The start of a new year allows us to reflect upon some "best of" winners from the year we just completed, while simultaneously highlighting the things we are most looking forward to. USA Today's 10BEST recently announced their best openings of 2023. Here, a Florida establishment was named the best new restaurant.
"This Cuban restaurant was awarded a Bib Gourmand by Michelin and features Floridian and Cuban cuisine with tropical influences," 10BEST states.
They are talking about Otto's High Dive in Orlando
Located at 2304 E Robinson St., Otto's High Dive labels itself as a neighborhood rum bar. However, they are much more than that. They are open six days per week for dinner, and on Sundays for brunch as well.
Menu
"Step in for lechon asado (roasted pork) or ropa vieja (braised short rib), and make sure to show up early for their weekday happy hours, where you can knock down Cuba Libre highballs, classic mojitos, or other well-mixed libations," 10BEST states.
There's a raw bar where you can order oysters, either raw or baked. If you want a truly extravagant experience you can go with the seafood tower, which includes shrimp and crab salad as well. The entrée menu is full of pork, lobster, and short rib options.
There's also a café portion to Otto's High Dive. This is where you find desserts, espresso, and Cuban-style coffees. The drink menu arranges the options by stirred, shaken, or frozen. In addition, wines by the glass and Cuban beers are served. "While we have an extensive cocktail menu, our spirits selection is equally as vast," Otto's High Dive says.
Lastly, the best new restaurant in Florida announced on their Instagram that they will have pig roast Sunday's. This will take place from 11 am to as late as 10 pm.
Reservations are highly encouraged. You can book your table at Ottoshd.com. This is also where you will find all of their catering options as well.
Florida Birthday Freebies – Get Free Stuff on Your Big Day
Who doesn't love getting free stuff on their birthday? Seriously, one of the best things about getting older is just getting those fun birthday freebees. My birthdays is quite a ways away, as it's in August, but I might as well prep for it early. The problem is that I never remember until the day of my birthday what stores and restaurants offer free stuff on birthdays, and by then, it's often too late. So, you're best to plan early, if you want to snag those Florida birthday freebies.
With that in mind, this year, I set out to find the best Florida birthday freebies months before my big day. Let's just say I was determined to get a head start. As it turns out, a large number of spots offer great birthday freebies and gifts.
I'm looking through some of these food freebies, and after seeing these, I think I'm going to be very full on my birthday. Both Denny's and IHOP offer free breakfast deals for your birthday. Those restaurants are national, so even if you're traveling on your birthday, you can get some free or discounted grub. Maybe I'll hit up both spots on my birthday and really stuff myself with pancakes. I also like getting free stuff, not just food, on my birthday. Makeup stores such as Ulta and Sephora offer special birthdays gifts for rewards members. You'll find plenty of free dessert deals on this list, as well. I'm all about dessert, free or not, but free is always better. It's worth noting that some of these programs require you to sign up in advance of your birthday, so hop on them quickly.
Read on for birthday freebies available in Florida for your big day, and whenever your big day falls, happy birthday. Many of these deals do have an expiration date after your birthday passes, so look into that. Also, these deals change often, so don't be surprised it this list varies a bit.
Florida Birthday Freebies:
Baskin Robbins - Birthday freebie
Who doesn't love free ice cream? It's the perfect birthday treat. At Baskin Robbins, get a free scoop of ice cream when you join the Birthday Club.
Panera birthday treat
If you have a MyPanera card, Panera Bread will give you birthday rewards, and the special birthday surprise offer gives you 60 days to enjoy your birthday treat. I personally love their brownies and usually use my birthday rewards on that. It's even better than birthday cake.
Chili's - Free dessert
Chili's is known for their Baby Back Ribs. But, they also have great treats. Sign up for their special club, and you'll get a free birthday treat on your big day.
Jersey Mikes - Score a free sub
At Jersey Mikes, get a free sub with a MyMikes membership on your birthday. This, I think, is one of the best birthday deals around. I always help my dad use the app to get this one on his birthday.
Victoria's Secret - birthday reward
If you give your email address when signing up for a Victoria's Secret or PINK credit card, you'll receive a $10 or $15 birthday reward. But, cardholders must have made a minimum purchase within the last 12 months to be eligible for the special birthday reward. I don't have a Victoria's Secret credit card, but I'm on their email and member list, and I still get a bonus for my birthday, so that might work, too.
Dunkin Donuts – Get a free beverage on your birthday
Dunkin Donuts is known for its donuts, but they also have great coffee and beverages. At Dunkin Donuts, if you're a DD Perks member, you'll get a free beverage on your birthday.
Denny’s – Get a free grand slam breakfast
Denny's is legendary for their Grand Slam breakfast. It's got everything. At Denny’s, get a free grand slam breakfast on your birthday when you join Denny’s Rewards.
IHOP – Get a free stack of pancakes on your birthday
When it comes to pancakes, nobody does it like IHOP. I tried their protein pancakes recently and really loved them. At IHOP, snag a free stack of pancakes on your birthday with a MyHOP account.
Krispy Kreme
Donuts, anyone? Yes, please. At Krispy Kreme, you get a free donut and coffee on your birthday with a Krispy Kreme Rewards membership. I'd get one with birthday sprinkles, because it's your birthday.
Target
At Target, you'll get a birthday coupon for 5% off your purchase when you sign up for Target Circle rewards. How nice is that? The coupon is good for 30 days.
Hot Topic
Say you like to live on the edge? Then the Hot Topic birthday gift is for you. Get a $5 reward for your birthday when you sign up for Hot Topic Rewards.
Dairy Queen - Blizzard Treat
It's always Blizzard time, even when it's cold outside. When you sign up for the Dairy Queen rewards program, you'll get a buy one, get one free Blizzard Treat coupon. You'll also get one one on your birthday. You'll also get a discount on a Blizzard or DQ Cake on your birthday.
Buffalo Wild Wings - Free gift to Buffalo Circle members
Buffalo Wild Wings makes for a great spot to watch a big game, but you can also get a cool birthday reward there. BW3 gives a free, annual gift to Buffalo Circle members.
Honey Baked Ham - Discount
Honey Baked Ham is great on Thanksgiving or on your birthday. Sign up for their rewards program, and you'll get an additional $9 HoneyBaked Cash on your birthday with rewards and promos to come.
Red Lobster - Birthday Reward
If you download the My Red Lobster Rewards App, you'll start earning rewards right away. My Red Lobster Rewards members also get exclusive benefits, such as bonus points, coupons, special offers and, yes, a free birthday reward.
