Category: Orlando

Disclosure: I was invited to Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen to try these items, however all opinions are 100% my own. I am genuinely a GIGANTIC fan of Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, firmly believe their chicken tenders are heaven sent, and will fight you for the last onion ring…so with that being said let’s get going!

A Visit to Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen

It was probably a year ago that I discovered Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen (when I say ‘discovered’ I really mean I was finally braved the line out the door), and since then it has become my go-to restaurant when I am ‘On the Go’ since their menu has a wide variety of items.

If you haven’t been to a Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, what makes them so special is that they really live up to their name! Their menu features made-from-scratch dishes like house smoked baby back ribs, hand-battered country fried chicken, scratch burgers, croissants, and their AMAZING homemade onion rings that are stacked to the ceiling.

While the menu features some fan favorites like their chicken tenders (they serve over 30 million a year), Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen is always adding new items to their lineup.

Let’s take a peek at some of my favorite and new favorite menu items!

But what makes Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen even better is their prices! They have twenty entrees that are under $10, and let me tell you NONE of them are small! You definitely won’t leave hungry!

There are over 150 Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen locations across the country, and you can find your nearest one here.

Holiday Gift Card Offer for Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen:

This holiday season, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen is offering a free Sandwich or Scratch Burger served with one side – such as Cheddar’s hand-battered Monte Cristo sandwich or hand-smashed Smokehouse Burger – when guests purchase $30 or more in gift cards online or in-restaurant from December 17 through 24.

If you can’t tell I’m a Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen fangirl, and you will be too when you give it a try!

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While the Thanksgiving holiday is all about spending time at home, there is a certain freedom that comes with taking the holiday ‘off’ from the kitchen and starting a new tradition with your family & friends.

One way to you can do this is by joining The Alfond Inn at Rollins, in Winter Park, at their table for their popular Thanksgiving Buffet on Thursday, November 23rd, 2017.

Depending on your family’s preference, you can choose from two seatings at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

The cost to attend The Alfond Inn’s Chef Inspired Thanksgiving Buffet is $69 adults, $29 children ages 5 – 12, and children ages 4 and under are free. And you will also enjoy complimentary valet parking during your dining experience.

Featured items on The Alfond Inn Thanksgiving buffet are:

Beginnings

• Traditional Wedge Salad
• Garden Greens with Seasonal Toppings
• Baby Spinach, Eggs, Bacon, Mushrooms, Red Onions, Cherry Tomatoes
• Fresh Fruit Display
• International Cheese Display
• Pumpkin-Cranberry Quinoa Salad
• Garden Beets and Roquefort
• Assorted Muffins and Freshly Baked Breads, Flavored Butters and Oil
• Cream of Wild Mushroom Soup, Porcini Croutons

Side Notes

• Classic Stuffing
• Whipped Potatoes and Gravy
• Candied Sweet Potatoes
• Truffle Fingerling Potatoes, Roasted Garlic Aioli
• Green Bean Casserole, Crispy Onions
• Roasted Brussel Sprouts

Mains

• Whole Carved Turkey, Cranberry Relish and Giblet Gravy
• Carved Ham, Rum-Raisin Glaze
• Braised Wagyu Beef Short Ribs
• Southern Shrimp and Grits
• Faroe Island Salmon, Sage Brown Butter

Sweets

• Classic Pumpkin Pie
• Southern Pecan Pie
• Apple Cobbler
• Vanilla Ice Cream
• Chocolate Truffles

You will absolutely want to make reservations in advance online at www.eventbrite.com.  And you can find even more details about the Thanksgiving Buffet by visiting www.TheAlfondInn.comFollow us for more updates:

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts is bringing back its popular fall treat, the Pumpkin Spice Original Glazed doughnut, for a limited time in October, answering customers’ calls for more opportunities to enjoy this delicious fall indulgence.

On Friday, October 13 and 20, the Pumpkin Spice Original Glazed doughnut will be available only after 6 p.m. for “Friday Night Spice.”

