Food & Wine Conference in Orlando, image courtesy of @FamilyFoodie

This article was developed in collaboration with Sunday Supper, LLC though all opinions are my own.

Us foodies are always craving for tasty experiences while  we learn, so when I got the news that the Food & Wine Conference is coming to Orlando I had to sign up. The program is very good with the participation of renowned chefs like Chef David Ramirez, who was inducted into the Orlando Magazine Culinary Hall of Fame in 2011.

Sara Moulton, chef, cookbook author, and TV personality will be sharing her knowledge about how to make the perfect cooking presentation. I remember her at Food Network many years ago and now at PBS. From her I learned how to prepare the best pumpkin cream soup. Can’t wait to have the chance to meet her and tell her she has been an inspiration to me too.

Sara Moulton, image courtesy of @FamilyFoodie

Attending conferences for us bloggers and food writers is an excellent opportunity to network, sharpen our skills and get inspired. I’m totally looking forward to the book publishing sessions with Mary Goodbody, who is a nationally known writer, consultant, and cookbook editor currently working on Oprah Magazine’s Cookbook; I will certainly learn a lot about this since she herself has written sixty books.

Sharpening skills on SEO always comes handy and having Triberr’s Dan Cristo is definitely a treat. My friend Jeff Houck from Tampa Bay News will be participating too giving tips on how to get noticed in the media realm.

I invite you to come and join me,  get inspired and have fun at the Food & Wine Conference this July 19-21 at the beautiful Rosen Shingle Creek Resort  now you can save $50.00 on your admission ticket when using the code “Adriana”, register today in this LINK and get advantage of this special offer.

Let’s meet soon and start the journey for crafting the recipe for success!

Anthony Bourdain Hard Rock Cafe Orlando, 2013

Certainly a dream come true having Anthony Bourdain visiting Orlando, FL, city which now I call home for the last thirteen years. The purchase of these tickets was an early birthday gift from my husband who also loves Tony and his adventures in the TV series “No Reservations” and latest “The Layover“.

“Tony” the friendly name I give Anthony Bourdain is the bad boy of the foodie and entertainment industry, is one of those that can get away with anything because he’s the real deal no fake, no make up what you see is what you get. Great writer, storyteller, sarcastic individual and a lot of fun. Never imagined a chef would have the audience mesmerized for two hours talking about his life, the importance of parenthood and how his daughter has changed his life, how he feels about Mario Batali and Paula Deen and stories of what happens behind the scenes when he’s filming his famous Travel Channel programs. Tony is a very talented man, aside from a chef he’s a great entertainer, he had us laughing with his stories and also recognizing that being true to what you are is the name of the game.

After the show ended, we were invited to join Tony in the Hard Rock Live terrace to enjoy some of Chef Bourdain’s favorites like “pastrami sandwich” and good beer. During this soiree we met with our Orlando foodie friends Droolius and Ricky Ly from Tasty Chomps. After few minutes finally got the chance to meet him in person. Of course no flash allowed and only brief conversation but all was worth it. Tony likes Latinos a lot, he considers latino chefs to be talented and invaluable cooks, underpaid and unrecognized even though they have become the backbone of the U.S. restaurant industry so when I told him I was from Mexico and a foodie he said to me: “We need more of you here in the US, you are all hard working people”.

Adriana Martin and Anthony Bourdain

During our conversation I shared with Tony had the chance to visit Brazil’s Mercadao Municipal in Sao Paulo this year where following his recommendation I tasted the brazilian beloved “Mortadela” he smiled at me and confirmed we both shared same tastes buds for good food and then he proceed singing  my “Mercadao Visitors Guide” to keep as a souvenir and sealed our meet and greet with a smile to the camera.

Anthony Bourdain and our love for Brazil and Mortadela

This was an unforgettable evening for me, an experience that will be in my memories forever. I hope one day I get to travel with him to Mexico and show him the real DF, our food and the real spirit of our people. Promise Tony no “Octagon” on this trip.

Anthony Bourdain and Orlando Foodie Friends @Droolius & @TastyChomps

Hasta pronto Chef Bourdain, see you again soon!

