Top 5 favorite things at SeaWorld Orlando

Dolphins jumping in the air. The over-the-top orca show. The delicious food. It was difficult to narrow down the most fun things we experienced during our recent day at SeaWorld Orlando, but here are a few of our favorites:

1. One Ocean. This is the infamous killer whale show, featuring smart and beautiful orca whales. It is amazing that these mammoth creatures can leap so high into the air! This and the dolphin show are the most thrilling shows at the park.

2. Dolphin Days. Similar to One Ocean, this show features several well-trained dolphins performing wondrous feats. Don't miss this show when you visit!

3. Antartica: Empire of the Penguin exhibit. Who does not love the cute way that penguins

waddle? Even better are the frigid cold temperatures, allowing a brief reprieve from the Florida heat. 

4. Pets Ahoy. I was surprised that this show - featuring all types of animals, including mice, ducks, cats and dogs - was so entertaining for both children and adults. This was my first time seeing this show, and I will definitely check it out again!

5. The food. SeaWorld restaurants have other options than just burgers and fries, unlike some other theme parks. We ate flavorful, healthy food at Seafire Grill. We would recommend the fajitas, the Tex-Mex Bowl, and the desserts.

Unfortunately, the roller coasters were having technical issues and long waits the day we visited, so I can't provide a review of those. When you visit this summer, beware of the heat. The park is hot and there is a lot of walking. The dolphin, sea lion and orca shows are outdoors, so they do not provide much relief from the heat - unless you sit near the stage/ tanks!

Related: 

Fab animals, food at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Don't miss new Star Wars event at Disney Hollywood Studios

Top 5 reasons to visit Seasons 52 Orlando for brunch, lunch & dinner

Meyer Lemon & Ricotta Ravioli   - Photo by Mike Blank

Although we have dined at the Seasons 52 location in Altamonte Springs, Fla., several times, it was such a treat to visit Season 52's Orlando location on Sand Lake Rd. on a recent weekend. The first-ever Seasons 52 built, this restaurant is very beautiful and expansive, and has a wonderful waterside view. What a wonderful atmosphere. 

Here are the other top 4 reasons to visit this restaurant - as well as other Seasons 52 locations:

1. The service.Julian Koerner, the manager, and our server, Matt, both took care of our every need. It truly was an outstanding service experience.

2. Brunch (including Mother's Day brunch!). The Orange Marmalade Parfait Mini Starter was decadent and not too sweet, and the Shakshuka was truly original. This dish consists of two eggs baked in a sauce of sweet peppers, tomatoes, chorizo sausage and feta cheese. While it was delicious and unique, there was too much pepper/ tomato sauce, for my taste. However, we loved the Eggs Benedict on toasted brioche, with mushrooms and spinach.

Mini Desserts - Photo by Mike Blank

 The crushed potatoes served with this dish are awesome, too.

3. New spring dishes. Our favorite dish on the new menu was the Meyer Lemon & Ricotta Ravioli, with brown butter, roasted peppers and English peas. This dish is beautiful to look at, and delicious to eat. It is also a very light dish. Other seasonal dishes you should try include: Crispy Green Tomato and Burrata Board with honeycomb, Kona-Crusted Rack of Lamb, and Stir-Fried Snow Peas with Shitake Mushrooms.

4. Mini-desserts. Who can resist Seasons 52's Mini Desserts? No matter how full we are, we always have to order one or two of these. Our favorites on this visit were: Belgian Chocolate S'More, Chocolate Peanut Butter Torte and Mocha Macchiato.

Full Seasons 52 photo album available on Flavorful Excursions' Facebook page.

*A special thanks to Julian Koerner and Courtney Moed for setting up this media dinner for Flavorful Excursions.

A personal message from Chef Greg Richie, Baoery Asian Gastropub

Like many of our readers, we were heartbroken to hear that Baoery Asian Gastropub in Orlando will be closing soon. The food that we tried from Baoery at the Downtown Food & Wine Fest was outstanding, modern and unique. However, the restaurant simply couldn't survive in its Thornton Park location. 

