Orlando restaurants, food news and reviews: Orlando Sentinel https://www.orlandosentinel.com Orlando Sentinel: Your source for Orlando breaking news, sports, business, entertainment, weather and traffic Tue, 14 Nov 2023 23:27:51 +0000 en-US hourly 30 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.1 https://www.orlandosentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/OSIC.jpg?w=32 Orlando restaurants, food news and reviews: Orlando Sentinel https://www.orlandosentinel.com 32 32 208787773 Celebrate Beaujolais Day at SoDo’s Swirlery and get to know Beau https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2023/11/15/beaujolais-day-orlando-wine-bar-sodo-swirlery/ Wed, 15 Nov 2023 10:00:16 +0000 https://www.orlandosentinel.com/?p=11936275 Twenty-plus years ago, Melissa McAvoy was working in a French restaurant in Port St. Lucie, and it was during this time of year that the staff would come together for a celebratory luncheon. They’d don their Vin Georges Duboeuf pins, generally on the third Thursday of the month, and taste the year’s Beaujolais Nouveau release, made from gamay grapes and rife with light flavors — “banana-strawberry or strawberry margarita, even bubble gum,” she recalls.

And though McAvoy, now an advanced sommelier and owner of Orlando’s Swirlery Wine Bar in SoDo, has a far more sophisticated palate these days, the Beaujolais Day tradition — this year on Nov. 16 — has stuck. This will be Swirlery’s eighth annual Beaujolais soiree, a deep dive into styles of this popular, easy-drinking wine.

“I think it’s a perfect wine for Florida because it’s lower alcohol, a really nice, crisp red, and should be served chilled,” she notes. “And it pairs beautifully with some of the lighter food choices we often make because of the climate we live in. It’s an ideal wine to showcase.”

A featured Beaujolais at Swirlery Wine Bar the 2022 Lapierre Raisins Gaulois on East Michigan Street in Orlando, Wednesday, Nov. 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)
A featured Beaujolais at Swirlery Wine Bar — the 2022 Lapierre Raisins Gaulois — on East Michigan Street in Orlando. 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)

The Nouveau, she notes, is best known. Its colorful labels show up this time of year, bright and often flowery. “It’s associated with the end of harvest in Burgundy,” she explains, “but also happens to time well in America with the Thanksgiving holiday.”

The Nouveau employs a process called carbonic maceration, which “for me makes it sort of a guilty pleasure,” McAvoy jokes. “It’s made to be enjoyed really immediately. Using this technique, it’s fermented very fast at super cool temperatures, and so, just a fresh fun wine to enjoy quickly.”

Madeira: The Portuguese wine of American presidents

There are other Beaujolais varieties, however, that are deep-dive worthy. These are McAvoy’s favorites: the Crus. With these comes something of a geography lesson.

Beaujolais is a region in France that sits south of Burgundy. Within, there are 10 “crus” from north to south. These include St-Amour, Juliénas, Chénas, Moulin-à-Vent, Fleurie, Chiroubles, Morgon, Régnié, Brouilly and Côte de Brouilly.

“It’s often like stepping back in time,” McAvoy says of the regions’ small, old-vine family operations. “These wineries have been passed down through generations. And when you meet these winemakers, you can’t help but fall in love with the wine. You want to share it every year and celebrate, but then enjoy it all year long.”

Orlando’s natural wine scene is growing — organically

There is a variance in flavors from cru to cru, she notes, “lots of depth and minerality due in part to the soils,” and on Beaujolais Day at Swirlery, her annual selection will roam the region. Guests can sip and savor a few light bites or get as geeky as they like: Beaujolais and its gamay grapes are rife with drama.

“Hundreds of years ago, the Duke of Burgundy — they called him Phillip the Bold — wanted to make pinot noir famous in Burgundy, and so he banned the planting of gamay grapes in the northern part of the region.”

It was a long road to redemption for this now-beloved Beaujolais from the south, “and why it is such a special, unique part of Burgundy and its history.”

Swirlery’s tasting party ($30 at the door) starts at 6 p.m. and will take guests through all 10 crus, with bottles available for sale. There will be Nouveau, too, of course, “And maybe a little gamay from Oregon or elsewhere in the States, too.”

A range of the Beaujolais wines is available at Swirlery Wine Bar on East Michigan Street in Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
A range of Beaujolais wines is available at Swirlery Wine Bar on East Michigan Street in Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

Parties here are casual, come as you are and wholly unpretentious, with lots of wine lovers eager to share what they know, exchange thoughts on the pours and just have fun. Dinner-party and gifting season is upon us, too, and so really, going to a wine shop is about the most unselfish thing you can do this time of year, really.

I’m reaching, I know.

But if you needed another excuse to get to know Beau, now you’ve got one. And you can share what you’ve learned with your hosts this season when you bring them a bottle.

Want to reach out? Find me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @amydroo or on the OSFoodie Instagram account @orlando.foodie. Email: amthompson@orlandosentinel.com. For more fun, join the Let’s Eat, Orlando Facebook group or follow @fun.things.orlando on InstagramFacebook and Twitter.

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11936275 2023-11-15T05:00:16+00:00 2023-11-12T17:27:02+00:00
For 2 decades at Bern’s Steak House, this piano man has delighted https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2023/11/14/for-2-decades-at-berns-steak-house-this-piano-man-has-delighted/ Tue, 14 Nov 2023 22:31:28 +0000 https://www.orlandosentinel.com/?p=11963492 TAMPA — Down the red carpeted hallway at Bern’s Steak House, past eight dining rooms, a bustling kitchen and an army of waiters in suits gliding between both worlds, there’s a set of stairs leading to an entire floor of dessert.

Before you make it to the top, you can hear Kenny Haelsig.

If you’ve headed up for a nightcap in the Harry Waugh Dessert Room in the last two decades, there’s a chance this man has delighted you. Five nights a week, the piano man provides the soundtrack for the glitziest dessert in Tampa Bay.

Haelsig, 44, draws from a repertoire of over 300 songs from “All of Me” to “Zoot Suit Riot.” If you come up to his piano bench with a song that’s not on his list, chances are he can figure out how to play it on the spot.

This was his first steady restaurant job, and likely his last.

Pianist Kenny Haelsig performs at the Harry Waugh Dessert Room inside of Bern's Steak House on Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023 in Tampa.
Tampa Bay Times
Pianist Kenny Haelsig performs at the Harry Waugh Dessert Room inside of Bern’s Steak House on Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023 in Tampa.

“You don’t get an atmosphere like that anywhere else,” he said. ”I’ve been working here for 23 years, and I hope I stay here for the whole rest of my career.”

A sweet start

When Bern and Gertrude “Gert” Laxer purchased the former Beer Haven property on Howard Avenue in the mid 1950s, they initially considered opening a soft-serve ice cream business, according to Times archives. Back then, the modest block in Hyde Park was also home to a liquor store, barbershop, pharmacy and bookstore.

The restauranteur couple couldn’t find a bank that would lend them money for such a project. So, they pivoted to serving beer and burgers. They would later end up buying the rest of the businesses on the block and transitioning to a steak house.

The entire vibe of the restaurant, starting with its windowless exterior, was designed to surprise patrons and plunge them into a fantasy world far from Tampa. According to the book “Bern’s Rare and Well Done,” the Laxers were inspired by European design.

They scoured auctions for ornate antiques and hired seamstresses to create custom burgundy and gold wall coverings to match the aged steaks and wine on the menu. The lobby, with marble busts and moody red lighting, was once described by the Tampa Tribune as “half-brothel, half-spook house.”

The Laxers would end up spending seven years working on the Harry Waugh Dessert Room, building and rebuilding it seven times according to the Bern’s book. The name comes from a famed British wine expert who inspired the Laxers while hosting them during a trip abroad.

Pianist Kenny Haelsig takes a phone request while performing at the Harry Waugh Dessert Room inside of Bern's Steak House on Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023 in Tampa.
Tampa Bay Times
Pianist Kenny Haelsig takes a phone request while performing at the Harry Waugh Dessert Room inside of Bern’s Steak House on Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023 in Tampa.

At the time, there was no other restaurant in the country that boasted an entire floor for dessert, and Gert predicted that the dessert room would flop. The Laxers transformed their dust-covered attic by building 48 private booths out of aged redwood wine casks. They papered the walls with enlarged printouts of century-old books on wine. Each booth once had its own television screen to watch the piano player who performed in a lounge area on the same floor.

Manny Furia started playing music at Bern’s in 1967, roaming the dining room with an accordion. He later moved upstairs, behind the piano in the dessert room. While patrons tucked into macadamia nut ice cream or Cheesecake Gert, Furia showed off a repertoire that ranged from Dean Martin to heavy metal. He would later inspire Haelsig.

“He was a great mentor,” Haelsig told the Times in 2008. “He taught me how to interact with people. He helped me become a better entertainer for Bern’s.”

Meet the piano man

Past the private wine cask tables, the luckiest patrons in the dessert room are seated in a semicircle nook. Six curved booths, bathed in low crimson light, point toward Haelsig.

Under two bright spotlights, Haelsig is the focus of the room. He plays gracefully as his audience orders cappuccinos and whiskey flights. He is not distracted by plates of bananas foster and baked Alaska bursting into blue flame beside him.
Haelsig says his musical streak runs in his mom’s side of the family. He inherited his grandmother’s perfect pitch and started learning piano at age 3.

A trip to Bern’s Steak House is actually what kicked off his piano career. A Tampa native, his family would spend special occasions at the restaurant. He still can remember the first time he visited around age 8 or 9. It wasn’t the food that amazed him most, it was the phone next to his table, where he could call the pianist and send in a request.

Haelsig went on to study music at the University of South Florida. At 21, he decided to audition for an open position in the dessert room. He got the job on the first try.

Pianist Kenny Haelsig performs at the Harry Waugh Dessert Room inside of Bern's Steak House on Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023 in Tampa.
Tampa Bay Times
Pianist Kenny Haelsig performs at the Harry Waugh Dessert Room inside of Bern’s Steak House on Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023 in Tampa.

“I enjoy pretty much any song that people want to hear,” he said. “As long as they’re happy, I’m happy.”

On a Wednesday night in October, Haelsig serenaded a young birthday girl wearing a pink crown, watching from behind her mom. He smiled at two little boys who stood on their toes to toss dollar bills into his tip jar. He wished two couples a happy anniversary, reminded countless others to watch their step and have a good night on the way out.

His audience wanted Gershwin and Beethoven, Van Morrison and Tracy Chapman. When two folks on a date night asked for “Ain’t No Sunshine,” a song Haelsig didn’t know well, he pulled it up on YouTube so he could improvise. He got close enough to have the audience toe-tapping and singing along.

“Newsflash,” he quipped after the bridge. “Bill Withers knows.” A red light flickered on the phone behind him. He twisted around to answer it.

“Hello?” He paused. “I’d be more than happy to do that.” Then his hands started moving again.

The opening bars of “Piano Man” filled the room.

Hear Kenny Haelsig at the Harry Waugh Dessert Room

Bern’s Steak House is located at 1208 S Howard Ave, Tampa. Haelsig can be found playing piano upstairs in the Harry Waugh Dessert Room from 7 p.m. to midnight on Sundays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The dessert room also has piano music on Thursdays, performed by another pianist. The restaurant is closed on Mondays.

The dessert room accepts reservations between 6 and 6:45 p.m. daily, though walk-ins for dessert are also welcome.

Dinner patrons at Bern’s Steak House and sister restaurant Haven do not need to make additional reservations for the dessert room. For more information, visit this site.

Information was used from the Tampa Bay Times archive as well as the book “Bern’s Rare and Well Done” by David and Christina Laxer.

