October 14, 2015 - On the Go in MCO

A Visit To The Four Seasons Resort Orlando’s Plancha

The Tranquilo Golf Club at Four Seasons Resort Orlando is a beautifully designed Tom Fazio course, that is also a certified Audubon Sanctuary, is home to a true gem…Plancha.

Plancha, open to the public daily 11am – 6pm, is an all-day dining restaurant featuring a Cuban-American Cuisine, Signature Cocktails, and wide variety of Cigars.

The Plancha dining room is intimate and filled with a laid-back elegance, that would be a perfect way to cap off an afternoon of golf or lunch with friends.

Plancha Four Seasons Resort Orlando Tranquilo Golf Course — Photo: Four Seasons Resort Orlando

Chef Pedro Sanchez and his team have created a vibrant, fresh, and authentic menu that brings a taste of Cuba to Orlando.

At Plancha, Sanchez combines his experience, love for food and natural cooking ability with recipes that he learned from his grandmother, who is originally from Cuba. “I grew up in Puerto Rico but we had Cuban restaurants on every street. Puerto Rican food and Cuban food are very similar, but Cuban food uses different spices,” he says. Dishes like the black bean soup and the mojo chicken, favourites on the menu at Plancha, are recipes that he learned from his mother. “My goal is to cook from the heart and serve dishes guests can make at home, but presented in an upscale and innovative way.”

We started with a few beverages from the full-service bar that offers signature cocktails, beer, and wine.

Hemingway Daquiri (Bacardi Rum | Lime | Grapefruit | Luxardo)

Lemon Basil Punch (Stoli Vodka | Lemon | Orange)

The Plancha menu has some really great appetizers that are perfectly portioned, light, and fresh. Any, or all, of these would be a great start to a meal.

Beef Empanadas (Mango & Jalapeño Jam)

Guacamole (Roasted Corn Relish | Naan Chips)

Tuna Ceviche (Avocado | Ginger & Coconut Dressing)

The Salads, Sandwiches, and Entrees were extremely flavorful and vibrant.

El Cubano (Roasted Pork | Black Forest Ham | Swiss | Mustard | Housemade Pickles)

Plancha Burger (Chorizo and Beef Patty | Maduros | White Cheddar | Lettuce | Heirloom Tomatoes)

NY Strip (Mamposteao Rice | Classic Chimichurri)

And what kind of person would I be if I didn’t try the desserts at Plancha? I would eat the Traditional Flan everyday if I could!

Piña | Coconut Helado | Passion Fruit

Guava Roll | Crema de Queso

Traditional Flan | Caña Sugar Caramel

Tres Leches | Dulce de Leche | Dulcey Pearls

I was really excited to be invited to this tasting luncheon at Plancha, and while it was my first visit it won’t be my last!

Baby Aardvark Born At Busch Gardens Tampa

Today’s moment of cuteness comes from Busch Gardens Tampa where they welcomed a new member of the their animal family.

A newborn aardvark at Busch Gardens Tampa is stealing the hearts of its caretakers, who are helping bottle feed the baby, which they characterize as unusual looking but adorable.

httpv://youtu.be/XUzCjQ7RlPs

The baby aardvark was born Sept. 18, 2015. It is healthy and is currently being cared for by its mother Izzy. While mother Izzy forages at night, the Busch Gardens animal care team bottle feeds the baby and monitors its health through routine check-ups.

This is Busch Gardens’ fifth successful aardvark birth and is part of the park’s participation in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan.

Newborn aardvarks are sometimes referred to as “ugly cute” with elongated noses, large floppy ears and hairless, wrinkly skin. After two weeks, the folds of skin disappear and, around three weeks, the ears will begin to stand upright.

The baby’s sex will be determined within the next few weeks, along with the team’s decision on a name.

The mother and baby are currently behind-the-scenes at Busch Gardens. The baby will be part of Busch Gardens’ animal ambassador program, helping to educate guests about this species and their counterparts in the wild.