“Date Night in the Nonahood” is a new article for Nonahood News to bring you and your significant other new ideas to enjoy a night out together. With new restaurants and activities around every corner, it’s easy to lose track of what’s new and fun to do in Lake Nona and nearby areas. That’s why we are here to help! We want to bring you the inside scoop of everything local that’s going to be a hit for your date night.
We started off strong on our first date night article by taking a trip to Hemisphere at the Orlando International Airport. It’s just a short drive down to the airport, and the restaurant is located on the 9th floor of the Hyatt Regency. If you’re visiting the Hemisphere Restaurant, there’s a handful of perks that are included, such as complimentary valet parking. A friendly group of valet members greeted us and escorted us to the elevator to go up to the restaurant.
Once you step out of the elevator, you are right at the entrance of Hemisphere (and it sure is a beautiful sight). I would say another perk of Hemisphere is the amazing view of Orlando International Airport and the horizon of trees and fields. I thought it was very exciting to see the airplanes taking off and landing on the runway. We even had the opportunity to see a live SpaceX rocket go into space!
Aside from being a great date night venue, Hemisphere has quarterly wine dinners and specialty brunches for Easter, Mother’s Day and Thanksgiving (which I definitely plan to try for this years’ holidays). The wife and I decided to plan for their Spring Kick-Off Food and Wine Dinner, and it was amazing! The food was paired excellently with Orlando’s very own Inquisitor Wines. Intricate and delicious courses were made from Executive Chef Jeffrey and Sous Chef Shelby (who is going to be on Guy’s Grocery Games!) with influences and inspiration from the South African region.
The culinary team at Hemisphere definitely came with big, bold and delicious flavors that Sous Chef Shelby says she put a lot of work and research into. Our first course was a bit out there, but I think it’s my favorite of the four. Bruleed egg yolk with grilled zucchini, a mint vinaigrette, spring peas, miso aioli, cured egg dust, and a miso butter crostini. If it could taste anymore fresh, I believe it would have been harvested right off the vine. The creaminess of the egg yolk matched with the smoked flavors of the grilled zucchini is not one to forget. This course was paired with Inquisitor’s Methode Cap Classique, 2013.
Our second course was very bold and delicious as well: A wilted braii salad with charred beet greens, Boerewors beef cheeks, stone fruit chutney, sous vide golden beets and cashews. The tartness of the chutney went excellent with the tender yet bold flavors of the beef cheeks, and the charred greens really set it off. Paired with 2017 Sauvignon Blanc. The third course really brought it home for me with the display of how beautiful this delicious meal was. A Biryani spiced grouper with blue corn pap (a type of grit), key lime coriander labneh, finger lime, and pickled lotus root. If these flavors weren’t bold enough, a 2016 Cabernet Franc certainly brought it over the edge, and I loved it.
Then it was time for dessert; an incredible grapefruit tartlet with chamomile whip, tarragon butter crumb, blood orange, and calendula; paired with 2017 Chenin Blanc. This was such a spectacular dessert that I just had to have a second one. The tartness of this dessert was matched perfectly with the sweet bite of the Chenin Blanc.
If you’re looking for a next-level dining experience for your date night, then I would definitely recommend Hemisphere Restaurant. They made it a point to make each and every guest feel important while dining with them. Their views are unmatched, their cuisine is world-class, and their wine list is very impressive.
Stay tuned for our next issue of “Date Night in the Nonahood,” and we’ll continue to find all of the local places for you to enjoy a night out with your significant other.
