Ice Cream Sandwiches and Sweet Treats

This week we discussed our mutual love for ice cream sandwiches.

Biggie’s Ice Cream Sandwich Tips:

• Share some of Biggie's favorite tips for making ice cream sandwiches at home- using cookies and donuts.

Amy Drew on Red Light, Red Light:

• Amy Drew talks about the unique ice cream sandwich offered at Red Light, Red Light.

Biggie’s Dessert Death Meal:

• Biggie shares his ultimate dessert meal, featuring his favorite ice cream sandwiches and other sweet treats.

Beer Ice Cream Floats at Foxtail/Kelly’s Ice Cream Sandwich Counters:

• Discussion on the innovative beer ice cream floats available at Foxtail and Kelly’s.

Sugar Rush Marshmallow and Ice Cream Donut Sandwiches:

• Talk about the decadent marshmallow and ice cream donut sandwiches at Sugar Rush.

Dessert Nachos:

• Explore the concept of dessert nachos.

Do You Dip Fries in Shakes and Frosty's?

• A fun debate on the practice of dipping fries in shakes and Frosty's.

Local Treats:

• Highlight a few local spots known for their amazing ice cream sandwiches and other sweet treats:

Places mentioned on this episode:

• Sugar Rush Marshmallow
• Red Light Red Light
• Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream
• Greenery Creamery
• Ice Cream Sandwiches at Epcot France

Tune in weekly to Let's Eat Orlando for more insightful discussions and local food recommendations! Follow us on social media and share your dining experiences with us using our unique seal of approval.

Follow Us:

• Instagram: @LetsEatOrlandoPod
• Amy Drew: @AmyDroo
• Biggie: @UCFBiggie and @DeliFreshThreads

This week Amy Drew and Biggie discuss the Orlando Sentinel's Foodie Award- Summer Quarter edition. - Episode 10.

We discuss Amy Drew's (Critic's) picks and Readers' picks along with some of Biggie's picks.

Category Nominations: We delve into the various categories nominated for the Foodie Awards, including both the Critics' Choice and Readers' Choice selections.

• Chinese
• Dessert
• Hotel Restaurant
• Indian
• Japanese
• Korean
• Best Splurge
• Thai
• Theme Park
• Vietnamese
• Wine Bar

Featured Restaurants :

• Chuan Fu
• Taste of Chengdu
• Koko Kaigori
• Crispy Cones
• Four Flamingos
• Hamilton’s Kitchen
• Bombay Street Kitchen
• Sushi Kichi
• Seito Sushi
• BBB Tofu House
• Doshi
• Camille
• Bull & Bear
• Sea Thai
• Lemongrass Thai Kitchen
• Skipper Canteen at Magic Kingdom
• Brown Derby at Hollywood Studios
• Drive In Hollywood Studios
• Vietnam Cuisine
• Papasan’s Vietnamese Cuisine
• Golden Hour Wine
• Wine Bar George
• Land Remembered- Rosen Shingle Creek
• K BBQ and Bar
• Royal Thai Cuisine
• Saigon Noodle Bistro
• Yummy Taste
• Spicy Girl
• Red Light Red Light
• Wafu
• Sampagita
• Dairy Bar
• Tabla
• Spice
• Digress

Tune in weekly to Let's Eat Orlando for more insightful discussions and local food recommendations! Follow us on social media and share your dining experiences with us using our unique seal of approval.

Follow Us:

• Instagram: @LetsEatOrlandoPod
• Amy Drew: @AmyDroo
• Biggie: @UCFBiggie and @DeliFreshThreads

### Podcast Notes: Let's Eat Orlando with Amy Drew and Biggie

**Episode Title:** Drone Food Delivery and Reheating Food

**Summary:**

In this episode, Amy Drew and Biggie dive into the evolving world of food delivery, highlighting their recent experience with drone-delivered meals. They explore the future of food delivery, the challenges restaurants face when they can't control the delivery process, and the joys and quirks of eating at restaurants versus in your car. The episode also tackles the concept of "Menu Anxiety" and offers practical tips for reheating takeout, especially pizza. Amy Drew shares her insights on proper food handling and the intricacies of restaurant costs.

