NEWS: Flavors of Florida Menus & Details Released – What You Need to Know About this Disney Springs Event

Disney Springs Flavors of Florida presented by CORKCICLE, returns to Walt Disney World Resort this summer with more delectable dishes and a hefty dash of Florida flair, including a new culinary series featuring renowned chefs known for their genius. I had a chance to enjoy a cooking demonstration and get a taste of some of the items that will be available. Learn more below.

1 – Event Dates: July 1 – August 13

This year’s annual Disney Springs Flavors of Florida runs July 1 through August 13 and once again brings to life the tastes, techniques, ingredients, and culture of the Sunshine State through deliciously curated menu items at many of the most popular restaurants at Disney Springs, including more than thirty locations.

2 – NEW Culinary Series with Noted Chefs

The newest twist to the popular summer event is a weekly culinary series headlined by internationally recognized chefs such as José Andrés and Art Smith. Each event held at Waterview Park at Disney Springs features a noted chef or prominent restaurant owner who will stage a culinary experience that spotlights some of their most popular dishes and drinks, including many that will be on the Disney Springs Flavors of Florida menu.

Andrés kicked off the series at Jaleo on June 20 (see #3). The next featured restaurants in the series are Wine Bar George (July 7), The Polite Pig (July 14), Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ (July 21), Gideon’s Bakehouse (July 28), and the final event hosted by acclaimed Disney chefs on August 4. All remaining events will take place at Waterview Park.

There is no admission charge to the culinary events (guests just need to register to attend at www.disneysprings.com/culinaryseries). Attendees will have the opportunity to sample the dishes as well as interact with the chefs.

3 – A Demonstration with Chef José Andrés

I had the chance to enjoy the first Culinary Series event with Chef José Andrés. Andrés, the culinary innovator who operates over 35 restaurants, including Jaleo by José Andrés at Disney Springs, kicked off the series and revealed his famous recipe for paella. He demonstrated how to make paella with locally sourced ingredients and shared tips to help you recreate this delicious dish at home. I also enjoyed a complimentary sample of paella at this event.  If you love cooking and want to pick up some tips from some of the best chefs in the world you aren’t going to want to miss this.

4 – Florida Flavors Throughout Disney Springs

Between the culinary series events, guests can experience menu items with a Florida twist at various Disney Springs establishments starting July 1.  For instance, Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar will offer Florida shrimp tacos featuring Florida jerk marinated Gulf shrimp, watermelon-avocado pico de gallo, jalapeño, corn tortilla and lime. The Edison is concocting a cocktail called the Sunny Disposition, which combines Florida cane vodka from St. Augustine with Florida-grown tangelos, strawberries and grapefruit. And at Enzo’s Hideaway, they are whipping up a Creamsicle Coppa, a delicious dessert that pays homage to warm Florida summers with its orange sorbet, vanilla gelato, white chocolate crunchy pearls and whipped cream.

5 – Items You Don’t Want to Miss!

We had the chance to taste several items that will be available this year. First, I had the Ensalada de Sandía y Tomate, a salad made with compressed Florida watermelon, heirloom tomatoes, PX reduction, goat cheese, pistachios, and sherry dressing. This was a great combination of flavors and screams summertime in Florida. Light and refreshing, this is a great treat on a hot afternoon.

After the demonstration, I was able to enjoy an item from The Polite Pig. Key West Pink Shrimp Ceviche – Shrimp, smoked melon, shishito peppers, and local tomato vinaigrette with a drizzle of hot honey was delicious! The shrimp in this dish was my favorite item of the whole evening. It was outstanding! Again, this is a great combination of flavors and the shrimp was perfect. But the smoked watermelon stole the show! It was perfect.

Cindy had the chance to enjoy the Citrus Dream Donut – an orange-glazed confection with white buttercream, citrus-flavored icing, an orange-flavored candy, and fresh mint from Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew! The citrus flavor was a bit different, but the white buttercream balanced the flavors. Overall the donut did not disappoint.

