Endo Edibles

December 31, 2020
6:05 PM
by: Uhockey

The Ravenous Pig, Winter Park FL

The Ravenous Pig

Pimento Drop Biscuits, Red Pepper, Cheddar Cheese, Chive Butter

Dry Rubbed & Grilled Wings, Stilton Blue Cheese Dressing

Mushroom & Gruyere Beignets, Tarragon Aioli, Romesco

Chilled Foie Gras, Vanilla Crème, Apple Jam, Brioche Toast

Tapas Board – Charred Octopus with Red Quinoa Salad, Chickpea Hummus with Lamb Ragu, House Pita, Red Wine Marinated Olives

Rock Shrimp & Grits, Trumpet Mushrooms, Pancetta, Tomato-Shrimp Broth

Barbecued Cauliflower, Capers, Preserved Lemon Yogurt, Pine Nuts

Brown Butter Tagliatelle, Venison Sausage, Butternut Squash, Chestnut, Sage

Street Corn, Alabama White BBQ Sauce, Bacon Bread Crumb, Lime, Cilantro

Double Espresso, Ice

Bread Pudding, White Chocolate, Cranberry Compote, Eggnog Ice Cream

Chocolate Tart, Hazelnut, Red Wine Poached Pears, Crème Fraiche

Pig Tails – Cinnamon-Sugar Fritters, Chocolate Espresso Sauce

Recurrently recognized as semi-finalists by the James Beard Foundation for “Best Chef-South,” husband-and-wife duo James and Julie Petrakis debuted The Ravenous Pig in 2007, and since that time the couple plus their growing cadre of concepts have been synonymous with Orlando’s evolving culinary scene.

Both raised in Winter Park, but serendipitously meeting in culinary school at CIA before deciding to return home, it is inside 565 West Fairbanks Avenue that guests are greeted by gracious hosts and educated servers, the kitchen on full display from the dining area while an on-site brewery quietly works in the bar area.

Self-described as a Gastropub, the cookbook subtitled “Seasons of Florida” apt for a menu prone to frequent change, it was once settled at a window-side table that beverages were poured, Beers and Cocktails each pairing nicely with vibrant Cheddar Biscuits and umami-bomb Beignets plus tender, juicy Wings topped in pungent Blue Cheese.

Indulging next in the Petrakis’ Tapas Board, Hummus with stewed Lamb far more memorable than either Octopus or Olives, fans of Shrimp and Grits will discover this version to be a game changer thanks to its depth and complexity while Foie Gras Terrine served with Cream, Apples and Toast could just as easily be part of the Dessert menu.

Intrigued by seasonal Vegetables, a clever riff on Mexican Street Corn seeing Alabama White Sauce stand-in for Mayo, Vegetarians and omnivores alike are prone to be thrilled by BBQ Cauliflower with cooling Yogurt while handmade Pasta was seasonally special thanks to Venison, Chestnuts and Squash.

Ordering another round with Dessert, Beer for some and Coffee for others, Pigtails take a clever twist on Churros with remarkable lightness, but dollar-for-dollar the better bet is either The Ravenous Pig’s decadent Chocolate Tart or nearly-molten Bread Pudding that ended 2020 balancing Eggnog Ice Cream with Cranberry Compote.

www.theravenouspig.com

Posted in Bread Basket, Bread Pudding, Coffee, Dessert, Florida, Foie, Foie Gras, Food, Ice Cream, Octopus, Orlando, Pork, The Ravenous Pig, Vacation, Winter Park Tagged Aioli, Alabama White BBQ Sauce, Alabama White Sauce, Apple, Apple Jam, Apples, Bacon, Bacon Bread Crumb, Barbecue, Barbecue Cauliflower, Barbecue Sauce, Barbecued Cauliflower, Barbeque, Barbeque Sauce, BBQ, BBQ Sauce, Beignet, Beignets, Biscuit, Biscuits, Blue Cheese, Blue Cheese Dressing, Bread, Bread Crumb, Bread Crumbs, Bread Pudding, Breadcrumb, Breadcrumbs, Brioche, Brioche Bread, Brioche Toast, Broth, Brown Butter, Brown Butter Tagliatelle, Butter, Butternut Squash, Cake, Cakes, Caper, Capers, Cauliflower, Charred Octopus with Red Quinoa Salad, Cheddar, Cheddar Cheese, Cheese, Chestnut, Chestnuts, Chicken, Chicken Wing, Chicken Wings, Chickens, Chickpea, Chickpea Hummus, Chickpea Hummus with Lamb Ragu, Chickpeas, Chilled Foie Gras, Chive, Chive Butter, Chives, Chocolate, Chocolate Espresso Sauce, Chocolate Sauce, Chocolate Tart, Cilantro, Cinnamon, Cinnamon Sugar, Cinnamon-Sugar Fritter, Cinnamon-Sugar Fritters, Coffee, Compote, Corn, Corn Meal, Cornmeal, Cranberries, Cranberry, Cranberry Compote, Cream, Creme, Crème Fraiche, Crust, Dark Chocolate, Deer, Dessert, Desserts, Donut, Donuts, Double Espresso, Doughnut, Doughnuts, Dressing, Drop Biscuit, Drop Biscuits, Dry Rub, Dry Rubbed & Grilled Wings, Duck, Duck Liver, Eggnog, Eggnog Ice Cream, endoedibles, Espresso, FL, Florida, Foie, Foie Gras, Foie Gras Terrine, Food, Foodie, Fritter, Fritters, Garbanzo Bean, Garbanzo Beans, Grilled Wing, Grilled Wings, Grit, Grits, Gruyere, Gruyere Cheese, Hazelnut, Hazelnuts, House Pita, Hummus, Ice, Ice Cream, Jam, James Petrakis, Julie Petrakis, Lamb, Lamb Ragu, Lemon, Lemons, Lime, Limes, Liver, Marinated Olive, Marinated Olives, Michael Uzmann, Mushroom, Mushroom & Gruyere Beignet, Mushroom & Gruyere Beignets, Mushrooms, Octopus, Olive, Olives, Onion, Onions, Orlando, Pancetta, Pasta, Pastries, Pastry, Pear, Pears, Pepper, Peppers, Pig, Pig Tail, Pig Tails, Pimento, Pimento Cheese, Pimento Drop Biscuit, Pimento Drop Biscuits, Pimento Pepper, Pimento Peppers, Pine Nut, Pine Nuts, Pita, Pita Bread, Pork, Preserved Lemon, Preserved Lemon Yogurt, Preserved Lemons, Pudding, Quinoa, Ragu, Red Pepper, Red Peppers, Red Quinoa, Red Quinoa Salad, Red Wine, Red Wine Marinated Olive, Red Wine Marinated Olives, Red Wine Poached Pear, Red Wine Poached Pears, Rock Shrimp, Rock Shrimp & Grits, Rock Shrimps, Romesco, Sage, Salad, Salads, Sauce, Sausage, Shrimp, Shrimps, Squash, Stilton, Stilton Blue Cheese, Stilton Blue Cheese Dressing, Street Corn, Sugar, Tagliatelle, Tagliatelle Pasta, Tapas, Tapas Board, Tarragon, Tarragon Aioli, Tart, Tarts, Terrine, The Ravenous Pig, Toast, Tomato, Tomato-Shrimp Broth, Tomatoes, Travel, Trumpet Mushroom, Trumpet Mushrooms, Vacation, Vanilla, Vanilla Cream, Vanilla Crème, Venison, Venison Sausage, White Chocolate, White Sauce, Wine, Wing, Wings, Winter Park, Yogurt

December 31, 2020
12:15 PM
by: Uhockey

Prato, Winter Park FL

Prato

Prato Meatballs – Roasted Tomato, Cipollini Agrodolce, Mascarpone Polenta

Pretzel-crusted Calamari – Salsa Rossa, Grain Mustard Aioli

Diavolo Pizza – Pepperoni, Pancetta, Italian Long Peppers, Provolone Piccante

Short Rib Tortellini – Carrot, Cauliflower, Date, Mustard Seed

Potato Gnocchi – Truffle Butter, Parmesan, Pangrattato

Mustard Spaghettini “Cacio e Pepe” – Radicchio, Speck, Balsamico

Butternut Squash Ravioli – Brown Butter, Swiss Chard, Candied Pecan

Farm Egg Rigatoni – “Fatta Su” Bolognese, Basil, Barolo

Considered by many to be greater-Orlando’s best contemporary Italian eatery, Prato has occupied 124 North Park Avenue in Winter Park since 2011, the COVID-19 pandemic doing little to slow Chef Brandon McGlamery’s crowds or creativity.

Open for both lunch and dinner, menus similar but centered around an open kitchen featuring wood-fired Acunto ovens imported from Naples, it is amidst spacious confines that plates are created from local Produce and sustainably-sourced Protein, a starter of Meatballs tender and unctuous but brightened by Onions and Sauce over creamy Cornmeal.

Ordering Calamari at the request of a youngster, its texture bolstered by crumbled Pretzels alongside dueling Dips, it was straight from the aforementioned oven that Pizza arrived blistered but under-leavened and thus lacking a developed cornicione despite otherwise good flavor.

