Orlando Archives - On the Go in MCO

Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips Coming to ICON Park

I was beyond excited to share that Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips will be coming to Orlando’s ICON Park!!!

Slated to open at the popular I-Drive location on August 2021 opening, Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips ICON Park will seat more than 30 guests with indoor and counter seating, with additional outdoor patio seating that overlooks ICON Park’s observation wheel, picturesque fountains, and lawn.

“It was a real tradition for me growing up, so I’m excited to bring that nostalgia from my youth to Orlando, for all the residents that call the City Beautiful home and the millions of tourists that visit each year,” said Ramsay.

The fast-casual British-style eatery takes it to the next level with fresh, sustainable ingredients paired with hand-crafted shakes, fresh-squeezed lemonades and ice-cold domestic and import beers.

The star of the show is the fish & chips. Since Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips opened in Las Vegas in 2016, the restaurant has served over 750,000 fish & chips.

Made with sustainable True Cod and coated with custard powder batter for the perfect golden crisp, the fish continues to be a standout menu item.

The chips will be served “natural” with sea salt or “dirty” with truffle, parmesan and chives; chipotle, jalapeño and crisp chorizo; or bacon, cheddar cheese, green onions and sour cream.

Alternatives like marinated shrimp with basil and lavender or chicken and chips will also be available, along with some seasonal specials and secret menu items.

The restaurant’s color scheme is reflective of the Union Jack with blue and red with industrial hardware touches. White subway tiles line the sleek kitchen space while an iconic red telephone box serves as the restaurant’s entrance and exit.

The restaurant will create over 30 jobs and is currently hiring for all full-time and part-time positions. Interested applicants should email their resume to jobs@grna.com.

Coney Island Drive-Inn- Brooksville

Looking for a fun outing, we decide to head over to Coney Island Drive-Inn that has been in Brooksville, Florida since 1960 when they took over an old boat manufacturing building.

While the building has changed hands a few times over the years, the quality and vibe has remained the same.

Legend has it that in 1961, Elvis Presley was in Inverness, Florida, filming a movie and he ventured down to Brooksville for one of their world Famous Footlongs.

We have been here many times before, and some of these photos were pre-Covid to give you an idea of the inside, but they do have a walk up window if you didn’t want to go inside to eat or order.

I love the vibe inside the Coney Island Drive-Inn, because there are a lot of classic photos of not only Elvis (who ate here don’t forget!) but also so many old license plates and old photos.

I love all the Betty Boop items, too!

During my first visit a few years ago, I stared at everything for a long time, as there’s so much to look at!

I even love the furniture it feels like an old retro gas station vibe which sounds really odd but as you can see from the photos, it really works!

There are a few different rooms you can sit in too if eating inside, each with plenty of cool items to admire.

As for the food, they do have their famous footlong hot dogs, including gator dogs, Reuben dogs and “Hot Diggity Chix Wings”.

Below is a photo of their selection from their Facebook page, then a photo of what I, the awkward vegetarian at a hot dog place, orders, fried corn!

Image taken from the Coney Island Drive-Inn Facebook Page.

I can honestly say its the best fried corn I have ever had! Which is why I always come back, its so tasty as are their fries!

They also have free Elvis impersonator shows, and you can check their Facebook or Instagram for their upcoming calendar of events.

In 2015 they purchases an old turpentine building in Zephyrhills Florida as their second location, and just this year they opened their first licensed location in Crystal River, Florida.

Depending where you live, it is quite a drive out of the Orlando area, off the beaten track, but it is a really pretty drive over there and you can always visit downtown Brooksville for the local stores after and make a fun day out of it.

Coney Island Drive-Inn is located at 112 East Jefferson St, Brooksville, Florida 34601. Their hours are Monday & Sunday 11am till 6pm, Tuesday-Saturday 10am till 9pm.

2021 ICON Park Sip n’ Savor

The 3rd Annual Sip n’ Savor at ICON Park event, Presented by Truly Hard Seltzer, is taking place from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, January 30, is your chance to sample dishes from select ICON PARK restaurants.

Whether you’re a foodie aficionado, Instagram star or simply looking for a delectable bite, there will be something for you. Best of all, there’s no admission fee to this event.

