Podcast Notes: Let's Eat Orlando with Amy Drew and Biggie 🎙️🍴

In this episode of *Let’s Eat Orlando*, Amy Drew and Biggie serve up a hearty conversation about Orlando’s vibrant food scene, looking back at 2024 and forward to the exciting developments in 2025. Here's what we covered:

🍽️ Restaurant Openings & Closures

- **Cheers to Gnarly Barley** for breaking the "Ivanhoe curse" and thriving in their location. 🎉

- Saying goodbye to beloved spots like SkyBird, V’s Diner, Ethos, Dajen Eats, and Valkyrie Doughnuts. 💔

- A reminder to support your favorite local eateries during challenging times—shoutouts to spots that also closed 💔 like Pom Pom’s, Mid Drive Dive, Dead Words Brewery, Persimmon Hollow, and many more.

🔥 Trends in 2024

- The smash burger boom continues to dominate the scene. 🍔

- Asian cuisine shines bright with innovative and flavorful offerings. 🍜

🌟 Amy Drew’s 2024 Favorites

- Kai Kai, Coro, and Seito top Amy Drew's list for must-visit spots!

🔮 What’s Coming in 2025

- Anticipating the arrivals of Cowboy Curry, Mills Market, Kai Kai’s Red Panda Chicken Sandwich Truck (Baba Yaga), Pepper Lunch, and more.

- Local gems expanding to Orlando's airport terminals: Stasio’s, Maxine on Shine, Smoke and Donut, Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream, Foxtail Coffee, Otto’s High Dive, and Swine & Sons, among others. 🛫

🍔 Biggie Bomb Mi & Burger Jawn Love

- A quick chat about Biggie Bomb Mi and Amy Drew’s undying love for Burger Jawn—a must-try burger destination.

❤️ Community Support

We emphasize the importance of rallying behind our local restaurants, whether they're old favorites or exciting new spots, to keep Orlando's food scene thriving.

Tune in for all this and more as we celebrate Orlando’s dynamic dining landscape. Hungry yet? Hit play now! 🎧

Follow Us:

- *Instagram*: @LetsEatOrlandoPod

- *Amy Drew*: @AmyDroo

- *Biggie*: @UCFBiggie and @DeliFreshThreads

This week on *Let’s Eat Orlando*, Amy Drew and I dive into the holiday favorite, Coquito! We share how we enjoy making and drinking this creamy, coconut-based delight, perfect for celebrating the holiday season.

### Highlights from the Episode

- **Coquito Creations**: Amy Drew and I discussed how we make our Coquito, the stories behind our recipes, and the joy of sharing this festive drink with friends and family.

The different variations of Coquito being made around the city. Biggie also shares the variations he has blended up through the years.

### Local Spots We Mentioned:

- **Otto’s High Dive** – Famous for their Coquito.

- **Matt’s Latin BBQ** – A great spot to check out for Latin flavors.

- **Crocante Rotisserie Kitchen and BBQ** – Delicious food and holiday vibes.

- **The Wellborn** – Known for its festive offerings.

- **Buen Fuegos** – Always a crowd-pleaser.

- **Bang Bang Bakehouse** – Perfect for sweet pairings.

- **The Gnarly Cuban** – A must-try for Cuban classics.

Do you have a favorite Coquito recipe 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.

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**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

In this episode of *Let’s Eat Orlando with Amy Drew and Biggie*, we dive into the world of cinnamon rolls—light, fluffy, and everything a Cinnabon isn’t. We kick things off with DeVilma Cinnamon Rolls, which Amy Drew describes as smelling amazing, though she admits the aroma sometimes outshines the taste. Biggie shares his go-to cinnamon rolls from Ikea and Donut King, while Amy Drew reveals her favorite—the Ultimate Cinnamon Roll from The Glass Knife in Winter Park, FL, especially for its perfectly balanced cream cheese icing.

We also chat about Amy Drew’s unique dining habit—she never finishes her food, leaving plenty for Biggie to taste. This time, he lucked out with bites of Benny’s Burger, a smash burger loaded with onions that hit all the right notes.

The conversation expands into the characteristics of a good cinnamon roll (spoiler: balance is key!) and why Amy Drew loves cakes more than frosting. She even has her eye on a Fluffer Nutter Pop Tart, leading us to explore the growing trend of homemade Pop Tarts from spots like The Glass Knife and Buttermilk Bakery.

We dig into a few must-try bakeries for cinnamon rolls, including Bread for the Masses, Yeast Coast Bakehouse, and Sourdough Bakehouse, and share stories like Biggie’s mom bringing over her favorites from Bread for the Masses.

Biggie shares the best thing he’s eaten lately—tacos from Taqueria Las Cazuelas, a small, family-owned gem—and we chat about the magic of tacos and other handheld foods.