Skipping over Sandwiches and Entrees, and investing instead in five half-portions of Pasta that are easily sharable, little about McGlamery’s approach will satisfy purists, while those instead seeking complexity will most certainly find it in Short Rib Tortellini that pairs the flavors of Pot Roast with Dates and Mustard or “Cacio e Pepe” seeing bitter Radicchio foiled by aged Balsamic.

Not forgetting Gnocchi, tender Dumplings slicked by Truffle Butter with Breadcrumbs, Butternut Squash Ravioli struck a seasonal chord before wrapping with house-extruded Rigatoni topped in Bolognese fortified by Barolo.

www.prato-wp.com

Posted in Florida, Food, Italian, Orlando, Pizza, Pork, Prato, Truffle, Truffles, Vacation, Winter Park Tagged Agrodolce, Aioli, balsamic, Balsamic Vinegar, Balsamico, Barolo, Barolo Wine, Basil, Beef, Beef Meatball, Beef Meatballs, Beef Rib, Beef Ribs, Beef Short Rib, Beef Short Ribs, Bolognese, Bolognese Sauce, Brandon McGlamery, Bread, Bread Crumb, Bread Crumbs, Breadcrumb, Breadcrumbs, Brown Butter, Butter, Butternut Squash, Butternut Squash Ravioli, Cacio e Pepe, Calamari, Candied Pecan, Candied Pecans, Carrot, Carrots, Cauliflower, Chard, Cheese, Cipollini, Cipollini Agrodolce, Cipollini Onion, Cipollini Onions, Cipollinis, Corn Meal, Cornmeal, Cow, Cows, Date, Dates, Diavolo, Diavolo Pizza, Dumpling, Dumplings, endoedibles, Farm Egg Rigatoni, FL, Florida, Food, Foodie, Gnocchi, Gnocchi Pasta, Grain Mustard, Grain Mustard Aioli, Italian Long Pepper, Italian Long Peppers, Mascarpone, Mascarpone Cheese, Mascarpone Polenta, Meatball, Michael Uzmann, mustard, Mustard Seed, Mustard Seeds, Mustard Spaghettini, Mustard Spaghettini “Cacio e Pepe”, Noodle, Noodles, Onion, Onions, Orlando, Pancetta, Pangrattato, Parmesan, Parmesan Cheese, Pasta, Pecan, Pecans, Pepper, Pepperoni, Peppers, Pig, Pizza, Polenta, Pork, Pork Meatball, Pork Meatballs, Potato, Potato Gnocchi, Potatoes, Prato, Prato Meatball, Prato Meatballs, Pretzel, Pretzel-crusted Calamari, Pretzels, Provolone, Provolone Cheese, Provolone Piccante, Provolone Piccante Cheese, Radicchio, Ravioli, Ravioli Pasta, Rib, Ribs, Rigatoni, Rigatoni Pasta, Roasted Tomato, Roasted Tomatoes, Salsa, Salsa Rossa, Sauce, Sauce Bolognese, Seed, Seeds, Short Rib, Short Rib Tortellini, Short Ribs, Spaghettini, Spaghettini Pasta, Speck, Squash, Squid, Swiss Chard, Tomato, Tomatoes, Tortellini, Tortellini Pasta, Travel, Truffle, Truffle Butter, Truffles, Vacation, Vinegar, Wine, Winter Park, “Fatta Su” Bolognese

December 31, 2020
9:12 AM
by: Uhockey

Valhalla Bakery, Orlando FL

Valhalla Bakery

Guava Cheese Hand Pie

Brookie

S’Mores Bar

Nanaimo Bar

Celebrated for serving all-Vegan Baked Goods to Orlando since 2015, it was on the final day of a rough year that Valhalla Bakery was found slightly busy, and much like owner Celine Duvoisin’s Valkyrie Doughnuts the space inside Market on South proves compromised by servers who are borderline-rude and certainly less than thrilled by their job.

Not portrayed as “healthy,” Duvoisin’s decade as a Publix Bakery manager instead seeing her implement substitutions for Egg and Dairy amidst a multitude of home style sweets, it is alongside another meatless eatery and market that Valhalla operates from 8am till midnight with a menu prone to daily change.

Also part of St. Petersburg’s dining landscape, and well-regarded for Bars, Cookies and Cakes, it was on the heels of a Guava “Cheese” Poptart indistinguishable from one containing real Cream Cheese that three of the former followed, only S’mores falling a bit short as the Vegan Marshmallows were tough and rubbery.

Unable to overlook a male cashier who audibly sighed when asked to describe a “Death Bar” it was with dead-silence that another server dutifully packed additional items, the Brookie on par with Brooklyn’s original despite Valhalla Bakery’s self-imposed Ingredient restrictions while fans of Nanaimo Bars will be unsurprised that Duvoisin is a native of British Colombia.

www.valhallabakery.com

Posted in Breakfast, Dessert, Florida, Food, Orlando, Vacation, Valhalla Bakery Tagged Almond, Almonds, Bar, Bread, Brookie, Brookie Bar, Brookies, Brownie, Brownies, Celine Duvoisin, Chip, Chips, Chocolate, Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Chip Cookie, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Chocolate Chips, Chocolate Ganache, Cinnamon, Coconut, Coconuts, Cookie, Cookies, Cracker, Crackers, Dark Chocolate, Dessert, Desserts, endoedibles, FL, Florida, Food, Foodie, Ganache, Graham, Graham Cracker, Graham Crackers, Grahams, Guava, Guava Cheese, Guava Cheese Hand Pie, Guava Cheese Poptart, hand pie, Michael Uzmann, Nanaimo Bar, Nanaimo Bars, Orlando, Pastries, Pastry, Pie, Pop-Tart, Poptart, S'mores, Sugar, S’mores Bar, Toasted Coconut, Toasted Coconuts, Travel, Vacation, Valhalla Bakery, Vanilla, Vegan, Vegan Butter cream, Vegan Buttercream, Vegan Cream Cheese, Vegan Marshmallow, Vegan Marshmallows

December 31, 2020
8:30 AM
by: Uhockey

Nikki’s Place, Orlando FL

Nikki’s Place

Fried Pork Chop, Grits with Cheddar, Overeasy Eggs

Fried Chicken Wings, Waffle, Scrambled Eggs with Cheddar

Smoked Link Sausage, Scrambled Eggs with Cheddar, Home Fries

Biscuit

Banana Pudding

Sweet Potato Pie

Owned by Nick Aiken, Jr, nearing his 80s and working in Restaurants since age 10, Nikki’s Place is nothing short of an Orlando icon for comforting cuisine and the sort of hospitality for which the South is renowned.

Featuring a story that began at Roser’s Restaurant, young Nick helping the owner and learning her techniques along the way, it was after furthering his skills in Junior College and the kitchen of Ronnie’s Restaurant that Aiken purchase 742 Carter Street in 1999, it’s renaming since finding wife Inez president and daughter Shannea “Nikki” Akins manager.

Still successful during the pandemic, shuttered indoor dining compensated by catering as well as take-out, it was just past 8:00am on NYE that Nikki’s was found busy, three “to-go” orders necessitating a twenty minute wait for Food that offers unquestionable value on the dollar.

All scratch made and full of nostalgia, it was with several dishes unavailable till lunch that Breakfast was the focus, fried Wings and a pillowy Waffle each prepared as they ought to be while cheesy Eggs scrambled, Potatoes and smoked Breakfast Sausage were all precisely what one might expect, and then some thanks to the Seasoning.

Not about to forget a fried Pork Chop, rarely seen up north or west but here cooked golden and juicy, Grits and Biscuits each showed well while Desserts including peerless Sweet Potato Pie and multi-layered Banana Pudding completed a wonderful morning.

www.nikkisplace.net

Posted in Bread Basket, Breakfast, Dessert, Florida, Food, Nikki’s Place, Orlando, Pork, Vacation, Waffle, Waffles Tagged Banana, Banana Pudding, Bananas, Beef, Beef Sausage, Biscuit, Biscuits, Bread, Butter, Cheddar, Cheddar Cheese, Cheese, Chicken, Chicken Wing, Chicken Wings, Cinnamon, Cookie, Cookies, Corn Meal, Cornmeal, Cow, Cows, Crust, Dessert, Desserts, Egg, Egg Yolk, Egg Yolks, Eggs, endoedibles, FL, Florida, Food, Foodie, Fried Chicken, Fried Chicken Wing, Fried Chicken Wings, Fried Pork Chop, Grits, Grits with Cheddar, Home Fries, Home Fry, Link Sausage, Michael Uzmann, Nick Aiken, Nick Aiken Jr, Nikki’s Place, Nilla Wafer, Nilla Wafers, Onion, Onions, Orlando, over easy egg, Over-Easy Eggs, Overeasy Eggs, Pastries, Pastry, Pie, Pies, Pig, Pork, Pork Chop, Pork Sausage, Potato, Potatoes, Pudding, Sausage, Scrambled Egg, Scrambled Eggs, Scrambled Eggs with Cheddar, Shannea “Nikki” Akins, Smoked Link Sausage, Smoked Sausage, Soul Food, Sugar, Sweet Potato, Sweet Potato Pie, Sweet Potatoes, Travel, Vacation, Vanilla, Vanilla Wafer, Vanilla Wafer Cookie, Vanilla Wafer Cookies, Vanilla Wafers, Waffle, Waffles, Wing, Wings, Yolk, Yolks

December 30, 2020
6:30 PM
by: Uhockey

Hunger Street Tacos, Winter Park FL

Hunger Street Tacos

Campechano Taco – Seared Brisket, Chorizo, Avocado Salsa Verde, Onion, Cilantro, Lime

Suadero Taco – Seared Brisket, Avocado Salsa Verde, Onion, Cilantro, Lime

Fried Avo-Taco – Panko Breaded & Fried Avocado, Cabbage, Red Onion, Cilantro Crema, Cilantro, Queso Cotija, Salsa Roja

Mushroom Quesadilla – Sauteed Mushroom, Chihuahua Cheese, Garlic, Epazote, Salsa Roja

Tamal Pollo con Mole Rojo – Heirloom Masa, Chicken, Mole Rojo, Sesame Seeds, Pickled Onion, Cilantro

Established as a brick and mortar Restaurant in 2017, Hunger Street Tacos quickly emerged as a reason for folks across Central Florida to visit Winter Park, and even amidst a global pandemic Joseph Creech and his team continue to tantalize guests with the bold flavors of Mexico while implementing all recommended safe practices.

