Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen brought Tasty Chomps in to taste some popular items they are rolling out this summer. Not only that, but we were able to learn how to stack the homemade onion rings similar to how they are delivered to our table in a beautiful presentation. Our presentation may not be as beautiful, but we did our best!
The new summer cocktail is a Watermelon Vodkarita and it is dangerously delicious. You can’t taste the alcohol and it is so refreshing it’ll make you want more constantly throughout the summer.
The Warm Honey Butter Croissants are mice and fluffy. Although I am not fond of carbs, I may make an exception for these croissants.
The Homemade Onion Rings are nice and crisp. They come with two sides for you to try with. This stack was created more nicely than my stack since it was by Cheddar’s amazing Executive Chef, Brittany Neisen.
The Chicken Tender Platter isn’t only popular for the kiddos. They’re ordered and enjoyed by all. They come with a few sauces and Buffalo still takes the prize on being my favorite.
New Orleans Pasta has a nice cajun flavor to it. If only I wasn’t allergic to shrimp.
Some sides include broccoli cheese casserole, freshly made coleslaw, mac ‘n’ cheese, and black beans.
The Blackened Salmon with Mango Salsa is my favorite. The salmon is made well and it is not overcooked. The flavors are fresh and slightly sweet, naturally from the mango.
The Salmon & Strawberry Salad is refreshing for a summer day. It comes with a strawberry vinaigrette made at Cheddar’s each day, similar to the majority of what you find on the menu.
Last, but not least, is the Homemade Chocolate Fudge Cake. It is served with ice cream, whipped cream and drizzles of chocolate and caramel. The cake itself is very rich and not too sweet. On the other hand, the icing will add more sweetness to your bite.
From April 10 – June 16, guests at BRAVO Cucina Italiana will have the opportunity to pick one appetizer and two of BRAVO’s classic Italian dishes and receive a half portion of each. What a great way to taste two entrees at an affordable price!
Lunch is $14.99 and dinner is $17.99.
Choose one appetizer:
Soup of the Day
Italian Wedding Soup
Lobster Bisque (add $1)
BRAVO Chopped Salad
Casar Classic
Insalata Della Casa
Choose two entrees:
1/2 Pasta Woozie: Grilled chicken, fettuccine, alfredo, spinach
1/2 Pasta BRAVO: Grilled chicken, mushrooms, rigatoni, roasted red pepper cream
1/2 Chicken Parmesan: Pomodoro, mozzarella, herb linguine
1/2 Shrimp Fra Diavolo: Spicy tomato cream sauce, campanelle pasta, shrimp
1/2 Mama’s Lasagna Bolognese: BRAVO’s signature meat sauce, alfredo, ricotta, mozzarella
BRAVO will also offer a seasonal Warm Berry Cake and drink specials including the Strawberry Fizz, Strawberry Mango Cosmo and Strawberry Basil Smash.
* At select locations. Available Sunday – Thursday only. Promotion ends June 16, 2018.
In addition, BRAVO will offer a spring gift card promotion perfect as a gift for moms, dads and grads! For every $100 in gift cards purchased, guests will receive a free $25 bonus card.
Keep scrolling to view pictures from our recent media dine of when got to taste their current spring promotion. BRAVO is a beautiful restaurant with good food and a very nice staff, especially Victor who took care of us.
Complimentary bread and herb oil
Calamari Fritti – creamy horseradish, marinara
Crispy Shrimp Napoli – green onions, charred tomato Napoli sauce
Lobster Bisque with sherry, diced shrimp
BRAVO Chopped Salad – chopped greens, cucumbers, red onions, tomatoes, olives, feta, red wine vinaigrette
Left to right: Pasta Woozie: Grilled chicken, fettuccine, alfredo, spinach
Pasta BRAVO: Grilled chicken, mushrooms, rigatoni, roasted red pepper cream
Left to right: Chicken Parmesan: Pomodoro, mozzarella, herb linguine
Shrimp Fra Diavolo: Spicy tomato cream sauce, campanelle pasta, shrimp
(Seasonal) Warm Berry Cake
Open kitchen that you can walk up to and watch chefs prepare your meal
Beautiful outdoor seating
Be sure to stop by BRAVO soon to check out their affordable spring menu promotion before it ends on June 16, it is worth it!
(Source credit: BRAVO Cucina Italiana)
On May 11, Wild Florida hosted Wild Paint Night Out where folks were able to meet two albino alligators, indulge in hearty BBQ and paint their hearts away. The goodies at the buffet was provided by Chomp House Grill which is the restaurant located right inside of Wild Florida. Cole slaw, baked beans, deep fried brownies, their signature alligator and pulled pork/pulled chicken sandwiches were on the menu. Executive Chef of Chomp House Grill, Ramon Ayala, said that the creation of the menu came from “just playing around with it and being creative.” Ayala adds that he only does these dishes for banquets and events only.