Another item that I absolutely loved was the Key Lime Chocolate Chip Cookie from Gideon’s Bakehouse. This Vanilla bean cookie has dough infused with Florida Key lime juice and blanketed with premium chocolate chips and special Key lime pie crumbs. I was a little hesitant on this because I love the regular chocolate chip cookie from Gideon’s and I’m not a big fan of citrus infused chocolate. However, I was very pleasantly surprised. The cookie was delicious. There was just enough lime without being overpowering. It was still clearly a chocolate chip cookie. I will definitely be getting at least one more of these before they’re gone.

Finally, I enjoyed the Honey Lavender Square from The Ganachery. This Ganache square is flavored with honey and lavender and enrobed in dark chocolate. Again, this wasn’t an item I was expecting to enjoy as much as I did. I’m not a big lavender fan. Sometimes with flavors like this it can taste like you’re eating a scented candle, but the flavor was so subtle it really worked.

6 – Foodie Guide to Flavors of Florida

There are so many more items that we can’t wait to try. We’ve got the Foodie Guide below, so you can plan now which items you’ll want to try. Disney Cast Member Nicole Canotre shares the guide below:

Foodies – are you ready? I sure hope so because Flavors of Florida presented by CORKCICLE at Disney Springs will be serving up some mouthwatering and fresh flavors inspired by the Sunshine State. From July 1 through August 13, over 30 locations all throughout Disney Springs will be featuring a variety of dishes and sips you simply must try.

You’ll be able to embrace summer and delight in homegrown flavors from Florida, like the Lime Garage Burger from D-Luxe Burger or the Gambas Gabardina from Jaleo by José Andrés. And who can miss the Florida Shrimp Tacos available at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar? From the sweet to the savory, and everything in between, there are plenty of items you’ll want to come back for again and again.

Interested in seeing first-hand demonstrations from renowned chefs and restaurant owners? You’re in luck because this year Disney Springs will be featuring a new culinary series! Check out the official site to get all the details and register for this exciting new offering.

Well, I think it’s about time we got to the best part – the food! I’m pleased to present to you this year’s Flavors of Florida Foodie Guide filled with refreshingly delicious bites at Disney Springs!

Amorette’s Patisserie  

• • • Orange Cream Puff: Choux pastry with orange craquelin filled with orange curd and honey orange gel (New)
    • Orange Bird Dome Cake: Layers of Grand Marnier-soaked vanilla chiffon cake, mandarin pâte de fruit, mandarin orange cream, and white chocolate crispy pearls (Available for pre-orders and cake decorating experience) (New)
    • Strawberry Spritzer: French 75 with strawberry purée served in a Flavors of Florida CORKCICLE (New)

The BOATHOUSE

• • • Pan Roasted Golden Tilefish: Citrus escabeche, coconut ginger rice, and cilantro aïoli (New)

Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’

• • • Key West Shrimp Cocktail: Seasoned shrimp tossed with a mix of avocado, mango, cucumber, and a house-made cocktail sauce accompanied by homemade buttermilk crackers (New)
    • Florida Crush Cocktail: Combination of Florida’s iconic crops – oranges and strawberries – muddled with Tito’s Handmade Vodka, then complemented with a splash of freshly-squeezed orange juice and agave syrup (New)

Chicken Guy!

• • • Sunshine Shake: A blend of hand-spun vanilla soft-serve and fresh Florida orange juice garnished with a crown of fresh whipped cream

City Works Eatery & Pour House

• • • Seared Grouper: Pan-seared grouper melds with citrus chipotle rice, Cuban spiced black bean puree, smoked watermelon pico de gallo, chili oil, and micro cilantro (New)

Coca-Cola Store Rooftop Beverage Bar

• • • Orange Cream Float: Mix of Coca-Cola, vanilla ice cream and an orange cream bar presented in a novelty cup you can take home for a memorable treat (New)

D-Luxe Burger

• • • Lime Garage Burger: Deluxe patty topped with pepper jack cheese, pork belly, and fried green tomato served with an avocado, lime, and jalapeño spread
    • Orange Bird Milkshake: Artisanal shake made with vanilla gelato and orange topped with sprinkles

Dockside Margaritas

• • • Frozen Orange Daiquiri: Siesta Key Silver rum, Cointreau liqueur, orange juice, and vanilla ice cream garnished with an orange wedge (New)

The Edison

• • • Sunny Disposition: Florida cane vodka from St. Augustine, Florida orange liqueur, Lillet Blanc, fruity fraise de bois, and local fruits including navel oranges, Minneola tangelos, Plant City strawberries, and Indian River grapefruit (New)

