Spork Orlando

Dec 042017
 

FINAL LOGO

Chef Roberto Treviño’s highly anticipated restaurant, El Buda Latin Asian Restaurant, will open on Thursday, December 7th. The chef-driven concept is located in the heart of Downtown Orlando at 116 West Church St (between Hamburger Mary’s and the train tracks) featuring Latin and Asian cuisines in a unique way. El Buda will also be serving an extensive menu of craft cocktails and beer, with an emphasis on local brews.

“I moved to Orlando this summer and have had the opportunity to explore the different neighborhoods and am just in love with all the different little unique pockets, especially downtown,” Treviño said.  “Orlando is in this amazing place right now as a food city, and I feel blessed to be part of what’s happening here and hope that people discover us downtown and get as excited about our food as we are about being here.”

Treviño, a native of California, moved to Puerto Rico in the early 1990s where he solidified his culinary reputation as a star chef with some of the island’s most popular restaurants including Dragonfly, Aguaviva and Budatai.  Treviño has cooked dinner at the James Beard Foundation house in New York for their award events, is frequently featured as a guest chef in food events throughout the US and the Caribbean, including the Aspen Food & Wine ClassicTelluride Culinary Festival and the St Croix Food and Wine Festival.  He has made numerous television appearances both in Puerto Rico and the US, including a battle against renowned Chef Mario Batali on Iron Chef America, as a contestant on The Next Iron Chef, with Rachael Ray on her show $40 a Day, as well as on his own local shows Kandela and 4 Minutos con Chef Treviño.  He’s currently a recurring guest judge on Food Network’s Beat Bobby Flay.

Signature dishes present themselves throughout El Buda’s menu that will include a variety of sections for guests to explore including Dim Sum and Platitos (Pork and Sweet Plantain Dumpling and Octopus Pimenton Kaisou), Rice and Noodles (Ho Fun with Grilled Churasco and Ropa Vieja BiBimBap), Poke, Crudo and Greens (Herame con Coco and Smoked Salmon Pineapple Poke) and Deluxe Meat and Fish (Duck Breast with Miso Honey Potatoes and Beef Short Rib with Yuzu Papas Bravas).  A diverse selection of sides range from Teriyaki Tots (Treviño loves tater tots) to Chicharron Popovers.  The bar program will place an emphasis on craft cocktails and beer, and will also serve wine.

El Buda is located at 116 W. Church Street (look for the side entrance adjacent to the SunRail tracks) and is open daily for lunch and dinner starting at 11:30am.  Weekend brunch is expected to launch before the end of the year.  Learn more by visiting the restaurant’s Facebook Page or by calling (407) 203-8171.  Guests can also follow on Instagram @ElBudaDowntown or Chef Treviño’s personal Twitter account @cheftrevino.

Nov 202017
 

From Epcot to Downtown Orlando, The City Beautiful was bursting with food and wine events this fall. One that’s not to be missed next year is the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic. Featuring an astonishing number of wine stations, food and wine seminars and chef meet and greats, this multi-day event is always quite the show.

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We attended a fun (and informative) wine blending seminar prior to the Classic Causeway event. During this hands-on seminar we took a step-by-step look at the wine making process. After a little wine education, and a lot of wine sampling, we headed over to the main tasting event  featuring more than 60 food and beverage stations. See below for a sampling of what we tasted and sipped during the event!

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While there’s lots of events to choose from in the fall, make sure you put the Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic on your itinerary for next year!

Nov 062017
 

four seasons orlando

If you’ve been following Spork for some time now, you know how much we love dining at the Four Seasons. This weekend they are calling all Italian food lovers for events that are not to be missed.

Executive Chef Fabrizio Schenardi, who hails from Turin, Italy, will welcome Italian guest chefs in partnership with the Italian Food Style Education (IFSE) Culinary School and the Region of Piedmont in Italy. The Resort first partnered with IFSE in October 2016. Ravello at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort will be host to two incredible dinner experiences highlighting Italian cuisine.

Ravello will welcome Chef Giovanni Grasso of Ristorante La Credenza in San Maurizio Canavese (Turin), Italy. La Credenza was recognized in 2006 with one Michelin Star. Chef Grasso has devoted 25 years at the helm of La Credenza, mixing tradition with innovation, and serving cuisine that is never predictable.

