Just Roll Me Out of Orlando

I am stuffed. I may never eat again. My culinary tour of Orlando was amazing in so many ways, but I’m so glad that it’s over!

My final day in Orlando started with blog friends! 😀 Meghann, Katy, and Katy joined me for breakfast at Harvest in the Hilton where I was staying.

I knew that I had a full day of eating ahead of me, so I ordered a light meal: fruit salad + zucchini bread.

After breakfast, I headed back to my suite, caught up with some work, and then met the group for brunch at The Boheme at the Grand Bohemian Hotel.

The Jazz Brunch at The Boheme is a Sunday tradition in Orlando and it offers something for everyone– from a a raw bar, chef’s carvery table, gourmet omelets, desserts (!!!), and more.

Brunch included mimosas. Hey, it was after noon! 😉

I wasn’t all that hungry for brunch, but I still filled my plate up with a few favorite foods: grilled veggies and dessert! So, very Carrots ‘N’ Cake of me! 😉

I always have room for bread pudding and carrot cake!

I loved the carrot cake! I ended up eating two of these adorable shot glass desserts.

Carrot cake + mimosa = !

Midway through the meal, the chef served us a delicious dish of sliced filet mignon with a blueberry-pecan sauce and smoked gorgonzola. It was to die for. I helped myself to two small pieces.

Obviously, we were very excited!

After brunch, we stumbled upon an artist using coffee to paint! How cool is this!?!

He uses different coffee roasts to create these pieces of art. I was impressed!

After brunch, we visited the Morse Museum and wandered around the Winter Park area of Orlando. I absolutely loved Winter Park! It’s an adorable area with restaurants, cafes, shopping, and speciality shops. It also seemed really dog-friendly as I saw three pugs!

Before dinner, our group met at the Wine Room to sample a few wines.

The Wine Room is a combination wine store, wine bar, and deli. It was a great place to unwind and socialize with my blog buddies. Th Wine Room offers 148 varieties of wine and an exclusive state-of-the-art Enomatic wine-serving system, which allows visitors to purchase a smart card and dispense wine with the touch of a button.

I had a blast trying new wines. Boston NEEDS a place like this!

While tasting wine, we enjoyed a nice spread of cheese, meats, olives, pickles, crackers, and bread.

Blog buddies! Carol and Jessica!

Then, we headed to dinner. Yes, more food!

Our group attended the Best of Orlando Dining Event in which specially-selected Orlando chefs showcased their idea of the best of Central Florida cuisine. It was hosted at The Ravenous Pig and contributing chefs included: Scott Copeland of Antonio’s La Fiamma Ristorante, Kevin Fonzo of K Restaurant, Jamie McFadden of Cuisiniers Catered Cuisine and Events, and James and Julie Petrakis of The Ravenous Pig.

The event started with champagne and passed hors d’oeuvres.

Deviled Quail Eggs with House-Made Duck Ham and Brioche

Miniature Biscuit BLTs

Grilled Octopus with Romesco

Winter Park Dairy Bleu Cheese Tart with Heirloom Tomatoes and Balsamic Caramel

I enjoyed all of the appetizers, but doesn’t my expression just say, “No more food”?

Dinner included one small course with a wine pairing from each of the contributing chefs.

Citrus & Coriander Cured Florida Cobia with Orange Smoked Habanero Sorbet and Pickled Watermelon Relish

Brentwood Sweet Corn Veloute with Florida Frog Leg and Bacon Hushpuppy

St. Augustine Flounder with Garden Heirloom Gazpacho, Fried Green Tomatoes, and Canaveral Blue Crab

The fried green tomato + gazpacho was especially outstanding!

Palmetto Creek Farms Smoked Pork “Napoleon,” Deep Creek Ranch Chicken Fried Beef Tongue, Local Rabbit Ballotine with Pickled Cherry Preserves

I only tried a few bites from each course, but managed to devour the dessert. Obviously! 😉 It was easily my favorite dish of the evening. It was the perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and refreshing.

Vanilla-Bean Créme Caramel with Huckleberry Compote and Florida-Honey Tuile

I definitely ate like a queen while I was in Orlando!! I had a blast exploring the city and tasting different cuisines, but I am SO ready to get back to “normal” eating. A BIG thanks to Denise at the CVB for organizing a wonderful culinary tour!!!

I have one more post about my adventures in Orlando. It’s about the highlight of my trip– well, besides the amazing breakfast that I ate at Bull & Bear. That meal blew my mind!