We reached out to Greg Richie, executive chef/ partner for both Baoery and Soco Thornton Park, to learn more about the eatery's closing and find out what is next.

Flavorful Excursions: What would you like to say to our readers who are sad the restaurant is closing?

Richie: I would like to thank your readers for any support they have given us. And, if you value and cherish a restaurant, go there. I have heard it heartbreakingly too often: "I hear such great things about your restaurant! I'm really looking forward to trying it." Well, we were open more than a year and a half. Many people "never got around to it". It's very sad.

Flavorful Excursions: When will the restaurant close?

Richie: We have a few good days left in us!

Flavorful Excursions: What ventures are next for you?

Richie: I'm going to focus on Soco for the time being, marshal my forces, and look for the next opportunity to try to bring yummy food to the hungry diners out there!

Again, we very sad to hear about Baoery closing. We say: there is no time like the present to try this great Orlando restaurant - and any others you have been dying to try!

Also see:

Gavin DeGraw, oustanding food and wine at Downtown Food & Wine Fest

Ace Cafe Orlando wants you!

Ace Cafe, the iconic London-based motor-diner, is coming to Orlando with the Ace Cafe Orlando slated to open this spring. 

Plus, the eatery is hiring for 175 positions at a job fair a job fair held January 27-30, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Courtyard Orlando Downtown, 730 N. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. "Talented bartenders, baristas, servers, retail sales associates and other foodservice industry professionals with outgoing and creative personalities are invited to apply in person or send an email to jobs@acecafeusa.com," the restaurant said in a statement.

A beacon to English motorcyclists for decades, the Ace Cafe has become a global cultural phenomenon, and is about to bring that same love of speed and adrenaline to downtown Orlando. The restaurant is under construction inside three historic buildings on a three-acre parcel located at the corner of West Livingston Street and Garland Avenue.

Flavorful, artsy brunch at 1921 by Norman van Aken

Looking for a different spot for Sunday brunch? I was too, and found a very delicious, unique and artsy brunch at 1921 by Norman van Aken in Mount Dora, Fla. 

We previously dined here for dinner and were incredibly impressed by the fresh, local seafood menu, along with dishes and pairings not found anywhere else. We also loved the art on display throughout the restaurant from the Modernism Museum across the street. Plus, we had the pleasure of meeting 1921's owner and author of Norman van Aken's Florida Kitchen, Norman van Aken. What a down-to-earth, wonderful person to get to know. Although he has had considerable success in Miami, van Aken's cuisine at 1921 has a unique Central Florida vibe with Asian influences.

Back to brunch. Everyone at the table was presented a special menu because it was my birthday - what a nice touch! The unique brunch menu has so much to choose from, including oysters and the restaurant's version of chicken and waffles. 

One of the favorite dishes we ordered was the Corn Tamale Scramble with chorizo sausage and tomatillo salsa. The flavorful and novel dish was delicious - and featured the artsy presentation you would expect from this eatery. The Eggs Benedict was different than any other Eggs Benedict I have tried, with pork belly and creamed spinach. All the flavors worked together very well, and I loved the pork belly and hollandaise sauce.

The Golden Pancakes with citrus curd and fresh fruit were also delicious. While the 1921 Burger with house bacon and horseradish cream was tasty, we were shocked at the price of the dish: $17.

Before or after brunch, take time to walk around downtown Mount Dora, where you can find some wonderful gifts for both human and furry friends!

Also see: 

An unforgettable dining experience at 1921 by Norman van Aken

Taste Buds Delighted at Houng Viet

Thanks to my niece for introducing me to a delicious Vietnamese restaurant in Orlando: Houng Viet Vietnamese Cuisine on Colonial Drive in Chinatown.

Every dish our group had was tasty and spicy, and absolutely the flavors I am looking for in Vietnamese Gumbo, pho and other dishes. We started with the egg rolls, which are different than any other restaurant I have been to: ground meat/ pork with such a nice kick of heat that I was not expecting. 

