A Visit To Four Seasons Resort Orlando’s Plancha #FiveDiamondOrlando

Plancha Four Seasons Resort Orlando Tranquilo Golf Course - Header

A Visit To The Four Seasons Resort Orlando’s Plancha

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

Plancha Four Seasons Resort Orlando Tranquilo Golf Course - Sign

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

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

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

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

Plancha Four Seasons Resort Orlando Tranquilo Golf Course - Chef Pedro Sanchez

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

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

Plancha Four Seasons Resort Orlando Tranquilo Golf Course - Hemmingway Daiquiri

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

Plancha Four Seasons Resort Orlando Tranquilo Golf Course - Lemon Basil Punch

 

Lemon Basil Punch (Stoli Vodka | Lemon | Orange)

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

Plancha Four Seasons Resort Orlando Tranquilo Golf Course - Beef Empanadas

Beef Empanadas (Mango & Jalapeño Jam)

Plancha Four Seasons Resort Orlando Tranquilo Golf Course - Guacamole

Guacamole (Roasted Corn Relish | Naan Chips)

Plancha Four Seasons Resort Orlando Tranquilo Golf Course - Tuna Ceviche

Tuna Ceviche (Avocado | Ginger & Coconut Dressing)

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

Plancha Four Seasons Resort Orlando Tranquilo Golf Course - Casa Salad

Casa (Baby Mache | Tomatoes | Avocado | Red Onions | Lemon Vinaigrette | Grilled Chicken)

Plancha Four Seasons Resort Orlando Tranquilo Golf Course - El Cubano

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

Plancha Four Seasons Resort Orlando Tranquilo Golf Course -  Plancha Burger

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

Plancha Four Seasons Resort Orlando Tranquilo Golf Course - NY Strip

NY Strip (Mamposteao Rice | Classic Chimichurri)

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

Plancha Four Seasons Resort Orlando Tranquilo Golf Course - Pina 2

Piña | Coconut Helado | Passion Fruit

Plancha Four Seasons Resort Orlando Tranquilo Golf Course - Guava Roll

Guava Roll | Crema de Queso

Plancha Four Seasons Resort Orlando Tranquilo Golf Course - Traditional Flan 2

Traditional Flan | Caña Sugar Caramel

Plancha Four Seasons Resort Orlando Tranquilo Golf Course - Tres Leches

Tres Leches | Dulce de Leche | Dulcey Pearls

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

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@VisitOrlando Magical Dining Month

Magical Dining Month

Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month

Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month celebrates Orlando’s diverse and amazing culinary scene.

Throughout September, select Orlando restaurants will be offering prix fixe dinners for just $33 to benefit The Foundation of Foster Children.

Proceeds from the event will help the Foundation for Foster Children to support the 1400 ethnically diverse foster children who reside in Central Florida’s tri-county area. With new opportunities, local foster youth discover hidden talents, boost their self-esteem, improve their grades, and begin to uncover their individual potential.

Magical Dining Month Foundation for Foster Children Logo

The Foundation for Foster Children is an important asset to Central Florida as it strengthens our community by providing direct support to foster children and foster families in Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. Since 2008, the Foundation has provided funding and in-kind support for the unmet needs of foster youth through several programs, including supporting their immediate needs when they first enter foster care. With an emphasis on education, over half of all funding supports educational needs of foster children through in-home tutoring and other services. Through the Fostering Success grant program, “typical childhood experiences” are provided to our local foster children that otherwise would be unavailable, such as athletics, art, music, dance and other opportunities. Another important focus of the Foundation is on youth who are transitioning to adulthood, youth ages 17-23 who are provided with direct support and volunteer mentors.

There are so many great restaurants participating in Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month!

Magical Dining 2014 Bohemian Hotel Celebration
The Bohemian Hotel is one of my absolute favorite places to eat in Celebration!!!

You can find a list of all the participating restaurants and their menus here

If you are looking to really take your Magical Dining Month to the next level, by turning it into a Magical Night. 

