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Dining
If you haven't had a chance to enjoy Magical Dining month then there is still time left to experience one of the many great restaurants that offer a fixed three course menu for $33 a person.
Magical Dining runs through October 2, 2016. Here's the link to the site to look up the restaurants and their menus:
http://www.visitorlando.com/magicaldining/
Wahlburgers is located on the corner of Orange Avenue and Church Street in the heart of downtown Orlando.
Wahlburgers is a sit down restaurant with a takeout area and a full bar area. The decor is all about the Wahlberg family, with movie posters and quotes, along with green chairs, accents throughout and a bank of TV screens at the bar.
The food at Wahlburgers is delicious. The burgers are fresh and have their own unique flavors. The menu offers different types of burgers such as the BBQ Bacon Burger (Pictured above) one of their Signature Burgers, The O.F.D. (Originally from Dorchester), another Signature Burger or the House Burgers. The menu also offers different items such as "The Melt", the Haddock sandwich and Thanksgiving Day (Fresh ground seasoned turkey, stuffing, Paul's orange cranberry sauce, roasted butternut squash and mayo). If you are looking for a unique taste try the Sweet Potato Tater Tots (Very Tasty) or the Onion rings (Thinly sliced fried Bermuda onions tossed in sea salt and parsley).
Wahlburgers isn't just hype they have good food and atmosphere, they are definitely worth checking out!
Wahlburgers
200 S Orange Avenue
Orlando, FL 32801
Hours
Mon-Sun 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
If you are going to be in Orlando this Valentines Day then here are 5 quick ideas for things to do:
There are tons of fun and romantic things to do at the theme parks on Valentines Day like Disney, Universal or SeaWorld, make a day of it!
2. Hang out in Winter Park
You can watch chocolate being made on site at Peterbrooke Chocolatier along with shopping and a bevy of restaurants to choose from.
3. Visit I-Drive 360
Experience the Orlando Eye, Madame Tussauds wax museum or Sea Life Aquarium.
4. Go to Disney Springs
Enjoy all the specialty shops, restaurants and activities at Disney Springs.
5. Dine on Restaurant Row - Sand Lake Road in Dr. Phillips Area
There are plenty of great dining choices on restaurant row, get ready to eat well!
Those are just a few ideas that can help you to enjoy your Valentines Day in Orlando! Enjoy!
The Bistro offers both indoor and outdoor seating. The outdoor seats are covered and provide the outdoor parisian cafe feel (Except with protection from the Florida rain). The interior has a nicely classic look with beautiful rich red walls and hung artwork.
So now that the scene is set, let's talk about the food. I started off with a very tasty French Onion Soup (Soupe A L'oignon), seasoned just right not to salty!
The entrees were very well prepared and quite delicious! I had the Coq Au Vin and my wife had the Butternut Squash Raviolli. Both were well executed and very enjoyable meals.
To top off a great meal we had their Crepes with Strawberries and Nuttela! It was an excellent ending to a great meal.
If you are looking for a little taste of France then Bistro CloClo is a wonderful place to visit and enjoy a meal.
Bistro CloClo
7600 Dr. Phillips Boulevard Suite 22, Orlando FL 32819
Hours
Sunday - Thursday 11 AM -10:00 PM
Call: 407-745-5405
Front shot
Shake Shake the iconic hamburger stand is coming to International Drive. The International Drive location will open it doors for the first time on Wednesday August 19th at 11:00 am. Now all the visitors and guests attending conventions in the area can sample the classic hamburgers, fries and milk shakes from Shake Shack.
Shack Shack also has a Winter Park location that opened last year and has been wildly successful. If you are in the area Shake Shack will serve you a burger experience that you will remember! I recommend the Smoke Shack Burger, it is really good, just take a look for yourself below!
Smoke Shack Burger
And of course you have to try one of their rich shakes. If you are going to stop by be prepared for lines because people are willing to wait for their burgers!