Besides the savory food, we got to venture back in the park itself and visit all of the animals. I got to see lemurs, porcupines, several gators, zebras, snakes, foxes and plenty of wild birds. The freely roaming peacocks were also a memorable sight to see.
Above all the animal encounters I had, my favorite interaction was getting to go inside the habitat where the two albino gators were. The gators names were Blizzard and Snowflake and they were surprisingly more friendly than I expected. I was able to walk right up to the rim of the pool where they were kept. Staring directly into their glazed eyes with nothing but open space in between my being and their floating bodies was unlike anything I had experienced before. I was captivated by how majestic and peaceful they were. They did not hiss or growl. Both gators just swam up to the rim where I knelt.
Afterwards, I proceeded to the event room where dozens of canvases and brushes were set up next to plates of paint. The objective was to paint a picture that copied a picture of an albino alligator that was already painted on a canvas. At the end, the best painting done by an adult and child were given recognition. I did a pretty decent job with my painting and I am very happy with it.
Overall, Wild Florida has a lot to offer in terms of getting outdoors and experiencing a real taste of Florida. The interaction one gets with the animals is very hands on. There is something to look at everywhere you turn. Also, towards the end of the event I was able to catch a gorgeous sunset over the lake. It was definitely a sight to see.
Wild Florida also offers boat rides to guests. According to their website, they offer deals for Florida residents in which you can get 15 percent off one hour airport tours. As for anyone in the military, a teacher or a first responder, you can get 15 percent off of the boat rides and other events.
Visit Wild Florida’s website at wildfloridairboats.com or drop by their location at 3301 Lake Cypress Rd, Kenansville, FL 34739.
We were invited to the Pre-Opening Party for Wine Bar George at Disney Springs; and it was certainly a “magical night”. The rain stopped just in time for the party to begin, and a rainbow appeared. How perfect is that?
Wine Bar George officially opens Saturday, May 19th, and from my experience during the event, I only see a very busy future ahead for George and his amazing crew (I’m booking my babysitter in advance to return soon). George Miliotes, Master Sommelier (one of only 249 in the world), has personally hand-picked every available ounce of wine in the wine bar. Paired perfectly with small bites (such as house-made meatballs, jicama salad, grilled octopus), family-style platters (such as skirt steak and wine braised chicken), charcuterie and artisanal cheese boards, and desserts (olive oil cake and key lime pie). One dessert is an event in itself: The Chocolate Experience (pairings of wines and chocolates). Plus, other amazing offerings of beer and cider, and specialty cocktails. Presently, Wine Bar George is the only Master Sommelier-led wine bar in Florida. George brings a lifetime of wine knowledge and education to his new venture. Practically growing up with a glass of wine in his hand (I like this family), working alongside his father (Chris Miliotes) at a young age in his father’s former restaurant off of John Young Parkway, Chris’ House of Beef, success with California Grill, Seasons 52, and Capital Grille, George Miliotes and Wine Bar George are truly special. George also has an amazing crew working by his side, and from what I saw, working extremely hard. All of them passionate about being an intricate part of Wine Bar George, and it shows with their every gesture and word, so quick to recommend the perfect pairing, and share what they know and love with guests. As if the fantastic staff, wine, and food isn’t enough to love this place, there is also the amazingly beautiful atmosphere of Wine Bar George. Soft lighting, large paneled windows overlooking great views of Disney Springs, oak floors, elements of stone and metal, brick walls, and hints of George’s personal wine collections and treasures, make up the two-story (a bar on both levels) wine bar with plenty of comfy seating. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but I don’t think my pictures (taken on my iPhone) adequately do the beauty of this place justice. Until you can see for yourself, here’s a sampling of our night at Wine Bar George:
Meeting Chris MiliotesMeeting George Miliotes
I want Wine Bar George to be my Cheers, where the staff knows my name, I have my very own bar stool in both the upstairs and downstairs bar, and my favorite glass (or glasses) of wine awaits when I enter. This was an event I will never forget and I loved the experience of trying new wines hand-picked by George, eating delicious bites, talking with the amazing staff and fellow foodies, and having the honor of meeting George Miliotes and his father, Chris (both completely modest and easy to talk to). I know you will enjoy Wine Bar George as much as I did…so, plan a visit soon…but, if I find you sitting in my stool at the bar…game on (who am I kidding…I’ll just smile at you and find another spot).
Overall, Wild Florida has a lot to offer in terms of getting outdoors and experiencing a real taste of Florida. The interaction one gets with the animals is very hands on. There is something to look at everywhere you turn. Also, towards the end of the event I was able to catch a gorgeous sunset over the lake. It was definitely a sight to see. 