Since many of the participating Magical Dining restaurants are located in local hotels and resorts, this year there are special stay and dine packages that includes hotel accommodations and a Magical Dining dinner for two.

Magical Dining Hotel Packages start at $155 plus tax, and a full list of hotels and resorts can be found here.

If you have questions and want more information about Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month check out their FAQs!

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Trattoria al Forno Restaurant Announced

Trattoria al Forno
image copyright Disney

The Disney Parks Blog announced this week that a new Italian restaurant, Trattoria al Forno, will be opening in the location currently occupied by Kouzzina by Cat Cora at Disney’s Boardwalk. The restaurant is tentatively scheduled to open before the end of the year in December, but has not announced an official opening date. Kouzzina is currently set to close on September 30th.

Trattoria al Forno will exclusively feature wines from Italy. There will be over 25 wines available by the glass and more than 60 by the bottle. The restaurant will also have Italian sodas and specially crafted cocktails. Food from all different regions of Italy will include daily made fresh mozzarella, pasta, and pizza baked in wood-burning ovens.

Seasonal pasta dishes, risottos and vegetarian offerings will be standard at Trattoria al Forno. The restaurant’s name means essentially a tavern that serves food baked in the oven. Dishes will range from steaks to chicken, seafood, salads and classic Italian desserts like tiramisu, panna cotta and gelato.

With no opening date set yet, it is unknown when Trattoria al Forno will start taking reservations, but it is expected to be in the next several weeks. Contact Disney Dining for any further information once reservations are offered at 407-939-3463.

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Krispy Kreme Celebrates 77th Birthday!

Celebrating an Original! Happy 77th Birthday to the Original Glazed at Krispy Kreme

77th Birthday Krispy Kreme Original Glazed
Krispy Kreme Marks 77th Birthday with 77-Cent Second Dozen Deal on July 11, 2014
 
July 13, 2014 marks the 77th birthday of Krispy Kreme and the iconic Original Glazed doughnut. On Friday, July 11, in celebration of this sweet occasion, Krispy Kreme is giving its fans the gift of a dozen Original Glazed doughnuts for 77 cents with the purchase of any dozen doughnuts.
 Krispy Kreme
“When you hear people talk about having a ‘Krispy Kreme,’ they are most often referring to our signature treat – the Original Glazed doughnut,” said Dwayne Chambers, chief marketing officer for Krispy Kreme. “Made from a recipe dating back to the 1930’s, our uniquely delicious Original Glazed doughnuts help set Krispy Kreme apart from any other sweet treat retailer. We’re excited to celebrate 77 years of sharing delicious tastes and creating fond memories by giving our fans an opportunity to try and share the doughnut that has become famous worldwide.”
Join Krispy Kreme in a celebration of all things original. Follow @Krispy Kreme on Twitter or Instagram and share a pic or a tweet about the #KKOriginalMoment when you first discovered the joy of Krispy Kreme for a chance at a sweet surprise. Follow the birthday fun as we collect worldwide wishes at KrispyKreme.com/OriginalBirthday.
 Krispy Kreme Original Glazed Dozen
Offer valid at these participating Krispy Kreme locations in Central Florida:
Winter Park – Drive thru Open 24 hours
1031 S. Orlando Avenue (17-92), Winter Park, FL  32789
Open 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. (SundayThursday) and 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Friday and Saturday)
 
Millenia  Open 24 hours
4080 Millenia Blvd., Orlando, FL 32939
Kissimmee  Open 24 hours
5310 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway (192 / Mile Marker 11.5), Kissimmee, FL  34746 

Get connected to Krispy Kreme and stay up to date on the latest offerings and promotions at KrispyKreme.com,www.hotlightapp.com, Tumblr and Instagram.
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Lunching at The Wave…of American Flavors

One of my favorite “under the radar” restaurants at Walt Disney World is The Wave…of American Flavors (The Wave for short) at the Contemporary Resort.

