There’s just six days left to enjoy The Capital Grille’s Generous Pour. For a mere $28 you can enjoy all-you-care-to-drink wine from some of the most influential women in the wine world.

Seven of California’s great female winemakers and collaborators, including award-winning actress Drew Barrymore, have come together to celebrate women and wine as part of the restaurant’s seventh annual Generous Pour event.

The Generous Pour will celebrate the unique role women play in winemaking with this year’s offerings. Now through August 30, for $28 per person with dinner, The Capital Grille will offer eight remarkable wines crafted, designed or owned by women from some of California’s most acclaimed vineyards.

We recently sat down for dinner at The Capital Grille, here’s what we enjoyed and recommend tasting before The Generous Pour comes to a close. And PS it’s MAGICAL DINING MONTH (insert happy dance here). So yes, that means you can enjoy this fabulous wine for $28 and a three course meal for $33. Why are you not making a reservation right now? Okay, back to the food and wine, here are some must taste dishes and drinks!

Stoli Doli: The Capital Grille signature martini. Stolichnaya Vodka infused with fresh pineapple, chilled and served straight up. Ever see those large pineapple jars in the bar? It’s not just for show, they are used to create the most fantastic cocktail.

Lobster and Crab Cakes: A delightful crab cake filled with large chunks of yes…lobster AND crab. It’s seaside heaven on a plate.

Pan-Fried Calamari with Hot Cherry Peppers: I’m usually not a calamari connoisseur, but this steaming plate of battered goodness was enough to change my mind. A signature Capital Grille dish and one that pairs perfectly with Drew Barrymore’s Pinot Grigio which is part of The Generous Pour lineup.

Filet Mignon: The best filet in town. Nobody else compares. I’ll let the imagery speak for itself with this plate.

Bone-In Kona Crusted Dry Aged NY Strip with Shallot Butter  +
Porcini Rubbed Bone-In Ribeye with 15-Year Aged Balsamic: Two dry aged steaks that are tender, juicy and layered with impeccable flavor.

Lobster Mac ‘N’ Cheese: Also known as my new BFF. It’s the perfect accompaniment to, well, everything. This is a must order dish.

Flourless Chocolate Espresso Cake + Coconut Cream Pie + Cheesecake with Seasonal Berries: All housemade and baked to perfection. It doesn’t matter how full you are, there’s always room for dessert, especially this dessert.

Okay, that’s enough of my Capital Grille gushing. Now go make a reservation!

Photo Credits: Wine Bottles, Stoli by Jimmy Deflippo. Calamari photo by The Capital Grille.

Fried Twinkies, Watermelon Ritas and N’awlins Shrimp – sounds like the perfect summer feast. And it was. We recently ventured over to Miller’s Ale House in Winter Park to try some of their newest menu items. Now nationwide, Miller’s started as a single restaurant in 1988 in Jupiter, FL. Regardless of where you stand on the “chain restaurant” debate, it’s amazing how this Florida-based restaurant has rapidly expanded and improved their menu offerings over the years.

And new for summer is their All-American Summer Fest – a combination of BBQ dishes with a twist, cold beer and fried desserts. Here’s what we feasted on and enjoyed during our recent visit!

Backyard BBQ Brisket Sliders – Hand-pulled, slow-smoked brisket piled on toasted mini buns then topped with sliced pickles, crispy onion tanglers and served with a side of spicy Tabasco BBQ sauce. A tasty mini-combination of tender brisket and perfectly crisp onions.

BBQ Texas Burger – They say everything’s bigger in Texas and this burger is no exception. This juicy sandwich was piled high with fried onions, pulled pork and fried pickles. By far my favorite dish of the night and how could you dislike this combination of fried goodness? Served with piping hot seasoned fries that were even more exceptional when added to the burger.

N’awlins Style Shrimp – Simmered in homemade seasoned butter with Budweiser and a hint of Tabasco. Served with warm, sliced bread for dipping. I make no promises that this summer menu is “healthy”, but who cares about calories when you can have beer-buttered shrimp?

Ale House-Made Ribs and Brisket Platter – A generous serving of slow-smoked sliced brisket drizzled with BBQ sauce and a 1/2 rack of BBQ Baby Back Ribs. And you get all this meaty goodness for under $20. By far my husband’s favorite dish of the evening! It’s a massive platter full of corn, cole slaw and summer taste.

