ORLANDO, Fla.—Visit Orlando announced plans to release the city’s first destination cookbook, Orlando’s Kitchens: Recipes and Stories From Our Neighborhoods, a collection celebrating central Florida’s diverse culinary scene with recipes and stories from more than 60 local, celebrity, and MICHELIN-recognized chefs.
The cookbook highlights Orlando’s neighborhoods and culinary voices, featuring contributions from local favorites and renowned chefs, along with insights into the region’s growing food culture.
“This project is a true celebration of Orlando’s culinary identity,” says Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando. “For more than 20 years, we’ve worked to raise awareness of our local food community on a global stage, from MICHELIN recognition to James Beard Awards and bringing Netflix’s Somebody Feed Phil to Orlando. Now with this cookbook, we’re able to highlight the neighborhoods and chefs that make our city unbelievably real, from global flavors in downtown Orlando and iconic eateries in the Convention District to Southern staples, artisan bakers, urban farms, and more. It’s a reflection of how diverse, creative, and welcoming Orlando’s culinary story truly is.”
Authored by award-winning writer Pam Brandon, known for more than two dozen Disney cookbooks and two Florida-focused titles, Orlando’s Kitchens also spotlights more than 100 dining and culinary experiences reflecting the city’s food story.
“This book is a joyful coming-together of some of Orlando’s best restaurants, artisans, and farmers, sharing their different experiences through special recipes like Abuela’s Salsa from Tamale Co.; porchetta the way his dad taught chef Yamuel Bigio at Crocante; and a cherished cookie recipe from the 1950s from Nikki’s Place,” Brandon says. “Orlando’s culinary scene is a mosaic of experiences that makes our city so great, and I continue to be inspired every day by this place.”
Organized by city district, the cookbook includes illustrated maps by local artist Paige Fischer to guide readers through Orlando’s neighborhoods. The cover features chef Wendy Lopez of Reyes Mezcaleria and chef Lordfer Lalicon of Kaya, along with dishes from Chayote Barrio Kitchen and Bull & Bear.
Orlando’s Kitchens will be available for purchase before the end of the year, with additional details to come from Visit Orlando.
