Category: Walt Disney World

What better way is there to celebrate National Ice Cream Cone Day than by visiting Vivoli il Gelato at The Landing in Disney Springs!

For 85 years this world-famous gelato shop from Florence, Italy, has shared their family’s hand-crafted recipies with the world. And just last year the family opened their second storefront in history at Walt Disney World.

Vivoli il Gelato was founded in 1932 by Raphael and his two brothers, Vivoli Gelateria started out as a dairy – at that time, it was not easy to find raw materials such as milk, eggs and sugar and there were no gelato machines and freezers.

After World War II, technology enabled the brothers to follow their passion and produce gelato every day – a far cry from the early recipes that relied on barrels filled with ice and snow from the nearby mountains to keep their concoctions frozen.

With a “cone-a-copia” of 24 authentic flavors to choose from, Vivoli il Gelato offers everything from a classic cream to a sultry brandied cherry. Fresh ingredients such as cocoa powder, pistachio, and hazelnut add rich and succulent undertones to these sweet masterpieces that could have easily served as Michaelangelo’s muse.

There is no better way to celebrate National Ice Cream Cone Day than by taking a quick trip to Italy through Vivoli Gelateria at The Landing in Disney Springs.

Great Irish Hooley Celebrates 5th Anniversary Labor Day Weekend at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant in Disney Springs

NEW: ‘Rhythms of Raglan’ show, plus top Irish Bands, Dance, Food and Craft Beers 

The Great Irish Hooley is returning to Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant at Disney Springs for the 5th year with new live music and dance entertainment, fresh menu creations and plenty of craft beer and cocktail options are on tap Labor Day weekend September 2-5, 2016.

Celebrating Irish song, dance, food and drink over the long Labor Day weekend, the Great Irish Hooley is Central Florida’s only boutique Irish festival with performances beginning at noon Friday and continuing each day and night through late Monday.

The highlight of this year’s Hooley is the brand-new Rhythms of Ragland which is a 90-minute live show of music and dance that was produced in Ireland, exported to Raglan Road and directed by David Hayes (Riverdance, “The Voice” Ireland edition) with guest choreographers including Michael Donellan (Lord of the Dance). You can catch a debut of this new show at 4 pm on September 2nd, and at 1 pm and 4 pm September 3rd, 4th, and 5th.

A traditional Irish social celebration, the “Hooley” combines music ranging from traditional to rock tunes with entertainment and fun for the whole family (no cover charge). And this year the music will feature headliner Screaming Orphans and other bands popular on the festival circuit.

• Screaming Orphans – Four talented sisters from Bundoran in County Donegal, Ireland, combine original pop/rock music with the Ceili (kay-lee) traditional music of their family roots. Their dynamic show has taken the festival circuit by storm.
• Jake Richardson – Jake is a singer-songwriter and musician from Dublin whose passion for music inspires audiences as he entertains with unique vocals and catchy songs.
• Flat Out – Flat Out is an award winning four-piece band from the West of Ireland that plays an exciting mix of folk, traditional, pop and New World music. Band members are all multi-instrumentalists combining Irish harp, guitar, fiddle, tin whistle, flute, button accordion, bodhran. They play fresh original music along with funky cover music and have been playing and travelling the world since 2013.
• Marianne Fraser Band – Marianne is one of the most sought after guitarists and songwriters on the Irish music scene who is ably supported by Danny Hunter on fiddle and Ali Levack on whistles and pipes. The band performs a high-energy mix of traditional and modern tunes along with Marianne’s own compositions.
• Swingin’ On the Gate – This four-piece band of multi-instrumentalists with roots in legendary Lisdoonvarna in Co. Clare have serious crossover credentials and musical pedigree including traditional and classical training. They are multiple medal winners at Fleadhs music competitions and have toured in Italy, Switzerland and the United States.

• The Raglan Roots Coalition – 10 years down the road, Raglan felt it was time to shake its boogie – Roots style, with this new Irish house band.  Think soul-rocking Celtic bluegrass with some hip-swingin’, knee-shakin’ funky roots beats.
• The High Road – These young, traditional Irish musicians met in University in Ireland.  A predominately Irish traditional group, they also play British folk, blues and soul, and their combined talents provide for a vibrant, exciting live show of music and song.
• Cooney & Ryan – One of the finest traditional Irish music duos around, these accomplished, energetic musicians often invite the crowd to sing along.

