Let the Good Times Roll at these 5 Orlando Mardi Gras Events

Updated Nov. 25, 2025

 

Every year, 47 days before Easter, people around the world gather for colorful celebrations. Many cultures call their celebration “Carnival.” Others call it “Shrove Tuesday.”

Here in the U.S., we call it Mardi Gras, French for “Fat Tuesday.”

 

A sparkly, feathery mask sits on a white surface beside green and yellow glittery Mardi Gras hats.

 

When the French settled along the Gulf Coast, they brought their Mardi Gras traditions with them. Over time, cities like Mobile, Galveston, and New Orleans developed their own customs. Soon, the rest of the country realized that they, too, wanted to let the good times roll. Today, you can find Mardi Gras celebrations across the U.S.

For some, Mardi Gras is a time to let loose before a period of reflection and sacrifice. For all, it’s a chance to enjoy traditions like parades, zydeco music, and king cake.

No matter what Mardi Gras means to you, you’ll find many ways to celebrate in Orlando. So, grab your krewe and live it up at one of these five Fat Tuesday festivities.

 

Key Takeaways

 

1.      Fun Spot’s HUGE Mardi Gras

 

An iced king cake surrounded by colorful beads, masks, and other Mardi Gras paraphernalia.

 

If you’re looking to do Mardi Gras with the whole family, go marching into Fun Spot.

The affordable and kid-friendly theme park has a location off International Drive and another in Kissimmee.

Every year in late winter, both spots come alive with festive music and purple and gold décor. Fun Spot’s HUGE Mardi Gras features a fun parade, themed photo backdrops, and mouthwatering Louisiana cuisine. In past years, attendees got a taste of the bayou through exclusive menu items like gator nuggets, Cajun fries, and king cake sundaes. Drink offerings included classic NOLA cocktails like the hurricane.

When we say that Fun Spot is fun for the whole family, we mean it.

At this Orlando theme park, parking and admission are free. Guests can pay per attraction or buy an all-day wristband. So if you’re traveling with someone who doesn’t like rides, they only need to spring for food and arcade credits.

And since Fun Spot is Orlando’s only pet-friendly theme park, even fido can join the fais do-do (Cajun slang for a party).

 

 

2.      Mardi Gras at SeaWorld Orlando

Every year, SeaWorld Orlando throws a jazzy Fat Tuesday celebration full of fun flavors and colorful beads.

After spending the morning riding coasters and hanging out with amazing marine life, geaux to Wild Artic Plaza for an epic dance afternoon dance party. Next, take your Mardi Gras celebration to new heights with a parade featuring stilt walkers and zydeco tunes. And because SeaWorld’s Mardi Gras party coincides with the fan-favorite Seven Seas Food Festival, tasty treats abound.

Last year’s food options included bourbon barbecue po’boys and airy beignets.

 

 

3.      Universal’s Mardi Gras

 

A group of people in Mardi Gras beads and costumes dance in the street at Universal Orlando.

 

As we mentioned before, the Big Easy isn’t the only place that parties it up in the late winter. From Brazil’s Carnival to Italy’s masquerade balls, cultures all over the world come together for lavish celebrations.

And at Universal Studios, you can experience it all.

Universal’s Mardi Gras will return to the Orlando theme park in early February 2026.

Last year’s headliners included Joe Jonas, T-Pain, Lawrence, TLC, and more.

Can’t make it to Universal during Mardi Gras season? There’s another way to celebrate Mardi Gras year-round.

Head to CityWalk, where you can enjoy a frozen delight at the Fat Tuesday daiquiri stand. Or go all out with a visit to Pat O’Brien’s. This CityWalk restaurant is a replica of the classic dueling piano bar in NOLA. Any time of year, enjoy a night on the bayou full of rollicking music, refreshing cocktails, and Creole cuisine like po’boys and etouffee.

 

4.      Tibby’s New Orleans Kitchen

 

A plate of fresh beignets topped with powdered sugar.

 

Like Pat O’Brien’s at CityWalk, Tibby’s New Orleans Kitchen celebrates NOLA culture all year.

The award-winning restaurant serves authentic Louisiana cuisine in the Orlando suburbs of Winter Park and Altamonte Springs. You’ll find delightful dishes like muffuletta sandwiches with a savory olive spread, blackened seafood platters, and andouille gumbo. Wash it down with a Sazerac, daiquiri, or frosty glass of Abita beer.

