Food has starring role
Food plays an important role in the Enzian’s 24th annual Florida Film Festival, which starts Friday and runs through April 19.
The Enzian’s kitchen regularly serves up food at the Maitland theater and the adjacent Eden Bar. But at the film festival, several culinary events will showcase local talent.
My favorite events include the Saturday “Locally Fresh” lineup at the theater and bar:
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: An afternoon of local eats and a sneak peek into the world of farming, featuring Lake Meadow Natural Farms in Ocoee, Palmetto Creek Farms in Avon Park, Olde Hearth Bread Co. and the purveyors of Orlando’s East End Market. Tastes and cooking demonstrations are $12.
Noon-2:30 p.m.: The Enzian grounds will showcase a farmers market in which guests will have an opportunity to talk to local farmers and other food vendors, as well as purchase goods to take home.
5:30-7:30 p.m.: A Whole Foods Market tasting features natural and organic prepared foods from the supermarket chain. Appetizers are free for festival attendees.
For more information, check out Enzian.org and FloridaFilmFestival.com. The theater is at 1300 S. Orlando Ave. in Maitland.
Dinner and a movie
Looking for a bite to eat before attending the Florida Film Festival? Here are some nearby options:
Antonio’s La Fiamma Ristorante is three entities in one: a fine-dining restaurant upstairs, casual cafe and deli downstairs, and an impressive gourmet store with wine and spirits. Try the antipasto misto, a selection of Italian meats and cheeses, tangy olives and marinated vegetables. The chicken piccata is elegant and light, and the takeout deli has a variety of quick-serve options if time is of the essence.
611 S. Orlando Ave. in Maitland; 407-645-1035; antoniosonline.com
Boca Kitchen Bar & Market was a work in progress when I reviewed the Winter Park eatery last year. A recent revisit found the kitchen much more focused and service stellar. Try the pork tenderloin, a flatbread or hearty salad. Leave room for a slice of beet cake topped with candied pepitas, one of my new favorite desserts.
358 N. Park Ave. in Winter Park; 407-636-7022; bocawinterpark.net
Carmel Kitchen showcases fresh twists on Mediterranean cuisine. Tables have MenuPads, allowing guests to utilize iPad technology to view and order food and drinks to meet their schedule. Don’t miss the meatball lollipops pomodoro from the “signature shareables” portion of the menu.
140 N. Orlando Ave. in Winter Park; 407-513-4912; carmel-kitchen.com
Francesco’s Ristorante & Pizzeria has hit its stride with stellar appetizers and mains. Try the gamberoni Sicilian, sauteed shrimp finished with tomatoes and a co- gnac sauce, or the lasagna Bolognese, layered with tender pasta, an earthy red sauce and a traditional béchamel. The pizzas rock, too.
400 S. Orlando Ave. in Maitland; 407-960-5533; francescos-rist.com
Marlow’s Tavern is an upscale-casual eatery with a darn good menu. Start with J.T.’s kettle chips, crispy flash-fried potatoes topped with Gorgonzola, bacon, tomato, green onions and a drizzle of a green goddess-style dressing. Fish tacos and burgers are good bets, too.
1008 S. Orlando Ave. in Winter Park; 407-960-3670; marlowstavern.com
Rome’s Flavours, a newcomer to Park Avenue, offers authentic Italian tastes of pasta, pizzas and fresh gelato. The casual trattoria is a good choice for rustic savory pies, lasagna, rigatoni and wonderful desserts. (Look for my review on April 19.)
124 E. Morse Blvd. in Winter Park; 407-951-8039; Facebook