Get Poppin’ at Drive Shack’s Boozy Brunch

7285 Corner Drive
Orlando, FL 32827
(407) 553-8820
View Website Here

Drive Shack, Orlando’s new premier golf-entertainment destination is transforming its scenic rooftop terrace into a poppin’ party during November’s FREE Boozy Brunch on Sunday, Nov. 18. 

This Thanksgiving-themed event will have seasonal drinks, a live DJ, fun games like Shake Your Tail Feather and tons of prizes!

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, Drive Shack is inviting guests to celebrate the holiday during its FREE monthly brunch event. Guests can get into the holiday spirit by sipping on Drive Shack’s seasonally inspired drink – Captain Morgan Pumpkin Spice Sloshie – while dancing to tunes spun by a live DJ. And don’t miss the bottomless mimosas for just $15!

Adding to the festivities, you can challenge your friends to games like Giant Jenga and Corn Hole. Be sure to save your energy for Shake Your Tail Feather – a fun holiday game where participants have a box of feathers tied to their waist and must shake their “tail” until all their feathers are gone.

The first person to get rid of all their feathers will win a Thanksgiving turkey! And since everyone’s a winner at Drive Shack, plenty of other prizes will be given away beginning at 2 p.m., including free BayPlay, Drive Shack swag and a free Group Social Event, which includes two hours of BayPlay in two premium golf bays, a food and beverage credit, free general membership cards and more.

To learn more about Boozy Brunch, visit driveshack.com.

Located at 7285 Corner Drive (exit Lake Nona Blvd. off FL-417) in Lake Nona’s vibrant Sports and Performance District, Drive Shack Orlando is open Sunday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m.

About Drive Shack:

The flagship Orlando location is a three-story, indoor/outdoor all-weather golf-entertainment complex where scratch golfers and hackers alike create memorable experiences every time they visit. Check out your swing, track your scores, compete with other bays or simply PLAY ON using Drive Shack’s interactive games.

Dine in the contemporary bar and grill or take advantage of the full-service food and drinks available in each bay. Then, enjoy non-stop fun in the Free Play Game Lounge, featuring classic games like shuffleboard, Skee-ball and Pac-Man. The venue also offers private event space that can accommodate groups from 10 to 1,000 guests. For more information, visit driveshack.com.

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Ford's Garage Opens at Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets

8201 Vineland Avenue

Suite 1801
Orlando, FL 32821

(407) 602-3673

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Simon, a global leader in premier shopping, dining and entertainment destinations, has announced that Ford’s Garage, an Official Licensee of Ford Motor Company, will be joining Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets, opening November 12.

An all-American gourmet burger bar and restaurant, Ford’s Garage will open a 5,280 square-foot restaurant at the Promenade within Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets.

“We listen to our customers, and they are looking for high-quality, dine-in restaurant options to enjoy while they shop,” said Donald Dooley, Area General Manager at Orlando Premium Outlets. “Ford’s Garage offers a unique dining experience with its historic automotive theme, prime burgers, and craft beers, and we are certain that it will become an instant favorite for our shoppers.”

Ford's Garage is your neighborhood burger and beer joint. Inside the Garage, diners will be welcomed to a 1920's service station vibe, which includes vintage Ford vehicles, gas pumps, prohibition-style elements of old brick, rich wood, and hand-hammered copper bar tops.

The food menu features gourmet burgers, American comfort food, and lighter fare. Ford’s Garage has a focus on American Craft Beer, with multiple rotating taps and bottled beers. Their drink menu also features wine, hand-crafted cocktails and non-alcoholic options.

“We are excited to expand into Orlando,” said Billy Diamond, Executive VP of Operations. Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets will provide unparalleled access to residents, tourists and shoppers, and we look forward to welcoming diners to our restaurant this fall.”

For more information about Ford’s Garage, please visit https://www.fordsgarageusa.com/.

For more information about Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets or a list of in-store promotions, please visit http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/orlando-vineland.