Save room for classic Crescent City desserts, including praline bread pudding and freshly fried beignets.

While Tibby’s delights diners year-round, those visiting on or around Mardi Gras are in for a real treat. The restaurant typically hosts a month-long celebration with live jazz music and event-exclusive food and drink options. Tibby’s Mardi Gras celebration also includes fresh-baked king cakes, plastic baby and all.

 

5.      Sanford Mardi Gras Street Party

Gorgeous historic architecture. Friendly locals. The chance to sip an ice-cold cocktail while strolling through town. These are just some of the things that have made NOLA’s Mardi Gras so iconic.

But if a trip to the French Quarter isn’t in the cards for you in 2023, there’s another way to experience Mardi Gras with an extra helping of Southern charm. And it’s right here in Central Florida.

Every year, the city of Sanford, Florida, hosts a très amusant Mardi Gras party. It starts with a parade complete with brass bands, stilt walkers, and golf carts decked out in baubles and beads. Join the procession wearing your Mardi Gras finest. Or find a spot on the street and watch it all go down.

After the parade, stick around historic downtown Sanford to enjoy authentic eats, live music, and unique vendors. Guests 21+ can purchase cocktails from stands around town. Or stop in one of Sanford’s award-winning craft breweries for a local brewski.

As a lagniappe, or bonus, proceeds from this Mardi Gras celebration benefit local charities.

 

Find Joie de Vivre at Rosen Plaza

 

A wide shot of the exterior of Rosen Plaza at sunset.

 

After a day spent celebrating NOLA style, head back to your cozy guestroom at Rosen Plaza.

Our Orlando hotel is located on International Drive, close to major highways, making it easy to get to your Fat Tuesday party of choice. And if Universal’s Mardi Gras is the fais do-do for you, you can get there on our free theme park shuttle.

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7 Places to Find Marvelous Mocktails in Orlando

Updated Nov. 25, 2025

 

Raise a glass — National Mocktail Week runs from January 11 through January 17, 2026.

 

A tall glass with an orange mocktail, garnished with citrus wedges against a botanical background.

 

Mocktail mixologist and blogger Marnie Rae founded the holiday in 2018. Her goal was to prove that zero-proof cocktails could be as refined, inspired, and delicious as any mixed drink.

And it seems to be working. In a 2021 survey, over half of respondents said that they were ordering more non-alcoholic (NA) cocktails than they were a year before.

Whether you avoid alcohol year-round, plan to do Dry January, or want to celebrate National Mocktail Week with a zero-proof creation, you’ll find delightful drinks all over Orlando.

This January, quench your thirst with a mocktail at one of these seven Orlando bars.

 

Key Takeaways

  • Tori Tori
  • Hampton Social
  • Earl’s Kitchen
  • Domu
  • The Neighbors
  • The Edison
  • ’39 Poolside

    •  

    1.      Tori Tori

     

    Silhouetted figures stand at a dark and moody bar with beams across the ceiling and a modern bar stocked with liquor bottles.

     

    Just east of Ivanhoe Village, you’ll find Mills 50. The hip neighborhood is home to many of Orlando’s best Asian restaurants, including Tori Tori. This yakitori (chicken skewer) restaurant won “Best Zero-proof Cocktail” in Orlando Weekly’s 2021 best-of list.

    Tori Tori stocks its bar with unique ingredients like kumquat juice, ancho chiles, and rose syrup.

    Upon request, Tori Tori’s bartenders will skillfully craft a mocktail based on your favorite flavors.

    Tori Tori’s food and ambiance were also a big hit with Orlando Weekly readers. So be sure to pair your mocktail with delicious Japanese cuisine. In addition to freshly grilled yakitori, you can enjoy skewers of shrimp, beef, pork belly, or veggies. Other options include fried rice, crab croquettes, and fried chicken with citrus-pepper sauce.

     

    2.      Hampton Social

    After a busy day exploring International Drive’s amazing attractions, unwind with dinner and a mocktail at Hampton Social.

    The Pointe Orlando restaurant boasts a chic coastal vibe and a huge menu. Options like ceviche, avocado pizza, oysters, and lobster rolls pair perfectly with their NA drinks. The popular Carry On mocktail features lemon and pear juices, fizzy ginger beer, and blackberry and thyme garnishes.

