May 072017
 

Just outside The Mall at Millenia you’ll find Burger 21, a chef-inspired burger spot with offerings including 21 unique creations ranging from hand-crafted, freshly ground Certified Angus Beef  to chicken, turkey, vegetarian, shrimp and tuna burgers to an extensive shake bar including hand-crafted shakes, floats and sundaes. With so many options you’ll be faced with a tough ordering decision, here’s what we’d recommend trying after a day of shopping. After all, shopping counts as cardio – right?!

  • 1. The Ahi Tuna: This lightly crisp fish is surrounded by Sriracha aïoli, avocado and pickled cucumbers in this panko-fried sushi-grade ahi tuna burger.

burger 21

  • 2. French Fries: Can’t decide between the classic and sweet potato version? Order both with their half and half option. Gluten free fries are available upon request as well.

burger 21

  • 3. Espresso Shake: Shopping can be *exhausting* – perk up with some sugar and caffeine with this tasty blended treat.

burger 21

  • 4. Monterey Chicken: One of my favorites! This “burger” makes chicken un-boring with salsa, avocado, applewood smoked bacon, jalapeños, sun-dried tomato aïoli, Monterey Jack cheese and a brioche bun.

burger 21

  • 5. Tex-Mex Haystack: Get your fork and knife out for this stack! This burger is loaded with applewood smoked bacon, Gouda cheese, guacamole, onion strings, chipotle-jalapeño sauce, lettuce and tomato.

Have you been to Burger 21, what’s your favorite number to order?

burger 21

Burger 21 Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

May 032017
 

TGK West Elv_Day-Credit Gravity Architecture & Design, LLC

Coming this fall, one of Winter Park will welcome a new café, The Glass Knife,  their aim is to become the area’s go-to destination for its line of elevated, decadent cakes, elegant desserts and other sweet treats.  The restaurant will also offer a savory menu for breakfast and lunch, plus a variety of evening items.

The Glass Knife is inspired by a loving mother and hobbyist baker whose talents transformed her culinary passion into a creative profession. Fostered through a collection of family and friends, the recipes shared during these time-honored baking sessions are the nostalgic basis for what will come to life within The Glass Knife.

The café was developed by local entrepreneur Steve Brown, as a way to share his memories of baking alongside his mother, Jacque, and his vision to establish a sophisticated, yet comfortable community gathering place that encourages togetherness and celebration.  The location’s design will tell a story that brings its guests back to a specific moment in time, whether through the delicious cakes and pastries, savory faire or the artfully displayed collection of 1920s era glass cake knives which were a treasured collection of Brown’s mother and serve as the origin of its name.

TGK Northwest Angle_Day- Credit Gravity Architecture & Design, LLC

Under the direction and deft hand of Executive Chef Stuart Whitfield, who has worked for some of the country’s premiere hospitality brands (Four Seasons, Le Cirque, David Burke & Donatella, The Walt Disney Company), The Glass Knife plans to make its mark on Orlando’s ever-evolving dining scene by providing its guests with world-class food and service, presented within a refined, yet approachable, environment.

The Glass Knife will offer a variety of stunningly delicious cake options including its Classics, which will embrace timeless family favorites like Red Velvet, Carrot and Coconut cakes, all with Chef Stuart’s modern twist. The Glass Knife wignatures will be created as one-of-a-kind, patisserie-style cakes, that will bring a refined selection of celebratory sweets to Winter Park.  Chef Stuart will craft a lineup of artisanal donuts including melt-in-your-mouth versions of Lemon Meringue Pie and Peanut Butter Cup.   A variety of additional fresh baked goods and pastries including scones, croissants, and cookies will also be featured.

Recognizing that nothing goes better with dessert than a great cup of coffee and setting the stage to become Winter Park’s premier coffee destination, The Glass Knife will use carefully sourced, fair-trade beans prepared by expert baristas within a unique and engaging serving experience that will utilize stylish and sophisticated technology.

Those looking to combine both sweet and savory will not be disappointed by the café’s offerings, which will include breakfast fare along with soup, salads and sandwiches, plus heartier choices like chicken pot pie alongside a selection of craft beer and fine wine.

“Our cuisine will focus on seasonal, responsibly and locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, that will evoke familiar family recipes handed down over time, but created with our culinary team’s unique twist and presentation,” said Chef Stuart.  “While we hesitate to call ourselves a bakery, as we will deliver a more complete dining experience, we do envision that our elevated line of cakes, pastries and baked goods will stand on their own.”

