Palate
TOP FIVE: ALCOHOL INFUSED DISHES A quintet of tasty things to try this month FIRE FRIES at Thrive Cocktail Lounge & Eatery DOWNTOWN ORLANDO A flavorful mashup of beer-battered fries, kobachi sauce, spicy mayo, furikake, scallions, bonito flakes and sesame seeds. THE DRUNK BISON at The Whiskey DR. PHILLIPS A hearty serving of ground bison, topped with beer cheese sauce, smoked... Read More
Raising the Bar
20 standout small plates to enjoy with your next cocktail, cold beer or glass of wine. Once upon a time, grabbing a bite to eat at the bar typically meant some sort of fried snack, a plate of wings or maybe a sandwich. But these days, many establishments are showcasing much more refined dishes on their menus, proving that a bite at the bar can be both elevated and approachable.... Read More
Palate
TOP FIVE: FRIES A quintet of tasty things to try this month JOJO’S FRIES at JoJo’s Shakebar POINTE ORLANDO These crispy waffle fries are topped with a trio of cheeses—mozzarella, provolone and cheddar—along with bacon, chives and sour cream. ITALIAN POUTINE at the Daily Poutine DISNEY SPRINGS This unique combination of fries features mozzarella, pecorino Romano and turkey... Read More
Palate
TOP FIVE: ITALIAN A quintet of tasty things to try this month ROASTED MUSHROOM LASAGNA at Mia’s Italian Kitchen INTERNATIONAL DRIVE Roasted Mushroom Lasagna A vegetarian take on a traditional dish, this platter consists of mushrooms roasted in a brick oven, sungold tomatoes, ricotta, sharp provolone, mozzarella, Parmigiano and herbs. COFFEE PAOLO at Mister O1 LAKE MARY A... Read More
All for Love
For a great meal with a side of romance, there are plenty of worthy options across Greater Orlando. With love in the air as Valentine’s Day approaches, couples throughout Central Florida will be celebrating one another in various ways. So, we felt it was only right to highlight some of the area’s finest restaurants that not only serve up amazing food, but also provide the... Read More
Palate
TOP FIVE: BEEF A quintet of tasty things to try this month DUTCH OVEN BEEF BURGUNDY at Bigfire UNIVERSAL CITYWALK Slow cooked in red wine, this pot of beef is accompanied by mushrooms, bacon, pearl onions and buttered egg noodles. THE TAMPIQUEÑA at Superica WINTER PARK This Mexican-inspired dish features a marinated wood-grilled skirt steak served with two cheese enchiladas and... Read More
Palate
TOP FIVE: CAKE A quintet of tasty things to try this month MANDARIN ORANGE CAKE at Christner’s Prime Steak & Lobster LEE ROAD This signature dish offers a slice of sweet citrus cake with a tropical pineapple-orange whipped cream icing. It is served à la mode with a smooth orange sauce. NEAPOLITAN POUND CAKE at Sister Honey’s Bakery SODO An ice cream-inspired... Read More
The Best of the Brunch
Who among us doesn’t appreciate sleeping in a little late and then heading out for a leisurely brunch with family or friends? From the numerous sweet and savory options to the mimosas and bloody marys, sitting down for a mid-morning meal always delivers feel-good vibes. Here in Central Florida, there are many wonderful places to order brunch and so we decided to pick some of... Read More
Palate
TOP FIVE: EGGS A quintet of tasty things to try this month PARMA HASH at First Watch MULTIPLE LOCATIONS This plate consists of two cage-free eggs cooked to your preferred style and placed along with seasoned potatoes, Italian sausage, house-roasted crimini mushrooms, onions and tomatoes with finishing touches of both Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. EL MONTADITO at Egg-Celente INTERNATIONAL... Read More
Palate
TOP FIVE: CHICKEN SANDWICH A quintet of tasty things to try this month KICKEN’ CHICKEN SANDWICH at Streetwise Urban Food NORTH DOLLINS AVE. Served on a brioche bun, this sandwich features crispy seasoned chicken, pickles, tomato, chipotle aioli and garlic butter. YA-MON at Bad As’s Sandwhiches THE MILK DISTRICT This savory sandwich is made with jerk (dark meat) chicken,... Read More
Palate
TOP FIVE: SALAD A quintet of tasty things to try this month SOUTHERN FRIED SALAD at Cowboy Chicken PROMENADE AT SUNSET WALK Paired with Cowboy Chicken’s hand-breaded and seasoned chicken tenders, this salad consists of tomatoes, red onions, avocado, corn, Monterey Jack cheese and cheese crisps. It is drizzled with honey mustard dressing. GRILLED STEAK SALAD at... Read More