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11963492 2023-11-14T17:31:28+00:00 2023-11-14T18:27:51+00:00
Inspections: Only one Central Florida restaurant shut down last week https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2023/11/14/central-florida-restaurant-inspections-nov-14-shutdowns/ Tue, 14 Nov 2023 17:03:44 +0000 https://www.orlandosentinel.com/?p=11960876 Only only Central Florida restaurant was ordered to shut down temporarily the week of Nov. 5-11, according to data from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

Seminole

Pho Au Lac Restaurant And Teahouse at 158 Tuskawilla Road Suite 1300 in Winter Springs shut down on Nov. 7. Inspectors found 16 violations, six of which were a high priority.

Those violations included roach excrement, food held at the wrong temperatures, an improperly stored toxic substance and a sanitizing solution exceeding the maximum concentration allowed.

Officials revisited the restaurant on Nov. 8. They found five violations, but none were a high priority.

The restaurant met inspection standards.

Complaints and warnings

Orange County had the top spot for most warnings and other complaints in Central Florida, with 25.

Volusia had 16, Brevard had seven, Lake had one, Seminole had five and Osceola had five. Warnings given with required follow-up inspections could lead to a business being shut down if problems remain.

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11960876 2023-11-14T12:03:44+00:00 2023-11-14T12:03:44+00:00
Red Panda Noodle drive-through in the works on Lee Road https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2023/11/13/red-panda-noodle-drive-through-lee-road/ Mon, 13 Nov 2023 17:07:42 +0000 https://www.orlandosentinel.com/?p=11957860 Ramen and -women of Orlando, rejoice. The nerds behind the noods at Red Panda Noodle have secured a location at 1515 Lee Road where they’ll be sharing space with California’s beloved Cupid’s Hot Dogs.

At first, this will serve as commissary space only, but plans are in the works to develop their robust concept into a drive-through and sit-down space for their unique brand of hand-pulled noodle dishes as soon as early January if chef/owners Seth Parker and Eliot Hillis hit their timelines.

Best Food Truck: 2023 Orlando Sentinel Foodie Awards

“We will be commencing commissary operations immediately,” Hillis told the Orlando Sentinel. “And we’re excited and grateful for the opportunity Cupid’s has given us to share their drive-through and 50-seat dining space.”

Kitchen space here is different than that of the Red Panda Noodle food truck, which will continue to serve the community at events around town. In fact, tomorrow’s Tasty Takeover in Orlando’s Milk District neighborhood will serve as a re-introduction of sorts, as the chefs will be premiering their seasonal ramen.

Ramen will be the staple of the new Lee Road space.

“It’s officially Florida winter when Red Panda starts doing ramen,” Hillis said, noting their appreciation for this dish borne of Chinese workers’ emigration to Japan.

“It came from a desire to feed people so they could work long, hard days. Over time, it has become something fancy that gets an incredible amount of fanfare. It has become Instagrammable food. And while that’s good in that people are learning new things about ramen and about noodles in general, we’re looking to do something here that is more like those early days  and create a simple space where you can get an incredible bowl of noodles for a reasonable price and then go on and tackle your evening.”

Ramen will be the focus of Red Panda Noodle's Lee Road location. (Courtesy Red Panda Noodle)
Ramen will be the focus of Red Panda Noodle’s Lee Road location. (Courtesy Red Panda Noodle)

Evening will be the operative word once Red Panda begins serving here. Cupid’s will continue to operate its regular hours until 5 p.m., with RPN to begin serving at 6.

In addition to ramen, the venue’s menu will eventually include cold ramen, noodle salads, skewers and fried snacks.

Hungry well-wishers can get their first on-site taste at 6 p.m. on Dec. 4, when the RPN crew will host a housewarming party.

“Everyone is welcome to celebrate with us, along with our friends at Phat Ash Bakes. We will have a ramen menu along with a few snacks and, of course, beer,” Hillis said. “We cannot thank Orlando enough for sharing in our successes as we have grown from an idea to a tent to a trailer and now, an honest-to-gosh building.”

Cupid’s Hot Dogs hits a bullseye for California fast-food nostalgia | Review

The Orlando native choked up in describing the enormity of their team’s coalescing vision.

“I want people to appreciate what we’re doing philosophically and emotionally. I want them to understand that it’s not the giant logo that matters or that we’re on the Internet or TV that matters. What we signed up to do was to feed people,” said an emotional Hillis. “I think we have a real chance to do that here. And it means the world to me to be able to do it.”

Want to reach out? Find me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @amydroo or on the OSFoodie Instagram account @orlando.foodie. Email: amthompson@orlandosentinel.com. For more fun, join the Let’s Eat, Orlando Facebook group or follow @fun.things.orlando on InstagramFacebook and Twitter.

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11957860 2023-11-13T12:07:42+00:00 2023-11-13T14:11:08+00:00
Outpost Kitchen evicted from Maitland City Centre https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2023/11/10/outpost-kitchen-evicted-from-maitland-city-centre-records-show/ Fri, 10 Nov 2023 18:26:07 +0000 https://www.orlandosentinel.com/?p=11951490 Outpost Kitchen Bar & Provisions has been evicted from its high-profile spot in Maitland after it had allegedly fallen $64,000 behind on its rent, court records indicate.

An eviction order from the Clerk of the County Court on Oct. 25 directed the Orange County Sheriff’s Office to remove Rockwater Development LLC,  which does business as Outpost, and “all persons” from 111 S. Orlando Ave. suites A and B in Maitland, the records show.

In a Facebook post Friday, the restaurant said the eviction happened Thursday and the business was closed.

“As you can imagine, we are currently trying to navigate the surprise of the events that occurred yesterday,” the post said. “The morning started out with a gas leak, and then, despite months of re-negotiations with our landlord, ended when they closed our doors.

“Between that, and not being able to recover from the expenses of opening during a pandemic and then this extraordinarily slow summer, it is with an extremely heavy heart that we are forced to close our family business,” the post read.

A sign on the restaurant’s door Friday advertised the space as available for lease.

The court file also contained a complaint from April that claimed the landlord was owed more than $64,000 for rent. A circuit judge in May ruled the landlord was entitled to recover the property and directed the Clerk of the Court to issue the eviction order.

No one answered the restaurant’s phone on Friday and an emailed list of questions was not immediately answered.

Outpost signed a deal in 2019 to become an anchor restaurant tenant in the Maitland City Centre project after deciding to close its location on Edgewater Drive in Orlando’s College Park neighborhood. The restaurant originally opened in 2015.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said in an unsigned statement the agency is responsible for carrying out the eviction, but there would not be a report filed for something like that.

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11951490 2023-11-10T13:26:07+00:00 2023-11-10T16:07:22+00:00
Talking turkey: Thanksgiving around Orlando https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2023/11/09/thanksgiving-dinner-menus-orlando-restaurants-open-2023/ Thu, 09 Nov 2023 10:30:52 +0000 https://www.orlandosentinel.com/?p=11936124 From dine-in options, both opulent and casual, to Michelin-recognized restaurants that take some of the fuss out of home cooking to tried-and-true chains that’ll do the whole job for you, this year’s roster features a host of ideas on how to handle your Thanksgiving holiday — plus a few fun, seasonal items you’ll find around town this month.

4 Rivers Smokehouse: Order now through 5 p.m. on Nov. 18 and bring home a Thanksgiving family feast from 4 Rivers. Options include a whole smoked turkey ($119, feeds 14-16) Fixins Package featuring 1 quart each of mashed potatoes, gravy, sweet potato casserole, cornbread stuffing, Southern green beans and a pint of cranberry chutney ($65.99, feeds 4-6) and more, plus a host of a la carte options. Pick up: Nov. 22. Hungry now? Hit up 4 Rivers for The Pilgrim ($9.99) a Thanksgiving sandwich that captures the holiday’s essence in every bite. Available through Nov. 25. Seasonal sweets abound at 4 Rivers Bakery, too, including the snickerdoodle, pumpkin bayou bar and oatmeal cream pie. More info/orders: 1-844-4RIVERS or 4rsmokehouse.com.

4 Rivers Bakery's loaded down with
4 Rivers Bakery is loaded with goodies, including these oatmeal cream pies. (Courtesy 4 Rivers Smokehouse)

American Kitchen Bar & Grill: They’re getting ready for Thanksgiving at the B Resort and Spa’s signature restaurant, where the holiday menu will include a choice of apple cider-brined roasted turkey with sage brown gravy or bourbon-glazed country ham with cranberry honey mustard. Sides and dessert included as well at a highly affordable $29 for adults and $15 for children. More info: bresortlbv.com/dining/american-kitchen-bar-grill

Bob Evans: With Farmhouse Feasts, the folks at Bob Evans Restaurants hope to give some time back to guests so they can spend it making memories. Feasts feature three entrée options, including sides and pies, serving four, eight or up to 10 people starting at $79.99. The Holiday Family Meal feeds up to six and includes a family-sized portion of Bob Evans’ signature Thanksgiving recipes. Sides come in a range of sizes, and pies available include double-crust apple and Reese’s Peanut Butter. Farmhouse Feasts are available for carryout or curbside pickup. Delivery (fees may apply) is available for orders placed on BobEvans.com through Nov. 21st. Dining out? All Bob Evans locations will be open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. for breakfast, lunch and dinner on Thanksgiving Day. Guests can enjoy four all-day breakfast options and a special Thanksgiving Holiday Celebration Platter. More info: bobevans.com/thanksgiving

Bring home Thanksgiving from Bob Evans Restaurants. (Courtesy Bob Evans Restaurants)
Bring home Thanksgiving from Bob Evans Restaurants. (Courtesy Bob Evans Restaurants)

Brio Italian Grille: Looking to dine out? Brio is open from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Thanksgiving Day, offering a traditional Turkey Day menu, complete with sliced white turkey meat and the classic sides, plus its menu of everyone’s favorite Italian specialties. Individual traditional dinners are priced at $44.99 for adults and $24.99 for kids. Reservations: brioitalian.com/reservations. Those looking for a homier setting but not much work can opt for one of Brio’s Thanksgiving Packages To Go, available hot or cold through Thanksgiving. Small pan feeds three for $105, large feeds six for $160. Cold pick up/delivery is available 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Nov. 20-23. Hot pick up/delivery is available 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Nov. 22-Nov. 23, from  More info/orders: brioitalian.com/holiday/thanksgiving

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Buca di Beppo: Enjoy a traditional turkey dinner at Buca from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, complete with roasted turkey breast and classic side dishes, plus an a la carte menu featuring everyone’s favorite Italian specialties. Thanksgiving dinner, $39.99. Reservations: bucadibeppo.com/reservations. Buca di Beppo will also offer Thanksgiving Packages To Go, available hot or cold, featuring all of the classic offerings. Packages available in small (feeds three) for $105 or large (feeds six) for $160. Ordering is open through Thanksgiving. Cold pick up/delivery available 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 20-23. Hot pick up/delivery available 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 22-23. Larger packages available, as well. Order deadline: Nov. 21. More info/orders: bucadibeppo.com/holiday/thanksgiving.

