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Showing posts with label food and drink. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Can't get enough of the Epcot Food and Wine festival? GOOD NEWS!

Dawn Nikithser February 18, 2014 0

Finally, the popularity of the annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival has been given a boost -- an entire extra week to nosh and nibble!

The Disney Parks blog announced that the 2014 festival will be extended to a record 53 days this year. That's terrific news for those of us who want to return again and again, but don't always dig the crowds during the busiest days. The official dates are September 19-November 10, 2014. No other details have been announced (such as pavilions, special dinners and tastings, Eat to the Beat line-up, or special guests), but we will be keeping ears (and mouths!) open and let you know as soon as we do.

Mmmmm. I can taste Fall already. Can't you?

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Thursday, January 30, 2014

Missing Disney? Now you can have a bit of it with your morning coffee

Dawn Nikithser January 30, 2014 0

Joffrey's Coffee and Tea Company is bring you a little Disney magic -- exclusive coffee and tea blends based on the ones they serve in the resort!

Joffrey's is the official specialty coffee provider to Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, and the Disney Vacation club. The blends were developed with the assistance of Disney Parks chefs; each one is inspired by the menus and restaurants in which the coffees and tea are served. Here's the list, so far:

Artist Point:
Carthay Circle
Flavors of Africa
Flying Fish Cafe
Flying Fish Cafe Espresso
French Bistro In-Room Blend
Jiko -- The Cooking Place

Those are all coffees; there's no word on the tea blends yet, but we will keep you posted.

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Wednesday, January 08, 2014

Like nifty food? Then you're gonna love NiFTE Food Trucks!

Dawn Nikithser January 08, 2014 0

As if the fantastic Mills 50 area of Orlando doesn't already offer enough to do, eat, drink, and shop, Thursdays now offer a whole new reason to brave I-4 and head on down: the NiFTE!

This weekly food truck event event will feature different trucks every week, so you can sample more foods each time and discover your new favorites. The debut trucks are Au Naturel juice and smoothies, Soup To Nuts soups and grilled cheese, and Voodoo Kitchen Cajun and Creole cuisine.

I can't wait to check this out and I trust Mills 50 to plan all kinds of great treats as the weeks go by. See you there -- I'll be the one eating my weight in grilled cheese!

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Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Christmas Eats!

Dawn Nikithser December 18, 2013 0

OK, so the unspoken tradition of food on Christmas Day is delicious takeout Chinese goodies, sometimes you want something a little less A Christmas Story and a little more formal celebration-ish. If you are in Orlando on the big day, Visit Orlando has got you covered, with a regularly-updated list of terrific restaurants that will not only be open on Christmas Day, but will also be offering special menus to help you and yours celebrate the holidays.

I recommend trying for reservations NOW, especially for some of the more upscale options. But the list is pretty big and it will get bigger, so do check back if you can't find someplace that works for you.

Here are my picks from the list as it stands right now:

Bull & Bear at Waldorf Astoria Orlando: Four exceptional courses, served from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., at $105 per person. Wine pairing is also available at additional cost. Reservations required: 407-597-5409.

Emeril's Tchoup Chop: Enjoy an Emeril-style Christmas meal created by Chef Ryan Vargas offers a Christmas meal a'la Emeril, which is my favorite eatery of any at the Universal Orlando hotels.

Café Osceola at Rosen Shingle Creek: This my best pick for a holiday buffet. Over 44 dishes will be offered, including holiday favorites, carving stations, desserts galore, and unlimited champagne mimosas. It's served all day long on December 25, from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Cost is $65.95 per person or $29.95 kids (4-12 yrs. Old); kids under 3 years old eat free. Plus complimentary valet parking and a 25% discount for Florida residents.

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Thursday, December 12, 2013

BREAKING NEWS: Universal Orlando CityWalk Announces New Eateries

Dawn Nikithser December 12, 2013 0

You read that right, Orlando fans -- entirely new restaurants are coming to Universal Orlando's City Walk. Let's run through the delicious list, shall we?

