Spork Orlando - Page 72 of 72 - Finding Orlando's Tastiest Tables

Frozen Goodness @ The Pop Parlour

Jul 072014

Canteloupe, Nutella and Coconut aren’t entirely uncommon flavors, but have you ever tried them frozen? You can find these gourmet popsicles and other fresh flavors at The Pop Parlour, located in downtown Orlando. We recently ventured over to The Pop Parlour for a tasty summer treat. These aren’t your childhood popsicles (like Bomb Pop and ICEE freeze) from your grocer’s freezer. Nope, these pops are made fresh daily for adults, kids and pups alike.

The Pop Parlour has a flavor for every taste bud and craving, including a pop for our furry friend, Rosie. She pretty much inhaled her Pup Pop….but that’s another story.

After much debate, we ordered the Champagne Mango and the Bourbon Peach popsicles. The Bourbon Peach was fabulous; the pop wasn’t icy, bitter or overly sweet. My Champagne Mango was icier and lacked some flavor depth, but it was still refreshing and a yummy treat. Regardless, these popsicles will make you feel like a kid celebrating the first day of summer vacation. Next time I’m going for the Elvis or Bushmills Irish Coffee, two of their “creamy” style pops.

Make your way to downtown Orlando, take a walk around Lake Eola and make a stop at The Pop Parlour! It’s worth the trip downtown to see the fountains and pick up a summertime treat. Be sure to bring your pup and treat your favorite fluff ball to a Pup Pop, you’ll be their favorite human forever. Looking forward to more trips to the popsicle shop. The Pop Parlour is located at 431 East Central Boulevard, Suite C, Orlando, FL, thepopparlour.com and Instagram + Twitter @thepopparlour. Drop by this weekend and tell them Spork Orlando sent ya!

Photos: facebook.com/thepopparlour

Blissful Waterfront Dining {Outriggers Tiki Bar & Grille}

Jul 032014

Palm trees, crab cakes and five dollar mojitos – what more could you want in a summer evening? You’ll find all this and more at Outriggers Tiki Bar and Grille in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. One step inside Outriggers, located in the New Smyrna Marina, and you’ll start to wonder if you are still in NSB. Don’t get me wrong, I love the charm and small town feel of New Smyrna, but I think we can all agree that it’s no Palm Beach or Miami. But, Outriggers is quickly becoming the best kept secret for waterfront dining….without enduring the lines at JB’s Fishcamp.

The crab cakes we ordered first were perfectly crisp and plump all at once. It’s hard to find a good crab cake especially when you have high expectations from a seafood restaurant. So many crab cakes I’ve tasted remind me of cat food, and that’s never a good sensation for you palate. While ordering our starters, we also ordered some fabulous five-dollar mojitos. I’m not a mojitos drinker personally, but there’s noting better than sipping on a good drink, gazing at the water and realizing that you have a whole day ahead of you before heading back to your cubicle. Even if you’re not terribly hungry, the crab cakes are worth trying before your main course.

I was slightly disappointed with my entrée, but I guess that’s what you get for ordering tacos instead of fresh fish caught from the ocean that day. Most of my party ordered the Drunken Mermaid Fish Sandwich with grilled and marinated fish from local waters covered in their signature slaw, remoulade and melted provolone. I know, right? It’s worth a trip back to order that sandwich or the Fish of the Moment, prepared fried or broiled. Ask your server what was just swimming and that’s what will arrive on your plate. You can also bring your own filed fish and the kitchen will cook the piece to your liking. Sounds strange but there’s a fabulous vendor at the NSB farmers’ market every Saturday that sells the world’s best fish caught in local waters.

We finished our meal with some pretty tasty key lime pie, and yes more mojitos. Hey, they were only five dollars and it was a Saturday night. I’d highly recommend Outriggers for anyone looking to dine on the water and avoid the never ending lines at Boston’s and JB’s this weekend. Cheers to fresh seafood and Independence Day!

East End Market: Whisk & Bowl

Jun 302014

If you haven’t ventured over to East End Market you’re seriously missing out on some unique culinary treasures and tastes. If you’ve traveled to New York or L.A. recently you’ve probably come across a handful of these neighborhood markets and specialty food hubs. What I love about East End Market though is how each shop represents a blend of Orlando’s culinary talent and true artisans. There are too many tidbits to fit into one post, so I’m kicking off our East End Market series today with Whisk and Bowl.

Located on the top floor, this quaint shop is full of charm and baking goodness. Karen Manfredi (Whisk and Bowl’s owner) fell in love with baking when she inherited a striped earthenware bowl from her beloved grandmother. Her love affair with all things baking never ceased and eventually led her to The French Pastry School in Chicago.

Karen’s adorable shop features the finest baking and pastry tools as well as some beautiful milk glass cake stands and cooper cookie cutters. {Not to mention her precious pup that frequents the store on occasion.} I’d highly recommend taking a trip to visit Karen and her delightful baking goodies. Whisk and Bowl is a treasure trove of baking items, you’re bound to find your new favorite tool inside Karen’s shop.