Throughout the event, guests can enjoy entertainment on The Lawn, mouthwatering food samples of select tenants’ famous dishes, and cold beverages from The Lawn Bar. All guests who purchase food options at participating restaurant locations will receive a special discount to ride The Wheel for 50 percent off during event hours.

“The annual Sip n’ Savor event has been a favorite among locals and visitors for years,” said Chris Jaskiewicz, ICON Park president and CEO. “ICON Park is proud to show off our restaurant tenants at this special event for the third year in a row and we’re thankful to Truly® Hard Seltzer for partnering with us this year. From sweet to salty to savory, we know guests will be able to find dishes to satisfy any craving!”

ICON Park is home to a wide array of delicious and interactive dining options, so no matter who’s in your party, you’re sure to find options for everyone.

2021 Sip n’ Savor Restaurants Include:

Tapa Toro Spanish Restaurant
Blake Shelton’s Ole Red Restaurant
Tin Roof: A Live Music Joint
Outback Steakhouse
Sugar Factory

“ICON Park is open-air and gate free, making it the perfect place to get some fresh air and enjoy a scenic view. It’s easy to access from anywhere in Central Florida and there’s free on-site parking,” said Jaskiewicz. “Events like Sip n’ Savor are the perfect excuse to come out and explore the new Orlando Entertainment District.”

To learn more about ICON Park 2021 Sip n’ Savor, visithttps://iconparkorlando.com.

On the Go this Weekend: January 22-24, 2021

With temperatures warming up this weekend, I am sharing ways that you can be On the Go this weekend around the City Beautiful with some fun outdoor events!

On the Go this Weekend: January 22-24

Portillos Food Truck Visits Town

On the Go this weekend January 2021 Portillos Beef Bus — Make sure to follow @beefbusofficial on Instagram for updates!

Portillo’s is bringing their Chicago-style hot dogs, famous Italian beef sandwiches, char-grilled burgers, and homemade chocolate cake to Lake Buena Vista on March 2nd…But…

If you can’t wait that long, you can grab a friend and head to Lake Eola Park, 512 East Washington Street, Orlando, FL, 32801, this weekend (and through January 30th) to check out the Portillo’s Official Beef Bus’ menu, while supplies last!

January 22- Dinner 3 pm-8 pm
January 23- Dinner 3 pm-8 pm
January 24- Lunch 11 am-4 pm
January 27- Lunch 11 am-4 pm
January 28- Lunch 11 am- 4 pm
January 29-Dinner 3 pm-8 pm
January 30-Dinner 3 pm-8 pm

Dinosaurs have invaded the Leu Gardens

On the Go this weekend January 2021 Dinosaurs Leu Gardens

Dinosaurs have invaded the Leu Gardens once again, and you are invited to explore the Jurassic Gardens to find some of the most feared creatures on the planet.

This fun installation features over 20 life-size dinosaurs ranging in size from 14 inches to a massive 33 ft. Daspletosaurus, cousin to the T-Rex.

Admission to the Dinosaur Invasion exhibit is included with daytime garden admission which can be purchased at the Welcome Center:

$10 adult
$5 child (ages 4- 17 years)
Free admission for Leu Members and children 3 years of age and younger.

Dr. Phillips Frontyard Festival is Frozen

Dr Phillips Center Front Yard Festival - view

The Dr. Phillips Center’s Frontyard Festival – the six-month celebration of live, outdoor entertainment, and unique experiences in a socially distant environment – is continuing their Disney Movie Night Series with ‘Frozen’ this Sunday night at 6 pm.

Tickets for your own socially distant private box that seat up to 5 people are only $5 and $10, depending on location.

Don’t forget you can find even more events if you are On the Go in MCO and keep up with theme park news around Orlando by following @onthegoinmco on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube!

Magical Dining Begins Next Week

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.

Ole Red Battle of the Bands Coming Soon

Today Ole Red Orlando has announced a new weekly competition series that will entertain guests with some of the best up-and-coming country music talent from around the nation and provide local and regional artists opportunities to showcase their talents on a national stage as the performances will be live-streamed across each venue.