Born in Guadalajara to missionary parents, but raised stateside and self-trained, it is from indigenous Ingredients that Creech seeks to recreate flavors from early memories, the Street Food favorite “Suadero” featured prominently and exquisitely tender whether on its own or combined on the same Heirloom Corn Tortilla with Housemade Chorizo.

A tribute to CDMX’s “La Calle Del Hambre,” though many of Hunger Street’s items would rarely be seen in Mexico, Vegetarians will find several things to suit their preferences, both Fried Avocados and vigorously Sauteed Mushrooms achieving bold balance amidst Cheese, fresh Vegetables and vibrant Salsa.

Relying on wife Seydi’s family recipes for several condiments and techniques, while incorporating murals by the Lapiztola art collective inside and out, the staff’s commitment to quality extends from kitchen to front of house, a middle-aged woman on this particular night making rounds on the outside patio to big smiles induced by a texturally flawless Tamale topped in shredded Chicken plus aromatic Mole indistinguishable from what one might find in Mexico City or Oaxaca.

www.hungerstreettacos.com

Posted in Florida, Food, Hunger Street Tacos, Orlando, Pork, Vacation, Winter Park Tagged Avo-Taco, Avocado, Avocado Salsa, Avocado Salsa Verde, Avocados, Beef, Beef Brisket, Breading, Brisket, Butter, Cabbage, Campechano, Campechano Taco, Cheese, Chicken, Chickens, Chihuahua Cheese, Chorizo, Cilantro, Cilantro Crema, Corn, Corn Tortilla, Corn Tortillas, Cotija, Cotija Cheese, Cow, Cows, Crema, endoedibles, Epazote, FL, Florida, Flour, Flour Tortilla, Flour Tortillas, Food, Foodie, Fried Avo-Taco, Fried Avocados, Garlic, Heirloom Corn, Heirloom Corn Tortilla, Heirloom Corn Tortillas, Heirloom Masa, Hunger Street Tacos, Joseph Kudrak, Lime, Limes, Masa, Michael Uzmann, Mole, Mole Rojo, Mushroom, Mushroom Quesadilla, Mushrooms, Onion, Onions, Orlando, Panko, Panko Breaded & Fried Avocado, Panko Breaded & Fried Avocados, Panko Breading, Pepper, Peppers, Pickle, Pickled Onion, pickled onions, Pickles, Pig, Pollo, Pork, Quesadilla, Quesadillas, Queso, Queso Cotija, Red Onion, Red Onions, Salsa, Salsa Roja, Salsa Verde, Sauce, Sauteed Mushroom, Sauteed Mushrooms, Seared Brisket, Seed, Seeds, Sesame, Sesame Seed, Sesame Seeds, Suadero, Suadero Taco, Suadero Tacos, Taco, Tacos, Tamal Pollo con Mole Rojo, Tamale, Tamale Pollo con Mole Rojo, Tamales, Tomato, Tomatoes, Tortilla, Tortillas, Travel, Vacation, Winter Park

December 30, 2020
4:00 PM
by: Uhockey

Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream (Corrine Dr,) Orlando FL

Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream

Blondie Ice Cream, Maple Bourbon Bacon Ice Cream, Butter Pecan Ice Cream

Currently closed to indoor dining, and only offering Cones inverted in a cup in order to be “contact-free” during COVID-19, Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream debuted in Audubon Park early-2015, the business still thriving with three additional locations bolstered by a menu prone to seasonal change.

The brainchild of Kelly Seidl, a trained nurse who operates the business including a Food Truck with husband, locals flock to Kelley’s year-long for classics and seasonal flavors alike, the fact that samples are not offered forcing hard choices that included intense-yet-creamy Butter Pecan alongside “Blondie” with Chocolate Chips plus Golden Oreos and “Maple Bourbon Bacon” that tasted good but suffered from crystallization.

www.kellyshomemadeicecream.com

Posted in Dessert, Florida, Food, Ice Cream, Kelly's Homemade Ice Cream, Kelly's Homemade Ice Cream Audubon Park, Orlando, Pork, Vacation Tagged Bacon, Blondie, Blondie Ice Cream, Blondies, Bourbon, Butter, Butter Pecan, Butter Pecan Ice Cream, Cake, Cakes, Chip, Chips, Chocolate, Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Chips, Cookie, Cookies, Cream, Dessert, Desserts, endoedibles, FL, Florida, Food, Foodie, Golden Oreo, Golden Oreo Cookie, Golden Oreo Cookies, Golden Oreos, Ice Cream, Kelly Seidl, Kelly's Homemade Ice Cream, Kelly's Homemade Ice Cream Audubon Park, Maple, Maple Bourbon Bacon Ice Cream, Maple Syrup, Michael Uzmann, Orlando, Pastries, Pastry, Pecan, Pecans, Sugar, Syrup, Travel, Vacation, Vanilla

December 30, 2020
12:25 PM
by: Uhockey

Gideon’s Bakehouse, Orlando FL

Gideon’s Bakehouse

Original Chocolate Chip Cookie

Cookies & Cream Cookie

Pistachio Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookie

Candied Walnut Chocolate Chip Cookie

Although owner Steve Lewis tells an interesting tale of a wishful young man from the 1800s as the inspiration behind Gideon’s Bakehouse, the more pertinent details are these: 1) Expect a wait unless arriving very early at Orlando’s East End Market. 2) Six Cookies max unless pre-ordered. 3) $5 each. 4) Worth every minute, cent and calorie.

Sure one might be amused by shelves full of aged books and antiques, impressed by skilled staff-members, or maybe even a little annoyed that specials sell out quite quickly, but the moment teeth pierce that soft matrix of Butter, Vanilla and mixed Chocolates everything else fades away – how does the rim get so crisp while center harkens uncooked Dough?

Smaller than most folks’ bedroom, the Bakery’s output only gets better through additions, the Oreos inside and atop Cookies and Cream somehow blending right in with an expected increase in sweetness while the highly-recommended Pistachio Toffee or Wednesday-only Candied Walnut and a touch of Salt or extra crunch with a bitter mid-palate, respectively.

www.gideonsbakehouse.com

Posted in Dessert, Florida, Food, Gideon’s Bakehouse, Orlando, Vacation Tagged Butter, Candied Walnut, Candied Walnut Chocolate Chip Cookie, Candied Walnuts, Chip, Chips, Chocolate, Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Chip Cookie, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Chocolate Chips, Cinnamon, Cookie, Cookies, Cookies & Cream, Cookies & Cream Cookie, Cookies and Cream, Cream, Crumbled Oreo, Crumbled Oreos, Dark Chocolate, Dessert, Desserts, endoedibles, FL, Florida, Food, Foodie, Gideon’s Bakehouse, Michael Uzmann, Oreo, Oreo Cookie, Oreo Cookies, Oreos, Original Chocolate Chip Cookie, Orlando, Pastries, Pastry, Pistachio, Pistachio Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookie, Pistachios, Steve Lewis, Sugar, Toffee, Travel, Vacation, Vanilla, Walnut, Walnuts

December 30, 2020
11:20 AM
by: Uhockey

Pig Floyd’s Urban Barbakoa, Orlando FL

Pig Floyd’s Urban Barbakoa

#19 2 Meat Combo – Brisket, Pulled Pork, Flour Tortillas, White Cheddar Mac n’ Cheese, Mexican Street Corn, BBQ Sauce

Banana Pudding

Now with two locations, Thomas Ward’s “Pig Floyd’s Urban Barbakoa” is frequently mentioned amongst Orlando’s best spots for BBQ, and channeling his Hispanic background alongside 90’s pop-culture references the North Mills Avenue original is anything but a typical Country Western Smoked Meat setup.

Debuted in 2014, years operating a Food Truck finding Ward now brick and mortar with an extensive menu of Sandwiches, Sides, Tacos and Combo plates, it was after debating several daily specials that the #19 was ordered, the Pulled Pork unfortunately a little over-Sauced while lean Brisket is surprisingly supple with deeply penetrating seasoning and a good bark.

