By Peter Covino
Lifestyles Editor

Ever wish you could sample dishes from some of Orlando’s favorite dining spots  all in one location?

Your wish comes true for one weekend only at the Downtown Food & Wine Fest today from noon until  9 p.m. and Sunday from noon until 7 p.m.

Dishes from 40 of Orlando’s premier restaurants will be served up on Robinson Street along Lake Eola.

The participants include Shari Sushi, Funky Monkey Wine Company, Bananas Diner, Taps Restaurant Bar & Lounge, Catina Laredo, Graze, Copper Canyon Grill, Taverna Opa, Sushi House, Ristorante Tuscany and many more.

The restaurant listing is a cross-section of both traditional American as well as international fare.

A portion of the event's proceeds benefit the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association Education Foundation and the Apopka Family Learning Center.

Admission is $10 per person, per day with advance  online purchase at www.DowntownFoodAndWineFest.com. Tickets are also available at Centennial Bank and Mercedes-Benz locations throughout Central Florida.  Admission at the door is $15 per person, per day. Admission for children under age 12 is free.  Food tickets are available at the event for $2 each; food and wine tastings range from 1-4 tickets.

A crowd of about 20,000 food and wine enthusiasts are expected over the course of the event.

In addition to the dining and drinking opportunities, the weekend features live entertainment and cooking demonstrations. Celebrity chefs include BRAVO's Top Chef Just Desserts Season 1 Chef'testant Erika Davis (Saturday)

Food Network's Extreme Chef Amadeus, winner of the "Mexican Showdown" (Saturday)

And BRAVO's Top Chef Season 9 Chef'testant Finalist Lindsay Autry (Sunday).

Music entertainment includes American Idol winner David Cook Saturday and Littler River Band Sunday.

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It is getting close to pie festival time at Celebration and if you want to get behind the scenes at the big pie event, volunteers are needed.

The Great American Pie Festival returns to Celebration and the Caribe Royale Hotel, April 27-29.

Volunteer opportunities include pie servers, pie police and many more. Some 800 volunteers are needed each year at the event.

Each pie volunteer receives an event t-shirt and a free ticket to the festival’s Never Ending Pie Buffet. For more information contact volunteer coordinator Carole Sappington at 321-258-2472, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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You can taste some great brews and get an education too at Beer 101 Class with Ian tonight at Vintage Vino in downtown Kissimmee at 6 p.m.

The $15 per person class features Ian Colston from Microman Beer Distributors, Tampa. He is a certified beer expert.

The shop’s first beer class features a trip to the wonderful world of ales and ipas.

There is more beer on tap, the pun very intentional, Friday as Cigar City Brewery comes to Vintage Vino.

The Tampa-based brewery will offer manynew beers to try and there will be give aways from the brewery as well.

The cost is $25 for general admission, and the $35 VIP ticket gives you a sample of all the beers available and a goody bag and discounts on six packs to go.

Finally, Tuesday, April 10 is the wine tasting roundtable, $15 per person.

This is a blind tasting and everyone can take notes,  discuss favorites and more.  It starts at 6 p.m.

Space is limited for all events so reservations are a must. Call  917-627-8432.

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Tickets are on sale now for the one of Central Florida’s major dining events, the 20th annual Chef’s Gala.

The event returns to the Epcot World Showplace at Walt Disney World Resort Saturday, May 19.

The gala features fine cuisine paired with wine from more than 20 of Central Florida’s top chefs.  

The event starts off with a sparkling wine and martini reception. The evening also features a silent auction and music. The gala is held from 6:45 p.m. until 10 p.m.  

Tickets are  $225 individual or $400 per couple; $2,000 for a Corporate Ticket Package of 10 tickets.

Visit www.ChefsGala.org, call 407-429-2129 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.

The gala benefits the Heart of Florida United Way.

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The Easter Sunday brunch menu has been posted at the Signature by the Lake website. It’s a large menu featuring everything from muffins and bagels and freshly made omelets, to broiled salmon, roasted turkey, Texas steaks and leg of lamb.

The dessert station (chocolate mousse, cheese cake, crepes)  also is included.

The first mimosa, bloody Mary or champagne is included as well.

Open seating by reservation only, first seating at 10 a.m., final seating at 3 p.m., $24.95 adults, $9.95 children 8 and under.

Signature is located 220 E. Monument St. For reservations, information call  at 407) 931-1303.

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Niece’s Popp-Looza Gourmet Popcorn & Café has reopened.

The soul food and more dining spot in downtown Kissimmee was closed for several weeks of construction and has a whole new look.

New menu items include an Italian beef sandwich, as well as weekly specials such as mustard and turnip greens, ground turkey fajitas, chicken and waffles, Polish sausage, gyros, chicken wings, homemade pizza, black-eyed peas, sweet potato pie and more. The café still features gourmet popcorn.

Niece says if you clip this dining story  you get a free bag of gourmet popcorn with the purchase of an entrée.

The restaurant is located at 13 Neptune Road, Suite C. That isn’t easy to find if you have never been so call ahead for directions. You can also call your order ahead. At 407 406-6819. Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday-Friday; Saturday 12:30 to 6 p.m. and Sundays 2-6 p.m.

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Looking a bit further ahead on the dining calendar, the 24th annual Give Kids the World Black & White Gala returns to the Peabody Orlando, June 2.

The charity event features a gourmet meal prepared by the chefs at the Peabody, cocktails and dancing.

It starts at 6:30 p.m. and continues through the night. Tickets are $200 each, $2000 for a table. To purchase tickets go to www.givekidstheworld.com/gala