What happens when you challenge some of Orlando’s top chefs to create a gourmet menu using McDonald’s ingredients? No, this isn’t a joke. It’s the recipe behind the 2nd Annual Appetite For The Arches to benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Central Florida. And after a sampling of the menu at a media preview this week, I expect it to be a smashing success.
I can assure you this has never been served at a McDonald’s drive through.
I was blown away by the dishes I tried and the creativity involved. You would not believe how amazing McDonald’s low-fat yogurt can taste once transformed into a Creamsicle Parfait in the hands of Julie Petrakis! (McDonald’s ingredients: mandarin oranges, yogurt, granola, vanilla syrup.)
Appetite For The Arches
Appetite For The Arches is a food-inspired gala to benefit the Ronald McDonald House to be held March 7, 2015 at the Orlando World Center Marriott. Throughout the event guests will be invited to sample dishes inspired by McDonald’s ingredients. Participating restaurants include:
- 4 Rivers Smokehouse
- Blue Bird Bake Shop
- Cask & Larder
- Chef’s Table at the Edgewater
- Cuisiniers Catering
- Emeril’s Tchoup Chop
- Hamilton’s Kitchen
- K Restaurant
- Kabooki Sushi
- LUMA on Park
- Orlando World Center Marriott
- Paxia Modern Mexican & Tequila Lounge
- Pig Floyd’s
- SeaWorld Parks & Resorts Orlando
- The Ravenous Pig
- The Rusty Spoon
- The Smiling Bison
- Txokos Basque Kitchen
In addition to the chef dishes, there will be wine pairings and signature cocktails created using McDonald’s ingredients. (The vodka lemonade is quite tasty.)
Appetite for the Arches also includes live music and a wide variety of silent auction items.
Tickets to Appetite For The Arches are now available, and through February 6 you can save $50 per ticket. If you love food and want to support the Ronald McDonald House of Central Florida, reserve your ticket today. I’ll see you there!
