Eating in Orlando Vol. 12

Taglish

I love Filipino cuisine, but other than friends whose families know how to throw down in the kitchen, it’s not something I’ve found readily available in Orlando. Chef Mike Collantes is fixing that with the opening of the fast-casual concept inside Lotte Market.

If you haven’t visited Lotte Market before, it’s a gem. It's a sprawling market with an impressive produce section, but it also houses a "food court" of differing local Asian foods. Taglish is the newest to open, and just in the soft opening alone, the stall has been selling out and drawing crowds.

On my first trip, I ordered the BBQ Chicken Inasal bowl. It was packed with flavor; each juicy bite reminded me why I love this food so much. The perfect companion for this bowl was the garlic rice with mung bean stew that added a nice gritty texture. No dish is complete without making it a combo and adding some Lumpia added to the mix.

The Ube Horchata was my drink of choice, and while I honestly did like it, I will probably try a different drink on my next visit because the sweetness level is so high I found it hard to drink in its entirety. It would be perfect for sharing.

I'm so happy Taglish is here, and I can’t wait to go back when they reopen. Follow their Instagram for details.

Eat Chicken Fire

My first real hot Nashville chicken experience happened last year at Hattie B’s (in Nashville), and I’ve been searching for something comparable closer to home ever since. With the exception of getting Swine & Sons sandwich when they have it, or driving to Tampa for King of the Coop, I’ve come up pretty short. And no, I’m not going to Popeye’s. The Eat Chicken Fire account popped up on Instagram, and my mouth started tingling immediately.

Fast forward to a pop-up at Redlight Redlight, it was the main event of my day, and I sat at Redlight, waiting for an hour for them to open. Kwame, the owner, greeted every single customer in his very long line with a handshake. He exuded warmth and hospitality, and I knew this chicken was going to be good just from our brief encounter. I ordered the “Hot Box” which comes with two chicken strips (I added a third), fries, and coleslaw. As someone who usually sticks to mild heat, I wanted to see what this chicken could do, so I chose medium heat.

Kwame, who was not only taking orders but also running food back into Redlight, delivered our boxes with a smile, and then the joyous pain set in. Firstly, these strips are enormous, and I realized ordering an extra was not necessary. The outer crisp was indeed fire, lighting my entire mouth up in about thirty-seconds. The chicken itself was moist and juicy, cooked to perfection even in a mad rush. My husband, who eats ghost peppers and wasabi for fun, was also feeling the burn, so I can’t imagine what the highest level would do to me.

This is such a win for Orlando, and I can’t wait to torture myself again. I might bring my own milk next time as sour beer does not help with the burn. Follow his Instagram for pop-up info until he secures his own spot.

Light on the Sugar

Light on the Sugar is a new bakery in Winter Park that focuses on high-quality ingredients and a balanced approach to desserts. Our obsession with loads of sugar here in America won't be catered to here, where a more Eastern approach is enjoyed as less sugar is used, hence the name of the family-owned bakery.

On my visit, which was earlier in the morning, the items available were a bit scant, so I highly suggest going a bit later in the day if you are looking to specifically try the Japanese cheesecake and puffs. Thankfully we had arrived just as they were putting out some cream puffs.

The matcha cream puff was the star of the show for me. The outer shell of the puff was nice and golden and sturdy without being hard. The cream inside was rich and thick, and true to the name only had a hint of sweetness. I’m no puff expert, but it was pretty perfect for me. Another great item was the Panna Cotta, which had a thick custard-like creaminess that has excellent mouthfeel.

I wasn’t a fan of my tea or the Matcha crepe roll, but that’s OK because you can find the treat that suits you best here and still be satisfied. Check out their Instagram for more treats.

Southern Deli

Apopka continues to try and break free from the politics that has kept it a major fast-food hub for far too long. New to the area is a small family-owned restaurant that focuses on southern food and hospitality. Christa Walton, who studied at Le Cordon Bleu, had set her sights on opening something in Apopka, so residents had more options for locally-owned places to dine. Now open in the Wekiva Riverwalk shopping center, you’ll find her and her family running the show with lots of charm and good eats.

I’ve dined here a few times and fallen in love with her fried chicken. Whether it’s been on top of a waffle or balanced between two biscuits, it’s been an enjoyable dining experience each time. Some say she has some of the most satisfying fried chicken strips in town, but you need to go check that out for yourself.

You’ll find other southern staples like chicken pot pie, meatloaf, and banana pudding.

Papa Bees

So, Papa Bees is not new, and I know for lots of residents around Longwood, Altamonte, and Casselberry, I’m very late to the Papa Bees fandom. The truth is, I don’t go out specifically for wings that often because not that many places make me crave them. When people discuss the “best wings in Orlando," so many names get thrown around, but one stood out as having a hardcore fan base like no other. That spot was Papa Bees.

My first visit was on a Saturday, late afternoon, and the restaurant was packed. While the menu offers a variety of food, I knew this was a place to get wings and nothing else. My order was ten wings mild with garlic parmesan and fries for the table.

It's important to note that Papa Bees does not bread their wings, for those who find that offensive. The wings come doused with the sauces of your choice, yet they still hold on to their crisp outer skin. I can’t explain how good they were without making weird wing eating noises. To make my point I’ll tell you I’ve gone back three times in one month alone, which is rare for me when I don’t live five minutes from somewhere I love.

In short, if you love wings, go to Papa Bees. Do not wait as long as I did.

Sideward Brewing

A freelance assignment had me checking out local breweries, so I ended up at Sideward Brewing in the Milk District on a Sunday just in time for their brunch. Since I’m not the biggest beer drinker (but my husband is) I’m always hoping to come across a brewery or beer pub that has something for me to enjoy, and that will make me a repeat customer. Thanks to Sideward’s kitchen, there is something for foodies and beer lovers. That day I got the Brekky Burrito, which came packed with sausage, scrambled eggs, hashbrown, cheese, jalapeno pico, and crema. I took the pimento cheese from my dudes Roast Beef sandwich and had myself quite the feast.

As far as drinks, I was able to get both coffee and a cider. Lineage has their cold brew on tap, and I also tried their mango cider, both were excellent brunch accompaniments.

While so many beer-focused places are opening up, it makes a difference when there is a fuller experience to be had, and I’m glad Sideward gets that.

Follow their Instagram here.

Per usual, all meals shown here were paid for personally, no establishment asked me to review it or share my experience. Support local and buy your own food. All images are property of LemonHearted Creative and CANNOT be taken and used in digital or print publication.