• The Raglan Road Irish Dancers – Plucked from the cast and stages of the world’s greatest Irish dance shows, the Raglan Road Dancers perform throughout the long Hooley weekend.  You can even learn some traditional Irish dance steps – no experience necessary!
• The Flyin’ Marys – A young, hip all-girl band that mixes it up with raucous tunes, beautiful ballads and strong vocals.

The Hooley is a perfect way for families to spend time together this holiday weekend! There will be Celtic face-painting Saturday through Monday.

With contemporary Irish cuisine by celebrity chef Kevin Dundon, Irish craft beers, hand-crafted cocktails and day-into-night entertainment, the Great Irish Hooley promises a high-voltage music festival for all who drop by or reserve a table.

New experiences announced for Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic

All-new brunch offering and two new seminars to join seventh annual event

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic will introduce a Sunday Champagne Brunch at Il Mulino New York Trattoria along with two new beverage seminars,Craft Cocktails and More than Malbec, when it returns for its seventh year Friday, October 28, and Saturday, October 29.

Guests can extend their Food & Wine Classic experience one more day at the first ever Sunday Champagne Brunch on October 30, featuring a lavish menu of traditional and unconventional dishes. The brunch, presented by J Vineyards and Winery, will include various cured meats and imported cheeses along with an array of sushi and trattoria-inspired entrees.

The Sunday Champagne Brunch can be booked along with a 2-night stay or Saturday night stay festival package for $75 per person, which includes one glass of J Vineyards champagne or specialty mimosa. Available seatings are at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Along with the Sunday Champagne Brunch, event attendees can experience two new seminars that have been added to the selection of hands-on educational experiences taught by members of the hotel’s award-winning food and beverage team. The new spirits seminar, Craft Cocktails, educates guests on the origins of traditional cocktails and how to make them. More than Malbec introduces the world of popular Argentinian wines, with tastings and tips for pairing.

Returning beverage seminars will be Wine Blending, Italian Wines, Base to Bubbles, Beer Please and TQU: Tequila University, while The Cheese Course, Pasta Making and Fine Art of Sushi and Sake return as pairing seminars.

Beverage seminar tickets are $50 per person, and pairing seminar tickets are $70 per person and require the purchase of the general outdoor causeway ticket.

Fans can visit www.SwanDolphinFoodandWineClassic.com to view the 2016 food menu as well as book overnight packages and purchase tickets for the event, seminars and Sunday Champagne Brunch.

The Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic offers guests unlimited tastings at more than 40 stations featuring culinary selections from the hotel’s award-winning restaurants and wine from more than 30 wineries amidst a festive backdrop of live entertainment on the hotel’s scenic causeway. Upgraded ticket options allow guests to enjoy access to a beer garden featuring a wide selection of craft beers and Oktoberfest-inspired cuisine.

Wolfgang Puck Grand Cafe hosts an interactive Sushi Making Class for kids on June 25th 

Kids will learn how to wrap and roll their way to spectacular sushi 

Wolfgang Puck Grand Café (1482 East Buena Vista Drive), located in Disney Springs, invites kids to embark on a journey through the Japanese art of sushi making with a kids cooking class. Kids can roll up their sleeves on Saturday, June 25 from 12 to 2 p.m. and learn this exquisite culinary craft.

This interactive and engaging cooking class offers a crash course into exploring the exciting and intricate world of sushi with hands on experience. Class attendees will partake in various class projects learning how to make an array of sushi including hand rolls, nigari and maki rolls. Throughout the class, guests will learn how to properly prepare and season sushi rice, healthy eating habits, and basic cleanliness and food safety skills.

As an added activity, the culinary kiddos will also create refreshing and flavorful summertime drinks including Old Fashioned Chocolate Soda and a Grapey-Orange Cooler. The class is $35 per person, plus tax and gratuity.  Reservations can be made by calling 407.828.8996.

