Tag: Orlando

NEWS: 4 Rivers Smokehouses to open Sunday for Hurricane Dorian Relief in the Bahamas

Hurricane

Ready to eat some barbeque for a good cause?

4 Rivers Smokehouse will break their “closed on Sunday” policy on Sunday, September 8th to help raise funds for Hurricane Dorian relief in the Bahamas. Contributions from Sunday will go to benefit World Central Kitchen, a non-profit that is devoted to providing meals in the wake of natural disasters.

World Central Kitchen is headed up by Chef José Andrés who led efforts in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria with over 2 million meals served in the first month.

4 Rivers will be open from 11AM to 3PM and will offer regular dine-in, to-go, and takeout menus. The COOP in Orlando will also be open from 10AM-3PM.

“As Floridians, we know all too well the destruction hurricanes can cause and it saddens us to see the devastation caused in the Bahamas by Dorian,” said John Rivers, 4 Rivers Founder and CEO. “Community is the core of our brand, so the entire 4R family is proud to contribute to relief efforts in the Bahamas by raising funds on Sept. 8 at our 4 Rivers Smokehouses and The COOP.”

4 Rivers Smokehouse

Participating locations include:

  • 4 Rivers Smokehouse Carrollwood located at 14330 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618
  • 4 Rivers Smokehouse Coral Springs located at 2660 N University Dr, Coral Springs, FL 33065
  • 4 Rivers Smokehouse Gainesville located at 3262 SW 35th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32608
  • 4 Rivers Smokehouse Jacksonville located at 9220 Baymeadows Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32256
  • 4 Rivers Smokehouse Kissimmee located at 874 W Osceola Pkwy, Kissimmee, FL 34741
  • 4 Rivers Smokehouse Longwood located at 1869 W State Rd 434, Longwood, FL 32750
  • 4 Rivers Smokehouse Orange Park located at 220 Park Ave, Orange Park, FL 32073
  • 4 Rivers Smokehouse South Tampa located at 623 S MacDill Ave, Tampa, FL 33609
  • 4 Rivers Smokehouse Tallahassee located at 1817 Thomasville Rd #100, Tallahassee, FL 32303
  • 4 Rivers Smokehouse UCF/East Orlando located at 11764 University Blvd, Orlando, FL 32817
  • 4 Rivers Smokehouse Winter Garden located at 1047 S Dillard St, Winter Garden, FL 34787
  • 4 Rivers Smokehouse Winter Park located at 1600 W Fairbanks Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
  • The COOP located at 610 W Morse Blvd, Winter Park, FL 32789
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Orlando Beer Festival coming November 16th with over 200 craft beers

Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 16th, 2019 at 2PM – Orlando Beer Festival is happening that day at Orlando Festival Park located at 2911 East Robinson Street.

Over 200 craft beers will be poured at the event from over 50 breweries. Tickets are now sale for the beer festival and are discounted if you purchase them in advance, prices will rise on the day of the event, if available.

The event will feature over 10 local food trucks, live music, interactive games, college football streaming, local vendors, a wine tasting experience, and more. The event is for ages 21+ and will strictly enforce this policy. Orlando Beer Festival is a rain or shine event.

Limited VIP tickets are currently available and includes an hour and a half of early admission, parking, Orlando Beer Festival t-shirt, a commemorative beer glass, VIP zone with shaded seating and craft cocktail experience, complimentary lite bites of food, VIP lanyard, and more. Designated Driver tickets are available. Please do not drink and drive.

Proceeds will benefit the Central Florida Brewer’s Guild.

Event sponsors include Publix Apron’s Cooking School, Orlando Federal Credit Union, Drive Shack, Hard Rock Live Orlando, Universal Roofing & Contracting, and Renewal by Anderson of FL.

Find out more information at orlandobeerfestival.com.

Event name: Orlando Beer Festival

Venue: Orlando Festival Park

Address: 2911 East Robinson Street Orlando, FL

Date & Time: Saturday, November 16th, 2PM-5PM

Ages: 21+ only

Cost: $40+

Buy tickets: http://bit.ly/30NLdg0

NEWS: Recess Pizza grand opening set for June 22nd in Downtown Orlando

The culinary team behind Orlando Meats is having their grand opening for their latest concept, Recess Pizza, on Saturday, June 22nd, 2019.

