Beets, Rhymes, & Life: What's Crackin' in Orlando?

I've been to Orlando often to visit those magical kingdoms we dreamt about as children. Since becoming an adult, it’s been a different story. I’ve managed to stay away from Mickey & Co. like my name was Dwight Howard in 2013 and beyond.

This past weekend a manipulation course (i.e., cracking joints in a specific and skilled manner) brought me back to the destination of many childhood vacations.

But, I refused to fall victim to the chain restaurants, theme parks, and other tourist traps. When on travel, I try at all costs to live like a local and Orlando wasn't any different.

I rang each morning with a pour-over cup of joe at Barnie's CoffeeKitchen. If you've never had a freshly roasted pour-over or French press, you are missing the complexity of flavors that java offers. Before leaving, I snagged a bag of a freshly roasted organic Honduran varietal.

Now, coffee is one thing but satisfying my epicurious palate is another. As a resident of the DMV, its easy to spend a ton on a mediocre meal. Thus when I travel to other cities, I search for those fabulous dives. Much to my surprise, Orlando didn't disappoint.

At 4 Rivers Smokehouse, i devoured the Messy Pig, a pulled pork sandwich topped with slaw, jalapeños, pickles, and a spicy barbecue sauce. It was almost perfect. My only suggestion would be to use a brioche bun.

Hawkers Asian Street Fare, a tapas style reataurant, paid homage to the street food of seven Asian countries. The highlight of the night was the Singapore noodle dish composed of fresh herbs, coconut milk, curry, and a little heat, Curry Laksa.

As a fan of the DC foodtruck Takorean, I didn't expect as much from Tako Chenna, a Latin/Asian fusion food truck meets restaurant. I was dead wrong and will never look at Takorean the same. I had the Thai Peanut Chicken, Tom Yum Mojo Shrimp, and Panko Crusted Cod Takos. The fusion of sweet and spicy with fresh herbs, cabbage, and unique salsas provided an instant foodgasm that was recreated with each bite. The amateur chef in me would have substituted the flour tortillas with it's tastier corn brethren. But this was definitely the hidden gem highlight of the trip.

After a weekend full of crack, I was thankful to dive into the casual gastronomy scene that Orlando has to offer. I ended my trip chilling at Lake Eola Park.