Cinco Tacos + Tequila

140 N. Orlando Ave.

Winter Park, FL 32789
407-725-7100
View Website Here

In the land of Tacos and Tex-Mexerys opening up on what seems like a weekly basis in Orlando, what could be better than another taco and Tex-Mex spot right? 

Only this time we are going to make it a more upscale persuasion and call it Cinco Tacos + Tequila.

Cinco is all about bold flavors, varied textures and delicious aromas from a scratch kitchen and a colorful decor with the sound of diners laughing together. Cinco Tacos + Tequila has a main goal of bringing a total sensory experience to the Winter Park restaurant scene.

The new eatery has opened up at the former site of Carmel Kitchen, 140 N. Orlando Ave with a Cali Mex concept, taking the flavors of favorite Mexican dishes and adding an artistic twist.

Signature dishes at Cinco include: Tableside Guacamole, Adobo Fried Chicken, Pizza Stand Nachos, Fajita Chimichanga Samosas, made-to-order desserts and an impressive assortment of street tacos.

Of course, complimentary chips and salsa will begin every meal. But the new concept isn’t just focused on excellent dining. The restaurant also has a fun, upbeat vibe with plenty of signature drinks to set the mood. The bar offers mixologist inspired takes on the classic margarita while still boasting an impressive list of more traditional cocktails.

The complimentary chips and house made salsa were a decent way to get started.

A pair of House Margaritas made with Sauza Tequila and house made sour mix were pretty smooth.

Ceviche de Camarones, or a fancy Shrimp Ceviche is made with fresh shrimp served on top of sliced cucumbers. These were pretty good and a great light bite appetizer.

Cinco Nachos are large and in charge and have really great flavor, with house made tortilla chips, cotija cheese, queso, chicken, lettuce, pico de gallo, sour cream, salsa and cilantro and are great for sharing.

The Grande Margarita on the left is served on the rocks with strawberries, mango, silver tequila, triple sec, fresh lime and is served over bubbling dry ice...pretty tasty and very entertaining. The Bubbly Pop on the right is a glass of Champagne with a house made fresh fruit popsicle in the glass.

Arroz con Pollo is served with seasoned and sauteed chicken breast, avocado, Mexican rice, black beans, mixed vegetables, pico de gallo, and chipotle lime crema in a fancy presentation.

The Ancho Chile Salmon was pretty impressive. It is made with wild caught salmon, ancho chile honey glaze, Mexican rice and black bean puree.

The Pop Martini with pineapple infused Vodka and a rim of pop rocks on the left and a Blue Raspberry Lemonade with Svedka Vodka blue raspberry vodka and fresh made lemonade is on the right. Both were great cocktails and fun to drink.

Here’s a nice shot of the bar at Cinco, and I will have to say, they are pretty creative with the drink menu here. Almost everything we tried was flavorful and fun to drink with great presentations and fresh flavors.

We visited during a partial soft opening, so the dessert menu was not available yet, and I was a tad disappointed that I did not get to try the Churro Donuts, or the Bannanas Foster Butter Cake, or the Lime Vanilla Creme Brulee.

Cinco has several specials planned throughout the week, including Taco Tuesday and brunch on both Saturday and Sunday. Brunch will offer diners a selection of small plates, as well as tableside mimosas and bloody marys. We really enjoyed the food and the concept here, even if there are like 10 taco and and Tex-Mex establishments in a 5 mile radius, so we hope they last and do well here.

The kitchen and Bar at Cinco opens at 11:00 am from Monday to Friday, and on Saturday and Sunday they open at 10:00 am. Friday and Saturday, the bar is open until 2:00 am, and the kitchen closes at 1:00 am.

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Cinco Tacos + Tequila coming to Winter Park

140 N Orlando Ave.

Winter Park, FL 32789
View Website Here

From bold flavors, varied textures and delicious aromas from the scratch kitchen to colorful décor and the sound of diners laughing together, Cinco Tacos + Tequila is bringing a total sensory experience to the Winter Park restaurant scene.

The new eatery will soon open at the former site of Carmel Kitchen, 140 N. Orlando Ave. Cinco will offer a Cali Mex concept, taking the flavors of favorite Mexican dishes and adding an artistic twist.

Signature dishes at Cinco include: Tableside Guacamole, Adobo Fried Chicken, Pizza Stand Nachos, Fajita Chimichanga Samosas, made-to-order desserts and an impressive assortment of street tacos.

Of course, complimentary chips and salsa will begin every meal. But the new concept won’t just be focused on excellent dining. The restaurant will also have a fun, upbeat vibe with plenty of signature drinks to set the mood. The bar will offer mixologist-inspired takes on the classic margarita while still boasting an impressive list of more traditional cocktails.