For additional information please visit www.wolfgangpuckcafeorlando.com.

Via Napoli opened their doors at Epcot in the Italy Pavilion in 2010, and they just celebrated serving their millionth pizza with a luncheon with familiar favorites and highlights from their new menu featuring new salads, pizzas, pastas, and more.

Chef Charlie Restivo heads up the culinary team at Via Napoli, and he let us in on the secret to the success of Via Napoli. And he attributes the popularity of the pizzas to the recipe and specifically the components they use to create the pizzas. According to Chef Charlie, it all starts with the dough, which is his signature recipe that he’s brought into each of the restaurant’s he’s opened for Patina. The water Chef Charlie uses as part of his dough at Via Napoli mirrors the same properties as the water found in Naples – a hard water – that when mixed with Caputo “00” flour provides the perfect texture, elasticity and chew. Topped with only the finest ingredients (including san marzano tomatoes, Fior Di Latte mozzarella and prosciutto di Parma) Via Napoli’s pizzas are regarded as some of the best in the country.

But Chef Charlie doesn’t only excel at making pizza, and his other signature dishes are another part of what makes Via Napoli one of the best Italian restaurants in Central Florida.

I really enjoyed everything we sampled at Via Napoli, and with so many new and old favorites I thought I would share some of my favorites.

Nine Things To Order At Via Napoli

1.Insalata di Ceci

Chickpea fritters, arugula, scamorza, cherry tomato, onion, avocado, bacon, mushroom $13

2. Limited Time Pasta Special

Truffled fettuccine carbonara with guanciale “Itlalian Bacon” egg noddles and pecorino cheese $26

3. Affumicata

White pizza: mozzarella, smoked salmon, arugula, pomodorini, stracchino $23 | $36 | $48

4. Broccolini

Fresh cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, porchetta, robiola, broccoli rabe $22 | $35 | $48

5.Tortino di Melanzane

Traditional preparation of eggplant with tomato sauce, parmesan & mozzarella, served with roasted potatoes $22

6. Meatballs 

hand-crafted veal meatballs & tomato sauce with mozzarella and fresh basil

7. Prosciutto e Melone Pizza

White pizza: fontina, mozzarella, prosciutto, cantaloupe, arugula $23 | $36 | $48

8. Tiramisu

Mascarpone cream, espresso coffee, lady fingers, chocolate $9

9. Classic Margherita Pizza

Tomato sauce, mozzarella, basil $18 | $29 | $39

Reservations for Via Napoli are recommended and can be made up to 180 days prior to your visit on the My Disney Experience App, online, or by calling (407) WDW-DINE (407-939-3463).

STK Orlando has opened at Disney Springs with a grand gala that showcased the restaurants menu, cocktails, and vibe. It was a blast!

“We are thrilled to enter the Orlando market, especially at a premier destination like Walt Disney World,” said Jonathan Segal, CEO of The ONE Group. “Strategic relationships, as well as great real estate, will remain integral to our growth plans as we expand our company footprint, and with an additional nine STK restaurants currently in development, we are excited to bring the STK experience to new cities across the globe.”

At STK Orlando, menu items with a local focus will join signature dishes that have become STK favorites across the world. STK Orlando Executive Chef, James O’Donnell, says he plans to source ingredients from Florida-based farms whenever possible, especially seasonal fruits, produce and seafood.

“Roughly twenty-percent of STK Orlando’s menu will be exclusive to the Disney Springs location, including opening-day items such as Florida grouper, seared tuna and chili rubbed rack of lamb,” said O’Donnell.

STK Orlando is open for both lunch,11:30 am to 3:30 pm daily, and dinner, 5 pm to 11 pm Sunday through Thursday and 5 pm to midnight Friday and Saturday, and for reservations call 407.917.7440.

Morimoto Asia Street Food Opens At Disney Springs

May 15^th Morimoto Asia, the first pan-Asian dining experience created by Japanese Master Chef Masaharu Morimoto, opened Morimoto Asia Street Food offering delectable street food selections in a new to-go concept.