Café Tu Tu Tango: Enjoy Thanksgiving Bottomless Brunch with Holiday Carving Station for $39.22 per person, served from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Highlights include herb butter-rubbed and banana leaf-wrapped turkey breast, Caribbean jerk spiced pork loin, cornbread stuffing, smashed creamy baby red potatoes and pumpkin pie, Regular dinner menu served 4-10 p.m. More info: cafetututango.com/menus#thanksgiving

In addition to all its salad bar and rodizio options, Chima will be serving traditional Thanksgiving fare for the holiday. (Courtesy Chima Steakhouse)
In addition to all its salad bar and rodizio options, Chima will be serving traditional Thanksgiving fare for the holiday. (Courtesy Chima Steakhouse)

Chima Steakhouse: Chima will be open on Thanksgiving Day from 12:30-8:30 p.m. $64.95 per person includes rodizio plus all traditional Thanksgiving food (roasted turkey breast, stuffing, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, sweet mashed potatoes and cornbread). More info/reservations: chimasteakhouse.com

City Works Eatery & Pour House: They’re making Thanksgiving Day festivities even easier for families to celebrate here in Disney Springs, where guests can gather with loved ones or enjoy the holiday football game on one of the 17 TVs, ensuring there isn’t a bad seat in the house. Feast on City Works’ Thanksgiving dinner featuring herb-roasted turkey, slow-roasted prime rib and a special roasted turkey option for the kids, all accompanied by classic Thanksgiving sides. Guests can also add dessert for a perfect holiday meal. City Works will open 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Reservations are encouraged. More info: cityworksrestaurant.com/events/thanksgiving-disney

Mid Drive Dive, new concept from two East End Market vets, coming to College Park

Columbia Restaurant: In addition to dining on Thanksgiving Day, the Columbia is offering a full, traditional holiday meal for 10 for curbside takeout at all locations. A convenient, fully prepared meal includes a 12-pound roasted whole Vermont turkey, Columbia stuffing (our grandmother’s recipe of Italian sausage, ground beef, chopped chicken livers, apples, water chestnuts and raisins), 1905 Salad with our famous garlic dressing, a loaf of fresh-baked Cuban bread, sautéed baby carrots and green beans, sweet potato casserole, whipped russet potatoes, homemade cranberry sauce, giblet gravy and choice of whole pumpkin pie or Key lime pie. Price: $195 plus tax. Order deadline: 2 p.m., Nov. 16. All orders must be confirmed with a credit card. Instructions for reheating the meal are included with package. To order, call the main phone number for each restaurant. Celebration: 407-566-1505

Buca di Beppo has offerings for the Thanksgiving holiday. (Courtesy Buca di Beppo)
Buca di Beppo has offerings for the Thanksgiving holiday. (Courtesy Buca di Beppo)

Confectionately Confections: The holidays are delivered between noon and 4 p.m. Nov. 22 for orders taken between Nov. 15-18 or until sellout via this Orlando metro-local chef. Holiday favorites include herb-roasted turkey (approximately 3 pounds, white and dark meat served with housemade pan gravy), $45, Dr. Pepper-glazed ham (approximately 3 pounds), $45, sides to share (feeds 4-6) including sweet potato casserole, $25; Texas-style cornbread dressing, $15; broccoli, rice and cheese casserole, $20, 16-ounce container of cranberry relish, $12 and more. Cooler bags available for add-on in case you’re not home at time of delivery. More info: c2dinnersdelivered.com

Duffy’s Sports Grill: All locations will be open from noon to 11 p.m. serving a traditional turkey feast with all the trimmings (sliced, oven-roasted turkey breast, mashed potatoes, turkey gravy, cornbread stuffing with choice of vegetable and cranberry sauce plus pumpkin pie dessert) for $15.99. You’ll also make it in time to sample their limited-run Fall-Tinis (pumpkin spice, $10 and caramel apple, $9). More info: duffysmvp.com

Enzo’s Hideaway and Maria & Enzo’s: This Turkey Day, visit either from 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m., and you’ll find Thanksgiving specials with an Italian twist like arancini de zucca (pumpkin risotto fritters with fresh mozzarella, parmigiano crema, pumpkin seed pesto, toasted pumpkin seeds, $19) and porchetta di tacchino (herbed Heritage turkey, crispy pancetta, Brussels sprouts, polenta “dressing,” butternut squash, cranberry agrodolce, $39). More info: patinagroup.com/maria-enzos and patinagroup.com/enzos-hideaway

Mid Drive Dive, new concept from two East End Market vets, coming to College Park

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: All 65 Fleming’s locations will be open from 11 a.m.- 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. Fleming’s will also offer its regular dinner menu throughout the day. On the holiday front, options will include lobster bisque, made with North Atlantic lobster and spiced sherry cream, mixed herb-roasted turkey breast and turkey gravy, filet mignon or a 20-ounce prime bone-in ribeye, all served with a side of housemade stuffing. Shareable sides include mashed potatoes, green beans with apricots and onions and cinnamon orange cranberry sauce. Thanksgiving menu starts at either $56 or $59, depending on location. Additionally, families with children can take advantage of the children’s three-course menu, priced at $26. More info: flemingssteakhouse.com/promotions/thanksgiving

Four Flamingos: A Richard Blais Florida Kitchen: Open from noon to 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, this signature restaurant at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort will serve an exclusive, unique, family-style three-course feast including memorable offerings such as spiny lobster bisque, jerk turkey breast with confit turkey leg, oyster and brioche stuffing, boniato mash with allspice gravy and bourbon brown butter pecan pie with crème Anglaise. Adults, $86; kids 12 and younger, $43. A selection of a la carte items from regular menu will also be available. Reservations: fourflamingosorlando.com

Four Flamingos: A Richard Blais Florida Kitchen has all kinds of goodies ready for guests on Thanksgiving. (Courtesy Four Flamingos)
Four Flamingos: A Richard Blais Florida Kitchen has all kinds of goodies ready for guests on Thanksgiving. (Courtesy Four Flamingos)

Four Seasons Resort Orlando: High-end holiday offerings abound throughout the property on Thanksgiving Day, beginning with a Disney Character Breakfast from 7-11 a.m. ($54/adult; $34/child), during which guests will enjoy time with Goofy & Pals along with a hefty buffet spread. Speaking of, the one at Ravello runs from 1-8 p.m. ($150/adult; $55/child) and will feature an incredible assortment of offerings, from a sushi and seafood station to a tapas station to a carving station complete with ribeye, ham and of course, turkey. Side dishes such as roasted sweet potato purée, cranberry orange sauce and focaccia and sausage stuffing are just a hint of the offerings. Over at Plancha’s buffet, open from noon to 7 p.m. ($130/adult; $48/child), guests will enjoy an extensive salad bar, cheese and charcuterie display, carving station with turkey, N.Y. strip and lamb along with sides. At the Michelin-starred Capa, Thanksgiving specials (including a $62 plate featuring dark and white meat, brown butter potato puree, cranberry sauce and more) will be available alongside the regular menu from 4:30-10 p.m. At Lickety Split in the lobby, delightful and adorable Thanksgiving treats are sure to charm and tempt. Whole pies (pumpkin, s’mores, cheesecake, pecan) can be pre-ordered and taken to go. Reservations required for dining. Call 407-313-6161.

Enjoy a seasonal turkey dinner at Duffy's Sports Grill. (Courtesy Duffy's Sports Grill)
Enjoy a seasonal turkey dinner at Duffy’s Sports Grill. (Courtesy Duffy’s Sports Grill)

Golden Corral: All restaurants will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, serving their traditional holiday buffet. What’s more, it’s already available, featuring carved roast turkey, glazed ham, sides, fixings and desserts, plus an array of other items. Guests can also get their Holiday Feast To Go, a complete meal for 6-8 people featuring a choice of turkey, ham or beef roast with all the trimmings, rolls and a whole pie. Pre-order online or through the app and pick up your feast ready-to-eat or heat-and-serve. Thanksgiving order deadline is Nov. 20. More info: goldencorral.com

Island Time: Enjoy a chill holiday in Thornton Park with choice of two seatings (noon and 3:30 p.m.) for a three-course, prix fixe menu ($50). Vegetarian and vegan options will be available. Space limitations require a $10 reservation fee, which will be credited back upon arrival. More info: IslandTimeOrlando.com/thanksgiving

Adorable themed treats at the Four Seasons Orlando's Lickety Split. (Courtesy Four Seasons Orlando Resort)
Adorable themed treats at the Four Seasons Orlando’s Lickety Split. (Courtesy Four Seasons Orlando Resort)

Jaleo: They’re open on Thanksgiving with a variety of Spanish-influenced specials on deck. Examples include sopa de calabaza (warm butternut squash soup, $8) and tarta de queso con calabaza (Basque-style cheesecake with pumpkin, $15). Reservations: jaleo.com/reservations.

Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream: Elevate your Thanksgiving dessert table with Kelly’s 8-inch ice cream pies, available in three flavors. Choose from the classic Sweet Potato with a graham crust, the indulgent Dark Chocolate Chunk with an Oreo crust and the seasonal Caramel Apple Pie with a graham crust, $24 each. Online order deadline is Nov.13. Pick up between Nov. 17-22 at the Corrine, Ferncreek, Horizon West, Winter Park and Oviedo shops. Order: kellyshomemadeicecream.com

Matt’s Latin BBQ: They’re open on Thanksgiving Day with a full menu, but if you’re looking for a holiday meal at home that’s full of Puerto Rican feels, pre-order their mofongo-stuffed turkey ($85). $15 more gets you a yellow rice tray and gandules. Additional side items (if ordering rice tray) are 15% off. Orders must be placed at least 48 hours in advance. More info/orders: 407-412-5400

Ice cream pies from Kelly's make for a unique, fun dessert option on Thanksgiving. (Courtesy Kelly's Homemade Ice Cream)
Ice cream pies from Kelly’s make for a unique, fun dessert option on Thanksgiving. (Courtesy Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream)

Mango’s Orlando: Dinner and a show is the order of Turkey Day at Mango’s, where guests can indulge in a feast event that includes Mango’s signature salad, fresh-carved turkey, gravy, cornbread stuffing, mashed Idaho potatoes, candied yams, green beans amandine, cranberry chutney and choice of pumpkin or pecan pie. On the show front: three hours of live Tropigala entertainment, ranging from the rhythms of Brazilian Samba to the beats of Cuban Conga. Experience runs from 8-11 p.m., $75 per person. Reservations: eventbrite.com/e/tropicana-style-thanksgiving-dinner-at-mangos-orlando-tickets-750946229387

Metro Diner: Save time and sign on for Heat & Serve Holiday Feasts To-Go this season. Select baked ham or roasted turkey is paired with tasty sides, including creamy mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, cranberry sauce, Hawaiian dinner rolls and savory cornbread stuffing, macaroni & cheese or street corn. These feasts come cold to be heated at home and can be customized to serve a party of one, four or eight. Pre-orders available through Nov. 22. Pickup times are from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. on Nov. 21 and Nov. 22 and from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. All diners will be open on Thanksgiving Day for table service until 2:30 p.m. As for seasonal treats, Metro Diner is also bringing back their seasonally inspired Stuff ‘N Waffles infused with cornbread stuffing. Available now through Jan. 1, guests can choose from the following three savory stacked selections: the Sausage & Gravy Chicken Tenders Stuff ‘N Waffle ($12.99), Stuff ‘N Waffle with Turkey ($13.99) or Stuff ‘N Waffle with Ham ($12.99). More info/orders: metrodiner.com/holiday-feast

Stuff 'N Waffles, waffles pressed from cornbread stuffing, are back for a limited time at Metro Diner. Options include roasted turkey or savory ham with mashed potatoes & gravy and crispy chicken tenders & sausage gravy, pictured here. (Courtesy Metro Diner)
Stuff ‘N Waffles, waffles pressed from cornbread stuffing, are back for a limited time at Metro Diner. Options include roasted turkey or savory ham with mashed potatoes & gravy and crispy chicken tenders & sausage gravy (pictured here). (Courtesy Metro Diner)

Mia’s Italian Kitchen: The I-Drive eatery is offering a special three-course, prix fixe Thanksgiving menu for the holiday, priced at $49 per adult and $29 for kids. Adult menu offerings include turkey breast porchetta wrapped in prosciutto, fontina mashed potatoes, focaccia stuffing, maple roasted carrots, tomato–turkey gravy and more. Kids can enjoy pasta, pizza, and brick oven-roasted turkey. More info: miasitalian.com/orlando-fl/orlando-menus#thanksgiving