On Thursday, October 26, customers can enjoy the Pumpkin Spice Original Glazed doughnut all day in celebration of National Pumpkin Day at participating Krispy Kreme shops across Central Florida:

Krispy Kreme Daytona Beach – Open 24 Hours

980 W International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32114 

Krispy Kreme Winter Park – Drive thru Open 24 Hours

1031 S. Orlando Avenue (17-92), Winter Park, FL  32789

Krispy Kreme Millenia – Open 24 Hours

4080 Millenia Blvd., Orlando, FL 32939

Krispy Kreme Kissimmee – Open 24 Hours

5310 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway

(192 / Mile Marker 11.5), Kissimmee, FL  34746

“Guests were so enthusiastic about the Pumpkin Spice Original Glazed doughnut when we first brought it back for one day last month. But their enthusiasm on social media and at our shops has only intensified since then, so we’re pleased to bring it back – again,” said Jenny Bellanca, vice president of operations for Florida Family Foods LLC, an authorized franchisee of Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation.

The Pumpkin Spice Original Glazed doughnut is the same Original Glazed doughnut that Krispy Kreme customers know and love, but with a hint of cinnamon and pumpkin spice flavor, transforming the classic into the perfect fall treat.Follow us for more updates:

“It’s the first time we’re hosting this event,” says William Hodges, Tin Roof’s regional manager. “We want to provide locals and tourists an incredible opportunity to enjoy a fall afternoon under the Orlando Eye with music, food and drinks.” There is no cover charge. You only pay for what you want to eat or drink; however, you must be 21 to purchase alcohol. The action starts at noonon Sunday, October 1. Parking is always free inside the I-Drive 360 parking garage. “We’re going to have things inside and outside on the plaza at I-Drive 360,” says Hodges. “We hope to get locals excited and coming back to the area with events like this.”

Taking the stage for live performances will be: Beemo, Acoustic/Alternative Audio Exchange, 70’s to current Top 40, Rock, R&B and Country Alpine Express, authentic German music Oktoberfest is rooted in German history. It began as a wedding celebration, which has now become a popular way to highlight German food, music and of course BEER! About Tin Roof Orlando Headquartered in Nashville, the first Tin Roof opened in 2002 near Nashville’s famous Music Row. It quickly became a favorite for both performers and music fans. The parent company, Tin Roof Acquisitions, expanded the concept to other cities. Orlando is one of the company’s locations. Tin Roof is located at 8371 International Drive (I-Drive 360). For more information, please visit www.tinroofbars.com/Home/Orlando.

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Partake in sweet celebration of National Chocolate Day this September 13, 2017 at a one-of-a-kind Dessert Party at Capa restaurant at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort. Executive Pastry Chef Rabii Saber has prepared a delicious assortment of desserts, and will showcase his award-winning “Curtain Rise” chocolate cake. In addition, the Resort will welcome Master Sommelier George Miliotes for this special event, who will present dessert wines and specialty drinks to accompany the sweet smorgasbord.

Saber is truly a dessert genius, and due to his talents, he was invited to participate in the Coupe du Monde de la Patisserie – often referred to as a “Pastry Olympics” – in Lyon, France in January 2017, where Team USA took home 4th place overall. One dessert, a stunning chocolate cake called the “Curtain Rise” took home the highest honour in the chocolate category. The special cake features several layers: a thin, crispy layer of chocolate with pieces of caramelised hazelnut; two layers of chocolate sponge cake; a delicate layer of Caraibe chocolate cremeux; and a layer of coffee bean crème brulee. The entire cake is wrapped with a thin chocolate glaze.

“I consider chocolate art one of my strengths, and I am pleased that the cake won for this portion of the event,” sayes Saber. “I’m excited to unveil it to the local Orlando community for National Chocolate Day.”

In addition to the Curtain Rise cake, guests will experience confections including:

• Hazelnut and chocolate kisses
• Peanut butter and jelly choux pastry
• Chocolate olive oil tartlet
• 5-spice blueberry cheesecake
• Passion fruit baba cake
• Matcha and black sesame lollipop

Miliotes, one of only 236 worldwide industry professionals certified by the Court of Master Sommeliers, is opening Wine Bar George at Disney Springs.  Wine Bar George will be the only Master Sommelier-led wine bar in the Sunshine State. The menu will feature a range of varietals, vintages and prices, and a large selection of wines by the glass.

