Paula Deen Kicks Off Healthy 100 in Orlando

Paula Deen at Bob Carr, demoing healthy recipes.

I feel pretty fortunate that the Queen of Southern Cooking herself, Paula Deen, graced Orlando with her presence today. While the bigger-than-life TV personality is known for her decadent Southern meals and desserts, she has quickly transformed her lifestyle and her recipes to focus on healthy recipes.

Ever since she received her Type II diabetes diagnosis last year, Paula has been on a quest to transform the way she eats and lives her life - and has extended that transformation to her family. She and her two sons have all lost a ton of weight in the past few months, and Paula visited Orlando to share how others can have the same success.

Paula also helped Florida Hospital kick off its new "Healthy 100 Approved Menu Items" program. Partnering with the hospital's dietitians, 16 local restaurants and chains now feature special Healthy 100 appetizers, entrees, side dishes and desserts. For example, Panera Bread of Orlando is now carrying a Power Breakfast Eggwhite Bowl with Turkey and Power Chicken Hummus Bowl, while Chick-fil-A is selling Grilled Chicken Nuggets. I have never heard of "healthy" chicken nuggets, so I can't wait to try these ones.

Other local eateries with special recipes include: White Wolfe Cafe, Rangetsu, Infusion Tea, Cocina 214, Shushi House Orlando, and Simply Divine Food Truck. See all of Florida Hospital's Healthy 100 recipes at www.healthy100.org.

Paula also shared her Healthy 100 recipes with the crowd gathered at Bob Carr today, and Flavorful Excursions will share them with you throughout this week!

Eating at Panera Helps Feed the Hungry

For the past week or so, we have been focused on restaurants and hotels that are giving to the needy people in our communities. This is because I am so impressed with the restaurateurs, food trucks and others who donating time and money to help those who are hungry and those who have been impacted by Hurricane Sandy. For example, Uber Good, a new food truck in Orlando, is asking its guests to donate blankets and coats to the homeless who are particularly suffering in the chilly weather. Feeding people in need is a cause I am so passionate about because I have never had to go hungry, and can't imagine how awful that would be.

Panera's Harvest Cookie

Now, I am planning to eat at Panera Bread more often because they are donating money to Second Harvest Food Bank, a great organization that gets food to organizations such as HIV/ AIDS groups and homeless shelters. Throughout November and December, Panera's Central Florida restaurants are matching its guests' donations to Second Harvest, dollar for dollar. And, 100% of the proceeds from a special edition Harvest Cookie will be donated to Second Harvest from November 1 through November 25.

Please tell me you will be eating at Panera to support Second Harvest Food Bank! I highly recommend Panera's French Toast Bagel and the Thai Chopped Chicken Salad. 

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?