The team took over the culinary kitchen at Orange County Brewers back in May just two blocks south of the Orange County Courthouse on the corner of Orange Avenue and Jefferson Street in Downtown Orlando.

Culinary Director Eliot Hillis and Head Chef Seth Parker have developed an alkaline dough for their pizza crust that is being paired with their high-quality cuts from Orlando Meats and cooked in a wood-fire oven.

Some pizzas menu options include:

  • Kya: pork belly, halloumi, chimichurri, crema
  • Tammi: pulled pork, slaw, cheddar, spicy white stuff
  • Beverly: spicy pork, broccolini, ricotta, mozzarella, pomodoro
  • Steph: ham and cheddar, blue cheese, garlic puree
  • & more

The menu will offer more than pizza with hot sandwiches and salads available. Brunch will be available on the menu and launch during the opening. Online ordering will be available on Slice and delivery on Uber Eats and Grubhub.

Limited-edition pizzas will be available for the opening as well as beer specials at the brewery. A raffle will be held at the opening with an array of local partners. The event will be held during regular business hours from 11:30AM to 11PM.

Find out more at recesspizza.com.

Recess Pizza. 131 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801. (321) 204-9616.

Florida Brewers Conference coming to Orlando in August, tickets now available

The 3rd Annual Florida Brewers Conference is coming to Orlando this August at the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld. The event is organized by The Florida Brewer’s Guild, a non-profit trade association committed to preserved the rights and interests of all craft brewers throughout the state. The target audience is brewers, brewery owners, and industry workers.

Over 1,373,558 barrels of craft beer are produced every year in Florida. Florida craft beer is ranked 5th in economic impact in the state and at least 285 breweries operate in Florida (2018 Brewers Association data).

The conference aims to “provide brewery personnel and industry trades with a high-quality educational experience, plus an opportunity to network and share delicious Florida craft beers during the two-day trade show”.

Some highlights include:

  • Insights from Brewers Diversity Ambassador Dr. J. Nikol Jackson-Beckham
  • Florida specific educational workshops from industry experts
  • Discussions with regulators, including representatives from Florida AB&T
  • Networking with over 300 FL craft beer industry members
  • Commemorative tasting glass
  • Beer receptions, luncheon & trade expo

Sensory training will be available as an additional component to the conference and cover a variety of aromas found in beer. Organizers are expecting at least 500 guests.

Renaissance Orlando is located directly across the street from SeaWorld and close to Disney World, Universal Studios, and Discovery Cove. Sponsorship packages are now available for those interested.

Hotel accommodations are available to those attending the conference at just $149 a night, including the resort fee and self-parking.

Tickets to the Florida Brewers Conference are now available and start at $185 for Florida Brewers Guild members.

Event name: Florida Brewers Conference

Venue: Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld

Date & Time: Monday, August 5th, 2019 to Wednesday, August 7th, 2019

Ages: 21+

Buy tickets: http://fbgcon2019.eventbrite.com/

Website: http://www.floridabrewersguild.org/florida-brewers-conference

Facebook RSVP: http://www.facebook.com/events/453368742076200/

Official Florida Blueberry Festival coming to Kissimmee March 28th-March 31st

Can you feel the sunshine? The official Florida Blueberry Festival is coming to Kissimmee from March 28th to the 31st of 2019 at Formosa’s Garden Event Center. Florida Blueberry Season is from late March to April of every year.

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The festival was founded in 2010 and has built a successful for 7 years in Brooksville before relocating this year to Kissimmee.

Over 60,000 people have attended the festival in the past. The event was originally created as a way to promote the burgeoning Florida blueberry industry.

BLUEBERRY-Market-Wine-4-5051

The event is now a 4-day festival and will feature a Wine Bar presented by The Island Grove Wine Company, a Beer Garden with both craft and domestic choices, Festival Fare Food Court with food concessions, retail, information exhibitors, as as well as fine arts and crafts.