Not about to waste stomach space on store-bought Tortillas, at least not when Elbow Macaroni with aged White Cheddar is available, fans of Elotes won’t want to miss Corn covered in Chile-Lime Butter plus Cotija, nor stick-a-spoon-up-straight Banana Pudding with chunks of Fruit juxtaposing Nilla Wafers.

www.pigfloyds.com

Posted in Dessert, Florida, Food, Orlando, Pig Floyd's, Pig Floyd's Urban Barbakoa, Pork, Vacation Tagged #19, #19 2 Meat Combo, 2 Meat Combo, Banana, Banana Pudding, Bananas, Barbecue, Barbecue Sauce, Barbeque, Barbeque Sauce, BBQ, BBQ Sauce, Beef, Beef Brisket, Brisket, Butter, Cheddar, Cheddar Cheese, Cheese, Chile-Lime Butter, Chili, Chili Pepper, Chili Peppers, Chilis, Cilantro, Cookie, Cookies, Corn, Cotija, Cotija Cheese, Cow, Cows, Cream, Dessert, Elbow Macaroni, Elbow Macaroni Pasta, endoedibles, FL, Florida, Flour, Flour Tortilla, Flour Tortillas, Food, Foodie, Lean Brisket, Lime, Mac & Cheese, Mac n' Cheese, Macaroni, Macaroni & Cheese, Macaroni 'n Cheese, Macaroni and Cheese, Macaroni Pasta, Meat, Mexican Street Corn, Michael Uzmann, Nilla Wafer, Nilla Wafers, Orlando, Pasta, Pastries, Pastry, Pepper, Peppers, Pig, Pig Floyd's, Pig Floyd's Urban Barbakoa, Pork, Pudding, Pulled Pork, Sauce, Street Corn, Sugar, Thomas Ward, Tomato, Tomatoes, Tortilla, Tortillas, Travel, Vacation, Vanilla, Vanilla Wafer, Vanilla Wafer Cookie, Vanilla Wafer Cookies, Vanilla Wafers, Wafer, Wafers, Whip Cream, Whipped Cream, White Cheddar, White Cheddar Cheese, White Cheddar Mac n’ Cheese

December 30, 2020
9:30 AM
by: Uhockey

Valkyrie Doughnuts, Orlando FL

Valkyrie Doughnuts

Apple Fritter

Cookie Butter

Orlando Cream

Caramelized Banana

Opened proximate to University of Central Florida in 2017, Valkyrie Doughnuts comes from Celine Duvoisin of Valhalla Bakery, her commitment to Orlando’s Vegan community well-known and the space itself minimalist with clever artwork including Unicorns and Knights.

Selling from 7am on weekdays, an hour later Saturday or Sunday, it was during winter break that the Bakery was found sparsely populated, the lone male server more concerned with chatting up two friends than making a sale just prior to ten o’clock.

Frying all items on-site, and delivering daily to Duvoisin’s flagship, it was after a few moment’s indecision that four fried treats were ordered, the Apple Fritter enjoyable with lots of Fruit beneath simple Sugar Glaze while Cookie Butter featured no filling and a mostly-dull crumb without a lot of intrinsic taste.

Moving next to Orland Cream, a riff on the Boston version that falters thanks to an odd aftertaste from the Chocolate Frosting, Caramelized Banana thankfully fared better, though its flavor again relied entirely on the bruleed top as opposed to anything noteworthy about the Dough itself.

www.valkyriedoughnuts.com

Posted in Breakfast, Dessert, Florida, Food, Orlando, Vacation, Valkyrie Doughnuts Tagged Apple, Apple Fritter, Apple Fritters, Apples, Banana, Bananas, Bread, Caramelized Banana, Caramelized Banana Donut, Caramelized Banana Doughnut, Caramelized Bananas, Celine Duvoisin, Chocolate, Cinnamon, Cookie, Cookie Butter, Cookie Butter Donut, Cookie Butter Doughnut, Cookies, Cream, Dark Chocolate, Dessert, Desserts, Donut, Donuts, Doughnut, Doughnuts, endoedibles, FL, Florida, Food, Foodie, Fritter, Fritters, Frosting, Glaze, Icing, Michael Uzmann, Orlando, Orlando Cream, Orlando Cream Donut, Orlando Cream Doughnut, Pastries, Pastry, Sugar, Travel, Vacation, Valkyrie Doughnuts, Vanilla, Vegan, Vegan Cream, Vegan Donut, Vegan Donuts, Vegan Doughnut, Vegan Doughnuts

December 30, 2020
8:25 AM
by: Uhockey

The Glass Knife, Winter Park FL

The Glass Knife

Cinnamon Roll

Salted Caramel Brownie

Triple Chocolate Chip Cookie

Vegan Maple Pecan Donut – Vegan Brioche, Whipped Pecan Butter, Vanilla Maple Glaze, Pecan Brittle Crumble

Cranberry Orange Donut – Cranberry Cake, White Chocolate Glaze, Candied Orange Peel, Candied Ginger, Craisins

Apple Fritter – Brown Butter Glaze, Nut Streusel

An Orlando favorite ever since opening its doors in late-2017, The Glass Knife resides in Winter Park, and although the décor suggests someplace built solely for Instagram the Pastry case and menu tell of skilled bakers familiar with French technique.

Toqued by Executive Chef Stuart Whitfield, with pink and black décor attributed to owner Steve Brown’s mother, it is at indoor tables or a on a shaded patio that guests are invited to indulge daily, the savory menu seemingly perfectly adequate though most will likely be drawn to Desserts such as the chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie or decadent Salted Caramel Brownie.

Still busy mid-pandemic, all staff donning PPE and positive attitudes, it would be a mistake to ignore Whitfield’s “Ultimate Cinnamon Roll,” layers of Buttermilk Brioche surrounding Cinnamon-Sugar beneath Cream Cheese Frosting, while Donuts are hit and miss, the filled Vegan version faring will in contrast to Cranberry Orange and Apple which were each too oily.

www.theglassknife.com

Posted in Breakfast, Dessert, Florida, Food, Orlando, The Glass Knife, Vacation, Winter Park, Wisconsin Tagged Apple, Apple Fritter, Apple Fritters, Apples, Bread, Brioche, Brioche Bread, Brioche Donut, Brioche Donuts, Brioche Doughnut, Brioche Doughnuts, Brittle, Brown Butter, Brown Butter Glaze, Brownie, Brownies, Butter, Buttermilk, Cake, Cake Donut, Cake Donuts, Cake Doughnut, Cake Doughnuts, Cakes, Candied Ginger, Candied Orange Peel, Caramel, Cheese, Chip, Chips, Chocolate, Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Chip Cookie, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Chocolate Chips, Cinnamon, Cinnamon Roll, Cinnamon Rolls, Cookie, Cookies, Craisin, Craisins, Cranberries, Cranberry, Cranberry Cake, Cranberry Orange Donut, Cranberry Orange Doughnut, Cream, Crumble, Dark Chocolate, Dessert, Desserts, Donut, Donuts, Doughnut, Doughnuts, endoedibles, FL, Florida, Food, Foodie, Fritter, Fritters, Frosting, Fudge, Fudge Brownie, Fudge Brownies, Ginger, Glaze, Icing, Maple, Maple Pecan Donut, Maple Pecan Doughnut, Maple Syrup, Michael Uzmann, Milk Chocolate, Nut, Nut Streusel, Nuts, Orange, Orange Peel, Oranges, Orlando, Pastries, Pastry, Pecan, Pecan Brittle, Pecan Brittle Crumble, Pecan Butter, Pecans, Peel, Roll, Rolls, Salt, Salted Caramel, Salted Caramel Brownie, Salty Caramel, Steve Brown, Streusel, Stuart Whitfield, Sugar, Syrup, The Glass Knife, Travel, Triple Chocolate Chip Cookie, Ultimate Cinnamon Roll, Vacation, Vanilla, Vanilla Maple Glaze, Vegan, Vegan Maple Pecan Donut, Vegan Maple Pecan Doughnut, Vegan “Brioche, Whipped Pecan Butter, White Chocolate, White Chocolate Glaze, Winter Park

December 29, 2020
6:30 PM
by: Uhockey

DOMU (Dr. Phillips,) Orlando FL

DOMU

DOMU WINGS – KIMCHI BUTTER SAUCE

FINGERLING BRAVAS – CRISPY FINGERLING POTATOES, SPICY KEWPIE MAYO, SOUR CREAM, CHIVES, CRISPY QUINOA, JAPANESE SPICES

TAKO – GRILLED OCTOPUS, YUZU KOSHO, CRISPY SMASHED FINGERLING POTATOES, MICRO GREENS, RADISH, YUZU MAYO

CHEEZUS – CORN, KEWPIE MAYO, MELTED MOZZARELLA, JAPANESE SPICES, SCALLIONS, LIME, TOASTED BAGUETTE

RICHIE RICH RAMEN – MISO, SHOYU PORK BONE BROTH, CHASHU, AJITAMA BRULEE, KIKURAGE, SCALLION, FRIED GARLIC, BLACK GARLIC OIL, DOMUDAMA

CURRY RAMEN – SPICY CHICKEN BROTH, FRIED CHICKEN THIGH, JAPANESE BEECH MUSHROOMS, MENMA, THAI BASIL, SCALLIONS, THAI CHILI PASTE

YUZU CHICKEN RAMEN – SHIO BASE, MENMA, SCALLIONS, AJITAMA, FRIED CHICKEN THIGH, JAPANESE SPICES, KOMI OIL, LIME ZEST

HORCHATA SOFT SERVE ICE CREAM – CINNAMON TOAST CRUNCH CEREAL

Originated late 2016 in the Audubon Park District of Orlando, DOMU’s Dr. Phillips outpost debuted just four months before COVID-19 changed the entire dining landscape, yet on a Tuesday night in December three guests were greeted to a twenty minute wait before sitting down to enjoy what may just be Orlando’s hottest current ticket.