Fried Twinkie Split – Save room for this gut-busting dessert. It’s totally worth it. Take a trip back in time with this county fair inspired treat. These panko-breaded, deep-fried banana flavored Twinkies are served warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream then drizzled with strawberry sauce and chocolate syrup.

Watermelon Rita – A full pitcher made with Sauza Blue 100% Agave Tequila for just $10.

Orange Crush – Made with Smirnoff Orange Vodka, fresh squeezed orange juice, triple sec and a splash of lemon-lime soda. At $3.95 why not order a few?

Make your way to Miller’s Ale House and enjoy these tastes of summer while they last!

The old Festival Bay was in major need of an update. Luckily, Artegon Marketplace has come to the rescue in a recent string of I-Drive area improvements. On behalf of all Orlando citizens, thank you developers for helping to make tourist central a little less tacky and a lot more tasty. Here are some of the highlights and must see places in Artegon Marketplace.

• 165 artisanal shops and stores including local purveyors of goods and services including locally-sourced foods like David Ramirez Chocolates.
• The Great Hall with an expansive “Sky Trail” ropes course and food ranging from from pizza to sandwiches and salads.
• Free Wi-Fi both indoors and in the outdoor plaza areas. (Score, makes checking in on Yelp and sharing food photos easier!)
• 5,800 parking spaces = no more parking nightmares.

Beyond shops and attractions the anchor restaurant is set to include Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill that features a menu influenced by traditional southern food mixed with American favorites. Inspired by Toby Keith’s country hit single, “I Love This Bar,” this restaurant is sure to serve up a full sensory dining experience!

The offerings will include shareable bites such as Whiskey Girl Wings and Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp and Grits. Entrees will include favorites like St. Louis Ribs and Should’ve Been A Cowboy burger made with crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, Toby’s barbeque sauce and crispy onion rings.

The trademark 85-foot guitar-shaped bar offers beer selections with mason jars. An extensive signature cocktail list includes the Georgia Peach, a refreshing concoction of Absolut Vodka, Hiram Walker Peach Schnapps, and Sierra Mist and the Southern Kiss made with Southern Comfort, Disaronno Originale Amaretto and Pepsi. Coming soon in 2015, we can’t wait to drink out of mason jars and eat Southern food!

Welcome to town Artegon Marketplace!

Photo Credits: Artegon Marketplace

Thanksgiving is a day devoted to gluttony, family bonding and thankfulness. But in the midst of turkey frying and pumpkin pie baking, cocktails are often overlooked. Whether you’re dining out or staying in this holiday, here are some savory cocktails and a few recipes to celebrate turkey day. Still looking for a place to dine next week? Click here for a complete list of Orlando locations serving up Thanksgiving feasts.

American Q, Holiday Toddy: An adult eggnog with cold pressed coffee, Zaya Gran Reserva Rum, smoked eggnog foam, shaved chocolate and fresh ground nutmeg. Otherwise known as holiday cheer served in liquid form.

Outriggers Tiki Bar & Grille, Bid Time Bloody Mary: A luxurious bloody mary served waterside with house infused Tito’s Vodka, candied black pepper bacon, cocktail shrimp and rimmed with a blend of blackening seasoning and merlot salt.

Make your own version at home:

• 2 oz of house infused Tito’s Vodka
• 1 strip of candied black pepper bacon
• 1 cocktail shrimp
• Blackening seasoning and merlot salt mixture
• Bloody Mary mix ice cubes

Prep: Rim glass with blackening seasoning and merlot salt mixture. Add Tito’s Vodka and Bloody Mary mix ice cubes. Garnish drink with candied bacon, olives and cocktail shrimp.

Cocina 214, Caliente Casamigos Rocks Margarita: A spicy margarita with tastes of cranberry. Casamigos Blanco, serrano peppers, OJ, fresh lime juice and cranberry juice.

Ingredients for your own version:

• 1.5 Oz Casamigos Blanco Tequila
• 2 Slices Serrano Chili
• 0.5 oz Orange juice
• 0.75 oz Lime Juice
• 0.5 oz Cranberry Juice
• 0.75 oz Sweet & Sour Mix

Prep: Muddle serrano chilies and shake into a cocktail mixer. Add remaining ingredients. Strain into a glass and serve on the rocks.

Photo Credits: American Q, Outriggers, Cocina 214