Delicious Preview Of Flavors Of Florida

Thanks to Walt Disney World Resorts for hosting me for free, for the preview of Flavors of Florida in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. Trust me, you don't want to miss this summer's offerings.

Flavors of Florida is the biggest annual culinary event at Disney Springs and more restaurants than ever are participating this year.

Chefs and mixologists in 45+ locations have pulled out all creative stops in coming up with more than 90 special dishes, drinks and events that are Florida-inspired.

Cocktails use seasonal Florida fruits such as watermelon, strawberry and orange. Many are also made with spirits that are distilled in the Sunshine State. In addition, Florida-made craft brews are featured in some of the bars.

Those featured above come from eet by Maneet Chauhan. I love the fun, floaty garnishes. The restaurant is just as colorful as the drinks.

When it comes to food, many of the specialty appetizers, entrees and desserts feature citrus. But that's not all. Local fish and gulf shrimp are also on many menus. Then there is the produce, everything from the St. Augustine pepper to local mushrooms, tomatoes and more.

The plate above is Cheesy Fungi Jon Mushrooms from Jaleo in Disney Springs. The dish is made with local wild mushrooms from Fungi Jon that are sauteed before getting topped with topped with shaved Idiazábal cheese and Iberian ham chips

Check out the mouthwatering Glowing Oak Burger at Jock Lindsey's Hanger Bar. It has not one, but two pressed beef patties, pimento cheese, fried green tomatoes and more. You see bacon and jalapeno jam dripping from underneath the cheddar-chive biscuit it is served on.

There are tons of delicious desserts to choose from like this Keylime Shake at House of Blues Restaurant. Yes, that is a miniature pie for a garnish. It is decadent and enough to share if you dare.

Besides special food and beverage offerings during Flavors of Florida, there are lots of unique events scheduled. At Splitsville Dining Room they are pairing cocktails with appetizers and entrees. They are also hosting a mixology class. Some of the cocktails are pictured above.

The famous Orange Bird is the Flavors of Florida mascot. Look for him everywhere. Even on the latest Mickey Mouse ears as sported above. I'm sampling one of the Florida based beers featured at House of Blues.

Keep checking back for daily video updates like this one from dinner at Morimoto. It is an exquisite restaurant. The food and service are equally outstanding.

Click here for a video of more food items. And for more drink options, including fiery presentations, click here.

The exciting culinary event runs through August 10th

NOTE:

Gina Birch is giving away tickets to Walt Disney World Resorts all week so you can experience Flavors of Florida too. Friday morning she is giving one lucky listener a magical escape that includes an overnight stay and spending money. For more information on the contest click here.