Start crafting your lists, foodies, because Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining , presented by Orlando Health , is just about upon us.
Now in its 19th year, the program returns next month with a six-week run (Aug. 16-Sept. 30) featuring a record 150 participating restaurants, including 25 new and nine Michelin Guide-recognized .
Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining raises $269,272 for Orange County charities
“Having a record-breaking number of restaurant participants 19 years into the run of the program is a testament to the winning formula of Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining,” Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando, told the Orlando Sentinel. “Through the program, restaurants have an opportunity to attract new patrons during a traditionally slower season, diners enjoy exceptional meals at great prices, and together, we raise money and awareness for a worthy cause. It’s a tried-and-true recipe that continues to grow, and so many look forward to the program’s start each year.”
Also returning is the new two-tier pricing system that debuted last year, featuring three-course prix fixe menus for either $40 or $60.
Each year, $1 from each $40 dinner and $2 from the $60 go directly to the local nonprofit selected by Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining, an organization whose work makes a great impact on members of our community who are in need. This year’s recipient is The Mustard Seed of Central Florida ( mustardseedfla.org ), which is focused on helping residents recover from hardships by providing essentials like clothing and household items.
As sustainability is a primary component of their philosophy, items that cannot be reused are recycled. Since 2011, The Mustard Seed has diverted nearly 4 million cubic feet of waste from landfills.
In addition to the main charity partner, Visit Orlando will also award $3,000 to one local nonprofit in each of Orange County’s six commission districts. This year, the focus will be on those that “offer impactful approaches to creating thriving and sustainable communities.”
It’s a win-win for Orlando, with thousands of dollars going back into the community and a bright spotlight on the city’s ever-expanding dining scene.
Orlando Health will, through a multiyear deal, be the presenting sponsor for Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining this year.
“Magical Dining is beloved not only by our local community but also by visitors from all over who come to experience Orlando,” said Erick Hawkins, chief administrative officer, Orlando Health, and Visit Orlando board member in a press release. “As the Official Health and Wellness Partner of Visit Orlando, we’re thrilled to be the presenting sponsor of a program that not only supports our city but also gives back to fantastic charity partners. This new element of our partnership propels forward our mission of caring for and about our community.”
Since 2009, when its charity component was introduced, Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining has raised more than $2.5 million.
Last year, $269,272 was donated to charities supporting survivors of abuse in Central Florida. With the funds raised, The Lifeboat Project , which in part provides services to victims of human trafficking, was able to hire a case manager, purchase vehicles for transportation and begin construction on a safe house.
Staffers for The Mustard Seed are excited to be this year’s beneficiary.
“These funds will help us serve more clients in need of basic furniture for stability,” said Kathy Baldwin, the nonprofit’s executive director. “Thank you for supporting a sustainable future for Florida.”
Menus are now live at OrlandoMagicalDining.com , one of eight recently revamped Visit Orlando websites. Visitors can use filters to search by neighborhood, cuisine or even dietary preferences. Also online is information on Magical Nights dine-and-stay deals and adjacent cultural events to help curate an extra-special night on the town.
Additional menus and hotel deals are expected to be added in the coming weeks.
Want to reach out? Find me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @amydroo or on the OSFoodie Instagram account @orlando.foodie . Email: amthompson@orlandosentinel.com . For more foodie fun, join the Let’s Eat, Orlando Facebook group .
New for 2024
Adega Gaucha in Kissimmee ($40)
Armando’s in College Park ($40)
Armando’s in Lake Nona ($40)
Armando’s in Winter Park ($40)
Braccia Ristorante ($40)
Chayote Barrio Kitchen ($60)
Chef’s Table at The Edgewater ($60)
Chima Steakhouse ($60)
Citrus Club ($40)
Crocante Restaurant + Bar ($40)
Cru Quarters at The Mayflower ($40)
F&D Prime Modern Steakhouse ($60)
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill ($40)
Helena Modern Riviera ($40)
Nami ($60)
Norman’s Orlando ($60)
Pine & Oak Tavern ($40)
Sophia’s Trattoria ($40)
Summer House on the Lake ($40)
Trabucco ($40)
Trattoria del Porto at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando ($40)
Twin View Restaurant at Evermore Resort ($60)
Wine 4 Oysters Bar and Bites, East Orlando ($40)
Wine 4 Oysters Bar and Bites, West Orlando ($40)
Yamasan Sushi and Grill ($40)
Nine featured in Michelin Guide
AVA MediterrAegean ($60 – Recommended)
BACAN ($60 – Recommended)
Four Flamingos: A Richard Blais Florida Kitchen ($60 – Recommended)
Kabooki Sushi (East Colonial location) ($40 – Recommended)
Maxine’s on Shine ($40 – Recommended)
Ravello ($60 – Recommended)
The Pinery ($40 – Recommended)
The Ravenous Pig ($40 – Bib Gourmand)
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