Orlando Sentinel

Magical Dining Month returns

A record 120+ restaurant­s have signed up for Aug. 23 event.

- By Amy Drew Thompson

It’s the most wonderful tiiiiiiiim­e of the year … for lots of Orlando foodies, anyway.

Planning season for Magical Dining Month has officially begun — and you better clear your schedule.

Eleven new restaurant­s have officially signed on to the MDM roster, bringing this year’s total to more than 120, each of them offering three-course, prix fixe menus for $35 per person. Magical Dining Month returns Aug. 23-Sept. 30.

Among the exciting newbies: The H Cuisine in Doctor Phillips, craft cocktail haven Menagerie Eatery & Bar and a bunch of Disney Springs venues including Jaleo, Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill and Enzo’s Hideaway.

“Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining was started to raise the awareness of Orlando’s diverse and highqualit­y dining scene throughout the entire community,” said George Aguel, the organizati­on’s president and CEO. “We are entering the 14th year of the program and with this milestone comes a record-breaking number of restaurant­s. The continued excitement and desire for restaurant­s to join Magical Dining reflects the continued demand from diners for the program. In fact, many diners start making reservatio­ns as soon as the menus are available.”

And if you fall into that eager beaver category, get cracking — the complete list is available at OrlandoMag­icalDining.com,

along with menus and informatio­n regarding vegan, vegetarian and glutenfree options. Visitors also can make reservatio­ns via OpenTable.

George Miliotes is thrilled to have his Wine Bar George in the mix.

“Magical Dining Month has always been a great opportunit­y for locals to try a new restaurant they haven’t visited previously and the opportunit­y to visit existing favorites, as well,” he noted. “We look forward to welcoming new guests and hope to see many of our regulars throughout the month of September. We are excited to be part of such a great program that also gives back to local nonprofits.”

The program’s 2019 charity partner, said Aguel, will be announced later.

“We always choose a locally based charity that helps children and families in our own backyard, which also reminds patrons how their experience with our program helps those in need within our community.”

Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining charitable contributi­on raised more than $250,000 just last year.

“One of the most exciting things about Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining for 2019 is the impressive number of restaurant options,” said Aguel. “No matter the type of cuisine you prefer, or the area of town that is most convenient, with more than 120 restaurant­s there is something for everyone.”

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 ?? JALEO/COURTESY PHOTO ?? JALEO, the exciting, new Disney Springs venue from Chef José Andrés, is among the new additions to the Magical Dining Month roster.
JALEO/COURTESY PHOTO JALEO, the exciting, new Disney Springs venue from Chef José Andrés, is among the new additions to the Magical Dining Month roster.

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