OFM_Palate_0321_Palate 2 / 25 / 21 4 : 01 PM Page 1 DINING Palate By Brittany Ann Morrisey TOP FIVE : SLICE OF CAKE TRES LECHES AT MECATOS BAKERY & CAFÉ , MULTIPLE LOCATIONS The vanilla sponge in this traditional Latin American dessert is light and airy . It’s also soaked with three different types of sweet cream , making it rich and decadent . RAINBOW CAKE SLICE AT CARLO’S BAKERY , THE FLORIDA MALL Photo courtesy of Mecatos Bakery & Café Purple , blue , green , yellow , orange — this cake is colorful and sweet . It’s frosted with vanilla icing and covered in rainbow sprinkles . AUNTIE’S TRUE CHOCOLATE CAKE RED VELVET CARROT CAKE SLICE AT CHEF ART SMITH’S HOMECOMIN ’ , AT GIDEON’S BAKEHOUSE , DISNEY SPRINGS AUDUBON PARK AT THE GLASS KNIFE , WINTER PARK Warmly spiced and made with pineapple jam , The recipe for this classic cake is credited to chef This buttermilk - based cake has a deep ruby this carrot cake is loaded with cream cheese Art Smith’s Aunt Evelyn . Both the sponge and color and is layered with thick cream cheese icing and buttercream . It’s finished with edible icing are flavored with cocoa and it is garnished frosting . Double - baked candied walnuts add 23 - karat gold flakes . with candied pecans . just enough crunch . RAISE A GLASS : GRAPEFRUIT - INFUSED COCKTAILS CLEAN SLATE AT DELANY’S TAVERN , SODO The grapefruit bitters in this bubbly cocktail add just the right amount of sour . In addition to the bitters , it’s made up of La Gioiosa prosecco and rose water . PINK GRAPEFRUIT AT COOPER’S HAWK WINERY & RESTAURANT , SANDLAKE ROAD & WATERFORD LAKES This bright pink refreshment has Deep Eddy Ruby Red Grapefruit Vodka , St - Germain and grapefruit juice . It’s dressed with a slice of lime . GRAPEFRUIT SMASH AT THE COWFISH SUSHI BURGER BAR , UNIVERSAL CITYWALK St . Augustine vodka is mixed with lime juice , honey syrup , fresh Florida grapefruit and basil in this fruity cocktail . For a little extra edge , the final touch is cracked fresh pepper . ORLANDOFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM march 2021 ORLANDO FAMILY 55