We all loved our entrees and would recommend them on your next visit. Hue Spicy Soup, with tendon, shank, special meat balls and thick rice vermicelli is similar to pho, but probably the spiciest soup we have had. If you like heat, you definitely need to order this dish! The Vietnamese Gumbo, with fermented fish vermicelli, fish, shrimp and pork, had such a depth of flavor. We loved it. 

The Fried Rice here is also tasty, with the addition of peanut, a little cilantro, and a hint of spice. There are so many other dishes we would have liked to order, including the Vietnamese subs. We will definitely be back!

For dessert, the Pineapple Boba Tea was delicious and had a hint of butterscotch or caramel flavor that we really liked. The Strawberry Smoothie was also very yummy.
Where: 5286 W. Colonial Dr., Orlando.

Also check out:

Hawkers sports cheap, tasty Asian food

Why you need to eat at Hemisphere restaurant

Helps Kids and Eat Pie this Weekend!

Every year, I anticipate the National Pie Championships in Orlando, Fla. Our city is so fortunate to host this great event that recognizes national bakers, and is televised on Food Network. The National Pie Championships, which are open to the public, will be held April 29 and April 30 at Caribe Royale Hotel.

This year, the Championships are even better because they include the American Pie Council's "Pie Party" to benefit Give Kids the World. Tickets for the event are only $5 for two slices of pie, plus several fun activities will be held. You can challenge the pros in an Iron Chef-style competition, watch a 200-pound pie being built, and of course, enjoy pie. 

If you go, please post photos and comments of your favorite pies!

Go to Carrabba's for Flavor, Value

We decided to give Carrabba's Italian Grill a try again after years of not eating there because of high prices and dishes that were not that inventive. After trying the recently-opened Carrabba's in Sanford, Fla., we are happy to report that we liked the taste of our dishes, as well as the incredible value for our dinner. 

The incredible value was obtained because we went on a Monday, when the chain runs its

"Amore Mondays" promotion, offering three courses starting at $12.99. I would suggest going on Mondays - or for its specials on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, since many pasta entrees are around $20 on the regular menu.

For $12.99, I was able to try the delicious new Linguine Positano with wood-grilled chicken, crushed tomatoes, garlic, olive oil and basil. I would have loved more basil flavor, but otherwise the dish was seasoned well and came out steaming hot. I also was able to get a large side salad and the Brulee Ricotta Cheesecake. The cheesecake was not my favorite, but I typically don't like ricotta cheesecake. However, my husband enjoyed it!

For $15.99, my husband had the Fettuccine Weesie - Fettuccine Alfredo with sauteed shrimp, basil garlic and mushrooms in a white wine lemon butter sauce - as well as the Meatballs & Ricotta appetizer and the Minestrone soup. The fettuccine was very tasty, and we loved the flavors of the meatballs. 

Plus, our meals were so filling that we were able to take leftovers home. We rarely get to do that anymore when eating out! We also enjoyed eating outdoors in a nice atmosphere in Sanford. 

Where: 4675 St. John's Parkway, Sanford, Fla. (near Seminole Towne Center mall)

See the complete photo album from our dinner on Facebook.

Related: 

Top Reasons to Visit The Smiling Bison - Sanford

Outback: Great Food For The Price

Must-try: Brunch at The Porch

The Porch in Winter Park, Fla., recently started serving its brunch on Saturday from 11:30 am - 3 pm, in addition to its Sunday brunch. Of course, the brunch menu is as inventive and delicious as The Porch's regular menu. There were so many dishes from the brunch menu that we wanted to try, including Candied Bacon and an amazing Hawaiian French Toast dish. 

However, on this visit, I chose the Croissant Egg Sandwich with crispy bacon, arugula and tomato, with a side of smashed potatoes. This sandwich was truly the perfect bite, as egg yolk ran into the bacon, arugula and tomato. I also loved the smashed potatoes, which are like breakfast potatoes but smashed - and with more oil and seasoning.

My husband stuck to his favorite at The Porch: fried chicken tenders with tater tots. The fried chicken is always tender on the inside and crispy on the outside, with a tasty breading.