“Street food holds memories of my childhood. It reminds me of the local festivals and events of my hometown,” said Chef Morimoto.  “I am excited that our new street food will transport guests to Asia and the marvelous cuisines that inspired my menu creations.”

The new extension of one of my favorite restaurants at Disney Springs has some great options from a cross-section of popular, good-value menu items reflecting the range of flavors from across the Asian continent.

The Morimoto Asia Street Food menu is broken down into sections, and here is a look at what I tried on my first visit!

Snacks

The Morimoto Baby Back Ribs ($10 – 3 ribs) are pork ribs with a hoisin sweet chili glaze served with a cilantro garnish that are addictive with just the right mix of sweet and spicy. These ribs are my favorite dish at Morimoto Asia, and I highly recommend giving them a try!

The pork egg rolls ($8 – 2 pieces) are the best egg rolls I have ever had! What sets these egg rolls apart is how the seasoned to perfection pork plays against the crispy cabbage and vegetables.

Noodles

The Chilled Sesame lo-mein noodles ($12) have a sesame peanut sauce mixed with Napa cabbage, cilantro, thai basil, and peppers that is the perfect choice for a light lunch entree or side dish perfect for sharing.

Bao Tacos

The Bao Tacos are ‘tacos’ made of steamed Asian bread buns are a food trend you will want to try!

The kalbi bao ($10 – two bao tacos) is made with short ribs, kimchi, scallions, lettuce, and cucumber, and it was my favorite bao taco on the Morimoto Asia Street Food menu. The acid of the kimchi cuts through sweetness of the glaze on the short ribs and the cool crunch of the cumber cuts through the heat of the kimchi. It is a lovely combination of flavors.

If you are looking for a more familiar flavor, you may want to try the chicken teriyaki bao ($8 – two bao tacos) that has a teriyaki glazed piece of chicken served with spicy mayo, cucumber, and lettuce.
Sushi

The “Sushi(rito)” shrimp tempura roll ($8) has shrimp tempura, lettuce and cucumber rolled with nori and sesame sprinkled sticky rice to create a roll that is easy to eat on the go. The roll is roughly the equivalent of four traditional pieces of a sushi roll.

This won’t be my last visit to Morimoto Asia Street Food, because I really enjoyed that the dishes were easy to share and a good value with a view of the beautiful spring of Town Center.

Experiencing the Tutto Italia Ristorante Summer Menu

This Summer Tutto Italia Ristorante, the gourmet Italian restaurant located in the Italy Pavilion at Epcot, is offering a three-course lunch menu that you won’t want to miss!

Chef Renzo Barcatta and his team have created this special three-course menu sourced from across Italy offering the best of each region available for a limited time from May 3 to August 31 that is a great way to experience Tutto Italia at a great price point.

I was invited to a sneak peek of the new lunch, and to say I was impressed is an understatement.

Tutto Gusto can be a pricier option for lunch at Epcot, but for $27, plus tax, the Tutto Italia Three-Course Lunch includes a soft drink or ice tea, appetizer, generously sized main course, and dessert making for an exceptional value. You won’t walk away hungry from this lunch!

To start off our experience, we were able to try the Antipasto appetizer of sopressata (an Italian dried salami), finocchiona (a fennel infused salami from Southern Tuscany), pickled roasted peppers, and creamy ovolini mozzarella.

I could eat this Antipasto every day! The creamy mozzarella paired with the acidity of the pickled roasted pepper was fantastic, and you can never go wrong with sopressata! This was my first time having finocchiona, but it won’t be my last!

As an appetizer I chose the Minestrone soup, which was full of spring vegetables, pancetta, pastina.

And while soup on a hot day might seem like a crazy choice, the light soup is flavorful while being mild and refreshing. It was a great way to ease into my main course choice.

For a main course, I had the Scaloppine di Pollo which was delicious! The buttery and delicate chicken scaloppini was covered in a savory marsala sauce with a generous portion of cremini mushrooms.

While the scaloppine was filling, it wasn’t very heavy making it a great choice for refueling before heading back into the park for the rest of the day.

I’ve never met a dessert I didn’t like, but my favorite dessert was the cannolo. With a light and crispy shell and creamy filling, this cannolo is perfection!