Comtemporary

The menu here features American cuisine and many of the ingredients are sourced locally. I’ve always felt that the food I’ve eaten here has been fresh and prepared so that these fresh ingredients, especially produce, can shine.

The restaurant is located in the back corner of the lobby, just past the check-in desks. The entrance is definitely one of the coolest on property!

Entrance

Various elements of the décor also bring out the “wave” theme. It also features close up photographs of produce, like an ear of corn.

Picture from Disney
Picture from Disney. Interior.

I’ve eaten at the Wave several times now of the past few years, at least once for every meal. Recently, it’s become a tradition for my mom and I to eat Easter brunch there after church service. They always have a fantastic breakfast buffet there (sweet potato pancakes anyone??), but for Easter they add a few extras, like carving and omelet stations.

Today though, I’m going to focus on lunch at the Wave. I’ve eaten lunch there a couple of times now. I love that you can usually always get in without a reservation there and that is especially true at lunch. It’s very quiet and I think could be a great break from a busy (and hot) theme park day. Plus, it’s an easy walk from the Magic Kingdom!

Now onto the food…I will warm you that I’m not the greatest when it comes to food reviews. They usually consist of varying degrees of yumminess! But I’ll try to be a bit more descriptive this time!

Most of the time, I like to keep it light at lunch with a salad and maybe an appetizer. My first lunch there, I fell in love with the Wave’s version of the Cobb salad.

From the menu: MacGregor Farms Greens, Naturally Raised Eggs, Bacon, Florida Avocados, Chile-Lime Vinaigrette, and Midnight Moon Cheese
From the menu: MacGregor Farms Greens, Naturally Raised Eggs, Bacon, Florida Avocados, Chile-Lime Vinaigrette, and Midnight Moon Cheese

Most Disney fans know of Brown Derby’s version, which is great, but I give the Wave’s a bit of an edge because of the bigger pieces of the ingredients. With the Brown Derby’s I feel like it all sort of mushes together. I’m also a bit obsessed with the bacon on this salad. It’s thick-cut and has a bit of sweetness to it. It goes great with the tangy vinaigrette. I know there are people who aren’t fans of the traditional bleu cheese found on most Cobb salads. You will be happy to hear that the cheese on this version is much more mild and has a parmesan-like texture.

You can choose to add chicken or steak to the salad to make it more of an entrée. Instead, I decided to go with the soup of the day, which was a Zellwood corn and chicken chowder. The restaurant happened to be a bit chilly that afternoon so sop actually sounded fantastic. And it was! Zellwood corn is known for being sweet. The chicken was shredded and there was some spice with red peppers in the base. This was also paired with a jalapeño corn bread muffin, which also added a bit of heat, but nothing overwhelming. Our server made sure to warn us.

Season Soup - corn chowder
Season Soup – corn chowder

I will definitely be back to The Wave…for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Lunch is definitely a treat and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a break from the parks for an hour or two. The only complaint I have is I’ve had some inconsistent service there. The servers have always been very nice, it’s just some have been more on top of everything than others.

Have you been to The Wave? What would you recommend for my next visit?

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Jiko, The Cooking Place presents May Wine Dinner

Jiko Logo

 

Jiko – The Cooking Place is pleased to announce the following Wine Dinner

 

A Pinotage Tasting – Thursday May 15, 2014

 

The following details apply to this event:

6:00PM Reception Sunset Lounge Disney’s Animal Kingdom

6:30PM Dinner Dress Code – Business Casual Evening Attire

$160 inclusive of tax and gratuity.

 

Please see below for Menu Offerings for the Dinner

For reservations please contact Victoria Thompson at Victoria.j.thompson@disney.com

This event is limited to 40 guests. This event is a credit card guarantee, and there is a 3 day cancellation policy.

