Cowgirls Rockbar Orlando Grand Opening in Orlando, FL

I was invited to the grand opening of Cowgirls Rockbar at I-Drive 360. This is a new bar/restaurant located on International Drive in the same complex as the Orlando Eye ferris wheel. The theme of Cowgirls Rockbar seems pretty self-explanatory by the name. They feature Orlando's only mechanical bull, bartenders who stand on the bar and dance, and potentially very elusive southern-style food (keep reading for more on that).

Here's the menu for the grand opening. Because I was limited on time and Cowgirls was very crowded, I didn't actually get a chance to try any of the food on this visit. I'm in the International Drive area pretty often so I figured I'd try their food on another day.

I found myself back on I-Drive a little less than two weeks later at dinner time and decided to try the food at Cowgirls. No such luck. We walked into a completely empty Cowgirls and were told that they only serve food on weekends. I know they're mostly a bar, but there were no people drinking here on a weeknight. With the lack of customers, I wish Cowgirls luck with not serving food during the week. I double checked their press release just to make sure the food wasn't just a grand opening thing, and it looks like the original plan was to serve food for lunch and dinner every day. I guess things change...

Cowgirls Rockbar Orlando is NOW OPEN

Boots, beers, and Orlando's only mechanical bull bring a new vibe to I-Drive 360  

ORLANDO, Fla. - (Nov. 19, 2015) - Time to cowboy up Orlando - Cowgirls Rockbar Orlando is now open!

The Cowgirls guarantee a good time The new restaurant and bar at I-Drive 360 features Orlando's only mechanical bull and is the perfect place to kick up some dust, enjoy a cold longneck, sip a whiskey or grab some BBQ.

Cowgirls Rockbar is quickly becoming known for its beautiful Cowgirls who serve up Southern-style dishes and cold drinks along with plenty of banter. Getting to know the servers and bartenders is all part of the experience. So is dancing on top of the bar at any moment.

At the center of it all is the mechanical bull. It's ready and willing for anyone who wants to go for a ride; speeds range from super-slow to hang-on-for-your-life. It's the star of the show, whether you're on top of the bull or just watching from a bar stool.

Cowgirls piled-high BBQ pulled pork sandwich Cowgirls is open for both lunch and dinner. Signature dishes include BBQ platters piled high with smoked brisket, pulled pork and smoked turkey, along with southern-style sides like mac 'n cheese, baked beans, coleslaw and cornbread. Guests can also get a bowl of Cowgirls Almost Famous Gumbo, filled with smoked chicken, andouille sausage, crawfish, okra, peppers and more - slowly simmered in a dark Louisiana roux. Finish it off with an old-fashioned root beer float or banana pudding.

Cowgirls is quickly becoming one of Orlando's top spots for a wild night out for birthdays, bachelorette parties or other special events. DJ's will keep the party going all night long with a mix of country, pop and rock hits. And there's no better location, as it's just steps from the Orlando Eye.

Orlando Food Truck Bazaar #2: May 1, 2011 @ Fashion Square Mall

The second Orlando Food Truck Bazaar, brought to us by TheDailyCity.com, is happening this Sunday (May 1, 2011) at the Fashion Square Mall outside of Dillards from 7 pm - midnight. I'll be there. Will you?

Some quick points on what I learned from the first Food Truck Bazaar last month to make the event more enjoyable for everyone.

• Don't go there expecting to get your food and leave within an hour (my big mistake last time). Allow yourself at least a couple of hours.
• Get there early. The food trucks might sell out.
  
• Don't expect to try everything.
  
• Expect the lines to be large and intimating. Think Magic Kingdom on July 4th. Thankfully, the lines will move faster than Disney and your food will most likely be more satisfying than your thirty second ride on Dumbo.
  
• Don't cut in line. I noticed this was a huge problem last time around. Don't contribute to the problem.

Get all the delicious details at TheDailyCity.com

See you there!

Orlando Food Truck Bazaar

It's funny how a few months ago, few people would consider visiting Orlando's food trucks. They've been there for years off most people's radar, hidden away along the less traveled parts of certain roads such as OBT and Colonial. That is until a Korean BBQ Taco Truck shows up. Suddenly, food trucks are the cool new thing in town and several more new (gourmet) food trucks pop up soon after.

TheDailyCity.com has been a big proponent of the Orlando street food scene with their occasional Taco Truck Taste Tests, but now they're bringing us the next level of street food events with the Orlando Food Truck Bazaar. Lots of food trucks, all in one place. How can you possibly go wrong? Details below:

Third Annual Orlando Food & Wine Fest, Nov 13-14

Third Annual Orlando Food & Wine Fest

Treat for the Senses at Lake Eola on November 13-14, 2010

Featuring Top Chef'Testant Kenny Gilbert & National Entertainment War and Fourplay 

Presented and produced by 103.1 WLOQ and the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, this signature event  features mouth-watering dishes from 36 Central Florida restaurants and more than 50 domestic and international wines.  Lincoln Mercury is the presenting sponsor of the Fest, a top three Community Best Event award winner by the Orlando Sentinel.  

WHERE:          
Downtown Orlando on Robinson Street along Lake Eola from Rosalind to Eola Drive

WHEN:           
Saturday, Nov. 13, 1 p.m. - 9 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 14, 12 p.m. - 7 p.m. 

More than 16,000 guests enjoy cooking demonstrations by local and celebrity chefs on the Bright House Network Chef's Stage; world-class entertainment including national recording artists WAR, Fourplay and Marc Antoine performing live on the Widmer Main Stage, and collegiate and professional sports games airing in the outdoor sports bar.