**Key Discussion Points:**

1. **Drone Food Delivery Experience:**

- Amy Drew and Biggie recount their experience with drone-delivered meals.

- Discussion on the potential future of drone food delivery.

2. **Future of Food Delivery:**

- Exploration of the evolving landscape of food delivery services.

- How technology is changing the way we receive and consume food.

3. **Restaurant Control Over Food Delivery:**

- Challenges restaurants face when they can't control the delivery process.

- Impact on food quality and customer satisfaction.

4. **Eating at Restaurants vs. Eating in Your Car:**

- The different experiences and preferences for dining in and eating on the go.

- Pros and cons of each dining method.

5. **Menu Anxiety:**

- Discussion on "Menu Anxiety" and how to deal with it.

- Tips for making quick and satisfying choices when dining out.

6. **Reheating Takeout Pizza:**

- Amy Drew's method for reheating takeout pizza to maintain its quality.

- General tips for reheating various takeout foods.

7. **Eating Alone:**

- The experience and benefits of dining solo.

- Personal anecdotes and insights from Amy Drew and Biggie.

8. **Proper Food Handling Techniques:**

- Amy Drew explains why you shouldn't put hot food on a cold plate.

- Tips and techniques for maintaining food quality at home.

9. **Cost of Restaurants and Takeout:**

- Discussion on the cost implications for restaurants and customers.

- The layers of cost involved in takeout containers and overall business expenses.

**Restaurants Discussed:**

Subway

Junior's Pizza

Viet-Nomz

SoDough Square

Kyuramen

Sweet Tomato

Primrose Lanes Restaurant and Bowling

Tune in to this episode for an engaging conversation about the intersection of technology, food delivery, and dining experiences, enriched with personal stories and practical tips from Amy Drew and Biggie!

This week we discuss Comfort Foods

- **Amy Drew's Comfort Foods:**

- Prefers warm dishes such as Kanji, soup, noodles, and ramen.

- Ultimate comfort foods include Open Face Turkey with gravy and carbs.

- Enjoys dishes from Tasty Wok, recommending it for takeout comfort food.

- **Grilled Cheese:**

- Both hosts agree that something warm and carb-heavy like grilled cheese is quintessential comfort food.

**Biggie's Comfort Foods:**

- **Viet Nomz:**

- Family's go-to place, especially for Pho and Rice Bowls.

- Praise their excellent takeout packaging (A+).

**Featured Restaurants and Dishes:**

- **Kai Asian Street Faire:**

- Highlighting their garlic noodles with crab, one of Amy Drew's favorite comfort foods.

- **Soups:**

- Italian Wedding Soup mentioned from Goodfellas and Anthony’s in Casselberry/Longwood area.

- **Sandwiches:**

- Pom Pom’s and their famous Mama Ling Ling sandwich paired with great soups.

**Ramen Recommendations:**

- **Amy Drew’s Favorites:**

- Ramen Takagi, Jimotti’s, and Wa Sushi’s new ramen spot in Lake Nona, Wa Ramen.

**Convenience and Proximity:**

- Discussed the importance of having comfort food spots that are nearby and convenient.

**Mac and Cheese:**

- **Biggie’s Wife’s Favorites:**

- Lobster Mac and Cheese at A Land Remembered.

- Mac and cheese at Smokemade Meats and Smoke and Donuts.

- Amy Drew's take: not a fan of cheese on lobster.

**Lobster Roll Debate:**

- Preferences between New England/Maine style (cold with mayo) and Connecticut style (warm with butter).

**Spicy Mac and Cheese:**

- Biggie’s favorite from Pom Pom’s.

**Boxed Mac and Cheese:**

- Nostalgic discussion about eating Kraft/box mac and cheese at friends' houses.

**Childhood Meals:**

- Discussed if proteins were a part of their childhood meals.

**Comfort Food Preferences:**

- Amy Drew prefers warm, savory foods over sweet ones when seeking comfort.