The Cowfish: You know how annoying it is when half of you want sushi and the other half wants burgers? Well, that is no longer going to be a problem -- Welcome to The Cowfish, the burger AND sushi joint coming to City Walk in 2014. This bar restaurant will feature the finest in meat on a bun along with exceptional sushi and sashimi for your dining pleasure.

Looking for an all-American treat? How about hot dogs every which way? Look no further than the Hot Dog Hall of Fame! This is where you can get dogs of all shapes and sizes, with toppings galore. I can't wait until we get more information on this one, as I hear the menu choices will be mind-boggling. Let's hear it for the dog!

Viva! Mexican food is coming too. Antojitos will feature Mexican street food (the name literally translates to "little cravings" and this will be the place for both full meals and terrific snack options.

Handcrafted sandwiches are another new option coming your way. The Bread Box is the place where you can sit down and relax or grab something to go so you can munch as you wander the park.

In addition to these great new eateries, Starbucks will be moving location from downstairs to up, and expanding their footprint for all you coffee drinkers. Coldstone Creamery is also coming, as well as Menchies Frozen Yogurt.

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Tuesday, November 05, 2013

New Soda Flavors at Epcot!

Dawn Nikithser November 05, 2013 0

Anyone who has been to Epcot on a hot day knows the wonders of the Flavors of Club Cool in Future World. Inside of the Club Cool store is a free tasting station where you can try refreshing -- and sometimes interesting -- Coca Cola flavors from all over the world. And new flavors are debuting now.

According to the official Walt Disney World Parks Blog, all the flavors are being replaced, except for Italy's Beverly, an aperitif that most guests either love or hate. Here's the new list:

VegitaBeta – It's Japanese, and don't let the weird name scare you off -- the drink is a combination of apricot and passion fruit.
Fanta (Melon Frosty) – This is the #1 favorite soda in Thailand.
Bibo – South African fruit flavors feature here.
Sparberry – Raspberry cream soda from Africa, where it has been a favorite since 1955.
Guarana Kuat – This Brazilian guarana berry drink is sure to be a hipster hit.
Inca Kola – This is bound to be a kid favorite -- the Peruvian treat tastes like bubblegum.

While I will miss some of the old flavors, especially the delicious lemon soda from Israel, the new ones sound like fun. Which one are you interested in trying most?

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Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Disney Treats Adults with a new lounge opening at Hollywood Studios

Dawn Nikithser October 30, 2013 0

We love Disney for all it does for the kids, including the kid in all of us. But every once in a while, it's great to see that they remember their over-21 fans too. The new lounge opening today at Hollywood Studios is a terrific reminder of that.

The new menu will feature plenty of adult treats, including classic cocktails like Mint Gimlets (Nolet’s Silver Dry Gin, simply syrup, lime juice and fresh mint) and Bloody Marys. There will also be flights of martinis, Champagne, wines, Scotch and, cordials, plus a list of wines by the glass or half bottle -- perfect for sharing.

Speaking of sharing, small plates will feature heavily on the menu, so you can sip and nosh with artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, duck confit tacos, steamed Prince Edward Island mussels, and Derby Sliders featuring either a Wagyu beefwith cognac mustard aïoli, smoked gouda cheese, bacon and avocado, or house-made chorizo slider with chipotle mayo, manchego cheese, pickles, and crispy onions.

This is a welcome addition to The Brown Derby, and I can't wait to get nibbling. Outside seating is also available, making this the perfect way to enjoy Disney in the fall.

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Thursday, October 10, 2013

Authentic Mexican Noms? Yes, please!

Dawn Nikithser October 10, 2013 0

One of the best things about Orlando is the prevalence of amazing ethnic and chef-owned restaurants hidden in unassuming little strip malls. Sure, the average tourist isn't going to cruise the main drags looking for these hidden gems, but we know the OrlandoTastic readers are far from average. So here's one I found just yesterday, and if you love real Mexican and Columbian food, you've got to check it out.