Created by Chef Sean “Sonny” Nguyen, and propelled to fame by television appearances celebrating his Housemade Noodles, it is upon entry that guests will notice a lengthy bar in front of the partitioned dining room, a kitchen in back visible with all staff donning both gloves and masks.

Built on Japanese technique, but infused with modern sensibility, a quick look at DOMU’s menu will uncover tradition and fusion, the eponymous Wings well regarded for being extra crisp with a generous amount of unctuous Meat while Fingerling Potatoes riff on the idea of Spanish Patatas Bravas utilizing Eastern Ingredients.

Less successful with Grilled Octopus, the portion underwhelming and muddled by Citrus, “Cheezus” is a *must* order by any standard while the traditional Yuzu Ramen is forgivingly light and perfect for those who prefer clear broth or eschew Pork for religious/dietary reasons.

Delving next into “DOMU Creations,” seven large bowls ranging from Urchin Butter to Brothless, Richie Rich undoubtedly lives up to its name thanks to springy Noodles, Egg, Pork and Cloud Ear Mushrooms plus a good amount of Garlic in contrast to fiery Curry Ramen with Fried Chicken and the sort of lingering heat that makes Beer, Soft Serve or both almost mandatory.

www.domufl.com

Posted in Bread Basket, Dessert, DOMU, DOMU Dr. Phillips, DOMU Orlando, Florida, Food, Ice Cream, Octopus, Orlando, Pork, Vacation, Waffle, Waffles Tagged AJITAMA, AJITAMA BRULEE, Baguette, Basil, Beech Mushroom, Beech Mushrooms, Black Garlic, BLACK GARLIC OIL, Bone Broth, Bread, Broth, Butter, Butter Sauce, Cabbage, Cereal, CHASHU, Cheese, CHEEZUS, Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Thigh, Chicken Wing, Chicken Wings, Chickens, Chili, Chili Paste, Chili Pepper, Chili Peppers, Chilis, Chive, Chives, Cinnamon, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal, Cloud Ear Mushroom, Cloud Ear Mushrooms, Cone, Cones, Corn, Cream, Crispy Fingerling Potatoes, Crispy Quinoa, CRISPY SMASHED FINGERLING POTATOES, Curry, CURRY RAMEN, Dessert, Desserts, DOMU, DOMU Dr. Phillips, DOMU Orlando, DOMU WINGS, DOMUDAMA, Egg, Egg Yolk, Egg Yolks, Eggs, endoedibles, Fingerling, FINGERLING BRAVAS, Fingerling Potato, Fingerling Potatoes, Fingerlings, FL, Florida, Food, Foodie, Fried Chicken, Fried Chicken Thigh, Fried Garlic, Garlic, Greens, Grilled Octopus, HANDMADE NOODLE, HANDMADE NOODLES, Horchata, HORCHATA SOFT SERVE ICE CREAM, Ice Cream, JAPANESE BEECH MUSHROOM, JAPANESE BEECH MUSHROOMS, JAPANESE SPICES, Kewpie, Kewpie Mayo, Kewpie Mayonnaise, Kikurage, Kimchi, KIMCHI BUTTER SAUCE, KOMI, KOMI OIL, Lemon, Lemons, Lime, Lime Zest, Limes, Mayo, Mayonnaise, Melted Mozzarella, MENMA, Michael Uzmann, Micro Greens, Milk, Miso, Mozzarella, Mozzarella Cheese, Mushroom, Mushrooms, Noodle, Noodles, Octopus, Oil, Orlando, Paste, Patatas Bravas, Pepper, Peppers, Pig, Pork, PORK BONE BROTH, PORK CHASHU, Potato, Potatoes, Quinoa, Radish, Radishes, Ramen, Ramen Noodle, Ramen Noodles, Rice, Rice Milk, RICHIE RICH, RICHIE RICH RAMEN, Sauce, Scallion, Scallions, SHIO BASE, Shoyu, SHOYU PORK BONE BROTH, Soft Serve, Soft Serve Ice Cream, Sour Cream, Soy, SPICY CHICKEN BROTH, SPICY KEWPIE MAYO, Sugar, TAKO, Thai Basil, Thai Chili, THAI CHILI PASTE, Thai Chilis, Toasted Baguette, Travel, Vacation, Vanilla, Vinegar, Waffle, Waffle Cone, Waffle Cones, Waffles, Wing, Wings, Yolk, Yolks, Yuzu, YUZU CHICKEN, YUZU CHICKEN RAMEN, Yuzu Kosho, YUZU MAYO, Zest

December 29, 2020
12:05 PM
by: Uhockey

La Camaronera [2,] Miami FL

La Camaronera

Corvina Sandwich, Tostones

Conch Fritters, Lime

Shrimp Tacos

Arsenio’s Favorite Burrito – Shrimp, Fish, Creamy Jack, Cheddar Cheese

Key Lime Pie

Dubbed a “Seafood Joint & Fish Market” it was based on the recommendation of others that a return visit to La Camaronera was planned before exiting Miami, suggestions that a 2014 visit was “ordered wrong” immediately debunked when, at noon, the Restaurant had already sold out of their “legendary” Pan con Minuta.

Open daily at 11:30, but apparently crippled by “a busy weekend” per wait staff, lunch instead started with underwhelming (again) Frituras de Cobo and a fairly basic Corvina Sandwich, the Tostones admittedly far better than notes from six years prior suggest but still not on par with Old’s or Garcia’s.

Located just a few miles from Biscayne Bay, and practicing all recommended safety measures amidst the pandemic, dining improved with grilled Shrimp Tacos slathered in Onions and Peppers while “Arsenio’s Favorite Burrito” comes over-stuffed and enjoyable, the fact that Tres Leches was also 86’d instead necessitating Key Lime Pie for Dessert – its flavor again too sweet even without the Whipped Topping.

www.lacamaronera.com

Posted in Dessert, Florida, Food, La Camaronera, La Camaronera Seafood Joint & Fish Market, Miami, Vacation Tagged Arsenio’s Favorite Burrito, Bread, Burrito, Butter, Cheddar, Cheddar Cheese, Cheese, Cinnamon, Conch, Conch Fritter, Conch Fritters, Corn, Corn Tortilla, Corn Tortillas, Corvina, Corvina Fish, Corvina Sandwich, Cracker, Crackers, Cream, Creamy Jack, Crust, Dessert, Desserts, endoedibles, Fish, FL, Florida, Flour, Flour Tortilla, Flour Tortillas, Food, Foodie, Fried Plantain, Fried Plantains, Fritter, Fritters, Graham, Graham Cracker, Graham Cracker Crust, Graham Crackers, Grahams, Honey, Jack Cheese, Key Lime, Key Lime Pie, Key Limes, La Camaronera, La Camaronera Seafood Joint & Fish Market, Lime, Limes, Miami, Michael Uzmann, Onion, Onions, Pastries, Pastry, Pepper, Peppers, Pie, Pies, Plantain, Plantains, Sandwich, Sandwiches, Sauce, Shrimp, Shrimp Taco, Shrimp Tacos, Shrimps, Sugar, Taco, Tacos, Tomato, Tomatoes, Tortilla, Tortillas, Tostone, Tostones, Travel, Vacation, Vanilla, Whip Cream, Whipped Cream

December 29, 2020
7:30 AM
by: Uhockey

Mojo Donuts & Fried Chicken, Coral Gables FL

Mojo Donuts & Fried Chicken

Croissant Donut Bites

French Cruller, Chocolate Glaze

Fruity Pebbles Donut

Maple Bacon Bar

Banana Pudding Donut

Blueberry Fritter

Abuelita Donut – Cinnamon Sugar, Dulce de Leche, Arroz con Leche Filling

Guava Cheese Donut

Originating in Pembroke Pines, and now with four locations in South Florida, it was just after the Coral Gables shop’s 4th birthday that three guests stopped at Mojo Donuts to taste an array of distinct and fun flavors.

Located at the southeast corner of U.S. 1 and Red Road, slightly outside Miami-proper, it is immediately upon entering that guests are welcomed by staff donning PPE, their friendliness leagues better than Salty Donut and their patience while deciding amongst 30+ flavors much appreciated.

Co-owned by Jimmy Piedrahita, his decision to bring Shawn Neifeld’s brand South delivering even greater diversity than the original, it was while pop music played overhead that selections were made, a complimentary box of “Cronut” Holes kicking things off light and flaky before tearing into an eggy Chocolate-covered Cruller.

