Well, it’s been quite a week for me, I followed up a fantastic birthday weekend full of food, friends, and fun with a week of cramming for the HR certification exam I took today to satisfy the job that pays the bills (which I passed by the way!) I am finally able to sit down, guilt free, and get back to what makes me happy….FOOD!
I’ve got a nice arsenal of material to share with my foodie friends which I look forward to working on tomorrow, but to satisfy my craving and hopefully enrich a small moment of your day, I wanted to share with my Orlando readers (and those that love to travel to Orlando) a list of upcoming foodie events that will book up your calendar over the next few months.
Being an Orlando resident has it’s perks, the theme parks, sunny warm weather, and the Mall at Millennia just to name a few. But what we are quietly becoming known for is a haven for foodies! Some of the highest rated restaurants outside of NYC call Orlando home, as well as some famous chef’s like Emeril, Todd English, and Norman Van Aiken. Combining our two best industries, entertainment and food, Orlando also boasts some incredible epicurious events that keep local foodies, and tourists, satisfied.
I’ve put together a comprehensive list of the foodie-centric events that will be taking place between now and spring so that you can mark your calendars and have no excuse for missing out on some of the best events Orlando has to offer. Warning, planners like to overbook weekends, so be prepared to make some tough choices 
January
- Orlando Chili Cook-off, January 30th
- This first annual event will be held in beautiful Baldwin Park and will feature Orlando’s masters of chili, as well as some popular local restaurants. Tickets are only $7 and get you all you can eat samples of chili. Beer will be on sale and entertainment will fill up the afternoon to keep you and your family busy as you chow down on some tasty bowls of chili. Click here for more: http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-33304-Orlando-Cooking-Examiner~y2010m1d7-Save-the-date-First-annual-Orlando-chili-cook-off
February
- APHRODITE’S TOUR - – A Roadmap to Romantic Bliss, February 6th and 20th
- Looking for a memorable experience during this month of romance? Spend an afternoon with the Gaylord Palms Resort food-and-drink experts, as they take a hands-on approach to your perfect romantic evening. You’ll make a grand tour of Gaylord Palms restaurants, while doing something new at every stop, including preparing foods that are considered aphrodisiacs, sampling wines, and attending “how to” sessions on topics like “creating a romantic setting for a dinner at home.” Cost is $199 a couple, but for this unique and memorable experience it’s a great value for foodie’s in love. Learn more here: http://www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylord-palms/special-events/kissimmee-orlando-events/special-dining-event/index.html
- Lakeridge Winery WINEFEST, February 19th-21st
- Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards will host WINEFEST Feb. 19-21 in Clermont FL. The three-day outdoor festival features more than 100 arts & craft vendors, music and Lakeridge Wines. Complimentary winery tours and wine tastings will be held throughout the festival. There will be food vendors and a Beer & Wine Tent with food, soft drinks, beer and Lakeridge wines by the glass for purchase. The event will be held Friday & Saturday from 10 am-5 pm and Sunday from 11 am-5 pm Admission is a $2 donation to benefit the South Lake Chamber of Commerce. Parking is free. Click here for more info: http://lakeridgewinery.com/aboutus-events.php
- Out of Town Event: South Beach Wine and Food Festival, February 25-28
- OK, so this is not in Orlando, but it is one of the foodie events of the year and I happen to be going so I would be crazy not to tell you about it. Food Network is hosting some of the greatest culinary geniuses of all time for a weekend of food, wine, and gluttonous glory. Saturday and Sunday foodies can enjoy the Whole Food’s Tasting Village (where I will be) and during the evening can attend a wide variety of fun and exciting parties, like the Hornitos Tequila Party I’m going to on the 26 . It’s not too late to get tickets, visit http://www.sobefest.com/2010/index1.php
- Don’t forget to take my survey to the left on the celebrity chef you would most like to meet!
- OK, so this is not in Orlando, but it is one of the foodie events of the year and I happen to be going so I would be crazy not to tell you about it. Food Network is hosting some of the greatest culinary geniuses of all time for a weekend of food, wine, and gluttonous glory. Saturday and Sunday foodies can enjoy the Whole Food’s Tasting Village (where I will be) and during the evening can attend a wide variety of fun and exciting parties, like the Hornitos Tequila Party I’m going to on the 26
March
- Baldwin Park Food and Wine Festival, March 6th
- This popular fundraiser for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is a delicious event featuring upscale restaurants, chefs, and beverage retailers dishing out samples of their lavish bites and premium wines for everyone to enjoy. There will even be some spirits and beers to add to the variety. For a donation of $65, you can tempt your taste buds for the entire evening. Located along the Village Center at Baldwin Park. More details here: http://www.cff.org/Chapters/orlando/index.cfm?ID=11208&blnShowBack=True&idContentType=1312&Event=11208
- Festival of Chocolate, March 6th-7th
- The Orlando Science Center is hosting the premier chocolate tasting and shopping event, featuring a chocolate museum, demonstrations by Award-Winning Pastry Chefs, interactive Chocolate Activities, specialized Chocolate Classes, and the “Best of” Chocolate Indulgence Competition. Admission to the Science Center gets you and all access pass to the festival, advance purchased adult ticket is $17 and gets you 3 complimentary “Chocolate Chips” to spend in the show. Each “Chocolate Chip” has a $1 value. Click here for more info: http://www.festivalofchocolate.com/
- Strawberry Festival, March 4th-14th
- Enjoy a sweet bite of Americana at the Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City, Florida. The two week long event boasts a variety of events and agricultural and food exhibits, as well as some top billed entertainment like Switchfoot, One Republic, Sara Evans and Lynard Skynard just to name a few. Discover one of the largest Strawberry Festival’s in American and learn about the historical legacy of the Florida strawberry. Click here for event details: http://www.flstrawberryfestival.com/index.html
April
- Great American Pie Festival, April 23rd-25th
- For the ninth year in a row, the town of Celebration, Florida will become the Pie Capital of the World when thousands of pie lovers, tasters and bakers gather together the Great American Pie Festival sponsored by Crisco®. The event kicks off with the National Pie Championship at Championsgate hotel, and Festival follows with pie lovers event, like the highlight, as always, will be the Never-Ending Pie Buffet, featuring award-winning pie, ice cream, toppings and beverages from featured sponsors. The event is capped off with a pie eating contest that will be sure to entertain. Get your pie fix here: http://www.piecouncil.org/Events/GreatAmericanPieFestival/
- Orlando Greek Fest, April 23rd-25th
- If pie’s aren’t your thing, then a must stop event is the Orlando Greek Festival. Hosted at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, the Greek Festival is a foodie lovers paradies with a weekend of greek food, cooking demonstrations, dancing, and lots of ouzo. Get in touch with your mediteranian side and break some plates! http://www.orlandogreekfest.com
Happy eating foodie friends! Do you know of any must visit foodie events not listed here? E-mail me at tokeeffe@funfearlessfoodie.com
Tara O'Keeffe