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Tony Roma's introduces Spice so Nice Menu

8560 International Dr.

Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 248-0094
View Website Here

Tony Roma’s is a full service, casual dining family restaurant where you can find premier BBQ ribs and steaks in locations across the world. With over 150 family restaurant locations on six continents, Tony Roma’s is one of the most globally recognizable names in the industry.

Since its beginning nearly 40 years ago, Tony Roma’s has been focused on serving its signature Baby Back Ribs. The company has won numerous awards across the country for the “Best Ribs” and also has won nationally acclaimed industry recognition as “The Best Ribs in America.”

Now the restaurant is offering a limited time menu that features boldly spiced dishes. The Spice so Nice menu has bright flavors from Chimichurri Salmon, spicy bursts of heat from Jalapeño Buffalo Shrimp, a savory kick from Black Pepper Ribs & Horseradish Butter Filet Medallions, and a comforting touch of cinnamon in a Spiced Cider Romatini. 

TheJalapeño Buffalo Shrimp are a double dose of heat with crispy shrimp tossed in Buffalo sauce and packed with bits of fresh Jalapenos.

TheSpiced Cider Romatini on the right combines the flavors of cinnamon apple pie with a boozy kick and is made with Ole Smoky apple pie moonshine and Fireball whisky, apple cider and lemon juice, The Cadillac RomaRita on the left is always a good choice at Tony Roma’s with Sauza tequila and Cointreau.

Chimichurri Salmon is served with the bright flavors of a house made chimichurri sauce over the top of perfectly grilled salmon that is served with saffron & kale rice and seared garlic green beans.

Black Pepper Ribs & Filet Medallions with Horseradish Butter was awesome. This is the world famous Tony Roma’s Baby Back Ribs with an added boost of flavor with a new black pepper BBQ sauce. This dish is served with a half rack of ribs alongside two tender filet medallions topped with horseradish butter for a hint of heat and is served with hearty mashed potatoes and seared garlic green beans.

Cinnamon Apple Cranberry Cobbler was simply wonderful with apples and cranberries spiced so nice with cinnamon and baked with a crunchy cobbler topping and served warm with two scoops of vanilla bean ice cream.

The Spice so Nice menu is available from October 1st through December 23rd, and is really worth trying out. We really enjoyed everything and appreciated the creativity and flavors of all the dishes we tried, from beginning to end, you will not be disappointed with any selections you make.

Tony Roma’s is open from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm Sunday to Thursday, and on Friday and Saturday, they are open until midnight with Happy Hour from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

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King Bao

710 N Mills Ave.

Orlando, FL 32803
(407) 237-0013
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King Bao opened its doors in 2016, and is still going pretty strong to this day, as it is the only place left in Orlando that is dedicated to the Bao. 

If you are unfamiliar with what exactly a Bao is, Bao is pretty much a complete meal conveniently packed away in a white, warm, soft bun.

If you remember, Local celebrity chef Greg Richie had a cool spot in Thornton Park called Baoery Asian Gastropub, and while it was a really good and a great concept, it did not last very long, leaving King Bao as the true King in Orlando.

King Bao is chef owned and operated in the Mills 50 District in Orlando. King Bao is a quick service eatery that revolves around highly addictive baos. The small, no frills joint uses high quality ingredients and unique flavors that blend both eastern and western foods.

Accompanying the baos are a childhood favorite, tater tots, which are dressed up for adults and kids alike. King Bao is reasonably priced ranging between $2 - $3.75 per item and is fast casual in its concept, where you order your food, get your drink, then they bring your food to your table.

Inside is not very big, so getting a table may be an issue if they are busy, but you can get your food to go just as well.

Truffle Tots are not to be missed at King Bao with Tots cooked in truffle oil, truffle salt & chives.

The Cuban on the left with Mojo pork, cilantro lime aioli, chicharron and cilantro and the Firecracker Shrimp Bao on the right, with Chili lime marinated shrimp, guacamole, lemon pepper aioli and cilantro. Both were delicious.

