This week I enjoyed a preview of Magical Dining Month at a lovely preview party held at the historic Ballroom at Church Street. For the first time ever, Yelp partnered with Visit Orlando to launch the annual September dining adventure during a special preview week. The opportunities to save while savoring Orlando’s cuisine continue throughout September, with the area’s finest restaurants offering prix fixe dinners for just $33. Kevin Fonzo of K Restaurant presented a tender pork tenderloin medallion topped with two sauces, one spicy-creamy and the other fruity. I loved it! Siro Urban Italian Kitchen delighted the palate and the eyes with a pressed watermelon, tomato and burrata salad. The balance of creamy and crisp makes this dish ideal for the dog days of summer.
Hemingway’s, the signature restaurant at the Grand Cypress Resort, offered their signature crab cake. So many restaurants brag about their crab cakes, but I’ve found that in most cases they disappoint. Not this time. Large pieces of lump crab with nary a touch of filler, delicately spiced and seared for a crispy crust, with creamy polenta and a fresh corn relish. This is truly the best crab cake I’ve ever tasted, and I can see why they keep it on the menu year after year. Cuba Libre Restaurant and Rum Bar brought three delicious dishes. The entrée was a tender lechon asado, with roasted marinated pulled pork, sour orange mojo and black bean broth. The explosion of flavors made every bite a new experience… one that I want to repeat again very soon. Their rice pudding was perfectly spiced, and the mango mojitos really got the party started! Puff ‘n Stuff Catering wowed the guests as always. Their assortment of desserts included an Italian candied orange peel confection, a passion fruit caramel chocolate, and jewel-like Marcona Cherry cakes, dusted with pistachios. The cocktail bar was especially fun. They offered an assortment of sparkling, fruity Onli Water, amped up with shots of Tito’s Handmade Vodka – so refreshing! After this evening of tempting previews, I’m so excited to explore several new restaurants during Magical Dining Month. Join me and let me know what Orlando dining treasures you discover!
Bon Appétit!
Click here for more details and a full list of all participating restaurants.