Tasty Chomps' Orlando

• Tasty Wok – Mills 50 – Chinese
• Cafe Caobana – Scenes
• Cocina 214 – Winter Park
• Rib Eating Contest at Limbitless Kid’s Community Event
• Marlow’s Tavern – Waterford Lakes – East Orlando
• Morimoto Asia at Disney Springs Announces Opening Date, Menu Items, including Weekend Dim Sum, Sushi

Tasty Wok – Mills 50 – Chinese

When most folks think of authentic Chinese cuisine, it’s often the Cantonese regional cuisine that comes to mind as many of the first immigrants to America came from that region, hoping to strike gold in California during the 1800s, only to be hired as low waged rail workers building the Transcontinental Railroad.

From char siu roast pork to shrimp wonton dumplings and all the wonderful little bites from dim sum, Cantonese cuisine’s strength lies in its use of fresh ingredients from the sea and land. Canton, or Guangzhou, is a coastal region near Hong Kong known for its seafood and great harbors.

In Orlando, when I want Cantonese cuisine – particularly noodles and Chinese barbecue, I usually choose Tasty Wok or Ming Bistro.

At Tasty Wok, you will see a classic familiar scene of roasted ducks and barbecued pork and squid hanging from hooks in a display case near the counter. Recently, I learned there is a difference between the types of roast duck – ask for the hanging roast duck as it has been double marinated in duck juices. 

Roast duck can be fatty, but is a great dish served with rice. 

Shrimp wontons, little dumplings served with egg noodles in a chicken broth soup. 

Three meat platter – roast duck, Char siu – or Chinese barbecue pork – and soy sauce chicken on rice.  The fish with black bean sauce, stir fried with vegetables.

Chinese roast pork – char siu – with shrimp and noodles.

Salt and pepper fried trio of scallops, shrimp, and squid

Not the most refined nor the most healthy, it serves its purpose – it’s Chinese soul food.

Tasty Wok
1246 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32803
+1 407-896-8988
Hours: 10:30 am – 9:30 pm

Cafe Caobana – Scenes

Just north of the SR 408 on busy Semoran Blvd is an often overlooked restaurant called Cafe Caobana that specializes in Cuban dishes.

At the entrance is a small bakery area decked out with trays of cheesy quesitos, guava pastries, and other beloved Cuban pastries.

Just a little further to the back is a rather unexpectedly large dining area.

You can order all the Cuban favorites from vaca frita to ropa vieja and carne guisado or arroz con pollo, and of course, a whole list of Cuban sandwiches. There’s a breakfast menu as well for the early risers.

Service is a bit brusque, on our visit there seemed to be only one server (who might also be one of the owners).

I am not the biggest fan of Cuban sandwiches – I find them to be a bit dry sometimes and a bit plain with just ham and cheese, and pickles. But I do love the tripleta sandwiches, which is often full of three types of meat such as pork, beef, and chicken.

Inside the dining room at Cafe Caobana.

The Cuban Sandwich at Cafe Caobana

Coconut cup pastries 

Guava pastries

Tiramisu

Cafe Caobana
73 S Semoran Blvd, Orlando, FL 32807
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cafe-Caobana/613370485357476?__fns&hash=Ac3TCsXg_4agkTMg
Open from Monday to Thursday until 8.30 pm and Friday and Saturday until 10.30 pm

Cocina 214 – Winter Park

Cocina |214 is a contemporary Mexican and Tex-Mex kitchen. The name is a combination of the Spanish word for kitchen, “cocina” and the Dallas area code, “214.” The idea for opening COCINA|214 developed when two of the owners from Texas missed the Tex-Mex and Mexican food they had grown up eating. They wanted the same authentic, fresh and quality food here in Winter Park.

We started off with a this season’s local cocktail – The Dragon Fruit Margarita.
It was a sweet, almost dessert like drink, so personally I like the salt rim to balance out the sugar in the drink. And because it is seasonal, it’s only here for a limited time.