Ole Red Orlando Blake Shelton ICON Park Ole Red Battle of the Bands — Ole Red Orlando

Ole Red Battle of the Bands begins on Wednesday, August 19th, and will take place across all Ole Red locations, giving fans in Orlando; Nashville and Gatlinburg, Tenn.; and Blake Shelton’s hometown of Tishomingo, Okla., virtual experiences of visiting each Ole Red location in one night. Fans can vote for their favorites and the winning band will take home bragging rights and a cash prize.

The program will be hosted every Wednesday beginning at 7 p.m. ET. Bands will play two songs, including one original and one cover, and guests will receive a special offer just for participating in the voting process.

The inaugural Ole Red Battle of the Bands features the following artists:

Orlando: Bryan Malpass
Gatlinburg: Dismal River Boys
Nashville: Monroeville
Tishomingo: Telina Rudd

Ole Red Orlando Stage Ole Red Battle of the Bands

Ole Red Orlando features live music nightly 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 is equipped with a large stage and concert-level production and sound capabilities, along with a video wall and additional LED screens. For the full live programming calendar, menus and upcoming special events, visit olered.com and follow Ole Red on social media @olered.

In partnership with the company’s official wellness advisor, Vanderbilt Health, each Ole Red location has taken precautions to ensure the safety of its guests and employees. For more information, visit olered.com.

Krispy Kreme Birthday Celebration

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.

Pointe Orlando Offers Father’s Day Specials

This Father’s Day why not take Dad out to rediscover Pointe Orlando as a culinary destination on I-Drive to take advantage of some special offers and menus for Father’s Day.

Capital Grille at Pointe Orlando Cocktails

The Capital Grille

Monday-Thursday 5 – 10 p.m.
Friday-Saturday 5 – 11 p.m.
Sunday 5 – 9 p.m. 407.370.4392
Complimentary valet parking
https://www.thecapitalgrille.com/events/fathers-day

Reserve your table today for a three-course dinner and treat dad to Capital Grille favorites, world-class wines, and always attentive service ($245 for four or $135 for two).

Prefer to celebrate at home this year? Preorder for curbside pickup Father’s Day Weekend featuring The Capitol Butcher and Accompaniments to Share and Pair at Home recommendations including the Stoli Doli.

Maggiano’s Little Italy

Daily 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. 407.241.8660
https://orders.maggianos.com/menu/orlando

Pick up a cold-prepped Father’s Day bundle for an easy and delicious family meal.

Cold-prepped means our chefs have done all of the hard stuff – just heat and enjoy when you’re ready.

This bundle is $99 and generously serves four including Mini Meatballs in Marinara Sauce, Chicken Piccata, Mom’s Lasagna, New York Style Cheesecake, and much more.

The Pub at Pointe Orlando Pub Classic Burger

The Pub Orlando

Sunday–Thursday Noon – 9 p.m.
Friday and Saturday Noon – 11 p.m.
Dine-in and patio seating available as well as a curbside menu and cocktails and growlers to go.
407.352.2305 Complimentary valet parking
https://experiencethepub.com/orlando/food/all-day-menu/

The Pub offers a unique combination of British hospitality and American flair. The gastropub-style menu incorporates brilliant pub fare with an extensive beverage selection.

Oceanaire Seafood Room

Sunday–Thursday 5 – 9 p.m.
Friday and Saturday 5 – 10 p.m.
407.363.4801
Complimentary valet parking
https://www.theoceanaire.com/location/orlando-fl/

The Oceanaire Seafood Room offers an inviting, high-energy atmosphere and features a spacious and comfortable dining room.

The Oceanaire Seafood Room offers ultra-fresh seafood and shellfish flown in daily from around the world with daily menu changes.

Celebrate Dads with a family meal and 15% off your gift card purchase.

Taverna Opa

Daily 1 – 10 p.m.
407.351.8660
https://opaorlando.com/fathers-day/

Dad eats free with a family-style menu for four or more people or celebrate Dad at home with Papa’s Feast for $69 to serve two or three with a Greek salad, Spanakopita, a meat platter with lamb chops, chicken kebob, beef kebob, pork loin, sliced gyro, and much more.

About Pointe Orlando

Pointe Orlando features retail, restaurant, and entertainment options, including an eclectic mix of award-winning restaurants, many unique to the area. For more information on additional re-openings and safety precautions for the continued health and well-being of our community, visit www.pointeorlando.com.

