Category: Orlando

UPDATE: Visit Orlando Magical Dining has been extended until October 31st!!!!

I am really excited to share that Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining starts next week with an absolutely amazing charity!

If you aren’t familiar with it, Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining offer diners to experience fine dining in Orlando at a great value with a $35 three-course, prix-fixe menu supporting local businesses and helping to feed others in need.

This year Magical Dining will run August 28 through October 4 with new additions that encourage dining with confidence.

Participating restaurants are going above and beyond with new safety measures; new takeout and delivery meal options for in-home dining; and the website now designates venues that also offer open-air and outdoor dining.

The OrlandoMagicalDining.com website is now live for diners to review menus of participating restaurants, make reservations, and see options for outdoor seating, takeout, and delivery.

“Visit Orlando originally started this program 15 years ago to support local restaurants during the off-season, and this year is literally the most significant and longest off-season these businesses have ever faced,” said George Aguel, president and CEO of Visit Orlando. “Supporting this program is a positive benefit for all – residents get to enjoy fine dining at a value, local businesses can put employees to work, and Central Florida residents in need will receive meals through this year’s charity recipient, Feed the Need.”

Recognizing the significant impact of the pandemic on the local economy, this year’s charity provides food for local residents in need. The beneficiary, Feed the Need Florida, is feeding those who are struggling to access food during the COVID-19 crisis.

Since the program launched in late March, over 1 million meals have been served, and funds raised through Magical Dining will help feed thousands more. The effort is led by Orlando nonprofit 4Roots, plus public and private partners, to support Florida farmers, preserve and create jobs, and prepare nutritious meals to be served throughout Central Florida.

“We are honored to be a beneficiary of this year’s Magical Dining program,” said John Rivers, Founder & CEO, 4Roots & 4 Rivers Restaurants. “Although the COVID-19 crisis has shined a light on our efforts to feed those in need, the beautiful families and children we’re feeding today were hungry before COVID-19, and they’ll be hungry after COVID-19. We pray that others will join us in this cause, come beside us, and help make it happen.”

Due to limited seating capacity at participating restaurants, diners are strongly encouraged to make reservations in advance to ensure securing their preferred dates and times.

Foodies are encouraged to check the website for new additions.

If you are comfortable eating out, the 38 days, which includes six weekends, of Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining allows you to support local restaurants and our community.

Krispy Kreme will celebrate its 83^rd birthday by giving fans the hottest, freshest deal of year on Friday, July 17: one FREE Original Glazed dozen with the purchase of any dozen AND extended Hot Light hours.

“After 83 years, we’re still hot … and fresh … and delicious,” said Chief Marketing Officer Dave Skena. “On our birthday, Krispy Kreme fans get the gifts. This year we’re giving away a FREE Original Glazed dozen with purchase of any dozen, and running the Hot Light day and night because we sure need something sweet to happen in 2020.”

On Friday, July 17, all Krispy Kreme shops throughout Central Florida will provide one free Original Glazed dozen with the purchase of any dozen while lighting the iconic Hot Light earlier and keeping it on later.

• Krispy Kreme Winter Park (24 Hours) 
• Krispy Kreme Millenia (24 Hours)
• Krispy Kreme Kissimmee – East (24 Hours)
• Krispy Kreme Kissimmee – West (24 Hours)
• Krispy Kreme Melbourne (24 Hours)
• Krispy Kreme Daytona Beach (24 Hours)

Guests can enjoy doughnuts dining in at certain shops as Krispy Kreme continues to put the well-being of guests and team members first by complying with government and health-related safety guidelines. 

Doughnuts also are available via takeout in the lobby, through the drive‑thru, or by ordering online or through the official app for pick-up.

Share how you’re celebrating their hottest birthday ever with a FREE dozen by using #KrispyKremeORL and tagging @krispykremeORL on local Twitter and Instagram channels.

For more information regarding the one‑day-only birthday offer and extended Hot Light hours, please visit krispykreme.com/promos/birthday.

Get out your calendar, because Ole Red Orlando will open at ICON Park on International Drive on June 19.

The 17,289-square-foot venue includes two levels with state-of-the-art acoustics and lighting for a concert-quality music experience, as well as indoor and outdoor private event areas and three bars. The venue features a large stage and concert-level production and sound capabilities, along with a video wall and additional LED screens.

Programming will include curated concert line-ups, showcases for up-and-coming talent, and live music throughout the week.

A made-from-scratch, Shelton-inspired menu will feature Ole Red signature items, specialty cocktails, an extensive selection of beer and wine, and Orlando-only specialties.

With its scheduled open date of April 14 delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the restaurant will open with strict adherence to CDC and local health department safety guidelines.

The venue will operate with physical distancing by positioning tables at least six feet apart. Every guest in the restaurant will have a seat at a table, and only groups of six or less will be seated together. There will be no standing in the restaurant, and dance floors will be closed to ensure physical distancing. Food and drink menus, plates, silverware, and condiments will be single-use and disposable.

Staff will be required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and receive temperature checks before shifts. Cleaning protocols and precautions have been elevated above the recommended requirements with proactive sanitary and disinfectant measures. The bathrooms have been renovated with hands-free soap, paper towels, and faucets. Hand sanitizer stations throughout the building will be available for guests to use as needed.

For more information on the opening, visit www.olered.com/orlando.

First responders and healthcare workers to receive free meals from local food chains

ICON Park has launched a meal donation program to benefit the heroes keeping the Central Florida community safe during this unprecedented time while simultaneously supporting local hospitality workers. 

ICON Park will be collecting donations via a GoFundMe campaign to provide delicious meals to the first responders and healthcare employees working tirelessly throughout this pandemic.

Local hospitality workers at the ICON Park Yard House, Outback Steakhouse and Carrabba’s Italian Grill will use 100 percent of the donations collected to deliver meals to the Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital, Orange County Fire Department Station 57 and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Sector 5 Substation.

Donating a delicious meal to local heroes has never been easier. Those interested in providing a meal can do so by visiting https://www.gofundme.com/f/iconparkorlando-firstresponders.

“ICON Park and our tenant partners are always looking for ways to add light to our community,” said Chris Jaskiewicz, ICON Park CEO and president. “We’re proud to honor our first responders and healthcare employees while supporting local hospitality workers by establishing a convenient way for caring residents to donate meals.”

While The Wheel is social distancing like the rest of us, every night, you can see it wearing its resplendent red, white and blue in support of the men and women on the front lines of this critical moment.

To our first responders and healthcare workers, look to The Wheel glowing in the night and know that you are seen, your sacrifices are seen, your families are seen, and they are appreciated by all who call Orlando home. You are the best in our city and our nation.

To learn more about ICON Park visit: https://iconparkorlando.com.