The pecan-beet hummus was really nice. Predictably earthy and enjoyably light, its consistency more tapenade than creamy-traditional. The fried green tomato was firm, crisp and fresh. But those country ham-pimento dates. Man. I’m still thinking about them.
When you say that out loud or even just read it: country ham-pimento dates — it sounds pretty darn “Ravenous Pig,” doesn’t it? It also sounds kinda “take it or leave it.” My dining companion chose to leave it.
I don’t leave things, though.
I can lie and say it’s not in my contract, that eating absolutely everything is a job requirement. But anyone who knows me knows I don’t not taste things. Also, I don’t have a contract.
Seriously, though, they’re worth tasting. Tangy ham wrapped around soft Medjool dates wrapped around creamy cheese (and I generally don’t even care much for pimento cheese). It’s a salty, sweet and sticky “Inception” of a starter, one of three items you’ll find on the Southern Board appetizer option.
The nice thing about the Ravenous Pig’s Magical Dining Menu — about all Visit Orlando Magical Dining menus — is that when you’re getting an ample, beautiful, three-course meal for just $35, even the less adventurous diners can feel a little more confident in sampling new things. It’s one of the best things about this longstanding Visit Orlando program.
Now in its 15th year, Magical Dining — conceived as a way to bring guests into area restaurants during a traditionally slow time of the year — is more important than ever as eateries struggle to find equilibrium amid the shaky COVID-19 economy and all its new rules and regulations.
This year’s benefiting charity, Feed the Need Florida, is also painfully relevant, as it continues to distribute free meals to get food on tables where funds are scarce.
For guests who look forward not only to dining for a cause but also sampling from the menus of as many area restaurants as possible, Magical Dining’s return is significant for the bit of normality it restores. And with new takeout options at many of the participating venues, those who aren’t yet comfortable with dine-in can continue their MDM traditions at home.
“We’re seeing the excitement about the return of Magical Dining as it brings back a sense of normalcy that we are all craving,” says George Augel, president and CEO, Visit Orlando. “Some are choosing to dine in new ways, from outdoors to delivery, but they are all united in welcoming this much-loved program that also helps support local businesses and our neighbors in need.”
Members of the restaurant industry, too, are eager to see smiling faces. Chef Henry Moso of Kabooki Sushi — this year a James Beard nominee — is no exception.
“We participated in past years in our original location, Kabooki East Colonial,” he notes, “but this is the first year for Kabooki Sand Lake and we are excited.”
At the moment, the former is undergoing an extensive expansion/renovation. Fans who miss it may want to make the trek to check out the newer digs.
Among the delights on his MDM menu is one of the restaurant’s most popular offerings: the Hamachi Heats Roll, featuring spicy hamachi and cucumber, topped with soy hamachi, tosa soy and house-pickled soy chili samba. This, alongside four pieces of nigiri — chef’s choice.
Moso hopes to see new faces, as well.
“It’s a great program for the consumer to try a new restaurant and have an amazing choice of courses at a really great price point,” he says.
Indeed, at the Ravenous Pig, the $10 beer pairing add-on offered serious value: three lovely picks, one for each course. Portions were impressive. And did I mention those delicious dates?
They may not be for everyone, of course, but that’s the beauty of multiple choice. At Kabooki, raw fish is hardly mandatory. Moso’s plating up serious comfort food, too; case in point, the Pork Jowl Nabe. Grilled post-36-hour sous vide, it’s served with crispy rice, egg yolk and bonito flakes, hot pot-style.
Beyond the culinary delights, participants can feel good not only about infusing a struggling local economy with sorely needed income but also helping neighbors keep chickens in their proverbial pots.
“This support is more important now than ever,” says Augel, “as Magical Dining’s benefits extend beyond helping our restaurants to our entire local community, as it also is raising funds for Feed the Need to help feed thousands of people in need.”
Magical Dining runs from Aug. 28-Oct. 4. Due to restricted seating capacity necessitated by COVID-19, advance reservations are strongly encouraged and can be made at OrlandoMagicalDining.com. Click into the restaurants’ individual listings to see specific information on menus, add-ons, takeout, delivery and outdoor seating options.
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.
