Here are some quick tips for food and fun in Orlando, including Mother’s Day, sweet corn, and more.
Florida sweet corn is now finally coming into supermarkets, farmer’s markets, and roadside stands! Long & Scott Farms near Mount Dora has the trademark for Zellwood Triple-Sweet Gourmet Corn, though there are other sweet corn farmers as well. You want the tassel to smell fresh and sweet, the husk to be green and moist, and you should be able to feel the corn kernels inside.
So many great food fun events pop up around Orlando each week, but no worry… We don’t expect you to keep track of all yourself. Edible Orlando writer John Graham is on the hunt for what’s new and about to break. Here’s the headlines for what’s ahead the next couple weeks.
Saturday, May 11
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On top of the fresh-picked Zellwood sweet corn, Long & Scott Farms is having a Florida Flower Fest at its Great Scott Farms market and maze adventure. That includes an Insta-friendly sunflower trail, u-pick flowers, and a bouquet station. (Remember – tomorrow is Mother’s Day.) There’s also the giant wooden playground, super slide, and jumping pillow for kids with beer, wine, and wine slushies available for the grown-ups. Tickets are $10 for anyone over three.
Donate blood today at the Central Florida Fair and you get the usual $20 gift card and t-shirt, but also two tickets to the fairgrounds’ Taco and Margarita Festival. The day also features kids events and pro wrestling. Otherwise, tickets are $14 with fees. If you happen to see this before Sunday, the deal works on Saturday at other OneBlood donation sites too.
Sunday, May 12
You knew it was Mother’s Day today, right? Mom raised you, so you can at least get her eggs and mimosas – or steak and beer. Better get that reservation now. Here’s just a few of the many, many options out there.
Neighborhood Faves: The Ravenous Pig (pre-order for pickup), Bites & Bubbles, AVA MediterrAegean and Canvas
Disney Springs: STK Steakhouse at Disney Springs and City Works at Disney Springs
Pointe Orlando: Taverna Opa, Rodizio Grill and The Oceanaire
For Golf Lovers: Clermont National Golf Course, Mission Club + Resort (Howey in the Hills) and Tap Room at Dubsdread
Hotels and Resorts: The Boheme at Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando (brunch or dinner), Amatista Cookhouse (Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando), The Kitchen at Hard Rock Hotel Orlando Universal Orlando, Unreserved Food Bazaar at JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa, Illume at JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa, Four Flamingos at Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, Primo at JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes, Sophia’s Trattoria at Conrad Orlando , Rosen Shingle Creek, Rosen Centre, Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista, Rosen Plaza, Rosen Inn Pointe Orlando and Alfond Inn
Multiple Locations: Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, Seasons 52 and Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse
Thursday, May 16
Enzo’s Hideaway at Disney Springs is hosting a Bootlegger’s Dinner built around Brugal rum pairings at 7 p.m. (and doing it again on May 22). The night includes three drinks paired with coconut shrimp arancini, paccheri al ragù cinghiale (pasta with wild boar ragout), and affogato. Tickets are $75 plus tax and tip.
Friday, May 17
The Wine Quest charity event is celebrating its 28th year tonight and Saturday at the Caribe Royale Resort. Friday is $195 for unlimited tastings of 200+ wines, spirits and cocktails along with hors d’oeuvres and DJ. Saturday is $300 for a wine dinner with bubbly reception, light hors d’oeuvres, live music, and a chef-curated, four-course dining experience with specialty wine pairings. Quest, Inc. is a non-profit that helps adults and children with developmental disabilities through services to increase capabilities and quality of life.
Sunday, May 19
Morimoto Asia at Disney Springs is throwing its annual luau with Japanese brewer and distiller Suntory including a poke and sushi bar, Morimoto-style baby ribs and a whole roast pig. The lunch luau, 2- 4 p.m., also includes desserts at the table, a live band, and hula dancers. Tickets start at $115 per person with Suntory cocktails available to buy.
Monday, May 20
Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant has a few tickets left for An Evening in Provence at its I-Drive location, 7 – 10 p.m. Starting at $79, the themed Wine of the Month event is built around Côtes du Rhône with a meal including farmer’s vegetable and bacon soup, roasted rack of lamb, and Grand Marnier creme brulé. The night is a party atmosphere so you will be seated with other guests.
Friday, May 24
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The corn keeps coming with the Mount Dora Corn Festival at Elizabeth Evans Park, 6 – 9 p.m. today and 3-9 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets are $18 for adults and $9 for kids 4-9. That admission gets you in both days with two ears of Zellwood sweet corn, free shuttle parking, and concerts by Shelby Darrell, Will Jones, Nine Days and Mark Wills with fireworks on Saturday night. Other activities include a corn shucking contest, corn-on-the-cob eating contest, cornhole contest, Saturday petting zoo, and crowning of the Corn King and Queen.
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