Dear K,

Jamaica looks amazing, as usual. My weekend was definitely more local ahah. The 8th Downtown Food & Wine Festival happened this past weekend in Orlando and well, you know me, I wouldn’t miss an event like this! Restaurants might use it as a platform to show off their ultimate endeavors but for me is just the perfect excuse to spend an entire day eating and drinking. I decided to go on Saturday, as Mike Posner, Michael Franti and American Authors were performing.

The weather was gorgeous and what better than spending a day like this at Lake Eola?! Seriously, I couldn’t have asked for more.

With the Wine Tasters’ package, I got to try multiple samples of wine from different Wine Clubs around Orlando. It was quite a tasting and I fell in love with a Cabernet from Chile: Concha Y Toro Gran Reserva. A full body red, smooth, not too sweet… all the right flavors in one bottle. South American wines don’t usually disappoint but this one is just sublime.

In regards to food, I tried several delicious samples. I knew some of the places, as they are local businesses, but I found two amazing new places that I can’t wait to visit the real venue. First, the Sushi House, where I tried the Volcano Roll. As a sushi lover, I can only say yummy yummy yummy! Also, I tried Funky Monkey‘s fabulous Ahi Tuna Rice Bowl. Ashley Nickell, former Hell’s Kitchen contestant, is the chef and I can tell you that I’m really excited to try more menu items.

Volcano Roll and California Roll @ Sushi House

Ahi Tuna Rice Bowl @ Funky Monkey

Marinated Beef Tenderloin @ Marlow’s Tavern

Teppanyaki Noodels w/ vegetables, shrimp & chicken @ Kobé

Now… the music! I missed Mike Posner’s acoustic performance as I ran into some friends and lost track of time. You know… classic me! But Michael Franti was absolutely fantastic. Great sound, amazing vibe and energy, and also a brilliant connection with the audience!

Last but not the least, American Authors were just superb.

Definitely a great ending to what it was a beautiful day! As you know, it has been a year since my dad passed away, so I really wanted to make sure I was celebrating life with a smile on my face. I sure had extremely happy moments during this weekend and I’m glad I can share them with you.

Can’t wait to see you : )

– C