Starting this weekend, SeaWorld Orlando will host a stripped down version of its popular Seven Seas Food food festival for guests to enjoy, called “A Taste of Seven Seas.”
The original festival was cut short this spring, and SeaWorld Orlando decided to reboot it with the park now reopen.
Each week, guests can enjoy popular food and drink samples from one of the Seven Seas Food Festival markets.
Here is the schedule and menus…
Back for its fourth year, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic presents the perfect opportunity to savor the flavor of culinary innovation at this two-night outdoor evening festival that takes place October 18 and 19.
Set along the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel’s lush causeway, guests will be able to enjoy the delights of numerous food and wine stations; immerse themselves in food and wine education seminars; meet the masters behind the culinary magic – including celebrity chef Todd English, and take in some live entertainment at the same time.
New to the educational lineup is a pasta-making seminar, hosted by hotel executive chef Robert Ciborowski, where guests will learn to make pasta dough from scratch and assist with the creation of specialty pastas. The wine education track will feature a new Italian wine class, where guests will learn the history of Italian wine and its influence on culture and cuisine. Returning beverage seminars include modern mixology, sake, beer, wine-blending, champagne, Riesling and Spanish wines. The seminars are led by the hotel’s certified culinary and beverage experts.
One of the most popular city events is the annual Orlando Chili Cook-Off, and it returns for its 4th year on February 9, 2013.
The event takes place at Orlando Festival Park (2911 E. Robinson St), located next to Orlando Executive Airport.
The main focus is the chili cook-off competition, which is sanctioned by the Chili Appreciation Society International (CASI). The total purse in cash and prizes has been increased to $5000 this year. Teams compete to win trophies, prizes and cash for the best CASI chili or the best Open chili categories.
The Orlando Chili Cook-off will also host Orlando’s first World Chili Eating Challenge. The renowned eater, Joey Chestnut will be among the competitors and there are still three spots open for Orlando locals to ‘chow for charity’ and compete for the total purse of $3500, with first prize winning $1750.
In addition to free samples of chili, those that attend can purchase other food and beverages, like beer, at an additional cost. Free chili samples are limited, so get there early if you want to chow down. Bring cash, because that’s the only way you’ll be able to pay for anything.
Gates open at 12pm (noon) and close at 6pm.
Admission is $7 in advance online until February 8. Day of tickets jump to $12 per adult. Children 6-12 are $3.
A portion of all proceeds will benefit Special Olympics Florida.
For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit orlandochilicookoff.com.
Chili, beer and music go well together. If you agree, you’ll want to check out Chili Brewfest this Saturday, January 12, 2013 at Old Town in Kissimmee.
The event runs from 2pm to 6pm, and admission gets you unlimited samples of both chili and beer. There will also be live music from Blender.
Tickets are $20 in advance online or $25 at the gate. You must be 21 or over to attend.
For more information, visit chilibrewfest.net.
Those with a hankering for sweet corn will want to check out the 37th Annual Zellwood Sweet Corn Festival happening this weekend.
The festival is being held both Saturday and Sunday (May 14 and 15, if you rely on the calendar) from 10am to 7pm.
There is a major change from previous years – the corn is not included in the admission. I know, bummer, right? But there will be several vendors selling a wealth of food, including different styles of sweet corn, like boiled and grilled.
You’ll also be able to get your daily fill of country music, with scheduled artists like Rhett Atkins, Suzy Bogguss, Jeff Bates, Jeff Hurst and more. This is included with admission.
Admission is $10 in advance and $12 at the gate (age 13 and older), $5 for kids (6-12) and free for 5 and under. The carnival rides are separate, with daily wristbands costing $12 in advance and $15 day of.