Big-Time Burgers
There’s just something about a good hamburger that elicits feelings of euphoria. Sure, they may not be the healthiest option for our diets, but how can one resist the temptation to sink their teeth into a juicy burger and be overcome with the onslaught of flavors from the various ingredients lovingly slid between two buns? And from the classic cheeseburger to more modern twists... Read More
Opening Acts
While we may enjoy cooking in the comforts of our own kitchen or having our favorite takeout delivered to the front door, the truth is nothing can replace the ambiance of going out to eat. As we settle into our seats and take the first sip of our drink, we’re asked the question we’ve been waiting for: “Would you like to start off with any appetizers?” The answer is always... Read More
Sandwich Supremacy
It’s no secret that our region is full of expert sandwich makers, folks who understand that everything from the quality of the bread to ingredients used inside are of the utmost importance when constructing a memorable handheld. And so now that it’s been a few years since our last expedition to find the best sandwiches in the area, we decided it was a fine time to once again... Read More
Starting Lineup
Some folks subscribe to the philosophy that when it comes to dining out, it’s best not to fill up on appetizers so you can save room for the main course. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with that line of thinking, for us, the truth is some of the best dishes you’ll find in the Greater Orlando area just happen to be at the top of the menu. Whether you’re sharing a... Read More
Side Dish
The Yardery, a fast casual outdoor restaurant, recently opened in Sanford. As its name suggests, it is both a yard and an eatery, with many outdoor games for guests of all ages to participate in such as cornhole, table tennis, ladder toss and billiards. The restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner with a menu that includes “backyard food with a twist.” The pet-friendly... Read More
Palate
TOP FIVE: HAMBURGERS A quintet of tasty things to try this month The Cowfish Has Officially Left the Building At The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar Universal CityWalk A meal fit for a king, this full-pound beef burger features creamy peanut butter, fried bananas and applewood bacon all on a brioche bun. If you’re not all shook up over this amount of food, opt for the Single... Read More
Romantic Rendezvous
CAPA Located at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, this slick 17th floor rooftop steakhouse and bar offers exceptionally crafted cuisine with a distinct Spanish influence. Everything from the ham croquettes to the 32-ounce wagyu steak is expertly prepared, while the signature cocktails and thoughtful wine list also rise to the occasion. RUSSELL’S... Read More
Any Way You Slice It
It’s been several years since we last traversed the area in search of the finest pizza we could find. But what better time than during a pandemic to feast regularly on one of life’s great comfort foods. And while Central Florida often flies under the radar when it comes to high-end pizza, the truth is there are many wonderful options to please your palate whether you like thin... Read More
Side Dish
Cantina Catrina, the authentic Mexican restaurant dedicated to celebrating the traditional Mexican holiday of Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead, will soon be opening in Orlando. This will be the restaurant’s second location in the United States, the other being in Miami. Situated in the Florida Mall, the 220-seat restaurant will offer indoor and outdoor covered-patio dining... Read More
Side Dish
Café-Boutique Piano will open in Winter Park’s Hannibal Square in 2022. The family-run restaurant will feature eclectic European cuisine, live piano music and original art for purchase. While the family has previous restaurant experience from their time living in western Russia, the café 1,200-square-foot will be their first U.S. location. After much anticipation, new local... Read More