Shake Shack
8359 International Drive
Orlando, FL 32819
407-205-0362
Hours
Sunday-Thursday, 11AM - 11 PM
Friday & Saturday, 11AM - 12 AM
The menu offers traditional Spanish cuisine such as paella and tapas along with a number of Cuban influenced dishes. A must try dish is their famous "1905 salad" tossed table side freshly for you. It is definitely worth trying, their special homemade dressing is excellent! The food is outstanding especially their Spanish rice which is served with each meal.
The seating areas are comfortable and make any visit enjoyable. You have the option of eating inside in the classic dining room with all the rich history and aesthtic or eat out on the patio and enjoy a great Florida day or evening.
If you are looking for something different than the chain restaurant experience than give Columbia Restaurant a try it won't disappoint.
Columbia Restaurant (Celebration)
649 Front Street Celebration, FL 34747 (407) 566-1505
Hours
Sunday - Saturday (11:30 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.) Open 365 days of the year. Serving Lunch & Dinner daily.
Things to note
Casual attire is fine, but they do not allow sleeveless shirts on men.
The restaurant offers a Children's Menu.
Reservations Accepted
Live music Friday and Saturday nights from 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. in the Tapas Bar.
The Lake Nona area is near and dear to our hearts. When we moved to the Central Florida area we moved to the promising Lake Nona community (which is southeast of the Orlando International Airport). This growing community is home to three new hospitals and anticipating growth of over 100,000 in the next few years. New to the Lake Nona area is Union Burger. This hip burger joint aims to please. The restaurant offers burgers, fish sandwiches, beer and wine, milkshakes and all the other "normal" things you could imagine when visiting a restaurant specializing in burgers.
Union Burger
Inside Union Burger
I tried the most popular burger, the Bourbon Street burger. It comes with BBQ sauce, cheddar cheese, caramelized onions and smoked bacon. The burger is filled with everything I LOVE. Perhaps they can touch of chipotle mayo and name it after me. Well, I can dream.
Milkshakes
Bourbon Street Burger and Sweet Potato Fries.
Stop by Lake Nona and visit Union Burger. You will enjoy the burgers, fries and beverages.
Union Burger
9680 Narcoossee Road, Unit 103 Orlando, FL 32827 T. 407-745-4510
When visiting Downtown Disney (Soon to be Disney Springs) make sure you drop in and visit the new Starbucks Reserve! This particular Starbucks has some awesome design and aesthetic features that make it very unique. It is a special Starbucks Reserve store that offers special small batch coffees from around the world that are only available at Reserve stores. The store also has some unique design features like a touch screen wall that kids can write on and correspond with another Starbucks location and a living wall in the shape of the Starbucks logo. The store is also built to be environmentally sensitive by having a green roof that filters rainwater and reduce the stores carbon footprint. Even if you are not a fan of coffee it is worth stopping in just to see how cool the store is!
EXTERIOR
INSIDE THE STORE
Coming this weekend is the Park Avenue Walking Food Tour on June 6th and 7th. The event will highlight food from various Winter Park restaurants with a wide variety of cuisines. The cost is $47 per person. For more information visit their website at www.orlandofoodtours.com. The event will be held in downtown Winter Park on Park Avenue. Exact meeting location will be giving out after ticket purchase.
Atmosphere
The atmosphere is pretty lively with big screen TV's on most of the walls and colorful background decorations and surroundings. Check out their website and get an advance schedule of their live acts that they showcase at least 5 nights a week.
Food
The food is really good with lots of flavor. Some of their recommended dishes are the the Red Hot Chilli Peppers Shrimp (RHCP), O-Eye Mac and Cheese (Really good!) and the Smashville 8oz Angus burger. You may want to also try their Brunch which is offered on both Saturday and Sunday. My particular favorites are the Hot Chocolate Pancakes, the Andouille Hash and their Fried Green Tomatoes appetizer.
The Tin Roof is a great place to stop in after experiencing some of the attractions in the area like the Orlando Eye or Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum. If you are looking for a fun atmosphere with good food then stop in and try Tin Roof.
8371 International Dr.
Orlando, FL 32819
Hours: 11:00 AM to 2:00 AM
407-270-7926
Happy Easter
The resurrection of Christ is celebrated on Easter Sunday. Since moving to Orlando, we celebrated Easter by attending church, Dream Life Center, and then headed to a nice restaurant or dinner with family and friends. We would like to make some recommendation for Easter brunch.