Cinco has several specials planned throughout the week, including Taco Tuesday and brunch on both Saturday and Sunday. Brunch will offer diners a selection of small plates, as well as tableside mimosas and bloody marys.

“We’re bringing something new to Winter Park,” said restauranteur Greg Pranzo. “Our take on this food is something people won’t have tried before, and with our focus on service, presentation, and of course, a fun atmosphere, we’re confident Cinco will soon become a go-to for diners.”

Cinco Tacos + Tequila is slated to open in July.

The restaurant is currently hiring for all positions, including servers, hosts, bartenders and kitchen positions. Cinco anticipates bringing on a staff of 100. To apply, please visit the location at 140 N. Orlando Ave for interviews.

More information will soon be available at cincotacosandtequila.com.

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Taco Maker Mexican Grill

7790 Lake Underhill Rd.

Unit 105
Orlando, FL 32825
(407) 930-0496
View Website Here

And… we have yet another entrant into the Taco Craze currently erupting in Central Florida. More tacos, more Tex-Mex the more the merrier as some would say, maybe others are tired of it, but either way, Tacos are here to stay.... for now.

With more than 100 franchise restaurants in Puerto Rico, the Taco Maker brand has expanded into the U.S. with their concept of made to order Mexican with the introduction of Taco Maker Mexican Grill in 2014. With more than 70 franchises now sold, the team at Frans Global – who acquired the Taco Maker brand in 2006 has made its way to Orlando.

Whether it’s tacos, burritos, fajitas or dessert, the food is served fresh and with passion. The menus are full of savory and customizable Mexican food options to fit any taste and any diet. Taco Maker features beef and chicken fajitas and fresh made on site guacamole, tortillas and chips as well as fresh made sauces with over 20 fresh ingredients to choose from. 

Inside is pretty open and spacious. Guests walk up, place their order and customize it as they go through the line and seat themselves, Fast-Casual at its core. 

Guests have a variety of toppings and options to fully customize their orders as they go through the line.

Mexican Grill Bowl with seasoned ground beef and Mexican rice and a Jarritos Lime soda.

A Quesadilla Platter.

This is a taco salad that is fully customizable and served in a house made deep fried tortilla. This was filled with Chicken Criollo. Proteins available here are Ground Beef, Chicken Criollo, Steak Fajita, Chicken Fajita or Pork Carnitas.

A Taco Trio Platter with Chicken, Carnitas and Ground Beef with black beans, chips and Mexican rice.

The Grande Platter I ordered came with a taco and a burrito, so I got the burrito stuffed with carnitas, and went with the ground beef for the taco. The carnitas were very flavorful and really good for a fast casual place, but they do make it everyday in house. 

The Apple or Cherry Pies are deep fried tortillas with apple or cherry filling and sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon...what’s not to like?

Of course the Nutella Cheesecake Pie is pretty much a game changer. This is a deep fried flour tortilla with cheesecake and Nutella filling and sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon. They also serve Rellenitas XL, which is basically a quesadilla filled with nutella and sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar.

Overall, we really enjoyed Taco Maker. The prices are very affordable, a combo is about $9.00 here, and that includes a drink. For the freshness of the food and ease of ordering, I personally don't mind another taco spot in Orlando, as long as it’s decent food and they are not trying to hop on another food trend like some local establishments.

They have another location in Central Florida as well, at 9924 Universal Blvd.

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Lion's Pride Soccer Pub and Grill

123 W Church St.

Orlando, FL 32801
(407) 203-4099
View Website Here

The Lion’s Pride Soccer Pub and Grill opened in May 2017. Owner Gustavo Fonseca created a partnership with Orlando City Soccer Club and Orlando Pride to become the official restaurant for the organization.

Lion’s Pride is more than just a pub, it’s a beautiful sports bar offering a variety of food from Blue Cheese Angus Filet to favorites like chicken wings and burgers. Inside, they have a 200” big screen TV, as well as an Entertainment Wall with eight 60” LED televisions to enjoy any sporting event. Of course soccer is the big thing here, but they cater to more than just soccer as they aim to be a true sports bar to watch all your favorite sports or host special events and parties for friends and family.

The diverse menu was crafted by Executive Chef Scott Phillips and features traditional sports bar favorites elevated to a new level, including appetizers like wings, sliders, tacos and flatbreads, plus a wide selection of sandwiches, entrees and tasty Lion’s Pride signature dishes.

Visitors of Lion’s Pride will feel like they’ve walked into the Orlando City Stadium and a soccer-centric paradise, which houses a replica of the stadium scoreboard and a World Cup soccer balls collection signed by players of the World Cup who’ve dined at Lion’s Pride, such as Ronaldo “Phenomenon”, Rivaldo, Kaka, Alexi Lalas, Julio Baptista, Elano, Doni and Robinho.

