Orlando Foodie Surprises

[Disneyhead'71]

OK, I know this isn't about WDW specifically, but the Orlando Metro Area, but I know many tourists like to sample top notch non-chain local restaurants. So I thought I would share this article. Being a local I have tried most of the places mentioned and they are truly FANTASTIC.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jenny-block/ten-foodie-surprises-in-o_b_3176006.html

Ravenous Pig, Cask and Larder, and 4 Rivers Smokehouse are heavenly.

 

[bethymouse]

Only Disney mention is Victoria & Alberts. I guess I need to go outside of my Disney "bubble" to experience these.

 

[luv]

Ravenous Pig is like the greatest name ever.

 

[Disneyhead'71]

Only Disney mention is Victoria & Alberts. I guess I need to go outside of my Disney "bubble" to experience these.

Well they did include 4 Rivers Smokehouse. It is a concept by Chef Johnny Rivers. He got his start at WDW in 1970. In 1988 he became Disney's first Corporate Executive Chef. While at Disney he opened 23 hotel and entertainment complexes, 147 restaurants, and 5 Theme Parks including Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney-MGM Studios, Tokyo Disney, EuroDisney. After Disney he went to Darden Restaurants where he developed the concept for Smokey Bones and Bahama Breeze. After he left Darden he started 4 Rivers Smokehouse which is by far the best barbecue I have ever had. Here is his bio. It is very impressive.

 

[Eeyore]

OK, I know this isn't about WDW specifically, but the Orlando Metro Area, but I know many tourists like to sample top notch non-chain local restaurants. So I thought I would share this article. Being a local I have tried most of the places mentioned and they are truly FANTASTIC.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jenny-block/ten-foodie-surprises-in-o_b_3176006.html

Ravenous Pig, Cask and Larder, and 4 Rivers Smokehouse are heavenly.

Thanks for sharing! Orlando is really coming in to its own food wise. We venture off property more and more these days. There are so many amazing non chain places to explore off property. We LOVE 4 Rivers and have sung their praises many times here on the forum.

 

[danpam1024]

Only Disney mention is Victoria & Alberts. I guess I need to go outside of my Disney "bubble" to experience these.

Food OUTSIDE Disney is MUCH better- more of a culinary experience. May be expensive, but unlike Disney, you get what you pay for

 

[Eeyore]

Well they did include 4 Rivers Smokehouse. It is a concept by Chef Johnny Rivers. He got his start at WDW in 1970. In 1988 he became Disney's first Corporate Executive Chef. While at Disney he opened 23 hotel and entertainment complexes, 147 restaurants, and 5 Theme Parks including Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney-MGM Studios, Tokyo Disney, EuroDisney. After Disney he went to Darden Restaurants where he developed the concept for Smokey Bones and Bahama Breeze. After he left Darden he started 4 Rivers Smokehouse which is by far the best barbecue I have ever had. Here is his bio. It is very impressive.

I think the bio you posted is for the wrong John Rivers. I thought it was odd that the Huffington post article referred to John Rivers as Johnny.

Here is the John Rivers of 4Rivers
http://4rsmokehouse.com/about-us/

 

[Disneyhead'71]

I think the bio you posted is for the wrong John Rivers. I thought it was odd that the Huffington post article referred to John Rivers as Johnny.

Here is the John Rivers of 4Rivers
http://4rsmokehouse.com/about-us/

You appear to be correct. Who knew there were 2 different John/Johnny Rivers involved with barbecue in the Orlando Metro Area. I have met Johnny Rivers of Disney fame and heard that a John Rivers was the force behind 4 Rivers. I, incorrectly assumed that it was the same guy. That said, regardless, 4 Rivers is AMAZING.