Taco Express is on South Orange Blossom Trail, in a strip mall next to an office building. Not exactly tourist central, right? Well, that's their loss because the food here is exceptionally good and incredibly inexpensive too. You will be able to get a filling meal for five dollars or less, such as three tacos ($1.49 each, choice of pork, beef, chicken, and more exotic choices like tongue and tripe) or two pupusas ($2.50 each, gorgeous fried corn cakes filled with meat, spices, and melty salty queso). There are also gorditas (real ones, no Taco Bell fakery here), burritos, tamales, tortas, salads, and soups -- and all that's just on the "cheap" menu. Want to splurge with around $10? LOADS of seafood choices await, along with steaks, carnitas, chicken dishes, and more. And they serve breakfast!

If you eat in, there is a "fixings bar," where you can load up on homemade salsas (from mild to VERY VERY NOT KIDDING AROUND hot), fresh guacamole, veggies, and more. If you do take out, you'll find sauces in your bag, and of course you can always ask for additional ones or something different. There is also a great selection of Mexican sodas (including Coca Cola made with REAL sugar), Mexican beers, and house-made horchata (a sweet drink made from rice milk and ground almonds).

One caveat: this is a very authentic place, so English isn't always spoken by the cashiers. But the menu is in English, so point at what you want if you have to. You won't regret a single bite.

Taco Express (Yelp reviews -- a website is listed, but it was a dead link at the time this blog posted)
9785 S Orange Blossom Trail Orlando, FL 32837
(407) 601-1542

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Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Celebrate the Royal Baby, Orlando-style

Dawn Nikithser July 24, 2013 0

Just in case you have been trapped in a cave somewhere with no access to the outside world or other people, the Royal Baby was born on Monday, July 22.

While a name has yet to be announced, both British citizens and Anglophiles worldwide are celebrating the latest Windsor with princely pomp and circumstance, and perhaps a little more interest than is entirely healthy for any birth not in your own immediate family. But who are we to judge? We'd rather just get in on the celebration.

If you'd like to raise a glass to the new Prince, there are plenty of places available. The most obvious is in jolly old England itself, or at least a reasonable facsimile thereof -- at the Rose & Crown Pub in the United Kingdom at Epcot Center. Disney decor aside, it's as close as you can get to the real thing without a passport. Provided you have the park admission, that is.

If you don't feel like battling the summer crowds at the theme parks, there are plenty of other places to give a hearty huzzah. The website Orlando for Brits offers a whole list of area pubs, including longtime fave The Cricketers Arms, which is one of the oldest British pubs in Orlando. Just remember to double-check before you drive though -- I don't know when the list was last updated, but at least one bar on it is no longer open (the delightfully named Fawlty Towers Tavern, sadly).

Prefer to enjoy a spot of tea instead? Orlando still has you covered. For elegance, you can't beat tea in the gorgeous lobby lounge of the Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes. Three different traditional tea options are available: The Peter Rabbit Tea for kids, traditional high tea, and Royal tea (includes champagne). If you're up for a drive, head to beautiful Lake Mary and indulge at the Dickens Tea room and all their Victorian finery -- their website seems to be a little persnickety at the moment, but their Facebook page has all the information you could possibly need.

Finally, if you want to make your own celebration, look no further than the British Shoppe in downtown Orlando. They've got everything you could possibly want to enjoy some Brit time, from frozen traditional pies and meats to loads of real UK teas, biscuits (that's cookies to us Yanks), chocolates, and more.

So congratulations to the Royal Family! Have a party in their honor and don't skimp on he clotted cream.

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Friday, July 19, 2013

Summer heat getting you down? Plan for great Fall eats instead!

Dawn Nikithser July 19, 2013 0

Orlando is a wonderful place. It's one of my favorites and, if you're reading this blog, it's probably one of yours as well. But let's face it -- Florida summers can be excruciating and make you want to just hide inside, where the air conditioning is. So while you're sitting in front of the computer enjoying the artificial coolness, why not look forward to the milder temps of Autumn, and the amazing food that awaits you?

That's right -- it's the return of Orlando Magical Dining Month!

