 |
| 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!
What is the first thing my husband wants to do after getting off of a 10-day cleanse/ fast? Eat a hamburger, of course. But not just any burger. A lot of thought and planning went into where we could get the best burger in Orlando. Teak Neighborhood Grill was on the top of our list, and we have also been wanting to try Beth's Burger Bar. Still, we have always had great burgers at Shula's 347 Grill in Lake Mary and, since it is closer to us, the restaurant won out.
As usual, my husband's Shula Burger, which is made with 100% Angus beef, was cooked perfectly. At $11, we think it's a pretty good value, too. It was such a decadent treat after several days of no meat! And we love the fries. Meanwhile, I took advantage of the Happy Hour appetizer specials - filling enough for dinner and a value at $3.47 each. The Boiled Shrimp app is tasty but I like the mussels app even more. The wine, garlic and tomato broth is yummy.
Cocktails - including some of Shula's signature martinis - are also a great value during Happy Hour (Monday - Friday, 4-7 p.m.) at $3.47 each. However, the regular cocktail, wine and beer prices at the restaurant are out-of-control. $14 for an Old-Fashioned in a small tumbler glass? Sheesh! Go during happy hour, if you want to enjoy a drink. We love all the desserts at Shula's 347 Grill, but we were sad to see the Apple Cobbler go. That was a perfect dessert.
I didn't know until today that there are White Castle food trucks traveling around the country this year. And one of them is coming to Orlando! It will be serving delicious burgers and more to Orlando Predators' fans - and anyone else in downtown Orlando - this Saturday night!
The White Castle Crave Mobile 2 will be on Church St. in front of the Amway Center June 27, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. If you are lucky enough to visit the truck, let me know how the food is. I have never had a White Castle burger, but have heard wonderful things about them.
