I-Drive is getting all sorts of upgrades, from Yard House to the Orlando Eye, a once run-down tacky tourist area is taking a remarkable turn. It’s time to add Cooper’s Hawk, a uniquely modern, yet casual, dining experience to the list of I-Drive enhancements. Coupled with an exclusive and active wine club, Cooper’s Hawk was named “Breakout Brand 2013” and “Hot Concept 2010” by Nations Restaurant News, and that’s not a title that comes easily in today’s competitive dining market.

The restaurant also features one of the country’s largest wine clubs, offering subscribers monthly wines, special discounts, invitations to exclusive events, rewards, and annual domestic and international wine trips. The Orlando location boasts an impressive menu in addition to a wine and cheese tasting area inside their wine-themed retail shop.

We visited Cooper’s Hawk before the grand opening and quickly found a few menu favorites. Beyond the menu, the space is expansive, impressive and perfect for a variety of evenings from a family meal to relaxing outside or catching a football game in the bar that’s packed with seating.

Here’s our “must order” picks for your next visit to Cooper’s Hawk:

• Asian Pork Belly Tostados – I’m pretty picky about pork belly, but this appetizer was flavored to perfection with scallions, sesame seeds, cilantro, radishes and topped with a sweet chili BBQ sauce. I’d happily go back for this appetizer and a glass of champagne!

• Chef Matt’s Monthly Cheese Tasting – Y’all, this cheese was fantastic! I love the idea of a rotating cheese and wine tasting on the main menu. I’ve sampled a lot of cheese in my time and I’d recommend this dish to start any meal at Cooper’s Hawk.

• Roasted Vegetable and Goat Cheese Flatbread – Crispy flatbread topped with mozzarella, roasted grape tomatoes, pesto, julienne basil and a balsamic glaze. Cooper’s Hawk knows how to serve a flatbread that’s perfectly crisp and layered with flavor.

• Chicken Giardiniera – Parmesan breaded chicken with shaved parmesan. Sounds simple enough, but the chicken was tender and coated with the right amount of crispy goodness. Sometimes it’s nice to experience a non-Southern chicken, and this one’s a winner in our book.

Go experience Cooper’s Hawk for yourself, you won’t be disappointed! Cooper’s Hawk newest location is located at 8005 International Drive, Orlando, FL. For locations and menu details visit www.chwinery.com.

Photo Credit: Cooper’s Hawk

Ritz Carlton, the ultimate luxury hotel, king of relaxation and exceptional service. With the opening of Highball & Harvest, it’s time to add “culinary superiority” to their list of accolades. This casual “come as you are” restaurant features interactive dining, handcrafted cocktails, beautiful interiors and an exceptionally creative menu. If you missed our original post on H&H, click here.

Spork got a peek inside the menu last week during an exceptional lunch. We were incredibly impressed by Highball and Harvest’s modern approach to Southern cuisine. They’ve taken the Southern dining trend to another league. I was a little intimidated to write this post because I wasn’t quite sure how to do the flavors and plates justice with words and pictures. Nevertheless, I’d give H&H a 10+ out of 10 and we’re thrilled to share some highlights from our recent meal.

• Parker House Rolls, made from Khorasan wheat (Egyptian old-world grains) and served warm with less gluten than typical bread, a complimentary bread presentation made from scratch by the resort’s 30-person pastry team. Served with house-made herb butter and apple butter, you’ll want to ditch any low carb diet you’re on for these rolls.

• Interactive cocktail table with handcrafted, herb-infused cocktails. All cocktails are served on the rocks with hand-carved ice, sculpted bar side with a high-end Japanese ice saw and infused with Whisper Creek Farm herbs and fruits. If I didn’t see it myself, I wouldn’t believe they hand-cut ice, but hey this is The Ritz-Carlton, so they would go the extra mile for cocktail ice. We tasted the Orange Ave Officers Club with Death’s Door Gin, Pimm’s #1, Passionfruit and Ginger, garnished with an orange slice and served in a beautiful glass. I’m not usually a gin drinker, but this drink was enough to change my mind!

