Gotta Do This: Orlando Magical Dining Month

With all of the places that come to mind when you think or talk about culinary destinations, I bet Orlando, Fla., isn’t one of them. Oh sure, Orlando is the first place that you think of when it comes top-notch attractions, but when asked about restaurants in the city, you really aren’t sure.

“Orlando is like the Rodney Dangerfield of dining destinations, it deserves more respect for its growing culinary scene,” comments Susan Greer, associate vice president of publicity, Orlando/Orange County CVB.  “The city now offers top celebrity chef dining, including Cat Cora’s first restaurant opening in September, and a growing array of trendy, independent establishments.”

Even more, Greer points out that since Orlando welcomes around 50 million visitors from all over the world every year, the city now offers everything from African to Vietnamese to everything in between.

“It’s international specialties include a unique cluster of Vietnamese restaurants, called the ViMi District, and a growing Brazilian dining area on International Drive.” 

And now you can experience Orlando’s hidden gem (their restaurant scene) through throughout September during Orlando Magical Dining Month. Over 75 participating restaurants will offer three-course prix fixe dinner for $20 or $30. According to Greer, this month-long promotion highlights all of the new dining offerings and provides consumers with an incentive to try them out.

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Orlando Magical Dining Month is a great time to try that restaurant that you’ve always been curious or to deviate from the usual to discover something new.

Psst: My recommendation is Emeril’s Tchoup Chop, located in Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal. Trust me when I say that you can’t go wrong with the steamed pork and Asian vegetable dumplings.

QUICK TAKE

WHAT: Orlando Magical Dining Month

WHEN: September 1-30

WHERE: Over 75 participating restaurants

COST: Depending on the restaurant, either $20 or $30. This doesn’t include beverage, tax and tip. Restaurants are donating $1 from each meal to the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children.

GOOD TO KNOW: Reservations are highly recommended.

photo credit: Dinner plates, flickr, creative commons by babybootie88