel, Brent Ridge and Josh Kilmer-Purcell, have put their stylish stamp on seasonal living.  Their farm and surrounding community serves as the inspiration for their lifestyle brand, “Beekman 1802.”

From their hit TV show, bestselling books, product lines, massive social following, and a James Beard nominated lifestyle website, The Beekman Boys have been featured in most major media outlets, including The New York Times, USA Today, Vanity Fair, The Martha Stewart Show, O Magazine, and more.  With over 108,000 Facebook followers and over 34,000 Twitter followers, Beekman 1802 has been named One of the fastest growing lifestyle brands in America according to Nasdaq.

Don’t miss out on your chance to meet culinary royalty and taste some of the finest extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars!

Photo Credit: The Beekman Boys

At 7 p.m. on a Wednesday night we walked into Santiago’s Bodega for a bite to eat after a very long day. A friendly hostess reluctantly informed us that every table was reserved for the remainder of the evening. This tapas restaurant was void of a single seat except for two at the bar. We settled for a meal barside because clearly for a place to be full mid-week they must be doing something right.

I rarely have a difficult time deciding what to eat, but this night I wanted to order everything. After landing on the Sangria, Greek Salad, Chicken Skewers and Hummus Trio we happily settled into conversation in anticipation of our food arriving. Originally founded in Key West, this true neighborhood restaurant serves up a variety of flavors and relatively large “small plates.” I’d venture to say most items are “medium” sized plates, large enough for multiple people to actually share and enjoy, but small enough that you’ll want to order multiple plates for your table.

My red wine sangria was tasty, not too sweet or bitter and the perfect start to our meal. The Greek Salad was delivered first and I wasn’t expecting anything exceptional, but this was easily one of the best Greek Salads I’ve ever tasted. The presentation was notable and the portion was larger than expected with fresh iceberg lettuce, kalamata olives, feta, red onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, and pepperoncinis in a lemon caper vinaigrette. Sometimes greek dressing leaves behind a funky aftertaste and flavor on your tongue, but this vinaigrette was smooth and dressed the salad well to bring out the full flavor without overpowering the toppings.

The hummus trio was served with traditional hummus, roasted red pepper hummus, black olive tapenade and served with salted pita bread. Hummus trios are popping up on menus everywhere, but what makes this one noteable is the flavor. This plate was simply three hummus varieties done right served with real salted pita bread. I’d venture to say Santiago’s Bodega has Orlando’s best hummus platter with Marlow’s Tavern hummus coming in for a close second.

Lastly, our chicken skewers arrived marinated in olive oil, lemon zest, rosemary and served with a lemon-tarragon sauce. The skewers were a little tough and packed with strong flavors, I’m not sure if I would order again, but if lemon and tarragon are your go-to flavors, you’ll probably enjoy these skewers. Overall, I’d rank our experience five out of five in Yelp stars and we are greatly anticipating our next meal! Here’s what’s on our list to order next time:

• Beef Carpaccio – shaved tenderloin, capers, parmesan crumble, smoked sea salt, truffle oil, and cilantro.
• Green Beans – French style, with gruyere cheese and prosciutto tossed in lemon caper vinaigrette.
• Shrimp – Half-dozen peel & eat Key West pinks.
• Bacon and Basil Wrapped Mushrooms – With basil aioli.
• Beef Tenderloin – Seared and topped with bleu cheese butter.
• Maine Lobster – Butter poached, pear & orange segments.
• Beef Short Ribs – cherry-hoisin glazed, orange-miso slaw.

Santiago’s Bodega is located at 802 Virginia Dr, Orlando, FL 32803 and www.santiagosbodega.com.

Photo Credits: Santiago’s Bodega Yelp

Before meeting my husband sushi was foreign to me. I avoided all forms of sushi because, well frankly, the thought of raw fish grossed me out. Mentally I just couldn’t do it. Fast forward six years and I’ll happily eat {almost} any sushi roll we order! It’s definitely an acquired taste, like coffee or a strong cheese, but once you experience good sushi, you’ll understand its popularity. We’re always looking for the next best sushi place in town and new to the sushi scene is RA Sushi on I-Drive. With 26 locations nationwide, you know they must be doing something good. In addition to their full menu, RA Sushi is embracing fall with four new menu options now through January 31.

• Lobster Ceviche ($12.75) – Served on a bed of guacamole, fresh sliced avocado and topped with chili garlic salt.

• Spicy Asian Chicken Wings – ($9.50) Tossed in a spicy, flavorful Asian sauce. The perfect alternative when you’re burned out on buffalo wing flavor, but still craving chicken wings.

• Lobster Nigiri ($9.25) – Topped with a dill and lobster cream sauce.

RA Sushi is located at Pointe Orlando and www.RAsushi.com.

New Lobster Ceviche

New Lobster Nigiri

New Spiced Mule

Photo Credit: RA Sushi

In the heart of college park a quaint, sometimes overlooked restaurant, serves up arguably the city’s best sandwiches. Walking into Shaker’s is like walking into your hometown, you’re bound to see someone you know and it always feel a little bit like home once you settle in and order. Don’t be fooled by the un-glamorous exterior or countless matching salt and pepper sets, Shaker’s knows how to serve a sandwich. This small restaurant is family owned and easily College Park’s best kept secret. So grab your appetite and your best friend and head to Shaker’s for lunch or breakfast. You’re bound to become a “regular.”

The standard menu rarely changes, but why change something that doesn’t need an update? Shaker’s does offer daily specials on their chalkboard menu with rotating soups, salads, quiches and anything else they decide to whip-up on site.

Here’s our favorite Shaker’s specialties:

• Turkey Reuben: Breast of turkey, Swiss cheese, creamy coleslaw, brown mustard and their “special” sauce on grilled rye bread.
• Blackened Chicken Club Sandwich: Grilled Cajun chicken breast, crispy bacon, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise on a fresh kaiser roll.
• Annie’s Apple Sandwich: Fresh apple slices, cream cheese, raisins, crisp bacon, melted Swiss cheese and lettuce on pumpernickel.

Shaker’s tables are always full and there’s a reason why so many people turn into “regulars.” Shaker’s is located at 1308 Edgewater Drive, Orlando, FL 32804 and shakerscafe.com.

Photo Credits: Urban Spoon