Fun Food Events for July 22-Aug 4

The summer issue of Edible Orlando is on the stands in all the usual places. We’ve got the scoop on the new faces in food you should know, some fun recipes, and even advice on what you should be planting in your backyard garden. Did you know that starfruit (up there at the top of the page) are easy to grow in Central Florida?

Edible Orlando writer John Graham keeps track of all the fun food events around town, sorts out the good stuff, and brings you the lowdown right here for the next couple of weeks.

Saturday, July 22 

Thornton Park’s miniature golf pub crawl returns, 12 – 4 p.m., starting in the circle in front of Aku Aku Tiki Bar. Restaurants and bars around the neighborhood have designed and built specialized miniature golf holes with prizes and drink specials along the way. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 on Saturday. Either way, you get a free Tito’s John Daly cocktail at check-in.

Caribe Royale Orlando and The Venetian Chop House have built a wine dinner focusing specifically on rosés. Seatings are available between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. for $125 per person before tax and tip. The menu includes an amuse bouche of honey-smoked salmon and goat cheese cannoli, an appetizer bacon ring with sous vide spare rib, strawberry sorbet, a main course of veal tenderloin with cold water lobster, and dessert of ruby chocolate opera cake with chocolate mousse and a little tequila nightcap. Parking will be validated.

Cowboy Chicken Kissimmee is celebrating National Day of the Cowboy with a free “Cowboy Plate” (quarter-chicken and one side) for anyone who comes in wearing both a cowboy hat and boots. Anyone wearing the cowboy hat or boots gets the same plate for half-off. The deal is just for Saturday, in-store dining only, and only at the Cowboy Chicken location inside Kissimmee’s Promenade at Sunset Walk.

Monday, July 24 

National Tequila Day is always July 24, which this year, just happens to be a Monday. The Wharf at Promenade at Sunset Walk is knocking two dollars off all tequila-based cocktails for the day. Solita Tacos & Margaritas in downtown Orlando is launching a new frozen margarita flight (watermelon, mango, and “Ducky Frozé”) for $22 that will continue past National Tequila day. A couple new seasonal cocktails at Maria and Enzo’s and Enzo’s Hideaway in Disney Springs will be available through September. Maria and Enzo’s Venezia margarita mixes Mexico and Italy with Espolon tequila, Aperol liqueur, lime juice, and sour mix. The Il Tramonto at Enzo’s Hideaway is made with Espolon tequila, butterfly pea-infused vodka, triple sec, peach brandy, orange juice, grenadine and lime juice.

Wednesday, July 26 

Chef Michael Cooper at Baldwin Park’s The Osprey has built a special five-course, $225 menu around champagne and caviar. The menu is still a secret at press time, but promises each course includes a different Sasanian branded caviar paired with boutique champagnes chosen by David Arnold from Aspect Fine Wine. Only 35 seats are available.

Friday, July 28 

Christner’s Prime Steak & Lobster is hosting a three-course $195 (including tax and tip) wine dinner built around Orin Swift Cellars from California. The 7 p.m. pairing menu includes a welcome glass of sauvignon blanc, shrimp sampler and salad with a chardonnay, USDA Prime strip steak with asparagus and potatoes au gratin paired with a red blend, and chocolate cake with a Cabernet Sauvignon. You can make a reservation by calling Christner’s at 407-645-4443.

Sunday, July 30

ICON Park on I-Drive is calling its latest outdoor foodie festival The Great American Cookout, 12- 6 p.m., with a ticket getting you access to dishes from 11 area restaurants, beer and wine flights, samples of hard seltzers and moonshine, and a ride on The Wheel. Dishes include Ole Red Orlando’s smoked brisket sliders, Brother Jimmy’s low-country crawfish boil, Sugar Factory’s deep-fried macaroni and cheese, and Uncle Julio’s tableside guacamole. Adult tickets are $39.99 and kids 3-12 are $9.99 with a portion of proceeds going to the Salvation Army.

Wednesday, August 2 

 Juju, the Japanese restaurant and sushi bar that was recently recognized by the Michelin Guide, offers a special “nigiri-kase” dinner most Wednesday nights. Sitting at Juju’s Kappo bar, the $120 meal starts you off with two or three otsumami (beer snacks or finger foods) that showcase fresh and seasonal ingredients. From there, it’s seven chef-selected, in-house dry-aged nigiri, followed by soup, rice dish, and dessert.

Save the Date: August 18

Taste! Central Florida is right around the corner, so get your tickets now to enjoy unlimited sips and samples to support Second Harvest Food Bank and the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida. Use the code EDIBLE25 and get $25 off the cost of admission!

For more inspiration, visit our archives.