For the entire month of September, restaurants throughout Orlando will be featuring special three courses for $33 menus (choice of an appetizer, entrée and dessert from the restaurant's Magical Dining Month menu; tax and gratuity not included), allowing you the to try some of the areas finest cuisine at an exceptional price. Plus, a portion of every meal's bill will benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities^® of Central Florida. So you enjoy good food and do a good deed at the same time -- total win.

This year, more than 60 restaurants are participating, including a few of my personal favorites. Here are sample menus from my top three recommendations, at least in the theme park areas:

Napa at the Peabody Orlando (International Drive area)

Appetizers:

Bibb Lettuce Salad (Toasted coconut, candied hazelnuts, kumquats, roasted spiced pineapple vinaigrette) Fall Squash Bisque (served with toasted sage marshmallow)

Entrèes:

Grilled Beef Filet (with brussel sprouts & smoked bacon risotto, huckleberry demiglace)

Cioppino Stew (mussels, calamari, lump crab, rock shrimp, mahi mahi, fennel, leeks, spicy tomato broth, paprika rouille)

Forest Mushroom & Roasted Shallot Lasagne (vegetarian: spicy tarragon tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella)

Desserts:

Warm Apple Crumb Cake (with candied walnuts & vanilla cream)
Nutty Brownie (dark chocolate mousse cake with cocoa nib tuille & Bailey's anglaise)

Todd English's bluezoo at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel (Walt Disney World area)

Appetizers:

Beet Salad (walnut vinaigrette, goat cheese fondue, beets) New England Style Clam Chowder (with salt cured bacon & house oyster crackers)

Entrèes:

Simply Fish (market selection subject to change, served with silky potato, hearts of palm & warm crab dijon vinaigrette)
Char Grilled Chicken (with pomme fondant potato, garlic spinach, celery root & chicken jus)
House Garganelli (with rock shrimp, parmesan cream & charred broccolini)

Desserts

Warm Chocolate Raspberry Molten Cake (chocolate cream pudding with raspberry sauce & raspberry ice cream)
Lemon Meringue Pavlova (with lemon curd, cassis agar, crumble, vanilla lemon peel ice cream & mini lemon macaroons)

Dragonfly Robata Grill and Sushi Lounge (Restaurant Row area)

Appetizers:

Heirloom Tomato Salad (seasonal tomatoes, cucumber, garlic confit & pickled lotus root, tossed with shallots & miso-yuzu vinaigrette) Local Watercress Salad (with crispy pancetta, bonito flakes, shaved parmesan & wasabi ranch)Katsuobishi Miso Soup (with littleneck clams, shiitake mushrooms, wakame & scallions)

Entrèes

Braised Short Ribs (served with pickled carrots, shiitake mushrooms & tamago over shemiji mushroom risotto) Robata Grilled Chicken Skewers (tare glazed and served with vegetable yaki soba noodles) Miso Yaki Black Cod (serve with lump crab fried rice & asparagus)
Magical Dining Sushi Combination (Chef’s Choice roll & 5-piece nigiri sushi)

Desserts

Seasonal Ice Cream (housemade Chef seasonal flavors)
Seasonal Sorbet (housemade Chef seasonal flavors)
Japanese Donuts (miso butterscotch, red bean ice cream & dark chocolate walnuts)

You can see a complete list of all participating restaurants and their menus on the Magical Dining website. Make reservations early, especially for weekends.

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Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Want to experience Orlando tastes and treats? There's a great Living Social deal for you

Dawn Nikithser April 10, 2013 0

Not everyone realizes it, because not everyone ventures past the theme parks, but Orlando is a serious foodie place. Living Social is now offering a great deal to discover that for yourself, with 50% off Orlando food tours through Food Fun Adventure®.

This excellent deal gives you a choice of four different food excursions, all at 50% off the regular price:

Bites & Sights ($19/person, normally $39) features 10 bites and sips plus a bonus dessert (plenty enough for lunch) at local, non-chain eateries during a 3- to 3.5-hour daytime walking tour.
Food & Wine ($39/person, normally $79) features five gourmet food tastings with beverage pairings at privately-owned, upscale restaurants over 2 to 3 hours. This evening tour is for the 21-and-up foodies.
Foodie ($34/person, normally $69) showcases culinary gems in a 2- to 3-hour walking tour best suited for adults and adventurous mini-foodies (8 years old and up). Sample popular regional specialties at four to five restaurants, with cocktails and other beverages available for purchase (water is complimentary).
Around the World ($69/person, normally $139) is the best way to experience Orlando's global cuisines, from culinary traditions such as Moroccan, Italian, and French. You will taste five to six courses, each at a different four- or five-star restaurant. Cocktails and wine will be served to 21-and-up guests at select stops during an evening walking tour.