There will be a Juried Art Show presented by Tampa Bay Magazine with a prize of $6,000 up for grabs.

The festival is outdoors and shirt & shoes are required, but dress for the outdoors.

Food vendors include Blueberry Junction, Cousin’s Maine Lobster, Garrett’s Kettle Corn, Cinnamon City, Wisconsin Fried Cheese, Fried Dough Factory, Barbie’s Ice Cream, Swain’s Pizza On A Stick, Blooming Potato’s & French Fries, and more. Come hungry.

FAQ:

  • Tickets cost $10 for admission and $10 for parking and are now available. There is also a special-rate for RV parking.
  • Kids ages 9 and under are FREE.
  • The event is handicap accessible with ADA handicapped parking and portable restrooms available.
  • 3 locations will be available for private-nursing/baby changing for guests.
  • Blankets and folding chairs are allowed.
  • Beer and wine will be available for purchase with valid identification.
  • Event is rain or shine. No refunds will be given.
  • ATMs will be available on-site for a fee.

There will be Florida Blueberries, Florida Blueberry Pie, Blueberry plants, and other blueberry goods as well as a VIP Hospitality Pavillion.

The event will benefit Florida Blueberry Growers Association, The Community Hope Center, The Sunshine Foundation, Autism Society of Greater Orlando, and local non-profits working as staff.

Event name: Official Florida Blueberry Festival

Venue: Formosa’s Garden Event Center

Address: 3050 Formosa Gardens Blvd. Kissimmee, FL 34747

Date & Time: March 28th, 5PM-10PM, March 29th-March 30th, 10AM-10PM, March 31st, 2019, 10AM-5PM

Cost: $10 admission, $10 parking, Kids ages 9 and under are FREE

Buy tickets: http://bit.ly/2FjQK4F

Entertainment: http://floridablueberryfestival.org/entertainment.php

4th Annual Kissimmee Cuban Sandwich Fest Recap

The 4th Annual Kissimmee Cuban Sandwich Festival came and passed this weekend at Kissimmee Lakefront Park. The Carlos Eats Team headed out on-location to cover the event and, of course, enjoy some Cuban Sandwiches.

Hundreds, if not thousands, of people showed up to the event – there is certainly a large following in Kissimmee and Orlando area for Cubans. Competitors at the event were dueling for who makes the best traditional and non-traditional Cuban Sandwich as well as people’s choice award.

Here is a recap of the event:

The judges were made up from a variety of locals in Orlando and food specialists who judged the sandwiches based on different metrics. The traditional Cuban Sandwich is from Tampa and participants needed to keep their ingredients the same, but can take different approaches in how they execute the ingredients.

The organizers made one of the world’s largest Cuban Sandwiches and donated the sandwiches to the homeless. They do this at every festival and it is a spectacle to see as all the La Segunda Bread is lined up and arranged by volunteers and participants.

La Segunda Bakery is a Tampa and Ybor City institution that goes back over 100 years – back when Tampa first began serving the Cuban Sandwich that is now popular worldwide.

Continue reading “4th Annual Kissimmee Cuban Sandwich Fest Recap” →

4th Annual Kissimmee Cuban Sandwich Festival this Saturday

Ready to enjoy some delicious Cuban Sandwiches in Central Florida and get that bread? The 4th Annual Kissimmee Cuban Sandwich Festival is this Saturday, March 2nd, at Kissimmee Lakefront Park located at 201 Lakeview Drive from 11AM to 6PM. The event is presented by Ford.

Festival goers will be able to vote for the Best Cuban Sandwich at the festival and participants will compete in both a traditional and non-traditional Cuban Sandwich competition.

Alton Brown on a Cuban Sandwich taste test in Tampa.

What’s in a traditional Cuban Sandwich you ask? Ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard, and salami on Cuban bread will make a traditional Cuban Sandwich.

This sandwich was created in Tampa, Florida in the late 1800s and is recognized by entities such as The Food Network as the official Cuban Sandwich of the world. Miami can say what they want, but we know the truth.

