ORLANDO: Away from Theme Park Food at The Ravenous Pig

I was thrilled to be visiting Orlando last weekend - mostly a trip to Universal Studios to Wizarding World of Harry Potter - but there was no way I was going to stick with park food. Orlando isn't quite a foodie capital but I went to my reliable Chowhound for my research, asked some friends who had recently visited the city and landed on one must-visit spot: The Ravenous Pig.

The Ravenous Pig prides itself on fresh and local sourcing, with the menu likely to change from time to time. We wanted to try as many dishes from the delicious sounding menu as possible so we opted for sharing tapa style from the the pub and starters menu and squeezed in a salad.

First came the lamb confit, charred octopus and Zuckermans farm

asparagus. The lamb was served with a refreshing lemon yogurt and cucumber-dill slaw. This was one of Tony's favourite dishes, the lamb incredibly tender. The charred octopus with squid ink and potato salad was good but not extraordinary compared to the rest of our dishes. We LOVED the asparagus, which barely qualifies as a salad was it was wrapped in prociutto. The farm asparagus was fresh and crisp, and the accompanying bernaise, almonds and lemon vinaigrette all delicious. This was my favourite dish of the night.

Our server brought our 2nd course of 3: delicious rock shrimp tacos, both meaty and tasty - my second favourite of the night (the asparagus wins on originality of freshness and flavours), shrimp grits with corn and chorizo oil. The shrimp was incredibly fresh and sweet! Finally, very tasty clams served in a hearty and delicious broth with garlic sausage, creamed leeks, and squid ink croutons.

We couldn't resist dessert and settled on the chocolate truffle cake, I was sold on the raspberry creme fraiche ice cream - very unique and delicious! On our server's recommendation, we also had the strawberry rhubarb crisp, served with toffee crunch ice cream. This, too, was also delicious and we enjoyed both homey, sweet desserts.

Located in Winter Park, The Ravenous Pig is definitely worth the short drive from whatever theme park vacation you might be taking in - particularly for those who are having an adult visit to the happiest place on earth (or like me, a "magical" one!). This American gastropub is not open Sundays and is always full so be sure to plan ahead! We were surrounded by families, dates, couples...good food is good for everyone :) No wonder our friends opted to visit twice! This was the only restaurant consistently recommended by foodies and I am happy to pile on.

The Ravenous Pig

1234 N. Orange Ave, Winter Park, FL

www.theravenouspig.com (reservations available on OpenTable)

407-628-2333