**TV and Comfort Foods:**

- The importance of what they watch while enjoying comfort foods.

**Red Panda Noodle:**

- Mentioned as a comfort food favorite.

**Cereal Discussion:**

- Biggie enjoys sweet cereals as part of his comfort food.

- Reminisced about cereals they ate as kids and adults.

**Unique Comfort Foods:**

- Amy Drew talks about roasting Rice Krispy Treats over an open fire and enjoying ube rice crispy treats from Bang Bread.

Restaurants Mentioned:

- Kai Kai

- Tasty Wok

- Viet Nomz

- Kai Asian Street Faire

- Pom Pom’s

- Goodfella’s

- Anthony’s

- Ramen Takagi

- Jimotti’s

- Wa Ramen

- A Land Remembered

- Smoke and Donuts

- Smokemade Meats

- Red Panda Noodle

- Bang Bread

Tune in weekly to Let's Eat Orlando for more insightful discussions and local food recommendations! Follow us on social media and share your dining experiences with us using our unique seal of approval.

Follow Us:

• Instagram: @LetsEatOrlandoPod
• Amy Drew: @AmyDroo
• Biggie: @UCFBiggie and @DeliFreshThreads

In this episode, Amy Drew and Biggie reminisce about their favorite childhood snacks, treats, and sweets, comparing them to today’s versions. They dive into a variety of candies, cookies, cakes, and ice cream, sharing their favorites and discussing changes in flavors over the years. They also highlight some beloved local treats in Orlando.

**Key Topics Discussed:**

1. **Childhood Snack Favorites:**

- Amy Drew and Biggie share their favorite snacks from growing up, including Yodels and Swiss Cake Rolls.

2. **Changing Flavors of Classic Treats:**

- Discussion on how treats like Oatmeal Pies and Twinkies have changed in taste since their childhood.

3. **Favorite Candies:**

- Amy Drew’s favorites: Marathon Bars and Charleston Chew.

- Biggie’s favorites: M&M’s (and his Millennium Mix idea), Milky Way, Hershey Bars, Flipz.

- Halloween candy debate: Score Bar, Heath Bar, Twix, and Whatchamacallit bar.

4. **Specialty and Nostalgic Candies:**

- Amy Drew discusses Reggie Bar and One Hundred Grand, and her dislike for Reese's Peanut Butter Cups but love for Winter Park’s Peterbrooke’s chocolate-covered espresso beans and raisins.

5. **Cookies:**

- Girl Scout Cookies favorites: Peanut Butter Sandwiches, Samoas, Caramel Delights, and Thin Mints.

- Amy Drew’s recommendation: Chocolate Mint Cookies from Publix over Keebler Grasshoppers.

- Biggie’s experience with generic store-bought knockoffs and the unmatched Oreo.

6. **Cakes and Pastries:**

- Amy Drew’s favorites: Yodels and Drake Coffee Cake.

- Biggie’s favorite: Suzy Q’s Chocolate Cake sandwiches.

- Shared love for Devil Dogs despite their dryness.

- Nostalgic snacks to bring back: Hostess Chocodile and foil-wrapped Yodels by Drake.

7. **Twinkie Time:**

- Biggie tries a Twinkie after two decades.

- Fun Twinkie facts and a mention of Twinkies in the movie Zombieland with Woody Harrelson.

8. **Ice Cream and Donuts:**

- Biggie’s creation of ice cream donut sandwiches with Entenmann’s Chocolate Covered Mini Donuts.

9. **Ice Cream Delights:**

- Decision: Ice Cream is greater than Candy.

- Amy Drew’s love for Carvel Ice Cream and her wish for its return to Central Florida.

- Favorites: Fudgey the Whale, Cookie Puss, Mr. Softee Truck, and Twisty Treat’s Pistachio flavor.

- Biggie’s favorite: Dairy Queen Blizzards.

10. **Local Orlando Treats mentioned:

- Bang Bang Bake House’s Rum Cake.

- Being Bread.

- Chillin Tacos.

- Sugar Rush Marshmallow.