Florida Hospital Gourmet Soiree

Last night I had the chance to fulfill other of my dreams while supporting a great cause, Florida Hospital Foundation invited me to be part of the 2013 Gourmet Soiree, Dining to a Healthy 100. What an evening many people gathering, renowned chefs, local foodie fans and Florida Hospital executives all holding hands for a great cause while learning the importance of eating healthy and using fresh products.

Cooking with Chef Jason Wolfies Orlando

Gourmet Soiree is an interactive dinner demonstrating how exciting healthy cooking can be. This unique event with live and silent auctions,  fabulous meal prepared by Orlando local top chefs and their guests at each table. I shared table with fellow foodie bloggers and Chef Jason Schofield from Wolfies Orlando, great person and very knowledgeable on fresh and locally sourced ingredients. He gave us many cooking tips including the fact that herbs have an aroma as a mechanism of defense, who would know. He prepared for us homemade chimichurri with his secret recipe alongside beef dressed with onions and roasted tomatoes and tasty chicken infused with lemon juice and lemongrass.

The Gourmet Soiree Ingredients and Dishes

The dream come true was to meet humble Chef Robert Irvine, a renowned Food Network TV celebrity that has cooked his way through Europe, the Far East, the Caribbean and the Americas, in hotels and on the high seas. Chef Irvine is also host of the hit series Restaurant: Impossible and has previously been seen on Dinner: Impossible, Worst Cooks in America and The Next Iron Chef all my favorite programs.

Meet & Greet with Chef Robert Irvine

I had the chance to chat for few minutes with him and learned about his interest in helping children suffering from terminal illnesses such as cancer and changing the lives of so many people helping business owners having successful restaurants. Irvine is also the author of two cookbooks: “Mission: Cook!” and “Impossible to Easy” which one of these was personally autographed for me. He told me he’s the owner of two restaurants: Robert Irvine’s eat! in Hilton Head, South Carolina, and Robert Irvine’s nosh in Bluffton, South Carolina, I see a trip to the Carolina’s on my future!

Irma Martinez sharing her favorite A-list Spring trends and revealing how she simplifies her daily routine with innovative ¿Ya Probaste Esto? products from P&G

During Hispanicize 2013 I was invited to partake with Hispanic celebrity stylist, Irma Martinez who currently has a partnership with ¿Ya Probaste Esto? campaign from Procter & Gamble. In this special event she shared her top tips & tricks in fashion and housekeeping in order for us to get ready the warmer months. Irma is  the founder and creative director of Trendy Inc, and has more than 20 years experience working with the biggest Latin stars, top brands and Fortune 500 companies and I had the chance to meet her in person and learn about fashion and fashion trends for this Spring. Green and pastels are the thing for the season as well as black and white combinations. One thing that I like the most is that even though she’s a big celebrity she was humble and down to earth sharing her own story and how to integrate some of the “Ya Probaste Esto” products into our routine to have a better life.

Procter & Gamble products

Procter & Gamble has been always one of my favorite brands they have such an array of quality products that are known worldwide  like Tide and Downy, as well as women care like Olay, Pantene and Head and Shoulders. I have grown up using these products and never have been disappointed with the results.

Hassle free cleaning with Swiffer Wet-Jet

And for me having a clean home is essential for healthy living that is why I use quality products such as Swiffer Wet-Jet that makes that task of mopping the floors an easy one. I like the fact that P&G’s ¿Ya Probaste Esto? program and it’s innovative and high-performing products make my life easier so that I can take care of myself, my family and my beautiful home, using products that will deliver great performance.

It is easy to do laundry with Downy and Tide

Laundry is a weekly task at my home and want to have products that work well to clean my family’s clothes and kitchen cloths. With the new Tide products and Downy Unstopables you can do it in just one step these P&G products really are great leaving clothes sparkling clean and with a long-lasting fresh scent. I invite you to visit ¿Ya Probaste Esto?/ Have You Tried This Yet? website and get inspired to try and learn about high-performing products for yourself, family and home from brands like COVERGIRL®, Olay®, Crest®, Swiffer® and Downy®. You can also take advantage of product ratings and reviews, receive great savings including coupons and samples, score expert advice from our Trend Trio and watch product demonstration videos with Vanessa Lachey and Irma Martinez.