Ole Red Orlando Announces June 19 Opening Date

Ole Red Orlando Blake Shelton ICON Park — Ole Red Orlando

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 .

Huey Magoo’s Offers Special Deals to Help Feed Families

The Greatest Tasting Chicken Tenders Brand Introduces Special 20% Off Deals on Family Meals, Catering and Gift Cards

Now, families and neighborhoods can more easily enjoy a delicious, healthy meal they crave.

Starting this week, Huey Magoo’s, the popular Southeast chicken tenders brand, will offer the following special deals on Family Meals, Catering and Gift Cards: 20% off Family Meals (20-piece tender and 30-piece tender options), 20% off Catering (meals individually packaged) and 20% off Gift Card orders ($100 minimum purchase).

See a personal message from Huey Magoo’s President and CEO Andy Howard here: https://vimeo.com/405140448/d7def000b5.

“In today’s unforeseen times, we want to do our best to continue feeding our families and our neighborhoods in the safest manner possible and make it easier and more accessible for everyone to enjoy our tenders,” Howard continues. “Whether it’s a family, employers wanting to feed their employees, or any single person wanting a fresh and delicious meal, we look forward to serving all of our neighborhoods in every Huey Magoo’s restaurant across all of our locations in Florida and Georgia the best chicken tenders in America.”

Huey Magoo’s is currently offering take out, delivery through third-party delivery services, and curbside pickup (at participating locations).

Customers will enjoy Huey Magoo’s signature grilled, hand-breaded or “sauced” premium chicken tenders, farm fresh salads, sandwiches, and wraps.

Each Huey Magoo’s tender is always made fresh, all natural, with no antibiotics ever, no hormones, no steroids and no preservatives.

For a list of all Huey Magoo’s locations and contact information to place an order, visit www.hueymagoos.com.

ICON Park restaurants offer meal donation programs

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.

PHOTO: ICON Park

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.

Old Red Orlando Announces Opening Date

Old Red Orlando Outdoor Rendering — Old Red Orlando

Bringing the best of Southern food, hospitality, and live country music to the No. 1 travel destination in the United States, Ryman Hospitality Properties is set to open Ole Red Orlando at ICON Park on International Drive April 14.

With venues in Nashville, Tennessee; Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and Shelton’s hometown of Tishomingo, Oklahoma, Ole Red Orlando is the fourth establishment of the Ole Red brand, a lifestyle, and entertainment concept inspired by Shelton’s clever hit, “Ol’ Red.”

Ole Red Orlando will feature live music 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 will also be equipped with a large stage and concert-level production and sound capabilities, along with a video wall and additional LED screens. Programming will include showcases for up-and-coming talent and live music throughout the week hand-picked by Opry Entertainment Group’s programming team.

The $15 million venue will offer 17,289 square feet on two levels and seat approximately 500 guests. It will provide extensive event space for private dining, corporate events, weddings, and group outings.

A made-from-scratch, Shelton-inspired menu will feature Ole Red signature items such as “Champagne of Fried Chicken,” along with specialty cocktails, an extensive selection of beer and wine and Orlando-only specialties.

Ole Red Orlando is now hiring for select positions, and all other positions will be posted beginning Feb. 24. The venue will be hosting a Grand Hire event March 16 – 21. Candidates are strongly encouraged to apply online in advance to secure an interview time and day. Walk-ins are welcome. For more information and to apply, visit olered.com/orlando/jobs.

City Works Opens at Disney Springs

City Works Eatery & Pour House is the newest dining location to open on the West Side of Disney Springs, and we were lucky to be there for the grand opening ceremonies.

The restaurant is Disney Springs’ premier sports restaurant and bar and offers the ultimate sports viewing experience with its high-definition TVs – including a video wall housing a 168-inch, high-definition video screen complemented by four 110-inch and 12 65-inch screens – and 90 local, regional and global craft beers on draft.

City Works Disney Springs West Side Walt Disney World — Photo: City Works

Located next to the NBA Experience, City Works is an 8,632-square-foot restaurant that offers brilliant twists on American classics. It seats 309 people and includes a 1,767-square-foot patio and three full-service bars, two of which provide covered, open-air dining along the patio.