From left to right...Pork belly, Korean short rib, Spicy chicken Bao . They were all really good, but the Pork Belly stole the show, you can't really go wrong with this combo.

Although King Bao has a set menu, they usually have daily specials that may not be on the regular menu, just check the sign.

As I said earlier, there is not much room inside King Bao, so plan accordingly when you go, and be ready to get your Bao and Tots to go, but for the price and flavors offered up here, this is a definite must go to spot in the Mills 50 district.

King Bao is open Monday to Thursday from 11:30 am to to 9:30 pm, Friday and Saturday they are open until 10:30 pm, and Sunday they are open from 12:00 pm to 9:30 pm.

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The Bellhop Bar by Loews Hotels

5601 Universal Blvd.

Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 503-1000

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Enticing travelers and cocktail enthusiasts alike with handcrafted libations that have a sense of nostalgia, cocktails are being served nightly from a retrofitted luggage trunk, for a limited time

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort and Loews Royal Pacific Resort are nodding to the past and serving up locally, handcrafted cocktails with The Bellhop Bar by Loews Hotels.

A retrofitted steamer trunk packed with bespoke beverages stored in antique apothecary-style bottles, the bar offers cocktails from 5-7pm daily.

Launching in Orlando in late October, The Bellhop Bar promotion will be available through mid January and allows guests to choose from local, pre-batched libations as well as domestically-produced wine to be poured, mixed and served on demand.

Guests are able to walk up to The Bellhop Bar and choose from two pre-batched cocktails featuring Angel’s Envy Bourbon or Hangar One Vodka. Additionally, a red and sparkling wine are featured from The Count by Buena Vista Winery, the oldest winery in the United States, and Conundrum, one of the most recognized sparkling wines on the market.

Creating a surprise and delight for guests and locals, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort and Loews Royal Pacific Resort will conduct an opening bell ritual every night at 5pm to announce the bar is now in service. “As we enter into the extended holiday season, we wanted to create a cocktail promotion that evokes a wistful affection for the past, helps guests toast the season of celebrations and is aligned with our food & beverage point of view at Loews,” said Mark Weiss, Senior Vice President of Food & Beverage for Loews Hotels & Co. “The Bellhop Bar by Loews Hotels delivers a thoughtfully unscripted experience for our guests, nodding to the adventures of travelers from eras ago, and providing them with an opportunity to indulge in locally-handcrafted cocktails across the portfolio.” Below are a few of the cocktails featured in Orlando from The Bellhop Bar by Loews Hotels: For an Italian twist, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is serving the“Magari No. 2” cocktail, featuring Hangar One Vodka, lemon juice, Limoncello and basil leaves. The Bellhop Bar is located in Bar American on the lobby level. Toast to island time at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort with the“Island Envy” cocktail, featuring Angel’s Envy Bourbon, Fee Brothers orange bitters and Demerara syrup. The Bellhop Bar will be located in Strong Water Tavern on the lobby level. An escape to paradise at Loews Royal Pacific Resort is even sweeter with the “Royal Lycheetini” cocktail, featuring Hangar One Vodka, raspberries, Lychee juice and lemon juice. The Bellhop Bar is located in Orchid Court Lounge on the lobby level. To learn more about The Bellhop Bar by Loews Hotels, check out this video or for more information on the promotion, visit www.loewshotels.com/bellhop-bar.

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Icon Orlando Announces New "Fly and Dine" Package

8401 International Drive.

#100, Orlando, FL 32819
View Website Here

ICON Orlando has announced an all-new Fly & Dine package that includes one flight aboard the iconic 400-foot observation wheel, along with a choice of prix fixe dining options at seven of ICON Orlando 360’s fast casual and full-service restaurants.