Organizers and participants at the festival will be making one of the biggest Cuban Sandwiches in the world at the event at 163 FEET LONG, a spectacle to see. The sandwich will then be donated to the homeless.

General Admission tickets are FREE and the event is family-friendly. Live music and dance performances will be entertaining guests throughout the day and Orchestra Fuego will be there.

VIP tickets are also available for the 4th Annual Kissimmee Cuban Sandwich Festival and range from $30-$105 for a family of 4. VIP guests get to eat and schmooze with VIP attendees, media, and local celebrities. Seats will be available for VIP guests as well. The best part is that VIP gets access to the Cuban Sandwich contest entries and refreshments that are exclusively available there.

Buy VIP tickets: http://bit.ly/2NvTsY9

Participating restaurants/vendors:

Event Name: 4th Annual Kissimmee Cuban Sandwich Festival

Date & Time: Saturday, March 2nd, 2019

Venue: Kissimmee Lakefront Park

Address: 201 Lakeview Dr. Kissimmee, FL 34741

Cost: FREE Admission, VIP tickets available

Ages: All ages welcome

Facebook RSVP: http://www.facebook.com/events/259906308059627/

100+ restaurants participating in Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month 2018

Taking a trip to Orlando soon? Something delicious is cooking in “The Theme Park Capital of the World”.

Prepare to enjoy some serious dining deals for Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month. 100+ restaurant will be offering three course prix-fixe meals for $35 per person. The restaurant month is sponsored by American Express and will run from Friday, August 24th to Sunday, September 30th.

It’s a great way to try restaurants that you’ve been wanting to experience. New additions for 2018 include first-time vegan options as well as gluten-free and vegetarian options.

$1 from every meal will be donated to a local charities Best Buddies and Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida.

According to Visit Orlando, “Proceeds from Magical Dining Month will help Best Buddies expand its programs into Orange County middle schools with high populations of students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This mentorship program helps improve students’ quality of life and foster an inclusive middle school culture, by erasing the barrier that typically separates students with disabilities”.

Also: “Proceeds from Magical Dining Month will help the Down Syndrome Association expand its emergency and crisis fund, pay for potential medical needs not covered by insurance, and fund therapy scholarship programs.”

Some notable restaurants on the list include Morimoto Asia, Wine Bar George, K Restaurant, Pharmacy Orlando, Seito Sushi Baldin Park, and more. You’ll find everything from local hotposts to chains and even some steakhouses and upper-tier restaurants on the list.

Check out www.orlandomagicaldining.com for the full details, menus, and more.

Chef Jose Andres opening Jaleo restaurant at Disney Springs this year (Orlando)

Chef Jose Andres will open a new Spanish restaurant called Jaleo in Orlando at Disney Springs later this year right next to House of Blues and Bongo’s. I couldn’t be more excited. Jaleo has operated 5 locations in Vegas, Washington D.C., and Mexico City. His restaurant group is called ThinkFoodGroup.

The menu will have Spanish tapas and of course feature Paella. Some menu items featured at other Jaleo locations include Gambas, Patatas Bravas, Jamón serrano Fermín, and Chorizo ibérico de bellota Fermín.

I have been following Chef Andres since he helped the people of Puerto Rico last year during the horrific Hurricane Irma catastrophe. His non-profit, World Central Kitchen, served over 3.5 million quality meals to the people of Puerto Rico while FEMA was dealing with issues providing food and water supplies as well as contractor issues.

Chef Jose Andres was named 2018 Humanitarian of the Year by the James Beard Foundation for his efforts in Puerto Rico. World Food Kitchen is now working with farmer’s in Puerto Rico to help “build resiliency” since Puerto Rico currently imports about 85% of their food.

Check out more about World Food Kitchen: http://www.worldcentralkitchen.org

Now that Wine Bar George is serving a variety of wines to the masses, it only makes sense for someone to represent authentic Spanish food and wine together at Disney Springs. Once Jaleo opens, I’ll be there to support Chef Jose Andres. He has done a huge service to the people.