- Wondermade

- Peterbrooke Chocolatier.

**Conclusion:**

Join Amy Drew and Biggie as they indulge in sweet nostalgia, exploring the evolution of their favorite snacks and sweets. From classic candies to local Orlando treats, this episode is a delightful journey for your taste buds.

**Call to Action:**

Tune in weekly to Let's Eat Orlando for more delicious discussions and local food insights! Follow us on social media, and share your favorite childhood snacks and current sweet indulgences with us.

In this episode, Amy Drew and Biggie dive into the prestigious world of Michelin ratings, focusing on how they started, their significance, and what they mean for Orlando's vibrant culinary scene. They discuss the process of how Michelin rates restaurants and highlight the top Michelin-rated spots in Orlando.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Introduction to Michelin Ratings:

   • The history and origin of Michelin ratings.
   • The significance of the Michelin Guide and its impact on the culinary world.

2. Understanding Michelin Designations:

   • Explanation of the different Michelin ratings: Stars, Bib Gourmands, and Recommended.
   • What Michelin Stars represent and their criteria.

3. The Rating Process:

   • How Michelin inspectors evaluate and rate restaurants.
   • The rigorous and anonymous process involved in earning a Michelin Star.

4. Orlando’s 7 Michelin-Starred Restaurants:

   • Soseki Modern Omakase: Celebrating innovative Omakase experiences.
   • Capa Steakhouse & Bar: Highlighting its top-notch steaks and panoramic views.
   • Camille: Known for its exquisite dining experience.
   • Kadence: A sushi restaurant with a focus on quality and craftsmanship.
   • Natsu: Recognized for its refined Japanese cuisine.
   • Papa Llama: Famed for its contemporary Peruvian dishes.
   • Victoria & Albert’s: A luxurious dining experience with a rich history.

5. Orlando’s 11 Bib Gourmands:

   • Sushi Saint: Celebrated for its quality sushi at a good value.
   • Zaru: Noted for its comforting Japanese cuisine.
   • Strand: A local favorite with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
   • Z Asian: Praised for its diverse and flavorful Asian dishes.
   • Otto’s High Dive: Renowned for its inviting atmosphere and delicious fare.
   • Domu: Known for its innovative ramen and vibrant dining space.
   • Taste of Chengdu: A standout for authentic Sichuan cuisine.
   • The Ravenous Pig: A gastropub with a commitment to local ingredients.
   • Isan Zapp: Celebrated for its authentic Thai street food.
   • Bombay Street Kitchen: Famed for its flavorful Indian street food.
   • Norigami: Known for its creative sushi and Japanese dishes.

6. Michelin Recommended Restaurants:

   • Discussion on the total of 48 recognized restaurants, including the 7 Michelin-starred and 11 Bib Gourmands.

7. Creating Our Own Seal of Approval:

   • Amy Drew and Biggie discuss the idea of establishing their own seal of approval for local restaurants.
   • Criteria and potential benefits of their unique rating system.

Restaurants Mentioned in this episode:

• Soseki Modern Omakase
• Capa Steakhouse & Bar
• Camille
• Kadence
• Natsu
• Papa Llama
• Victoria & Albert’s
• Sushi Saint
• Zaru
• Strand
• Z Asian
• Otto’s High Dive
• Domu
• Taste of Chengdu
• The Ravenous Pig
• Isan Zapp
• Bombay Street Kitchen
• Norigami

Call to Action: Tune in weekly to Let's Eat Orlando for more insightful discussions and local food recommendations! Follow us on social media and share your dining experiences with us using our unique seal of approval.

Follow Us:

• Instagram: @LetsEatOrlandoPod
• Amy Drew: @AmyDroo
• Biggie: @UCFBiggie and @DeliFreshThreads

In this enlightening episode, Amy Drew and Biggie explore the complex world of vegan cuisine, focusing on the challenges of replicating meat flavors, the debate around making vegan food taste like meat, and the joys of natural vegan foods. We also highlight successful vegan ventures and the labor of love involved in creating vegan delicacies.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. The Difficulty of Replicating Meat Flavors in Vegan Food:

   • Challenges faced in mimicking the taste and texture of meat in vegan dishes.
   • The science and creativity involved in this process.