Fried Avocado Bites (10)
lightly breaded hass avocados fried served with chipotle cream dipping sauce. This was almost too addicting, I had to stop myself before I get full from just eating fried avocados. The chipotle cream sauce does sneak up on you with its heat so dip cautiously.

Isidro’s Caesar (13)
romaine, cotija cheese, fried onions strings, grape tomatoes, homemade croutons and Caesar dressing. I actually prefer the fried onion strings over croutons in regular caesar’s salad. It adds a subtle crunch and more flavors.

Mango Ceviche (13)
snapper, serrano peppers, red onion, red bell pepper, citrus, mango. I absolutely love cevhice, and although this one had a bit too much lime for me the mango helped bring back a little sweetness to the sour punch.
Mexican Corn (9)
grilled corn, cayenne pepper, lime, cotija, queso fresco. A delicious way to eat corn, that natural sweetness with cheese and loads of spices and hint of lime.

Snapper Frito Tacos (16)
lightly fried wild snapper, coastal slaw, pico de gallo, chipotle cream sauce. Snapper is much less flaky than cod so it won’t fall all over the place once you bite into it. It all tasted really fresh and the corn tortilla really aids in bringing out the flavors of the tacos. 

Cauli Frito Tacos (13)
lightly fried cauliflower, coastal slaw, red bell peppers, chipotle cream sauce. I personally prefer this over the cod tacos. The fried cauliflower has a sweetness to it that plays so well with cream sauce and a dash of lime juice. This is probably one of my favorite vegetarian options out there.

Snapper Veracruz (25)
fresh wild snapper, tomato, olive, caper, with herb topping and veggie rice. It was nice step away from the mundane salmon dish that’s offered in a lot of other places.

Combo Enchilada (14)
3 Enchiladas Mexican-style with romaine lettuce, queso fresco, onions, sour cream, grape tomatoes & veggie rice. A hearty dish, that’s filling and combination of different textures. 

Maria’s Gourmet Burger (16)
grilled pineapple on an Angus beef burger, Olde Hearth Bread poppy seed bun, Monterrey jack cheese, served with grilled Mexican corn. Everything came together so well on this burger. Especially the pineapple, it was a bit odd, but it really made the burger all the more savory. 

and of course we ended things lightly with some Fried Churros and Dulce de lechedipping sauce.

Cocina | 214 

151 E Welbourne Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
(407) 790-7997

Rib Eating Contest at Limbitless Kid’s Community Event

I was entered last weekend to represent Tasty Chomps in a rib eating contest sponsored by Tony Roma’s, I was among a panel of local on air personalities, like Lisa Bell and Johnny Fernandez from WKMG, and AJ Maguire from the AJ and Ashley Morning Show on K92.3 FM. The event itself was for Limbitless Solutions, a team of volunteers nationwide who use their skills to make fully functional mechanical prosthetics to children in need of it.  As for the competition, the goal was to see how many ribs you can eat within three minutes, I came in with an empty stomach and a competitive mindset, psyched and ready to destroy these ribs that were to be placed in front of me. They announced all the contestants and who they were representing, and I was last to be announced, when the clock started I destroyed those ribs, eating a whopping 26 in three minutes to which I was surprised since I tend to be a slow eater. I actually won the competition and got a nice shiny medal and bragging rights forever. Later that day I would regret eating and swallowing semi whole those ribs…. However I must mention the event was very memorable as well as helping support a great cause, will I do another eating competition?…..Maybe

Check Out my video!

I was also featured on:

Orlando Sentinel: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/health/os-tony-romas-charity-rib-eating-contest-20150829-story.html

UCF Today: http://today.ucf.edu/limbitless-solutions-hosts-community-event-launches-global-initiative/

Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/orlando/comments/3j2th3/great_charity_event_last_weekend_limbitless/

WKMG: http://www.clickorlando.com/news/ribs-and-robotics-for-limbitless/35000354

If you are interested in learning more about Limbitless Solutions check out their site!

http://limbitless-solutions.org/index.php/en/

Marlow’s Tavern – Waterford Lakes – East Orlando

MARLOW’S TAVERN WATERFORD LAKES NOW OPEN – Chef-inspired American Tavern Fare with an Upscale Twist

Marlow’s Tavern opens its third location in Central Florida this past June in serving chef-inspired American tavern fare and handcrafted cocktails in a comfortable and unique atmosphere. Marlow’s Tavern is now open across from Regal Cinemas at the Waterford Lakes Town, conveniently located off the East-West Expressway (SR-408) at 547 N. Alafaya Trail (SR-434) in East Orlando.

