Mar 062017
 

Located in the heart of Disney Springs, Planet Hollywood is the lucky recent recipient of a multi-million dollar renovation. This four-story iconic globe boasts a new menu and an immersive theatrical dining experience. From the star-studded walls, to the big-as-your-head-burgers, this re-vamped spot boasts entertainment dining in all its glory.

Walls and glass displays throughout the restaurant are adorned with imagery as well as a curated collection of Hollywood memorabilia including Toby Maguire’s “Spider-Man” suit and Dorothy’s dress from the The Wizard of Oz. Along with the state-of-the-art 4,500-square-foot video wall, you can experience three-dimensional interiors that come to life through Trompe L’oeil 3D technology, an art technique that uses realistic imagery to create the optical illusion that the depicted objects exist not on the screen but in the space itself.

In addition to Planet Hollywood’s classic dishes they’ve introduced a savory selection of “Big Bite Burgers” and signature sandwiches from Guy Fieri. A feast for the eyes, here are some of the new (and old) menu items you’ll find in this Disney Springs spot.

planet hollywood disney springs

High Roller Sampler (Serves 4): Where else can you taste fried fare from a ferris wheel? Sample your way through Chicken Crunch, Texas Tostados, Buffalo Wings, Five Cheese Dip and Peri-Peri Shrimp. Rumor has it the chicken is coated partially with Cap’n Crunch!

planet hollywood disney springs

Bacon Mac-n-Cheese: Guy’s award-winning burger – winner of NYC Wine and Food Festival Burger Bash! Applewood-smoked bacon, six cheese mac-n-cheese cheddar, crispy onion straws and donkey sauce on a garlic-buttered brioche bun. Like I said, burgers as big as your face.

Pimento Grilled Cheese: Six cheese mac-n-cheese, pimento cheese, stuffed and stacked between three slices of garlic-buttered sourdough. Diets are not welcome on this planet.

planet hollywood disney springs

L.A. Lasagna: Pasta filled with ricotta and bolognese meat sauce that’s fried and served with roasted garlic cream and tomato basil sauces. I’m not sure that anyone in L.A. eats fried lasagna, but I’ve been told this dish is delightful.

Brownie Sundae Martini: TWELVE decadent chunks of freshly baked brownies layered with six scoops of vanilla and chocolate ice cream, topped with caramel and chocolate sauce then buried in mounds of whipped cream and a cherry. I dare you to order and then refuse to share.

Ice Cream and Gelato Challenge: How many of their 12 mystery ice cream and gelato flavors can you correctly identify? Guess all the flavors correctly and win a prize! Kind of like a blind wine tasting….but milk instead of grapes. :)

Welcome back Planet Hollywood!

planet hollywood disney springs

Planet Hollywood Observatory Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

 

 

 

Photo Credit: Pimento Grilled Cheese, Planet Hollywood

Feb 212017
 

After a 20 year history in Brazil, Spoleto – My Italian Kitchen has arrived in Orlando. The concept is simple, give guests the culinary freedom to choose from more than 30 farm-fresh and house-prepared ingredients, herbs, dressings and oils to create a custom pasta, flatbread or salad.

spoleto

Chefs are at the ready to prepare custom creations or choose from one of Spoleto’s chef-inspired recipes. They combine the speed of fresh-casual service with the sophistication of an Italian restaurant and gourmet-quality food.

spoleto

The restaurant’s mission is to use ingredients in their simplest form depending on daily deliveries of seasonal produce from locally owned farms. Spoleto also sources produce that is nutrient-rich and organic when possible.

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A fun spot for a quick bite or meeting up with friends, there’s plenty of fresh cuisine to explore at this casual, yet sophisticated spot. See you soon Spoleto!

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Spoleto - My Italian Kitchen Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Feb 212017
 

Paddlefish, formerly known as Fulton’s Crab House, is officially open at Disney Springs. The multi-million-dollar transformation brings new life to this modern yacht experience. The menu showcases fresh seafood including Maine lobster, king and snow crab and a selection of fresh fish including sea bass, catfish and salmon. Fan favorites and classic dishes from Fulton’s, such as lobster corn dogs and crab legs, will still be offered on the menu alongside new options such as lobster risotto and lobster guacamole.

paddlefish

Their cocktail menu was inspired by classic, turn-of-the-century American cocktails with fresh ingredients and spirits that are house-made by small craft artisan distillers. On the drink menu you’ll find rare wines and spirits alongside timeless offerings.

paddlefish

Here’s what you should order during your visit:

  • Crab Fries: Hand cut potatoes with lump blue crab and Louie dressing. Just when you thought sliced spuds couldn’t get any better….they did.
  • Tableside Lobster Guacamole: Not to be outshined by the avocado, the spiced tortilla chips are perfect for dipping in creamy guac that’s filled with Maine lobster.
  • Lobster Roll: A perfectly toasted roll filled with 1.25 pounds of Maine lobster (!)
  • Jambalaya: We’ve yet to taste this dish, but we’ll be back to try all the glory of gulf shrimp, andouille, crawfish and popcorn rice.
  • Low Country Boil: Similar to the jambalaya, we’d go back to try this dish of snow crab, Gulf of Mexico shrimp and boudin served with Plant City farmer’s market corn, new potatoes and jalapeño cornbread.
  • Doughnuts and Coffee: Warm cinnamon sugar doughnut holes served with coffee gelato and a vanilla honey tuille.
  • Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Tart: Filled with candied bacon, sea salt and a side of dulce de leche ice cream.

paddlefish

Paddlefish will be open for lunch and dinner in addition to Sunday brunch. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy three unique dining room experiences on the ship, which can seat a whopping 760 guests. In main dining room you can create your own seafood boil, or enjoy the rooftop deck to sip on libations and snack on shared plates while soaking in the sun and views of Disney Springs. They also offer versatile private dining rooms and event spaces to accommodate celebrations or meetings from 20 to 1,000 guests.