Previously partnered with an Ice Cream joint, that half of the counter currently porting Christmas decorations, it was after being informed that Fried Chicken sales begin at 11:00am that more bites were taken, Fruity Pebbles selected by a 13-year-old pretty much what one might expect while the Maple Bacon Bar and glazed pocket filled with housemade Banana Pudding fared better.

Made even more popular by Guy Fieri’s “Diners,Drive-ins and Dives,” additional picks found Mojo’s Blueberry Fritter crisp yet just a bit oily while Abuelita and Guava Cheese each embraced Miami’s Latin heritage with complete success thanks to their respective combinations of Toppings and Fillings.

www.mojodonuts.com

Posted in Breakfast, Coral Gables, Croissants, Dessert, Florida, Food, Miami, Mojo Donuts & Fried Chicken, Mojo Donuts Coral Gables, Pork, Vacation Tagged 100% Maple Syrup, 100% Pure Maple Syrup, Abuelita Donut, Abuelita Doughnut, Arroz, Arroz con Leche, Arroz con Leche Filling, Bacon, Banana, Banana Pudding, Banana Pudding Donut, Banana Pudding Doughnut, Bananas, Bismarck, Bismarck Donut, Bismarck Donuts, Bismarck Doughnut, Bismarck Doughnuts, Bismarcks, Bites, Blueberries, Blueberry, Blueberry Fritter, Blueberry Fritters, Bread, Butter, Caramel, Cereal, Cheese, Chocolate, Chocolate Glaze, Cinnamon, Cinnamon Sugar, Confectioner's Sugar, Cookie, Cookies, Coral Gables, Cream, Cream Cheese, Croissant, Croissant Donut, Croissant Donut Bite, Croissant Donut Bites, Croissant Donuts, Croissant Doughnut, Croissant Doughnuts, Croissants, Cruller, Dark Chocolate, Dessert, Desserts, Donut, Donuts, Doughnut, Doughnuts, Dulce de Leche, endoedibles, FL, Florida, Food, Foodie, French Cruller, French Crullers, Fritter, Fritters, Frosting, Fruity Pebbles, Fruity Pebbles Cereal, Fruity Pebbles Donut, Fruity Pebbles Doughnut, Glaze, Guava, Guava + Cheese Donut, Guava + Cheese Doughnut, Icing, Jimmy Piedrahita, Longjohn, Longjohn Donut, Longjohn Doughnut, Maple, Maple Bacon Bar, Maple Bacon Donut, Maple Bacon Donuts, Maple Bacon Doughnut, Maple Bacon Doughnuts, Maple Syrup, Miami, Michael Uzmann, Mojo Donuts, Mojo Donuts & Fried Chicken, Mojo Donuts Coral Gables, Nilla Wafer, Nilla Wafers, Pastries, Pastry, Pig, Pork, Powdered Sugar, Pudding, Pure Maple Syrup, Raised Donut, Raised Donuts, Raised Doughnut, Raised Doughnuts, Rice, Rice Pudding, S'mores Longjohn, Shawn Neifeld, Sugar, Syrup, Travel, Vacation, Vanilla, Vanilla Wafer, Vanilla Wafer Cookie, Vanilla Wafer Cookies, Vanilla Wafers, Wafer, Wafers, Whip Cream, Whipped Cream, Yeast Donut, Yeast Donuts, Yeast Doughnut, Yeast Doughnuts

December 28, 2020
9:00 PM
by: Uhockey

Dasher & Crank, Miami FL

Dasher & Crank

Salty Beach, Lemon Speculoos, Smoked Almond

Opened at the tail-end of 2017, Wynwood’s Dasher & Crank changed South Florida’s Ice Cream landscape overnight, owner Daniel Levine bringing his strong background in hospitality to chef-driven flavors that defy conformity while simultaneously delighting guests.

Demarcated in neon, with pastel pink seating currently off-limits due to COVID-19, it was with a menu entirely different from online that three guests debated choices, tastes of styles including Winter Wonderland and Earl Grey eventually yielding three scoops served in a cup, as housemade Waffle Cones had sold out.

Made on-site daily, and premium priced to match upscale Ingredients, “Smoked Almond” finds Nuts alongside Dulce de Leche in a smooth matrix while both Salty Beach and Lemon Speculoos trend slightly granular thanks to “Graham Cracker Sand” in the Coconut-flavored former and Belgian Cookie Butter with Citrus in the latter.

www.dasherandcrank.com

Posted in Dasher & Crank, Dessert, Florida, Food, Ice Cream, Miami, Vacation Tagged Almond, Almonds, Belgian Cookie Butter, Butter, Caramel, Cinnamon, Coconut, Coconut Ice Cream, Coconuts, Cookie, Cookie Butter, Cookies, Cracker, Crackers, Cream, Daniel Levine, Dasher & Crank, Dessert, Desserts, Dulce de Leche, endoedibles, FL, Florida, Food, Foodie, Graham, Graham Cracker, Graham Crackers, Grahams, Honey, Ice Cream, Lemon, Lemon Speculoos Ice Cream, Lemons, Miami, Michael Uzmann, Salt, Salty Beach, Salty Beach Ice Cream, Sea Salt, Smoked Almond, Smoked Almond Ice Cream, Smoked Almonds, Speculoos, Sugar, Travel, Vacation, Vanilla

December 28, 2020
6:20 PM
by: Uhockey

La Leggenda Pizzeria, Miami Beach FL

La Leggenda Pizzeria

Polipetti alla Luciana – Baby Octopus, Neapolitan Marinara Sauce, Capers, Black Olives, Toasted Bread

Margherita STG Pizza – Mozzarella Di Bufala Campana DOP, San Marzano Tomato Sauce, Basil

Crocché Pizza – Potato Croquettes, Italian Ham, Fior di Latte Mozzarella

Born in a small town near Caserta, Giovanni Gagliardi was nicknamed “The Legend” long before winning the 21st World Championship of Neapolitan Pizza STG in 2012, a subsequent title at The International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas leading to the debut of his Neapolitan Pizzeria on Miami Beach in 2017.

Dubbed La Leggenda, and open daily from noon at 224 Espanola Way, it is amidst a global pandemic that guests will find the Restaurant operating with several limitations, a truncated menu the most noteworthy as only a small number of Appetizers and Salads are available in addition to Gagliardi’s wood-fired Pies.

Premium priced for top real estate, nearby Restaurants and Clubs spotlighting South Beach’s Latin-inspired glam, it was at an outdoor table that three diners sat amidst foot traffic, a $20 plate of Octopus containing but six small specimens while a razor-thin piece of Toast was not nearly enough to scarpetta all the complex, saline Sauce.

Moving quickly to Pizza, a far-better cost proposition, fans of tradition will find La Leggenda’s Margherita strictly adherent to VPN standards, slow fermentation generating a fluffy cornicione gently imbued with smoke beneath Tomatoes, Buffalo Milk Cheese and Basil while the Crocché Pizza takes inspiration from Cuba by placing fried Croquetas alongside Ham and Fresh Mozzarella.

www.laleggendapizzeria.com

Posted in Florida, Food, La Leggenda, La Leggenda Pizzeria, Miami, Miami Beach, Octopus, Pizza, Pork, Vacation Tagged Baby Octopus, Basil, Black Olive, Black Olives, Bread, Buffalo Mozzarella, Buffalo Mozzarella Cheese, Buffalo Mozzarella DOP, Buffalo Mozzarella DOP Cheese, Caper, Capers, Cheese, Crocché, Crocché Pizza, Croquetta, Croquettas, Croquette, Croquettes, endoedibles, Fior di Latte, Fior di Latte Cheese, Fior di Latte Mozzarella, FL, Florida, Food, Foodie, Giovanni Gagliardi, Ham, Italian Ham, La Leggenda, La Leggenda Pizzeria, Margherita, Margherita Pizza, Margherita STG Pizza, Marinara Sauce, Miami, Miami Beach, Michael Uzmann, Mozzarella, Mozzarella Cheese, Mozzarella di Bufala, Mozzarella Di Bufala Campana, Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP, Mozzarella di Bufala Cheese, Neapolitan Marinara Sauce, Octopus, Olive, Olives, Pig, Pizza, Polipetti, Polipetti alla Luciana, Pork, Potato, Potato Croquetta, Potato Croquettas, Potato Croquette, Potato Croquettes, Potatoes, San Marzano, San Marzano Tomato, San Marzano Tomato Sauce, San Marzano Tomatoes, San Marzanos, Sauce, Toast, Toasted Bread, Tomato, Tomato Sauce, Tomatoes, Travel, Vacation

December 28, 2020
11:20 AM
by: Uhockey

Caja Caliente, Coral Gables FL

Caja Caliente Coral Gables

Bacalao Croquetas

Bolas de Platano Relleno con Picadillo

Steak Taco – Avocado, Black Bean Pico, Herb Aioli

Alligator Taco – Avocado, Black Bean Pico, Caja Aioli

Shrimp Taco – Avocado, Black Bean Pico, Caja Aioli

Tamal Cubano – Corn Tamale, Crispy Lechon, Pico, Avocado, Cotija Cheese, Caja Aioli

Disco Timba – Guava, Cream Cheese

Debuted in 2016, when blogger Monica Leon convinced mother Lupita to take their homemade Empanada business the Food Truck route, it was after three years serving Wynwood and the Design District that Caja Caliente found a home in Coral Gables, the menu since expanding to embrace a range of Cuban-inspired items both familiar and novel.