With 17 televisions, a state-of-the-art sound system and unique menu items and promos supporting big games throughout the year, City Works is the place in Central Florida to watch sports. Upcoming highlights include the NCAA tournament and Major League Baseball Opening Day.

City Works has dedicated 30-40% of its draft beer taps to local breweries and eight wines on draft. It will also offer a seasonally changing cocktail menu and a fully stocked bar, plus a whiskey list.

Guests can enjoy Happy Hour specials, including $2 off well drinks, local craft beers and glasses of wine, and $7 bar bites Monday through Thursday 3-6 p.m. Drink specials also are available 10 p.m.-midnight.

The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Thursday 11 a.m.-midnight, Friday 11 a.m.-1 a.m., Saturday 10:30 a.m.-1 a.m. and Sunday 10:30 a.m.-midnight. It also offers brunch dishes on the weekends 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

We are really excited to visit soon (did someone say new Mukbang?) to try more of the menu!

You can find more information about theme park news and tips by subscribing to our YouTube Channel and following @onthegoinmco on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Tapa Toro and Taverna Opa Host NYE Celebrations

You can ring in 2020 with a full belly and a happy heart at Tapa Toro and Taverna Opa’s New Year’s Eve celebrations!

So much fun, they have to do it twice! On New Year’s Eve, Tapa Toro will celebrate the new year twice, with a special four-course menu from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and a five-course menu at 9 p.m.

Guests making reservations for the four-course menu, priced at $35 per person, will ring in the new year with the rest of Spain and enjoy a champagne toast at 6 p.m. The menu will feature assorted cold tapas, a holiday salad of mixed greens, roasted root veggies, gala apple, cranberries, pepitas, and holiday spice vinaigrette; the main course of 6-hour short rib, and a seasonal dessert.

For those interested in celebrating at 9 p.m., Tapa Toro’s five-course menu, priced at $75 per adult and $65 per child under 12 years of age, will feature assorted hot and cold tapas, holiday salad, the Mar y Tierra main course of a lobster tail and a 6-hour short rib, and a seasonal dessert, as well as a champagne toast at midnight.

Meanwhile, at Taverna Opa’s Greek Gatsby Roaring Twenties celebration, guests will dance the night away at the biggest party in Orlando!

Taverna Opa will be serving up a savory menu, from 9 p.m. to midnight and priced at $75 per person, of family-style appetizers of hummus, horiatiki, keftedes, spanakopita, and calamari, an individual entree of “Surf & Turf” lamb chops and lobster tail, and a scrumptious dessert station.

Hemmingway’s Maple Whiskey Sour

For 35 years Hemingway’s at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort has been a staple in Orlando creating inventive cuisine inspired by the places and travels of Ernest Hemingway.

And in celebration of this milestone, the restaurant and it’s menu have been re-imagined to reflect the sights and flavors of Key West, Cuba and Spain.

Hemingway's at Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Maple Whiskey Sour — Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress

“Hyatt’s global philosophy, Food. Thoughtfully Sourced. Carefully Served., focuses on offering guests and associates healthy food and beverage options generated by the local community,” says Executive Chef David Didzunas. “This philosophy guides Hemingway’s food and beverage planning from the operational level to the guest experience. With this long term strategy, Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress will continue to anticipate and satisfy the evolving preferences of its guests, ensuring that guests have more options to fit their needs and lifestyles while staying in Orlando.”

Before you enjoy a meal created by Executive Chef David Didzunas and his team, you can head into Hurricanes Lounge to enjoy stunning views of the resort and handcrafted cocktails including their signature Papa Doble and seasonal libations.

Can’t make it to the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort? Here is how you can make your own Hemmingway’s Maple Whiskey Sour at home!

Hemmingway’s Maple Whiskey Sour

Ingredients:

2oz of Bourbon
1oz Lemon Juice
.75oz Maple Syrup
Egg white from 1 egg

Prep:

Freshly squeeze your lemons

Separate your egg white from the yolk

Instructions:

Pour all of ingredients above into a shaker

Shake vigorously & strain into a rocks glass over a giant ice cube!

For more information about Hemingway’s and Hurricanes Lounge at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort, visit https://www.hemingwaysorlando.com/ or call (407) 239-1234.