Fun Food Events in Orlando

Here are some quick tips for fun food events this week, including a book signing, Pints n’ Paws and more.

If you do it right, every day can be a holiday. Just this coming week includes National Lobster Newburg Day (Saturday), National Spanish Paella Day (Monday), National Black Forest Cake Day (Tuesday), National Turkey Neck Soup Day (Thursday), and National Tater Day (Friday). Celebrate well and maybe take a walk (even though National Walking Day isn’t until April 5). Of course, every day feels like a holiday when the weather is this nice — check out our Al Fresco Dining Guide for the best spots to savor the season along with food and drink at Bites & Bubbles, Aurora at the Celeste, and eateries at Pointe Orlando and Marketplace at Avalon Park.

The whole point of this weekly column is to spread the word on what’s coming up for Central Florida food lovers. Edible Orlando writer John Graham picks the week’s best five fun food events, Saturday to Friday. John did his best, but his week, we’re a little heavy on Saturday. So, pay attention and don’t miss something good!

Disney Cookbook Singing, Pints n’ Paws

Edible Orlando Managing Editor Pam Brandon has worked with Disney Parks chefs for more than 25 years, translating their legendary recipes to a smaller scale you can make at home. Pam’s newest cookbook is The Official Disney Parks Cookbook: 101 Magical Recipes from the Delicious Disney Vault. Saturday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Pam will be at The Ancient Olive Gourmet of Winter Garden. At the event the shop will have autographed copies for sale, and you’ll have a chance to talk with Pam and sample some recipes from the book. A few recipes you might try at home include Flame Tree Barbecue sauce, Chef Mickey’s breakfast pizza, and “the grey stuff” from Be Our Guest.

The Pints n’ Paws Craft Beer Festival brings bevvies from more than 100 breweries to downtown Sanford on Saturday, 2 – 6 p.m. The (of course) dog-friendly afternoon is held in front of Celery City Craft and West End Trading Co. About a dozen local food trucks will be there too. Technically, you can attend Pints n’ Paws for free, but if you want to sample the beers, you’ll need a $50 ticket. You can also buy a $65 VIP ticket that gets you the beers an hour early plus a t-shirt and drink sleeve. Tickets at the gate cost $10 more. All proceeds from the event go to local pet rescues including Pet Rescue by Judy.

Two “Taste of…” Events, Whiskey Dinner

We’ve got two Saturday “Taste of…” events in Central Florida. Let’s start with Taste of Oviedo, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., in the Oviedo Mall parking lot. So far, 17 restaurants and food trucks will be there along with beers from four Orlando-area breweries. Admission is free and then you buy what food and drink you want. Other activities include the Oviedo Roots farmer’s market, live music, a free kid activity area, a new culinary demonstration tent, $5 train rides, $5 silent disco and $5 bungee jump.

Taste of Volusia is also Saturday, 5 – 9 p.m., at the Volusia County Fairgrounds in DeLand. The night is organized by Volusia Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers as an “eat and meet.” You sample local foods and crops form the county and get to know local farmers and ranchers. Expect beef and pork, vegetables and citrus, honey and more. The night also includes a cash bar and live music from national country music artist Reed Foley. Tickets are $35 online or from a member of the Volusia Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers.

Bob Dylan has a liquor brand, Heaven’s Door whiskeys, and on Friday, Christner’s Prime Steak and Lobster will host a $155 four-course pairing dinner at 7 p.m. Bob won’t be there, but Heaven’s Door “convivialist” and national brand ambassador Austin Millspaugh will. Dinner includes crabcake, Caesar salad, USDA Choice prime strip or sesame-seared ahi tuna, and carrot cake. You’ll also sample Heaven’s Door Straight Bourbon Whiskey, blended “Double Barrel,” Rye Whiskey, and Christner’s exclusive Heaven’s Door Single Barrel. You can make a reservation at 407-645-4443.