Enzo’s Hideaway & Maria & Enzo’s

• • • Key West Pink Shrimp Risotto: Fine Italian vialone nano rice, Key West pink shrimp, guanciale, sweet corn, herbs, and pecorino Romano (New)
    • Creamsicle Coppa: Vanilla gelato, made in-house, paired with orange sorbet, whipped cream and white chocolate crunchy pearls, recreating a classic childhood favorite dessert (New)

Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew

• • • Citrus Dream Donut: Orange-glazed confection with white buttercream, citrus-flavored icing, an orange-flavored candy, and fresh mint
    • Orange Lemonade with Sweet Cold Foam: Blend of lemonade and orange juice cold foam

Frontera Cocina

• • • Orange Shrimp Cocktail: Assortment of Florida pink shrimp, hibiscus-citrus avocado salsa, jicama, cucumber, red onions, cilantro, and lime served with tortilla chips
    • Agave Maria: Tromba Tequila Blanco, Ilegal Mezcal Joven, clarified lemon juice, and orange liqueur (New)

The Ganachery

• • • Honey Lavender Square: Ganache square flavored with honey and lavender and enrobed in dark chocolate (New)
    • Key Lime Pop: White chocolate blended with key lime juice and fresh lime zest covered with dark chocolate

Gideon’s Bakehouse

• • • Key Lime Chocolate Chip Cookie: Vanilla bean cookie dough infused with Florida Key lime juice and blanketed with premium chocolate chips and special Key lime pie crumbs (New)
    • Orange Mocha Nitro Cold Brew: Dessert coffee made with locally roasted beans, maple syrup, rich dark chocolate, and delicious Florida oranges (New)

House of Blues Restaurant & Bar

• • • Florida Sunshine Mango Lager: New seasonal lager on draft from the Winter Garden-based brewery Crooked Can (New)
    • Local Florida Mahi Tacos: Tacos served on a flour tortilla, filled with pickled onion and coleslaw, and topped with cilantro crema and fresh cilantro (New)

Jaleo by José Andrés

• • • Ensalada de Sandía y Tomate: Salad made with compressed Florida watermelon, heirloom tomatoes, PX reduction, goat cheese, pistachios, and sherry dressing (New)
    • Vieras crudas a los cítricos: Thinly sliced scallops dressed with Florida citrus dressing (New)
    • Gambas Gabardina: Beer-battered Florida Atlantic white shrimp with caper mayonnaise (New)
    • Pato con Melocotónes y Naranjas: Seared duck breast with sweet peaches and a Valencia orange glaze (New)
    • Jamón Serrano con Melón: 24-month cured serrano ham with summer melon and sherry dressing (New)

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar

• • • Florida Shrimp Tacos: Florida jerk marinated gulf shrimp, watermelon, avocado, pico de gallo, and jalapeño served on a corn tortilla with a lime
    • Jock’s Citrus Old Fashioned: A classic cocktail with a Florida summer twist
    • Florida Mule: Florida Cane “Orlando Orange” Vodka, ginger beer, orange juice, and simple syrup

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company

• • • Buzzin’ Honey Latte: A buzzing combo of espresso, milk, honey, and vanilla syrup topped with cold foam and a special character (New)

Morimoto Asia

• • • Cedar Key Clams “Chow Fun”: Cantonese dish with fresh Cedar Key clams, flat rice noodles, garlic chives, and Chinese black bean sauce (New)
    • “Banh Gan” Orange Blossom Crème Caramel: Vietnamese crème caramel reimagined with orange segments, sweet cream, and candied zest (New)
    • Orenji Dreamsicle: Cocktail that blends the flavors of Florida and Japan, made with Absolut Vanilia and citrus-infused Haku vodka, Cointreau, orange juice, orgeat, and Calpico (New)

Paddlefish

• • • Key Lime Pie: Graham cracker crust and torched meringue

Pizza Ponte

• • • Pizza Diavola: Salame Calabrese and chili with local Orlando petal honey (New)

The Polite Pig

• • • Key West Pink Shrimp Ceviche: Shrimp, smoked melon, shishito peppers, and local tomato vinaigrette with a drizzle of hot honey (New)

Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant

• • • Sunshine State of Mind: Sweet orange pudding with whipped cream and an orange butterscotch sauce (New)
    • The Florida Split: Florida P1 Vodka, Florida local J.F. Haden’s Mango Liqueur, vanilla ice cream, and orange and mango juice (New)

Rainforest Cafe

• • • Malibu Combo: Jerk seasoned mahi mahi topped with red onion and pineapple salsa served alongside Caribbean coconut shrimp with a coconut rum sauce and Caribbean rice (New)
    • Sailfish Brewing Sunrise City IPA: West coast-style IPA brewed with Columbus, Amarillo, and Mosaic hops, featuring a smooth finish and notes of bitter citrus (New)

Salt & Straw

• • • Exquisito Guanabana Stracciatella: Tropical guanabana sherbet swirled with ribbons of dark chocolate Stracciatella with a floral undertone (New)

The Spice and Tea Exchange

• • • Florida Sunshine Tea: Blend of floral and citrus flavors (New) (Available hot or iced)

Splitsville Dining Room

• • • Grilled Key West Pink Shrimp Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette: Spring mix greens, strawberries, oranges, cucumbers, tomato, parsley, red onions, and feta cheese tossed in strawberry vinaigrette
    • Key Lime Pie Martini: Florida’s iconic dessert in a glass rimmed with graham cracker crumbs (New)

STK Orlando

• • • Cuban Sandwich: Pulled pork, ham, and cheese with pickles and mustard (New)
    • Conch Fritters: Conch fritters with a spicy remoulade sauce and lime wedges (New)
    • Key Lime Bar topped with meringue, lime zest, and toasted coconut (New)

Sunshine Churros

• • • Orange County Creamsicle: Churro rolled in orange sugar topped with cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of orange and white toppings (New)

Swirls on the Water

• • • Orange Bird Sundae: DOLE Whip Orange in a vanilla waffle bowl with whipped cream, green sprinkles, and an Orange Bird chocolate decoration (New)

Terralina Crafted Italian

• • • Almare Spritz (New)
      • Classico: Classic Italian spritz flavors of bitter orange, rhubarb, and subtle herbal notes
      • Hugo: Refreshing and bright with elderflower, lemon, and mint
      • Rosa: Notes of grapefruit, bitter herbs, and flowers

T-REX

• • • Blackened Tuna: Tuna seared rare served over cilantro-lime rice with a side of mango, avocado, and heirloom cherry tomato salad (New)
    • Oyster City Mangrove Pale Ale: Classic pale ale with a malty body and mild hops fermented in mangos for a tropical, fruit-forward flavor

Vivoli il Gelato

• • • Strawberry Shortcake Bombolato: Cake batter gelato, strawberry sauce, and fresh strawberries inside a warm Italian doughnut (New)
    • Orange Blossom Honey Cannoli: Creamy blend of ricotta and orange blossom honey served in a crispy Italian pastry shell (New)

Wine Bar George— A Restaurant & Bar

• • • Dicuru Burrata: Dicuru burrata paired with tomatoes from The Villages Grown, Belle Glade corn, and Olde Hearth sourdough bread featuring ingredients sourced from Florida (New)
    • Frozen Old Fashioned: Frozen old fashioned made with DOLE Whip Orange and George Dickel 8-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey

YeSake Florida

• • • Fresh Poke Bowl: Fluffy rice, grilled chicken, crisp lettuce, carrots, cucumber, avocado, mandarin oranges, and tempura crunch topped with a savory roasted sesame sauce (New)
    • Florida Sunset: A tropical blend of Ozeki Sake, Nigori Sake, Monin Banana, and peach syrups and DOLE Pineapple Juice (New)

Outdoor Bars Throughout Disney Springs

• • • Blood Orange Gin and Tonic: St. Augustine Gin, Tippler’s Orange, blood orange, and tonic water garnished with an orange wedge
    • Key Lime Margarita: Patrón Silver tequila, Grand Marnier liqueur, Key lime juice, and vanilla garnished with a half graham cracker rim (New)

I hope you’re as excited as me to taste your way through Flavors of Florida presented by CORKCICLE. Be sure to use #FlavorsofFL to show us your favorite items from the event and I’ll see you out there starting July 1!

(Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability.)