Paddlefish: Feast your way through a delicious traditional turkey dinner at Paddlefish on Thanksgiving Day, featuring herb-roasted turkey breast, Andouille cornbread stuffing, whipped potatoes, green beans, cranberry relish and pan gravy. $29 for adults; $12 for children. More info/reservations: paddlefishrestaurant.com

Park Avenue Tavern: Enjoy a three-course plated Thanksgiving dinner for $65 per adult and $22 for kids (just the second course). Diners can start with either butternut squash soup or Fall Harvest salad. For the main course, diners will enjoy a plate of sage and rosemary roasted turkey breast with herb cornbread stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry-orange chutney, green bean casserole and turkey gravy. For dessert, diners can choose either pecan pie or pumpkin pie. Reservations: sevenrooms.com/experiences/parkavenuetavernwinterpark/thanksgiving-family-style-9513421214

Plate Above Catering: As the catering arm of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, the revenue Plate Above generates provides financial support for the food bank’s Culinary Training Program and supports local hunger relief efforts; ergo, you can give back while also taking a break from preparing this year’s holiday party, lunch or family dinner when you ask Plate Above to handle it for you. Thanksgiving order deadline is Nov. 15. Check out the full menu of options, which includes a Sage Butter Whole Turkey dinner that serves 8 for $150 (comes with pan gravy, harvest stuffing, garlic mashed potatoes, fresh green beans and cranberry chutney) More information: plateabove.com

Chipping a hat to the holiday: Gordon Ramsay's sweet potato dirty ships. (Courtesy Gordon Ramsay's Fish & Chips)
Chipping a hat to the holiday: Gordon Ramsay’s sweet potato dirty ships. (Courtesy Gordon Ramsay’s Fish & Chips)

Gordon Ramsay Fish and Chips: Sweet Potato Dirty Chips are loaded with pulled turkey and dripping with turkey gravy, served with a side of even more turkey gravy and honey jalapeno aioli. Get a hit of Thanksgiving, now through Nov. 30.

Raglan Road: Sign on for Thanksgiving goodies and entertainment at the most rollicking spot in Disney Springs. Holiday menu features butter and herb roast turkey, garlic mashed potatoes, duck fat roasties, honey-glazed carrots, bacon-braised Brussels sprouts, sausage meat and walnut stuffing and red wine jus with cranberry sauce. Adults, $39.99; kids, $19.99. Regular, all-day dinner menu available, as well. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Live entertainment begins at 4:30 p.m. Reservations/more info: 407-938-0300; raglanroad.com

Seana’s Caribbean Soul Food: Get your soul food to go this Thanksgiving with three killer offers from Seana’s featuring chopped up, smothered turkey with four large sides and dinner rolls. Each feeds 4-6. Go with wings ($65), legs ($60) or a wing-leg combo ($55). Side options: yams, greens, sweet corn, mac ‘n’ cheese, baked beans, mixed veggies, green beans, mashed potatoes and potato salad. Pre-order now through Nov. 21 for pickup Nov. 23-24 10 a.m.-12 p.m.. Specify cold/hot pickup. $30 refundable deposit required for order via Zelle, Venmo, ApplePay CashApp). Questions/orders: Text 718-930-5385.

A Thanksgiving feast comes with festive dance and live music at Raglan Road. (Courtesy Raglan Road)
A Thanksgiving feast comes with festive dance and live music at Raglan Road. (Courtesy Raglan Road)

The Ravenous Pig: Bird is the word when you order a brined, seasoned, uncooked turkey from this ground-zero gastropub favorite because you know they’re going to make you look good. Half turkey (5-7 pounds), $42; whole turkey (10-14 pounds), $72. Both include cranberry relish and turkey gravy. Sides including stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole (all $18 apiece) and truffle ciabatta loaf ($14) are also available, as well as dessert and Ravenous Pig Brewing Co. beer.  More info: fs29.formsite.com/E8RaNc/ikjneak4um/index

Terralina Crafted Italian: Indulge in the spirit of the holiday at Disney Springs and enjoy rosemary roasted turkey with applewood smoked bacon and Granny Smith apple dressing, Yukon Gold mash, roasted asparagus with a sage and thyme gravy and homemade cranberry relish ($29, adults; $16, kids). Toast to the holiday season with a Thirsty Turkey made with Wild Turkey bourbon, ginger beer and cranberry juice ($14). Reservations: disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/disney-springs/terralina-crafted-italian

Enjoy a "deli"-cious holiday at TooJay's. (Courtesy TooJay's Deli)
Enjoy a “deli”-cious holiday at TooJay’s. (Courtesy TooJay’s Deli)

TooJay’s Deli: TooJay’s Deli will be open from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day for dine-in, offering a three-course holiday menu for $24.99. Includes choice of sliced, oven-roasted turkey with gravy or honey-cured sliced ham with apricot glaze, plus mashed potatoes, cornbread suffering, green beans Almondine, cranberry sauce and artisan rye bread, as well as choice of salad or soup to start and several dessert options. TooJay’s a la carte menu will also be available. Reservations: toojays.com/reservations. TooJay’s Deli will also offer Thanksgiving Packages To Go for Friendsgiving or traditional celebrations. Order deadline Nov. 21. Options include small package (feeds 4-5) is $139.99; medium (feeds 10) is $279; and large (feeds 20), is $439.99. Sample items include choice of turkey or ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, cornbread stuffing, green beans Almondine, cranberry sauce, artisan rye bread, pumpkin pie and black and white cookies. A la carte additions to all packages are available. More information/orders: toojays.com/holiday/thanksgiving

Tropicale: Enjoy Thanksgiving Day brunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Caribe Royale and savor an abundance of brunch favorites along with an elaborate carving station that will tempt the grown-ups in your group, marshmallow fluff-topped pumpkin pies and an array of delightful desserts. ($75 for adults; $25 for kids) Reservations: opentable.com/restref/client/?restref=1240588&datetime=2023-11-23T12%3A00&covers=2&searchdatetime=2023-11-23T12%3A00&partysize=2&corrid=419d905a-7fd3-49a1-9503-a3a9a194a88e

4 Rivers' Pilgrim sandwich puts all the flavors of the holiday in your hand. (4 Rivers Smokehouse)
4 Rivers’ Pilgrim sandwich puts all the flavors of the holiday in your hand. (4 Rivers Smokehouse)

Uncommon Catering: Thanksgiving cheese, charcuterie and accouterment boards are now available for pre-order in all sizes. Drop off your own board in advance or get one from Uncommon ($10 or $20 each). Disposable trays also available. $14.50 per person, three minimum. Order deadline: Nov. 20. Pick up 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 22. Message Facebook page (facebook.com/uncommoncatering) for details and orders or email info@uncommoncatering.com.

The Venetian Chop House: Indulge in an elegant prix-fixe menu at the Caribe Royale, $120 per person, featuring chef-driven Thanksgiving offerings (optional pairing of Old World wine selections chosen by our sommelier, $40). Special offerings include pumpkin bisque, citrus-brined slow-roasted turkey and bacon-wrapped filet mignon. Reservations available from 3-8 p.m. Reservations: opentable.com/booking/experiences-availability?rid=8061&restref=8061&experienceId=206850&utm_source=external&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=shared

The Wharf at Promenade at Sunset Walk: Sunset Walk’s scratch kitchen will be serving $30 Thanksgiving dinners featuring turkey and all the classic fixings, including stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, cranberry sauce and a dinner roll. Open 11 a.m.-10 p.m. More info: wharfatsunsetwalk.com

The Wilson Cocktails & Seafood: They’re offering a family-style, three-course menu for Thanksgiving for $55 per person and $25 for children under 12. For the first course, diners will enjoy the option of a Mediterranean salad, Caprese salad or mortadella platter. Second: cider-brined roasted turkey plate with sides including stuffing, whipped potatoes, green bean casserole, baked macaroni and cheese, gravy and cranberry sauce. Follow it up with dessert and a choice pecan or pumpkin pie topped with spiced rum whipped cream. Reservations: sevenrooms.com/experiences/thewilsonorlando/thanksgiving-prix-fixe-8434754270.

Find me on Facebook, TikTok, Twitter or Instagram @amydroo or on the OSFoodie Instagram account @orlando.foodie. Email: amthompson@orlandosentinel.com, For more foodie fun, join the Let’s Eat, Orlando Facebook group

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11936124 2023-11-09T05:30:52+00:00 2023-11-13T18:17:37+00:00
November is Fun with Fondue Month, so just fondue it https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2023/11/09/november-fun-with-fondue-month-melting-pot/ Thu, 09 Nov 2023 10:30:44 +0000 https://www.orlandosentinel.com/?p=11923736 The Melting Pot has locations in more than half of the United States, even one in Canada, but you may not know that its humble, one-store startup days began right here in Maitland back in 1976.

It makes sense. The “Saturday Night Fever” era of the ’70s saw the fondue craze, which trickled in in the 1950s, hit a fever pitch, but the dish is far older, dating back to its French-Swiss origins in the early 18th century.

“It was a peasant food of sorts originally,” says Robert Frady. “A way to use up two- or three-day-old bread that had gotten stale. You dunk the bread in melted cheese, and it softens back up.”

Frady’s own history goes back a bit, too. He started with the company as a server in the early 1980s up in Tallahassee. Today, he and partner Dale Wallace have owned the Longwood outpost for 30 years.

Decades of cheese: Robert Frady, co-owner of the The Melting Pot in Longwood, back in 1986, when he began his tenure with the franchise as a server in Tallahassee. (Courtesy Robert Frady)
Decades of cheese: Robert Frady (right), co-owner of The Melting Pot in Longwood, back in 1986, when he began his tenure with the franchise as a server in Tallahassee. (Courtesy Robert Frady)

“I’ve seen it all!” he tells me. “Back when it opened in Maitland, there was one kind of cheese; you could only get beef or chicken, and we had one kind of chocolate.”

Today, The Melting Pot menu has seven or eight cheeses and an array of proteins.

“We’ve got gluten-free options, vegetarian options, even vegan options,” says Frady. “We have one vegan cheese course, lots of vegetables and Impossible meatballs with a mushroom pasta to extend the choices and one vegan chocolate. Vegans can come and have all four courses here, just like everyone else. The Melting Pot has definitely expanded fondue over the years to incorporate everything that’s out there.”

The Melting Pot's Classic Alpine fondue consists of Gruyère, Raclette and Fontina with a base of white wine. (The Melting Pot)
The Melting Pot’s Classic Alpine fondue consists of Gruyère, Raclette and Fontina with a base of white wine. (The Melting Pot)

This makes November — which happens to be Fun with Fondue Month — a great place for anyone to hit them up. But, says Frady, fondue has always been a special way to eat. And now more than ever.

“There’s one thing that’s always carried across the decades, and that’s the communal nature of the experience,” he points out. “And especially today, when you could be at a restaurant and see an entire family on their cell phones not interacting with each other, fondue has a way of almost forcing you to do it, and in a fun way. Everything about the experience is enjoyable.”

Fondue is fun for large parties, too, and if you're up to it, makes for interactive and enjoyable home entertaining. (The Melting Pot)
Fondue is fun for large parties, too, and if you’re up to it, it makes for interactive and enjoyable home entertaining. (Courtesy The Melting Pot)

The Longwood store’s recent makeover has seen upgrades throughout, including private rooms for anniversaries and other occasions guests may want to celebrate.

“But I feel like the larger shared experience is one of the greatest things we offer.”

