By Yasmene Warren
What if there was a way to taste the world without having to travel all over it? EPCOT lets you drink and eat around the world, but The Drake lets you do the same without the theme park ticket! Ready to see the flurry of flavors this spot has in store? Let’s go!
The Minds Behind The Drake
Taking Downtown Orlando by storm comes The Drake, located on the ground floor of the Radius Apartments on North Rosalind Avenue.
This new restaurant specializes in bringing an urban feel to global flavors by offering modern dishes made with high-end ingredients from all around.
The concept of The Drake was brought to life by chefs and owners Heberto and Rona Segura. The Drake was preceded by the tasty kitchen on wheels, Duck & Drake Kitchen, which was a smash hit in the Orlando community and was even nominated for best food truck in the city (Orlando Weekly 2024)!
This mobile eatery is located in College Park outside of Digress Wine and opened its first brick-and-mortar location this past February, adorning a new name befitting its chic atmosphere.
The Seguras are longtime friends with Roger Owens, the other owner and mastermind behind The Drake. When the Seguras wanted to expand their food business, Owens was ecstatic to take part.
Owens describes The Drake as the “big brother” of Duck & Drake Kitchen. Two months into this restaurant’s launch, he said he absolutely loves it.
“We’ve gotten to meet so many cool people and great friends,” Owens said. He added that The Drake is inspired by all the ways people around the world are connected.
Indulge in their abundance of internationally inspired dishes that coordinate with the seasons, keeping frequenters on their toes with every visit.
Experience the sensational flavors yourself Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and until 3 p.m. on Sundays for a tasty brunch.
Image Credit: The Drake Kitchen + Bar
The Mouthwatering Menu
If you’re going to dine here, you better come hungry and ready to try all kinds of dishes.
You can fix your forks on small bites, salads, shareables, sides and enhancements, and delicious desserts. Pizza lovers can make their dining decision as easy as pie with fanciful flavors of truffle Fungi Jon mushrooms and smoked provoloncino.
The small bites pack a big punch with finds of za'atar spiced flatbread, a variety of snack boxes featuring vintage cheeses and artisan cured and smoked charcuterie.
We couldn’t resist trying one of the snack boxes and opted for Sunshine Farms goat asiago and Paleta Iberico de Bellota (aged prosciutto). Drizzled in olive oil and accompanied by fig jam, bread, and pickled veggies, this dish met every mark when it came down to immaculate flavors.
Have you ever tried a dish so good you wanted to share it with everyone? That’s exactly what finds like prime steak frites, fire roasted chicken, and pasture prime American wagyu sliders are made for.
If you want to enjoy a feast fit for the whole table, ordering arroz de la costa may be the way to go. You’ll savor lobster, octopus, giant prawns, black rice, and green chickpeas.
Sweeten the night with decadent desserts such as pavlova de maiz, goat cheese pan basco, and chocolate budino. Owner Roger Owens let us try his favorite — the pavlova de maiz — and the taste was unbelievably delicious.
Hailing from France with Mexican inspirations, this dessert boasts a rich, creamy corn-flavored ice cream topped with vanilla bean ice cream-filled meringue with a lemon zest and drizzle garnish. From the presentation to the sensations it gifted our palates, this treat is a must-try.
Check out their drink menu for some delicious cocktails to pair with their many food offerings!
Inside the Restaurant
Modern dining is on the rise, and The Drake is one place that does it right. Walk past the outdoor dining space to see lush greenery and ambient string lighting that’s sure to set the mood.
Find the ceilings draped in swanky light bulb fixtures and the walls adorned with gorgeous wood paneling with iron ducks taking flight affixed to their surface.
Have a seat on the plush blue velvet couch or peruse the high-top bar filled with an endless assortment of beers, wines, and spirits! The bar’s blue tiling coupled with the duck head accents throughout give the restaurant’s look a perfect blend of modernity and uniqueness.
You can’t miss the work of art that defines The Drake lining the wall when you first walk in. Known as the community wall, this mural consists of an array of faces connected by a single line stroke.
“That is supposed to represent how we are all interconnected from all over the world,” Owens said. “My wife is from Vietnam, my partners are from the Dominican Republic and Mexico, our manager is from Guyana … we wanted to represent how the community is interconnected.”
Overall
If you’re looking for somewhere new and hot to send your taste buds, make The Drake your new go-to. This restaurant not only serves up fresh, one-of-a-kind cuisines, but it also preserves the culinary cultures from all around the world and adds a modern touch to keep locals and foodies alike enticed. The Drake is the perfect place to dine when you’re looking to get out of your dietary comfort zone. Be sure to check it out next time you’re on this side of town!
Downtown Orlando
Welcome to the heart of “the city beautiful”: downtown Orlando. This part of town is where you’ll find the most life breathed into its community. From a thriving nightlife to bustling restaurants, shops, and local businesses, downtown has it all. It only continues to grow with new projects underway. Some of our favorite spots include Debonair Supper Club, The Bao Spot, and Earthy Picks Vegan Cafe. If you’re interested in finding a home near all the fun, our team would love to help you!
The Orlando Real is sponsored by The Pozek Group. If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home in Orlando, reach out and we would love to help!
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