The fun and food returned to Central Park West Meadow with restaurants, beverage companies and country bands rolling out the red carpet for a good cause. Photos by: Jim Carchidi
One of Central Florida’s marquee community events returned to Winter Park on Saturday, Nov. 11, as friends and flavors mingled for the 11th year of Cows ‘n Cabs. The local hospitality industry set up shop in Central Park West Meadow with more than 45 restaurants and 60 beverage brands joining forces for another outstanding evening.
Despite the range of tapas-style versions of popular menu items and the selection of top-shelf drinks, the event is more than an opportunity to sample and sip. Each year, 100% of Cows ‘n Cabs’ proceeds benefit local charities that support children in need. This year’s donation tops out at $1,020,000 – the largest single-day total in Cows ‘n Cabs history.
“It’s always exciting seeing the community come out to support a good cause,” said Wendy Lopez, executive chef at Reyes Mezcaleria. “All the chefs put their best foot forward and make their best dishes.” Among the organizations benefitting from this year’s proceeds are After-School All-Stars Orlando, 4 Roots and Winter Park Day Nursery.
See the photos for a look inside Cows ‘n Cabs 2023.
Tampa-based county band Southbound 75 takes over one of two festival stages in Central Park West Meadow at the start of Cows ‘n Cabs 2023.Open space was hard to come by as the popular event draws fans from around the state hoping to sample as many menu items as possible.Santorini Shrimp from Taverna Opa features spinach rice, dill, garlic, and Manouri cheese.Fernando and Jennifer Garcia were among the lucky few to find an open table.Kristin and Michael Krause arrive with friends, Abigail and Ty Roofner.Rosen Shingle Creek’s Smoky Chocolate Cake with red wine-poached pears and cherries, and whipped Mascarpone.Theresa Sands, Charles Solis and Emily Boner sport some country style.Monica and Bobby Isola join Neda and David Khosrowzadeh for a quick selfie.Artistry Restaurants executive chef Omar Torres adds the finishing touches to the braised short rib with creamy polenta from Boca.Melorosa Wine owners Kasi and Chuck Wicks behind the bar at the company exhibit area.Chuck Wicks is also a country music artist and played the main stage with his band.A wild boar slider from Four Flamingos.Tamale Co. owners Jennifer and Fernando Tamayo (center) with their daughter Natalie (far left), and staffers Gianna Geraldo and Deborah Dumont take a quick break at their Cows ‘n Cabs kitchen.Bianca Khoury-Rey and Eric Rey of Winter Park-based homebuilders, Urban Perch.Gentry’s BBQ cooks up an old favorite with its Brisket Chili Frito Pie.Bartender Andrew Vierling serves guests at the Wyoming Whiskey bar while dressed as Woody from Toy Story.Nevada and Evan Menjivar enjoy a semi-private lounge area.Jodi and Joe Nunziata of FBC Mortgage, LLCThe Tamal from Reyes Mezcaleria includes cultivated mushrooms, squash blossoms and Panella cheese with cacahuazintle corn.Chef and author Norman Van Aken with sales director Laura Fletcher at the event table for Van Aken’s restaurant, Norman’s, in Dr. Phillips.Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew show off a tower of their Icon Strawberry donuts.Forward/Slash Premium Blended Whiskey co-owners Tim Bradstreet and Michael Buffa chat with guests at the company tasting table.4 Rivers Smokehouse staff assemble Huli Huli chicken and pork bao buns.The Huli Huli includes pineapple cilantro salsa and cabbage slaw.