 

Reception

Moroccan Rock Shrimp Tagine

Grilled Seitan, Delta Asparagus Jus, and Kenyan Style Mashed potatoes

Smoked Pork Belly and Green Mango Atjar

Boekenhoutskloof Semillon, Franschoek 

 

First Course

Butter Poached Lobster, Delta Asparagus, Chipolini Onions and Heirloom Potatoes

Southern Right, Pinotage, Hamel-en-Aarde

 

Second Course

Fiddlehead Fern Salad, Rocket, Duck Crackling, and Dark Cherry Vinaigrette

M*A*N Family Wines Pinotage, Coastal Region

 

Third Course

Egyptian Stuffed Squab, Liver Pate, Prunes, and  Dates

Spice Route Pinotage, Swartland

 

Fourth Course

Burundi-style Coffee Crusted Veal with Roasted Spring Baby Vegetables, and Ramp Emulsion

Side by Side tasting of Fairview Pinotage, Paarl

 

Dessert

Tasting of Seasonal Peaches Local and Beyond with a White Peach Sphere

Fairview La Beryl Blanc Late Harvest Chenin Blanc, Coastal

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Leafy Greens Cafe in St. Petersburg

For my birthday earlier this month, I decided to go to Hard Rock Casino to play some slot machines.

I also wanted to explore the area more and go to a dedicated Vegan restaurant, I looked on Happy Cow and found Leafy Greens Cafe which is Located in St. Petersburg, Florida.

The Leafy Greens Cafe is a raw vegan and gluten free restaurant, they are also Non GMO foods.

As you can see from the pictures everything is prepared fresh and everyone enjoyed their food.

 

 

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Tables in Wonderland Salutes Florida Strawberry Season

tiw_wave

The Wave…of American Flavors has an exciting evening planned for the March Tables in Wonderland Discovery Dinner.  This month’s Discovery Dinner will be celebrating the Central Florida Strawberry Season.  Our Farmer/Chef dinner will feature Lott Farms, located just west of Plant City, Florida.  Mike and Sandy Lott started their farm in 1979 on rented land. In 1983 purchased and built their 50 acre family farm.  They have lived on and farmed this land with their children and grandchildren ever since. Mike’s great strawberries are sold under the Classic label through C&D Produce Distributors.

Tables in Wonderland Discovery Dinner

The Wave… of American Flavors
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Thursday, March 20, 2014
6:30 p.m. Reception; 7:00 p.m. Dinner
Dress Code – Casual Evening Attire
$110 per person, includes tax and gratuity

For reservations, please visit the following website www.disneyurl.com/thewavemarch for self-booking and instant confirmation.  The website will go live and begin taking reservations on February 24, 2014 at 10:00am.

Reception

Strawberry Tequila Shooter with Lime Caviar
Strawberry Sweet Tea Braised Short Rib Slider
Kumamato Oysters in Strawberry Gelee with Micro Wasabi
MARTIN RAY CHARDONNAY, RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

First Course

U-12 Scallop Crudo with Strawberries Five Ways and McGregor Farms Opal Basil
MARTIN RAY SAUVIGNON BLANC, NAPA VALLEY

Second Course

Venison Tenderloin with Strawberry Honey, Roasted Chestnut and Pink Peppercorn Powder and Strawberry Basil Lavash
MARTIN RAY PINOT NOIR, RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

Pasta Course

Braised Wild Boar with Strawberry Infused Pappardelle and a Foraged
Chanterelle Cream Sauce
MARTIN RAY CABERNET SAUVIGNON, SONOMA VALLEY

Main Course

Duck Leg Confit with Celery Root Purée, Royal Trumpet Mushrooms,
Glazed Cippolini Onions and a Strawberry Reduction
MARTIN RAY MERLOT, NAPA VALLEY

Cheese Course

Echo Mountain Goat, Pleasant Ridge Reserve, Rogue River Blue
Pistachio Powder, Marcona Almond Praline, Quince Paste
MARTIN RAY RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON, NAPA VALLEY