Of course, you can still make it at home. And from who better to take suggestions than La Femme du Fromage Tonda Corrente.

National Cheese Lover’s Day is an homage to fromage

“One of my favorite ways to ‘fondue’ is with Gjetost, a Norwegian brown cheese made from the whey,” she explains. In fact, we included a Gjetost fondue recipe in a 2020 story about Cheese Lover’s Day.

Gjestost is cooked low and slow to caramelize the sugar, turning into a thick, fudgy cheese that’s more like caramel.

“When melted with a touch of vanilla, some heavy cream and a little extra brown sugar, it’s amazing. Hit it with a splash of cognac, too! It’s silky and smooth and amazing with bananas, bacon, apples or drizzled even on French toast or ice cream. You’ll swear it’s not cheese! But it is.”

A double-boiler style pot is required to do cheese or chocolate fondue, says Frady, who’s had success making fondue at home.

Gjetost fondue from La Femme du Fromage. Thursday, 09, 2020. (Sarah Espedido / Orlando Sentinel)
Gjetost fondue from La Femme du Fromage. (Orlando Sentinel file)

“We’ve had lots of fun doing larger parties with the neighbors, but to be honest, I’d rather come here,” he says, laughing. “It’s a lot more work than you think, especially if you’re trying to do four courses. But it’s definitely fun to try.”

Recipes are everywhere, he says (though The Melting Pot does sell a cookbook of its own concoctions), as are proper fondue pots.

“Our own cheese offerings have expanded so much. Right now, my favorite is the Brie & Bacon, which builds on our Alpine Classic with brie. And everything is better with bacon. But people at home can take those basic cheeses and use their imaginations to create endless recipes.”

Now through year’s end, The Melting Pot will be working with longtime partner, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, to raise money.

“It’s our 20th year as a partner with St. Jude’s,” Frady says. “To date, The Melting Pot has raised more than $16 million. Last year, our store was among the top fundraisers. We hit almost $50,000.”

Drink the rainbow. Skittles vodka slushies hack into that Halloween stash

From now through Dec. 31, guests who donate $10 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital will receive a Donate and Dine card valid for $20 toward a future purchase. Donate $20 and get $40. Plus, something else guests love: the Prize Wheel.

“Five years ago, we added it. It sits right in our lobby, and it’s really helped us increase our fundraising efforts. If guests donate $25, they’ll get the $20 gift card and get to spin the wheel, which has some really fun things on it that people love to win. The minimum prize value is $20. They get so excited about spinning the wheel, and the best part is that every penny of every donation goes straight to St. Jude’s.”

Doing something good is another layer of fun with fondue, now through New Year’s Eve.

Steak options abound, but believe it or not, The Melting Pot has several fondue options for vegans. (The Melting Pot)
Steak options abound but believe it or not, The Melting Pot has several fondue options for vegans. (Courtesy The Melting Pot)

“And the cards can be given away to someone else as gifts, too,” he notes. The holidays are about memories, so, too, he says, is fondue.

“This is a participatory thing, and at the end of the day, I think that’s what people love most about it. They come here for occasions and make memories. You’ll hear guests at their tables saying things like, ‘Remember when we came here for…?’ For me, it’s one of the most rewarding parts of what we do here.

The Melting Pot has two Central Florida locations: 1200 Commerce Park Drive in Longwood, 407-862-8773 and 7549 W. Sand Lake Road in Orlando, 407- 903-1100; meltingpot.com

Find me on Facebook, TikTok, Twitter or Instagram @amydroo or on the OSFoodie Instagram account @orlando.foodie. Email: amthompson@orlandosentinel.com, For more foodie fun, join the Let’s Eat, Orlando Facebook group.

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11923736 2023-11-09T05:30:44+00:00 2023-11-06T14:25:06+00:00
Black Restaurant Week returns Nov. 10 https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2023/11/09/black-restaurant-week-returns-nov-10/ Thu, 09 Nov 2023 10:00:40 +0000 https://www.orlandosentinel.com/?p=11944149 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. From Nov. 10-19, it’s Florida’s turn. More than 130 businesses statewide have signed on for the campaign, with several right here in the Orlando metro.

For Seana’s Caribbean Soul Food, it’s Year Three of participation. Owner Joshua Johnson says that historically the event has definitely brought new customers to his door, though not necessarily at the outset.

Seana’s Caribbean Soul Food wants to “bring everyone together”

“Sometimes it happens a week or two weeks after. Sometimes longer,” he says. “People who saw us listed as part of the promotion but didn’t have time to make it in right away.”

You’re going to want to make it to see chef Crystal Clarke before Nov. 19, though. Hers is an unconventional business that doesn’t always offer lunch and dinner. Clarke has 29 years of experience in hospitality, everything from small, local indies to elevated French fare to high-volume, big-name hotel kitchens. She cooks. She bakes. And she operates inside a church.

This is Chef Crystal Clarke's second year participating in Black Restaurant Week. She'll be hosting folks for lunch and dinner from Nov. 10-19. (Tamara Knight Photography)
This is chef Crystal Clarke’s second year participating in Black Restaurant Week. She’ll host folks for lunch and dinner from Nov. 10-19. (Courtesy Tamara Knight Photography)

“We have a ghost kitchen,” she explains. “But we have parking and a receptionist, and we do lunch hours for the community when we can. Last year, Black Restaurant Week was one of the weeks we could, so we offered it, and people came. It was unexpected and wonderful. It got me a lot of exposure I wouldn’t have gotten otherwise.”

Orlando’s roster of participants includes several Orlando Sentinel Foodie Award winners, both Critic and Reader Picks like Seana’s, as well as Nikki’s Place in Orlando’s Parramore neighborhood, DaJen Eats in Eatonville and Island Thyme in Avalon Park. Johnson says he’d have liked to have seen a longer list. Clarke’s results confirm his belief in participation.

Best Vegan/Vegetarian: 2023 Orlando Sentinel Foodie Awards

“You might be trying to serve your community, which is great, but reaching out beyond it may bring in people from outside. You reach the right person, and that’ll bring even more to your door. That’s why it’s so important to make the effort and participate in things like Black Restaurant Week.”

In fact, Johnson noted, it’s people outside the Black community who come in more often as a result of the promotion, “but that’s based on who actually tells us they’re here because of Black Restaurant Week.”

Clarke said it was the same for her. “It was another really nice surprise. It’s people curious to try what we have to offer.” Clarke says she relates. “I’m an adventurous person, and I don’t like to eat the same things all the time.”

Johnson will be offering several dishes at a discounted rate if customers mention they’re in specifically for Black Restaurant Week. For Crystal Bakes, the special is that she’s operating conventionally for the week. On deck: Red velvet cake by the slice and her jollof rice, a recipe inspired by her recent discovery that her background is nearly half Nigerian.

3 Black-owned food businesses in Central Florida to visit for Black History Month

“And so, of course, I delved into the food! I had no idea what I was doing, no experience with these ingredients before, and I kind of just threw myself into it,” she says. Her first take on jollof was quite different compared to the traditional version, but she was delighted to learn the history. “I went all the way down the rabbit hole and found that jollof is a predecessor to jambalaya.”

Her enthusiasm can be contagious, inspiring many catering clients to sign on for her regular supper club events, which she also hosts in the church space. Johnson believes that many restaurant owners are spinning too many plates to participate but that it’s worth the extra effort.

Crystal Bakes is the business, which will be popping-up in its unconventional space inside a local church. Guests will be able to sample her red velvet cake by the slice. (Courtesy Crystal Clarke)
Crystal Bakes is the business that will pop up in its unconventional space inside a local church. Guests will be able to sample her red velvet cake by the slice. (Courtesy Crystal Clarke)

“Four years in here at Seana’s, what I’ve seen is that most Black-owned restaurants are also chef-owned restaurants. And often, they don’t have the time or aren’t making the time to read emails because they’re too busy doing everything.”

That can mean missing out on opportunities like Black Restaurant Week, but both he and Clarke say it’s been a worthy time investment for the turnout. Here’s a list of who’s in the mix this year:

Participating businesses

More information: blackrestaurantweeks.com/florida-black-restaurant-week

Find me on Facebook, TikTok, Twitter or Instagram @amydroo or on the OSFoodie Instagram account @orlando.foodie. Email: amthompson@orlandosentinel.com, For more foodie fun, join the Let’s Eat, Orlando Facebook group.

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11944149 2023-11-09T05:00:40+00:00 2023-11-09T17:09:13+00:00
Central Florida etc. listings: Nov. 10-16 https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2023/11/09/orlando-things-to-do-calendar-central-florida-etc-listings-nov-10-16/ Thu, 09 Nov 2023 09:15:24 +0000 https://www.orlandosentinel.com/?p=11935411 COMEDY

Benji Brown: 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 10-12; Orlando Improv, 9101 International Drive in Orlando; $32; theimprovorlando.com

Comedian Mickey Bell and David Phelps: 7 p.m.; Nov. 11; Aloma Church, 1815 State Road 436 in Winter Park; bandsintown.com

Chris D’Elia: 8 p.m.; Nov. 10; Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando; 407-246-2555; drphillipscenter.org

Karlous Miller, At the End of the Day: 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 10; Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando; $39.50; 407-358-6603; drphillipscenter.org

Harsh Gujral: 7 p.m.; Nov. 15; PAC, Edgewater High School, 3100 Edgewater Drive in Orlando; orioleproduction.ticketleap.com

FOOD

Family Meal Box Giveaway: 1 p.m.; Nov. 10; 4520 W. Colonial Drive, Suite 100 in Orlando; eventbrite.com

Senior Turkey Giveaway: 3 p.m.; Nov. 14; Orlando Family Physicians by InnovaCare Health, 810 N. Nowell St. in Orlando; eventbrite.com

Food Trucks: 6 p.m.; Nov. 10; Lake Concord Park, 95 Triplet Lake Drive in Casselberry; 407-262-7700; calendar.unitedartscfl.org

Cuisine Corner Junior: Turkey-Themed Cupcakes: This online event is recommended for families with children ages 6-8. 4 p.m.; Nov. 16; Orange County Public Library; free; 407-835-7323; attend.ocls.info

Sunday Brunch with Saxophonist Vicente Belen: 11 a.m.; Nov. 12; Tibby’s New Orleans Kitchen, 494 State Road 436 in Altamonte Springs; eventbrite.com

Paint and Fete: Enjoy painting, Caribbean food and drinks. 4 p.m.; Nov. 11; D&J Ballroom, 4300 Clarcona Ocoee Road, #407 in Orlando; eventbrite.com

Weekend Brunch Fiesta with Live Music: Enjoy Mexican brunch specialties, margaritas, OJ mimosas and live music. 11 a.m.; Nov. 12; Solita Tacos & Margaritas, 222 S. Orange Ave. in Orlando; 520-440-4916; eventvesta.com

Local Live Music and Meals: Mexican specialist serves tacos, wood-fired dishes and craft cocktails. 6 p.m.; Nov. 10-11; Solita Tacos & Margaritas, 222 S. Orange Ave. in Orlando; 520-440-4916

Farm to Table Class: Time for a Corn Fiesta: 10 a.m.; Nov. 15; Great Scott Farms, 26216 County Road 448A in Mount Dora; $3; 352-343-4101; longandscottfarms.ticketspice.com

Pasta-Making with Executive Chef Dan: 3 p.m.; Nov. 10; Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort, 1200 Epcot Resorts Blvd. in Lake Buena Vista; $110; brownpapertickets.com

Flamenco Fridays:  Enjoy Spanish tapas and shareable pans of paella while flamenco dancers entertain. 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 10; Jaleo Disney Springs, 1482 E. Buena Vista Drive in Orlando; free; jaleo.com

