Author: Joseph Hayes

Empty Plate

No Central Florida chef has ever made it to the finals of the James Beard Awards. it's high time that changed.

Chef Meetup

The Orlando magazine Dining Awards event was an assemblage of familiar faces and new friends.

A Master’s Tale

Masaharu Morimoto reflects on family, culinary philosophy, and the restaurant realm that has him on a last-name basis with fans in Orlando and around the world.

Dynamic Dining

At Earls, Chef Simon Zanotto’s energy is reflected in the delicious diversity of the menu, from avocado toast to chicken and ribs.

’Cue Heaven

From burnt ends to gator ribs, barbecue wizard Kenny Gilbert cooks up perfection at his Fernandina Beach eatery.

Culinary Kingdom

Chef Daven Wardynski works wonders at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort as a keeper of fine cuisine, not to mention bees.

DoveCote Divine

From superb French cuisine to creative craft cocktails (and a heavenly happy hour), the restaurant earns its place as a downtown gem.

Bulla Karma

Built on the site of a legendary lounge, Bulla Gastrobar dazzles with a tasty lineup of Spanish tapas, entrees and libations.

Far Out!

The flatbreads shine at Lake Nona’s Canvas, which is worth the drive for its takes on Latin, Caribbean and Cuban creations.

Tapas Territory

The small plates at Tapa Toro are a delightful mix of Spanish and Mediterranean influences. And the paella pit cooks up tasty experiences aplenty.

One Note Wonders

From cheese sandwiches to meatballs, these restaurants zero in on one culinary category—and produce some tasty variations on a theme.

Food Fairs

The fare is varied at culinary festivals cranking up for the fall. Here’s a guide to some favored feasts.

Local Flavor

There seems to be a local culinary entrepreneur toiling away in every corner of Central Florida. The Orlando area, in fact, is alive with bakers and hot sauce makers.

Superb Seito

Owner Jason Chin and Chef Austin Boyd have elevated sushi and pan-Asian dining to a delicious new level.

Slate of the Art

Whether cooking snapper or spoonbread, Slate’s Dominic Rice is a master of textures and tastes—and he operates a mean oven.

Local Heroes

Chefs Kathleen Blake and Kevin Fonzo celebrate anniversaries with a continuing focus on seasonal and sustainable.

Flavorful Heritage

At Urbain 40, Chef Jean-Stephane Poinard draws on his expertise and that of generations before him to create out-of-this-world French dishes.