Support Orlando restaurants helping our city

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!

Gigi's Cupcakes Orlando Overrated

I have been dying to try Gigi's Cupcakes since the chain expanded to Orlando a few short months ago. The gourmet cupcakes look so delectable on the brand's Facebook page and a friend has recommended Gigi's gluten-free cupcakes.

I tried three of Gigl's cupcakes and one if its many cheesecakes. First to the cupcakes: I tried Wedding Cake first (the gluten-free version) because it is one of the chain's top sellers. I am not sure why. They have so many more interesting flavors, such as Blueberry Lavendar and Margarita. The cupcake was good and moist - just not different and interesting. However, the overly sweet, artificial-tasting frosting turned me off. Especially when it is piled high on the cupcake. Although Gigi's cupcake frosting looks beautiful in photos, you only need a third of it with each cupcake.

The gluten-free cake was so light and fluffy, but still had a bit of the grit that gluten-free baked goods sometimes have. Even though they are denser, I prefer Raphsodic Cooperative Bakery's gluten-free cupcakes.

Gigi's Pina Colada cupcake's frosting and cake was more interesting. Still, there was way too

much frosting on top. Likewise, the White Midnight Magic cupcake was very yummy, but we don't need all that sweet frosting. Overall, I much prefer the gourmet cupcakes from Sweet! by Holly in Waterford Lakes and Jacksonville. At Sweet!, I love the cake itself, the frosting, and the interesting crusts and fillings that many of the cupcakes feature.

But wait, there is one piece of good news: Gigi's Turtle Cheesecake is amazing. I love the tangy New York-style of cheesecake that is both flavorful and moist. The caramel frosting on top with mini chocolate chips is one of the best frostings I have had. When you go to Gigi's, stick with the cheesecakes.

If you have visited Gigi's, do you agree with my review? Please comment below.

Where:  2562 E. Colonial Dr., Orlando, Fla.

Win the Best Cupcakes in Orlando

After sampling cupcakes from various shops and food trucks in Orlando, I am convinced that Sweet! by Holly in Oviedo has the best cupcakes - and some of the most unique flavors - in town. That is why Flavorful Excursions is featuring Sweet! cupcakes in our Facebook contest this week. Enter by midnight on Feb. 28 at www.facebook.com/flavorfulexcursions to win a dozen mini-cupcakes from Sweet! 

Here are the reasons I like Sweet! cupcakes so much. First, you can choose from more than 30 different flavors, including three delicious gluten-free options: Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Buttercream, Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Buttercream and Red Velvet with White Chocolate Buttercream. Some of the other delicious flavors are: S'mores (with graham crackers crust!), Tiramisu, Heath Bar, White Raspberry, and Carrot. Many of the cupcakes include special fillings and crusts, so they offer a nice surprise when you bite into them.

One of my favorite Sweet! cupcakes is the Dulce de Leche, which is made with spiced cake, dulce buttercream, and a dulce caramel filling. If you are a caramel lover like myself, then this is the one for you. The Toasted Coconut also sports a delicious frosting and coconut filling inside the moist coconut cake. The Black Out (dark chocolate cake and frosting) and the Creamsicle cupcakes are also almong the favorites I have tried there so far. There are so many more for me to try! What is your favorite flavor?

Tip: Every Monday, Sweet!'s mini-cupcakes are only $1 each!

Where: 711 North Alafaya Trail, Orlando