Gavin DeGraw, Outstanding Food at Downtown Food & Wine Fest

Photo courtesy Downtown Food & Wine Fest

Gavin DeGraw is just a bonus when I visit the outstanding annual event, Downtown Food & Wine Fest, February 25 & 26 at Lake Eola in downtown Orlando.

For me, the main draw is the food. Last year, one of our favorite dishes was from Baoery Asian Gastropub, and I'm sure we will be wowed by the restaurant again this year. However, I am also looking forward to trying The Tipsy Cookie, Restaurant Ash, Siro Urban Italian Kitchen, Tapa Toro, Copper Canyon Grill and many other top Orlando eateries.

Me and Chef Ashley Nickell
of Hell's Kitchen in 2016

Of course, we will also check out some of the tantalizing wine options, including Fruits and Wine, Beso del Sol sangria and Kobrand.

In addition to DeGraw, other musical acts include: KC and the Sunshine Band, Spencer Ludwig, the Legendary JC's and Orange Avenue.

What are you most looking forward to seeing and eating at this year's event? Let us know in the comments below.

For more information, follow Downtown Food & Wine Fest on Twitter @DTFoodWineFest, Facebook or visit the web site: www.DowntownFoodandWineFest.com.

Also see:

Top 5 reasons to visit Orlando's Downtown Food & Wine Fest

Orlando's Top Eateries & Food Trucks

Season's 52 Desserts

I was pleased to see that the top restaurants and food trucks voted as "Orlando's Best Bets of 2012", are many of the eateries that I - and readers of my blog - also say are their favorites. In The Orlando Sentinel's latest reader survey, Central Floridians voted Seasons 52 as the "best local chain restaurant" and Big Wheel Provisions as the best "meals on wheels". The runners-up for best local chain restaurant were Tijuana Flats and Chipotle and readers' other favorite food trucks were Yum Yum Cupcake Truck and Korean BBQ Taco Box. 


I agree with these selections and also with the restaurants voted as having the "best brunch"in Orlando: First Watch Daytime Cafe, followed by Dexter's and Villa de Flora-Gaylord Palms. I have always loved First Watch. When you go, be sure to try their Bacado Omelette (made with bacon, avocado, and Monterey Jack cheese) and Dexter's has peach mimoas for Sunday brunch. Need I say more?

Hawkers Asian Street Fare

The "best ethnic cuisine" award went to Hawkers Asian Street Fare, which everyone knows I am a huge fan of. Bosphorous Restaurant (Turkish cuisine) in Winter Park and Sea Thai off of Colonial Drive were runners up.
I also like some of the unusual awards, such as "best hangover restaurant", which went to Banans Diner off of Mills Ave., followed by Dexter's and Tijuana Flats. The "best date night place" went to Treasure Tavern, followed by Ravenous Pig and Seasons 52. I agree with the choices of Ravenous Pig and Seasons 52, but would also add Fishbones in Lake Mary, The Winter Park Fish Co., and Mitchell's Fish Market in Winter Park. Mitchell's is a great place to grab infused cocktails and apps before seeing a movie in Winter Park Village.


I lke how Fiddler's Green Irish Pub & Eatery in Winter Park (with its great atmosphere, food, and drinks) made it on the "best pint bar" list, which was won by World of Beer on Dr. Phillips Blvd. in Orlando. What do you think of the restaurants and food trucks voted as the best in Orlando? Which ones would you add to or delete from this list?

Hawkers Sports Cheap, Tasty Asian Food

Only open a few months, Hawkers Asian Street Fare is delighting the downtown Orlando restaurant-going crowd with something different. Hawkers, 1103 North Mills Ave., is named after street vendors throughout Asia who “hawk” their hand-made wares. Essentially, you are eating delicious Asian street food in appetizer-sized portions, priced much cheaper than entrees at most restaurants around town. You can order two small plates and unique beers and wines for $3 to $5 for a total bill of $15 to $20 each.

Among our favorite dishes at this fun, casual spot are:  Char Kway Teo (Malaysian stir-fried noodles with shrimp, chicken and scallions), pot stickers, and Hawkers Five Spice Fish Tacos.

However, if you are expecting great service and the best Asian food you have ever had, don’t hold your breath. Hawkers is still working out its serving and communication kinks. I had a bad experience trying to order entrees without certain ingredients I am allergic to. It was impossible for Hawkers to alter recipes or get the order correct.

Still, I believe that Hawkers provides something new to the city, and will be around for a long time.