“I’m thrilled to share my enthusiasm and passion for wine with each and every guest, and look forward to a fun dessert event at Capa,” notes Miliotes, who is sourcing wines not typically offered at Capa for this exclusive event.

Space is limited as this event will be held in one of the private dining rooms at Capa.  Tickets are USD 55 per person and must be purchased online.  The September 13 event will begin at 8:00 pm and conclude at 10:00 pm.Follow us for more updates:

The Solar Eclipse is a week away, and Krispy Kreme will be doing something they have never done before!

For a limited time their Original Glazed Doughnuts will be eclipsed by a mouth‑watering chocolate glaze to coincide with the solar eclipse at all shops in Central Florida.

Guests also can get an early taste of this limited-time doughnut during evening Hot Light hours Saturday and Sunday, August 19 and 20, at the following locations:

Krispy Kreme Winter Park – Drive thru Open 24 hours
1031 S. Orlando Avenue (17-92), Winter Park, FL 32789

Krispy Kreme Millenia – Open 24 hours
4080 Millenia Blvd., Orlando, FL 32939

Krispy Kreme Kissimmee – Open 24 hours
5310 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, (192 / Mile Marker 11.5), Kissimmee, FL 34746

Krispy Kreme Daytona Beach – Open 24 Hours
980 W International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32114

Krispy Kreme Melbourne – Drive thru Open 24 Hours
2040 N Wickham Rd, Melbourne, FL 32935

“The solar eclipse is a rare occasion providing a total sensory experience for viewers across the continental U.S. Chocolate will have the same effect as we introduce a first-time chocolate glazing of our iconic Original Glazed Doughnut,” said Jenny Bellanca, vice president of operations for Florida Family Foods LLC, an authorized franchisee of Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation. “The Chocolate Glazed Doughnut is a delicious way to experience the solar eclipse – no matter where you are – and we can’t wait for fans to try it.”

The Solar Eclipse Glazed Doughnut features the classic Original Glazed Doughnut, smothered in a rich chocolate glaze. Guests who visit participating Krispy Kreme shops can see the chocolate glaze waterfall as the doughnuts are prepared, smell the aroma of chocolate wafting through the shop and taste the familiar Original Glazed Doughnut smothered in a new delicious chocolate.

Be one of the first to try the tastiest eclipse in history. Find a Krispy Kreme shop near you and find out when the Hot Light is on by going to www.krispykreme.com/Eclipse.Follow us for more updates:

Tantalize the senses at Christner’s Prime Steak & Lobster for a legendary experience to feature only the finest USDA Prime steaks, artfully paired by Christner’s very own sommelier, Dan Colgan, this summer with an all-new special Wine and Dine four-course menu.

The four-course wine-paired dinner menu, available Thursday and Friday evening, includes rare wine selections, not available in retail locations. Each course is thoughtfully selected and expertly prepared with the distinguished palate in mind. 

Grouper Bites

Galerie, Naissance, Napa (2014) Sauvignon Blanc

Classic Caesar Salad

Filet Mignon

Neyers, Neyers Ranch, Conn Valley, Napa (2011) Merlot

Crème Brûlée

Pacific Rim, Vin de Glaciere, Selenium Vineyard, Columbia Valley (2012) Riesling

This four-course menu costs $87 per person (6 oz. Filet), $94 per person (8 oz. Filet), $103 (12 oz.) plus tax and gratuity

No substitutions or sharing, please. Reservations encouraged. Menu subject to change.

This special menu is available only on Thursday and Friday evenings with a new prix fixe menu to debut in August. 

About Christner’s Prime Steak & Lobster

Christner’s Prime Steak & Lobster, located at 729 Lee Road, has been a favorite of the Orlando, Fla. community for more than two decades. Designed to reflect the Christner family’s rich history of exceptional quality and meticulous service, the award-winning menu features only the finest USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood and outstanding wine and spirits. Boasting two unique lounges, nine private dining rooms and an intimate main dining room, guests enjoy an elegant fine dining experience complemented by celebrated live entertainment. A popular venue for holiday parties, wedding receptions, business meetings, birthday celebrations and special occasions, Christner’s Prime Steak & Lobster accepts reservations online or 407.645.4443.Follow us for more updates:

Hold me…Krispy Kreme Doughnuts and Ghirardelli are combining the indulgence of premium Ghirardelli chocolate with the deliciously satisfying taste of Krispy Kreme doughnuts. The result is the ultimate OMG moment – “OMGhirardelli,” that is.