The set menu options start at just $32 for fast casual or $45 for full-service dining at participating restaurants, including Tapa Toro Spanish Restaurant, Tin Roof Orlando, Sugar Factory Orlando, UNO Pizzeria & Grill and others. The Fly & Dine package is available now through Dec. 20.

“We’re excited to offer this great deal for visitors and locals alike to come experience the ultimate in food and fun,” said Cindy Campbell-Taylor, vice president of marketing, sales and public affairs at ICON Orlando 360. “With breathtaking views 400 feet in the air aboard the ICON Orlando and delicious dining down on the ground at ICON Orlando 360, it’s the perfect way to celebrate any special occasion or just a fun night out on the town with friends.”

From authentic Spanish fare to classic American eats, the Fly & Dine packages includes options to please any palate. Starting at $32, fast casual options include Shake Shack, UNO Express and iCafe de Paris, with menus featuring an entrée, choice of drink or fries, and dessert.

Full-service options start at $45 and include Tapa Toro Spanish Restaurant, Tin Roof, Sugar Factory and UNO Pizzeria and Grill I-Drive, with menus featuring a choice of appetizer, entrée and dessert. Guests can purchase an upgrade to include a beverage (alcoholic or non-alcoholic).

If purchasing a full-service dining option, reservations are highly recommended.

For more information on how to purchase tickets and to view menu options, visit Iconorlando.com/fly-and-dine. Guests are encouraged to share their experience on social media using the hashtag #ICONOrlando360.

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Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food

6000 Universal Blvd.

Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 224-3663
View Website Here

Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food is one of many dining options available at Universal City Walk. Although the decor is very lively and fun, It certainly is very far from being Authentic. That’s not necessarily a bad thing thing though.

The food that is served up is pretty decent for the most part, and some things can be hit or miss, but let’s face it...this in the heart of a huge tourist area. While I wouldn't go so far as to say it’s a tourist trap, it is a place that I’m ok with not being fully authentic.

Once you step inside of Antojitos, you will find a lively fiesta vibe with neon lights, loud music, and array of decorations that get you into party mode. 

The bar has plenty of cocktails and tequila creations like the “Blood Orange Margarita” or the “Horse You Rode In On” made with Herradura Reposado Tequila, Ginger Beer, Amarena Black Cherry and Simple Syrup. They also have a very extensive line up of tequila by the shot that range from $5.00 to $60.00 for a shot of Casa Dragones.

The menu features made from scratch Mexican street fare with flavorful favorites like tacos, empanadas, and fajitas with traditional creations like hearty Mar y Tierra Stew and bright Mahi Veracruzana. Some items are just not quite authentic, are more of an artistic expression of what that dish should be.

The Chips and Salsa were pretty much standard fare for any Tex-Mex place. The salsa was a tad bland, but not too bad.

A Tropical Mojito on the Left and The Horse you rode in on the right made with Herradura Reposado Tequila, Ginger Beer, Amarena Black Cherry and Simple Syrup.

The bar is a focal point as soon as you walk into Antojitos and it has pretty cool vibe with lots of neon lights.

Queso Fundido La Generala is made with Menonita Cheese topped with chorizo sausage and ancho spice, served with warm flour tortillas.

The Carnitas were really good with beer braised chili pork, salsa verde, guacamole, queso fresco, grilled Serrano chili, black beans and house rice, but for the price of $16.95, the portion was underwhelming.

We really enjoyed the Churrasco that is composed of skirt steak, ancho, chimichurri, grilled chorizo, black bean puree, house rice and crispy chile onions. This was very tender and flavorful and had adequate portions.

As I said earlier, some things are hit or miss here, and they try to do too much with artistic expression. This is the Tamales at Antojitos and they were rather strange. They made them as a souffle, and I get the idea they were going for...the flavors were there, but it lacked the ultimate flavor of a good Tamale with a good homemade corn tortilla. Interesting, but missed the mark.

Inside of Antojitos is very spacious and open with a few different dining areas.

