Locals start planning their meals Orlando Magical Dining Month meals weeks in advance, bopping all over Central Florida to dining rooms that are usually beyond their budgets. This year, a record-breaking 96 establishments are participating.
Read moreQuick Peek: Orlando's New DoveCote Restaurant
After much ballyhoo due to the all-star cast behind it, Orlando's new DoveCote restaurant made its debut on Wednesday. The grand establishment is a 5,000-square-foot brasserie serving Bank of America employees, and the rest of us, all day long.
Read moreWhere to Dine Out for Orlando United on Thursday
Where should you eat to support your neighbors during Thursday's Dine Out for Orlando United fundraiser? Look closely. The restaurants participating can pledge to give pretty much whatever they want, and some are set to donate way more than others.
Read moreTry an Omakase Dinner at Seito Sushi
I urge you to try the omakase dinner at Seito Sushi in Orlando's Baldwin Park.
With Executive Chef Austin Boyd at the helm, the glitzy restaurant at a far corner of this residential neighborhood serves up not only creative and standard Asian fare, but also multicourse dinners. They're known as "omakase," which in Japanese restaurants means "whim of the chef." In other words, Chef Austin and his team take what's tops in their pantry the day of the meal and have a ton of fun making the most of each item.
I tried a nine-course version as part of a media dinner. A gaggle of us were seated around lovely new wooden chef's table, which Chef Austin carved himself. He hails from a line of woodworkers. If you don't have an eightsome willing to undertake this culinary experience, don't dismay. With 48 hours notice, the chefs will create an omakase dinner at Seito Sushi for even two of you.
The Omakase Dinner at Seito Sushi
Here's what we had, in order. Your menu will be different, as mine will be if I return. That's the fun of omakase.
And, Dessert at the Omakase Dinner at Seito Sushi
So, um, yea. Don't let my lousy photography dismay you. This meal is an occasion in itself, and it certainly makes a better, say, Father's Day gift than some boring old tie. Make it happen. Call 407.898.8801 and set a date.
Eat enthusiastically,
Rona
Where to Eat on Mothers Day in Orlando 2016
Where can you still get a table on Mothers Day in Orlando? Here are restaurants that don't accept reservations, or do but still expect to have plenty of seats available for walk-ins.
Read moreSt Patricks Day in Orlando, in Style
Until someone proves St. Patrick was the saint of green beer, I’ll celebrate St Patricks Day in Orlando in a classy way, thank you. Good food. Maybe good drink. No drunken hordes.
Read moreMatsusaka Beef - Try It This Weekend
Try Matsusaka beef at Four Seasons Orlando this weekend, and only this weekend. It's your one and only chance, for months on end.
Read moreLearn to Make Pottery the FABU Way
Learn to make pottery the FABU way, as artist Fabian Pesci is opening his studio for classes, teaching fans how to create their own platters and bowls.
Read moreWholly Holiday! The Whole Foods Menu
My Thanksgiving hostess brings in a complete meal, from appetizer to pies, from Boston Market. Don't judge. Plenty of people open their homes for celebration but don't want to cook. Whole Foods offers whole meals, and a la carte dishes, for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Hanukkah.
Read moreA New and Improved Tabla Indian Restaurant
I was never a huge fan of Tabla, and Indian restaurant, and was wary to return when it added Chinese and Thai dishes along with a spiffier decor. The owner invited me back for a look-see, and I'm a fan now. Several of the dishes are memorable.
Read moreOne Delicious Dish: Black Bean Burger at The Whiskey
Vegetarians, take heed. The Whiskey makes one heckuva black bean burger.
Read moreA Wise Guide to Magical Dining Month Orlando
Thought it's not technically September yet, Magical Dining Month Orlando is underway. Get out of the house now! Go! Eat! Don't wait! Sponsored by Visit Orlando, Magical Dining Month Orlando involves 70+ restaurants--many of them terrific--serving three-course dinners for $33.
Read more2015 Orlando Taste of the Nation
Share Our Strength helps gets food to hungry people all over the country. You can eat really, really well Saturday night while supporting the effort. Here in Orlando, the local chapter raises money in part by hosting an annual mega-feast called Orlando Taste of the Nation. More than 40 local restaurants from family-friendly to ultra-fine will hand out small portions of one specially prepared dish.
Read moreOne Delicious Dish: Sapporo Ramen
I was cranky and yearning for a lunch of fresh scrambled unwashed, multi-colored eggs from the dozen I'd just bought at the Winter Garden Farmer's Market. But I had an obstacle the size of Japan. Two nights before, Ricky Ly, the Asian-American food blogger behind Tasty Chomps, had told The Hub and me about Sapporo Ramen, claiming its noodle soups rival those in Tokyo. I had zero chance of keeping my foodie-man away from this restaurant for even one more meal period.
Read moreWhat a Rush! Try Escapology Orlando
"Ten out of 10, I'd do that again." That was a guest, a 22-year-old University of Florida Aerospace Engineering senior, in the car on the way home from Escapology Orlando.
Read moreVote Today! Orlando Restaurants in Zagat
It's time! Zagat is putting together it's next America's Tops book. We need your input.
Read moreCheck Out the Bill Pouch at Outpost Neighborhood Kitchen
We were smitten with the bill pouch at Outpost Neighborhood Kitchen.
Read moreGive Pollo Tropical Another Try
I'm the last one to write respectful words about fast food chain restaurants, except maybe Chipotle on a charitable day. But I revisited Pollo Tropical yesterday, sampling new foods within the company's revamped decor. Honestly, I liked what I ate. Give Pollo Tropical another try.
Read moreRadishes with Smoked Crème Fraiche: A Tale of Capa, Orlando's New Spanish Steakhouse
Look at this. Just look at this. It's four types of radishes on top of smoked crème fraiche--ya! smoked crème frache!--with a bit of pomegranate laced in. Hint: We're talking about Capa, Orlando's new Spanish steakhouse.
Read moreZaza-The Only Way to Eat at Orlando Airport
Trapped in Terminal B for two hours, I could buy lunch from national chains or other national chains. Manchu Wok. Ruby Tuesday. Ick. Then I spotted Zaza. Zaza Modern Cuban Diner is a frill-free local place with two restaurants in addition to its modest airport counter.
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