Meat cute at Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining steakhouse options
Magical Dining has grown exponentially in both scope and mission since the minds at Visit Orlando, looking to boost the hospitality business during a historically slow time of year, put together the very first one 18 years ago.
It’s only Year Three crafting the Venetian Chop House‘s prix fixe menu for executive chef David Hackett, but it is the Caribe Royale Resort mainstay’s 17th year participating in this landmark program. Balance, he says, was a key factor in the creative process.
Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining returns Aug. 18 with new pricing feature
“We want our guests to experience our great food prepared simple, yet delicious, with exceptional service and a wonderful wine selection,” says Hackett.
Rustic panzanella salad is a colorful app choice to pair with entrees such as King Ora salmon, chicken parm or — the likely contender for program Prom Queen — a 14-ounce 1855 New York strip steak. The crack, crunch and cream of a vanilla crème brûlée might round out your meal.
At a venue well known for steak and chops, it’s important to offer exceptional red meat alternatives. But from the number of meaty options on Visit Orlando’s roster, it’s clear that many people are unapologetically carnivorous.
It’s something that the hospitality pros at Rosen Hotels make a note of.
I’ve been writing about Jack’s Place, an under-the-radar gem at the Rosen Plaza, for more than 10 years at this point. Longtime fans can (and probably do) choose the 8-ounce filet mignon offering with frequency when it comes time to Magically Dine, but the Chilean sea bass, says Jennifer Rice-Palmer, director of guest contact, is also a popular pleaser.
“Or they might choose to sit down at Shogun and add Japanese flair to the steak experience.” Incidentally, Rice-Palmer says this Rosen Inn venue is founder and president Harris Rosen’s personal favorite among the portfolio’s eateries.
“He will eat there at least a couple of times a month, and for family birthdays, you’ll often find the Rosens sitting at a hibachi table at Shogun. And so many people don’t know it’s there.”
This year, guests can choose from two entrees featuring steak at Shogun, which comes with all the action as chefs entertain even as they prepare the charity- and value-driven feast.
Value, says Hackett, is a main driver for guests at the Venetian.
“For $60, you get to choose a wonderful, three-course, hand-crafted menu that would normally cost you much more if you dined with us a la carte,” he explains. “The portion sizes and quality of products do not change and are the same as we normally serve.”
One that draws the regulars but also creates new ones every year.
“We get the great opportunity to wine and dine some new guests and welcome home a lot of our repeat guests. We want our guests to experience the reimagined Caribe Royale Orlando and our overall commitment to quality and service.”
New Italian dishes on the menu (including that aforementioned salad and chicken entree, as well as a wild mushroom risotto) are new hits they’ll be showcasing. Guest favorites — jumbo shrimp cocktail, limoncello cheesecake, that strip steak — round out the offerings nicely.
Hackett’s not surprised many steakhouses toss their toques into the Magical Dining fray, despite the cost of the product.
“Everyone at Caribe Royale and the Venetian Chop House are committed to and passionate about our beautiful resort, our service and quality of food we offer. Like the old saying goes, it takes money to make money… Guests will experience a wonderful meal, fantastic service, and a night they will remember as being served the ‘Royale Treatment.'”
This year’s Magical Dining steak and seafood participants include Adega Gaucha, BoiBrazil Churrascaria Steakhouse, BoVine, Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Fogo de Chao, La Boucherie, Morton’s, Ruth’s Chris, STK, The Backroom Steakhouse, Capital Grille, The Tap Room at Dubsdread, The Palm, Vines Grille & Wine Bar, Boheme Restaurant, Big Fin Seafood and Unreserved Food Bazaar.
Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining returns on Aug. 18 and runs through Oct. 1.
Want to reach out? Find me on Twitter, TikTok or Instagram @amydroo or on the OSFoodie Instagram account @orlando.foodie. Email: amthompson@orlandosentinel.com. Join the conversation at the Orlando Sentinel’s Facebook food group, Let’s Eat, Orlando.