Hop aboard the new Paddlefish, you won’t be disappointed by the new views or cuisine.

Feb 202017
 

We’re pleased to introduce Arlene, our newest Spork contributor! You can follow her Orlando adventures on Instagram and Twitter @doorlandolocal.

Brio Tuscan Grille has expanded their menu to feature dishes incorporating seasonal flavors. The new offerings are available until February 28 at both Winter Park Village and Mall at Millenia locations. Here’s what’s new on the “Flavorful Features” menu!

Appetizer:

  • Burrata & Prosciutto Bruschetta: Red peppers, mayonnaise, sea salt, black pepper, extra virgin olive oil and parsley ($11.95). We were given a bruschetta platter to sample, out of the three, my favorite was the burrata and prosciutto version. The ingredients complimented each other in perfect harmony.

Brio

Entrées:

  • Chicken Saltimbocca Risotto: Provolone, crispy pancetta, fried sage and butternut squash risotto ($16.95). The chicken was moist and the dish as a whole was extremely flavorful – a favorite of the evening! 

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  • Sea Scallops & Ratatouille Risotto: Seared scallops served over risotto with roasted eggplant, red peppers, zucchini, tomato compote, basil and Parmigiano Reggiano ($21.95). The Rataouille Risotto had a little kick, but it was welcomed. The scallops were tender and easy to cut into as well. The dish had a distinct taste compared to the other two and is a good intro for those new to the world of seafood.
  • Crab Stuffed Shrimp & Broiled Maine Lobster Tail: Orzo, farro, zucchini, red peppers, asparagus and lemon butter sauce ($25.95). The lobster and the crab stuffed shrimp provided a sweet yet savory taste with each bite. I took half of this dish home (so much food!) but enjoyed it the next day. It was still tasty and thoroughly passed the “leftover test.”

Brio

Dessert:

  • Butterscotch Budino: Italian for “pudding,” this dish features marcona almonds and caramel and vanilla whipped cream ($3.95). The dessert reminded me of a sundae as it was warm, topped with vanilla gelato, almonds and finished with a caramel drizzle. 

Brio

In addition to the food, the service was excellent – thanks Cameron! Visit the Winter Park Village or Millenia location soon before these dishes disappear.

 

 

 

 

BRIO Tuscan Grille Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Feb 192017
 

A wall of vintage rums, your own rum specialist, a ceviche bar and a patio overlooking the lagoon combine to make Strong Water Tavern an exceptionally cool and stylish watering hole. Featuring tapas style dining options with rum tastings, this is a true destination lounge at Universal Orlando’s newest resort, Loews Sapphire Falls. Whether you’re visiting Orlando or local, Strong Water Tavern is the cure for escaping the ordinary. With a serious focus on rum, which includes 65 varieties on their list with plans to expand, the tavern also boasts an impressive menu of authentic island fare. More than just a hotel bar, here’s why Strong Water Tavern is worth a visit (or two).

  • Rum, rum, rum: Escape to an island mindset with the Tavern Grog. A refreshing cocktail that’s best enjoyed while overlooking the resort’s 16,000 square foot pool. This signature drink with hints of spiced apple is made with freshly squeezed juices and was inspired by a 350-year-old recipe. The perfect drink for rum connoisseurs and novices alike.

strong water tavern

  • Two words, rum flights: Choose three rums from various regions, then taste and sample your way through the world via rum. With a knowledgeable staff you’ll have the privilege of learning about each sample and the difference between rums around the globe.

strong water tavern

  • Full of flavor: Their made from scratch menu is inspired by the executive chef’s heritage and background. With a focus on international flavor you’ll be treated to some unique flavors unlike any other menu in town. We’d suggest ordering a ceviche to start followed by the Ropa Vieja and Braised Pork Arepa. Finish your mini culinary vacation with some rum raisin house-made ice cream. With plans to expand the menu with Haitian food, there’s always something new to explore at Strong Water Tavern.

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strong water tavern

strong water tavern

  • Prefer Wine?: If you’d rather sip on a glass of vino for your cocktail time, this spot also boasts an extensive wine list. While we highly recommend ordering a rum cocktail, Lyric by Etude Pinot Noir, Stag’s Leap “Hands of Time” Cabernet Sauvignon or Veuve Clicquot “Yellow Label” Champagne are good options if you’re set on ordering wine.
  • Entertainment Abounds: Like many of our theme parks, Universal also has plans to expand their attractions. The much anticipated Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon is scheduled to open April 6. And the ever-growing Volcano Bay Water Park (which I’m sure you’ve seen driving along I-4) will open its doors May 25. After a day in the parks make sure you put Strong Water Tavern on your agenda.

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If you’re seeking an experience beyond trendy craft cocktails and gastropub offerings, head to Strong Water Tavern inside the new Loews Resort at Universal.

 

 

 

 

 

Photo Credit: Jimmy Fallon/Universal, all others by Spork