As part of the Have You Tried This Yet? Target provided us a gift card that helped me kick-off my newest Spring and Summer wardrobe

 This is part of a compensated campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and Procter & Gamble. However, all opinions expressed are my own.

#KikkomanSabor Twitter Party

Join me at the #KikkomanSabor Twitter Party  this Thursday April 25 at 9 p.m. EST / 6 p.m. PST alongside fabulous Latinas Crafty Chica, Estilo Familiar, Mama Noticias, Nibbles and Feasts, Whispered Inspirations and moderated by Ana Flores and Latina Bloggers Connect. There will be up to $700 in prizes you don’t want to miss as well as great ideas from Chef Helen Roberts who will be joining us for this special event.

Kikkoman soy sauce is a versatile ingredient that can be used to cook many different types of cuisines and it is naturally brewed. You can use the sauce to enhance the flavors of your dishes, specially on  seafood, grilled meats and vegetables. Kikkoman sauces come in different flavors for example the Lime ponzu enhances the flavor of meat dishes like carne asada, carnitas and fajitas. The Kikkoman Teriyaki sauce you can use before cooking your meat by brushing it to enhance flavor and add a tangy barbecue flavor. My favorite the Kikkoman Sriracha Hot Chili Sauce features Asian spices and chili peppers, this is a hot sauce that adds a kick when used as a marinade for meat or as a condiment, truly delicious!

Did you know Kikkoman also has rice vinegar this is ideal for emboldening flavor in salads, paella and soups and even use in ceviche or for pickling. If you want to replace the use of salt with soy sauce you can do it by using 1/2 tsp. Kikkoman Soy Sauce in place of 1/2 tsp. table salt, the sodium content of the recipe is cut by 1000 mg. You can replace sodium in: Soups, salad dressings, roast chicken, ground beef dishes and even tomato sauce.

If you want to learn more about how to use Kikkoman sauce visit their website which is also available in Spanish and has fabulous ideas and recipes.

Meet Chef Helen Roberts, Manager of Culinary Development watch her prepare Ponzu Glazed Chicken, Mac N Cheese and Green Beans, yum!

This article and Twitter party are in collaboration with Latina Bloggers Connect and Kikkoman, though all opinions are my own.

Bahama Breeze Orlando

Bahama Breeze invited us to come and try their new appetizer menu and the rice bowls it was a great evening enjoying good food and conversation. Our host Megan Gant restaurant manager and her team made our visit unforgettable.

The evening started with Bahama Breeze favorites,  Bahamarita® and a new cocktail from Hawaii called Yaka Hula Hickey Dula, made with pineapple juice, Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling Wine and Myers’s Dark Rum.

Bahama Breeze Appetizers

Then appetizers including the famous Beef Empanadas and the Mojo-Marinated Pulled Pork Slow-roasted, served over sweet plantains and drizzled with their signature sweet and smoky guava barbecue sauce. These are great options if you decide only to come and enjoy drinks and satisfying appetizers full of flavor.

Carnitas Bowl

Our main course were the rice bowls, we tried the Carnitas, with slow roasted pork, sautéed with chorizo sausage, fresh corn, sweet plantains and garbanzo beans in a cumin-citrus sauce served over yellow rice freshly cooked every hour.

Chipotle Beef Bowl

We also tried the Chipotle Beef  with sautéed beef sirloin, fresh corn and black beans in chipotle sauce served over basmati rice and cheese; topped with sour cream, fresh salsa and ripe avocado. Both options are served also during lunch on a small serving if desired.

Bahama Breeze Key Lime Pie

During our visit I also learned Bahama Breeze cooks from scratch many of their offerings providing that wonderful homey just made fresh flavor. And no meal is complete without dessert so a freshly made Key Lime pie closed the amazing evening. No matter dinner or lunch Bahama Breeze is a favorite restaurant to visit and try while in Orlando.

This is a sponsored article for Bahama Breeze though all opinions are my own.

