Support Orlando restaurants helping our city

Sanctum Cafe

I, for one, am not going to hide in my house after the crisis in Orlando. Now is the time to get out and be social with friends and family, celebrating the lives that we have. Several Orlando restaurants are donating a portion of their sales to help families of the victims. I have included a few examples below, and I hope you support these businesses:

4 Rivers Smokehouse and The Coop are giving guests the option to round up their purchase or donate any dollar amount to the victims and families affected by the Orlando tragedy. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved," the restaurants said. Plus, 4 Rivers is opening its Winter Park location on a Sunday for the first time in its history this Sunday, June 19, from 11 am to 3 pm. Proceeds from the day will go toward the One Orlando Fund to benefit victims and their families. 

The Sanctum Cafe: During June, the vegan eatery's Karma Bowl will be offered for $5. Any proceeds donated above that, will go directly to the GoFundMe account benefiting victims who have been affected by the tragedy. 

K Restaurant continues to donate a portion of its sales to benefit the family of Cory Connell, an Edgewater High graduate who was killed.

The Osprey Tavern has added the Orlando Strong cocktail to its menu, and 100% of the sales of this cocktail will be donated to Equality Florida's Pulse Victim Fund.

Sweet by Holly in Orlando and Jacksonville will donate 50% of the sales of its Orlando Pride cupcakes (available in regular and gluten-free via special order) to Equality Florida.

Also kudos to the Waterford Lakes Chik-fil-A, which stayed open on Sunday to pass out water to those donating blood. There are a number of other restaurants that donated food and water - and continue to help during the aftermath. Please let us know about other Orlando restaurant benefits and fundraisers in the comments section below!

4 Rivers' Sweet Shop Takes the Cake

So many of Flavorful Excursions' readers love 4 Rivers Smokehouse for its amazing barbecue (including St. Louis style ribs and brisket sandwiches), but have you tried the restaurant's desserts? You really should. There is something at 4 Rivers Sweet Shop for everyone!

If you are into cupcakes, Sweet Shop has more than 10 varieties daily, including oustanding, unique flavors such as Mountain Dew, Junkfood, Earthquake and the popular Birthday Cake. The shop also features a number of cakes, such as Red Velvet and Carrot Cake. S'Mores Brownies, Chocolate Mint Covered Oreos, and Red Velvet Whoopie Pie sandwiches also make the list. 

Still, I have not even begun listing the ice cream flavors and desserts available, since I simply could not try all the desserts there in one visit! When I recently visited the Longwood location (which is very convenient, since it is right off of I-4 on 434), I tried a few of the house-made bars because the flavors sounded so unique and delectable. The Texas Bourbon Pecan Pie did not disappoint. I really got the strong flavors of bourbon in the not-too-sweet fillng, along with a wonderful crust and toasted pecans. This bar is one of my new favorite desserts. 

Texas Bourbon Pecan Pie

I also loved the Peanut Butter Kiss bar. It tasted exactly like the name and the flavors work perfectly together. The Peanut Butter and Jelly Bar tastes exactly like a sweeter version of the peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Again, it is not too sweet and all the flowers fit together perfectly. I really have no complaints about my first visit to the 4 Rivers Sweet Shop, and can't wait to go back. Which desserts should I try next?

Where: Inside 4 Rivers' Winter Park, Longwood, and Jacksonville locations

Sample Gourmet Food from Top Restaurants at Taste of Winter Park

Besides the Epcot Food & Wine Festival, the Taste of Winter Park is the local food festival that I look forward to every year. I am sure all my foodie friends agree. Where else can you sample dishes such as prime rib from Shula's Seakhouse, jumbo shrimp from Mitchell's Fish Market, and lobster hot dogs from The Ravenous Pig? Not to mention unique desserts such as Lavendar Tea Cake with Chambord Icing and all the wine and beer you would like.

This year, the Taste of Winter Park is featuring 45 restaurants and shops, including 4 Rivers Smokehouse, Cask & Larder, Luma on Park, P.F. Chang's, Kilwin's Chocolate and Ice Cream, Whole Foods Market, and Prato. For $45, you get as many food and drink samples as you would like. This is a wonderful way to try new restaurants along with all of your favorites.

When: Wednesday, April 17, 5:00-8:00 p.m.

Where: 200 West New England Ave., Winter Park

Fun, Local Food & Wine Tastings

Cafe Tu Tu Tango at Baldwin Park

‘Tis the season for food and wine festivals in Central Florida. There are too many great events to cover all of them today, but I will tell you about the two coming up soon: The 2012 Food & Wine Festival at Baldwin Park this Saturday, March 10, and the Taste of Lake Mary on Monday, March 19.

Normally, I would be so excited about the Baldwin Park event because of the quality restaurateurs that will be serving up food and beverages including Café Tu Tu Tango, 4 Rivers Smokehouse, Funky Monkey, Stonewood Grill, Shula’s 347, and Tibby’s New Orleans Kitchen. However, the cost is $65 each, which is too pricey for me. The fee reflects the evening’s great cause, though: the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

J.W. Marriott Primo at Baldwin Park

The Taste of Lake Mary is somewhat more reasonably-priced at $40 per person or $75 per couple. It also features food from some of the highest-quality restaurants in Orlando, such as Fishbones, Liam Fitzpatrick’s, Stonewood Grill, Shula’s 347, and Fin-esse.

Where & When:

March 10, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m., New Broad Street, Baldwin Park.

March 19, 5:30 – 8:00 p.m., Park Place at Heathrow, 1501 International Parkway, Lake Mary.