Where to Eat & Drink This Weekend: Top Chefs and David Cook at Downtown Fest

The organizers of Orlando's Downtown Food & Wine Fest on March 31 and April 1 have outdone themselves this year with entertainment and celebrity chefs that will accompany the delicious food provided by great local restaurants.


American Idol alum David Cook - perhaps the most well known of the performers - will take the stage Saturday night. Also playing Saturday is Live Hart and John Smith & Tropical Steel. On Sunday, CeCe Teneal, Little River Band, and My Generation take the stage.


Celebrity chefs, who will host live cooking demonstrations and meet with fans, include: Lindsay Autry, a finalist in Top Chef's Season 9; Erika Davis from Top Chef Just Desserts Season 1, and Extreme Chef Amadeus of The Food Network.

Erika Davis

Now on to the food! 40 of Central Florida's top restaurants will be serving up their treats. Featured restaurants include Primo, Del Frisco's, Dexter's of Thorton Park, Ember, Shari Sushi, Funky Monkey Wine Co., and Bananas Diner. Many top wines will be presented - you can view the full list on the Food & Wine Fest web site.


The cost is only $15 to per person per day, then food tickets are $2 each. Admission for children under 12 years old is free. Where: Lake Eola, downtown Orlando.

Orlando's Top Dog-Friendly and Foodie-Friendly Restaurants

There is something so comforting about sitting outside your favorite café, sipping on a hot latte or a glass of wine. I love that many restaurants in Orlando let you bring your pet, while you are sitting outside on their patios. There was a flap a couple of years back about whether or not restaurants in the city should allow dogs. I am so glad the answer was yes! I am a big proponent of enjoying time with your pet, while appreciating nature and the great food that is being served.

My dog owner friends say that among the top places to eat with pets are: RelaxGrill at Lake Eola, Spice, White Wolf Café, Metro Espresso Pizza Café, Dexters, Panera Bread, and Pisces Rising in Mount Dora. Relax Grill features a unique mix of Middle Eastern, Greek, and American cuisine – and, of course, a great view. The two Spice locations – one on Park Avenue and the other on Lake Eola – are also popular. Check out Spice’s extensive brunch menu on Saturdays and Sundays, with prices ranging from $9 to $12 per entrée.

White Wolf Café, which sports vintage antiques and live entertainment, consistently gets rave reviews on its food from locals. Don’t forget to try the cinnamon rolls and the Greek focaccia bread. Meanwhile, Pisces Rising features a great view of Lake Dora and some of the best fresh seafood in town.

Where are your favorite spots to eat with your dogs?