With live Mariachi music setting the tone on select nights, Neon Lights galore and a crazy atmosphere this is a festive dining experience every day of the week. The food is good and you will have a good time here, just don't expect authentic Mexican as the name suggests.

Antojitos is open Sunday to Thursday from 3:00 pm to Midnight, and Friday to Saturday from 3:00 pm to 1:00 am.

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Garp & Fuss

348 N Park Ave #5, 

Winter Park, FL 32789
(407) 960-5560
View Website Here

Established in 2017, Garp & Fuss sits inside The Hidden Garden along Park Avenue in Winter Park. If you walk past the koi pond and head right, you will see the signs for the restaurant, but it is hidden a little bit from the Park Avenue main storefronts.

For head chef Liz Zucco and general manager Nikki Nielsen, that “feeling right at home” experience is exactly what they set out to produce and add to the Orlando area food scene.

The name “Garp & Fuss” is named after Zucco’s two sisters: Alyssa (Garp) and Amanda (Fuss). Their childhood nicknames, Alyssa resembled the baby from “The World According to Garp” as an infant. Amanda was, to be nice, quite fussy when she was a baby.

In an effort to create a dining, drinking, and social gathering experience that adds fun at every corner, Zucco and Nielsen used the restaurant’s name as the key ingredient. What they built was a delicious range of food options that will meet the desires of anyone, whether seeking a full dinner entree or multiple shareable offerings.

The menu is pretty diverse here, and is as eclectic as the inside of the restaurant. Offerings range from crispy fried wings available in six different sauces, buffalo cauliflower, crab cake bites, poke lettuce wraps, the signature “Fuss” fried chicken sandwich with blueberry relish, the “Garp” brings a little Chicago flair down to Central Florida with a mouth-watering Italian beef sandwich.

Burgers, sandwiches, flatbreads, potstickers, ribs, and more fill a diverse menu ranging in nationalities, volume, and flavors.

The Good Ol' Thyme is made with Cooper’s craft bourbon, lemon, St. Germain elderflower, simple syrup, mint & thyme and was a very smooth bourbon cocktail.

We really enjoyed the Buffalo Cauliflower with tempura-battered cauliflower. We opted for the parmesan garlic sauce which went very nicely with this dish.

The Fuss… is made with Fried chicken, hot honey, marinated cucumber, arugula, boss sauce and blueberry relish. This was a superb southern inspired chicken sandwich that was simply delicious and just melted in your mouth, the fries were pretty good too.

The Schnitz is a different take on a Chicken Schnitzel at Garp & Fuss, and it has an excellent flavor and texture with crispy chicken breast, fried egg, arugula salad and shaved parm.

A visit to the five-room, 3,800-square-foot restaurant leaves one feeling a sense of comfort that can rarely be found outside of one’s own home.

Yes, this actually another room at Garp & Fuss, it’s upstairs above the bar and is super cozy like sitting in someone's living room. You can eat and drink and watch TV, just like you would at your friends house.

Although not too big, the bar here is a great place to sit and enjoy a good quality cocktail, or beer.

Garp & Fuss is closed on Monday’s. Tuesday to Thursday they are open from 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Friday and Saturday they are open from 11:00 am to 12:00 am and Sunday they are open from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm.

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Foxtail Coffee announces College Park location

3405 Edgewater Drive.
Orlando, FL 32804
View Website Here

Foxtail Coffee Co. is Central Florida's homegrown coffee spot, Now, the local business is making a home in another one of Orlando's best-loved neighborhoods, as they a announced a new location in College Park.

The coffee company will lease a building on the neighborhood's signature street at 3405 Edgewater Drive.

"Anyone who's lived in or visited College Park knows it has a special feeling," said Alex Tchekmeian, Foxtail's co-founder. "Each of the local businesses there bring a unique vibe, and residents come out strong to support their community.

"That's what Foxtail is all about. We've known for a long time we wanted to be part of the College Park community, and when the opportunity came to lease a space here, we couldn't pass it up."

