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See What’s on the Menu for Cows ‘n Cabs 2023

Jim Carchidi

Cows 'n Cabs returns to Central Park West Meadow on Nov. 11 and the32789 has a preview of what some of the participating restaurants will be cooking up. Photos by: Jim Carchidi

Fall is in the air and food will be on the table as the local hospitality community is preparing for Cows ‘n Cabs, happening Saturday, Nov. 11, from 7-10:30 p.m. in Central Park West Meadow.

Now in its 11th year, the country and western-themed event pairs selections from some of the best local restaurants with fine wine and spirits from a list of beverage industry sponsors. And all the hard work pays off in a big way with 100% of the proceeds benefitting local charities that support children in need. Over the past nine years, event organizers have donated more than $2.3 million. Among the 2023 Cows ‘n Cabs charities are After-School All-Stars Orlando, 4 Roots and Winter Park Day Nursery.

Known as “the party with a purpose,” the event is the result of a partnership between ABC Fine Wine & Spirits Vice President of Sales Dave Larue, his wife Tina, and 4R Restaurant Group founder and owner John Rivers. Each year, their shared passion for giving back – and combined list of industry contacts – results in an enormous response that underscores the diversity of the Central Florida restaurant industry. That diversity is exemplified by the following tentative list of event dishes from several, but not all of this year’s participating restaurants:

“You can’t pull off an event like this without great partners that are actually doing it for the sake of the cause,” said Dave Larue. “All these vendors are doing all this work for free and they’re competitors, but they’re friends. It’s just awesome to watch all of it come together for such good causes.”

Last year, Reel Fish Coastal Kitchen prepared Nashville-style fried grouper sliders. This year, the Winter Park-based eatery will offer Pecan-Crusted Redfish Escovitch.
Tito’s Handmade Vodka traditionally hosts a “Tito’s Saloon” experience to showcase a menu of specialty cocktails.
Mexican-themed hot dog vendor Chollo Dogs will offer their signature “El Borracho” with street corn and cotija cheese.

Winter Park’s Reel Fish Coastal Kitchen + Bar is one of several longtime partners working to one-up last year’s performance. Owner Fred Thimm, now looking forward to his seventh Cows ‘n Cabs event, knows what to expect and how to prepare.

“We are literally all hands on deck for four hours straight,” he told the32789. Culinary staff are advised to prepare service for at least 1,000, so production needs to be fast but the product can’t be too casual. “We have to think about something we can produce in quantity and that will stand out.”

For the 2023 menu, Thimm and company decided on Pecan-Crusted Redfish Escovitch in response to customer demand for redfish at the restaurant. And they typically employ a secret weapon to help draw event crowds. “We bring portable fryers and it’s like the Pied Piper; the smell just draws everyone over to the booth.”

Wendy Lopez, Executive Chef at Orlando’s Reyes Mezcaleria, has been a Cows ‘n Cabs contributor since her previous position at International Drive’s Tapa Toro. Preparations for her 10th event involve a more philosophical approach. “I think of the message I want send to the diners and how it fits the mission of Reyes,” she said. “And I want to make a dish that is rooted in Mexican soul.”

The decision is not yet final, but Lopez guarantees the selection will be soulful. “All I can say is that it will show you the richness of Mexico’s culture.”

Cows ‘n Cabs 2023 will return to its usual location at Central Park West Meadow, by North Park Avenue and West Morse Boulevard, on Saturday, Nov. 11. VIP check-in begins at 6 p.m. with general admission starting at 7 p.m. Complimentary valet drop off and pick up is available in the post office parking lot at 300 N. New York Ave. Click here for more information and ticket sales.