In this enlightening episode, Amy Drew and Biggie explore the complex world of vegan cuisine, focusing on the challenges of replicating meat flavors, the debate around making vegan food taste like meat, and the joys of natural vegan foods. We also highlight successful vegan ventures and the labor of love involved in creating vegan delicacies.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. The Difficulty of Replicating Meat Flavors in Vegan Food:

   • Challenges faced in mimicking the taste and texture of meat in vegan dishes.
   • The science and creativity involved in this process.

2. The Debate over Making Vegan Food Taste Like Meat:

   • Pros and cons of vegan foods that replicate meat flavors.
   • Preferences for authenticity vs. mimicry in vegan cuisine.

3. The Preference for Natural Vegan Foods:

   • Embracing whole, plant-based ingredients.
   • The appeal of dishes that celebrate the natural flavors of vegetables and legumes.

4. The Success of the Impossible Burger:

   • Discussion on the popularity and impact of the Impossible Burger in the vegan and non-vegan communities.
   • Its role in changing perceptions of vegan food.

5. Spotlight on The Kind Cleaver: Vegan Deli at the Market on South:

   • Overview of The Kind Cleaver's offerings.
   • The intricate process of making vegan deli meats and the labor involved.

6. Flavoring Vegan Meats and Protein Sources:

   • Techniques and ingredients used to enhance the flavor of vegan proteins.
   • The importance of seasoning and marination.

7. The Use of Vegan Meats in Non-Vegan Dishes:

   • How vegan meats can be incorporated into traditional non-vegan recipes.
   • Expanding culinary horizons with versatile vegan proteins.

8. The Appeal of Vegetable-Based Vegan Dishes:

   • Celebrating the versatility and flavors of vegetable-based dishes.
   • Examples of standout vegetable-centric recipes.

9. Exploring Vegan Desserts:

   • Highlighting the creativity and deliciousness of vegan desserts.
   • Mention of favorite local vegan dessert spots.

10. Being Open to Trying New Foods:

    • Encouragement to explore and experiment with vegan foods.
    • The importance of an open mind in expanding one’s palate.

Restaurants and Spots Mentioned:

• The Kind Cleaver
• Leguminati
• DaJen Eats
• Winter Park Biscuits
• Greenery Creamery
• Sampagita
• Hen & Hog’s
• Valkyrie Donuts
• Market on South

Conclusion: Join Amy Drew and Biggie as they navigate the exciting world of vegan cuisine, discussing everything from the intricacies of vegan meat replication to the natural beauty of plant-based foods. Whether you're vegan or just curious, this episode offers a flavorful exploration of the innovative and diverse vegan food scene.

Call to Action: Tune in weekly to Let's Eat Orlando for more delicious discussions and local food insights! Follow us on social media for updates and share your vegan food experiences with us! Follow us at @LetsEatOrlandoPod on Instagram.

In this exciting episode of Let’s Eat Orlando, Amy Drew and Biggie delve deep into the Orlando food scene, highlighting intriguing dining experiences and sharing behind-the-scenes insights into food writing and restaurant culture. Here’s what to expect:

1. Seito Sushi
   Amy Drew and Biggie explore the menu and ambiance of this popular sushi destination, sharing their personal recommendations. They discuss the intriguing concept of providing backstories for menu items, making the dining experience even more immersive.

2. Life of a Food Reporter
   Amy Drew gives a glimpse into her typical week of writing for the Orlando Sentinel, sharing the challenges and joys of crafting restaurant reviews. They dive into how these reviews shape a restaurant's reputation and the delicate balance between negative and positive feedback.

3. The Rule of 10
   The hosts examine the ripple effect of word-of-mouth recommendations, highlighting the importance of repeat and new customers in a restaurant’s success.

4. Restaurant Realities
   They candidly discuss the challenges that restaurants face today, including the battle for attention between established eateries and newcomers, as well as the concept of "food fatigue."

5. Ispirazione Italian Sandwiches
   The episode wraps up with a spotlight on Ispirazione, a place known for its delicious Italian sandwiches. Learn what makes this eatery stand out in a competitive culinary landscape.

Check out the restaurants we talked about:

• Seito Sushi
• Ispirazione Italian Sandwiches

Follow Us:

• Instagram: @LetsEatOrlandoPod
• Amy Drew: @AmyDroo
• Biggie: @UCFBiggie and @DeliFreshThreads

In this mouthwatering episode, Amy Drew and Biggie dive deep into the world of BBQ, exploring why it's often referred to as the "meat bonsai" of cooking. They share personal preferences, favorite BBQ joints, and a delicious Carolina pulled pork recipe. From brisket to ribs, and cowboy beans to BBQ sides, this episode is a BBQ lover's dream.