 

Lion’s Pride also has an exclusive second level, featuring stadium seating, chairs, couches and private suites, perfect to host corporate or special events of all sizes.

The Peppered Tuna with avocado relish and cilantro lime slaw paired was paired with Blue Moon draught , and was incredibly delicious. This certainly not something seen at a traditional Sports Bar. 

We could have eaten at least 10 of these Petite Brisket Tacos with lettuce, tomato, queso blanco, and chipotle aioli that was paired with Sam Adams Winter Lager. These were amazing.

A very fine Caprese Salad with red and yellow vine ripened tomatoes, fresh buffalo mozzarella, basil oil and balsamic glaze was paired with an equally fine 2015 Terra d' Oro blended Chenin Blanc Wine.

Passion Fruit Pureed Champagne is on the left, and Lions Pride Whiskey based Sangria on the right. Both were really good, especially the Sangria.

The Shrimp and Lobster Risotto with Creamy Parmesan was topped with Rock Shrimp and was full of nice size pieces of lobster. The risotto by itself was heavenly, but all together, everyone really enjoyed this dish.

A Blue Cheese topped Filet with garlic boursin mashed potatoes, and a red wine demi glaze was paired with a 2015 Emmolo Napa Valley Merlot. The steak was cooked perfectly medium, and I really enjoyed the demi glaze it sat in.

Dessert was served with a Chocolate Mousse and a Romeo and Juliet Pastry, which is a Brazilian style cheese and guava filled pastry that owner Gustavo Fonseca has fond memories of from his time growing up in Brazil.

This is the Downstairs bar at Lion’s Pride. They have an equally nice one upstairs too, but that is reserved for private events, or for all Orlando City Soccer Club Home Games, where three hours before the match starts, $30 gets you an All-You-Can-Eat-And-Drink Tailgate Party with unlimited draft beers, Sangria and finger foods in the plush upstairs lounge.

Inside is very spacious and open with plenty of seats at the bar and the main area. We really love the design and layout of Lion’s Pride and it’s easy to envision some great sports watching parties here.

This is the perfect spot for Big screen soccer action for every game and great food at every seat. This elite soccer fan-den showcases past and present game memorabilia, club level seating, semi-private suites, and a private dining space. Lion’s Pride is a great spot for lunch, dinner, drinks and any occasion.

In addition to the Pre-Game Tailgate package, they also offer specials like Buy a Heineken draft during the first half and receive a complimentary draft at halftime for Orlando City Soccer Club Away Games.

You can also play the World Cup Free Beer Challenge and make your bracket picks. Participants who get all the teams correct thru the final match win two free draft beers daily until World Cup 2022.

From Monday to Friday, 11 am to 2 pm, you can buy 5 Lunch Specials and get 1 Free. Happy Hour is from 5 pm to 8 pm with $5 Red/White Sangria, $3 Select Beers and $4 Wells.

Central Florida’s best World Cup 2018 Watch Party will be at Lion’s Pride starting Thursday, June 14 through Sunday, July 15.

Lion’s Pride serves lunch and dinner daily. Hours of operation are Sunday to Thursday from 11:30 am-10:30 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11:30 am until 11:30 pm.

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World Of Beer Launches New Menu Items

431 E Central Blvd.
Orlando, FL 32801
(407) 270-5541
View Website Here

In addition to 500 craft beers and 50 rotating taps daily, WOB is once again adding some seasonal change to the menu with a variety of delicious food that pairs perfectly to whatever you’re drinking at the moment.

With so many beers on tap and in the cooler, a menu of tasty tavern fare that’s crafted to go perfectly with beer is just the what the doctor ordered. Whether you’re a beer master or just beer curious, the knowledgeable staff at WOB is always available to guide you through every last pint, pour, and pairing.

Speaking of pairings, WOB now offers craft and custom cocktails on the menu as well. Everything from an Old Fashioned, Martini’s, Mule’s and Margaritas are available. WOB has a respect for the craft that extends beyond brewers to celebrate distillers and wine makers now too. They have put together a menu of select spirits and wines, and added their own twist on the world’s best cocktails.

Just like WOB strives to bring you the best in craft beer, the same goes for the food. From shareables like Artisan Sausage Board, signature German Pretzel and Sriracha Lime Tacos to juicy burgers, the menu here is crafted to pair perfectly with beer. Because beer tastes better with food.

The Pineapple Ginger Punch is on the left and a Cucumber Martini is in the right from the Cocktails Menu, both were pretty tasty.

