On this week’s edition of the Peaceful Thrill Seeker Podcast, host Oscar Paz discusses his ten top Foodie spots you absolutely must when visiting Orlando. Also, Seaworld’s water soaker Infinity Falls opens so could it Orlando’s top river raft ride? Harry Potter as well as Jurassic Park coaster news. Can you say IAAPA 2018 news? The Foodie top ten includes:
1. Jock Lindsey’s Hungar Bar(Disney Springs)- This Relaxed Disney Springs hangout featuring house cocktails, eclectic bar bites & 1940s aviation decor. Additionally, JL offers my faves which are tiny empanadas and a gigantic burger slider which is delish to say the least. Beer as well as wine selection are top notch ranging from craft beers to sabine style wines.
2. Colombian Junior Burger(5389 S. Kirkman Rd.)- A local fast-food chain serving burgers & Latin sides, such as empanadas & maicitos. The Colombian style burgers are served with potato chips which are placed between the burger patties, pink sauce(Ketchup & Mayo combined), and baked French fries.
3. Amatista Cookhouse(located inside the Sapphire falls resort)- A Bright, modern eatery serving Caribbean-inspired cuisine & draft beer amid sea-blue accents. Guests can have eat delicious Caribbean style delights ranging from breakfast all way to dinner. Some of these delights include: Island Fish Sandwich which has lettuce, tomato, mango-papaya sauce, and coconut-pineapple bread. There is the Slow Cooked Pork Chops which is served with black beans & rice, maduros, corn salsa, and orange mojo sauce. Lastly, there is the Amatista Cuban Burger which is served with black angus beef, lettuce, tomato, onion, sliced roasted pork, ham, pickles, swiss cheese, mayo, mustard on a brioche bun(choice of cheese includes American, cheedar, swiss, provolone or bleu cheese). The Caribbean Rum Cake is to die for because it literally melts in your mouth so I highly recommend it. There is a great selection of cocktails, draft beers, and wines from red to white.
4. Hawkers Asian Street Fare- This place offers happy hour food, great cocktails, and delish finger food. My favorite meal here is the Chicken Lo Mein which comes with egg noodles, spring onions, napa, bean sprouts, onions, and carrots. Next, is the Yangzhou Chow Faan which is chicken served with shrimp, char siu, laap cheong, eggs, lettuce, onions, and spring onions. Finally, The Hong Kong Wonton soup is served with bone broth, char siu, chicken and shrimp wontons, egg noodles, and yow choy. The selection of alcoholic beverages is expansive as well as original which will add to already delicious eating experience here.
5. Shark’s Underwater Grill(Sea world)- Guests can enjoy a fascinating view in an upscale, signature full-service restaurant that puts world-class entrees on your plate and a window into the world of sharks before your very eyes. In my opinion, this is hands down the best seafood restaurant in Orlando and the view shark tank is incredible to top it all off. My favorite meal is the Grilled Swordfish served with their yummy Ceasar salad and Ahi Tuna Sashimi.
6. Four Rivers Smokehouse( Downtown Orlando 400 S. Orange Ave.)- One of Orlando’s top counter-serve eateries featuring Texas-style BBQ, homestyle sides & sweet treats. From the Signature Angus Brisket to the southern style pulled pork, 4 rivers smokehouse is my go to restaurant for southern comfort food. They also offer delicious, made from scratch, corn bread, mac & cheese, bbq baked beans, and baked cheese grits. Lastly, the alcoholic beverage selection is very good plus you can get homemade drinks as well as delicious cocktails.
7. Fratelli’s Italian Restaurant(Downtown Orlando 373 N. Orange Avenue)- In my opinion, Fratelli’s is the best Italian restaurant in Orlando. Known as a family owned as well as operated eatery, their signature pastas, NY-style pies & salads in a spacious, low-key setting is guaranteed to satisfy even the biggest of appetites that Orlando has to offer. Their menu is very close to being authentic to some of the best Italian restaurants across the country. Their NY-style pies ,whether silician or pie slice, features all natural ingredients which will satisfy your taste buds as well as your appetite.
8. Wahlburgers( Downtown Orlando 200 S. Orange Avenue)- This foodie spot is the best burger joint in Orlando hands down because all burgers are made to order from fresh ingredients such as various types of cheeses, meats, and sides. It is a celebrity-owned restaurant featuring specialty burger meals & cocktails in a modern, casual setting. They also have an decent bar area which houses several flat screens and wide selection of liquid courage on tap.
9. Rainforest Café(Disney Springs)- In my opinion, this is the best themed restaurant in Orlando. This store offers lots of tropical-themed apparel & stuffed animals, plus Amazonian-inspired trinkets. Now with that being said, Rainforest Café offers great pasta, soup, meat, and salad selections. My favorite meal is the anaconda pasta which is served with quinoa spaghetti, veggies, parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and white wine tomato sauce.
10. Sanaa African Fare and Animals( Animal Kingdom Lodge)- This buffet style restaurant is Disney's Animal Kingdom option that features Indian-influenced African dishes & spectacular views of wildlife. The buffet area is large and offers various types of appetizers, main course delights, and yummy dessert treats. I pick this foodie spot as the best buffet style restaurant in Orlando hands down. Furthermore, I guarantee that you will leave Sanaa with your stomach almost bursting at the seams because you will literally gorge on all the offerings displayed for your consumption.
Honorable Mention: Voodoo Doughnut- Located in Universal’s City Walk, This cash-only, 24 hour counter-serve bakeshop serves creative donuts in colorful, quirky environs. They have Vegan style doughnuts, fritters, cake inspired doughnuts, and raised yeast doughnuts. I love this place because of their eclectic menu and merch which is fun as well as innovative.
For more information on these ten foodie spots, I have included the links to their websites:
•Jock Lindsey’s- https://www.disneysprings.com/dining/jock-lindseys-hangar-bar/?CMP=OKC-wdw_dining_gmap_491
•Junior Colombian Burger- https://www.juniorcb.com/
•Amatista Cookhouse- https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/things-to-do/dining/amatista-cookhouse/index.html
•Hawkers Asian Street Fare- https://eathawkers.com/
•Sharks Underwater Grill- https://seaworld.com/orlando/dining/sharks-underwater-grill/
•Four Rivers Smokehouse- https://4rsmokehouse.com/
•Fratelli’s Italian Restaurant- http://fratelliitalianrestaurant.com/
•Wahlburgers- https://wahlburgersrestaurant.com/orlando
•Rainforest Café- https://www.rainforestcafe.com/
•Sanaa African Fare and Animals- https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/animal-kingdom-villas-kidani/sanaa/
•Voodoo Doughnut- https://www.voodoodoughnut.com/locations/voodoo-doughnut-orlando/
•IAAPA Attractions Expo 2018- http://www.iaapa.org/home
