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Taking the Kids: Sampling Orlando's changing restaurant scene during Magical Dining Month

By Eileen Ogintz, Tribune Content Agency on

A few minutes away at the new Four Seasons Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, you won't find such elaborate themes -- just a focus on carefully prepared food from local purveyors. Think chef-made charcuterie at the character breakfasts, prime steaks in the rooftop restaurant Capa where you can watch the fireworks from Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Kids can order a small fillet or "paella" -- chicken and rice.

"I like to see more kids order different things," said Four Seasons Executive Chef Fabrizio Schenardi.

At the theme parks too, said Gary Jones, a culinary dietary specialist who helped introduce the "Mickey Checks" on kids' meals that indicate the healthier options, such as meals served with carrots rather than fries and water or juice instead of soft drinks. Still, he said, only about half the guests opt for the healthier choices for their kids.

Everyone keeps trying. The Hyatt Regency Orlando and Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress have launched an innovative menu, "For Kids, By Kids," which provides nutritious, fresh and interactive offerings for children. Think Top Your Own Taco.

At the Ritz-Carlton at Grande Lakes Orlando, every dish at Highball and Harvest includes something from the resort's farm -- tomatoes, peppers, Swiss chard, rosemary -- which families can visit. There's honey produced on site, a big chicken coop, 18 varieties of citrus trees, avocado trees, bananas, mango and cherries. Everything from beets to yucca to blueberries, broccoli and mint are grown here.

 

Kids like to sit up at the counter and watch how their food is being made, said Chef Sheive. "Wellness has got to be part of your concept these days," he added. "If not, you're going to miss out."

Let's hope families agree.

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(If you are going to Orlando, check out Eileen's Kid's Guide to Orlando available from major booksellers and online. Find more tips at www.takingthekids.com and follow @TakingtheKids on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.)


(c) 2015 DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.

 

 

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