A Day at the Wish Farms Strawberry Fields

I love gardening and anything that has to do with growing flowers, fruits and vegetables so when I got this invitation to be part of  the Wish Farms yearly U-Pick Event at Duette, Florida just couldn’t resist. Duette is around 2 hours from my home town Clermont, indeed a pleasurable drive through many towns west from Orlando. Florida is such a beautiful state with so many small towns that you didn’t even realized they even existed. And of course travelling with the hubby is a special treat he makes me laugh so much with his stories. Last year I got to meet Elizabeth and Amber from the Wish Farms marketing team at the Strawberry Festival, they are very knowledgeable regarding strawberries and all that has to do with Wish Farms history who coincidentally is celebrating it’s 90 years birthday.

Yearly basis Wish Farms hosts a charity strawberry u-pick in Duette, FL. The cost of the entrance to the event is only $5.oo and all proceeds are donated to Redlands Christian Migrant Association (RCMA), who provides quality childcare and early education for children of migrant farm workers and rural low-income families throughout Florida.  Indeed a wonderful cause and a priority  for Wish Farms owners.

Wish Farms largest contiguous strawberry farm East of the Mississippi

The strawberry farm that we visited is the largest contiguous strawberry farm East of the Mississippi .During our visit we learned that Wish Farms has been delivering quality produce since 1922 and has grown to be a national produce marketer and broker. Third generation family-owned, they are a leader in the industry and has made Plant City, Florida the winter strawberry capital of the world. In addition aside from being a year-round strawberry grower, they are also a year-round supplier of blueberries and market vegetables like  bell pepper, pickles, grape tomatoes and other seasonal items such as eggplants.

Fresh Strawberry

In order to guarantee best quality Wish Farms has a program called How’s My Picking?™ that tracks the pickers that picked the produce. Whether it’s good news or bad, we they want to know so they are able to read consumer feedback, providing accountability and continuous improvement for their work. I thought this was very impressive sometimes you never think how much technology investment this growers do in order to verify they are doing a good job.

Wish Farms produce can be found in Florida at Publix, I invite you to taste their strawberries they are juicy and very sweet, their product is organic and grown with extreme care. In addition Wish Farms helps the community via RCMA that supports the care and education of migrant children throughout Florida, the Wishnatzki Family Migrant Scholarship that helps the funding of a graduate degree in education at the University of South Florida for a student from a migrant or seasonal farm worker family. and is also title sponsor of the Florida Strawberry Festival Soundstage which hosts headline acts across the country music spectrum.

Adriana Martin Picking Fresh Strawberries at Wish Farms, Duette, FL

This is a sponsored collaboration for Wish Farms brand though all opinions are my own.

I am always searching for unforgettable combination of flavors, same as trying to learn other cultures ingredients and cooking techniques

During the latest Home and Garden Show here in Orlando had the pleasure to meet Danny Otero successful Latino executive chef from Teak Neighborhood Grill and its Sister Restaurant RusTeak Restaurant and Wine Bar.

Chef Danny was born and raised in Puerto Rico. He enjoys using fresh and local ingredients in many of his creations where he helped Teak win the coveted award of best chilli in Orlando at this years Orlando Chili Cook-off with his top secret chili recipe.

Chef Danny Otero at the Central Florida Home and Garden Show

“My passion for cooking comes from the incredible diversity and freedom that is among the culinary world!  There are no language, no social barriers or no limit to how much you can learn and create!  Taking fresh ingredients and creating a meal to please from the simplest to the most demanding palate is something that has always kept me striving and challenging to perfect my cuisine.  Since I was a child cooking has always been in any and every family gathering”, said Chef Otero.

Chef Otero is a recent graduate of Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Academy of Orlando and has also previously held the position of Executive Chef at Stonewood Tavern and Trotters Irish Pub.

“As a Latino Chef from Puerto Rico my favorite recipe so far is “Mofongo with garlic mojo relleno  the mariscos”, Mofongo is half way cooked green plantain, smashed with garlic, cilantro, pork cracklings and chicken stock, served on a “pilon”, a vase made out primary of wood used to smash spices, then the “Marisco” Spanish word for sea food, consist of sautéed garlic and cilantro with shrimps, lobster, grouper and fresh conch,  fresh diced tomatoes, a bit of white wine, salt pepper to taste and reduce until is done. Then place inside the “mofongo” and with a nice Piña colada!!!”, said Chef Otero.