As a longtime Orlando resident and local restaurant industry veteran with decades of experience, Alan Palmieri, knows that Marlow’s Tavern is a perfect fit for the East Orlando community. Palmieri is responsible for the day-to-day operations and future development of the Orlando market. Palmieri opened the first Marlow’s Tavern in Florida in 2012 with additional locations at Pointe Orlando and in Winter Park.

“We are committed to be a valued partner in the East Orlando community with an authentic neighborhood tavern experience each and every day,” says Palmieri.

“Each Orlando neighborhood is so unique,” says Executive Chef and Co-founder John C. Metz. “Alan’s local perspective, community relationships, commitment to quality and strong affiliation with values in which we believe are important factors to operate a successful restaurant within the Waterford Lakes Town Center.”

Daily Happy Hour: 3 to 7 p.m., $3 Domestic Drafts $4 Glasses of Select Wines $4 Premium Wells
Girls Night Out Specials: Wednesdays 5 p.m. to Close, $5 Martini and Appetizer Specials
Live Entertainment: Wednesdays and Saturdays Starting at 7 p.m.

The restaurant opens daily at 11:30 a.m. to serve lunch, happy hour and dinner.

Become an Insider for specials and preview event invitations at www.MarlowsTavern.com, like on Facebook and follow on Twitter using #MarlowsTavernWaterfordLakes.

A Look at the Menu at Marlow’s

J.T.’S KETTLE CHIPS
Crispy Potato Chips Crowned with Gorgonzola Cheese, Bacon, Roma Tomato and Scallion

SHRIMP & CRAB “NACHO” PLATE
Rock Shrimp, Crab, Pepper Jack Cheese and Fresh Jalapeno

SHRIMP & GRITS
White Cheddar Grit Cake, Spinach, Roma Tomato, Shallot and Roast Tomato Beurre Blanc

TAVERN “DOUBLE CHEESE” CHEESEBURGER
Your Choice of any Cheese in the Kitchen

CRISPY SNAPPER
Crisp Red Snapper, Udon Noodles, Tiny Carrot, Squash, Zucchini and Shiitake Mushroom with Thai Basil Leaf and Rich Miso Soy Broth

Morimoto Asia at Disney Springs Announces Opening Date, Menu Items, including Weekend Dim Sum, Sushi

Morimoto Asia Announces Opening Date of September 30, 2015 as Downtown Disney Nears Its Transition to Disney Springs

Morimoto Asia, a highly anticipated collaboration between Chef Masaharu Morimoto and Patina Restaurant Group, is pleased to announce a scheduled opening date of September 30, 2015 as Downtown Disney nears its transition to Disney Springs.

The Japanese master chef’s first pan-Asian dining experience will showcase flavors from across the Asian continent.

Morimoto Asia’s eye-catching, 36-foot tall, two-story layout has been designed by STUDIO V Architecture. It includes lounges, dining spaces, and an exhibition kitchen that allows guests a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the culinary action.

The second-level sushi bar and lounge have a separate entrance. Morimoto Asia will debut as part of The Landing, one of four neighborhoods in the new Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort.

“This has been a project of passion for our team and Chef Morimoto. We can’t wait to open our doors to everyone visiting Disney Springs this fall and beyond,” said Nick Valenti, restaurateur and CEO of Patina Restaurant Group.

Menu including Dim Sum, Sushi

The menu is Chef Morimoto’s eclectic take on his favorite Asian flavors including moo shu pork, Peking duck, lobster chow fun, sweet and sour crispy whole fish, and kung pao chicken.

Dim sum will be served during weekend brunch service, and will include a variety of dumplings, shumai, bao, spare ribs and more.

