In this week’s installment of, “Did you eat yet?”, we’re sitting down with Emi Newman, a local foodie who keeps us drooling on Instagram. We asked her about her absolute favorite meal in Orlando, where she’s taking her out-of-town guests to eat, and what she’s drinking at happy hour with her favorite Orlandoan. Â
Who are you? (What’s your day job? Who are you on the internet?) I am originally from Pensacola, FL but moved to the Orlando area in January of 2020. I am a graduate student at UCF Rosen College with a background working in the sports industry. Having grown up in a family of foodies, I decided to finally put my food photos to work which has now become @emibefeasting! It has become a great way to share my love for food with others who feel the same.
In what neighborhood will we most likely find you chowing down? And why? You will usually find me chowing down in Audubon Park at East End Market. East End is home to so many great businesses like Domu, Dochi, Farm & Haus, Gideon’s Bakehouse, Hinckley’s Fancy Meats, and more! I also love that every weekend they have vendors in the courtyard. It’s a great way to support local businesses!
What’s the best-kept secret in the Orlando area? (Don’t worry, we’ll only tell everyone reading this.) Hmm, I’m not sure how much of a secret it is these days, but it has to be Fresco Cucina Italiana. Located off of Turkey Lake in the Dr. Phillips area, it is a family-owned, authentic Italian spot with the best Aracine Siciliane I’ve ever had. They have amazing wood-fired pizzas and a Fiochetti Pear dish that is to die for.
Someone visits from out-of-town. They say they want to eat some “Orlando food”. Where are you taking them? What’re you eating? One of the first restaurants I dined at when I moved to Orlando was Domu and this has always been the first spot that comes to mind when I have a friend in town. We have to order the Domu Wings, Shishito Peppers, and the Richie Rich, my go-to.
What is one Orlando food-related news story that you think people need to be paying more attention to? H-Mart is coming to Orlando. The first location in the state of Florida and I am so excited that they saw an opportunity here in Orlando!
What’s your go-to takeout order at the moment? Has it changed since the pandemic began? My go-to takeout order at the moment, which has surprisingly not changed since the pandemic began, is from Seito Sushi. I just can’t get enough of their Sweetheart Roll. I also love their Ultimate Spicy Tuna Roll, Yellowtail Carpaccio that is served with a delicious truffle jalapeño ponzu, and of course the Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice.
Your favorite movie star calls and asks to come over for dinner. What’re you serving? If Ryan Reynolds calls and wants to come over for dinner, I am definitely going to grab him some pizza from Anthony’s. I hear his favorite cheat meal is pizza.
You’re moving. What is your “last meal” in Orlando? My last meal in Orlando would have to be at Antojitos Loco’s for the best Birria Tacos and Esquites.
Your calendar opens up and you get one happy hour with an Orlandoan of your choice. Who’s it going to be? Why? Where are you meeting them? And what are you drinking? Daniel Tosh, because I know it would be one of the most eventful happy hours of my life. We’re meeting at the AC Sky Bar for a Sunset Margarita.
What’s singlehandedly the best thing you’ve ever eaten in Orlando? This is absolutely the hardest question because I’ve eaten so many amazing things in Orlando, but the Soup Dumplings and Pan Fried Pork Buns from Shanghai Lane are pretty amazing.
How can Pulptown readers best support you right now? If you like what I post, please drop a like, comment, or a follow! Feel free to send me a message as well, I appreciate any questions or comments 🙂
Fill in the blank (specific to your time in Orlando): 100 years from now, I hope I’m remembered for… I hope that I am remembered as someone who provided great recommendations to locals and visitors, while also helping to support local businesses.
What restaurant, chef, foodie, or farm should we feature next time? Slide into my inbox, katie@pulp.town, subject line: Chew on this, Katie.