Hoping you enjoyed this interview, indeed it is inspiring to see that hard work and passion can help you reach your dreams.

Many thanks Chef Danny Otero for sharing your inspiring story!

Enjoy!!! Buen Provecho!!! Spanish for “Bon appetite”

Thank You #Hispz13 Sponsors and Latina Mom Bloggers

Hispanicize 2013 brings brands, media, marketers,celebrities, filmmakers, innovators and bloggers together in a unique creative environment focused on ideas and best practices.  The event is a launch pad for creative endeavors, new products, technologies, marketing campaigns, films, books targeting Latinos and I will be there for the first time!

This event is considered one of the biggest Latino Blogger conference and unique to Florida and I’m attending thanks to “Brands Love Bloggers” promotion sponsored by Coca-Cola, MundoFox, Sherwin-Williams, Ford, The Clorox Company, Maseca, ViSalus, Fender, Radio Shack, Transitions, NBC Latino, The Axis Agency, JeffreyGroup, Lanugo, Fox News Latino, Business Wire, Sensis Agency, PR Newswire, and El Sentinel.

Special thanks to Latina Mom Bloggers network I’m proud member since 2012 and cannot tell you how much support have been given and how wonderful this network is. They encourage you,  recognize work and creativity. They also provide many learning opportunities such as Hispanicize event.

“Hispanicize 2013 is on track to far surpass last year’s event with more bloggers, brands and agencies converging to meet each other than ever before,” said Manny Ruiz, founder and creative director of Hispanicize 2013.   “We know that bloggers and brands depend on our platform to connect with each other so that’s why this year’s program is even more comprehensive and entertaining than last year’s event.  We are significantly raising the bar on ourselves.”

Hispanic Journalists Showcase

The hotel I will be staying is the Eden Roc looks so stylish and beautiful. The program looks amazing a lot of learning opportunities, networking and fun!

If you are a blogger you should join us too, looking forward to meeting you at Hispanicize 2013, nos vemos muy pronto en Miami!

To get latest scoop follow my Hispanicize 2013 experience on Twitter @AsBestRecipes #Hispz13

Many of you know I love gardening, pets and of course my passion is cooking so next weekend March 22-24 I’m in for a treat because the 2013 Central Florida Home & Garden Show is returning to the Orange County Convention Center. This year’s program looks so much fun, here the scoop:

Appearances by Jason Cameron DIY Network’s Man Caves and Desperate Landscapes will share his passion for architecture and the wood shop, along with tips, advice and behind-the-scenes stories. His appearances will be on the IKEA Home Stage on Friday at 6 p.m., Saturday at 12 noon and 5 p.m., and Sunday at 4 p.m.

Jason Cameron DIY Network’s Caves and Desperate Landscapes

Then we will be enjoying mouth-watering demonstrations and tasty samples prepared by some of the area’s favorite chefs and culinary pros on the Edible Orlando Cooking Stage. Some of the participant chefs are James and Julie Petrakis of the The Ravenous Pig; Kevin Spencer of Spencer’s for Steaks and Chops at Hilton Orlando; Greg Picard, executive chef for Orlando World Center Marriott; Dun Chau of Sushi House Orlando; Danny Otera of Teak Neighborhood Grill, and chefs and experts from Whole Foods Market, New York Dinger and World of Beer. Gloria B, the bi-lingual host of KQ103 FM’s afternoon drive show, spices up the stage on Saturday at 3:30 p.m., Latino style!

James and Julie Petrakis are the chef/owners of the critically-acclaimed The Ravenous Pig

To top the day the Pet Pavilion sponsored by Urban Pet Magazine and Stanley Steemer will include exhibitors that range from emergency vet, boarding, training and pet rescue services to purveyors of fashion, treats and grooming for cats, dogs and other critters. And the best of all is that you can come with me!

I’m giving away 2 (two) complimentary tickets just enter the giveaway and we will select the winner randomly; the winner announcement will be done via Facebook and Twitter Thursday, March 21, 2013.

It is easy just enter Punchtab below, follow me on Twitter, Like my FB page and leave and tell us why you want to attend Central Florida Home & Garden Show and you are entered to win the two tickets.

See you soon!