    You can also enjoy a glass of non-alcoholic sparkling rosé.

     

    3.      Earl’s Kitchen

    If your Orlando trip involves a shopping spree at the Mall at Millenia, be sure to stop by Earl’s Kitchen for a tasty NA drink.

    The family-run restaurant chain has served unique and flavorful offerings in Orlando since 2016. Mocktails at Earl’s include a sparkling yuzu lemonade with orange essence, plus delicious NA takes on the Moscow mule and Aperol spritz. If you’d rather have a cold beer, try Athletic Brewing’s Run Wild NA IPA.

    Earl’s also serves fantastic food, from sirloin steak to shrimp curry to tofu tacos.

     

    4.      Domu

     

    A modern bar and restaurant interior.

     

    In 2022, Domu became one of seven Orlando restaurants to earn a coveted Bib Gourmand designation from Michelin. It’s maintained the designation every year since.

    And with good reason: their flavorful ramen bowls and crisp Asian-fusion wings make for an unforgettable meal.

    And if you dine at Domu’s flagship location, in Audubon Park’s East End Market, you can enjoy your noodles with an equally mind-blowing mocktail. Their bar menu includes the Lemony Snicket, which pairs lemon juice, orgeat syrup, and soda water. You can also enjoy a mango lychee lemonade with bountiful boba. Or sweeten your meal with a virgin pineapple daiquiri.

    Other NA bar options include Topo Chico and a dry-hopped seltzer by the brewmasters at Lagunitas.

     

    5.      The Neighbors

    Upstairs from Domu, you’ll find The Neighbors, a colorful lounge and gift shop.

    Pick up a delicious mocktail before browsing their superb selection of fun candles, art, and apparel.

    Sip on a Zephyr, a breezy drink with ginger beer, lime, and cinnamon. Or mellow out with a Lavender Pomojito, which features lavender, pomegranate, mint, and basil.

    In addition to a growing mocktail scene, Orlando has a great music scene. You can explore both if you visit the Neighbors on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon when they host live performers.

     

    6.      The Edison

    Light up the night at The Edison, a fan-favorite Disney Springs restaurant.

    The first thing you’ll notice when you enter the Edison is its steampunk and art deco décor.

    The second thing you’ll notice is its impressive mocktail menu.  Enjoy the fruit flavors of the Smoke & Mirrors, which features pineapple and lemon juice with orgeat. Or pick a freshly made Apple Propellant mocktail with apple cider, lemon juice, honey, and ginger ale.

    The Edison also serves unique Sprite-based drinks with fresh fruit syrups and botanicals.

    Come with an appetite. The restaurant offers a scrumptious menu of burgers, salads, flatbreads, and mouthwatering ribs. End your meal with an indulgent slice of chocolate cake or cheesecake.

     

    7.      ’39 Poolside

     

    A beautiful orange cocktail in a hurricane glass sitting on a pool deck beside a clear sparkling pool with a hotel and palm trees in the background.

     

    Complete Orlando’s tropical Florida vibe with a frozen drink by the pool.

    At ’39 Poolside on International Drive, you can vacation like a boss with a refreshing mocktail. Enjoy a virgin piña colada, daiquiri, or mudslide as you take in gorgeous views of shimmering water. Our outdoor restaurant also offers expertly made poke bowls, sandwiches, wings, and salads.

    Our restaurant is in Rosen Plaza, a centrally located hotel known for top-tier hospitality.

    We’re a short walk away from the Orange County Convention Center and Pointe Orlando. And we’re a quick car ride away from top Orlando theme parks, attractions, and bars with great mocktails.

    ...

    4 Ways Rosen Hotels Makes Every Day GivingTuesday

    GivingTuesday is coming up on November 29, 2022.

    The day is a time to give what you can — be it time or money — to causes you care about.

    It’s no coincidence that it comes a few days after the chaos of Black Friday. GivingTuesday is a chance to slow down and remember that the holidays are all about giving. And the day isn’t just for individuals. Companies worldwide use the day to boost their corporate social responsibility (CSR) work.

    At Rosen Hotels & Resorts, we don’t limit giving to a single day. Rather, we embrace the spirit of GivingTuesday all year.

    Here are four ways our company gives back on GivingTuesday and every day.