Bottom line: we will be back for brunch at The Porch and you should check it out too!

Also see:

Yummy TV dinners and more at The Porch

Dreaming about chocolate at Universal CityWalk

I'm drooling just looking at the photos of the chocolate creations that will be featured at The Toothsome Chocolate Factory, opening later this year at Universal CityWalk. 

This 19th century-inspired Steampunk chocolate factory is not only a restaurant with gourmet burgers, seafood, pasta and other dishes, but will also be a cool place to hang out, with smoke stacks and staff wearing Steampunk fashion.

A sneak peek of some of their desserts include Salted Caramel Flan sundae and Chocolate Brownie Bark Sundae, along with Bacon Brittle milkshake and Espresso Buzzzzz milkshake. Will you be at this over-the-top Chocolate Factory when it opens?

Fab animals, food at Disney's Animal Kingdom

While Walt Disney World's other theme parks in Orlando typically get much more attention -and attendance - than Animal Kingdom, this park is definitely underrated. It features two Broadway-quality shows: Finding Nemo and The Lion King, as well as fabulous animal sightings, activities for kids and high quality food.

Even though we went on the Safari Tour in Africa around noon, most of the animals were active! We saw three lions, hippos, zebras, elephants and many more native African animals that we had never seen before. We also did walking tours to see more animals - monkeys, snakes, beautiful birds and much more!

The Finding Nemo show was very entertaining - for adults and children alike.

While we wanted to eat at Yak & Yeti for lunch, the wait was too long. Instead, we checked out the new Harambe Market in Africa, where you can get grilled sausage along with African and Indian dishes and African sodas and a few varieties of beer. My husband had the Beef Gyro, which was delicious and filling, and I had the Chicken Masala. Since I have not had this classic Indian dish before, I can't legitimately compare Disney's masala to others. I can only say I really enjoyed the flavor, as well as the accompanying rice and pita bread.

Meanwhile, we saw cranes and other construction equipment for the planned Avatar Land, which will draw many more visitors to this park! Also going on right now is the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. Don't miss the beautiful character greenery designs, the food, and the music!

Related: 

Top reasons to visit Disney's Hollywood Studios

Top 10 favorites at Epcot Food and Wine Fest

Pig Floyd's Delights the Taste Buds

Pig Floyd's Urban Barbakoa has been open for more than a year and I'm irritated that I am just now discovering its piggy goodness. The funny thing is, I didn't even try the smoked ribs, brisket or chicken on this visit. And we still had an outstanding meal. We also had the opportunity to meet the owner, Thomas Ward, who used to operate the Treehouse Truck food truck (remember The Luther Burger made with Krispy Kreme doughnuts?). Now, Ward has combined good ol' fashioned smoked meat and southern sides with modern Asian, Latin and Indian dishes.

On this visit, we arrived around 8:30 on a Saturday night. I thought that would be late enough to avoid the crowds, but no - apparently everyone had the same idea this evening. Despite the wait in line to order and then to receive the food, we received very attentive service once we were seated. 

We ordered the Pork Belly Taco ($3.49), which features Oakwood smoked and grilled pork belly, dragon sauce, scallions and citrus peanut slaw. This taco was much lighter than you would think and we were delighted by different flavor profiles than we have had before. We also loved the Butter Chicken Taco ($2.95), which has spiced chicken tikka, fresh jalapenos, toasted pepitas, Greek yogurt, cilantro and jasmine rice. Again, these flavors combined perfectly to produce a unique flavor profile. In both tacos, our meat was tender and juicy. 

We also loved the fried plantains and fried yucca. Surprisingly, it is difficult to find restaurants in Orlando who pull these sides off perfectly. Both were done very well here. We will definitely return for the items we ordered and for smoked meat to go. Chefs cook up the meat to order on the smoker out back, and it smelled delicious!

See our full photo album on Facebook.

Related:

Delicious Asian Fusion Tacos at Tako Cheena

4 Rivers Sweet Shop Takes the Cake

Why we Love Zoes Kitchen

Photo by Shad Bookout, OpinionsVary

Welcome, Zoes Kitchen, to Orlando! The 173-restaurant chain opened its first Orlando location in Winter Springs back in November and we were lucky enough to try out their delicious Mediterranean food this week.

