With recipes and stories from local, celebrity and MICHELIN-recognized chefs, the new cookbook tells Orlando’s culinary story
ORLANDO, Fla. (Oct. 14, 2025) – Visit Orlando will launch the first-ever destination cookbook, a vibrant collection of recipes and stories that showcase the flavors, neighborhoods and culinary talent of Central Florida. Orlando’s Kitchens: Recipes and Stories From Our Neighborhoods, celebrates the destination’s diverse food scene with more than 60 recipes contributed by local favorites, MICHELIN-recognized chefs and celebrity names, plus stories from Orlando’s culinary community.
“This project is a true celebration of Orlando’s culinary identity,” said Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando. “For over 20 years, we’ve worked to raise awareness of our local food community on a global stage, from MICHELIN recognition to James Beard Awards and bringing Netflix’s Somebody Feed Phil to Orlando. Now with this cookbook, we’re able to highlight the neighborhoods and chefs that make our city unbelievably real, from global flavors in Mills 50 and iconic eateries on I-Drive, to Southern staples, artisan bakers, urban farms and more. It’s a reflection of how diverse, creative and welcoming Orlando’s culinary story truly is.”
Authored by award-winning writer Pam Brandon—who has written more than two dozen Disney cookbooks and two Florida cookbooks—Orlando’s Kitchens also highlights more than 100 dining and culinary experiences that tell Orlando’s story.
“This book is a joyful coming together of some of Orlando’s best restaurants, artisans and farmers, sharing their different experiences through special recipes like Abuela’s Salsa from Tamale Co.; porchetta the way his dad taught Chef Yamuel Bigio at Crocante; and a cherished cookie recipe from the 1950s from Nikki’s Place,” said Pam Brandon, author of Orlando’s Kitchens. “Orlando’s culinary scene is a mosaic of experiences that makes our city so great, and I continue to be inspired every day by this place.”
The cookbook is arranged by districts with maps created by a local artist, Paige Fischer, to guide readers through the neighborhoods of Orlando. The cover features Chef Wendy Lopez of Reyes Mezcaleria and Chef Lordfer Lalicon of Kaya, plus dishes from Chayote Barrio Kitchen and Bull & Bear.
Orlando’s Kitchens will be available for sale before the end of the year with more information coming soon on ways to purchase. Find the latest cookbook updates here.
About Orlando’s Kitchens
Orlando’s Kitchens is the first-ever destination cookbook from Visit Orlando, celebrating the destination’s diverse and vibrant culinary scene through more than 60 recipes and stories from local, celebrity, and MICHELIN-recognized chefs, restaurants and artisans. Written by award-winning author Pam Brandon, Orlando’s Kitchens captures the heart of Orlando’s dining community, offering readers an authentic taste of the people and places that make the destination a must-visit for food lovers.
About Visit Orlando
Visit Orlando is The Official Tourism Association® for Orlando, the most visited destination in the United States, Theme Park Capital of the World® and No. 1 meeting destination in the country. A not-for-profit trade association that brands, markets and sells the Orlando destination globally, the organization represents more than 1,600 member companies comprising every segment of Central Florida’s tourism community.
Visit Orlando connects consumers and business groups with all facets of Orlando’s travel community, whether for a vacation or meeting. Home to 15 of the world’s top theme parks and water parks — as well as nature and outdoor adventures, vibrant neighborhoods, a dynamic dining scene with Michelin-recognized restaurants, and a robust calendar of entertainment and sports events — Orlando is a diverse, welcoming and inclusive community for all travelers. Find more information at VisitOrlando.com, VisitOrlando.org or OrlandoMeeting.com.
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