Journalist

Amy Drew Thompson

Amy Drew Thompson is the Orlando Sentinel’s Food and Dining Reporter. She eats and she writes things. Amy Drew wears many hats, literally (she loves hats) and is highly flexible, literally (she loves yoga). New Yorker by birth, Orlandoan by choice, she delights in sharing the delectable spoils of her adopted city.

Swirlery owner and advanced sommelier Melissa McAvoy with a selection of Beaujolais wines at her wine bar on East Michigan Street in Orlando, Wednesday, November 8, 2023. This year’s Beaujolais Nouveau release —the annual celebration for the youngest wine iteration of the gamay grape — will be marked on Beaujolais Nouveau Day, Nov. 16. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

Restaurants, Food & Drink |
Celebrate Beaujolais Day in SoDo and get to know Beau

November 15, 2023 at 5:00 a.m.

Beaujolais Nouveau shows up on shelves this time of year with its festive labels. Get to know it better for Beaujolais Day.

Ramen with body: Red Panda Noodle's Seth Parker, Daniel "PigPen" Millette and Eliot Hillis workout in the truck. (Courtesy RPN)

Restaurants, Food & Drink |
Red Panda Noodle drive-through in the works on Lee Road

November 13, 2023 at 2:11 p.m.

Popular food truck secures commissary space with plans for service early next year.

It's always a festive Thanksgiving at Raglan Road, which offers its full menu alongside holiday favorites, plus entertainment! (Courtesy Raglan Road)

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Restaurants, Food & Drink |
Talking turkey: Thanksgiving around Orlando

November 13, 2023 at 6:17 p.m.

Whether you want to do some of the work or none at all, Orlando-area restaurants and caterers have some delicious options to save you time.

November is Fun with Fondue Month. (Courtesy The Melting Pot)

Restaurants, Food & Drink |
November is Fun with Fondue Month, so just fondue it

November 9, 2023 at 5:30 a.m.

Fondue itself began in 18th century Europe but the now-ubiquitous Melting Pot franchise got its start right here in Central Florida.

Black Restaurant Week was established in 2016, in part to bring awareness to Black-owned culinary businesses, from makers and caterers to food trucks and restaurants with events around the country.

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Restaurants, Food & Drink |
Black Restaurant Week returns Nov. 10

November 9, 2023 at 5:09 p.m.

Black Restaurant Week was established in 2016, in part to bring awareness to Black-owned culinary businesses, from makers and caterers to food trucks and restaurants with events around the country.