While everything we had was very tasty, here are our favorite dishes there:

- Basil Pesto Hummus with pita bread. 
- Red Pepper Hummus with pita bread and cucumbers. We suggest the hummus trio.
- Shrimp Kabobs: watch out - they have a kick of heat, but it's a kick I like.
- Salmon Kabobs: the salmon was tender, plus we love the peppery sauce.
- Braised white beans: I don't typically like beans. This flavorful dish with rosemary is a notable exception - we couldn't get enough!

Photo by Shad Bookout, OpinionsVary

- Rice Pilaf: Very flavorful and different from the typical sides at restaurants.
- Spinach Roll-ups: healthy and delicious.

I also heard the Greek Chicken Pita and Chicken & Orzo Soup are outstanding. We will try those on our next visit.

Where: 5930 Red Bug Lake Rd., Winter Springs, Fla. 32708

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See also:

Delicious, Authentic Fare at Greek Village

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Orlando's Downtown Food and Wine Fest

The 8th Annual Downtown Food and Wine Fest returns to Orlando on February 27 and 28, and I am not going to miss it. Why? Here are the top 5 reasons you want to attend the Downtown Food and Wine Fest:

1. Michael Franti. Sorry that I put him ahead of the excellent food and wine, but I have been a fan of his music for years and am thrilled to watch him perform in person!

2. The food. Where else can you taste scrumptious food from 30 leading Orlando restaurants, including Primo Restaurant, Siro Urban Italian Kitchen, Hawkers, Hard Rock Cafe and TR Fire Grill?

3. The wine. I relish the chance to taste several different wines from Little Black Dress Wine, Jackson Family Wines, Cupcake and many more.

4. Excellent entertainment. In addition to Franti, American Authors, Mud Flappers, Firefall and several other groups are performing. American Authors have several hits and we love the Mud Flappers after seeing them perform live.

5. Lake Eola. The entertainment, along with food and wine tasting, is all taking place at the picturesque Lake Eola. It will be great to spend a day outside in this beautiful setting.

To purchase tickets, visit this link.

Why This Orlando Resort is My Favorite Staycation

Earlier this week, I told you about the new LakeHouse restaurant at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando. I think this restaurant - or the classy, unique Hemingway's restaurant at the resort - would both be a special spot to celebrate Valentine's Day.

Now, I want to tell you what it is like to enjoy a staycation at Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress for Valentine's Day - or anytime. This is a resort where my family has stayed many times over the years - including celebrating every Father's Day here. That is because we not only enjoy great accommodations and food, but there are so many things for families to do here. 

I literally feel like I am in a different world when my family and I stay here. I lay in the hammocks, dip my toes in the sand and look out on the lake. We use paddleboats and canoes for free. We go rock climbing as well as bike riding and walking along the resort's beautiful trails. The best part is the pool -three huge areas for families and couples. There is not another like it in Orlando. The pool area features waterfalls you can swim under, a water slide, a cool wooden bridge and a hot tub. We often just lounge by the pool - what a relaxing staycation!

Of course, the entire grounds are just beautiful, and include bronze statues, bridges and fountains. You really do feel transported to another area of the world - say Southeast Asia. 

And, when you rise in the morning, you can choose a casual, quick breakfast or take advantage of LakeHouse's many options - which my husband and I did on our last visit. The Breakfast Buffet - $24.95 - is pricey, but there is so much delicious food to choose from. Omelettes, waffles and pancakes are cooked to order. But there is also a broad array of fresh fruit, cereals and pastries. We loved the buffet. I also ordered the LakeHouse Benedict ($16), which features poached eggs with avocado on Ciabatta bread, along with Canadian bacon, roasted tomatoes and Hollandaise sauce. This dish was outstanding.

