New Year, New Votes
Tell us what's tops on your culinary list by casting a ballot in our annual Dining Awards.
As we begin this year’s circle around the sun, we also open the doors to another Orlando magazine Dining Awards, and it’s time to cast your votes for our special Awards Issue in May!
In 2017 (remember all the way back then?), you chose deep blu seafood grille as Best Restaurant, and deep blu’s chef, John Sadio, as Best Chef. Is that still true, or do you have a new, must-dine favorite and a dazzling chef? Earls Kitchen + Bar came in as your fave New Restaurant—what have you tasted that will win this year's title? Is Beth’s Burger Bar still the Best Local Burger or has one of the new invasion of hamburger hustlers taken the crown?
Along with your choices, the Awards Issue also reveals my selections for Critic’s Picks, and I am eager and pleased to uncover new and exciting places to chow down. Last year I decided that heart, talent and a remarkable palate for flavors was more important than the cost of the meal (or the restaurant), and I chose John Calloway at Black Rooster Taqueria as my Best Chef. I can tell you that I’ve been to Black Rooster several times since then, and I stick by my somewhat controversial choice—but there are a few new kids in town that just might take my award this year.
In 2017, I time-traveled to 1921 by Norman Van Aken, which took my Best Restaurant pick outside the Orlando city limits to Mount Dora—but who will rise to the occasion this year? To be honest, I haven’t decided yet. Or have I?
Clay Miller served up food impressive enough to garner my pick for Best Newcomer for DoveCote. Which of the plethora of new restaurants will take the title this year? You won’t know until May …
Take the time right now to make your choices on the ballot. There's a veritable feast of categories to choose from, and this is your chance to tell us and your fellow food fanatics who you think is the Best in Orlando. And you just might win dinner for two at a top local restaurant just for making your picks. Voting closes February 1, so hop to it!
Chefs and restaurateurs, you have a part in this process, too. The Readers Choice awards are determined by your customers, and we make it easy to get the word out by providing images, flyers and neat badges to plaster all over social (and actual) media. Click here and then click on the link in the "restaurant representatives'' section to download the resources.
Resolved to visit new restaurants in 2018? Comments? Questions? Recommendations? Stay in touch with Joseph at joseph.hayes@orlandomagazine.com. You can access a comprehensive list of his print and online reviews–including the restaurants mentioned above—here!
