Another month has come to an end, and I already cannot believe how fast 2023 is flying by. The month of love lived up to that expectation with so many wonderful days spent with the people I love. I visited new cities, ate in new restaurants, stayed in new hotels – and I’m thrilled to share the best of it all with YOU! So here’s all the best of February 2023.
Best bite of the month
I ate a lot this month – what’s new?! Reflecting on the month that’s passed us by, the bite that stands out as the most memorable to me is from Prato in Winter Park, FL. I’ve always thought this restaurant was a fantastic place to grab lunch on a sunny day. While every dish was delicious, the best bite goes to the Black Diamond, a specialty pizza topped with truffle fonduta, Parmigiano Reggiano, and fresh black truffle.
A soft, wood-fired crust, each savory mouthful has a sharp flavor from the cheese and then a decadent, rich kiss of truffle from the mountain of rich, dark, black truffle shavings. Each bite was bliss, I never wanted my slice to end.
Best restaurant of the month
Capa at the Four Seasons Orlando at Walt Disney World is a Michelin-star, Spanish-style steakhouse serving up tapas and incredible cuts of meat.
Here, I had my first Delmonico steak – which was an American wagyu from a ranch in Texas. It was buttery, fatty, and rich, of course, but in addition, I loved the thick meaty texture compared to a more traditional Japanese wagyu.
In addition to the steak, which was of course a knockout, the shrimp cocktail was unmatched for an appetizer. Truly, the largest shrimp I have ever seen in America – according to the chef, that’s because they’re not sold in that size here in the United States. Typically, when I see shrimp that big, I worry that the texture or flavor won’t be enjoyable, but everything about this dish was simply perfect.
When it comes to dessert, at a meal like this, it’s not to be missed. Serving up the greatest churros I’ve had on Disney property – and maybe ever, I would go back for them alone. The ultimate insider hack? Ask for the dulce de leche from the charcuterie board as a third dipping sauce to accompany them. And thank me later.
Best travel spot of the month
Atlanta, Georgia! The land of peaches and Coca-Cola, it was my first time in this awesome state. Always exciting as I continue on towards my journey of visiting all 50 of the United States, we spent a long weekend in Atlanta.
Since I was traveling for work, I had to be strategic when it came to planning out my activities, and my meals. This city has plenty to offer in the ways of both, but my favorite places to visit were Ponce City Market and The World of Coca-Cola.
The market was packed with tons of fun local and global shops. We explored everything from a colorful florist to a giant Williams Sonoma. Plus, they had every cuisine under the sun from Italian to Japanese, Mexican, and beyond. I fell in love with their latest pizza joint, a ’90s-inspired place called Pizza Jeans where I had my very own Ratatouille moment with a slice of pizza. IYKYK.
Inside The World of Coca-Cola, we learned more about the inception and history of the beloved soda fountain beverage. We saw the very fault that holds the legendary and top-secret recipe. Plus, the tour ended with a room of fountains. Soda fountains that is, from around the world. I had so much fun exploring and comparing my favorites from across the globe.
Atlanta Foodie Favorite
Earning the last, and a highly honorable mention on my best of February list, Mary Mac’s Tea Room! Whenever I’m in a new city, I like to visit restaurants that serve up the traditional foods of that town. Plus, there are huge bonus points if there’s some foodie history involved. This location is the only remaining tea room of the original 16 once found in Atlanta. Back in 1945, when Mary Mac’s opened, women weren’t allowed to own restaurants, so they called them tea rooms instead.
The food was divine and the service was spectacular. I dined on shrimp and grits, peach cobbler, and the world’s most perfect fried green tomatoes. While I won’t be snagging another peach cobbler on my next trip – warm peaches and soggy dough just aren’t for me – those fried green tomatoes and their classic Souther sweet tea are what Southern foodie dreams are made of. On my next trip to Atlanta, Mary Mac’s will be the first stop after the airport!
Best local find(s)
This month I had the opportunity to be a tourist in my own city. Hosted by Visit Orlando, I was given the opportunity to explore a ton of my own city. And I even found new activities that I didn’t even know existed before. My favorite explorations came from Winter Park. Already one of my favorite areas within Orlando, I was thrilled to spend the day seeing a new side to this quaint city.
We started the day at Barnie’s Coffee & Tea. Co.. This trendy coffee shop just recieved a facelift. Their menu is perfect for a full breakfast and lunch. And now, their shop has the space for an afternoon lunch, or a coffee and work sesh. Typically in Winter Park, I head over to eat, shop, and get my nails done. However, my day with Visit Orlando showed me that there was so much more to see beyond
by the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour and the Morse Museum. On the boat tour, we learned about historic sites all around the city. And it was perfect for a sunny Florida day. At the Morse Museum, their team holds one of the largest collections of Tiffany glass. It’s truly a gem of our community, and with free admission and an incredible gift shop, I’m planning a girl’s day as soon as possible!
Best hotel
I’ve come to realize I stay in a lot of hotels. Beautiful, amazing hotels. In fact, in February, I stayed at three! All were wonderful, but the one that made its way into my heart, and onto my best-of-February list is the Lake Nona Wave Hotel.
The room was spacious and the staff was very friendly. Every corner of the room was well thought out and I loved that they had their own gym and pool, but still offered additional amenities. In addition to my own room, I had a tour of their penthouse suite, which was extraordinary. Perfect for an Orlando wedding!
The in-house restaurant was fantastic and the location was perfect for an evening out in Lake Nona for a tourist or a staycation. But that’s still not even the best part.
Robot toilets. Each room was equipt with a robot toilet. Headed seats, tons of incredible features, and self-cleaning. It really did it all! To be honest, it really was the robot toilets that pushed this hotel over the top and onto the best of February newsletter.
Beat accessory
It wouldn’t be a monthly round-up if I didn’t share my favorite piece of the month from Spinning Carousel Co.! This month, the EPCOT Festival of the Arts was well underway! So my silver 21st Century Begins necklace was what I found myself reaching for most!
For more food adventures and epic travels, read on at josiemaida.com!