Every tour also includes an Adventures card, good for discounts and specials at local businesses in Orlando, plus loads of exclusive discounts for more Food Fun Adventure tours and classes. Only FOUR DAY REMAIN to get this GREAT deal. Do it. Find your new favorites.

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Friday, November 09, 2012

Enjoy Fall's Bounty: Winter Park Harvest Festival

Dawn Nikithser November 09, 2012 0

Meet local farmers, eat local foods, learn how to cook and eat locally, meet cookbook authors, and celebrate the Florida farm at the Winter Park Harvest Festival. This annual event is sponsored by Chipotle, Florida Hospital, Orlando Weekly, and edible Orlando, with the cooperation and parnership of Slow Food Orlando (surf on over here for GREAT local slow food dinners!) and Our Whole Community. There is a lot to eat, a lot to learn, and plenty of vendors. Plus there are activities for kids, making this a delicious way to have a family day.

Check out the list from the official site:

GROW: A mobile community garden with 100+ raised-bed garden boxes grown
by area schools, churches, families and organizations.
LEARN: Seminars, workshops and roundtables focused on our local food
system. With Cooking demonstrations, Organic Gardening sessions, Meet the
Farmers and much more.
TASTE: From food trucks to farm-fresh food purveyors, popsicles to seasonal salads, there is something to entice every palate. Come get a taste of the harvest!
LISTEN: Acoustic music from some of our area’s best bluegrass, traditional and
folk musicians.
PLAY: Youth focussed sessions, games, hands-on and “do-it-yourself” gardening and crafts activities.

Plus it's FREE! You just have to pay for the delicious things you end up wanting to buy. This is a great autumn day, well worth the 30ish minute drive from the resort area to lovely Winter Park. Don't miss it.

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Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Disney Parks Blog shows off delicious holiday spirit, plus an easter egg surprise

Dawn Nikithser September 25, 2012 0

If you can't get to Walt Disney World for the holidays, there's a book to make staying home a little more magically appetizing -- Delicious Disney Holidays, the latest in a series of cookbooks.

The 20 different recipes cover the year's biggest holidays, from New Year's flatbread to a sweet Yule log. Chefs from park restaurants consulted on and created the recipes, including how to adapt them for the home kitchen.But don't let the calendar limit you -- everything is guaranteed to be delicious no matter what day it is.

The folks at the official Disney Parks blog have posted a sample recipe -- Sweet Potato Pancales with Honey-Pecan Butter, a specialty from The Wave of American Flavors restaurant at the Contemporary Resort. The cookbook suggests it for Mother's Day. I suggest it for tomorrow. Or the next day. Soon, though -- trust me.

When you head over to the blog, though, pay particular attention to the banner photo at the top of the page. It's a special little surprise for the upcoming Halloween season. Hit refresh a few times and you'll see what I mean. Here's a little preview hint -- enjoy!

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Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Meet, Greet, Eat, all for a great cause: Books and Cooks event

Dawn Nikithser September 19, 2012 0

I love books. I also love food. So when a chance comes along to combine both and help out a fantastic cause, I am in! And you should be too.

On October 25, 2012, support the Winter Park Public Library by attending the amazing Books and Cooks event. This discussion group and tasting features some amazing celebrity chefs (both local and national), plus terrific food and drinks from area favorites. Join Norman Van Aiken of Norman's at the Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes, James and Julie Patrekis of The Ravenous Pig and the new Cask & Larder, Food Network star Emily Ellyn, among others.

