Exploring Orlando’s Hidden Food Gems: Part 1 -An In-Depth Look at the East End Market

Episode Overview

Orlando may be best known for its rides, resorts, and roller coasters—but there’s another story unfolding in the city’s neighborhoods: a vibrant, locally driven food scene that’s been quietly growing into one of the most dynamic in the Southeast. For personalized help, check out the Visit Orlando Trip Planner for free one-on-one planning with a local expert.

In part one of this special two-part episode, we explore how one place—East End Market—helped catalyze Orlando’s local food movement. David and Tim sit down with John Rife, founder and CEO of East End, to talk about how a converted church became ground zero for culinary creativity, Michelin-recognized concepts, and a community of chefs, bakers, and makers reshaping what Orlando tastes like.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

1. The Backstory of East End Market
2. How a neighborhood harvest festival grew into one of Florida’s most influential food halls—home to 20+ small businesses and multiple Michelin-recognized chefs.
3. Behind the Booths: Meet the Makers
4. Gideon’s Bakehouse: Started as a popup in the market, now famous for cookies the size of your hand—and a 10-hour line at Disney Springs.
5. Winter Park Biscuit Co.: Vegan sandwiches so good, they fooled carnivores.
6. Hinckley’s Fancy Meats: The city’s sandwich king, known for housemade charcuterie and national tailgate boxes.
7. Poppy’s Burritos: Bringing true Colorado-style breakfast burritos—and Hatch green chilies—to Florida.
8. Kaikatsu and Domu: Japanese-inspired dining experiences with sizzling stone-grill bento boxes and Michelin bibs to match.
9. Not Just Food
10. Obon: French chocolates that look like fruit.
11. Permanent Jewelry by Carla Palma: Yes—welded to your wrist.
12. Freehand Goods & Owl’s Attic: Local dry goods and vintage treasures curated for the neighborhood.
13. Secret Slice & Speakeasy Vibes
14. Discover the upstairs hideaway spots at East End—from a QR-code pizza machine to mixology classes, drag nights, and neighborhood-themed cocktails at The Neighbors bar.
15. John Rife on What Makes Orlando Unique
16. Hear how creative professionals from the theme park world are quietly reshaping Orlando into a hub of culinary innovation, and why locals—and chefs—choose to stay and build here.

Featured Places in This Episode

1. East End Market – Home to over 20 local vendors and the heartbeat of Orlando’s food movement.
2. Otto’s High Dive – Michelin-recognized Cuban-inspired rum bar and cocktail destination.
3. Gideon’s Bakehouse – Original location at East End, second spot at Disney Springs.
4. Cadence Omakase – Intimate 7-seat sushi experience turned Michelin-starred restaurant.
5. Winter Park Farmers Market – One of the region’s most beloved Saturday morning experiences.
6. Fleet Farming – A local initiative turning neighborhood lawns into micro-farms—by bike.

Local Tips

1. Best Farmers Markets:
2. Audubon Park Community Market (Monday nights, local-only)
3. Winter Park Farmers Market (Saturdays, on scenic Park Ave)
4. Don’t Miss Districts:
5. Explore Orlando’s Main Street Districts like Mills 50, Milk District, Audubon Park, and Ivanhoe for distinct, hyperlocal food and retail.

Need Help Planning?

1. For personalized help, check out the Visit Orlando Trip Planner for free one-on-one planning with a local expert. And thanks to Visit Orlando for helping support this episode

Up Next

In Part Two, we hit the streets of the Mills 50 District with local food blogger Ricky Lee of Tasty Chomps—one of the city’s top food voices—to explore the flavors and stories behind Orlando’s thriving Asian dining scene. You won’t want to miss it.

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