The Glass Knife will be located at 276 S. Orlando Ave., Winter Park, FL, 32789.  Learn more of the story and receive updates online (theglassknife.com), Facebook (facebook.com/theglassknifewp) and Instagram (instagram.com/theglassknifewp).

May 012017
 

We were recently invited to experience Ocean Prime on Sand Lake, this modern American restaurant and lounge hails from renowned restaurateur Cameron Mitchell. Their menu includes a vast offering of seafood and prime cuts of steak, signature cocktails and a Wine Spectator-honored wine list.

From the kitchen and bar, there is a focus on quality ingredients in every dish. The menu is classic and modern all at once with offerings ranging from King Salmon to a traditional Filet Mignon. Between cocktails and calamari, here’s the five menu items to order while at Ocean Prime!

  • 1. Black Orchid: Belvedere Vodka, St. Germaine Elderflower liqueur, hand squeezed lemon and white cranberry juice. A beautiful, yet dangerous beverage! These are easy and fun to drink, but consume with caution. Or just call an Uber.
  • 2. Point Judith Calamari: With sweet chili sauce and candied cashews, this sweet and savory starter is hand-breaded and prepared under the direction of the chef.
  • 3. Crisp Wedge of Lettuce: A heaping hunk of lettuce with red onions, smoked bacon, grape tomatoes, blue cheese, grape tomatoes and buttermilk dressing. Put down some lettuce (and bacon!) before indulging in your decadent main course.
  • 4. King Salmon: The king of all salmon makes its way from the Pacific to Central Florida. This plump and flavorful fish is prepared with roasted tomatoes, olives and a Dijon dressing.
  • 5. Ahi Tuna: Topped with mango, avocado, cashews and a spicy sesame soy glaze. Served rare with a mountain of flavor, if you’re a tuna fan this dish is not to be missed.

So tell us….what do you order at Ocean Prime?

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May 012017
 

Three Master Sommeliers and a menu inspired by James Beard award-winning chef Norman Van Aken add up to an extraordinary wine dinner coming to Mount Dora at 1921 by Norman Van Aken.

  • Thursday, May 11, from 6-10 p.m., this unprecedented evening brings together George Miliotes, of Wine Bar George (opening this fall at Disney Springs); John Blazon, Vice President of sales at Jackson Family Wines; and Brian Koziol, Food & Beverage Concept and Development director for Disney Parks & Resorts.
  • The three Master Sommeliers will match wonderful and intriguing French wines with six Modern Florida cuisine courses that will include Poached White Fish with Calamondin and Florida Citrus, Duck Breast with an Onion Escabeche; and Braised Beef Short Rib with Chanterelle, Truffle Potato Au Gratin & Oxtail Jus.
  • Tickets are $175 per person and are available by calling 352-385-1921. The restaurant is located at 142 E. Fourth Ave. in the heart of Mount Dora’s historic district.

Cheers!

1921 mount dora

 

Apr 172017
 

This Sunday Taste of Pointe Orlando returns featuring bites and sips from local restaurants. Proceeds benefit ELEVATE Orlando, a civic nonprofit dedicated to equipping and empowering under-served youth to graduate with a plan for the future. Grab your tickets here!

Participating restaurants include:

BB King’s
Copper Canyon Grill
Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar
Funky Monkey
Itta Bena
Lafayette’s
Maggiano’s Little Italy
Main Event Entertainment
Taverna Opa
Tommy Bahama Restaurant – Bar

And more!

Save The Date Taste of PO 2017

Apr 082017
 

Explore the science behind wine Saturday, April 29 at the Orlando Science Center when Science of Wine returns in a few weeks. Not just another wine tasting, but an oenological odyssey with presentations on multiple aspects of wine tasting, cooking with wine and more. This fundraiser for Orlando Science Center offers guests the opportunity to sample more than 150 wines that will be paired with dishes from 20 culinary partners, plus entertainment, live music and a silent auction.

Culinary partners include local favorites like Taverna Opa, Hawkers, KASA Restaurant & Bar and Black Rooster to name a few. It wouldn’t be the Science of Wine without some unique educational wine experiences. There will be several informal presentations throughout the evening, including cooking with wine demonstrations in Dr. Dare’s Lab as well as a blind tasting seminar.

Delight in educational presentations, wine and food tastings all benefiting Orlando Science Center’s mission to inspire science learning for life. Science of Wine is expected to sell out again this year, so get your tickets early. Tickets are on sale now and available at www.osc.org/wine.

And I’ll leave you with one of my favorite Albariños…La Cana from Rias Baixas, Spain. Cheers!

science of wine