The event will feature a discussion led by novelist Bob Norris; delicious diversions will be served along with the foodie talk, including craft beers from Cask & Larder, and then a wander to snack on favorites from Orlando food trucks. After, there will be a party at The Ravenous Pig, where foodies will congregate with the featured speakers for more tastes and talk well into the night.

Tickets benefit the Winter Park Public LIbrary. You can choose from just the talk at $10 ($25 more gets you reserved seating) or spring for the talk plus the after-party for $75 (again, add $25 for reserved seating). Purchase by calling the library at 407-623-3277 or go the official ticketing site.

Here's the full list of authors and chefs; books will be made available for purchase at the event.

Chef Norman Van Aiken: My Key West Kitchen

Chefs James and Julie Petrakis: The Ravenous Pig

Heather McPherson: Field to Feast

Eileen Daspin: The Manhattan Diet

Emily Ellyn

Bob Norris (moderator): Check Six and Fly Off

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Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Too many Magical Dining Choices? A picture might help...

Dawn Nikithser September 12, 2012 0

Every September, Orlando foodies run to hit as many restaurants as they can during Magical Dining Month -- three courses for $30 at more than 70 area restaurants, including such notable names as Napa at the Peabody, Todd English's Bluezoo, The Boheme, Dragonfly Robata Grill, and long-time Orlando fave La Coq au Vin.

With so many choices, reading the menus can be overwhelming. So VisitOrlando has created a new Pinterest board to help, and also to whet your appetite even more. Look at this flawless souffle, for example -- a La Coq au Vin specialty:

New pics and pins have been going up every day, so keep an eye on the board for more mouth-watering options. Many of them are in the theme park areas (including Lake Buena Vista and Citywalk), which makes it easy for visitors, and the downtown choices are local legands. Make as many reservations as you can, eat delicious food, and then come back to tell us about your choices!

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Thursday, August 23, 2012

October offers more than tricks -- how about some delicious treats?

Dawn Nikithser August 23, 2012 0

Don't you just love his leiderhousen? That's the mascot for the fourth annual Boktoberfest, a food, fun, and frosty beverage festival at Bok Tower Gardens in beautiful Lake Mary, Florida.

The celebration includes free admission to the gardens, a national historic landmark located only 40 miles from the Walt Disney World area (and well worth the drive), plus a Biergarten serving craft and seasonal beers, live entertainment, German food, tree climbing, face painting, pumpkin painting, prize drawings and more.

The grounds feature a nature preserve, an astonishing subtropical garden retreat (home to more than 100 species of native birds), the historic Pinewood Estate (tours available for additional fee), and the incredible Singing Tower -- a 250-foot tall, neo-Gothic and art deco styled, 60-bell carillon, with daily concerts at 1 and 3 p.m. daily.

Bok Tower Gardens is truly a unique destination, and the Boktoberfest adds a healthy dose of festival fun to the normally serene atmosphere. It's a perfect break from the Halloween theme park madness. Sign up at the website for more information, including full event details (not yet announced). And if I see you there, let's raise a mug together!

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Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Thinking of hitting Olde Town? New map and new shops await!

Dawn Nikithser August 14, 2012 0

Olde Town Kissimmee is a great place to spend some time. This theme park features food, shopping, and rides, all of it more reminiscent of childhood carnivals than super high-tech thrills and simulators (though there are definitely thrills to be had). Go-Karts, Lasar Tag, Bumper Cars, and a Zipline are there, plus there are classic car "cruises" where local autophiles can show off their fins and rims. Food and drink options range from classic snacks to cocktail bars, and the shopping truly has something for everyone -- where else can you buy rock and mineral samples, pet treats, light-up tshirts, hot sauce, puppets, and get your hair done, all in one afternoon?

The Visit Kissimmee pinterest page recently pinned the new map, which includes the latest additions for food and shopping. Check it out and plan your visit:

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Monday, August 13, 2012

Fantasyland not enough for you? WDW announces France refurb!

Dawn Nikithser August 13, 2012 0

This isn't the massive reconstruction that Fantasyland has undergone, but guests visiting EPCOT's World Showcase in December will find a new culinary joie de vivre in France, when Bistro de Paris debuts a new name and a fresh new menu.

