Chew on this, Orlando
🍗 Speaking of letting someone else cook for you for the holidays, check out this list of restaurants serving Christmas dinner around town. Whether you’re getting BBQ to go or looking to dine in and devour prime rib, your options are endless. (Orlando Date Night Guide)
🙏 Visit Orlando raised more than $289,000 through Magical Dining this year, donating $1 of each meal sold in the month-long initiative to two local nonprofits, Pathlight Home and iDignity. The charitable orgs each received a big check during the visitor bureau’s annual luncheon on Friday. Pathlight Home provides permanent housing to low-income families and folks experiencing houselessness, while iDignity assists with getting people proper identification. (Bungalower)
🚘 Are you a big Food Network fan? A faithful follower of Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives? There are 10 restaurants within driving distance to you right now that have appeared on the show, and Orlando Weekly rounded them all up for you in case you’re hungry. 👉 (Orlando Weekly)
💰 The Michelin Guide’s arrival in Florida could cost the state over $1 million, and that’s just a guesstimate. The truth is, the public doesn’t know exactly how much it will cost because folks in the know aren’t saying anything. We know that Visit Orlando is kicking in $350,000 to get the coveted restaurant reviewers here and Visit Florida is contributing at least $150,000 as well, but that doesn’t take into account what other tourism orgs across the state are paying. No one’s upset that it’s coming; quite the contrary. It’s a testament to the array of delicious culinary offerings Florida has to offer — however, Orlando Sentinel writer Scott Maxwell opined that we shouldn’t have to guess where tax dollars are being spent. (Orlando Sentinel)
🌈 Did you know: LGBTQ+ folks are more likely to be food insecure than their straight peers? WMFE just shared that fact in its recent feature spotlighting the LGBTQ+ Center in Mills 50: an estimated 13% of the LGBTQ+ community will experience hunger in their lifetimes when compared to just 7% of non-queer people. That’s why you’re invited to attend the local org’s Pride drag food drive taking place this weekend. Just pack your trunks with food, cleaning and hygiene supplies, and diaper donations for the pantry, and then pull up to the center where drag queens will unpack your cars. The event is set for Saturday, Dec. 18, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (WMFE)
❓ What’ll it be? Egg nog or coquito? And who else answered both? Because honestly, I can’t choose. Luckily for us, we don’t have to: Check out this list from foodie writer Amy Drew Thompson detailing her picks for where to find the best seasonal beverages around town. (Orlando Sentinel)
🍸 And speaking of end-of-year treats, have you gawked at Hawkers’ holiday drink menu yet? Because wow: Between the Ho-Ho-Ho Hot Chocolate bomb (with alcohol!) and the Snowconut Margarita, you will be d-damn-azzled. (Hawkers on Instagram)
