Hello World!

Like anything worth sharing, it’s best just to start where you are. In this case, the beginning of this travel blog is anchored in a little city with a juicy (orange groves) past: Winter Garden, Florida. Not to be confused with all the other “Winter” places here in Florida ~ Winter Park, Winter Haven, Winter Springs, and Winter Beach ~ the City of Winter Garden is nestled along the western edge of Orange County and less than 20 miles from downtown Orlando. 

After relocating from Washington, DC in 2009, I spent a few years in nearby Ocoee and then settled here in Winter Garden. Living in Winter Garden has been one of the best decisions for my family. There’s so much to enjoy and appreciate about this town. For this blog entry, I will concentrate on one of the original loves of my life: food.

Admittedly, I am a bit of a foodie.  For many people, food is one of the great joys of life and an expression of comforting traditions. Depending on where you live, you may or may not have access to a thriving foodie culture across your local restaurants. And depending on where you travel, your mind and tastebuds might be delightfully expanded with the discovery of a new type of food or cuisine or with a refreshingly different twist on a dependable favorite dish.

When thinking of your typical foodie paradise, places like Paris, Rome, Tokyo, and New York City often come to mind, and for good reason. But when it comes to foodie-friendly havens off the beaten path (or in the middle of suburbia), there is no shortage of options in many places these days. And Winter Garden is no exception.

With that in mind, here are my top 5 places to enjoy food in and around Winter Garden, Florida:

1. Plant Street Market
2. Chef’s Table at the Edgewater Hotel & the Tasting Room
3. Market to Table
4. Rosallie Winter Garden
5. The Hangry Bison

Believe it or not, all 5 of those eateries are located on the same street and within a few blocks of each other. Plant Street in downtown Winter Garden is undoubtedly a foodie playground and these 5 places cement Winter Garden’s reputation as a destination for foodies in Central Florida.

Plant Street Market

If you are in the mood to graze and nibble on various options, look no further than Plant Street Market. With its flagship brewery, Crooked Can Brewing Company, Plant Street Market provides a variety of options for when you want to meet a group of friends and all be able to choose whatever suits your fancy. Options include coal-fired pizza, fresh sushi and poke bowls, made-to-order donuts, gourmet mac and cheese, quintessential Southern BBQ, tacos, empanadas, a vegan juice bar, and much more. With an expansive patio and ample indoor seating, meet up with some friends or family for the perfect place to chat and chew.

Chef’s Table at the Edgewater and The Tasting Room

For special occasions, book a table at The Chef’s Table. And for days like Wine Down (every) Wednesday, The Tasting Room is the perfect place to enjoy small plates with complex flavors and an extensive drink menu. Winners of numerous restaurant awards, The Chef’s Table and The Tasting Room are the perfect pair to start your foodie quest along Plant Street.

Market to Table

Date night at Market to Table can’t be beat. From the moment you walk through the door, this restaurant provides a calming atmosphere where you can focus on engaging in conversation with whoever is accompanying you for a delicious meal. With a seasonal menu loaded with fresh local ingredients, Market to Table is consistent with its dependable quality and attentive service.

Rosallie Winter Garden

With a sister location in Las Vegas, Rosallie Winter Garden is the perfect spot for when you are craving a flaky croissant, a perfectly grilled croque monsieur, or a fresh salad. This French bistro provides a bright welcoming atmosphere and cute outdoor seating. It’s a favorite place to dine solo and curl up with a good book because the pace is slower and the comforting flavors can be savored at Rosallie Winter Garden.

The Hangry Bison

A relative newcomer to the Plant Street scene, the Hangry Bison drummed up a lot of buzz when it opened and it’s not hard to see why. Comprised of a bustling large dining room with a full bar and an outdoor patio for energetic socializing, the Hangry Bison has amassed a faithful following in a short amount of time. The place to go for a hearty burger any way you want it or a craft cocktail for whatever your mood, you’ll never leave this place hangry.

Well, there you have it. Whether you are visiting from out of town, looking for a new place to try for your next meetup with friends, or not wanting to cook dinner tonight, you won’t go wrong at any of those places. With a cornucopia of culinary delights concentrated in a surprisingly small area, Winter Garden is a great place for foodies from Central Florida and beyond.