Finding a wine to pair with your meal at Tutto Gusto can be an experience in an of itself.

The wine selection at Tutto Gusto is extensive featuring both exclusive and hard-to-find Italian wines that can expertly paired with your selections thanks to the restaurant’s knowledgeable staff and Sommeliers.

If is your first visit or if you are returning to Tutto Italia Ristorante, the Summer Three-Course Lunch is a great reason to visit this gem known for their gorgeous décor, attentive service, and delicious cuisine.

Reservations are recommended for Tutto Italia Ristorante, and can be made up to 180 days prior to your visit to Walt Disney World.

Buon appetito!

Disney Springs News:

Portabello Restaurant Hosts Cooking Class With James Beard Award Winning Chef Tony Mantuano on April 9, 2016

Italian countryside restaurant, Portobello Restaurant (1650 Buena Vista Dr.) in Disney Springs announces a Roman Spring cooking class with James Beard Award winning chef Tony Mantuano on Saturday, April 9, 2016 from 12 to 2 p.m.

Chef Manutano takes guests on a culinary exploration throughout Italian fare, where they’ll learn how to prepare an authentic Spaghetti alla Carbonara and how to cook the classic dish of Veal Saltimbocca. The crash course in Italian cooking kicks off with an apertivo hour with passed wood-fired pizza with spring artichokes, and each course comes paired with Italian wines. The entire menu includes:

Aperitivo

Wood Fired Pizza with Spring Artichokes

Brut Cuvee Rosé, Bisol

Insalata

Puntarelle alla Romana

Frascati “Poggio Verde” Pallavicini

Pasta

Spaghetti alla Carbonara

Amarasco, Pricipe Pallavicini

Secondo

Veal Saltimbocca

Taurasi, Terredora

Dolce

Gelato alla Stracciatella

Digestivo

Amaro, Sibona

Tickets for the Roman Spring cooking class at Portobello Restaurant are $40.00 plus tax and gratuity and reservations can be made at 407.828.8996. For additional information please visit www.portobellorestaurant.com.

About Portobello Restaurant

Located in the heart of Disney Springs at 1650 Buena Vista Drive in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, Portobello Country Italian Trattoria presents guests with a classic osteria experience celebrating the simple flavors of Italy. Crusty breads, sun-ripened tomatoes, imported Prosciutto di Parma, freshly caught fish, fruity olive oil, and pungent cheese set the stage for the warm, family-friendly atmosphere of the restaurant. Portobello is open for lunch daily from 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and for dinner daily from 4:00 to 11:00 p.m. For more information visit www.portobellorestaurant.com or call 407.934.8888 and follow Portobello on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival is underway at Raglan Road at Disney Springs, and if you haven’t stepped into the warm interior of aged walnut and mahogany woods from old Irish bars and churches was built in Ireland and shipped to Orlando this is the perfect time of year to do so!

With so many performances, signature events, and St. Patrick’s Day offerings, you won’t want to miss this celebration at Raglan Road!

Things to Know On the Go:

The Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival 2016 at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant

March 11 – 17, 2016

Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant – Disney Springs at The Landing – Walt Disney World Resort

1640 E. Buena Vista Dr., Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

www.raglanroad.com or call 407/938-0300.

When To Go

The Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival hours are 4 pm – 1:30 am with special hours on

• March 14, 15 and 16: noon until 1:30 am
• March 17: 11 am – 1:30 am

If you want to visit Raglan Road before the festivities begin you will find that Lunch is served 11 am-3 pm; Dinner 3-11 pm; Bar menu 11 pm-late; Saturday and Sunday Rollicking Raglan Brunch from 10 am-3 pm

Live Entertainment

The highlight of the Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival are the live music and dance performances on the Raglan Road Pub and Patio Stages.

The Raglan Roots Coalition 

10 years down the road, Raglan felt it was time to shake its boogie – Roots style, with this new Irish house band.  Think soul-rocking Celtic bluegrass with some hip-swingin’, knee-shakin’ funky roots beats, and you’re only halfway there.

JigJam 

The hottest new act on the Celtgrass music scene, this County Offaly, Ireland, trio blend the best of hard-driving American Bluegrass and Irish folk music.