    1.      We support community spaces in Orlando.

    Harris Rosen, founder and COO of Rosen Hotels & Resorts, is an avid swimmer. He has swum at the same gym on International Drive for decades.

    One day in 1992, he arrived for a dip in the pool. But a lending company had shuttered the facility. Mr. Rosen learned that the closure left local Special Olympians heartbroken and without a place to train. So, he took action, leading local fundraising efforts. The space became a YMCA.

    Today, it is a thriving swim club known as the Rosen Aquatic & Fitness Center.

    In 2009, Harris Rosen revitalized another community space, a nearby Jewish community center.

    When the JCC needed a larger facility, Harris Rosen stepped in with a generous donation. Today, the Rosen JCC hosts a preschool, gym, after-school clubs, and camps.

    2.      We uplift those battling cancer.

    In November 2018, Harris Rosen’s son, Adam, died of brain cancer at age 26.

    The Rosen family turned their grief into action. And the Adam Michael Rosen (AMR) Foundation was born.

    This nonprofit honors Adam’s legacy by aiding others battling the disease. Patients and their families can apply for help with living expenses. Harris Rosen has also raised funds for cancer research at UF Health, where Adam went for care.

    GivingTuesday - Rosen family and associates outside theAMR Oncology Lab at UF

    The AMR Foundation proudly works with local nonprofit Runway to Hope. Together, they plan well-attended fundraising events for childhood cancer.

    They’ve raised as much as $1.5 million at a single event.

    3.      We empower young people through education.

    When he was growing up, Harris Rosen’s family stressed the value of education. This guidance led him to study at Cornell University. But Mr. Rosen realized that many children lacked access to quality schooling.

    So, in 1993, he started the Tangelo Park Program.

    GivingTuesday - Cornell Students at Rosen Preschool

    Children in the underserved Tangelo Park neighborhood can attend preschool for free. Upon graduating high school, they can also go to college at no cost. Today, nearly every child in Tangelo Park finishes high school. In the early ‘90s, the area’s dropout rate was almost 25%.

    In 2017, Harris Rosen started a similar program in Orlando’s Parramore neighborhood.

    These programs gave Mr. Rosen a chance to engage students at his alma mater. Every spring break, Cornell students volunteer at the preschool.

    Harris Rosen has also worked to foster the next generation of hospitality leaders. In 2004, UCF founded the Rosen College of Hospitality Management. Thanks to a donation from Mr. Rosen, the college could open its own campus near Orlando’s top attractions.

    In 2022, the college was named the country’s best hospitality school and one of the best in the world.

    4.      We give back to the global community.

    At Rosen Hotels & Resorts, we believe that generosity knows no borders.

    For decades, we have reached out to help international communities in need.

    The Harris Rosen Foundation first sent school and medical supplies to Haiti in the 1990s. In 2005, the foundation helped raise funds for water filtration systems. They raised enough for 250 filters and distributed them across rural Haiti.

    The foundation sent more supplies after the 2010 earthquake. In the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew, the organization helped rebuild homes in Haiti.

    GivingTuesday - Mr. Rosen in Haiti

    When an earthquake hit Japan in 2011, the Harris Rosen Foundation again got to work. The foundation worked with local students to raise over $86,000. This money was sent to the Tōhoku region and to Urayasu, one of Orlando’s sister cities.

    In 2022, we again reached across oceans, this time in response to the crisis in Ukraine.

    The AMR Foundation hosted Feeding Ukraine in May 2022. More than 600 people came out to support the World Central Kitchen. That August, Rosen Hotels co-sponsored a National Ballet of Ukraine performance.

    Proceeds from the sold-out show went to nonprofits working to support Ukrainians.

    GivingTuesday Every Day at Rosen Plaza

    On GivingTuesday and all year, a stay at Rosen Plaza on International Drive helps us help others.

    Just as we’re dedicated to serving the world, we’re dedicated to serving our guests.

    From the moment you check in, you’ll experience our world-class hospitality. Our Orlando hotel features spacious guestrooms and top-tier amenities. Our location makes it easy to get to the convention center and area attractions.

    To read more about our CSR initiatives and how they align with GivingTuesday, visit Rosen Gives Back.

    ...