“Uniting premium chocolate enthusiasts and our beloved doughnut fans, these doughnuts offer an OMG-worthy reward any time of day. Whether you’re celebrating life’s everyday moments or in search of a delightful afternoon indulgence,” said Jenny Bellanca, vice president of operations for Florida Family Foods LLC, an authorized franchisee of Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation.

Designed to deliver a treat experience unlike any other, these limited-time doughnuts mean guests no longer have to choose between sweet or salty, chocolate or pastry.

For the savory-sweet eater, Krispy Kreme’s new Sea Salt Caramel Doughnut Made with Ghirardelli offers a crave-worthy flavor experience inspired by Ghirardelli Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel Squares. The doughnut is filled with salted caramel filling, dipped in decadent chocolate icing, drizzled with both the chocolate and caramel icings and topped with a blend of amber sugar, salt sprinkle, and Ghirardelli mini chocolate chips. Both the caramel filling and chocolate icing are made with premium Ghirardelli ingredients.

A cooler combination, Krispy Kreme’s Mint Chocolate Doughnut Made with Ghirardelli features a doughnut filled with White Mint Kreme™ filling inspired by Ghirardelli Chocolate Mint Squares, dipped in chocolate icing, decorated with green colored icing and topped with Ghirardelli mini chocolate chips dusted in powdered sugar. Again, the chocolate icing is made with premium Ghirardelli ingredients.

Krispy Kreme’s new Mint Chocolate and Sea Salt Caramel doughnuts inspired by Ghirardelli’s popular chocolate squares are available for a limited time only throughout Central Florida at the following locations:

Krispy Kreme Winter Park – Drive thru Open 24 hours

1031 S. Orlando Avenue (17-92), Winter Park, FL  32789

Krispy Kreme Millenia – Open 24 hours

4080 Millenia Blvd., Orlando, FL 32939

Krispy Kreme Kissimmee – Open 24 hours

5310 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, (192 / Mile Marker 11.5), Kissimmee, FL  34746

Krispy Kreme Daytona Beach – Open 24 Hours

980 W International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32114

Krispy Kreme Melbourne – Drive thru Open 24 Hours

2040 N Wickham Rd, Melbourne, FL 32935

You can go to www.krispykreme.com/ghirardelli to find a participating shop near you, and don’t forget to share your OMGhirardelli moments using #OhSoFancy and #KrispyKreme.Follow us for more updates:

The Krispy Kreme Doughnuts in the Central Florida area is getting ready for Valentine’s Day by debuting two heart-shaped doughnuts to make the big day even sweeter!

The Red Happy Heart Doughnut and Pink Happy Heart Doughnut are both heart-shaped and Kreme-filled. The Red Happy Heart Doughnut is finished off with red icing, a hand-decorated chocolate smile, and candy eyes. The Pink Happy Heart Doughnut features strawberry flavored icing, a cheeky chocolate smile and candy hearts and eyes.

The Sprinkled Heart Doughnut is dipped in white icing before being topped off with festive Valentine’s Day sprinkles.

The Red Happy Heart Doughnut, Pink Happy Heart Doughnut and the Sprinkled Heart Doughnut are available now through February 14th.

Can you imagine the look on your Valentine’s face if you showed up with a dozen of these super cute doughnuts???

Here is a list of all the Central Florida locations that are carrying these sweet treats!