Located at 808 Ponce De Leon Boulevard, next to ever-popular Eating House, it is amidst cozy confines or under umbrellas outside that guests are invited to enjoy bold cooking, the Cod Fish Croquetas impeccably creamy in the style of French Brandade while bite-size balls of Plantains with Ground Beef are aromatic yet sweet and deeply satisfying.

Perhaps best known for Cuban Tacos, a fusion-favorite with fillings ranging from Swine to Octopi, it is atop fresh Tortillas that Steak, Shrimp and Fried Alligator were piled, all well-complimented by Pico and Sauce while the Cuban Tamale is a sharable specialty featuring fresh Corn in the Masa beneath a lot of crispy Pork, Cheese and Avocado.

Offering a handful of Empanadas, both savory and sweet, Dessert had intended to taste one filled with Guava, but oddly finding both it and Rice Pudding 86’d at 11:30am lunch instead concluded with a crispy Disco Sandwich filled with Fruit Preserves and Cream Cheese that took 15-minutes to make, but proved worth the wait.

www.caja-caliente.com

Posted in Caja Caliente, Caja Caliente Coral Gables, Coral Gables, Dessert, Florida, Food, Miami, Pork, Vacation Tagged Aioli, Alligator, Alligator Taco, Avocado, Avocados, Bacala, Bacalao, Bacalao Croqueta, Bacalao Croquetas, Bean, Beans, Beef, Black Bean, Black Bean Pico, Black Beans, Bolas de Platano Relleno con Picadillo, Brandade, Bread, Butter, Caja Aioli, Caja Caliente, Caja Caliente Coral Gables, Cheese, Cod, Cod Fish, Cod Fish Croqueta, Cod Fish Croquetas, Coral Gables, Corn, Corn Tamale, Corn Tortilla, Corn Tortillas, Cotija, Cotija Cheese, Cow, Cows, Cream, Cream Cheese, Crispy Lechon, Croquetta, Croquettas, Croquette, Croquettes, Dessert, Desserts, Disco Sandwich, Disco Timba, endoedibles, Fish, FL, Florida, Food, Foodie, Fried Plantain, Fried Plantains, Gator, Gator Taco, Guava, Herb, Herb Aioli, Herbs, Lechon, Lemon, Lemons, Lupita Leon, Miami, Michael Uzmann, Monica Leon, Onion, Onions, Pastries, Pastry, Pepper, Peppers, picadillo, Pico, Pico di Gallo, Pig, Plantain, Plantains, Pork, Pork Lechon, Potato, Potatoes, Salt Cod, Sandwich, Sandwiches, Sauce, Shrimp, Shrimp Taco, Shrimps, Steak, Steak Taco, Sugar, Taco, Tacos, Tamal Cubano, Tamale, Tomato, Tomatoes, Tortilla, Tortillas, Travel, Vacation

December 28, 2020
8:05 AM
by: Uhockey

B Bistro + Bakery, Miami FL

B Bistro + Bakery

Raspberry Macaron

Charcoal Croissant – Dulce de Leche

Chocolate Chip Cookie

Mixed Nuts Croissant

Pastelito Pancakes – Cream Cheese Mousse, Guava, Brown Butter, Maple Syrup, Vanilla Crumble

Chilaquiles – Chilaquile Sauce, Eggs, Avocado Puree, Cotija Cheese, Tortilla Chips, Roasted Corn, Cilantro, Crema

Self-promoted as “an urban oasis,” B Bistro + Bakery occupies a busy corner in downtown Miami, daily hours from 8:00am until 4:00pm suited to the business sector who are frequently found engaged in meetings on the outdoor patio over Coffee and plates from Chef Henry Hané.

Born in Peru, but with a lengthy resume including South America, Europe and Thailand, Hané’s menu features a global weight unlike many, a “Swag” Burger lined up next to Ceviche while Chilaquiles find themselves in competition with elegant Macarons and thick yet soft Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Not lacking in creativity or technique, a “Mixed Nuts Croissant” wrapping an open crumb around the flavors of Baklava, it is undoubtedly for the #gram that Charcoal infuses the layers piped full of thick Dulce de Leche, though the Viennoiserie nonetheless fares well.

Passing on Salads and Soups, each better suited for afternoon, entrees included proper Chilaquiles featuring crispy Chips and smoky Sauce while Hané’s Pastelito Pancakes take a different approach than Bachour in Coral Gables, winning in terms of taste but with a less fluffy texture.

www.bbistromiami.com

Posted in B Bistro + Bakery, Breakfast, Croissant, Croissants, Dessert, Florida, Food, Macaron, Macaroon, Miami, pancake, Pancakes, Vacation Tagged 100% Maple Syrup, 100% Pure Maple Syrup, Almond, Almonds, Avocado, Avocado Puree, Avocados, B Bistro + Bakery, Bread, Brown Butter, Butter, Buttermilk, Cake, Cakes, Caramel, Charcoal, Charcoal Croissant, Cheese, Chilaquile Sauce, Chilaquiles, Chip, Chips, Chocolate, Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Chip Cookie, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Chocolate Chips, Cilantro, Cinnamon, Cookie, Cookies, Corn, Corn Tortilla, Corn Tortilla Chip, Corn Tortilla Chips, Corn Tortillas, Cotija, Cotija Cheese, Cream, Cream Cheese, Cream Cheese Mousse, Crema, Croissant, Croissants, Crumble, Crumbles, Dark Chocolate, Dessert, Desserts, Dulce de Leche, Egg, Eggs, endoedibles, FL, Florida, Food, Foodie, Guava, Henry Hané, Honey, Macaron, Macarons, Maple, Maple Syrup, Miami, Michael Uzmann, Mixed Nuts Croissant, Mousse, Nut, Nuts, Onions, Pancake, Pancakes, Pastelito, Pastelito Pancake, Pastelito Pancakes, Pastelitos, Pastries, Pastry, Pecan, Pecans, Pepper, Peppers, Pistachio, Pistachios, Pure Maple Syrup, Puree, Raspberries, Raspberry, Raspberry Macaron, Raspberry Macarons, Roasted Corn, Sauce, Scrambled Egg, Scrambled Eggs, Sugar, Syrup, Tomato, Tomatoes, Tortilla, Tortilla Chip, Tortilla Chips, Tortillas, Travel, Vacation, Vanilla, Vanilla Crumble, Viennoiserie, Viennoiseries, Walnut, Walnuts

December 27, 2020
6:35 PM
by: Uhockey

Garcia’s Seafood Grille & Fish Market, Miami FL

Garcia’s Seafood Grille & Fish Market

Garcia’s Famous Fish Dip

Conch Fritters

Grilled Grouper, Fries, White Rice

Grilled Shrimp, Scallops, Octopus, Calamari

Maduros, Tostones

Key Lime Pie

Coconut Flan

An embodiment of “The American Dream” since 1966, Garcia’s Seafood Grille & Fish Market remains ever-popular amidst a global pandemic, the brothers who fled Castro and Communism continuing to send their fleet out and present Miami with fresh Fish daily.

Begun as a market and wholesaler, but soon adding a Restaurant to scenic environs along the Miami River, it is with reservations that guests are offered a choice of indoor or outdoor seating, the latter an obvious choice for most as yachts drift by providing scenery along with a bevy of Birds.

Still family owned, the décor a collection of relics alongside aged photos, it was from laminated menus that three courses were selected, the sizable sample of Fish Dip creamy with a balance of Herbs while Conch Fritters unfortunately saw the Mollusk lost to oil and Peppers.

Debating a few daily specials from the blackboard, though many were already sold out in addition in to a handful of menu items, Grilled Grouper soon arrived alongside mixed Seafood, both priced appropriately and prepared well while sides such as fried Plantains attest to Garcia’s heritage.

Disappointed to learn Tres Leches was not available, a recurrent theme throughout South Florida, Dessert instead consisted of Flan infused by Coconut beneath toasty Caramel and Key Lime Pie that unfortunately lacked in terms of assertiveness.

www.garciasmiami.com

Posted in Dessert, Florida, Food, Garcia's, Garcia's Seafood Grille, Garcia's Seafood Grille & Fish Market, Miami, Octopus, Vacation Tagged Butter, Calamari, Caramel, Coconut, Coconut Flan, Coconuts, Conch, Conch Fritter, Conch Fritters, Cream, Custard, Dessert, Desserts, Dip, endoedibles, Fish, Fish Dip, FL, Flan, Florida, Food, Foodie, French Fries, French Fry, Fried Plantain, Fried Plantains, Fries, Fritter, Fritters, Fry, Garcia's, Garcia's Famous Fish Dip, Garcia's Seafood Grille, Garcia's Seafood Grille & Fish Market, Grilled Grouper, Grilled Shrimp, Grouper, Grouper Fish, Key Lime, Key Lime Pie, Key Limes, Lemon, Lemons, Lime, Limes, Maduros, Miami, Michael Uzmann, Octopus, Onion, Onions, Pastries, Pastry, Pepper, Peppers, Pie, Pies, Plantain, Plantains, Potato, Potatoes, Rice, Sauce, Scallop, Scallops, Seafood, Shrimp, Shrimps, Squid, Sugar, Sweet Plantain, Sweet Plantains, Tostones, Travel, Vacation, Vanilla, Whip Cream, Whipped Cream, White Rice

December 27, 2020
3:45 PM
by: Uhockey

Night Owl Cookies, Miami FL

Night Owl Cookies

Cookie Shot – Chocolate Icing, Milk

Chocolate Chip Cookie

Cookies & Cream Cookie – Chocolates Chips, Oreos

Dirty Diana Cookie – Dark Chocolate Dough, Nutella Stuffing

Red Velvet Cookie – White Chocolate Chips, Cream Cheese Filling

S’mores Cookie – Dark Chocolate Dough, Milk Chocolate Chips, Graham Cracker Crumbs, Torched Marshmallows

Ave Maria Cookie – Guava Cookie Dough, White Chocolate Chips, Maria Cookie Crumbles, Guava Chunks, Cream Cheese Frosting Drizzle

Established as “Miami’s First Late Night Dessert Delivery Service” and now working out of a sprinkled storefront at 10534 SW 8th Street, Night Owl Cookies has received a fair share of accolades including the likes of Forbes and the LA Times as well as local networks and publications.

