Here are some quick tips for fun food events this week, including Mother’s Day, CookieCon and more.
Mother’s Day is coming up fast and we’ll get to that in a sec, but first, moms and dads might be surprised to learn that making sushi at home is a great family time experience. Check out the latest issue of Edible Orlando for how rice and toppings (and a little patience) can teach your kids to embrace imperfection.
Now… Mother’s Day is almost here, but so are hot dogs and cookies and oysters and tequila. Edible Orlando writer John Graham searches the calendar for all the food fun in and around Central Florida and puts it together in this handy list.
Saturday, May 13
The legendary (and a little scary) Nathan’s Famous hot dog eating contest comes to Kissimmee and the Old Town entertainment district at noon. Spots to choke down dogs filled up fast, but you can still watch all the action in person. This is an official Major League Eating and International Federation of Competitive Eating competition, so qualifying eaters can move to the big Fourth of July contest at Coney Island.
Sunday, May 14
The mimosa industrial complex kicks into overdrive for Mother’s Day. Did you get a reservation? Check out our Mother’s Day listings for special menus and pricing around Orlando and Central Florida. Home is where Mom is – and Mom is out of the house for eggs Benedict and prosecco.
Wednesday, May 17
Tickets go on sale today for CookieCon Orlando, a huge gathering of cookie makers from around the world 
that runs Aug. 30 through Sept. 2. CookieCon at Rosen Shingle Creek is a chance for these bakers and artists to get together for classes, seminars, show off their skills, and generally share the cookie love. The full attendee ticket runs $459 for the weekend, but $20 shopper passes for just Sept. 1 and 2 go on sale May 31 for $20.
Thursday, May 18
Ever think the one thing that would make furniture shopping better would be a drink? West Elm near Mall at Millenia is hosting a Bottoms Up Bar Co. craft cocktail class, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. For the $85.20 class fee, you’ll get a West Elm mixology kit with shaker and tools as well as instruction and access to fruit, herbs and spices, house-made syrups, champagne, and one spirit. Each student also has the chance to win a bar kit and ice bucket.
Friday, May 19
Lake Nona Social is hosting a “secret” wine and culinary tasting at the rooftop garden of Lake Nona Pixon Apartments, 7 – 9 p.m. Many Lake Nona Social events are only for club members, but this one is $35 (plus tax and fees) for members and $55 for the public.
Saturday, May 20
St. Cloud restaurants get a chance to show off and let folks sample the menus, 6 – 9 p.m., for A Taste of Main Street in the St. Cloud Marina Building. You can enjoy the sunset from the second-story balcony overlooking East Lake Toho and taste dishes from about a dozen local spots. Tickets are $28.52.
Monday, May 22
Windermere Brewing Company is hosting what they call a “not-so-fancy soiree,” 5 – 9 p.m. with Dean’s Oyster Bar popping-up in the beer garden and a chance to sample WBC’s new Belgian tripel. Sweet and spicy tripels usually contrast well with clean and briny oysters. Windermere Brewing is hoping some folks will wear “your best garden party attire,” but also say it’s no big deal if you don’t. Singer/songwriter Claire VanDiver plays live.
Tuesday, May 23
Formaggio & Friends in South Orlando is hosting winemaker Alberto Scarini from Italy’s Ca’ Montebello winery, 6:30 – 8 p.m., as part of its Take Flight pairing series. For $35, you get a tasting of Ca’ Montebello wines from Central Italy, a curated cheese board to pair, and the opportunity to talk with Scarini.
Friday, May 26
BACÁN, inside the Lake Nona Wave Hotel, is hosting a celebration of tequila and mezcal with a four-course tasting menu from restaurant’s Michelin-recommended culinary team and cocktails featuring Lobos 1707. Starting at 6 p.m., the meal is $95 and an additional $55 if you add the cocktail pairings. You can make reservations at dining@lakenonawavehotel.com.
