Orlando Sentinel

Sentinel launches new Facebook foodie group

‘Let’s Eat, Orlando’ offers cool recipes, restaurant recommenda­tions and more

- By Amy Drew Thompson

From COVID-19 to creamy capote, foodie topics are a’flying on the Orlando Sentinel’s new Facebook group: Let’s Eat, Orlando. And I’d like to personally invite you to join.

Why?

The more the merrier, of course. And the more informatio­n. At this writing, we’re already about 400 strong — and restaurant recommenda­tions and cool recipes have been popping up perpetuall­y, along with spirited discussion.

Folks who enjoy good eats — cooking at home, fine-dining fancy, food truck finds or simply chasing the trendiest shot for your Instagram — can learn a lot from one another and find brave new culinary worlds, whether they walk in with purpose or stumble in by accident.

On Let’s Eat, Orlando you’ll run into locals whose suggestion­s may drive you from your dining rut, encouragin­g you to try new things — at home, in neighborho­ods you rarely explore or even right in your own backyard.

You’ll discover a host of new ways to support local — something the Central Florida economy needs more than ever! Together we’ll find farmers, artisan makers, wine suggestion­s, pop-up collaborat­ions, foodie swag — and of course, eateries new and old.

Like learning stuff? Here’s a whole new place to do it! In its first week and a half, members of the group have already turned us on to clafoutis recipes, luxury Italian truffle products, concoction­s for classic Old Fashioned cocktails and more.

At this writing, the chat on Let’s Eat, Orlando has already inspired me to two new recipe attempts and an impromptu cross-city field trip in search of exotic fruit.

You may even make new friends. Already, frequent commenters have emerged — from industry profession­als to plain, old fans (like me!) — and the seeds of connection have been planted. It’s loads of fun engaging with food-forward individual­s, getting to know their personalit­ies and for me — getting inspired by the simple backand-forth.

Of course, these days COVID-19 is on the minds of everyone — not the least of which are those of us who miss the normalcy of a nice, relaxed meal out. We’ve already been seeing wonderfull­y detailed informatio­n on venues group members feel comfortabl­e venturing out for — and interestin­g discussion­s on why some of them just aren’t ready, even in places where safety standards are high.

One day, perhaps, Let’s Eat, Orlando can plan its own fun foodie meetup. But since we have no idea when that might be, join the fun on Facebook, where we can be social and distant — but remain connected by the local deliciousn­ess that binds us.

Want to reach out? Find me on Twitter or Instagram @amydroo or on the OSFoodie Instagram account @orlando.foodie. Email: amthompson@orlandosen­tinel.com. Join the conversati­on at the Orlando Sentinel’s new Facebook Forum, Let’s Eat, Orlando!

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COURTESY PHOTO
 ?? COURTESY PHOTO ?? Discussion­s of restaurant­s, service, safety … all things foodie.
COURTESY PHOTO Discussion­s of restaurant­s, service, safety … all things foodie.
 ??  ?? Want to know where to get exotic fruit here in town? Just ask. At press time, there were more than 400 people ready to tell you.
Want to know where to get exotic fruit here in town? Just ask. At press time, there were more than 400 people ready to tell you.

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