Orlando, a city synonymous with enchanting theme parks and beloved characters, is rapidly emerging as a culinary destination in its own right. Beyond the immersive dining experiences within Epcot and other attractions, Orlando boasts a diverse and vibrant food scene. From casual neighborhood eateries like Shiraz Market, renowned for its delectable kebabs, to establishments like The Ravenous Pig, which helped put Orlando’s dining scene on the map with its Southern-inspired fare, the city offers a spectrum of culinary adventures to suit every palate and budget. The arrival of the Michelin Guide in 2022, recognizing 47 restaurants and awarding four with Michelin stars, further solidified Orlando’s place on the gastronomic map. Indeed, These 2 Hotels Are Elevating Orlando’s Growing Food Scene.
Interestingly, you don’t even have to venture beyond your hotel to experience top-tier dining in Orlando. Many hotels are now culinary destinations in themselves, offering innovative menus and diverse cuisine just steps from your room. This article will explore two such hotels that are significantly contributing to Orlando’s burgeoning food scene: the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa and the Caribe Royale Orlando.
JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa: A Modern Oasis of Culinary Delights
The JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa, a haven of modern luxury that opened in 2020, offers a sophisticated escape and a collection of exceptional dining experiences that set it apart in the bustling Bonnet Creek area. From the moment guests arrive, they are greeted with opportunities to indulge in the finer things. The Activity Desk hosts weekly wine and bourbon tastings, while the daily afternoon gin cart, a charming mobile bar, meanders through the lobby from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Talented mixologists craft bespoke gin and tonics using a rotating selection from the hotel’s impressive collection of 150 gins, including non-alcoholic options, complemented by fresh herbs from the hotel’s own garden. This dedication to quality and personalized service creates a memorable and inviting atmosphere.
Sear + Sea: A Michelin-Recommended Celebration of Surf and Turf
The crown jewel of the JW Marriott’s culinary offerings is undoubtedly Sear + Sea, a Michelin-recommended restaurant that elevates the classic surf and turf concept to new heights. The menu features an array of exquisite dishes, from perfectly cooked Wagyu beef, known for its marbling and tenderness, to the freshest branzino or salmon, sourced from the finest catches. The restaurant’s commitment to quality extends to its extensive wine collection, boasting 350 bottles from around the world, carefully selected to complement the menu’s rich flavors.
Even without a reservation, guests can experience a taste of Sear + Sea’s culinary magic at the opulent lobby bar. While the full menu may not be available, the bar offers a curated selection of dishes, including the renowned Brussels sprouts, a savory and addictive bar snack that showcases the restaurant’s attention to detail.
Illume: Rooftop Pan-Asian Cuisine with a View
For a more contemporary dining experience, guests can ascend to Illume, the hotel’s rooftop restaurant, which offers a modern take on traditional Japanese cuisine. The menu features innovative dishes such as pork belly bao buns topped with yuzu mustard aioli, a delightful fusion of textures and flavors. The Japanese whisky liquid nitrogen ice cream, available at brunch, is a whimsical and unforgettable treat.
Illume’s creativity extends to its cocktail menu, which features a curated selection of Japanese whiskies and inventive concoctions like the Firebird, a vibrant blend of Japanese vodka, sake, cantaloupe, and green tea. The restaurant’s outdoor patio offers breathtaking views, including a perfect vantage point for the nightly fireworks display at nearby Disney, making it a popular spot for both hotel guests and locals alike.
Unreserved Food Bazaar and Beer Garden: A Culinary Journey Around the World
The Unreserved Food Bazaar and Beer Garden provides a more casual yet equally impressive dining experience. The main restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, has been recently reimagined to offer a diverse range of cuisines, each prepared with meticulous attention to detail. Guests can embark on a culinary journey that includes everything from fresh ceviche to handmade pizzas, as well as dishes cooked in the josper, a custom-built charcoal oven that imparts a unique smoky flavor to grilled meats.