In addition to Chef Grasso, Ravello will welcome Italy’s renowned pastry chef Wendy Elena Bosca. Chef Bosca was born into pastry success, as the daughter of Master Pastry Chef Sergio Bosca, who was awarded the Excellence Artigiana Piemontese Award, Chef Bosca grew up surrounded by sweets. In 2012, she opened her own cake shop in Turin, Italy and in 2013, recorded her own cake design show, airing on television in Italy. In 2014, she joined the IFSE as a culinary instructor, specialising in cake design.

Friday, November 10, 2017

  • Italian Feast – four-course dinner with wine pairings, 6:30 pm, Ravello, USD 140 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity
  • Experience an authentic Italian meal in the Piemontese style of Italy, featuring imported ingredients and Italian wines, created by visiting Chefs Grasso and Bosca.

Saturday, November 11, 2017

  • Italian White Truffle five-course feast with wine pairings, 6:30 pm, Ravello, USD 200 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity
  • A decadent dinner featuring the exclusive white Alba truffle from Italy. The White Truffle Festival is one of the oldest Italian truffle festivals that remains widely attended year after year. The mouth-watering dinner courses include risotto with Piedmont cheese, coffee powder and white truffle; pan seared branzino with potato, oyster water and white truffle; veal with smoked potato puree, foie gras and white truffle; and more

BRB…going to make a reservation at Four Seasons!

Advance tickets are required for these special dinner events. Space is limited; guests must reserve their spot accordingly via Eventbrite.

Oct 012017
 

Step away from your desk. I repeat, step away from your desk. It’s time to get outside and enjoy the wonderful world of lunch! Bring back the mid-day break and explore a new spot for your afternoon meal. While there’s no such thing as a free lunch, these are certainly worth paying for in Downtown Orlando.

Rusty Spoon: As a two-time James Beard Award Nominee, Kathleen Blake is queen of downtown cuisine. Her Lake Meadow “Red Devil” Stuffed Eggs are killer, while her half pound grass fed beef burger stuffed with bacon and Gruyere is sure to put you in the perfect food coma. Lunch or dinner now is the time to visit Rusty Spoon.

Cuban American Cafe: Located inside The Fairwinds Corporate Tower, this authentic Cuban spot has been serving up the best Cuban coffee and sandwiches for 12 years! Pop in for a taste and get out for less than 10 bucks.

Le Gourmet Break: The family that owns this spot moved from France a few short years ago to open a restaurant in Orlando. We’re now the lucky recipients of their pastries made on site and baked fresh daily. They also serve breakfast all day which means you must try their Omelet Croissant. It’s buttery, flaky and everything you’d hope for in a breakfast-fusion sandwich.

DoveCote: Open morning, noon and night their burger and croque monsieur alone are worth a trip out of the office. Bonus points for their stylish space and tasty wine list.

Put down the mouse and pick up a fork. #TeamLunch

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Oct 012017
 

We all know that #OrlandoDoesntSuck, but did you also realize how many fabulous (and famous) companies are based right here in The City Beautiful? By now you’ve probably heard of The Dinner Party Project where you join seven strangers for dinner. Created to draw the people of Orlando together over a meal, this simple concept is unprecedented in our city and taking off like crazy.

In a constantly connected world, conversation is dwindling and screens are typically the first point of contact. Siri and I are BFF’s, but there’s something refreshing and invigorating about quality conversation and fantastic food shared with new friends. This creative concept is a new way to meet interesting people and enjoy a meal.

We recently attended an event at Bloomingdale’s with fashion bloggers and local businesses. As an Orlando native, it’s fun to find emerging companies and people doing cool things in our city. We were certainly introduced to a host of companies and here’s a few of our favorites from the evening!

  • Corkcicle: Did you know this national company started in a College Park garage? We’re loving their new stemless tumbler, perfect for chilling that rosé  all day.

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  • Inbloom Florist: This local shop has beautiful arrangements and offers same day delivery for when you really need to say “I’m Sorry.” Check out their upcoming Wine and Design series for a Pumpkin Palooza.
  • Little Blue Donut Truck: This roaming donut shop is now expanding into a brick and mortar shop. Find them soon at 223 W Fairbanks Ave in Winter Park!

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  • Gypset: One of my favorite gems around town, this mobile boutique has some of the most fabulous jewelry. One of my all time favorite pieces is from this spot! Shop here.
  • Ashley Brooke Designs: So enjoyed meeting Ashley Brooke during the dinner, turns out our husbands used to work together! It really is a small world after all. She has so many pretty pieces on her site, including these mugs to make your mornings a little more fun and fabulous.