• The Southern Spread, a lavish spread of house-made pimento cheese, smoked fish dip, perfectly pickled vegetables and served with Benne-Seed Lavash and sourdough bread pieces. The presentation was outstanding and I’m convinced there’s no better way to eat pimento cheese and vegetables!

• Crab Cakes and Fried Green Tomatoes, perfectly battered crab cakes wedged between fried green tomatoes, topped with a Cajun Remoulade and Corn Chow-Chow, this starter was a tasty take on two Southern classics.

• Blackened Grouper, served over Hominy Ragout, Andouille and Pickled Okra. Fresh from the coast, this grouper was a perfectly composed seaside dish. The Andouille and Pickled Okra complimented the grouper, if I wasn’t trying to save room for dessert, I would have inhaled my entire plate.

• Sweet Treats, OH MY GOODNESS, we experienced a true sugar paradise to end our meal. I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves, but you can’t miss the H&H Key Lime Tart cut into shareable slices, served with a Margarita sorbet. The Baby Donuts were perhaps the most fun to eat, with creamy Cappuccino Ice Cream and your own tube of Nutella! These sugar crusted donuts melted in my mouth. Make sure you save room for these culinary masterpieces.

We’re dying to go back to H&H for more Southern goodness. Make a reservation today to experience Orlando’s newest culinary gem. Highball & Harvest is located at 4012 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando, FL 32837 inside The Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes.

Lobby Bookshelves

Shrimp and Grits with shaved fennel and goat cheese

Garnier-Thiebaut napkins {our favorite}

Interiors

Strawberry Shortcake

Winter Park Annual will host their Wine & Dine event Wednesday, October 15 featuring over 30 of Orlando’s best restaurants and shops all under one roof. This glittering evening will feature tastings, hors d’oeuvres, craft beer and wine. You can even opt-in to a prix fix meal from The Coop, 4Rivers Smokehouse, Carmel Cafe and John and Shirley’s Catering. Purchase a “Park Ave” VIP ticket for unlimited (yes, neverending) fine wines, champagne and craft beers.

Check out this bevy of restaurants in attendance and grab your tickets for the ultimate Winter Park feast! Most tickets for similar events run $100+, so we’d say this is a pretty good deal. For full details and tickets click here.

Sample of Restaurants (click here for complete list):

• Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant
• Carmel Cafe & Wine Bar
• 4 Rivers Smokehouse
• The COOP
• Mellow Mushroom
• Brio Tuscan Grille
• P is for Pie
• K Wine Bar
• Shake Shack
• Jeremiah’s Italian Ice
• Sweet by Holly Cupcakes
• Peterbrooke Chocolatier
• Sushi Pop

Date: October 15, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Cost: $40.00 – $70.00

Where: Winter Park Farmer’s Market (200 W. New England Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789)

See you there! And mark your 2015 calendars for Winer Park Annual’s Chowder Festival on January 24!

Photo Credits: Winter Park Annual

S’mores are always a good idea, gooey marshmallows, melted chocolate and a certain sense of nostalgia that accompanies roasting a marshmallow and squishing it between graham crackers. But let’s get real, firing up the charcoal grill in the Florida humidity isn’t worth it or all that appealing. And microwaved s’mores? Why even bother.

So you can imagine my surprise when I visited Jack’s Steakhouse in Baldwin Park and stumbled upon their s’mores dessert. Curious, I asked my server “Is it a brownie or cake with a s’more flavor?”  Nope, they serve REAL s’mores with marshmallows, Hershey’s chocolate (of course) and graham crackers. The ingredients are paired with a roasting flame and skewers to brown your marshmallows to crispy, gooey perfection. These s’mores were downright entertaining {and tasty} for everyone at the table.

S’mores from the charcoal grill are irreplaceable, but when the craving strikes and grilling options are limited, head over to Jack’s Steakhouse for your tableside s’more fix.

PS: August 30 was National Toasted Marshmallow Day, but it’s never too late to celebrate right?

Image Credit: sierraculture.com {iPhone lost my Jack’s s’mores pic! Worth the trip to taste and try for yourself!}