Restaurant Row AreaOcean Prime (Where we are eating)
We are going to Ocean Prime for Easter brunch with friends. In fact we are celebrating our friend’s birthday there. We’re excited about trying the braised short ribs and crab and eggs.
7399 West Sand Lake Road, Orlando, FL 32819, 407-781-4880
I-Drive Area
Café Gaugin in the Rosen Centre Hotel offers a great brunch. Brunch is from 11:00am-5:00pm. Complimentary valet parking, champagne, mimosas and a great menu make this brunch unforgettable. Cost: Adults: $41.95, Children (ages 4-12): $16.95, Children under 4 are free (Price does not include tax or service charge)
Reservations are highly recommended. Call 407-996-8551.
The Brick House Tavern and Tap
The Brick House offers a buy one entrée get one free on Easter. The special is offered one per table with a reservation Saturday and Sunday from 11am – 4pm. Try brunch specials like Smoked Salmon Benedict, Bison Benedict or Crispy Duck Hash.
Downtown Orlando
The Grand Bohemian Hotel offers an Easter jazz brunch featuring Daniel Jordan - sax & Ed Krout - piano from 10:00am - 4:30pm (brunch hours extended for Easter). This upscale hotel offers great food and ambiance. Brunch is typically $45 for adults and $15 for kids.
Other Options for Easter Meals
Publix is a local grocery store with locations all over Orlando. You can purchase your entire Easter dinner at Publix. You can plan your entire Easter meal including ham, corn casserole with bacon, Tuscan zucchini and strawberries with lemon cream. http://www.publix.com/pages/easter
The food Gargi's is outstanding. The menu carries many recognizable classic Italian dishes. I recommend trying their soup, the Stracciantelle. It is made with chicken broth, egg whites and finished off with wilted spinach. I also recommend the Marsala, it is well prepared and when they have it available try the Veal Marsala. I can also recommend the Veal or Chicken Saltimboca. Both dishes are executed quite well and have excellent flavor.
If you are looking to try Italian in Orlando then give Gargi's a try.
Hours of operation:
http://www.gargislakeside.com/
(407) 894-7907
1414 North Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32804
Orlando has some great places to have brunch as we have discussed in previous posts (See our post "Top 5 Brunch Locations in Orlando"). One of the restaurants listed in that post is Cask and Larder in Winter Park. They offer a Brunch Menu from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm on Sundays. One outstanding thing about their Brunch Menu is that there are traditional brunch items with a southern culinary twist. Nothing they serve is quite like you would expect but is pleasantly delicious! A great example of this is their Biscuit and Gravy served with a pepper jelly. They also serve Chicken and Waffles made with a corn bread waffle with cheddar, sweet relish, dill creme fraiche and smoked honey (Very different but, quite delicious!). When visiting Orlando Cask and Larder is a great stop for Brunch. They also serve lunch and dinner so anytime you stop by you are likely to have an delicious and enjoyable meal.
Cask & Larder
565 West Fairbanks
Winter Park, FL 32789
321-280-4200
MON - WED Bar opens for Happy Hour at 4:00 Dinner 5:00-10:00
THURS - SAT Bar opens for Happy Hour at 4:00 Dinner 5:00-10:00 Bar Late Night Dining & Happy Hour 10:00 - Midnight
SUNDAY Brunch 10:30-3:00 Dinner 5:00-10:00 Bar Happy Hour 3:0
Valentine's Day
10 Things to do this Valentine’s Day Weekend
It’s the weekend of love. It doesn't matter if you are married or single; Valentine’s Day is a great time to love and to be loved by others. If you are visiting Orlando or a local resident, here are a few things you can do to enjoy the weekend. It’s still time to make some plans. This Valentine’s Day is going to be a great one for you.
Orlando has so many nice restaurants to fit any budget. We can recommend several restaurants (use our trip consultation services), but it’s important to make a reservation when dining out on Valentine’s Day weekend. Contact the restaurant directly; use the Disney app or Open Table to make a reservation on property.