Cooney & Ryan 

One of the finest traditional Irish music duos around, these accomplished, energetic musicians often invite the crowd to sing along.

Avi McGourty 

Award winning singer-songwriter McGourty from County Tipperary, Ireland, is a rising star on the Irish music scene with her soulful lyrics and joyful musical renditions. 

The High Road 

These young, traditional Irish musicians who met in University in Ireland exude musical chemistry.  A predominately Irish traditional group, they also play British folk, blues and soul. 

And you can’t have a Mighty Festival without the Raglan Road Dancers who are amazing! These talented performers were selected from the stages of the most famed Irish Dance shows, and they will perform throughout the Mighty Festival.

Libations

You won’t find green beer at Raglan Road, but you will find a great selection of beers, spirits and craft cocktails.

Guinness sells 13 million pints around the world on St. Patrick’s Day, and you can find a mighty fine pour at Raglan Road!

If you find yourself choosing between several beers, you may want to check out Raglan Road’s Beer Flights. I tried that Four Provinces with Guinness, Smithwicks, Harp, and Kilkenny.

Food

Celebrity Master Chef Kevin Dundon – famous for his five-star hotel and cookery school in Ireland – has helped curated and create Raglan Road’s menu that features traditional Irish dishes and new creations with a Celtic twist.

During The Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival at Raglan Road popular lunch, dinner and bar menus that include new dishes just introduced by Master Chef Dundon.  

The authentic Irish Dish of St. Patrick’s day can be found on the dinner menu. ‘Kevin’s Heavenly Ham’ is a dish that lives up to its name and features Irish mist glazed loin of bacon with savoy cabbage, colcannon potatoes, parsley cream sauce and a raisin cider jus.

To start your culinary journey off at Raglan Road you’ll want to try the Smokie City, which is perfect to share. This dip is a lovely creamy baked haddock & Dubliner cheese dip with potatoes, tomatoes served with a toasted baguette.

Signature Events

Master Chef Kevin Dundon will host two signature dining events during The Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival at Raglan Road.

Demonstration Luncheon – March 14, 2016

Master Chef Kevin Dundon will prepare a selection of incredible recipes in an exclusive four-course afternoon luncheon in the beautiful setting of the Grand Room. Enjoy a live demonstration from the award – winning chef, with dishes that have been inspired by Restaurant Jammet. Jammet’s was the finest and most famous restaurant in Ireland from 1901-1967 frequented by celebrities and notable dignitaries.

Signature Dinner – March 15, 2016

As part of our annual Mighty St Patrick’s Festival celebrations Celebrity Chef Kevin Dundon is hosting a very special Signature Dining Event. Chef Kevin will create a sumptuous five course feast carefully paired with a variety of fine wines that complement the amazing array of flavors of each delicious dish. The event is not just part of the Mighty St. Patrick’s festivities but also a centenary celebration dinner inspired by Restaurant Jammet. Jammet’s was the finest and most famous restaurant in Ireland from 1901-1967 frequented by celebrities and notable dignitaries.

To book your seat at this special event call Raglan Road at 407-938-0300

Five Course Dinner & Wine Pairings $115 plus tax & gratuity.

St. Patrick’s Day

On March 17, St. Patrick’s Day, guests will be seated on a first-come, first-served basis with a cover charge of $10 for each guest age 18 and older.

St. Patrick’s festivities will include complimentary face painting and giveaways.

Fun Facts About Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day

• Never call the holiday “St. Patty’s.”  It’s either “St. Patrick’s Day” or “St. Paddy’s.”
• A shamrock has three leaves (not four – that would be a clover).
• Americans invented the St. Patrick’s Day parade in 1737 in Boston.
• Most Irish pubs do a full month’s business on St. Patrick’s Day.
• Raglan Road is America’s #1 Irish Pub.
• Green beer is an American invention.  Raglan Road does not serve green beer.

Disney Springs News:

STK Orlando Announces Executive Chef James O’Donnell

STK Orlando, a world-class dining-retail-entertainment experience, is set to open this Spring at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs, and The ONE Group Hospitality, Inc has announced that culinary veteran James O’Donnell will be their Executive Chef.