Move over Williams-Sonoma, there’s a new baker’s paradise in town.

Photo Credit: Whisk and Bowl Instagram (@whiskandbowlpics)

Satisfying a Sweet Tooth – Best Bakeries Part I

Jun 272014

There’s always room for dessert. Agreed? How many times have you finished a fabulous meal and felt it impossible to consume another bite? Then, the sugary goodness arrives and you simply can’t refuse…..it’s okay, we’ve all been there. Here are some of our favorite bakeries for whenever sweetness strikes.

The Sweet Shop – Barbecue and bakeries typically don’t go hand-in-hand, but 4Rivers has mastered both tastes. It’s impossible to pick a favorite sweet treat here, but the Blondies and Red Velvet Cupcakes are worth the indulgence. The Sweet Shop is tucked behind the main restaurant area and the display and presentation makes these treats impossible to resist! The Suite Shop is located at 1600 West Fairbanks Avenue, Winter Park, FL and http://4rsmokehouse.com/sweet-shop/.

The Sugar Suite – Art and baked goodness come together in perfect harmony at The Sugar Suite. From custom cakes to gluten free brownie pops dipped in white chocolate with a caramel drizzle, Sugar Suite really does it all. Their creativity is astounding and I’m especially fond of their orchid cake (it tastes as good as it looks) and these mini key lime pies. The owner, Jennyfer Mancino, is just as sweet as her custom creations and it’s worth the trip to meet Jennyfer and her team. The mini shop inside the bakery features cupcakes and other desserts that rotate seasonally. The Sugar Suite is located at 1630 South Orlando Avenue, Suite B, Maitland, FL 32751 and http://www.thesugarsuite.com.

Stay tuned for part II of “Best Bakeries!”

Photo Credits: http://4rsmokehouse.com/sweet-shop/, Tina Sargeant Photography, Facebook.com/theSugarSuiteFL

Beyond the Frozen Chicken Fingers, Mickey Mouse Bars and Salty Popcorn Buckets

Jun 262014

Disney gets a bad reputation for food. But let’s be honest, after standing in the heat and paying close to $15 for frozen chicken fingers and cold fries, you’re anything less than impressed.

There is however a completely different side to Disney Dining beyond quick service and chaotic character dining. It’s a side that boasts culinary expertise and innovation – all right in our backyard.

Flying Fish Café at Disney’s Boardwalk is somewhat of a gem hidden wedged between the boisterous ESPN Zone and the walk-up pizza stand. Their main menu includes everything from Shellfish and Andouille Sausage Filé Gumbo to a Fragrant Asian Spice-crusted Yellowfin Tuna “Fillet.” The real surprise here though is the unassuming counter that faces into the kitchen. This wide granite “Chef’s Counter” is reserved for the Chef’s Tasting Wine Dinner, a nightly event that pairs wines perfectly over five courses. A typical night may include a lamb shank and herbes de Provence-crusted lamb loin with heirloom gold beets and Florida peaches and Tupelo honey for dessert.

While the food is amazing, the company is even better. There’s no dining experience quite as immersive as one where you can watch your food being hand-crafted and then interact with the chef before you indulge. Mingling with the Chef is a treat because you get to see the heart and passion behind his creation. But really, the food does the talking, because after 5 courses of perfectly paired food and wine you’ll already be dreaming of your next visit.

The evening concludes with a grand dessert and photos of your party and the Chef, all delivered and signed before you walk out the door. It’s truly a treat to enjoy both the culinary creations and company at Disney’s Flying Fish Chef’s Counter.

Photo Credit: DisneyWorld.com

More than Small Plates {Scratch}

Jun 252014

Walk, sprint or Sun Rail your way to Winter Park’s newest tapas and wine bar, Scratch. Winter Park’s newest bistro received rave reviews from my co-workers and friends, but still I was skeptical about a “modern tapas restaurant.”

The moment I walked through the door my skepticism turned to awe and my taste buds nearly salivated in anticipation. The low ceilings and funky furniture bring a vibe to this small space unlike any other tapas bar or Winter Park restaurant.

Scratch was perfect for sharing a variety of flavors and cuisines with a friend. Anyone can dish out an “Artisanal Cheese Plate”, but pairing it with berries, house-made fruit preserves and toasted brioche made it memorable. The thick hand-cut russet potatoes for the Scratch Fries were tossed in a delectable garlic-saffron aioli and fresh oregano. The real winner though was the Pork Belly Adobo – tender, juicy and served over black rice and a carrot puree with micro scallions. Scratch did an amazing job delivering culinary forward dishes in a way that you can share and savor with others in your party. Oh and how could I forget about the wine flight? Based on our order, the bartender paired each of our wines with the variety of dishes we ordered.

While the food was fabulous, the atmosphere was equally enjoyable and ideal for catching up with an old friend. Don’t be thrown off by the pottery place to the left or the karate studio on the right, Scratch is quickly becoming a Winter Park favorite.

Photo Credit: snaptapas.com

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