**Key Topics Discussed:**

1. **BBQ as the Meat Bonsai of Cooking:**

- Discussion on the artistry and precision involved in BBQ, akin to the meticulous care required in bonsai cultivation.

- The labor of love that goes into perfecting BBQ techniques.

2. **Personal BBQ Preferences:**

- Amy Drew and Biggie share their go-to BBQ orders and preferences.

- The importance of trying BBQ without sauce initially to appreciate the meat's true flavor.

3. **Favorite BBQ Spots:**

- Pig Floyd's: Biggie's favorite orders and must-tries.

- Boxer and Clover: Highlighting the brisket and cowboy beans.

- Joe's Holy Smoke: Amy Drew's rave about the Rib Dog.

- Additional recommended spots: Cecil's Texas Style BBQ, Jimmy Bear's, Brisket's and BBQ Shack, Granny's Southern Smokehouse, Smoke and Donuts, Smoke Made Meats, Uncle Kenny's Takeaway, and Brock's Florida Barbecue.

4. **Amy Drew's Crock Pot Carolina Pulled Pork Recipe:**

- A step-by-step guide to making mouthwatering Carolina pulled pork at home.

5. **The BBQ Experience:**

- Discussing the "hibernation" feeling after a hearty BBQ meal.

- Amy Drew's recommendations for BBQ sides and her favorite bread to pair with BBQ.

6. **BBQ Etiquette and Tips:**

- Tips on how to initially try BBQ to fully appreciate the flavors.

- Why it's suspect if BBQ is sauced when served.

**Restaurants Mentioned:**

- **Cecil's Texas Style BBQ**

- **Jimmy Bear's BBQ**

- **Brisket's BBQ Shack & Grill**

- **Granny's Southern Smokehouse**

- **Smoke and Donuts**

- **Smoke Made Meats**

- **Pig Floyd's**

- **Boxer and Clover**

- **Uncle Kenny's Takeaway**

- **Joe's Holy Smoke**

- **Brock's Florida Barbecue**

**Conclusion:**

Join Amy Drew and Biggie as they celebrate the art of BBQ, sharing personal stories, recipes, and local recommendations. Whether you're a seasoned pitmaster or a BBQ novice, this episode is packed with insights and tips to enhance your BBQ experience.

**Call to Action:**

Don't forget to try Amy Drew's Carolina pulled pork recipe and share your BBQ experiences with us! Follow us on social media for more BBQ tips and local Orlando food recommendations.

Follow Us:

• Instagram: @LetsEatOrlandoPod
• Amy Drew: @AmyDroo
• Biggie: @UCFBiggie and @DeliFreshThreads

Let’s Eat Orlando with Amy Drew & Biggie

Episode 2: The Foodie Awards Special

In this episode, hosts Amy Drew and Biggie dive into the tantalizing world of Orlando's culinary scene, focusing on the prestigious Foodie Awards. Here’s a breakdown of what they covered:

• Orlando Sentinel’s New Format: We discuss the revamped format of the Foodie Awards by the Orlando Sentinel, exploring its impact on the local food scene.

• The Challenge of Choosing a Winner: Amy Drew and Biggie share insights into the difficulty of selecting just one winner from a plethora of outstanding culinary establishments.

• Category Nominations: We delve into the various categories nominated for the Foodie Awards, including both the Critics' Choice and Readers' Choice selections.

  • BBQ
  • Brewery
  • Burger
  • Cheap Eats
  • Doughnuts
  • Food Truck
  • Pizza
  • Sandwich
  • Sushi
  • Taco
  • Takeout
  • Vegan
  • New Restaurant

• Mini Sandwich Category Breakdown: The hosts provide a detailed analysis of the sandwich category nominees, highlighting some standout contenders.

Featured Restaurants:

• Briskets & BBQ
• Granny’s BBQ
• Ten10
• Ivanhoe Brewing
• Primrose
• Hangry Bison
• Swine & Sons
• Shaka Sushi
• TJ’s Seafood Shack
• DG Doughnuts
• Donut King
• Red Panda Noodle
• Goldie Fine Foods
• SoDough Square
• Cucinella’s Brick Oven Pizzeria
• Black Magic Pizza
• Hinkley’s Fancy Meats
• Stasio’s Italian Deli
• Nauti Lobstah
• Norigami
• Kabooki Sushi
• Hunger Street
• Black Rooster
• Deli Desire
• Viet Nomz
• Kind Cleaver
• Livs Gourmet Pickles
• WinterPark Biscuit Company
• Kaya
• Johnny’s Diner
• Jam Hot Chicken
• Sweet & Salty

Tune in to hear Amy Drew and Biggie’s take on these exciting nominees and more in this mouthwatering episode of Let’s Eat Orlando.