The house-made meatballs, available in both vegan and meat options, are a must-try appetizer. For a main course, guests can choose from classic dishes like handmade pizza or opt for a unique creation like the hibiscus flower-rubbed snapper cooked in the josper. The beverage selection is equally impressive, with the tabletop sangria, particularly the Constellation Sangria, being a highly recommended choice.
Caribe Royale Orlando: A Tropical Oasis Reimagined
In contrast to the JW Marriott’s modern aesthetic, the Caribe Royale Orlando exudes a vintage charm with its pink Art Deco facade, reminiscent of a classic tropical Florida vacation. While the hotel has been a mainstay in Orlando for decades, it recently underwent a $140 million renovation that revitalized its interior design with modern Art Deco stylings and completely transformed its food and beverage program, drawing inspiration from culinary traditions around the world. These 2 Hotels Are Elevating Orlando’s Growing Food Scene, and Caribe Royale is a great example.
Venetian Chop House: A Journey Back in Time to Classic Italian Elegance
The Venetian Chop House offers a refined dining experience that transports guests to a bygone era. The restaurant’s traditional Italian menu features classic dishes such as tagliatelle bolognese and wild mushroom risotto, prepared with impeccable attention to detail. The menu is further enhanced by inspired daily specials, such as seafood wellington, showcasing the culinary team’s creativity and expertise. The attentive service and elegant ambiance complete the experience, making it a memorable dining destination.
Rum Bar: A Taste of Havana in the Heart of Orlando
The recently opened Rum Bar, featuring BACARDÍ® Rum, creates a vibrant mini-Havana atmosphere, complete with domino tables and a connecting Cigar Patio. The bar’s extensive Bacardi Rum collection is complemented by a menu of classic Cuban fare. The standout dessert is undoubtedly Abuela Cruzita’s Flan, a cherished family recipe that chef Chris Martinez personally prepares from scratch each day, refusing to share the secret with anyone else. This dedication to preserving tradition and honoring his heritage adds a special touch to the Rum Bar experience.
Calypso’s Pool Bar & Grille: Refreshing Flavors by the Pool
Calypso’s Pool Bar & Grille offers a more casual dining option with an updated menu featuring refreshing cocktails served in coconuts and delicious poke and ceviche options, perfect for enjoying a summer day by the pool. The vibrant flavors and tropical ambiance create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for guests seeking a casual meal or a refreshing drink.
The Chocolate and Pastry Program: A Sweet Indulgence
Arguably the most unique offering at the Caribe Royale is its chocolate and pastry program. Head pastry chef Josh Cain has assembled a dedicated team that creates exquisite chocolate creations, available exclusively at the resort. From intricately designed chocolate oranges to larger-than-life creations, such as a 32-foot-long train made from 1,600 pounds of chocolate during the Christmas season, the team’s artistry and creativity are truly remarkable.
Cain recently traveled to France to develop a proprietary milk and dark chocolate recipe for Caribe Royale, a recipe that is not available anywhere else in the world. The milk chocolate, with its subtle hints of honey, is a testament to Cain’s dedication to quality and innovation.
Currently, these delectable treats are available at the Tropicale Cafe, the hotel’s breakfast restaurant. Soon, the pastries, chocolate bon-bons, and other creations will be available for purchase at any time in the all-day Cafe 24. Future plans include offering chocolate-making classes and chocolate and wine pairing sessions for guests, further enhancing the resort’s culinary offerings. Indeed, it’s clear that These 2 Hotels Are Elevating Orlando’s Growing Food Scene.
Conclusion
The JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa and the Caribe Royale Orlando are shining examples of how hotels can contribute significantly to a city’s culinary landscape. By offering a diverse range of dining experiences, from Michelin-recommended fine dining to casual poolside fare, these hotels cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences. Their commitment to quality ingredients, innovative menus, and exceptional service elevates the dining experience for both hotel guests and local residents alike. As Orlando’s food scene continues to evolve, hotels like these will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping its future, making the city a true destination for food lovers.
