The Ultimate Dining Experience at Rosen Shingle Creek

Every once in a while, we need to take a look at ourselves and our priorities.  I have come to the realization that I have become so consumed with my family and professional life that I left little time for friends.  It is easy to justify, I have four children who are the core of my world.  Between work and Family there is just no extra time.  I found the Ultimate Dining Experience at Rosen Shingle Creek and couldn’t wait to share it with you.

One thing I have learned is that balance is the key to a life well lived.  I  started making it a priority to take more time for myself and sharing that time with good friends.  My friend Lou Anne and I have been friends since my oldest was in first grade. Like most Moms, finding time to ourselves can be a challenge.   We decided, a much needed girls night away was in order.

I had always wanted to go to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival.  Being the Foodie that I am this seemed the perfect destination. Especially when I heard Portugal was taking part in the Festival for the first time. You know you have a good friend, when they are as excited about your passion, as you are.   Truly we were like 2 kids in a Candy Store.  I think Lou Anne took as many foodie pictures as I did.

We had the pleasure of  being invited to dine at  Rosen Shingle Creek in their  AAA Four Diamond A Land Remembered Classic Steakhouse.   This restaurant and it’s staff understands that the Dining Experience is about so much more than just food.

We loved our waiter from the minute he greeted us.  Bob knew everything there was to know about the food, wine and the entire hospitality indsutry.   He was so entertaining and told us  how he had gone to Culinary School but  just couldn’t stay in the kitchen, away from people.  I think he found his calling in life… it is obvious he is a people person and loves what he does!  We asked him to choose our menu and he did not disappoint.

He had me at the first course…  Alligator Stew. I love to try new foods and I had never tried Alligator Meat. It was so tender and juicy. The chowder with white beans was perfect.

Next we were treated to delicious lightly breaded asparagus….delish!

Ohhhh and the flatbreads…. absolutely amazing!

Our Ben Hogan Sliced Marinated Skirt Steak was perfectly marinated and oh so tender…

And then….

The most amazing cake I have ever tasted…. a delicious light and flully Chocolate Mousse Cake… oh my! I love attention to detail and their logo had been stenciled on the plate with chocolate powder. Spectacular!

Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better…

This amazing assorment of desserts appeared in a horse shoe: Creme Brulee,  Key Lime Pie, Banana Cream Pie, Stawberry Cheesecake and Fresh Berries….  All I can say is …… one was better than the next.

Although the Food was out of this world, the highlight of my day was meeting Mr. Rosen. I love meeting people who have made a difference in the world.

I was intrigued when I heard about  Mr. Rosen’s Philanthropic Pizza for Schools.  Mr. Rosen combined two of his longtime passions, healthy living and philantropy.  He wants to be known for healthy pizza within the Orange County Schools.  Profits from sales of the pizzas go toward the Harris Rosen Foundation, which provides educational scholarships for disadvantaged youth.

Mr. Rosen is grounded in his belief,  “The more success you achieve, the more good stuff you can do.”  It takes a special person to do just that!  We chatted about our families and realized we both have large families with 1 girl and 3 boys. We  agreed, it can be challenging at times, but so rewarding.  Time Around the Family Table was as important in his home as it is in mine.

We couldn’t eat another bite!  We were sent home with a Whole Wheat Low-fat Cheese, Turkey Pepperoni Pizza.  My kids were thrilled and absolutely love it!  There is no doubt this healthy pizza will be as successful as A Land Remembered!

Throughout this memorable experience, I thought about my friend, Jim Joseph.  In Jim’s book, The Experience Effect, he details the experiences he had at his favorite restaurant and how it changed over time. Jim is a big believer that restaurants are really another kind of brand and that it’s our experiences with them that make us loyal. Those experiences need to be enjoyable and consistent each time.  No doubt, he would have enjoyed A Land Remembered as much as we did.

Our afternoon at  A Land Remembered will not be forgotten!  I am thankful to have shared such a memorable experience with my good friend Lou Anne.

Kids Ratings on Philanthropic Pizza: Ronnie 10, Reis 9.5, Riley 9 (Alexandra was at College and can’t wait  try iton our next visit to Orlando)