The Giant Bavarian Pretzel is always a good item to grab at WOB and it is served with stone ground mustard and Beer cheese. Pair this with a Pale Lager of your choice.

Mac and Cheese Bites feature spicy pepper jack mac & cheese hand rolled in herb panko crumbs and fried to a crisp and served with a side Sriracha lime aioli. Pair this with a Brown Ale.

The Wobb Cobb is a tower of spring greens, roasted corn, mozzarella, applewood smoked bacon, tomatoes, hard boiled eggs, grilled chicken and avocado tossed with house made Greek vinaigrette and drizzled with chipotle BBQ and topped with Tortilla crisps. Enjoy this with a Blonde Ale.

Bibimbap is a new addition to the WOB menu that is made with Spicy Gochujang marinated steak, sauteed mushrooms, cucumbers, shredded carrots, kimchi, scallions and is topped with a sunny side egg served over jasmine rice. Pair this with Amber Ales.

World Of Beer Downtown Orlando is open from Monday to Wednesday from 11am to 1am, Thursday to Saturday from 11am to 2am, Sunday they open at 11am and close at 1am.

They also serve “Beerunch” on Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 3pm.

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Cafe Rio

1040 N Orlando Ave.

Winter Park, FL 32789
(321) 422-2099
View Website Here

Cafe Rio is yet another entrant into the Fast Casual market, and of course the ever growing Taco Craze that is currently consuming Central Florida. 

Much like it’s competitors, you walk in, order a bowl, a burrito, tacos, salads or tostadas, and you pick the meats, toppings, sauces and sides while everything is put together as you go, you pay, then seat yourself and dig in. 

Cafe Rio Mexican Grill, is a fast casual restaurant chain based in Salt Lake City Utah, with branches in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Maryland, Montana, Nevada, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming.

The Brand’s recipes are inspired from the traditional cooking styles of the Rio Grande region of Northern Mexico, Southern Texas and New Mexico. The Winter park Location is the first one in Florida.

The first thing you see when you start your order at Cafe Rio is a tortilla maker rolling freshly made dough and placing it on the comal. An essential tool in traditional Mexican cuisine for over five hundred years, the comal is what gives the tortillas their rich, deep and nutty flavor.

Cafe Rio makes their signature sauces, salsas, dressings and toppings fresh every morning, hand slicing fresh chiles, vegetables and fruits and mixing them with a blend of secret spices. From mild to “I can’t feel my tongue” hot, they have the fresh, flavorful kick for your favorite meal.

Options for ordering at Cafe Rio include, Burritos, Salads, Tacos, Enchiladas, Quesadillas, Tostadas, Nachos, Chips & Salsa, Queso, Guacamole, Tortilla Soups and a small selection of desserts.

Everything you order at Cafe Rio can be customized…Proteins, Toppings, Sauces, Beans, Etc… can all be customized after choosing your base.

We ordered an appetizer of Chips with salsa and queso and a side of the Cilantro Ranch as well as a side of Tomatillo. The queso was really good with a little heat to it.

Two Enchiladas, one with Shredded Chicken, one with Fire Roasted Chicken. Really enjoyed both, but of course the fire roasted version stole the show, but the black beans and the rice were quite tasty also.

Cafe Rio is almost as famous for their house made drinks as they are for the freshmade food. I was really impressed with the horchata and the fresh squeezed mint limeade. (I couldn't help but think that the limeade would have been dangerous with a shot of Vodka in it...We almost asked to take a gallon home!)

Two Tacos at Cafe RIo... one with Sweet Pork Barbacoa and another with Fire Roasted Steak served on house made tortillas. Both were really good, but the sweet Pork Barbacoa is ridiculously delicious.

Folks, this is indeed a Big Ass Burrito. We ordered it with the Chile Beef and topped it with enchilada sauce and extra cheese then had it baked for the win. It was large and in charge, and really good.

Here is a shot of the menu, to give you a better idea of how the ordering process goes at Cafe Rio.

There is a decent amount of seating available inside here, but they do have a nice little side patio area with umbrellas as well for additional seating.

Each day at Cafe Rio begins with a delivery of fresh fruits and vegetables, right from the farm. They hand squeeze over a thousand limes, hand scoop over a thousand avocados and they cook or grill all of their proteins and meats on site every day and prepare all the sauces, salsas and desserts fresh daily.

We really liked Cafe Rio, and think you will too. Sure, there is an ever growing taco craze going on in Central Florida right now, but what's not to love about even more tacos, burritos, enchiladas and nachos? If you are anything like me, you could probably eat TEx-Mex/Mexican food almost everyday of the week.

Cafe Rio is open everyday from 10:30 am until 10:00 pm, except Sunday, as they are open from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm.

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