One of the tastiest ways to be kind to the Earth is to eat local food. Not only does produce that travels fewer miles to market leave a smaller carbon footprint, it requires fewer chemical preservatives and is tastier to boot. Fish caught using sustainable practices insures the health of the species and of our oceans, and pasture-raised meat and poultry are easier on air pollution than their conventional counterparts.
Edible Orlando - Orlando's magazine for Local Food
Consuming local food helps support the farmers, fishers, ranchers and food artisans in Florida, and edibleORLANDO magazine is dedicated to telling their stories and to sharing with readers all the delicious ways to enjoy local food in season. The following is a list of some of edibleORLANDO magazine's favorite sources for local food.
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Dandelion Communitea Café
618 North Thornton Ave, Orlando
407-362-1864
No doubt about it, this place is green – literally and figuratively. The clover-colored cottage serves organic vegetarian fare that has been sourced and prepared in a sustainable fashion, and was the first café in the Southeast to be certified by Green America.
Homegrown Co-op
2310 North Orange Ave, Orlando
407-895-5559
Since 2007, the Co-op has been supplying its members with organic produce, grass-fed beef, pasture-raised chickens, prepared foods and cage-free eggs. Members order online and can pickup their order on Thursdays between 2pm and 8pm or opt for home delivery in certain areas.
K Restaurant and Wine Bar
1710 Edgewater Drive, College Park
407-872-2332
Chef Kevin Fonzo’s thriving herb and vegetable garden out back is the first clue that the offerings here are local and fresh. The ever-changing menu always reflects the season’s best offerings, from sustainable seafood to local heirloom tomatoes.
Pine 22
22 East Pine Street, Orlando
407-574-2160
Cows were made to eat grass, and when they live their lives in the pasture instead of the feedlot, it’s better for the environment and better for our health. The grass-fed burger from Deep Creek Ranch is just one earth-conscious choice on the menu at Pine 22, where diners can customize their meal – be it beef burger, bean burger or bbq – in over 300,000 ways.
Evening Farmer's Markets
College Park Farmers Market
Thursdays, 5-8pm
At Infusion Tea
1600 Edgewater Drive, College Park
Audubon Park Community Market
Mondays, 6-10pm
At Stardust Video and Coffee
1842 East Winter Park Road, Orlando
These two evening markets are grower-only, which means all the vendors there – including Wild Ocean Seafood Market, Heart of Christmas Farms, and Big Wheel Provisions – grow, catch or make what they sell. Enjoy a variety of prepared dishes on site while you stock up on local provisions for the week.