Air Show Season Makes for a Great Opportunity to Dine in the Sunshine State
F&D Kitchen (Cat Claus)
For aviation enthusiasts, Florida is the place to be this spring. Between Sun ‘n Fun and the AEA workshops, it makes for the perfect vacation. Florida is also the perfect destination for family and friends, so why not try some world-class cuisine after a long day of air show fever? In addition to beautiful beaches, amusement parks, and a wide range of outdoor activities, Florida is a destination for cuisine. This writer’s friends in the tourism industry have provided some great recommendations. Here at In Flight USA, we wish all attendees, venders, and pilots a great air show season in the sunshine state.
F&D Kitchen servces only the best locally sourced food. (Cat Claus)
F&D Kitchen and Bar
fdkitchenbar.com, 1541 International Pkwy, Suite 1001, Lake Mary, Fla. 32746
At this Lake Mary gem – located just minutes from Sanford International Airport – it all starts with careful thought and an emphasis on creating an exceptional dining experience for guests. Led by Chef Pete Morales, the restaurant is committed to supporting Florida fishermen, farmers, and brewers, as well as upholding a farm-to-table standard with its food. F&D serves only the best local fare, including coastal caught seafood, grass-fed beef, farm-raised poultry, and handcrafted beers and cocktails.
F&D Cantina
https://www.facebook.com/FDCantina, 12789 Waterford Lakes Parkway, Orlando, Fla. 32817
One of the Central Florida dining scene’s newest destinations, F&D Cantina, is a Mexican gastropub with an innovative farm-to-table menu accompanied by craft cocktails and margaritas, and more than 32 tequila choices. Enjoy authentic Mexican food in an upscale restaurant setting with beautiful, handmade furnishings and décor exclusive to F&D Cantina.
A selection from Cooper’s Hawk Winer and Restaurant. (Cat Claus)
Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant – Waterford Lakes and I-Drive
www.coopershawkwinery.com, 529 N. Alafaya Trail, Orlando, Fla. 32828 and 8005 International Dr., Orlando, Fla. 32819
The Cooper’s Hawk concept includes four distinct components: an upscale casual dining restaurant, full-service bar, private barrel-aging room, and Napa-style tasting room, and retail gift store… all under one roof. Enjoy two Central Florida-area locations: International Drive and Waterford Lakes.
The Tropical Salad from Braccia Pizzeria. (Cat Claus)
Braccia Pizzeria & Ristorante
www.bracciapizzeria.com, 153 E Morse Blvd, Winter Park, Fla. 32789
Braccia Pizzeria & Ristorante, an Italian restaurant in Winter Park, brings a new pizza concept to Orlando and the U.S. The restaurant features a refined and comfortable ambiance with indoor and outdoor seating. Along with pizza, the restaurant also offers pasta and main entrées, as well as an open cellar with select wines.
Ravenous Pig
theravenouspig.com, 1234 North Orange Ave., Winter Park, Fla. 32789
The Ravenous Pig is an American Gastropub experience, set against the backdrop of the cozy and comfortable neighborhood ambiance of downtown Winter Park. Start with a traditional pub experience, add a passionate culinary team, and pair with an elevated dining experience—and you’ll get fare that is as delicious as it is unique. Extensive menus range from traditional pub fare to raw bar offerings, creative salads, house-made pastas, and the freshest seafood and bistro classics.
Cask & Larder
www.caskandlarder.com, 565 West Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park, Fla. 32789
The name Cask & Larder has two meanings; “Cask” refers to the beer being made in-house and “Larder” the deep-rooted name for a Southern pantry. Sister restaurant of the Ravenous Pig, Cask & Larder utilizes southern-sourced, seasonal ingredients for Southern-inspired fare and offers an oyster bar, country hams, house-brewed beers, Sunday brunch, family-style sides, and whole-cooked animals and fish.
4Rivers Smokehouse
4rsmokehouse.com, 1600 W. Fairbanks Ave, Winter Park, Fla. 32789
Considering themselves the leading producer of authentic smoked products, 4Rivers Smokehouse offers a variety of BBQ options such as pulled pork and their mouth-watering delicious brisket.