Follow Us:

• Instagram: @LetsEatOrlandoPod
• Amy Drew: @AmyDroo
• Biggie: @UCFBiggie and @DeliFreshThreads

Join hosts Amy Drew and Biggie in Episode 1 of Let's Eat Orlando as they dive into the vibrant culinary landscape of Orlando, and discuss the Netflix series Somebody Feed Phil. Discover the mouthwatering eateries featured in Phil Rosenthal's exploration of the City Beautiful, and hear firsthand accounts of the magic behind the scenes.

Show Notes:

• Introduction

  • Amy Drew and Biggie introduce Episode 1, focusing on Phil Rosenthal's depiction of Orlando in Somebody Feed Phil Season 7 Episode 6.

• Meeting Phil Rosenthal

  • Learn how Amy Drew first crossed paths with Phil Rosenthal and the excitement of dining out with him.

• Community Representation

  • Explore the great representation of Orlando's diverse community showcased in Somebody Feed Phil.

• Phil and Lily's Children's Book

  • Discover Phil Rosenthal's heartwarming children's book, Just Try It, co-authored with his daughter Lily.

• Behind the Scenes

  • Amy Drew shares her most memorable experiences from filming Somebody Feed Phil in Orlando.

• Q&A at Crocante

  • Delve into the insightful Q&A session hosted at Crocante, offering deeper insights into the Orlando food scene.

Featured Restaurants in this episode.

• Crocante
• Hinkley's Fancy Meats
• Gideon's Bakehouse
• Domu
• Se7en Bites
• Bahn Mi Boy in Tien Hung Market
• Black Bee Honey
• LA FEMME DU FROMAGE
• SAMPAGUITA ICE CREAM & DESSERTS
• KOOK'N WITH KIM
• CAPA STEAKHOUSE & BAR

Follow Us:

• Instagram: @LetsEatOrlandoPod
• Amy Drew: @AmyDroo
• Biggie: @UCFBiggie and @DeliFreshThreads

Tune in to Let's Eat Orlando for more tantalizing discussions and insider tips on exploring Orlando's food scene!

Join hosts Amy Drew and Biggie in the inaugural episode of Let’s Eat Orlando, where they delve into the vibrant culinary scene of the City Beautiful. From personal food memories to discussing favorite movies and TV shows, they set the stage for what promises to be a delicious journey through Orlando's gastronomic landscape.

Show Notes:

• Introduction

  • Amy Drew and Biggie introduce the podcast and share their excitement for exploring Orlando's diverse food culture.

• Getting to Know Us

  • Amy Drew and Biggie share personal anecdotes and food memories, including what sandwich or food item they would be.

• Favorite Movies and TV Shows

  • The hosts discuss their favorite movies and TV shows, offering insights into their entertainment preferences.

• Orlando Food Scene

  • Dive into the vibrant Orlando food scene, highlighting favorite local spots and culinary trends.

• Cultural Insights

  • Learn how to eat a pastelito and unravel the mystery between a macaron and a macaroon.

• New Restaurant Openings

  • Explore the latest additions to Orlando's dining scene, including must-visit restaurants like Mid Drive Dive and Boxers & Clover.

• Trends in Orlando

  • Amy Drew and Biggie discuss current food trends shaping Orlando's culinary landscape.

• Local Pizza Joints

  • A spotlight on the best pizza joints in Orlando, perfect for satisfying any craving.

Featured Restaurants:

• Mid Drive Dive
• Boxers & Clover
• Kai Asian Street Fair
• Black Bean Deli
• Dim Sum House
• 1908 Bakery
• Cow & Cheese
• Birria1983 Mexican Bar & Grill
• Drake Kitchen & Bar
• Papi Smash
• Se7en Bites
• Sushi Saint

Tune in to Let’s Eat Orlando for more mouthwatering discussions and insider tips on where to dine in the City Beautiful!

Social:

Follow us on Instagram at @LetsEatOrlandoPod

Follow Amy Drew on IG: @AmyDroo

Follow Biggie on IG: @DeliFreshThreads