Orlando resident Kirk Hartage remembers seeing rainbow desserts for the first time at Walt Disney World.
“At the time, at MGM studios, it wasn’t a big variety show, like maybe just two or three times at a one-off walk-up bakery shop counter,” he says. “It was the only expression of something pride-related that you could buy there. They really didn’t admit that they were doing it…and of course, it was food and something that didn’t “maintain” like a physical souvenir – t-shirts, pins, mugs, etc. ”
But he points out, “It was approval, even if it was in the DL.”
These days, more members of the LGBTQ+ community, and more businesses supporting it, have come out and become proud. Disney has Pride products, from baseball shirts and tees to stuffed stitched dolls in their own Pride hoodies, but Heart Rage says it’s a big deal to celebrate food.
Back in the late 1990s, Disney sweets were the only pride/rainbow recognition he ever saw.
“And it certainly wasn’t advertised. It was definitely a word of mouth situation. It sounds strange to put a lot of “expression” on baked goods like sugar, but after a few years of “first Saturday of the gay day celebrations in June,” those treats were a sign we saw. ”
“I saw…” he joked, “…our wallet.”
Ratavola chef Kevin Fonzo enjoys showing the flag of pride anytime, anywhere.
“It makes a lot of sense,” he says, “‘Everything is welcome’ is the message I get. ”
He didn’t imagine a world where “Pride Recipes” could simply google it and dozens of celebrities could pop up from the likes of Food Network, Delish, AllRecipes.com and more. And while he feels like his pride has settled down more among the big businesses this year, he still sees a lot locally.
“I’ve always been impressed with the level of acceptance and participation in the Central Florida region,” he says. “The majority of hospitality employment is its demographic.”
Interestingly, large restaurant entities make up a large portion of respondents when they send out flares for holiday specials, but locals do their thing too. Hartlage is here for everything.
“It’s already amazing when I can’t see rainbow products in places,” he says.
“I would be shocked if Dunkin came out with a Pride Donut.”
But will he buy it?
“No doubt.”
Ava Mediterraegean: Radiant Reverie
Celebrate your Pridemon on Park Avenue? AVA’s special cocktails (available throughout the Riviera Dining Group portfolio, which also includes Miami’s Mira and Casaneos). Like some of this roster, it’s sparkling fantasy with charitable elements. The drink consists of chamomile, homemade raspberry cordial, blanc vermouth and laro tequila infused with fresh lemon. For all cocktails on sale this month, RDG will donate $2 to Prideline to support the LGBTQ initiative.
Ava Mediterraegean: 290 S. Park Ave. in Winter Park, 407-794-9896; avamediterraegean.com
Glass Knife: Pride Snack Cake and Croissants
They know how to take a vacation with a Glass knife. Pridemon is included, so for a month, rainbow fans will enjoy two snacks to make the table even more crisp. Most vanilla cakes and rainbow marshmallow cream coated with decadent white chocolate are Pride snack cakes ($7.50) Actual ($7.50). It can be used from now until June 30th. Marshmallow cream, inside. Available from 8am until sold out. Only Saturdays and Sundays throughout June.
The Glass Knife: 276 S. Orlando Ave. in Winter Park, 407-500-2253; TheGlassknife.com/menu
Green Cream Lee and Sampaguita: Pride Flag Cake
From last year, Mills Frosty Philippines-inspired delight favourites will offer ice cream cakes representing the colour of the original Pride Flag. The traditional Pride Flag flies high (and cool) with its sister shop, Green Cream. There is a $8 slice per month, but supplies support Zebra Youth, serving LGBTQ+ young people aged 13-24. A vegan version of the rainbow cake is also available.
Green Creamery: 420 E. Church St., Henry’s Depot, 202 W. 1st St. in Sanford; TheGreeneryCreamery.com
Sampaguita: 1233 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando. sampaguitausa.com
Italian Kitchen & Cafe Tu Tango in Mia: Smoky Rainbow
Two venues will feature one bold, tropical cocktail and showcase Bacardir Rum finished with a vibrant smoky rainbow ($17), a fruity mix of pineapple and banana liqueur, blue curacao, and a splash of grenadine and smoky mezcal floaters. It is colorful, layered and filled with flavour, and a toast to pride and self-expression.
Italian Kitchen in Mia: International Drive in Orlando, 407-601-7130; orlando-fl.miasitalian.com
Cafe Tu Tu Tango: 8625 International Drive, Orlando, 407-248-2222; cafetututango.com
Paddlefish: Pride Colada
Celebrate with a Pride Colada ($16.50). This is a colorful and refreshing cocktail created for this occasion. For more information or to book, please visit paddlefishrestaurant.com.
Paddlefish: 1670 E. Buena Vista Drive Lake Buena Vista, 407-934-2628; paddlefishrestaurant.com
Lily Blue Restaurant Group: The Pride Paloma
There’s already a lot going on in Disney Springs for pride, with the Patina Restaurant Group throwing support at four venues. In June, Edison, Morimoto Asia, and Enzo’s hideaway, Maria & Enzo’s proud Paloma (21 Shade Grapefruit Hibis Castequila, Zifard Cream Depam Pull Mouse Rose Liqueur, Fever Tree Sparkling Pink Grapefruit Soda, Tajine Rim Lime Juice; Each drink sold will support queer liberation by donating a portion of the proceeds to the Stonewall Community Foundation, a leading supporter of LGBTQ causes since 1990.
Disney Springs: 1486 E. Buena Vista Drive Lake Buena Vista. theedisonfla.com, morimotoasia.com, enzoshideawayfla.com, mariaandenzos.com
Summer House on the Lake: Rainbow Sugar Rush Cookies
Sugar cookies may be classic, but this is a unicorn! Rainbow Sugar Rush Cookies ($5.50) is a Summerhouse cookie bar with colorful frosting toppings giving off an atmosphere of pride of all sorts. A portion of the revenue from each sale supports trans lifeline organizations that provide direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis, focusing on creating a world that has economic security and care.
Summer House on the Lake: 1498 E. Buena Vista Drive Lake Buena Vista, 407-598-8645; disneysprings.com/dining/summer-house on-the-lake
Terralina Made Italian: The Fun Element
What is a better way to celebrate a cheerful month? The fun element is a colorful blend of whipped cream toppers of vodka, peach, pineapple, blue curacao and grenadine, for $16.50.
Terralina Crafted Italian: 1650 E. Buena Vista Drive Lake Buena Vista, 407-939-5277; disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/disney-springs/terralina-crafted-italian
Find me on Facebook, X, Instagram (@Amydroo) or on the OSFoodie Instagram account @orlando.foodie. Email: amthompson@orlandosentinel.com. For more fun, join Let’s Eat and Orlando Facebook Group.
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