Beehive Glam Pamper Brunch: 1 p.m.; Nov. 12; 3086 Costa Club Drive in Ocoee; eventbrite.com

Beads4Beats 3rd Annual Breakfast Celebration: 8 a.m.; Nov. 14; First Baptist Church of Orlando, 3000 John Young Parkway in Orlando; free; 321-663-5916; beads4beats.org

Food Bank Volunteers Needed: Help sort food and pack boxes for Thanksgiving food distribution. 9:30 a.m.; Nov. 11; Southeastern Food Bank Warehouse, 655 N. Kissimmee Ave. in Ocoee; eventbrite.com

FESTIVALS & FAIRS

Craft Beer and Blues Festival: 5 p.m.; Nov. 10; Lake Concord Park, 127 Quail Pond Circle in Casselberry; free; calendar.unitedartscfl.org

Maitland Rotary Art Festival:  5 p.m. Nov. 10; 10 a.m. Nov. 11-12; Lake Lily Park, 701 Lake Lily Drive in Maitland; eventbrite.com

Meet Florida Meat Market and Family Day: 10 a.m.; Nov. 11-12; Long and Scott’s Farms, 26216 County Road 448A in Mount Dora; $2; fun4lakekids.com

OEatz Fall Pop-Up Shop: 2:30 p.m.; Nov. 12; 1515 Lee Road in Orlando; eventbrite.com

Plaid in the Park: 4 p.m.; Nov. 11; Sunset Park, 230 W. Fourth Ave. in Mount Dora; free; 904-334-4923; mountdora.com

GROWvember Fall Plant Sale: The event features plant vendors and exhibitors, kids activities, live music, food and a beer garden. 2 p.m.; Nov. 10-11; Mead Botanical Garden, 1300 S. Denning Drive in Winter Park; bungalower.com

Cows ‘n Cabs: This is an open-air, country-western-themed event with live music and dancing. 6 p.m.; Nov. 11; West Meadow, 300 N. New York Ave. in Winter Park; $-$325; cowsncabs.com

Fall EggFest: 9 a.m.; Nov. 11; Wekiva Island, 1014 Miami Springs Drive in Longwood; $30-$40; 407-399-2443; centralfloridafalleggfest.com

Daisy’s Carnival Afterglow – EDM Orlando Late-Night Celebration: 9 p.m.; Nov. 10; OptiView Immersive Art Museum, 855 N. U.S. Highway 17-92 in Longwood; eventbrite.com

Southern Hill Farms Fall Festival: 11 a.m.; Nov. 10-12; 16651 Schofield Road in Clermont; $21.95-$24.95; 407-986-5806; fun4lakekids.com

Veterans Day Parade: 11 a.m.; Nov. 11; Lake Eola Park, 195 N. Rosalind Ave. in Orlando; downtownorlando.com

CosFaire Orlando:  10 a.m.; Nov. 11; Central Florida Fairgrounds, 4603 W. Colonial Drive in Orlando; $5-$10; 407-274-7404; lunattix.com

Fall Festival and Corn Maze: 10 a.m.; Nov. 11-12; Long and Scott’s Farms, 26216 County Road 448A in Mount Dora; 352-383-6900; fun4lakekids.com

Fall Fling Craft and Vendor Fair: 11 a.m.; Nov. 11; First Baptist Church of Pine Castle, 1001 Hoffner Ave. in Orlando; free; fbcpinecastle.churchcenter.com

Veterans Resource Fair: 10 a.m.; Nov. 11; Veteran’s Park, 1201 13th St. in St. Cloud; 407-957-7300; stcloudfl.gov

Wicked World Indoor Market: 10 a.m.; Nov. 11; Central Florida Fairgrounds, 4603 W. Colonial Drive in Orlando; $5; facebook.com

Water Lantern Festival: 3 p.m.; Nov. 11; Lakefront Park, 104 Lakeshore Blvd. in St. Cloud; $25.99-$55.99; waterlanternfestival.com

Audubon Park Community Market: 5 p.m.; Nov. 13; Stardust Video & Coffee, 1842 Winter Park Road in Orlando; stardustvideoandcoffee.wordpress.com

Fall Craft Fair: 11 a.m.; Nov. 11; Town Park, 3651 Avalon Park East Blvd. in Orlando

Seniors Farmers Market: 2 p.m.; Nov. 10; Orlando Family Physicians, 811 N. Nowell St. in Orlando; eventbrite.com

Community Day:  8 a.m.; Nov. 11; True Health Lake Underhill, 5730 Lake Underhill Road in Orlando; free; 407-322-8645; mytruehealth.org

Lake Mary Farmers Market:  9 a.m.; Nov. 11; Central Park at City Hall, 100 N. Country Club Road in Lake Mary; free; 407-585-1460; facebook.com

Mount Dora Village Market: 10 a.m.; Nov. 12; 230 N. Alexander St. in Mount Dora; mountdora.com

Orlando Farmers Market: 10 a.m.; Nov. 12; Lake Eola Park, 195 N. Rosalind Ave. in Orlando; downtownorlando.com

Orlando Outdoor Market: 7 a.m.; Nov. 11-12; Central Florida Fairgrounds, 4603 W. Colonial Drive in Orlando; centralfloridafair.com

Clermont Farmers Market: 9 a.m.; Nov. 12; Montrose Street in downtown Clermont

Maitland Farmers Market: 9 a.m.; Nov. 12; Independence Square, 1776 Independence Lane in Maitland; 407-539-6223; itsmymaitland.com

FUNDRAISERS

“Mamma Mia” Movie Singalong – Orlando Gay Chorus Fundraiser: 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 10; Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center, 201 S. Magnolia Ave. in Sanford; $20; 407-321-8111

Turn a Pen for a Veteran:  All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the Help Heal Veterans organization. 11:30 a.m.; Nov. 11; Rockler Woodworking and Hardware, 515 E. Altamonte Drive, Suite 1018 in Altamonte Springs; $15; eventbrite.com

“Threads of Hope” Fashion Show: 10:30 a.m.; Nov. 15; Country Club of Orlando, 1601 Country Club Drive in Orlando; eventbrite.com

Lyles Brothers Fundraiser Brunch: 11 a.m.; Nov. 11; Overlook at Hamlin, 7709 Lake Hancock Blvd. in Winter Garden; eventbrite.com

Canstruction: The event raises awareness about hunger while providing resources to Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida for relief efforts. 9 a.m.; Nov. 11; The Wheelhouse at ICON Park, 8371 International Drive in Orlando; free; canstruction-orlando.org

Dancing for Diabetes:  7:30 p.m.; Nov. 11; Steinmetz Hall, 445 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando; 407-358-6603; drphillipscenter.org

Audubon’s Talons and Tidings: 10 a.m.; Nov. 11; Audubon Center for Birds of Prey, 1101 Audubon Way in Maitland; $15; 407-644-0190; cbop.audubon.org

42nd Annual Holiday Marketplace: 8 a.m.; Nov. 11-12; St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 4851 S. Apopka-Vineland Drive in Orlando; st.lukes.org

MOVIES

Orlando West Movie on the Lawn: 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 11; 3005 N. Powers Drive in Orlando; eventbrite.com

“The Heartbreak Kid”: The movie is for ages 18 and older. 12:30 p.m.; Nov. 15; St. Cloud Community Center, 3101 17th St. in St. Cloud; stcloudfl.gov

“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”: 9:30 p.m.; Nov. 14; Enzian Theater, 1300 S. Orlando Ave. in Maitland; 407-629-1088; enzian.org

“The Act of Killing”: 11 a.m.; Nov. 12; Enzian Theater, 1300 S. Orlando Ave. in Maitland; 407-629-1088; enzian.org

LITERARY ARTS

Story Time: 11 a.m.; Nov. 10; Minneola Library, 100 S. Main Ave. in Minneola; 352-432-3921; fun4lakekids.com

“Gator Country” Book Launch: Rebecca Renner With James Chapin and Mistie R. Watkins:  6 p.m.; Nov. 11; Zeppelin Books, 885 North Orange Ave., Suite B in Orlando; eventbrite.com

Local Author Festival: 2 p.m.; Nov. 11; Orange County Library, Alafaya Branch, 12000 E. Colonial Drive in Orlando; free; 407-835-7323; attend.ocls.info

Baby and Me Story Time: 10:30 a.m.; Nov. 13; Cooper Memorial Library, 2525 Oakley Seaver Drive in Clermont; free; 352-536-2275; fun4lakekids.com

Little Creatives and Me: Songs, stories, and art time for babies, toddlers and their special person. Pre-registration required. 10 a.m.; Nov. 15; Art & History Museums of Maitland, 210 W. Packwood Ave. in Maitland; free; 407-539-2181; jcohen@artandhistory.org, artandhistory.org

“The Purest Bond” Book Signing With Author Jen Golbeck: 4:30 p.m.; Nov. 14; Writer’s Block Bookstore, 316 N. Park Ave. in Orlando; eventbrite.com

Christmas Countdown Event With Author Viola Shipman: 6 p.m.; Nov. 13; Quantum Leap Winery, 1312 Wilfred Drive in Orlando; eventbrite.com

Toddler Sensory Story Time: 10:30 a.m.; Nov. 14; Cooper Memorial Library, 2525 Oakley Seaver Drive in Clermont; free; 352-536-2275; fun4lakekids.com

Mayor Buddy’s Book Club: “Stuck” By Jennifer Swender: Ages 8-12 can engage in a discussion and fun activities with the author in this online event. 4 p.m.; Nov. 15; Orange County Public Library; free; 407-835-7323; attend.ocls.info

Shake, Rattle and Read: 11 a.m.; Nov. 16; Cagan Crossings Community Library, 16729 Cagan Oaks in Clermont; 352-243-1840; fun4lakekids.com

FAMILY

Free Family Funday: The event is every second Sunday of the month and includes a free miniature fine-art project and docent touring. Noon; Nov. 12; Mennello Museum of American Art, 900 E. Princeton St. in Orlando; members.hispanicchamber.net

Family Studio: Ages 5-10 and their families enjoy art and exploration. 10 a.m.; Nov. 11; Rollins Museum of Art, 1000 Holt Ave. in Winter Park; free; 407-646-2526; rollins.edu

Holiday Nights: 6 p.m.; Nov. 10-12, Nov. 16; Island H20 Water Park, 3230 Inspiration Drive in Kissimmee; $29.99-$34.99; 407-910-1401; IslandH2OWaterPark.com

Saturday Night Out: Parents can plan a night out or a quiet night at home while kids enjoy games, playtime, pizza and a movie. 6 p.m.; Nov. 11; Rosen Event Center, 11184 S. Apopka-Vineland Road in Orlando; 407-387-5330; rosenjcc.org

How to Talk With Your Child: 5:30 p.m.; Nov. 14; Lake Brantley High School Media Center, 991 Sand Lake Road in Altamonte Springs; eventbrite.com

Woofie’s Grand Opening Celebration and Pet Pampering Party: 5:30 p.m.; Nov. 15; Home State Brewing Company, 16016 New Independence Parkway, #100 in Winter Garden; eventbrite.com

Christmas Pet and Family Photo Day: 10 a.m.; Nov. 11; Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming, 13524 Summerport Village Parkway in Windermere; eventbrite.com

KIDS

JCPenney Kids Zone: 11 a.m.; Nov. 11; 2345 S. Highway 27 in Clermont; free; fun4lakekids.com

Kids Hour:  4 p.m.; Nov. 15; Orlando Cat Café, 532 Cagan Park Ave. in Clermont; $8-$10; fun4lakekids.com

Kids Open Studio: 5 p.m.; Nov. 16; Studio ArtFarm, 120 E. Fourth Ave. in Mount Dora; $12; fun4lakekids.com