    Life at Rosen

    Ask anyone, here at Rosen Hotels & Resorts we are known for going above and beyond for our associates, their families and their well-being.
    Now, we’re going next level with higher wages and a new and improved benefits package.

    But did you know we are more than hotels?

    We are currently hiring for positions in hospitality, IT, preschool/early learning, medical professionals, food & beverage and a whole lot more!
    We could go on and on, but we figured it’s best to hear about Life at Rosen from our associates themselves, the lifeblood and pride of our little company.

    ...

    Curate a Perfect Vacation at These 7 Artsy Spots in Orlando

    Updated Nov. 24, 2025

     

    Galleries and museums let you see the world through new eyes. Art can take you to a different time and place. Or, when visiting a new city, it can make you feel more connected to your surroundings.

    During your next Orlando vacation, get to know the city through its inspiring museums, galleries, and other artsy hot spots.

     

    A colorful mural of a child covering their eyes with a golden crown, one example of art in Orlando.

     

    Key Takeaways

     

    Loch Haven Cultural Park

    Loch Haven Park, north of downtown Orlando, is itself a work of art. Its serene lakeshore and moss-draped trees are as pretty as any painting on a gallery wall.

    The park is also home to some of the city’s best art museums, like the Orlando Art Museum (OMA).

    OMA has enchanted art lovers since 1924.The massive museum’s permanent collection has everything from African textiles to pop art. OMA also attracts world-class traveling exhibits.

    Loch Haven Park is also home to the Mennello Museum of American Art.

    The Mennello has the world’s largest collection of paintings by folk artist Earl Cunningham. You’ll also find pieces by many contemporary American artists.

    At the end of your museum day, head outside to the pet-friendly sculpture garden. It boasts a magnificent view of Lake Formosa.

    The Mennello Museum costs $5 for adults, with discounts for children, seniors, students, and military families. Admission is free on the second Sunday of each month. On these “Free Family Fundays,” you can partake in guided tours and kids’ art lessons.

     

    WonderGround Gallery

    If you want to bring some Disney magic home with you, head to WonderGround Gallery at Disney Springs.

    This enchanting gallery sells Disney-themed art, including limited edition items. Expect fun theme park posters, colorful prints of Disney characters, and whimsical paintings by Thomas Kinkade Studios. Some pieces are by Disney animators and illustrators. Others were created by rising stars in the local art scene.

    WonderGround also hosts artist meet-and-greets where you can get your purchases signed.

     

    CityArts

    CityArts is the heart of the thriving downtown Orlando art scene.

    The multi-story art venue, a few blocks away from Lake Eola Park, is impossible to miss. It is housed in one of the area’s oldest and most distinctive structures. The emerald-hued Victorian building was constructed in 1886.

    Once you’ve taken in the building’s beauty, there’s more to explore inside.

    CityArts sells a wide range of contemporary art. The downstairs gallery houses traveling exhibits. In summer 2022, you can see the work of two Italian artists, one an illustrator and the other a multimedia creator.

    Upstairs, you’ll find pieces by local and international artists. There’s also a gallery showcasing art by local high school students.

     

    Sam Flax Orlando

    Sign up for short, beginner-friendly art workshops in subjects like calligraphy and stenciling at the family-run art supply chain Sam Flax.

    Sam Flax operates a huge store in Orlando’s hip Mills 50 neighborhood. It sells everything from kids’ crayons to top-grade printmaking gear.

    Mills 50 is known for its fantastic street art, so be sure to walk around when you’ve finished shopping.

    Over 30 buildings in the area feature murals lovingly painted by local artists. Many of these walls were created during events organized by Sam Flax. Even the neighborhood’s dumpsters and storm drains are adorned with vibrant brushstrokes from some of Orlando’s best local artists!

     

    Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens

    In 1950, famed sculptor Albin Polasek retired from his teaching job at the Art Institute of Chicago and headed to Florida.

    Polasek bought land on the shore of Lake Osceola in Winter Park, north of Orlando. He helped design his new home, drawing inspiration from his native Czech Republic. The house had a large art studio where he made sculptures like the award-winning “Victory of Moral Law.”

    In 1961, Polasek and his wife Emily opened the house’s art gallery to the public.

    After the sculptor died in 1965, the entire property became a museum. It features 200 Polasek sculptures and a picturesque 3-acre garden. The Polasek Museum also hosts visiting exhibits. In summer 2022, you can see playful works created by Florida Sculptors Guild members.