Executive Chef James O’Donnell will be overseeing day-to-day kitchen operations at the two-level, 15,000-square-foot steakhouse – one of the largest STK restaurants in the world – O’Donnell brings impressive credentials to his new role.

From successfully apprenticing at dining venues in Las Vegas, O’Donnell was courted by the House of Blues restaurant in LA and became executive chef in 1997. Other stops included executive chef of Michael Jordan’s Steakhouse in the Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut, where he managed three eastern U.S. locations; director of culinary operations for Cornerstone Management and Consulting, overseeing eight restaurants in the U.S and Mexico; and partner and executive chef at The Capital Grille in Jacksonville, Fla. In 2011, O’Donnell returned to Cornerstone to direct culinary operations, including developing menus for ENO Wine Bars.

“STK’s entrance into the Orlando market, and specifically into the newly reimagined Disney Springs, affords us a unique opportunity and we are very happy to have brought James onboard to oversee our culinary operations at the property,” said Jonathan Segal, CEO of The ONE Group.

O’Donnell brings international culinary experience honed over two decades to his new role at STK, as well as a passion for creating the ultimate dining scene. At STK Orlando, he will oversee two kitchens and approximately 70 employees.

A native of San Diego, California, O’Donnell spends time with his family cooking outdoors over an open fire, enjoying new cuisines in various restaurants and hotels, and his hobbies include both hiking and kayaking.

I am really excited to try STK Orlando, and if you aren’t familiar with STK concept you definitely will want to be!

STK is a unique concept that artfully blends the modern steakhouse and chic lounge into one, offering a dynamic, fine dining experience with the superior quality of a traditional steakhouse. STK distinguishes itself by focusing on the social experience with a sleek, contemporary design and an in-house DJ who creates an infectious, high-energy vibe.

The menu features reimagined classic American cuisine with signature dishes like bite-sized Lil’ BRGs made with Wagyu beef, Lobster Mac & Cheese, and, of course, the highest quality steak. STK defines the modern fine dining experience with incredible food, world-class service and the perfect atmosphere. STK has locations in New York City, Washington DC, Miami, Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, London, and Milan with additional locations coming soon to Dallas, Toronto, and Orlando.

For more information about STK, you can visit their website at www.stkhouse.com.

Plancha Restaurant At Four Seasons Resort Orlando Introduces Sunday Brunch

A three-course brunch and an a la carte menu is available, full of Cuban American flavor

Plancha, the lakeside Cuban American restaurant at Tranquilo Golf Club at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, will begin offering Sunday Brunch on March 13, 2016.   

There are three options for brunch at Plancha:  a three-course menu with buffet appetisers, choice of one entrée and dessert, plus soft drinks/juices and one alcoholic beverage, for $68 per person; buffet only (excluding choice of a la carte entrée) for $45 per person; and a la carte only.  Bottomless beverages, including Mimosas and Marys, will be available for an additional $18. 

“I’m very excited to begin serving brunch at Plancha,” says Pedro Sanchez, Plancha Chef. “The location is perfect for a leisurely brunch, and we’ve prepared a delicious menu with a lot of flavour to ensure there’s something for everyone.” 

The buffet will include assorted salads, fruits, smoked salmon and bagels, artisan meats and cheeses, black bean hummus and vegetables, assorted breakfast pastries and much more.

Entrees and a la carte items include a roasted prime rib, vegan spaghetti zucchini, cured salmon, American beef slider, Tampa Bay shrimp omelet with jalapenos and cilantro, a twisted benedict with truffle hollandaise and grilled asparagus, a “very berry” French toast, oatmeal pancakes, and fried chicken and white cheddar waffles.

The dessert buffet will include a selection of seven signature desserts, including Plancha’s flan, tres leches, and guava roll.

A children’s buffet will be available for $20 per child, including chicken tenders, grilled salmon, mac & cheese, mini burgers, or pancakes.

Brunch will be available every Sunday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.  Plancha offers complimentary valet parking and complimentary self-parking.  For reservations, call 407 313 6161.