Kids Paint and Ice Cream Party: Kids paint Mister Moose or Snow Pals. 1:30 p.m.; Nov. 12; Nan & Pop’s Ice Cream Shop, 351 N. Ronald Reagan Blvd., Suite 1005 in Longwood; eventbrite.com

Gabby’s Dollhouse: Gabby on the Go: 10 a.m.; Nov. 12; Universal CityWalk, 6000 Universal Blvd. in Orlando; free; eventbrite.com

OUTDOOR RECREATION

November Eco Paddle: Learn how to benefit waterways and see the Wekiva River firsthand on a canoe tour. 9 a.m.; Nov. 10; Wekiva Island, 1014 Miami Springs Drive in Longwood; eventbrite.com

NXL Paintball World Cup: 8 a.m.; Nov. 10-12; 5990 W. Osceola Parkway in Kissimmee; nxl.ticketleap.com

Outdoor Yoga in the Sculpture Garden: In partnership with Full Circle Yoga, the event is every Sunday. 11:30 a.m.; Nov. 12; Mennello Museum of American Art, 2416 N. Mills Ave. in Orlando

The Florida Run: Four distances are available: Mile kids run, 5K, 10K, half-marathon. 7:30 a.m.; Nov. 11; Lake Louisa State Park, 7305 U.S. Highway 27 in Clermont; trailrunner.com

Intro to Birdwatching for Junior Naturalists: 9 a.m.; Nov. 11; Johns Lake Conservation Area, 880 Avalon Road in Winter Garden; eventbrite.com

PURSUITS & HOBBIES

Cornhole Tournament: Six games are guaranteed. 6 p.m.; Nov. 10; Orlando Elk Lodge, 12 N. Primrose Drive in Orlando; 407-894-1079

Fired-Up Fridays:  All makes, models and years of show-car quality are welcome. 5 p.m.; Nov. 10; The Promenade at Sunset Walk, 3251 Margaritaville Blvd. in Kissimmee; free; 407-338-4811; sunsetwalk.com

Friday Night Muscle Car Show and Cruise: 3 p.m.; Nov. 10; Old Town, 5770 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway in Kissimmee; carsandcoffeeevents.com

Cars and Coffee: The event is every second Saturday and open to all makes and models. 9 a.m.; Nov. 11; Porsche of Orlando, 9590 Highway 17 in Maitland; carsandcoffeeevents.com

Ukulele Club: The club meets every Tuesday. Registration not required. 5 p.m.; Nov. 14; Cooper Memorial Library, 2525 Oakley Seaver Drive in Clermont; 352-253-6180; mylakelibrary.org

Trunk Show: Discover trendy frames and exclusive deals. 10 a.m.; Nov. 10; New Vision Care, 15508 W. Colonial Drive, Suite 102 in Winter Garden; eventbrite.com

Symmetry Financial Group – Sales Bootcamp: 3 p.m.; Nov. 10; Hard Rock Hotel, 5800 Universal Blvd. in Orlando; eventbrite.com

Sustainability Gathering: Learn to press olives into olive oil, followed by a screening of the Palestinian film “Forager.” 10 a.m.; Nov. 11; 317 Teakwood Lane in Altamonte Springs; eventbrite.com

Mindful Beauty Mini Retreat: 10 a.m.; Nov. 11; Au Naturale Spa and Wellness, 16201 State Road 50, Suite 305 in Clermont; eventbrite.com

Monthly Plant, Seed Swap and Sale: 10 a.m.; Nov. 12; Deltona Garden Club, 1270 Doyle Road in Deltona; free; brownpapertickets.com

Handle Turning: Learn woodturning basics and use a wood lathe to craft a custom wooden handle for an ice-cream scoop, bottle opener or pizza cutter. Noon; Nov. 14; Rockler Woodworking and Hardware, 515 E. Altamonte Drive, Suite 1018 in Altamonte Springs; eventbrite.com

Not Another D+D Podcast: 8 p.m.; Nov. 15; Hard Rock Cafe, 6050 Universal Blvd. in Orlando; $56.50-$120

Latte Art Throwdown: 6 p.m.; Nov. 11; Stemma Craft Coffee, 328 N. Orange Ave. in Orlando; eventbrite.com

Paint a Pumpkin Bouquet With Alcohol Inks: 10 a.m.; Nov. 11; Artisans of Mount Dora, 139 E. Fourth Ave. in Mount Dora; eventbrite.com

Chigiri-e on Canvas Tote – Japanese Collage Technique on Fabric: 10 a.m.; Nov. 14; Hummingbird Studio, 930 N. Donnelly St., Suite B in Mount Dora; eventbrite.com

Exploring Watercolors (Intermediate/Advanced): Challenge yourself with new techniques and sharpen your skills. 1 p.m.; Nov. 14; Mount Dora Center for the Arts, 138 E. Fifth Ave. in Mount Dora; $130-$160; 352-383-0880; mountdora.com

Art and Sip: 6 p.m.; Nov. 14; Café Tu Tu Tango, 8625 International Drive in Orlando; eventbrite.com

Glamorous Legends Duets Pageant: 6 p.m.; Nov. 13; The Abbey, 100 S. Eola Drive in Orlando; amorevents-llccom.ticketleap.com

Wood Finishing Basics: 10:30 a.m.; Nov. 12; Rockler Woodworking and Hardware, 515 E. Altamonte Drive, Suite 1018 in Altamonte Springs; eventbrite.com

Orlando Scrabble Club: The group meets on Mondays. 7 p.m.; Nov. 13; Wirz Park Recreation Building, 806 Mark David Blvd. in Casselberry; free; orlandoscrabble.com

Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night: 7 p.m.; Nov. 14; The Corner Pizza Bar, 150 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando; free; eventvesta.com

Trivia at Pups Pub: 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 14; 317 N. Orange Ave. in Orlando; 407-246-2555; downtownorlando.com

Trivia Night: 7 p.m.; Nov. 16; World of Beer, 431 E. Central Blvd. in Orlando; 407-246-2555; downtownorlando.com

Pastors Conference 2023: 4 p.m.; Nov. 14-16; Wyndham Orlando Resort, 8001 International Drive in Orlando; eventbrite.com

DIY Holiday Tablescaping: 6 p.m.; Nov. 15; LiveTrends Boutique, 279 Tremaine St. in Winter Garden; eventbrite.com

Neo Soul Paint and Sip (Season Finale): 8 p.m.; Nov. 10; 1032 W. Robinson St. in Orlando; eventbrite.com

Sell your camera gear: 10 a.m.; Nov. 10; The LensPal, 213 S. Dillard St., Suite 330 in Winter Garden; eventbrite.com

Musical War Car Show/Sound Competition: 10 a.m.; Nov. 11-12; Plastic Tubing Industries, 2346 Vulcan Road in Apopka; eventbrite.com

Intro to Dance: Designed to inspire even the most self-conscious to discover their inner dancer. 2 p.m.; Nov. 13; Orange County Library, West Oaks Branch, 1821 E. Silver Star Road in Ocoee; free; 407-835-7323; attend.ocls.info

Genealogy Conversations: Thanksgiving is the perfect time to jump-start your genealogy and family tree research. Learn how to discover information while sitting around the table in this online class. 6:30 p.m.; Nov. 15; Orange County Library; free; 407-835-7323; attend.ocls.info

Working with CNCs: This class is an introduction to CNC routing and offers guidance with V-Carve. Noon; Nov. 15; Rockler Woodworking and Hardware, 515 E. Altamonte Drive, Suite 1018 in Altamonte Springs; eventbrite.com

Third Thursday Orlando: Celebrate arts, culture and history on the third Thursday of every month. 6 p.m.; Nov. 16; CityArts Orlando, 39 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando; free; 407-648-7060; downtownartsdistrict.com

Third Thursday at The Museum: The history center is open late on the third Thursday of each month with three hours of free admission. 5 p.m.; Nov. 16; Orange County Regional History Center, 65 E. Central Blvd. in Orlando; free; thehistorycenter.org

Basic Watercolor Painting: 1 p.m.; Nov. 13; Mount Dora Center for the Arts, 138 E. Fifth Ave. in Mount Dora; $130-$160; 352-383-0880; mountdora.com

Coffee Club Nona: 8:30 a.m.; Nov. 16; Sam’s Club Lake Nona, 11920 Narcoossee Road in Orlando; free; eocc.chambermaster.com

Community Bingo: 6:30 p.m.; Nov. 16; Rosen Event Center, 11184 S. Apopka-Vineland Road in Orlando; $20; 407-387-2743; rosenjcc.org

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11935411 2023-11-09T04:15:24+00:00 2023-11-07T09:42:16+00:00
Clean bills of health: Which Central Florida restaurants had perfect inspections in October? https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2023/11/08/clean-bills-of-health-which-central-florida-restaurants-had-perfect-inspections-in-october/ Wed, 08 Nov 2023 17:33:56 +0000 https://www.orlandosentinel.com/?p=11943074 After more than 2,000 restaurant inspections across Central Florida in October, only 173 had no issues for the entire month, according to data from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

Brevard had the highest percentage of restaurants with zero violations during routine food inspections at 14%. Lake came second at 11.6%, Seminole at 8.2% and Orange at 7.9%.

Osceola and Volusia ranked near the bottom at 6.1% and 4.2%, respectively.

Orange County had the most restaurants with no violations at 74. Brevard was in second place with 46, while Seminole was third with 17.

Lake, Osceola, and Volusia had 16, 11, and nine restaurants with no violations, respectively.

Below is the full list by county of Central Florida restaurants with no violations for the month of September. For the latest restaurant closures, read our weekly reports at OrlandoSentinel.com/inspections.

Brevard

Islands Fish Grill 111 5th Ave. Indialantic
Sagi and Kiquo’s Hot Dogs 3085 Jupiter Blvd. Palm Bay
La Morenita LLC 1369 S. Babcock St. Melbourne
Gio’s Italian Ice & More 1950 Viera Blvd. Suite 101 Viera
Calvin Kitchen On Wheels 710 King St. Unit 115 Cocoa
Anderson Vending Inc. I-95 Northbound Rest Area, Mile Marker 168 Malabar
SpaceX Saturn Causeway, J-8-2109 Support Building, SpaceX LC-39A Kennedy Space Center
Hiex West Melbourne 2255 Coastal Lane West Melbourne
Subway 259 N. Courtenay Pkwy. Merritt Island
Awesome Jamaican Jerk and Thing 4000 S. Babcock St. Melbourne
Lee-Lynn Enterprises LLC 316 Brevard Ave. Cocoa
Mac’s New England Lobsta Rolls 2500 Parkway Dr., Vin 2208 Melbourne
Defy Planet 3 750 Bass Pro Dr. NE Palm Bay
Ice Cream I-95 Southbound, Rest Area, Mile Marker 170 Malabar
Your Daily Bread Sandwiches and More 3434 S. Washington Ave. Titusville
Firehouse Subs 1080 N. Wickham Road Melbourne
Tonies’ Pasta Fresca 600 Tucker Lane Cocoa
Hog Hut 2400 Seasons In The Sun Blvd. Mims
Space Coast Gourmet Tater Tots 2500 Parkway Dr. Melbourne
Dunkin’ Donuts/Baskin Robbins 898 Malabar Road Palm Bay
Beach Bums Sweet Treats 3270 Suntree Blvd., Vin 2502 Melbourne
JRV Mobile Food and Catering 3280 Suntree Blvd. Suite 105, Vin 6174 Melbourne
Taste Budz 600 N. Courtenay Pkwy. Merritt Island
Lets Taco Bout Birra 3000 S. Babcock St. Melbourne
La Casita Del Arbol 2000 Palm Bay Road, Vin 8075 Palm Bay
El Coqui International 4651 Babcock St. NE, Vin 2492 Palm Bay
Mr. Dominicano 4800 Babcock St. NE Palm Bay
Best Western Ocean Beach Hotel & Suites 5500 Ocean Beach Blvd. Cocoa Beach
Journeyman’s Real Pit BBQ 2400 Seasons In The Sun Blvd. Mims
El Pueblo Magico Mexican Restaurant 2137 N. Courtenay Pkwy. Merritt Island
Cool Yeti 870 Hollywood Blvd. West Melbourne
Bella Italia 2447 N. Wickham Road Suite 136 Melbourne
The Sno Tiki 1384 Malabar Road SE #4 Palm Bay
Chuck E. Cheese 2250 Coastal Lane West Melbourne
Island Breakers Billiards Sports Bar 950 N. Courtenay Pkwy. Suite 4
Merritt Island
Hunny’z Wingz N. Thingz LLC 1095 Lamplighter Dr. Palm Bay
Cafe O Beach 1616 Highway A1A Satellite Beach
Samson Concessions 5150 Dixie Hwy NE B Palm Bay
MTP of Brevard LLC 3960 S. Babcock St. Melbourne
Tacomaniacs 3280 Suntree Blvd. Suite 105 Melbourne
East Coast Shuckers 30 Tradewinds Dr., Vin 5182 Indian Harbour Beach
Fish Bellies Food Truck 1240 N. Hwy A1A, Vin 6186 Indialantic
Be Backs Lounge 2668 Aurora Road Melbourne
Intracoastal Brewing Company 652 W. Eau Gallie Blvd. Melbourne
Bakery Delights 660 E. Eau Gallie Blvd. Unit 103 Indian Harbour Beach
Intracoastal Brewing Company 652 W. Eau Gallie Blvd., Vin 6017 Melbourne