     

    Crealdé School of Art

    Down the road from the Polasek Museum, you’ll find the Crealdé School of Art.

    Since 1975, this Winter Park art center has offered fun classes and locally focused art exhibits. They offer day-long workshops in everything from traditional figure drawing to macramé.

    If you like your instructor’s work, stop by the gift shop, which sells art made by Crealdé faculty.

    The school also gives tours of its studios, sculpture garden, and photo galleries.

     

    Jack’s Place Restaurant & Lounge

     

    A lobster tail and steak on a white plate beside a glass of red wine on a restaurant table, surrounded by other tables and a wall full of art.

     

    An award-winning steakhouse may not be the first place you’d associate with art. But Jack’s Place Restaurant & Lounge is not your typical steakhouse.

    At this Rosen Plaza restaurant, you can enjoy mouthwatering rib-eye steak or roasted salmon with Babe Ruth or Elizabeth Taylor.

    Jack’s Place is named after Jack Rosen, the father of Rosen Hotels & Resorts president Harris Rosen. Jack Rosen created over 100,000 caricatures in his lifetime, some of which featured famous faces. He drew them at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, where he worked for 30 years. Today, many of these caricatures hang on the walls at Jack’s Place.

    Before joining us for an unforgettable meal, see where your favorite stars are sitting using our floorplan.

     

    ...

    Rosen Hotels & Resorts is opening the doors of its eight Orlando-area hotels with special distress rates for those affected by Hurricane Dorian. The company is working diligently to assist evacuees seeking a safe home away from home. Guests may call 866-337-6736.

    Free Wifi and Pet-Friendly, with no additional pet fee with the Distress Rate.

    $59.99/night*
    Rosen Inn International, 7600 International Dr. Orlando
    Rosen Inn closest to Universal, 6327 International Dr., Orlando
    Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando, 9000 International Dr., Orlando
    Clarion Inn Lake Buena Vista, 8442 Palm Parkway, Lake Buena Vista
    Midpointe Hotel, 9956 Hawaiian Ct, Orlando

    To book, call (866) 33-ROSEN (1-866-337-6736)
    www.orlandohotels4less.com/hurricane

    Guests booking the Hurricane Dorian Florida Resident Distress Rate at one of the five leisure hotels may add an additional $15/night to receive two adult breakfast buffets daily. This rate includes the Kids Eat Free Program, where children 5 years and younger eat free when accompanied by an adult purchasing the buffet. Breakfast package must be confirmed at time of booking.

    $79/night*
    Rosen Plaza, 9700 International Drive, Orlando
    To book, call (800) 627-8258
    www.rosenplaza.com

    $84/night*
    Rosen Centre, 9840 International Drive, Orlando
    To book, call (800) 204-7234
    www.rosencentre.com

    $89/night*
    Rosen Shingle Creek, 9939 Universal Blvd., Orlando
    To book, call (866) 996-6338
    www.rosenshinglecreek.com

    *All guest room rates are subject to applicable taxes, are not applicable for groups or with any other promotions or offers and are based on availability. Guest room rates are offered when a tropical storm or hurricane warning is in effect for any area in Florida and will remain in effect as long as the situation is threatening. Rates also are offered as long as necessary to those who are displaced after a storm. Rosen Hotels & Resorts may assess a fee should the hotels determine a guest room has sustained damage as a result of a pet staying in the room.

    Editors Note: Harris Rosen, President and COO, Rosen Hotels & Resorts, is available for interviews. For arrangements, please contact Robert Hubler, rhubler@RosenHotels.com, (407) 639-4212.

    ... ... ...

    New Executive Chef Ricky Lopez Brings a Love of Culinary Arts for All Cultures To the Award-Winning Rosen Plaza in Orlando

    ORLANDO (July 7, 2021) – At first blush, chunks of frozen ice and warm sunny Orlando don’t seem like a winning combination. However, for Chef Ricky Lopez, the new executive chef of the award-winning Rosen Plaza Hotel, this was his uncommon recipe for culinary success.

