This week, we’re diving into the vibrant world of Food Halls—the new culinary playground popping up in towns and cities across the U.S.! From local favorites to innovative dishes under one roof, food halls are a major part of the modern dining scene, and we’re here to break down the good, the bad, and the downright great.

Join us as we explore a variety of Central Florida food halls, including:

- **East End Market** in Audubon Park

- **Marketplace at Avalon Park**

- **The Food Factory** in Oviedo

- **Boxi Park** in Lake Nona

- **Great Southern Box Company** in The Packing District

- **Henry’s Depot** in Sanford

- **Plant Street Market** in Winter Garden

- **The Wheelhouse Food Hall** at Icon Park

- **Ala Cart**

We’ll share what makes these spots unique and what you should look for when exploring a food hall. Do you have a favorite food hall or a dish we should try? We’d love to hear from you! Please leave us a review, share your thoughts, and help us keep the conversation going.

**Tune in to Let's Eat Orlando for more local dining insights and recommendations!**

**Follow Us:**

- *Instagram*: @LetsEatOrlandoPod

- *Amy Drew*: @AmyDroo

- *Biggie*: @UCFBiggie and @DeliFreshThreads

Share your food hall adventures with us and look for our seal of approval on the best eats!

Let's Eat Orlando with Amy Drew and Biggie – Episode 16: Sweet, Heat, and Bittersweet

In this flavorful episode, Amy Drew and Biggie dive into the world of Sweet, Heat, and Bittersweet moments in Orlando's food scene.

- **Viral Chocolate Craze:** We explore the viral sensation of the Dubai Chocolate Bar and its many iterations. Peterbrooke Chocolatier created a buzz with their pistachio and tahini version, popularized by TikTok, while Orlando Nuts and Shipley Donuts jumped on board with their own takes on the trend.

- **Exploring Epcot’s New Flavors:** Amy Drew takes us on a tour of Epcot's latest offerings, including the "Unnecessarily Spicy Yet Extremely Tasty Carolina Reaper Curry Wings." She’s excited about how Disney is embracing bold flavors, including their hot dog in America’s pavilion.

- **Hot Chicken Tenders and Spice Levels:** The duo discusses their eagerness to try local hot chicken tenders and test their tolerance for heat. They also give a shout-out to **Fat Cat Sauce**, which is making an appearance on *Hot Ones* as a Hot sauce.

- **Bittersweet Closures:** The episode takes a bittersweet turn as Amy Drew and Biggie reflect on the closures of beloved Orlando eateries like **Pom Pom’s Teahouse**. Biggie shares his special connection with Pom, having inspired the Deli Boss sandwich and collaborated on the Gouda Meat’cha sandwich. Amy Drew hints at an upcoming tribute episode with Pom, celebrating her 20 years as a local institution.

- **Support Local:** With both hosts heading off for travel, they encourage listeners to support their favorite local spots and spread the word to help keep these beloved businesses thriving.

Tune in for a mix of sweet and spicy food adventures, heartwarming memories, and a reminder to savor Orlando’s culinary treasures!

Here are the podcast notes for this week’s episode of *Let’s Eat Orlando with Amy Drew and Biggie*:

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### In This Episode:

- **Phat Ash Bakes**: We dive into the world of Phat Ash Bakes and their themed baking parties. They give you their signature vanilla dough, mix-ins, and let you bring your own creative add-ins to the mix for a fun baking experience.

- **Rugged Perspective**: Activities while eating? We talk about Rugged Perspective's rug tufting events, where you can tuft your own rug during Tasty Takeover. A fun twist for foodies and craft lovers!

- **The Great Pumpkin Spice Debate**: Are you Team Pumpkin Spice or Team No Pumpkin Spice? We get into the seasonal debate. Would you try Pumpkin Spice SPAM? Amy Drew has! Plus, Biggie introduces us to the "Chumpkin," his easy and tasty dessert made with a box of chocolate cake mix and canned pumpkin.

- **Cider Love**: Amy Drew shares her fond memories of growing up near a cider mill and talks about cider and mulled cider with Rachelle from *The Travel Bite*.

- **Tailgate Talk**: We talk sports and tailgating food, and find out a surprising fact—Amy Drew has never had fast food chicken tenders! Future show idea? Plus, Biggie shares his unique tailgate techniques, which change depending on the opposing team.

- **Top BBQ in Florida**: A shout-out to *Smoke Made Meats*, recently named the top BBQ spot in Florida by *Texas Monthly*.

- **Thanksgiving Prep**: We discuss Thanksgiving plans, with Biggie’s wife wanting to taste-test turkeys from different places. Plus, we talk about the new Thanksgiving Sandwich from Hinckley’s Fancy Meats.

### Listener Engagement:

We’d love to hear your thoughts! Are you Team Pumpkin Spice or Team No Pumpkin Spice? Have you tried any local BBQ or had a unique tailgating experience? Let us know!

### Stay Connected:

Follow *Let’s Eat Orlando* on social media:

- Instagram: @LetsEatOrlandoPod

- Amy Drew: @AmyDroo

- Biggie: @UCFBiggie and @DeliFreshThreads

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Tune in next week for more delicious conversations and Orlando foodie recommendations!