In the shadows of Downtown Orlando awaits a neighborhood in good taste.

The quaint neighborhood of Thornton Park is home to a chef that doesn't slow down often.

"We want to have fun with it, and offer some unique tastes on some old classics,” said Executive Chef Greg Richie of a new eating tour.

As the manager of two culinary hot-spots on the Thornton Park Food Tour, Richie is quick to show off what's hot. The trek designed for taste buds treats folks of all walks of life like royalty. 

"It's a tour through four restaurants in Thornton Park,” explains tour guide Jessica Santoli. Like friends casually meeting for coffee, participants meet on a street corner and check in with organizers.

First up: Italian is on the menu at the vine-covered Anthony's. Step inside for pasta and pizza samples. After relaxing for 30 minutes, it’s time to get up and move.

A leisurely walk away is Baoery, the Asian gastropub where portions are big.

"We offered you one with Korean fried chicken and another version with a slow roasted pork belly,” said chef Richie of the bao specialty. Imagine a warm, doughy taco shell that melts in your mouth.

Need help washing it all down? Sake Bombs are served at the end of the meal. Chef Richie's Asian concept is also prone to a Godzilla attack and a gong ringing.

Ready for more?

Right next door, step inside Shari Sushi and find rolls galore. Here, if Shari can make it, you can eat it. The edamame is prepared in such a way you’ll never look at a bowl of soybeans the same way again.

"You get the full experience of each restaurant,” said Jessica, adding the portion sizes indeed satisfying. “It's not skimpy at all."

But this tour isn't over yet.

"Over here, I serve pork belly in a biscuit,” explained Chef Richie.

At SoCo, short for Southern Contemporary Cuisine, Chef Richie's team is hard at work serving up a special take on chicken and dumplings.

"It's not like your grandma makes chicken and dumplings. It's a more contemporary spin on it,” Richie promised.

How much would you pay for four plates, over the course of two hours and several drinks? 

The cost per person comes in at $35.

"You leave full. You almost need a wheelbarrow to wheel yourself out of SoCo itself,” Jessica said.

Note: Space is limited for the Thornton Park Food Tour. Early sign-ups are the key to getting a place at the table.

Thornton Park is located right downtown in Orlando. Parking on the streets is tight. Leave extra time to find a space, or use the Thornton Park parking garage. A three-hour stay will cost $10.

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