Nicknamed "The City Beautiful" for its stunningly sunny climate, and dubbed "Hollywood East" for its cinematic output (thanks to Universal Studios and Disney-MGM Studios), Orlando, Florida, is one of America's most popular tourist destinations.
The city features world-class theme parks, including SeaWorld Orlando, Universal Orlando Resort, and, of course, Walt Disney World Resort--home to the Magic Kingdom, Epcot Center, and other attractions.
Orlando draws an estimated 52 million tourists a year² and hosts numerous conventions at its Orange County Convention Center. It also sports a wide array of golf courses.
Along with Orlando's booming tourism industry comes a vibrant dining scene--offering ample career opportunities for Orlando Culinary Academy students and graduates. Orlando is home to nearly 5,400 restaurants³, including steak houses, seafood spots, sports-themed restaurants, and much more.
Famed "new world cuisine" chef Norman Van Aken has a restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, and the city is home to other so-called "celebrity chef" establishments, such as Emeril Lagasse's Orlando, Todd English's BlueZoo, and Melissa Kelly's Primo.
Florida, in addition, boasts arguably one of America's most interesting regional cuisines, combining elements of Spanish, French, Caribbean, and soul-food cooking and using local ingredients.
Other Orlando attractions include:
- Orlando Magic NBA basketball team
- The Mall at Millenia, featuring Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's, and other luxury stores
- The world's largest Hard Rock Cafe
- The world's largest McDonald's PlayPlace
- Gatorland, the "Alligator Capital of the World"
- The Holy Land Experience, featuring Biblical exhibits, events, and presentations
- Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando
- Kennedy Space Center, located 45 minutes east of Orlando
- Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede Dinner and Show
- Richard Petty Driving Experience, where you can take the wheel of a NASCAR-style stock car or ride shotgun
- The Kerouac House, one-time home of beat writer Jack Kerouac
- Orlando Predators AFL football team
Contact us today to find out more about Orlando and Orlando Culinary Academy.
² Source: ReserveDirect (http://www.reserveorlando.com/cityguide/city_guide.asp)
³ Source: Orlando Convention & Visitors Bureau (http://www.orlandoinfo.com/dining/)