And while we’re on the topic of local businesses, here’s a shameless plug for mine….giddy paperie! Shop our Instagram for all things bright and cheery. To find out more about Dinner Party Project click here and sign up for their next event.

 

 

Photo Credits: Corksicle, Lettermade

Oct 012017
 

Just as quickly as the season arrives, so it also ends. All things food and wine are well underway at Disney, but not for much longer. In the sea of events, one that’s not to be missed is Food & Wine Weekends at Waldorf Astoria and Hilton Bonnet Creek happening now through November 12. Presenting exceptional wine and culinary events over the course of nine weekends, the resorts’ Food & Wine Weekends are designed to complement the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.

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These weekends include a macaron bar, traditional Royal Tea and Bar du Chocolat with champagne tasting. You can also make reservations to enjoy the tasting dinners at the hotels’ signature restaurants, Bull & Bear, La Luce and Zeta Asia.

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We attended the Taste of La Luce which takes place Fridays and Saturdays from 6 – 11 p.m. Experience a four course meal for just $55 and be sure to add on the wine pairings for an extra $35. Go with a friend who doesn’t mind sharing their meal and order all ten options to experience each choice on this prix-fixe menu. We enjoyed a fun and flavorful evening and highly recommend adding La Luce to your list of fall culinary events!

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Antipasti
Zuppa Ribolita
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Carpaccio di Melone
? Villa Sandi ‘Il Fresco’ Spumante Rose, Veneto, Italy

Primi
Ravioli al Nero di Sephia
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Gnocci Aurora
? Rocca di Montemassi ‘Le Focaie’ Sangiovese, Tuscany,Italy

Secondi
Risotto with Braised Short Rib
?Castello d’Albola Chianti Classico Riserva, Tuscany, Italy
or
Italian Seafood Stew
? Bruno Giacosa Roero Piedmont, Italy

Dolci
Almond Stuffed Baked Apple with Salted Caramel Gelato,
or
Hot Chocolate Mousse Cake
?Coppo Moncalvina Moscato d’Asti, Italy

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Oct 012017
 

For some strange reason I became obsessed with spicy foods after college. My family thinks it’s bizarre, but I can take the heat. I’ve become the person that will ask for dishes extra spicy at restaurants and roll my eyes when waiters warn me about how spicy a dish is. From pizza to sandwiches, here’s how to spice up your life with some blazing dishes around town.

Pizza Bruno: Their spiciest pies include Crimson Ghost and Five-Ohhhhh. The first is loaded with calabrian chilies, hot soppressata, fresh mozzarella, basil and a dash of hot honey to balance out all that spice. The other serves up mozzarella, pickled jalapeños, prosciutto, roasted pineapple, garlic, sauce swirl. Ask for extra jalapeños if you can handle the heat.

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Pig Floyds: One of my favorite sandwiches is the Barbakoa Bánh mì which is stuffed with pulled pork, lucky dragon sauce, pickled jalapeños and fresno peppers. Get extra jalapeños and douse your toppings with their Hot BBQ sauce or Sriracha for an added kick. Pro tip….you can have this delivered to your doorstep with Postmates! It’s magical.

Hawkers: Their pad thai is full of stir-fried rice noodles with shrimp, chicken, eggs and red chili pepper topped with crushed roasted peanuts and a lime wedge. You can order it mild or spicy, but obviously you want the spicy version.

Publix: If you haven’t had a buffalo chicken pub sub, you’re missing out on our grocery store’s greatest gem. Just make sure you call ahead, because nobody wants to stand in those endless deli lines – you’ve got spicy food to devour!

Williamson Bros.: Sometimes I carry hot sauce in my purse. Sometimes. There’s nothing more disappointing than ordering a “spicy dish” only to find out it’s pretty bland and (gasp) the restaurant only has Tabasco (ewww). This Atlanta based company makes all their own sauces and their hot sauce is one of my new favorites. Perfectly balanced and works with a variety of dishes. Their BBQ sauce is equally delightful, from Chipotle to Classic Carolina, pick up some sauces from Williamson Bros. during your next trip to Publix or shop online.

I’ll leave you with this thought….if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen. 

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Photo Credits: Williamson Bros.