Working as takeout only mid-pandemic, the strip-mall location unlikely to be discovered by tourists, it was midday Monday that Night Owl was found entirely empty, a lone server fiddling with her smartphone while guests weighed their choices.

Owned by Andrew Gonzalez, whose clever marketing and fun flavors helped propel Night Owl to prominence, it was beginning with two Dominique Ansel-riffing “Cookie Shots” that sampling was underway, the lack of Milk not explained or noticed until after leaving which largely rendered the Chocolate-lined cylinders no different than an over-baked Chocolate Chip Cookie.

Ordering a half dozen for $2.75-$3.50 each, not a bad value considering heft and ingredient quality, the basic Chocolate Chip displays a crisp rim and soft center beset with Chocolate, while the Cookies and Cream adds crumbles Oreos to the top.

Using a Cocoa infused base for Dirty Diana and S’mores, the former stuffed with Nutella while the latter riffs smartly on a campfire Favorite, those seeking more innovative choices will find them in the brick-Red Velvet stuffed with sweetened Cream Cheese and the signature “Ave Maria” which elegantly combines Guava Chunks and Cheese with White Chocolate Chips and Maria Cookie Crumbles.

www.nightowlcookieco.com

Posted in Dessert, Florida, Food, Miami, Night Owl Cookies Tagged Ave Maria, Ave Maria Cookie, Butter, Cheese, Chip, Chips, Chocolate, Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Chip Cookie, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Chocolate Chips, Chocolate Hazelnut Spread, Chocolate Icing, Chocolate-Hazelnut, Chocolates Chips, Cinnamon, Cookie, Cookie Dough, Cookie Shot, Cookies, Cookies & Cream, Cookies & Cream Cookie, Cookies and Cream, Cookies and Cream Cookie, Cracker, Crackers, Cream, Cream Cheese, Cream Cheese Filling, Cream Cheese Frosting, Cream Cheese Frosting Drizzle, Cream Cheese Icing, Crumb, Crumble, Crumbles, Crumbs, Dark Chocolate, Dark Chocolate Dough, Dessert, Desserts, Dirty Diana, Dirty Diana Cookie, Dough, endoedibles, Filling, FL, Florida, Food, Foodie, Frosting, Graham, Graham Cracker, Graham Cracker Crumb, Graham Cracker Crumbs, Graham Crackers, Grahams, Guava, Guava Chunk, Guava Chunks, Guava Cookie Dough, Hazelnut, Hazelnuts, Honey, Icing, Maria Cookie, Maria Cookie Crumble, Maria Cookie Crumbles, Maria Cookies, Marshmallow, Marshmallows, Miami, Michael Uzmann, Milk, Milk Chocolate, Milk Chocolate Chip, Milk Chocolate Chips, Night Owl Cookies, Nutella, Nutella Stuffing, Oreo, Oreo Cookie, Oreo Cookies, Oreos, Pastries, Pastry, Red Velvet, Red Velvet Cookie, S'mores, Spread, Stuffing, Sugar, S’mores Cookie, Torched Marshmallow, Torched Marshmallows, Travel, Vacation, Vanilla, White Chocolate, White Chocolate Chip, White Chocolate Chips

December 27, 2020
12:00 PM
by: Uhockey

Dos Croquetas, Miami FL

Dos Croquetas

Ham Croqueta – Ham, Cheese, Verde Sauce / 305 Croqueta – Cuban Picadillo, Sweet Plantains, Queso Blanco, Dale Guava Aioli / Mac + Cheese + Bacon Croqueta – Mac and Cheese, Bacon, Parmesan Panko, Dos Ranch Dressing / Medianoche Croqueta – Roast Pork, Ham, Swiss Cheese, Mustard, Pickles, Medianoche Breadcrumbs, Chili-Lime Crema / Mexican Street Corn Croqueta – Char-grilled Seasoned Corn, Cotija Cheese, Panko Breadcrumbs, Chili-Lime Crema / Guava Cinnamon Toast Crunch Croqueta – Cheesecake, Maria Cookies, Guava Chunks, Cinnamon Toast Crunch Crumble / Arroz con Leche Croqueta – Housemade Rice Pudding, Cinnamon Sugar Cereal Crumble / Oreo Croqueta – Cheesecake, Maria Cookies, Oreo Chunks, Crispy Cocoa Puffs Crumble

Established by Chef Vicky Carballo and nephew Alec Fernandez in 2016, it was three years later that Dos Croquetas found a brick and mortar home in Miami’s Westchester suburb, and since that time guests have packed 10505 SW 40th Street for creations both traditional and innovative.

Billed as Miami’s First “Croqueta Bar,” with Shakes, Sandwiches and Booze additionally highlighting the menu, it is embracing South Florida’s style and music that guests are invited to enjoy fresh, warm Fritters, the Ham and Cheese large with crispy breading gloriously creamy while the “305” packs ground Beef with Plantains and vibrant Peppers.

Frequently adding new items, Mexican Street Corn spot-on to the original inside a crispy orb served alongside spicy Lime Creama, Mac n’ Cheese with Bacon is more delicious than “authentic” while Medianoche riffs well on Cuba’s sweet Bread Sandwich.

Skipping Shakes in favor of sweet Croquetas, Oreo unfortunately falling short of expectations as a result of overwhelming greasiness, better options include Arroz Con Leche and “Guava Cinnamon Toast Crunch” that marries chunks of Fruit paste to Cream Cheese, Cereal and Maria Cookies.

www.doscroquetas.com

Posted in Dessert, Dos Croquetas, Florida, Food, Miami, Pork, Vacation Tagged 305 Croqueta, Aioli, Alec Fernandez, Arroz con Leche, Arroz con Leche Croqueta, Bacon, Beef, Bread, Bread Crumb, Bread Crumbs, Breadcrumb, Breadcrumbs, Breading, Butter, Cereal, Char-grilled Seasoned Corn, Cheddar Cheese, Cheese, Cheese Cake, Cheesecake, Chili, Chili Pepper, Chili Peppers, Chili-Lime Crema, Chilis, Chocolate, Cinnamon, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal, Cinnamon Toast Crunch Crumble, Cocoa, Cocoa Puffs, Cocoa Puffs Cereal, Cocoa Puffs Crumble, Cookie, Cookies, Corn, Cotija, Cotija Cheese, Cow, Cows, Cream, Cream Cheese, Crema, Croqueta, Croquetas, Croquetta, Croquettas, Croquette, Croquettes, Crumble, Cuban Picadillo, Dale Guava Aioli, Dessert, Desserts, Dill, Dos Croquetas, Dos Ranch Dressing, Dressing, endoedibles, FL, Florida, Food, Foodie, Guava, Guava Chunk, Guava Chunks, Guava Cinnamon Toast Crunch Croqueta, Ham, Ham Croqueta, Housemade Rice Pudding, Lime, Limes, Mac & Cheese, Mac + Cheese + Bacon Croqueta, Mac and Cheese, Macaroni, Macaroni & Cheese, Macaroni and Cheese, Macaroni Pasta, Maria Cookie, Maria Cookies, Medianoche, Medianoche Breadcrumb, Medianoche Breadcrumbs, Medianoche Croqueta, Mexican Street Corn, Mexican Street Corn Croqueta, Miami, mustard, Oreo, Oreo Chunk, Oreo Chunks, Oreo Cookie, Oreo Cookies, Oreo Croqueta, Oreos, Panko, Panko Breadcrumb, Panko Breadcrumbs, Panko Breading, Parmesan, Parmesan Cheese, Parmesan Panko, Pasta, Pastries, Pastry, Pepper, Peppers, picadillo, Pickle, Pickles, Pig, Plantain, Plantains, Pork, Pudding, Queso Blanco, Ranch, Ranch Dressing, Rice, Rice Pudding, Roast Pork, Roasted Pork, Sauce, Street Corn, Sugar, Sweet Plantain, Sweet Plantains, Swiss Cheese, Tajin, Travel, Vacation, Vanilla, Verde Sauce, Vicky Carballo

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