Christmas at Gaylord Palms starts today, November 21, and there is so many fun things to do for the whole family!
Last night CSO was invited to a media preview so we could experience it first hand, and it was a great evening.
Out and About Reviews
Out and About: The Glass Knife Debuts in Winter Park
Recalling the vintage pastry shops of the mid-1900s, The Glass Knife opens this weekend in Winter Park.
The name comes from owner Steve Brown’s mother and her collection of vintage 1920’s era glass cake knives, many of which are on display inlaid in the communal wood table that occupies the center of the eatery.
Out and About: Fresh Kitchen Opens in Waterford Lakes
Healthy eating on the east side of Orlando just got easier as Fresh Kitchen opens in Waterford Lakes Town Center this weekend.
Fresh Kitchen offers a streamlined menu of gluten-free items offered in a customizable bowl format. Dairy-free and even vegan combinations are possible.
Diners choose from Six bowl (two bases, two proteins, and two vegetables along with a sauce for $9.99); Four bowl (two bases with one protein, vegetable and sauce for $8.29); and a Kids bowl (one base, protein, vegetable and sauce for $6.99).
Out and About: The #OrlandoBurgerBattle at Ace Cafe Orlando
This Saturday, Orlando Magazine hosted the Orlando Burger Battle at the wonderful Ace Cafe Orlando downtown, and CitySurfing Orlando got to check it all out.
Set up in the parking lot were 11 popular Orlando restaurants who brought their best burger creations to battle it out. Among them were Ace Cafe Orlando, Artisan’s Table, Freddy’s, Hash House A Go Go, Jimmy Hula’s, Liam Fitzpatrick’s, Planet Hollywood Observatory at Disney, Raglan Road, The Whiskey, White Wolf Cafe, and The Tap Room at Dubsdread.
Out and About: Taste! Central Florida Offers Great Food and Drink for a Local Cause
This weekend the annual Taste! Central Florida took place, and it was an evening of great food and drink which raised funds for the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida and the Coalition for the Homeless.
The numbers have yet to come in, but it’s safe to say the event raised a lot of money that will stay in Central Florida to help those in need.
Since I can’t report on the numbers, I’m going to list my choices for favorites at the event. Keep in mind I have food allergies so I couldn’t try everything. But of the dishes I tried, here’s my most memorable:
Out and About: 139th Silver Spurs Rodeo is Fun for the Whole Family
The 139th Silver Spurs Rodeo was in town last weekend, and this is always a family-friendly fun event. We attended the Friday, June 2nd show. There was supposed to be a big Schools Out Bash prior to the rodeo, however, the rain and storms made that an impossibility. We need the rain, so it’s ok.
The evening began with the Junior bull riding. These kids are brave and have a great future ahead of them in rodeo.
Out and About: Nine Spices Serves Up Delicious Hotpot Near Universal Orlando
Prior to arriving at Nine Spices Hotpot, the last time I’d eaten a hotpot meal was when I was 8. Once seated at my table, it became apparent hotpot had evolved quite a bit in the last few decades.
Our table featured an induction burner for each seating…and then I noticed the conveyor belt about eye level behind my head with a never-ending parade of food.
Our server was very patient and explained how their hotpot service worked.
Out and About: Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse Hosts Johnnie Walker TasteMaker Dinner
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse is partnering with leading beverage companies to produce a series of events called the TasteMaker Dinners, and I was recently invited to enjoy an evening filled with great food paired with Johnnie Walker Whisky.
Whisky and steak seems a no-brainer, but the chefs at the Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse elevated the meal with some out of the box dishes.
Out and About: Create Your Nature Offers Healthy Delicious Food in Winter Park #getyourbowlon
If you’re looking for a a quick, healthy alternative to your average breakfast or lunch spot in Winter Park, then you’ll want to check out Create Your Nature.
Dan and Kim Dill opened the eatery in 2016, out of a desire to provide a healthy lifestyle for their family, including their two daughters. They discovered, and fell in love with, the acai bowl concept while on vacation.
Out and About: A Hard Hat Preview of the Ace Cafe Orlando
The popular Ace Cafe is expanding their brand and has chosen Orlando as the first North American location. We got a hard hat tour of the work-in-progress renovations of the downtown location last week, and it was impressive.
Ace Cafe Orlando is located on a three-acre block at the corner of W. Livingston St. and Garland Ave. (across from the Lynx station). It was originally the Harry P. Leu Building, and in the years since, has been home to The Edge and 8 Seconds night clubs, among others.
Out and About: Let’s Move for a Better World with YMCA and Stuff the Orlando Magic Mascot
From March 13 thru March 31, both members and non-members were invited to use the cardio equipment at the Downtown Orlando Central Florida YMCA for free, in order to help with the fitness challenge “Let’s Move for a Better World.”
This worldwide challenge included almost 800 fitness facilities across the globe, with over 140,000 people donating their moves to a great cause. The top facility in each country with the most donated moves, will win the opportunity to donate new state-of-the-art equipment from Technogym to a local school or health facility.
Out and About: Millenia 106 offer New American Classics Loaded with Flavor
You’ll find Millenia 106 next to The Mall at Millenia, in a storefront facing the intersection of Millenia Blvd and Conroy Rd, but trust me, this is not mall food.
I was invited to check out the revamped menu, which comes courtesy of Chef Bruno Fonseca, who recently took over operations. It’s hard to judge the restaurant from the outside, but you’ll definitely want to venture inside for the delicious food and drink.
Out and About: Planet Hollywood Observatory at Disney Springs Brings Flavortown to Orlando
Planet Hollywood has been an iconic restaurant on Disney property since it opened, but many wondered if the recent remodel and revamp would change the great food and fun atmosphere.
It did…and for the better, in my opinion.
The finished version of the Planet Hollywood Observatory features three floors of seating inside, with a new outside screened terrace that offers a great view of Disney Springs.
Out and About: Main Event at Pointe Orlando Offers Great Fun and Food for Everyone
If you’re looking for a fun place to have a family outing, or a girl’s night out…or any other gathering where you can eat, drink, and play, then you’ll want to check out Main Event Entertainment which opened recently at Pointe Orlando.
Out and About: Paddlefish Elevates Waterfront Dining at Disney Springs
Paddlefish, a seafood-centric restaurant, is now open in The Landing at Disney Springs for your dining pleasure, and it’s definitely a don’t-miss place to eat.
Formerly known as Fulton’s Crab House, the restaurant has been completely revamped inside and out, taking on a contemporary interpretation of an elegant steamboat. The new design includes a variety of comfortable seating, large windows to enjoy the view of Disney Springs, and three floors for guests to enjoy, including a new rooftop deck on the third floor.