Orlando is a great place for a romantic Valentine’s Day movie. The AMC theater, Fork and Dine gives movie goers an opportunity to have dinner and a movie in one location. Coming out Valentine’s Day weekend is The Last Five Years, 50 Shades of Grey and Kingsman: The Secret Service. Take your pick of these new releases or something still at the theater.
You can buy your own chocolate at some local chocolate shops (Godiva, Peterbrooke, etc.) but you can also schedule a visit to The Chocolate Kingdom. This chocolate factory allows you to make your own chocolate (milk, dark or white) bar filled with nuts or candy.
Dancing is fun and gives you a good workout. There are several places to go dancing in Orlando. Bongo’s Cuban Café at Downtown Disney provides a live band on the weekend and great food. There are also several dancing clubs in downtown Orlando and Universal CityWalk.
Kings Bowling Alley is a nice place to hang out. You can do a lot more than bowling at King’s Bowl. You can sing Karaoke, have dinner, play pool and watch the big game. See our blogpost for more.
Check out the spas at the Four Seasons, Wyndham Grand, Ritz Carlton or the Waldorf Astoria. These four are all highly rated. There are also independent spa locations that you can enjoy. It really doesn't matter if you get a facial, full body massage or nail service, you will enjoy your time at the spa.
Leu Gardens has a Valentine’s Day Stroll. From 7-10pm, you can pack your picnic blanket, dinner and enjoy the beautiful sounds of Ricky and the Buzzcatz, Daniel Heitz Band and The Shed Hounds. The cost is only $17 per person or $22 on February 14th.
Jazz Tasting in Maitland is a nice place to enjoy some good food and live jazz. Enjoy the smooth sounds of the JT Quartet at 8pm this Valentine’s Day. I recommend making a reservation because it can get crowded.
A great date or place to hangout can happen at any of the Disney parks, Universal Orlando, Islands of Adventure or SeaWorld. The good thing about hanging out at a theme park you will be able to dine at some great restaurants.
Some of the most romantic times are spent at home or in my hotel room. Cook a great meal or order some takeout and just enjoy the evening.
Bonus: Go shopping
If you have a significant other, take them shopping. Some stores will have special activities and sales this Valentine’s Day weekend. It doesn't matter which mall you go to or boutique just enjoying a nice stroll through the mall will make anyone happy.
Do something special and enjoy your Valentine's Day weekend in Orlando!
If you are looking for an evening of family fun and entertainment then stop by Kings Bowl! It is a really fun bowling alley with dining area, bar and screens. They offer 22 lanes along with Foosball, pool tables, ping pong tables, full size shuffle board table, outdoor boccie ball court, 60 HD screens and private spaces for private parties.
If your looking for a great entertainment spot for the whole family Kings Bowl is a wonderful choice!
Kings Bowl Orlando is located at: 8255 South International Drive, Suite 120 Orlando, FL 32819
407.363.0200
Hours of Operation: Monday – Thursday 3:00 PM – 2:00 AM & Friday – Sunday 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Italio
276 S. Orlando Ave.
Winter Park, FL 32789
Open
Monday - Sunday
10:45 am - 10:00 pm
Peterbrooke Chocolatier sits on the corner of New England and Park Avenue in Winter Park. The door is always open, even in the summer because the smell of chocolate has a way of drawing people in to the shop. When you enter the chocolate shop, there are chocolate baskets all around the room. There is a section of dispensers that pour out chocolate covered raisins, almonds, milk duds and more. Keep walking toward the back of the store you will find the case of gelato (which was quite tasty). At the back of the store you will find the glass partition showing the workshop (I'm not sure how they resist the chocolate). We were there to witness an employee making their popular chocolate covered popcorn. In fact, it is one of their best selling items. You can purchase a bag online for $9. After a quick sample, we could see why it's so popular.
One unique thing about Peterbrook Chocolatier is that they can customize almost everything. They make cute cases out of chocolate that can be used to keep special items. Jamie Wray makes custom chocolate shoes (average cost is about $40). She can even make them with a red bottom!
The store was buzzing with Valentine's Day preparation. There were messages of love in English, French and Spanish. After talking with Kevin for a bit we enjoyed some gelato and the beautiful day in Winter Park.
