Chef Ryan McLaughlin, Dexter’s New Standard (ROBERTO GONZALEZ)
When we began putting together the 2020 Dining Awards, the world was a different place, with a booming culinary economy and new, exciting destinations on the horizon. Fast-forward a few short but stressful months, and restaurants are downgraded to less than full occupancy or have been forced to play the takeout-only game. Names such as Sette and Wahlburgers have shuttered, and Florida brewers are in desperate trouble without the ability to serve on premises. And yet, through the economic difficulties and pandemic regulations, Orlando’s food community carries on, and the winners of this year’s Dining Awards are even more deserving of the recognition. Here’s a toast to better times, and we look forward to enjoying them in full again.