Let me know if you have stayed at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress - or have any questions on staying there - in the comments section below

Top 5 Reasons to Try New LakeHouse Restaurant at Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress

Those who follow this blog know that my favorite Orlando staycation spot is the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress. I truly feel like I am in another world - say, on a private island - when I vacation at the resort. I will tell you more about what it is like to stay at HRGC in my next blog. First, I want to focus on the incredible new LakeHouse restaurant inside the hotel.

LakeHouse is the renovated version of the previous restaurant, Cascades. Man, it is starkly different than its predecessor. Missing is the huge mermaid fountain, which will be made into a bronze statue, and out-of-date decor. This place has been completely transformed into a modern, hip place to dine or simply meet for cocktails. When I am looking for a good restaurant in the attractions area - for a special occassion or every day dining - I will now consider LakeHouse first. 

And that is because of the stellar menu - basically comfort food with a twist. Plus, the food is fresh, seasonal and local - and I can enjoy my food in a beautiful atmosphere, with a view of a lake, a fountain, greenery and an expansive herb garden. Even though I have dined at many different restaurants, I tasted some cocktails and dishes that I have never had before. Here are a few of our favorites: 

1. Almond Filled Dates wrapped in Bacon. First, I never thought about pairing dates and crispy bacon before now. I wish I had, because I would be eating this daily at home! This small plate is a perfect app, and the Sriracha dip brings the perfect amount of heat.

2. Margherita Pizza. Simple but delicious pizza with sliced Roma tomatoes, Mozzarella, torn basil and parmesan. We also loved the House Pizza (Chef's Special), which featured peaches and goat cheese on this occasion.

3. Filet Mignon with Herb Bread Pudding, Port Wine Sauce, Beech Mushroom and Asparagus. You had me at Herb Bread Pudding. I could have eaten this - and the Port Wine Sauce - all day. I was also impressed that the filet was perfectly cooked and seasoned.

4. Grilled Shrimp Cocktail with Spicy Bloody Mary Sauce. Wow. The shrimp were grilled and seasoned perfectly, and we love the corresponding sauce with a kick of heat. This is much different than your average Shrimp Cocktail dish - and tastes much better.

Filet Mignon with Herb Bread Pudding

5. Sushi, sashimi and nigiri. All of the options we tried were delicious, but the HRGC roll was our favorite. The roll features krab salad, avocado, sliced mango and eel sauce. Yum!

There were also a variety of beautiful desserts. We weren't blown away by the taste of some, but we loved the presentation of Milk & Cookies, which can be ordered for an individual or the whole table.

Fresh food, but high prices at Seasons 52

I love the atmosphere and fresh/ seasonal food offerings at Seasons 52. I always seem to leave there feeling light and not too stuffed. However, I believe the prices for the portion size guests receive are too high.

I am also torn because the service is excellent. I didn't know until my recent visit to Seasons 52 Altamonte Springs how well you are treated when it is your birthday or anniversary. I received a rose for my birthday, complimentary champagne and a photo of myself and my dinner companion. Now I will have a keepsake from my great dinner! Our server was not only friendly and attentive, but also made sure our dishes were prepared without items that would trigger my food allergies.

Speaking of that, the Gluten-Free Flatbreads are very delicious. We had the Chicken Pesto Flatbread and really enjoyed it the flavors. We also had the Warm Beet Salad, made with golden beets, goat cheese and pistachios. It was sweet and healthy, and the Chive Oil made this dish.


Our entrees were also delicious, but not the best I have had. For example, the Chilean Sea Bass, accompanied by black rice and a delicious soy sauce, was cooked perfectly. It was moist and delicious. However, it was a small portion size for its $31 price tag. The Southern Shrimp & Grits was also very tasty - we loved the sauce that goes with this dish. Again, this dish should be a value - not the $19.50 that Seasons 52 is charging. I have had better Shrimp & Grits - most recently at The Smiling Bison -Sanford. The Carmelized Sea Scallops were very yummy and worth every penny. We also loved the accompanying butternut squash risotto.

We were too full for dessert on this visit, but we love all the mini desserts here! Let us know if you agree with our review in the comments section below.