Make a stop by Peterbrook Chocolatier in Winter Park and follow them on Instagram at @Peterbrookewp. You will be drawn to the chocolate just like I was.
300 Park Avenue South Winter Park, FL 32789 Phone: (407) 644-3200 Monday-Thursday: 10am-10:15pm
Friday-Saturday: 10am-11:15pm Sunday: 11:00am-10:15pm winterpark@peterbrooke.com
869 North Alafaya Trail, Suite Q-09 Orlando, FL 32828 Phone:(407) 384-7800 Monday-Saturday: 9:00am-9:00pm Sunday: 11:00am-6:00pm waterfordlakes@peterbrooke.com
5. Brickhouse- The Brickhouse is a great destination to get great tasting chicken and waffles.
http://brickhousetavernandtap.com/
4. Nona Blue- Wonderful place to get a nice traditional brunch. The Chicken and waffles are pretty traditional but, very flavorful. Chicken and waffles is offered as part of their Sunday brunch menu.
3. Mellissa's Chicken and Waffles- You have to follow on Facebook and Twitter to find out where this food truck will be serving but, the chicken and waffles is worth it. The waffle is of high quality and the chicken is quite delicious. They offer great combinations such as the Buffalo Chicken Waffle, the OG (A waffle with country gravy, syrup and butter) or the Ultimate Combo (Chicken, a fried egg, bacon, gravy and syrup on a waffle).
https://www.facebook.com/melissaswaffletruck
2.Hash House a Go-Go- The chicken and waffles at Hash House is pretty unique because the waffle has bacon baked into it. The chicken is unique because they serve a full on Chicken breast with delicious and savory sage seasoning.
http://www.hashhouseagogo.com/
1. Chef Eddies- The most celebrated chicken and waffles in Orlando and the reputation is deserved. Chef Eddies offers more options than any other restaurant (10 different waffles) for chicken and waffles. Their waffles are quite flavorful and the chicken is excellent!
http://chefeddies.com/chicken-waffles/
Let us know what you think! We are always willing to try somewhere new!
The menu is a classic Italian menu full of well executed dishes and the atmosphere is very comfortable but definitely a fine dining establishment.
Enzo's Italian Restaurant on the Lake
1130 S. Hwy. 17-92 • Longwood, Florida 32750
407.834.9872 • Fax 407.834.6647
We are only a few hours away from 2015. If you don't have plans, it's not too late to make some. Orlando is a great city with a lot to do. First and foremost, it is important to be safe. If you are going out, make sure you go out with family or friends and use taxi service like Uber or Metro Cars if needed. AAA also offers a service called Tow To Go that offers a free and confidential local ride for AAA members and non members until 6:00 AM January 1st. free and confidential.
Here are four things you can do to bring in the new year.
1. Check out hotel celebrations. Every major hotel will have a New Years Eve Party. Here are a few links
a. The Four Seasons Orlando. See our blog post about this new hotel.
b. The Hyatt Regency Orlando on International Drive. See our blog post about this hotel.
d. The Waldorf Astoria Orlando
2. Go to church. Churches around town will have a mass service or a New Year's Eve celebration. It's a great way to get a positive message before the new year. Our church, Dream Life Center, has a New Year's Celebration. Here is the invitation.
Dream Life Center
3. Go downtown Orlando
There is the Aloft hotel, which always has activities. A ton of restaurants and clubs. Also this year Billy Joel will be performing at the Amway Center tonight at 9:30 PM. Get tickets through Ticketmaster.
4. Go to Universal Orlando
Islands of Adventure closes at 11:00pm on New Years Eve. Universal Orlando closes at 12:30am. There is a laser show and fireworks at Universal. You can even enjoy Universal CityWalk. There is a big countdown and fun.
CityWalk offers a number of nightclubs and bars. Most have a cover charge.
4. Hang out at Disney
The Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Hollywood Studios are all open until or past midnight. There will be family friendly parties, fireworks and festivities to help you bring in the new year magically.
You can also go to Downtown Disney. There are restaurants and night clubs there as well.
Whatever you do be safe and have fun.