Krispy Kreme Winter Park – Drive thru Open 24 hours

1031 S. Orlando Avenue (17-92), Winter Park, FL  32789

Krispy Kreme Millenia – Open 24 hours

4080 Millenia Blvd., Orlando, FL 32939

Krispy Kreme Kissimmee – Open 24 hours

5310 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, (192 / Mile Marker 11.5), Kissimmee, FL  34746

Krispy Kreme Daytona Beach – Open 24 Hours

980 W International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32114

Krispy Kreme Melbourne – Drive thru Open 24 Hours

2040 N Wickham Rd, Melbourne, FL 32935

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The Ninth Annual Downtown Food & Wine Fest is set for Saturday, February 25 and Sunday, February 26, 2017 for more than 30,000 foodies and wine lovers to experience unique local cuisine paired with wines from around the globe.

Located in the heart of downtown Orlando at Lake Eola on Robinson Street, the two-day Fest features mouth-watering dishes from 30 of Orlando’s premier restaurants, 50 domestic and international wines and live entertainment.  A portion of the proceeds benefit UCF Foundation, Inc. and Valencia Foundation.

Headline entertainers include Gavin DeGraw and KC and The Sunshine Band.

2017 Downtown Food & Wine Fest

Date / Time: 

Saturday, February 25 (noon to 9 p.m.) and Sunday, February 26, 2017 (noon to 7 p.m.)

Location: 

Located in the heart of downtown Orlando at Lake Eola along Robinson Street

Fest Admission: 

One-Day General Admission – Admission is $20 per person, per day with advance online purchase. Admission at the door is $25 per person, per day.

Two-Day General Admission – For all-weekend Fest fans, a two-day ticket is available for $35 per person with advance online purchase.

Wine Tasters Club – A limited number of Wine Tasters Club passes will be available for purchase for $20 per person at the Fest.  Club members will enjoy up to five 2 oz. pours of their choice throughout the Fest and a souvenir lanyard.

Ultimate Fest Experience – A limited number of Ultimate Fest Experience packages are available for $115 per person, per day and includes a VIP parking pass, general admission, Wine Tasters Club, $20 value in food and beverage tickets, access to the private stage-side VIP tent, private wine/beer bar with premium wines (food and beverage tickets required) and access to private bathrooms reserved for VIP guests.

Food & Beverage Tickets:

Food and beverage tickets are available at the Fest for $2 each; food and beverage offerings range from one to four tickets.

“One of my favorite things about Downtown Orlando is the variety of restaurants and event options,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “The Downtown Food & Wine Fest combines both by adding to the array of event options residents and visitors can attend, as well as, helping to enhance the vibrancy of the area all the while increasing awareness of our local businesses and strengthening economic growth in the area.”

Top restaurants are scheduled to present culinary tastings to complete in the Golden Fork Awards as honored by a panel of Orlando elected officials, food writers and reporters and celebrity chefs.

Stay Connected 

For more information on the Downtown Food & Wine Fest:

• Visit www.DowntownFoodAndWineFest.com
• Like Downtown Food & Wine Fest on Facebook
• Follow @DTFoodWineFest
• Use #DTFoodWineFest on Twitter and Instagram
• Call the events hotline at 407-919-1010
• eMail DTFoodWineFest@cbsradio.com

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 The “Happiest City on Earth” is about to get a whole lot happier!  Simon, a global leader in retail real estate, is thrilled to announce that Shake Shack will open its sixth location in the state at The Florida Mall in 2017.

Opening in Central Florida’s premier shopping destination, visitors will have the opportunity to take a break from shopping and grab a delicious ShackBurger® and local beer at the new, 3,500 square-foot restaurant located in The Florida Mall entrance next to Foot Locker.  For a quick snack or family dinner, each savory burger will satisfy all your food cravings!

Shake Shack is a critically acclaimed, modern day “roadside” burger stand known for its 100% all-natural Angus beef burgers and flat-top Vienna beef dogs (no added hormones and no antibiotics ever), 100% all-natural cage-free chicken (no antibiotics ever), spun-fresh frozen custard, crinkle cut fries, craft beer and wine and more. A fun and lively community gathering place with widespread appeal, Shake Shack has earned a cult-like following around the world.

“We are so excited that New York City’s favorite burger chain has chosen to open a new Orlando location at The Florida Mall,” said Brian Hanson, general manager.  “We continually look for opportunities to enhance our visitors’ experiences with a diverse mix of restaurants and retailers, and we are certain that Shake Shack will be an instant hit with our loyal shoppers.”

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