Kaya and Smokemade Meats + Eats have been in a “relationship” for some time. In fact, last year, these two heavyweights — one best known for his Texas-style barbecue, the other for his incredible take on classic Filipino dishes, and both recommended by the Michelin Guide — collaborated on each other’s anniversary events, cementing a friendship based on mutual fandom.
For Independence Day this year, Smokemaid Pitmaster Tyler Brunash did it again, bringing both smoked brisket and longganisa to Kaya’s Mills 50 Kitchen so Executive Pastry Chef Clarice Lamb could weave those flavors into magic.
And, well, she’s done it.
“She turned it into beautiful pastries,” says Kaya co-owner Jamilyn Salonga-Bailey.
It’s as savory as it is sweet here, with brisket bear claws (with barbecue sauce and pickles!) and longanisa creations popping out from the makeshift pastry counter that usually serves as Kaya’s bar.
Lines for the weekend Kape Kaya event have been incredible since the early morning program began, but on July 4th, the lines were extraordinary.
“It was a holiday weekend, but this TikTok went live ahead of that and a lot of people were interested,” Bailey theorized. The important thing is that so many people went home without getting a chance to try it, and Lam wasn’t going to let them down.
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And on July 25th and August 1st, the Smoke Maid and Cape Kaya collaboration will return, with funky, barbecue-inspired pastries and an array of Lamb’s usual great offerings planned. Cape Kaya is always first-come, first-served, so mark your calendar and leave early.
“What better way to celebrate summer than a barbecue?” Bailey wonders (I’d just as easily celebrate the wonderful Silvana of Rum with a hot cup of coffee).
Starting July 4th, we will offer the same savory offerings and open at 9:30am. Many people line up early, so that’s also recommended.
Please note that this is a pop-up event, and while Kaya’s team is doing their best (staff will be out with umbrellas to block the sun and cold treats to keep you comfortable), there may be some wait times.
Once inside, feel free to order a drink (the Philippines- and Hong Kong-inspired drinks pay homage not only to Lam’s foundation, but Kaya’s as well), take a seat inside, or pick up a box of goodies and go elsewhere to enjoy.
“We’ll keep going until we sell out!” says Bailey.
Lam’s pastries change with the seasons and are inspired from around the world. You’ll find Filipino-style brioche pastries topped with butter and cheese. Some days you can find flavors like mango and blueberry.
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“We typically have 10 to 12 pastries each week, and there’s always some kind of sourdough focaccia, which is my personal favorite. And because Kaya’s ethos is sustainable, Chef Lamb takes trimmings from the croissant dough and turns them into bread pudding every week. She changes the flavors every week.”
Fritters with different flavors are also popular. apple. mango. coconut. You never know what you’ll find.
“She just keeps exploring,” Bailey says of her colleague. “She’s very creative and always comes up with new and delicious things.”
You’ll also be spoiled for choice with the food at Kaya’s chef Lordfur Larikon’s birthday party on August 21st from 7pm to 10pm.
“This year it’s Friday,” says business partner Bailey. “You know we want to do big things.”
That means visiting a chef friend.
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Chefs Nikko Kagalanan and Paula Kramer of Cultura in Charleston (a 2024 James Beard Emerging Chef finalist), and Chefs Mia Olino and Carlo Gan of Kamayan ATL in Atlanta. (2026 James Beard Semi-Finalist for Best Chef South) and Chef Luis Martinez of Asheville’s Tequio Foods/Taqueria Rosita/Xolo will be participating as part of this ticketed offering. event. Hors d’oeuvres, an oyster station, and of course lamb pastries will also be part of the celebration.
Mark your calendars: Tickets go on sale August 1st on Kaya’s website (kayaorlando.com). $100 includes food and live entertainment. Drinks can be purchased at the bar.
More details and potential drink packages will be announced soon, so follow Kaya on social for timely updates.
Want to lend a hand? Find me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram @amydroo or the OSFoodie Instagram account @orlando.foodie. Email: amthompson@orlandosentinel.com. For more fun, join our Let’s Eat, Orlando Facebook group or follow @fun.things.orlando on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