Carlos Eats Orlando Guide – Where to Eat, Drink, and Play

So you’ve made it to Orlando, Florida? Home of big household names such as Disney and Universal Studios. Orlando has a pretty great and growing food scene as well as a growing craft beer market. Here are my recommendations on where to go when in the town of Mickey Mouse.

Disney Springs

  • Eat
    • Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’: Three words – Buttermilk Fried Chicken. It is not cheap, but it is delicious. Splurge here and you will not regret it. The sides are great as well. If you love moonshine the restaurant also has a large list of them available for sampling and enjoying.
    • Morimoto Asia: No expense was spared in the creation of this restaurant. It is beautiful inside and out. The menu changes pretty regularly, but you really can’t go wrong with Morimoto’s Signature Peking Duck. The cocktail selection is also great and incorporates some interesting mixtures from soft drinks in Japan as well tea cocktails. Come ready to spend money and enjoy.
  • Drink
    • Wine Bar George: Master Sommelier George Miliotes opened his first wine bar at Disney Springs. It features over 135 wines by the glass, bottle, and ounce. The servers are just as passionate about wine as George himself. The food selection is great and the wine selection is vast with many countries, styles, and price points represented, some that George personally prefers that might be difficult to find elsewhere. I recommend coming here for a glass or two or three.
    • STK: The rooftop bar at STK is what lands it on this list. There is this tower with a fire pit inside that is just really the perfect backdrop to sip a glass of wine and to look over Disney Springs from the sunset into the evening.

Downtown Orlando

  • Drink
    • Aku Aku: Sweet little tiki dive in Downtown Orlando. Prices are pretty fair even if the menu is a little limited, don’t be afraid to ask the bartenders to make you a cocktail and they will try their best accommodate. It does get pretty busy so get there early if you want a seat or come earlier in the week.
    • The Woods: This has been one of my choice spots to go drink for some years. Many of the bartenders are affiliated with the bartender’s guild in Tampa and the drinks here are always made well and are nice and strong. They have a large liquor selection and their craft beer list isn’t half bad either.

Dr. Phillips

  • Drink
    • Pharmacy: I’m a fan of speakeasy concepts. This one eluded me for nearly 30 minutes on my first visit while I searched for the front door. Once you find your way inside (hint there is a button) you will be impressed with the drink selection and food. Pharmacy is really a great spot and probably one of the best speakeasy concepts I have seen in Florida. 8060 Via Dellagio Way, Orlando, FL 32819. (407) 985-2972. http://thepharmacyorlando.com/

East Orlando

  • Eat
    • Izziban Sushi & Korean BBQ: People like to talk smack about Izziban, but if you ask me Izziban has one of the best deals I have ever seen. All you can eat Korean BBQ, appetizers, and sushi for under $22. I absolutely love sliced pork belly so this is a goldmine for me. Most Korean restaurants in Florida will charge you over $20 for one entry. The tip is included for AYCE but the service is almost always great. This is a quality business and I always have to stop by here when I’m in town. I just wish they would hurry up and open one up in my hometown in Tampa. 5310 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32807. (407) 270-8811. http://izzibanrestaurant.com/

International Drive

  • Eat
    • Boi Brazil Churrascaria: I wandered into one here one day on a trip to Orlando and was not disappointed with the meat cuts or price. Come hungry because the meat just keeps coming and coming at you. 5668 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819. (407) 354-0260. http://www.boibrazil.com/
    • Cafe Tu Tu Tango: This spot is filled with art and culture – even if its a touristy spot it is good and very close to several hotels on I-Drive if you’re staying around this area.
  • Do
    • Player 1 Video Game Bar: If you want a blast to the past take a visit to this video game arcade bar. They have dozens of old school arcade machines as well as an extensive beer list. Quite a few emulator consoles will also let you take your pick of video games long past their time including classic SEGA and Nintendo games.  8562 Palm Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32836. (407) 504-7521. https://player1orlando.com/