Being a true family-friendly destination, kids will have a variety of Asian-infused dishes including chicken ramen, kakuni pork bao, and karaage fried chicken.

The sushi bar will be a culinary experience unto itself.

The intimate, 14-seat counter will offer pristine sushi and sashimi options from around the world. Items include toro, kanpachi, Japanese red snapper, uni, sea eel, hamachi, fluke, and salmon, as well as more ocean delicacies.

A variety of specialty sushi rolls and selections from the raw bar will also be offered.

While traditional sushi service will be limited to the guests seated at the sushi bar, a selection of specialty rolls and sushi platters will be available to the main restaurant’s diners.

The beers will feature mostly Asian varieties in both bottle and on draft, including the Morimoto signature beer by Rogue Ales.

In addition to the collector’s edition Imperial Pilsner and Morimoto Soba Ale and the highly coveted Black Obi Soba will also be available by the bottle.

The restaurant will also offer an assortment of sake, including the Morimoto signature line, plus a wine list showcasing wines of the world, signature cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks.

“I am excited to create a menu that allows so many of my favorite Asian flavors to come alive all in one place,” said Chef Masaharu Morimoto. “I hope the guests at Morimoto Asia have as much fun eating this food as I have creating it.”

The restaurant’s main entrance features a three-story glass corner, revealing the dramatic interior design including a multi-level bar and spiraling chandelier made of illuminated glass bottles.

Chef Morimoto’s exclusive sushi bar is sculpted from hundreds of pieces of hand-selected ash wood, backed with a wall of hammered copper. Morimoto Asia’s two-story outdoor terrace provides patio seating with sweeping views of Disney Springs.

Morimoto Asia will be open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. serving lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch with dim sum. http://www.morimotoasia.com

About Patina Restaurant Group
Patina Restaurant Group (http://www.patinagroup.com) is a bicoastal boutique company and leader in the premium segment of the restaurant industry. In New York, its portfolio features the Michelin-starred Lincoln Ristorante, STATE Grill and Bar at the Empire State Building, Stella 34 Trattoria at Macy’s Herald Square, The Sea Grill at Rockefeller Center, Brasserie, Brasserie 8 1/2, The Grand Tier Restaurant at the Metropolitan Opera, La Fonda Del Sol at Grand Central, and The Rink at Rockefeller Center. Other East Coast properties include Tutto Italia Ristorante and Via Napoli at the Epcot World Showcase in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. On the West Coast its portfolio includes the renowned Los Angeles Times’ four-starred and Michelin-starred Patina Restaurant in Walt Disney Concert Hall, Café Pinot, Ray’s & Stark Bar, Catal and Naples in Anaheim’s Downtown Disney District, Leatherby’s Cafe Rouge, and catering and food service in museums and cultural centers throughout California.

About Masaharu Morimoto
Perhaps most recognizable as the star of Iron Chef and Iron Chef America, Chef Masaharu Morimoto has created a bridge between the culinary traditions of his native Japan and the American palate, bringing intense excitement, exquisite technique, and perfectly balanced flavors to thousands of diners throughout the world. He has garnered critical and popular acclaim for his seamless integration of Western and Japanese ingredients and has effectively created a signature style that positions him as one of today’s foremost chefs. In 2001, Morimoto opened his first eponymous restaurant in Philadelphia, which was followed by Wasabi by Morimoto in Mumbai in 2004 and another in New Delhi in 2008. Today, Chef Morimoto has expanded his culinary empire across the globe, with restaurants in Boca Raton, Chicago, Maui, Mexico City, Napa, New York City, South Beach, and Waikiki. Morimoto’s restaurants have received numerous accolades throughout the years, including Morimoto Napa which was named one of Food & Wine Magazine’s “Best U.S. Restaurant Openings” in 2010, and Morimoto New York which won the James Beard Award for “Outstanding Restaurant Design” in 2008, as well as a “2006 Hot List Restaurant” by Conde Nast Traveler, one of New York’s “Top 50 Restaurants” by Travel + Leisure, and one of New York Magazine’s “Best New Restaurants.”

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