Finally, we discuss the balance of eating, writing about food, and managing those extra calories, along with tips for navigating holiday eating and making the most of leftovers. Plus, a sneak peek into what’s coming next for *Let’s Eat Orlando*!

Don’t miss this deliciously diverse episode!

### **Follow Us for More Local Dining Adventures!**

- *Instagram*: [@LetsEatOrlandoPod](https://instagram.com/letseatorlandopod)

- *Amy Drew*: [@AmyDroo](https://instagram.com/amydroo)

- *Biggie*: [@UCFBiggie](https://instagram.com/ucfbiggie) and [@DeliFreshThreads](https://instagram.com/delifreshthreads)

**Tune in now and let’s eat, Orlando!**

This week, Amy Drew and I dive into a foodie’s favorite holiday—Thanksgiving! With all the delicious eating happening on this grateful day, we love to extend the festivities with Thanksgiving-themed dishes before and after the holiday. From creative leftover sandwiches to full-on feasts and even egg rolls, we’re celebrating all things turkey day!

Here’s what we’re tasting and talking about:

- **Se7en Bites**: *No One Puts Gravy in the Corner*

- **Bad As’s Sandwiches**: *Gobble Gobble Mofo Sandwich*

- **Hinckley’s Fancy Meats**: *Leftover Sandwich*

- **Wawa**: *Gobbler*

- **TooJay’s Deli**: *Turkey Cranberry Griller*

- **Firehouse Subs**: *Thanksgiving Turkey Sub*

Biggie shares his unique twist on leftovers by making Thanksgiving egg rolls—crispy, stuffed with all the holiday flavors, and perfect for snacking!

We also chat about the legendary “Moist Maker” sandwich from *Friends*—and why restaurants haven’t taken up the challenge to make this fan-favorite creation.

What’s your favorite Thanksgiving sandwich or dish? We’d love to hear from you! Leave us a review, share your ideas, and join the conversation.

### **Follow Us for More Local Dining Adventures!**

- *Instagram*: [@LetsEatOrlandoPod](https://instagram.com/letseatorlandopod)

- *Amy Drew*: [@AmyDroo](https://instagram.com/amydroo)

- *Biggie*: [@UCFBiggie](https://instagram.com/ucfbiggie) and [@DeliFreshThreads](https://instagram.com/delifreshthreads)

**Tune in now and let’s eat, Orlando!**

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!

### Podcast Notes: Let's Eat Orlando with Amy Drew and Biggie

**Summary:**

In this week’s episode, Amy Drew and Biggie delve into the world of bagels, sharing how they enjoy them, where they get the best ones in Orlando, and what makes a perfect bagel. From the importance of boiling to the ideal chewiness, they break down everything that goes into creating and enjoying a truly great bagel. They also explore the differences between local bagel spots and share some personal stories, including a special treat Amy Drew brought for Biggie.

**Key Discussion Points:**

1. **Bagel Preferences and Expectations:**

- How Amy Drew and Biggie eat their bagels and what they expect visually from a perfect bagel.

- Importance of a shiny exterior and a rounded shape—evidence of a properly boiled bagel.

2. **The Boiling Process:**

- Why bagels must be boiled as part of the process.

- The distinction between bagels and rolls with holes if they aren't boiled.

3. **Storing and Packing Bagels:**

- Proper storage and packing methods—bagels should be stored in paper, not plastic.

4. **The Chew Factor:**

- The ideal chew of a bagel, where the texture should be dense enough to make your jaw hurt slightly, and the dough should be malleable enough to form a ball.

5. **Key Ingredients and Techniques:**

- Bagels need to have malt in the dough and undergo overnight proofing.

- Discussion of Montreal bagels, which use maple syrup as part of the process.

6. **Favorite Bagel Spots:**

- **Jeff’s Bagel Run:** A dedicated bagel shop serving bagels, cream cheese, and coffee.

- **NY Bakery Boys:** A bagel restaurant with two locations where you can get your bagels toasted and enjoy a full meal.

- **Bagel King:** Known for good bagels and as a great breakfast and lunch spot. Biggie shares his love for the pastrami on their Andy’s breakfast sandwich.

7. **The Role of Water in Bagel Making:**

- The importance of water in the dough-making process, focusing on its necessity rather than the source.

8. **Advocating for Your Food:**

- The importance of asking how your food is made and advocating for quality.

9. **Special Treat: Pickled Herring:**

- Amy Drew treats Biggie to a dish her dad used to make: pickled herring with fresh-cut raw onion, sour cream, and a bit of the pickling wine sauce.

10. **Shoutout to Soozie the Foodie:**

- Acknowledgment of Soozie the Foodie and her contributions.

**Final Note:**

- Amy Drew and Biggie enjoyed many bagels during this episode, but unfortunately, there’s no video footage of them eating them!

Tune in to this episode for a detailed and passionate discussion on bagels, from preparation to enjoyment, with plenty of tips, insights, and local Orlando recommendations!