Saturday

2  p.m.                         Entertainment: Lori Brothers

2 p.m.                          Chef Demo: Warren Caterson, Table for Two - The Cookbook for Couples

3 p.m.                          Chef Demo: John Zimmerman, Ruth's Chris Steakhouse

3:30 p.m.                     Entertainment: The Redcoats (Beatles tribute band)

4 p.m.                          Chef Demo: Dionna Hurt, Best In Show, Crisco National Pie Making Championship

5 p.m.                          Entertainment: Jose Valentino

5 p.m.                          Chef Demo: Ian Hollman, Dexter's Thorton Park

7:30 p.m.                    Entertainment: WAR

Sunday

1 p.m.                          Chef Demo: Tyler McMahan, Tommy Bahama

1 p.m.                          Entertainment: Lyman High School Jazz Band

2 p.m.                          Chef Demo: Top Chef'Testant Kenny Gilbert 

2:30 p.m.                    Entertainment: Marc Antoine

3 p.m.                          Chef Demo: Stuart Borton, Yellow Dog Café

4 p.m.                          Chef Demo: Dustin White, CRAVE

5 p.m.                          Entertainment: Fourplay

ADMISSION/TICKET PRICES:  

Limited advance tickets can be purchased online at www.OrlandoFoodAndWineFest.com and at local Trustco Banks and Lincoln Mercury dealers (through November 12).

• Advance weekend pass:        $15
• Advance one-day pass:          $10
• At the gate:                              $15
• Children:                                  Free (12 years of age and under)

Tasting samples cost $2 to $6 and may only be purchased with food and beverage tickets. Tickets, in $2 increments, will be available for cash purchase on site.

The Orlando Food and Wine Fest benefits the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Educational Foundation and the Children's Home Society of Florida (CHS) and Central Florida Jazz Society.

Orlando Magical Dining Month

September is Orlando Magical Dining Month! Over 60 restaurants all over Orlando are offering three course meals for $30. You have until September 30 to get a great deal at some of Orlando's best restaurants. Hurry!

For more information, visit OrlandoMagicalDining.com

Slow Food Orlando's Aloha Friday Farmers' Market Dinner

I was recently sent information about Slow Food Orlando's latest food related event. Sound's like a nice menu!



About the Aloha Friday Farmers' Market Dinner:
Chefs at Loews Royal Pacific Resort are celebrating the bounty of Central Florida with a special Farmer’s Market Dining Experience that features locally-grown food. In partnership with Slow Food Orlando and as part of Loews Hotels’ “Adopt-a-Farmer” program, the hotel consistently sources and buys food items that are grown and raised in the local area. Experience the Farmer’s Market Dinner on Friday, May 28, 2010, from 6:30 - 8:30 PM.


Menu for Friday, May 28:

Hearts of Christmas Farms, LLC
“Create your own salad station”
Cucumbers, Carrots, Local Tomatoes, Red Onion, Croutons, Sunflower Seeds, Shredded Cheddar, Parmesan Cheese, Sun dried Cherries
Choice of Strawberry Balsamic, Ginger Soy, Avocado Ranch
Olde Hearth Bread Company Artisan Bread Display

Wild Ocean Market
Port Canaveral Shrimp Dumpling Station
Ruby Red Shrimp Dumplings with Bean Sprouts, Cilantro, Basil and Red Curry Broth

Palmetto Creek Farms
Pork Taco Station
Roast Pork Carnitas Station with freshly made Corn Tacos, Shredded Lettuce, Guacamole, Tomato Salsa and Chipotle Sour Cream

Deep Creek Ranch Livestock
All Natural Roast Beef Sandwich
Italian Style Roast Beef with Fresh Mozzarella, Giardiniera, Sweet peppers on Semolina Bread

Dessert
Florida Peach Cobbler, Blueberry Upside down Cake, Carmel Ice Cream


About Slow Food Orlando:
Slow Food envisions a future food system that is based on the principles of high quality and taste, environmental sustainability, and social justice. We are working for food that is Good, Clean and Fair. We work with producers and co-producers: farmers, chefs, citizens, educators and other activists to ensure that the food shed of Orlando and beyond is safe, healthy and delicious! Please visit www.slowfoodorlando.org for more information.

OLV Café Grand Opening

I was sent some information on a new restaurant called OLV Cafe that opens tomorrow in SoDo. I thought I'd share in case anyone is interested. I'll need to give them a try soon!

ORLANDO, Fla. (Aug. 21, 2009) – OLV Café announced today it will celebrate its grand opening on Monday (Aug. 24). This contemporary, swanky and fun café/bistro is designed to be Southeast Orlando’s newest restaurant and social gathering place.

“We are excited to announce the beginning of a brand new kind of restaurant experience in Orlando. OLV Café is more than just a restaurant -- it is Sodo’s new hip destination,” said Michael Buell, a partner on the project. “As Sodo’s newest addition, OLV Café is positioned to be a premiere social gathering place, offering great food and good times--morning, noon and night.”

The café/bistro will be open for lunch and dinner, offering coffee all day with a great selection of beer and wine in the evening. Its eclectic menu will bring a unique blend of tastes from around the world.

“From our she-crab bisque or smoked duck confit for lunch to tuna ceviche with avocado-tomato salsa and crispy tortilla for dinner, OLV Café’s dishes are unlike anything being offered in the area,” said Humberto Perez, owner of OLV Café.

OLV Café wants to create the perfect place to meet friends for coffee, conduct business meetings or meet collegues for a drink after work. Its will feature free WiFi and high-tech multi-screen entertainment to help people stay connected during the day and night.

OLV Café will open from 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to Midnight Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Sunday. The new bistro/café is located at 25 W. Crystal Lake Drive Suite 175, Orlando, Florida 32806 in the Sodo shopping plaza.

For more information on OLV Cafe, call (407) 722-5060 or visit www.olvcafe.com.