Oak Ridge

  • Do
    • KTV Karaoke Orlando: I am a fan of private karaoke rooms. This korean bar and karaoke facility (called a noraebang) has hundreds of songs available to sing and rooms available to rent for an hourly fee. The service has been attentive I have made there. Try to come in a larger group if you want to save money because the rates aren’t that cheap. 7130 S. Orange Blossom Trail #200 Orlando, Fl 32809. http://www.ktvorlando.com/
    • Millenia Mall: This is a pretty huge upscale mall in Orlando and was one of the top places you could find designer brands until Disney Springs stepped up their shops. You’ll find all your big name brands and also quite a number of places to eat around here. If you want to get some shopping done indoors and avoid the weather outside, its a good pick. 4200 Conroy Rd, Orlando, FL 32839. http://www.mallatmillenia.com/

Winter Park

  • Eat
    • Domu: Domu has a very contemporary feel to it and delivers a solid ramen menu with prices that easily destroy any business in my hometown of Tampa. The other must-try thing on this menu is the KFC “Korean Fried Chicken” which is excellent. It isn’t traditional, but it is delicious. East End Market, 3201 Corrine Dr Suite 100, Orlando, FL 32803. (407) 960-1228. http://www.domufl.com/
    • Foxtail Coffee Co.: My favorite coffee shop in Orlando. This shop is beautiful and has a coffee is roasted on-site. They also have plenty of pastries, food, beer, and wine. The shop is filled with seats and plugs for device charging. The Wi-Fi here is great too. 1286 N Orange Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789. (407) 951-7931. https://www.foxtailcoffee.com/
    • Gideon’s Bakehouse: This small bakery inside East End Market is almost worth a drive to Orlando by itself. They have some of the most delicious cookies I have ever tried. You must make an effort to come here, but beware that they sometimes are sold out of their supply completely. http://www.gideonsbakehouse.com/
    • Krungthep Tea Time: One of those places easily made famous across I-4 thanks to Instagram. Krungthep has a famous pink drink which is a Thai street drink. I hear their sandwiches are also delicious, but haven’t had a chance to try them myself yet. Don’t forget to get a photo on their couch. 1051 W Fairbanks Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789. (407) 733-3561. http://www.krungthepteatime.com/
  • Do
    • East End Market: One of the first food halls in Florida. East End Market was once a church and now is a facility that hosts a variety of vendors from various concepts – most of them involving food. There is even a bar there if you want to have a drink and Domu is located right next door.

West Orlando

  • Eat
    • Inay’s Kitchen Filipino Cuisine: Quality Filipino food is hard to come by, but Inay’s delivers that homemade touch and the food is great. Prices are reasonable too. They also have karaoke for those of you into that. 1097 S Clarke Rd, Ocoee, FL 34761. (407) 601-2126.
    • Junior Colombian Burger: This guide is mostly free from chains, but Orlando is one of the only places in the world with a Junior Colombian Burger and I personally love it. It’s true that their beef is frozen, but the burgers are the perfect composition of flavors and I love their sauces (the pineapple sauce is amazing) and the potato chips on top in genius. I feel like this concept would be so successful in my hometown – I always get a craving for it when I’m in Orlando and end up making a trip. They have a few locations around Orlando – I feel like this one is really convenient for people traveling on I-4. Best thing is they are open until at least 3AM everyday. 5389 S Kirkman Rd, Orlando, FL 32819. (407) 355-3506. http://www.juniorcb.com

Surrounding cities:

Kissimmee

  • Eat
    • Kissimmee Bakery & Latin Food: Puerto Rico meets El Salvador at this restaurant which has amazing pupusas. Best you might find outside of San Francisco and California. We always try and grab a bag to take home when we visit family in Orlando.

Food Trucks:

  • Korean BBQ Taco Box: This food truck sells excellent Korean food and is regularly out on the road around Orlando. They have traditional as well as fusion food. I highly recommend Korean BBQ Taco Box at least once on a visit to Orlando. I love their food. They post their schedule on Facebook and Twitter, but you might want to give them a call too if you want to order ahead. (407) 453-2250. http://www.facebook.com/KBBQBox/