An interview with Jerome Bocuse, son of legendary French chef Paul Bocuse, on the official Walt Disney World Parks Blog explains that the changes are aiming for haute cuisine in a less formal, more fun atmosphere. Gone will be the tuxedo'd servers; new costumes will take down the stuffiness a bit, hopefully encouraging more park visitors to try the new menu.

"Our guests want to experiene true French cuisine," Bocuse says. "We want to offer a taste of the true cuisine of France – classical, but with an approachable, affordable twist."

The changes will only affect the Bistro. Les Chefs de France, downstairs, will remain the same classic brasserie menu and style.

In addition to the new bistro, there will be a brand-new bakery. Construction has already begun near the theater exit area. Boulangerie Patisserie's menu will expand to include sandwiches and salads, and there will be seating for up to 90 in the bakery itself. The new bakery will also have a bread oven, which will supply bread for all three France restaurants via a "show bakery" for guests to enjoy.

The old pastry shop will beome Glacier, a new ice cream parlor.

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Thursday, August 09, 2012

Looking for a lovely hidden gem on International Drive? Got one!

Dawn Nikithser August 09, 2012 0

It's not that there isn't a wealth of restaurants to choose from on International Drive. You can certainly find it all there, from fast food to high-end (that latter bit thanks largely to the Pointe Orlando upscale shopping and dining center). But the real trick is finding the places that even the locals will go to -- and let me tell you, there are few things Orlando locals hate more than driving on I-Drive. One of those things is Ciao Italia.

The Ciao Italia family, photo courtesy www.ciaoitaliaonline.com

The intimate, family-owned and run, authentic restaurant has been awarded a number of honors, including a Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence, a consistent Zagat rating of Very Good to Excellent, AAA recognition, and high praise from both food critics. Orlando magazine called it "a shocker, a revelation, an amazing secret." My family - including my picky, Sicilian-born grandfather - have known the secret for twenty years. They may kill me for telling you. So, uh, you're welcome.

The menu at Ciao Italia features standard Italian favorites (all delicious) alongside more adventurous (and also delicious) fare like wild boar, sautéed (never fried) calamari, and homemade giardiniera (Italian pickled veggies). Nearly everything is house-made, including the meat in the sausages. This is the place to feast on carbs -- the pasta is flawless and the bread is fluffy and warm and crusty on the outside. Save room for dessert, even if you have to share. Their tiramisu is almost as good as my grandmother's.

Ciao Italia offers seasonal menus as well. Currently, their summer menu features an absolute steal with an early prix fixe menu of three courses for $29, served from 5 pm to 7pm daily. And if that wasn't temptation enough, you can often grab certificates for super savings (50% off, anyone) at Restaurant.com. Seriously? Mangia. As soon as you can. (Oh and please do tell them Dawn and Jamie sent you!)

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Tuesday, October 25, 2011

A great deal for a great cause -- 15% off Champagne Brunch

Dawn Nikithser October 25, 2011 0

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the Hyatt Grand Cypress has a great way for you to support the cause while enjoying some amazing food. Simply wear pink on Sunday, October 30th, and you will receive 15% off at the La Coquina Champagne Brunch.

This is a fantastic deal. La Coquina's brunch is truly incredible. For one thing, it's massive, covering several rooms of the restaurant. The set-up is like a stylized kitchen, including very open prep and cooking stations where you can watch chefs cooking your entrees, and you can wander and graze as much as you like. The brunch features fresh fruit, fresh seafood (including a raw bar), pastries, a caviar station, cheese and antipasti, pasta, tapas, meats (including seasonal game -- a must-try), and so much more. View a sample menu; remember selections change on a regular basis, based on availability and season.

Don't miss this deal. Support an important cause and enjoy possibly the best brunch in Central Florida, and a contender for one of the best brunches on the east coast. Reservations are strongly recommended; book now and don't miss out.

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Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Wednesday, January 08, 2014

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Tuesday, November 05, 2013

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Friday, July 19, 2013

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Friday, November 09, 2012

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Monday, August 13, 2012

Thursday, August 09, 2012

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

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