Foxtail Coffee College Park will feature a renovated interior and exterior to fit the Foxtail aesthetic with a blend of wood and metal accents. Even so, each Foxtail location features its own distinct flair to fit with the building and neighborhood.

The menu will offer patrons locally roasted coffee and hand-crafted beverages, as well as full food options from local partners. It will also feature a large selection of beer and wine, including local choices.

Foxtail Coffee started in 2016 in Winter Park and has since opened locations in several other Orlando neighborhoods, including Altamonte Springs and the Hourglass District.

The company is dedicated to responsibly sourcing and roasting some of the finest coffees from around the world. Foxtail is in the business of education; the brand is committed to providing a welcoming atmosphere that shifts the way we think about coffee one cup at a time. For more information, call 407-951-7931 or visit www.foxtailcoffee.com.

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The Osprey Tavern

4899 New Broad St.

Orlando, FL 32814
(407) 960-7700
View Website Here

We finally got around to visiting the Osprey Tavern, and it was pretty damn good. We really enjoyed the personalized service, and almost everything we had to eat was amazing, and the atmosphere here is exceptional.

The Osprey Tavern was conceived by Orlando restaurateurs Jason & Sue Chin, and they proudly opened their doors in the heart of Baldwin Park in March of 2015. The Chins are familiar faces on the local scene, as they also own and operate Baldwin Park favorite Seito Sushi, a beloved staple of the neighborhood for over ten years, and they also own and operate Reyes Mezcaleria in NODO.

With their second venture at Osprey, the couple has brought their adventurous spirit and passion for their craft back home once again, in a stunningly assured take on classic American fare that marks a wonderful new step in Orlando’s culinary evolution.

Both strikingly bold while at the same time utterly familiar, the interior here creates a warm atmosphere in keeping with the age old feel of a true tavern. The open layout of the bar and kitchen and elegant nuances of the decor all contribute to a festive, convivial place for dining and socializing.

The cuisine at Osprey reflects a love of brilliant ingredients showcased at their simplest and most exuberant. The focus is on quality that’s congruent with its seasonal surroundings. The kitchen loves to capture vibrant flavors that express themselves just as easily in classic dishes as in creative spins on old favorites.

The Ghost Town with Mezcal on the left and Purple Suede Shoes on the right were really great cocktails to get our evening started. 

I'm a sucker for good bread, and The Parker House Rolls delivered. They were served served with orange spice honey butter and peach lemon verbena jam.

Pacific Northwest Oysters with champagne mignonette and cocktail sauce were delicious.

The Charred Spanish Octopus with scallion vinaigrette, green beans and heirloom potatoes and chimichurri rojo was pretty decent, but a tad chewy for my likes, and I was not a fan of cutting it up into such small pieces.

I really enjoyed the 12 oz. 1855 Black Angus NY Strip served with bearnaise sauce, trisee salad and pickled shallots, and it was cooked to a perfect Medium.

Crispy Broccolini is a game changer at the Osprey Tavern, this is a deep fried broccoli served in a garlic scape mojo... this is how you eat your veggies.

This was certainly a different presentation of Shepherd's Pie, but it was delicious nonetheless, made with braised short ribs, whipped yukon gold potatoes and peas and carrots.

The Truffle Mac and Cheese is just plain ridiculous here, and it is made with Gruyere, white cheddar and Parmesan.

Scenes from the open kitchen at the Osprey Tavern.

The bar at the Osprey Tavern is centrally located right in the middle of the restaurant, and is a focal point of good times, good drinks and good food shared with friends.

The Osprey Tavern is open for dinner Tuesday to Thursday from 5 pm. To 10 pm., Friday and Saturday from 5 pm. to 11 pm.

Sunday they are open from 5 pm. to 9 pm., with a Sunday Brunch from 10:30 am. to 2:30 pm.

Happy Hour is Tuesday to Saturday from 5 pm. to 7 pm., and all night on Sunday.

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