2. The Debate over Making Vegan Food Taste Like Meat:

   • Pros and cons of vegan foods that replicate meat flavors.
   • Preferences for authenticity vs. mimicry in vegan cuisine.

3. The Preference for Natural Vegan Foods:

   • Embracing whole, plant-based ingredients.
   • The appeal of dishes that celebrate the natural flavors of vegetables and legumes.

4. The Success of the Impossible Burger:

   • Discussion on the popularity and impact of the Impossible Burger in the vegan and non-vegan communities.
   • Its role in changing perceptions of vegan food.

5. Spotlight on The Kind Cleaver: Vegan Deli at the Market on South:

   • Overview of The Kind Cleaver's offerings.
   • The intricate process of making vegan deli meats and the labor involved.

6. Flavoring Vegan Meats and Protein Sources:

   • Techniques and ingredients used to enhance the flavor of vegan proteins.
   • The importance of seasoning and marination.

7. The Use of Vegan Meats in Non-Vegan Dishes:

   • How vegan meats can be incorporated into traditional non-vegan recipes.
   • Expanding culinary horizons with versatile vegan proteins.

8. The Appeal of Vegetable-Based Vegan Dishes:

   • Celebrating the versatility and flavors of vegetable-based dishes.
   • Examples of standout vegetable-centric recipes.

9. Exploring Vegan Desserts:

   • Highlighting the creativity and deliciousness of vegan desserts.
   • Mention of favorite local vegan dessert spots.

10. Being Open to Trying New Foods:

    • Encouragement to explore and experiment with vegan foods.
    • The importance of an open mind in expanding one’s palate.

Restaurants and Spots Mentioned:

• The Kind Cleaver
• Leguminati
• DaJen Eats
• Winter Park Biscuits
• Greenery Creamery
• Sampagita
• Hen & Hog’s
• Valkyrie Donuts
• Market on South

Conclusion: Join Amy Drew and Biggie as they navigate the exciting world of vegan cuisine, discussing everything from the intricacies of vegan meat replication to the natural beauty of plant-based foods. Whether you're vegan or just curious, this episode offers a flavorful exploration of the innovative and diverse vegan food scene.

Call to Action: Tune in weekly to Let's Eat Orlando for more delicious discussions and local food insights! Follow us on social media for updates and share your vegan food experiences with us! Follow us at @LetsEatOrlandoPod on Instagram.

In this exciting episode of Let’s Eat Orlando, Amy Drew and Biggie delve deep into the Orlando food scene, highlighting intriguing dining experiences and sharing behind-the-scenes insights into food writing and restaurant culture. Here’s what to expect:

1. Seito Sushi
   Amy Drew and Biggie explore the menu and ambiance of this popular sushi destination, sharing their personal recommendations. They discuss the intriguing concept of providing backstories for menu items, making the dining experience even more immersive.

2. Life of a Food Reporter
   Amy Drew gives a glimpse into her typical week of writing for the Orlando Sentinel, sharing the challenges and joys of crafting restaurant reviews. They dive into how these reviews shape a restaurant's reputation and the delicate balance between negative and positive feedback.

3. The Rule of 10
   The hosts examine the ripple effect of word-of-mouth recommendations, highlighting the importance of repeat and new customers in a restaurant’s success.

4. Restaurant Realities
   They candidly discuss the challenges that restaurants face today, including the battle for attention between established eateries and newcomers, as well as the concept of "food fatigue."

5. Ispirazione Italian Sandwiches
   The episode wraps up with a spotlight on Ispirazione, a place known for its delicious Italian sandwiches. Learn what makes this eatery stand out in a competitive culinary landscape.

Check out the restaurants we talked about:

• Seito Sushi
• Ispirazione Italian Sandwiches

Follow Us:

• Instagram: @LetsEatOrlandoPod
• Amy Drew: @AmyDroo
• Biggie: @UCFBiggie and @DeliFreshThreads