Lake

Heron Cay Lakeview Bed & Breakfast 495 Old Hwy 441 Mount Dora
Toya’s Tastings LLC 50 W. Orange Ave. Unit 1 Eustis
The Salted Fry 342 Dora Drawdy Way, Vin 5742 Mount Dora
Humble Slice 50 W. Orange Ave. Unit 1 Eustis
Rose Garden Family Restaurant 1455 1455 West S.R. 40 Astor
Papa John’s Pizza 1683 N. Hancock Road #105 Minneola
Twisty Express 169 N. Central Ave. Umatilla
BTW Burgers Tacos Waffles 115 E. Main St. Tavares
Cafe Rouge Express 351 Plaza Dr. Eustis
Forgetaboutit Catering LLC 50 W. Orange Ave. Eustis
Charcuterie Creations & More 50 W. Orange Ave. Unit 1 Eustis
Elite Catering Events & Venture Munchies Live BBQ LLC 50 W. Orange
Ave. Unit 1 Eustis
Mystic Ice Cream 1217 W. 466a Fruitland Park
Grandview Bed & Breakfast Mount Dora 442 E. 3rd Ave. Mount Dora
Funkos Poke Bowls and Asian Snacks 334 N. Donnelly St. Mount Dora
Bobalou’s BBQ 3089 US 27 N. Fruitland Park

Orange

Subway 22097 6622 Eagle Watch Dr. Orlando
Employees Cafeteria 1 Grand Cypress Blvd. Orlando
Park Ave. VIP Catering Inc. 2400 N. Forsyth Road #112 Orlando
Pointe Orlando Stadium 20 9101 International Dr. #2100 Orlando
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit 10341 W. Colonial Dr. #20 Ocoee
Provisions Market Pizza 6924 Grand Vacations Way Orlando
Wingsout 2925 E. South St. Orlando
Oh My Dogs! 4550 S. Kirkman Road, Vin 7657 Orlando
Peru Power 1461 N. Goldenrod Road Orlando
Sweeet 3000 Clarcona Road Lot #1127 Apopka
West Orange Creamery 1575 Maguire Road Suite 101 Ocoee
Jersey Mike’s Subs 10588 W. Colonial Dr. Unit 105 Ocoee
Cano’s Pinchos Pr Inc. 701 W. Lancaster Road, Vin 1300 Orlando
Dahlia Lounge 1181 W. Buena Vista Dr. Lake Buena Vista
Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen #2197 6109 Westwood Blvd. Orlando
Aire & Co – Vin 4324 410 27th Street Orlando
Tapas & Tequila Bar/Smooth Java 9840 International Dr. Orlando
Eurest Dining Services 80-8012467480-2 9310 Southpark Center Loop Orlando
Dang Boba & Musubi House 11772 E. Colonial Dr. Orlando
Isleworth Country Club 6100 Payne Stewart Dr. Windermere
Shogun Sakura Sushi 6327 International Dr. Orlando
Wendy’s Properties LLC 2201 E. Colonial Dr. Orlando
Love Birds Jerk Spot 6311 Silver Star Road Suite 20 Orlando
Tacos Del Chuy Vin 6479 701 West Lancaster Road Orlando
El Taco Loco 6700 N. Orange Blossom Trail Orlando
Pizzafari 752 W. Savannah Circle Lake Buena Vista
Five Guys – UCF University Pointe, Orlando 11891 University Blvd. Unit
170 Orlando
Home2 Suites By Hilton Orlando Near UCF 3414 Technological Avenue Orlando
Tacos Del Chuy – Vin 4009 701 W. Lancaster Road Orlando
Fly Guy Pizza Pie 609 Irvington Ave. Orlando
Restaura, Inc. @ Lockheed Martin 5600 Sandlake Road Orlando
AFC Sushi @ AdventHealth Orlando 601 E. Rollins St. Orlando
Eurest Dining 1000 Darden Center Dr. Orlando
Club 39 9700 International Dr. Orlando
Ballroom 9700 International Dr. Orlando
Plaza Garden Restaurant 9000 International Dr. Orlando
Today Cafe 1000 Universal Studios Plaza Orlando
Embassy Suites Orlando International Drive/Jamaican Court 8250
Jamaican Ct Orlando
Is Absolute Celebrations 929 W. Michigan Street Orlando
Spotlight Lounge 150 Showbiz Blvd. Lake Buena Vista
Mr & Mrs Chico’s Kitchen 929 W. Michigan St. Orlando
Taco Bell Cantina #034860 12101 University Blvd. #201 Orlando
Rosario’s Kitchen 3592 Aloma Ave, Vin 0720 Winter Park
KC Finest BBQ LLC 929 W. Michigan Street Orlando
Tru By Hilton Orlando Convention Center 6461 Westwood Blvd. Orlando
Grub Wagon LLC 1461 N. Goldenrod Road Suite 149, Vin 1970 Orlando
Orange Co Prk Renaissance 3800 S. Econlockhatchee Trail Orlando
Turtle Shack Pool Bar 1510 N. North Cove Road Lake Buena Vista
Summerhouse 10350 Dream Tree Blvd. Orlando
Jazztastings 164 Lake Ave. Maitland
Fort Wilderness Food Truck Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort Lake Buena Vista
Sobik’s – Max Garden 4049 S. Orange Blossom Trail Orlando
Cold Stone 9333 Airport Blvd. Orlando
Meadows Snack Bar 3520 N. Fort Wilderness Trail Lake Buena Vista
Uzima Spgs Pool Bar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort 2901 Osceola Pkwy. Bay Lake
Victoria Falls at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge 2901 Osceola Pkwy. Bay Lake
Doggone Delicious – Vin W063 1723 Bruton Blvd. Orlando
Mara at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge 2901 Osceola Pkwy. Bay Lake
Chicken Sensation 2155 W. Colonial Dr. Orlando
Bigfire American Fare 1000 Universal Studios Plaza Orlando
J’s Cone Zone LLC 225 Simpson Road Kissimmee
Knali’s Kitchen 419 S. Parramore Ave, Vin 5004 Orlando
Mardi Grog’s 2201 Orleans Dr. Lake Buena Vista
Sugga Puffs Concessions 3450 Rio Vista Ave. Orlando
Ma-Bells Sandwiches & Ice Cream 407 S. Parramore Ave. Orlando
Canteen 3770 37th St. Mid 70254, Orlando Harley Davidson Orlando
Diamond League Hot Dog 9318 E. Colonial Dr. Orlando
Mi Casa Tequila Taqueria 9939 Universal Blvd. Orlando
2nd Fl Bistro/Coffee//Lobby Bar 9939 Universal Blvd. Orlando
Planet Hollywood Level 4 1506 Lake Buena Vista Dr. Lake Buena Vista
Cat-Tails Pool Bar and Grill 9939 Universal Blvd. Orlando
Planet Hollywood Level 3 1506 Lake Buena Vista Dr. Lake Buena Vista
Banrai Sushi 9939 Universal Blvd. Orlando
Tutto Italia 1510 N. Ave. Of The Stars Epcot Italy Lake Buena Vista

Osceola

Mouse To Your House 2198 Four Winds Blvd. Kissimmee
Jimmy Bear’s BBQ 4247 13th St. St. Cloud
Subway #7771 1954 Osceola Pkwy. Kissimmee
Caldonias Kitchen 2453 Bel Air Circle Kissimmee
Nature’s Table II Canoe Creek Service Plaza, Mile Marker 229 St. Cloud
Wild Florida 3301 Lake Cypress Road Kenansville
Krush Brau 4580 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy Kissimmee
Econo Lodge Inn and Suites 4669 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy Kissimmee
Marco’s Pizza #8333 2526 Maguire Road Suite 1A Ocoee
Caldonia’s Kitchen # 3 1108 S. Orange Blossom Trail Orlando
Golden Corral 2701 W. Vine St. Kissimmee

Seminole

Art Of Taste Orlando 970 Sunshine Lane Suite C Altamonte Springs
Victorio’s Oyster Bar & Grille 300 Dog Track Road Longwood
Taqueria El Chapulin 851 East State Road 434 Suite 128, Vin 0598 Longwood
JLoves Catering 117 E. Church Ave. Longwood
Dunkin’ Donuts 861 E. State Road 434 Winter Springs
Papa Johns Pizza 260 182 W. State Road 434 Suite 1012 Longwood
Hampton Inn and Suites Lake Mary at Colonial Townpark 850 Village Oak Lane Lake Mary
Waffle House #414 278 Douglas Ave. Altamonte Springs
Waffle Dogs 117 E. Church Ave. Longwood
Mack Daddy Creams 3575 W. Lake Mary Blvd. Lake Mary
Nan and Pops Ice Cream Shop 351 N. Ronald Reagan Blvd. Suite 1005 Longwood
Wayra Peru 117 E. Church Ave. Longwood
Chi Guy’s Chicago Style Cuisine 117 E. Church Ave, Vin 5754 Longwood
Jack the Dipper 1010 W. SR 434 Longwood
Filipino Hut 117 E. Church Ave. Longwood
Without a Paddle Cafe 2533 S. Laurel Ave. Sanford
Rey’s Cuban Cafe 7800 US 17-92 S. #194 Fern Park

Volusia

The Bee Charmer 655 Arnau Dr. New Smyrna Beach
Ledo Pizza and Pasta 230 N. Nova Road Ormond Beach
Atlantic Vendors 313 S. Atlantic Ave. Daytona Beach
Wee Willies Weenies 440 N. Dixie Hwy New Smyrna Beach
Wendy’s 13306 2490 State Road 44 New Smyrna Beach
Rm Concession 901 Big Tree Road South Daytona
Best Western Edgewater Inn 1730 S. Ridgewood Ave. Edgewater
El Taco Grande LLC 1200 N. Woodland Blvd. DeLand
Villin Grillin 2295 S. Ridgewood Ave, Vin 0546 South Daytona

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