    “I was working at a local Orlando theme park and was given the opportunity to learn about ice sculpting,” said Lopez. “I hoisted a power saw to these huge 300-pound blocks of ice and then just let my creative juices flow. Luckily for me, clients liked my ice sculptures, so I was offered a full-time job in the culinary department, where I continued to develop my knife skills while expanding my knowledge in the kitchen. This included creating meaningful menus for visitors from all over the world. Their joy in relishing these dishes that included a touch of home sparked my excitement to become a chef!”

    Executive Chef Ricky Lopez was first exposed to culinary in Puerto Rico, where he was raised. Through his mother, one of 22 siblings who grew up on a farm there and who was one of the brood responsible for preparing meals for the entire family, Lopez initially learned his cooking skills.
    Now in the melting pot of Orlando, Chef Ricky has found his culinary and professional home at Rosen Hotels & Resorts. A 13-year Rosen Hotels’ associate, Chef Ricky was the head chef of the AAA Four Diamond Cala Bella Italian bistro at sister property Rosen Shingle Creek before coming to Rosen Plaza 5 years ago as Executive Sous Chef.

    “I am most fortunate to have been mentored by the company’s Executive Chef Jorge Oliveira,” said Chef Ricky. “His time, devotion and expertise has helped me, as well as many on his team, to expand our talents in ways we could never imagine.”

    Chef Ricky is most proud of being part of the Rosen Hotels & Resorts’ family because of its dedication to guest service. “For me, the service is as important as the food. Both are required to present an incredible dining experience,” said Chef Ricky.

    He is just as excited to infuse his personal passion throughout Rosen Plaza’s seven award-winning dining and lounging options, which include Jack’s Place restaurant, ’39 Poolside Bar & Grill and 3NINE entertainment venue.

    “I am in love with cooking, learning about other countries, cultures and food,” said Chef Ricky.

    Case in point. For Visit Orlando’s upcoming Magical Dining program, August 27 – October 3, Chef Ricky will incorporate a few international surprises among guest favorites for the Jack’s Place three-course menu. “I can’t wait to showcase our Grilled Octopus to tempt guests to go outside their comfort zones to try something new. Of course, favorites like Filet Mignon and Sea Bass will remain,” said Ricky. Jack’s Place at Rosen Plaza is one of USA Today’s “Top Ten Best Restaurants on International Drive.”

    A trendsetter, much like that of the VIPs and celebrities whose autographed caricatures grace the walls of Jack’s Place restaurant, Chef Ricky was an integral team member in the development of Zayde’s Kosher Kitchen at Rosen Plaza five years ago. Chef Ricky also parlayed his ice sculpting prowess into creating the “Iced Out” winter holiday event, which attracted many of his friends and talented chefs to showcase their cool sculptures to the delight of hotel guests as part of a Rosen Plaza tradition.

    When asked about his favorite dish that his talented team creates at Rosen Plaza, Chef Ricky responds “I love pork! We have a 14-ounce Pork Chop Bone-In Dry-Age Duroc at Jack’s Place. We sous vide it with garlic, shallots and herbs to a perfect temperature. Then we pan sear it hard with garlic, shallots and a signature herb basting sauce of oil, butter and the au jus of the pork.”

    The dish is accompanied with garlic mashed potatoes, market fresh vegetables and a chimichurri sauce.

    “You can’t beat the mouth-watering aroma,” says Chef Ricky.

    Voted one of the “Top Ten Best Restaurants on International Drive” by USA Today, Jack’s Place features Orlando’s best steaks and seafood within a unique venue. An unparalleled collection of autographed celebrity “star” caricatures drawn by Harris Rosen’s father, Jack, the restaurant’s namesake, adorn its walls. Created from the 1930s to 60s during his time as a safety engineer at the Waldorf Astoria New York, Jack created a collection that is a veritable “who’s who” of the day’s politicians, actors, sports stars, international dignitaries and more. JFK, Jackie O, Marilyn Monroe, Winston Churchill, Babe Ruth, Salvador Dali, as well as the astronauts of Apollo 7, 8, 10 and 11, including Neil Armstrong, are among the collection, to namedrop a few.

    Dine, then stay awhile or overnight to enjoy Rosen Plaza’s world-class amenities.

    For guest safety and security and that of associates, Rosen Plaza implements Rosen’s Total Commitment. For more information, please visit RosenHotels.com/RosensTotalCommitment.

    Rosen Plaza Hotel is located at 9700 International Dr., Orlando, FL 32819. For more information, please visit RosenPlaza.com.

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