Dessert

Strawberry Crepe Cones with Citrus Mascarpone Mousse
Strawberry Sherbet with warm roasted Strawberry Compote
Chocolate and Balsamic Strawberry Sauce
MARTIN RAY RESERVE CHARDONNAY, SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS

 

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Jiko – The Cooking Place Presents The Wines of Paul Cluver!

tiw_jiko

 

Jiko – The Cooking Place is pleased to present…

The Wines of Paul Cluver, featuring Jacqueline Harris
Thursday, March 6, 2014
6:00 pm Reception / 6:30 pm Dinner
$160, plus tax and gratuity
Dress Code – Business Casual Evening Attire
Meet in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Lobby, Sunset Lounge

For reservations please contact Victoria Thompson at Victoria.j.thompson@disney.com. This event is limited to 36 guests and requires a credit card guarantee. There is a 3 day cancellation policy.

Paul Cluver is a family-owned, family-run wine business located in the cool-climate Elgin Valley, approximately 70km south-east of Cape Town. The property has been in ownership of the Cluver Family since 1896. Recognised as pioneers of wine in the area, the focus is on producing elegant wines that are expressive of the terroir. The wine business forms part of larger holistic farming business called ‘De Rust Estate’. In addition to the vineyards and cellar, there are apple and pear orchards, a Hereford stud and eco-tourism activities, including amphitheatre concerts, on the farm. This 2000+ hectare estate forms part of the UNESCO world heritage site, the Kogelberg Biosphere. Half of the estate has been set aside for conservation into perpetuity.

Reception

Za’atar Crusted Goat Cheese, Ghee Brik Pillow, and Zough
Seared Scallop, Crisp Cassava, Berbere Crème Fraîche, and Kaluga Caviar
“Beef Seswaa” Osso Bucco, Braised Oxtail “Marrow” in a Mealie Pap “Bone”
Paul Cluver Encounter Riesling, Elgin

Dinner

Preserved Citrus Roasted Duck Breast, Morel Mushrooms, Ramps, and English Pea Nage
Paul Cluver Sauvignon Blanc, Elgin

Grilled Lobster Potato Salad, Rock Prawn Crunch, Avocado Bisque, and Tikka Masala Air
Paul Cluver Gewürztraminer, Elgin

Herb Roasted Lamb Chop, Early Spring Greens, Chick Pea Croquets, and Coconut-Mint Jam
Paul Cluver Pinot Noir, Elgin

Harissa-crusted Butter Fish, Fiddle Head Ferns, Baby Corn, Delta Asparagus, and Green Garlic Emulsion
Paul Cluver Chardonnay, Elgin

Chocolate Pot de Crème with Almond Crème and Raspberries
Paul Cluver Late Harvest Riesling, Elgin

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Vegan Valentine’s Day Restaurant Specials

Although I don’t celebrate Valentine’s day, there are some great options out there for Vegans who want to take their loved ones out for dinner.

Here are some great Vegan Valentine’s Day specials for some great Local Orlando Restaurants!

Kindred Spirits Farm: February 15th!  Starting the evening at 5 with a tour of the sanctuary, followed by dinner and desert under the stars

kindredvalentine

Ethos Vegan Kitchen: 02/14, 5pm-11pm: Valentine’s Day Dinner. Join us for dinner, drink, and dessert specials starting at 5pm.

Infusion Tea 2/14 6:30pm seating and 8:30pm seating.  Four course dinner for $39.

infusionteaval

Cafe 118 on 2/14 Offering four course dinner Seating Limited RSVP ASAP 407-389-2233
first course
Zucchini Tartar

Second Course
Fennel Velouté with Tomato Seed “Caviar”

Third course
Golden Canelones, Red Pepper Marinara, Thyme-Parsley Pistachio Pesto, Heirloom Tomatoes and Black Truffle Ricotta

Forth course
White Chocolate Mousse Layer Cake with Raspberry Glaze

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