Also see: 

Seasons 52's Summer Menu

Top Reasons to Visit the Smiling Bison - Sanford

Top 5 Rolls at Fuji Sushi

The myriad of specialty rolls at Fuji Sushi in Winter Park is overwhelming. Therefore, after a few visits under our belts, we want to tell you about some of our favorite rolls. Even though Fuji's specialty rolls can be pricey, they are huge, so I typically only order two rolls. I believe you get a value for your money here.

Some of our favorite rolls include:

1. Dynamite Roll: Crab, avocado & cream cheese, topped with mixed seafood. The topping is divine.
2. Black Widow Roll: Fried soft shell crab with scallion, spicy mayo and eel sauce.
3. Super Spider Roll: Fried soft shell crab, tempura batter & scallion. Topped with eel sauce and roe.
4. Ribbon Roll: crab and avocado inside, topped with raw tuna, cooked shrimp & eel sauce. Yummy!
5. 2011 Roll: Fried lobster and scallion, topped with avocado and buttery garlic sauce.

What do you think of Fuji Sushi? Let us know in the comments section below.

Why You Should Visit Orlando's Food Trucks

My family, friends and myself had a great time at The Daily City Food Truck Bazaar in

downtown Sanford this past weekend. Held once a month, 10 trucks gather in a beautiful area with long white tables for seating (different from any other Food Truck Bazaar event, I believe). You can also grab a drink from one of bars along the street.


Some of our favorite food came from the new Soul Bowl truck and Cousins Maine Lobster. At Soul Bowl, we would highly recommend the Seafood Rice Bowl, which contains some very hot rice and seafood, as well as the Chicken and Waffles and Macaroni Cheese Balls, macaroni and cheese that is rolled in Pancko bread crumbs and deep fried. At the Cousins Maine Lobster truck, we loved the Connecticut Tacos, the Lobster Tots and the clam chowder. I didn't really enjoy the Lobster Bisque, however. Monsta Lobsta has a better-flavored bisque.

We also enjoyed a quinoa salad from one of the trucks - yes, I was surprised to see a healthy option. We also loved everything we ordered from Jamaica Jamaica - including Curry Goat - and the pork tacos from El Cubanito. While I didn't visit Peru Power this time, I tried their Fried Grouper and Calamari Tacos recently, and they were outstanding.

Find out when the food trucks will be in your area: http://www.thedailycity.com/p/orlando-food-trucks.html. 

Sushi Pop Always Delights

If you haven't had the chance to visit Sushi Pop in Oviedo yet, you should. The restaurant is constantly at the top of "best restaurants in Orlando" lists, and has some of the best sushi around. Many people aren't aware that Sushi Pop also does a great job with Florida seafood dishes.

I had not been to the restaurant since it expanded, adding a beautiful bar area. The entire restaurant was crowded, as expected, on a Saturday night. Most of the restaurant's signature cocktails looked delicious. However, since there is no happy hour on the weekends, the cocktails are pricey and we ordered just one: Demarco. It was very light and refreshing.

Sushi Pop is also known for its unique edamames. We started with the Sichimi Pepper and Garlic Edamame - it was just the right amount of heat and tasty. We had the Triple Tail roll, a very fresh and flavorful mix of tuna, salmon, yellowtail, salmon roe and chipotle lime sauce. My husband said it is one of the best sushi rolls he has had! We also appreciate how accommodating Sushi Pop is to those with vegan and gluten-free diets.

As I mentioned, the restaurant also specializes in local seafood dishes. The Cho Chee Snapper with coconut rice, spicy Thai red curry and Thai basil was absolutely divine. The fish was cooked perfectly, and the flavor was delicious.

You must save room for dessert when you visit Sushi Pop. There were so many tempting options, but we chose the P.M.S., which features molten chocolate cake, peanut butter powder and salted caramel ice cream. Everything mixed together is the perfect bite. Except for some type of berry gelee on the dish - it was not needed.

Because of the premium prices for entrees and cocktails, we will likely only visit Sushi Pop on special occasions. But, when we do visit, we will savor every bite! What are your favorite dishes there?