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Girl Gone Travel

North America, Travel
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August 31, 2010

Experiencing A Piece of Multicultural Orlando: The ViMi District

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One of the areas that I was most excited to visit during our tour of the Orlando culinary scene was Orlando’s Vimi district. The name ViMi comes from the two main streets, Virginia and Mills, that intersect there. Located in the northeast of downtown Orlando, the district has changed over the years, with many fighting for a more identifiable name (though I believe this one has stuck) and best known for the Vietnamese influences, its politically vocal gay community, and its ever-growing art community.

Though the area continues to have a mostly Asian-American influence and look (with restaurant and store fronts displaying Vietnamese, Korean, Thai and Chinese signage), I also saw the presence of other multicultural groups, with a British shop and Russian market proudly displaying and selling cultural favorites, some of which I have never seen in my life.

British treats, among them canned Haggis.

Lots of yummies at the Russian market, and then this thing. What is that?

Across the street from both these markets, is the family-owned Pho 88, where we had the opportunity to enjoy some authentic Vietnamese dishes. We were joined for lunch by Orlando foodie celebrity Scott Joseph of ScottJosephOrlando.com. Joseph, a former food critic and restaurant reviewer for the Orlando Sentinel has continued to have a strong presence and influence in the foodie travel scene for his work with organizations such as The James Beard House, where he has been an integral part in helping to showcase Orlando chefs and food purveyors with events both in NYC and most recently in Orlando.

I love listening to locals and their vast knowledge of their hometown, how things came to be, and why things are a certain way. It was truly a golden moment to have Joseph at our table, that is until the food came and he was completely upstaged by it all.

We had orders of Bún Bò Huế (Spicy Beef Noodle soup), Bún Thịt Nướng Bì Chả Giò (Grilled Pork, Shredded Pork Skin, and Egg Roll on Rice Vermicelli), Gỏi Cuốn (Spring Rolls with Shrimp and Pork), Bì, Thịt Nướng, hoặc Bò Nướng Cuốn (Shredded Pork Skin, Grilled Pork, or Grilled Beef Rolls), and assorted garnishes.

That was just our table. The other table had an array of soups as well, all of which smelled fabulous. This locale is not anything high end. But the real sign that gave us a hint that this was going to be a great eating experience was the large number of Vietnamese families dining there.

Had we not JUST had brunch at Bull and Bear less then 2 hours before, I would have easily devoured the entire bowl of spicy beef noodle soup, which by the way, I highly recommend.

We topped it all off with a Sinh Tố Bơ (Avocado Shake). All natural, no preservatives or food coloring, this drink was packed with flavor, yet light and refreshing.

Pho 88 is not a participating restaurant member of Orlando’s Magic Dining month, but if you find yourself in the area this month or anytime in the future, definitely check this casual, inexpensive eating destination. The multicultural scene in Orlando ranges a lot farther than ViMi, but the eclectic feel of the area, both as a community and as a foodie destination is really exciting to experience.

I thank Scott Joseph for sharing his time and knowledge with our group. In addition to his “flog” (food blog), he has just published Scott Joseph’s 2010 Orlando Food Guide ($14.95), a treasure of information for any traveler visiting the Orlando area wanting to experience all it has to offer culinary-wise. Stay tuned as well for his upcoming smart phone app!

Disclosure: This review is based on a complimentary, all-expense paid visit to Orlando, FL by the Orlando/Orange County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, including complimentary meals in featured restaurants. I received no other compensation and no requirements that I express a particular point of view.


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Carol Cain

Brooklyn native Carol is happiest when on an adventure, whether close to home or farther away. She is a small business owner and travel writer. In addition to creating Girl Gone Travel, she is the Founder and Principal of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. She's mom to three wonderful sons and wife to a handsome Irish/Scot. She lives, works, and plays in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of NY.

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5 Comments
  • Jennifer - Savor
    August 31, 2010

    Glad you had an amazing time – looks like afun trip you all had. Hope to see you soon. 🙂

    Reply
    • Carol Cain
      Jennifer – Savor
      August 31, 2010

      Thanks Jennifer! It was pretty fun!

      Reply
  • Amy @ The Q Family
    August 31, 2010

    Oh.. I'm SO hungry looking at your pictures of all the Vietnamese food on your table. I love Vietnamese food for it's fresh and light taste. Yum!

    Reply
    • Carol Cain
      Amy @ The Q Family
      August 31, 2010

      I know Amy! It was soooooo good!

      Reply
  • Michelle
    September 2, 2010

    My parents go to church in the ViMi District. Such a fun area. Glad you enjoyed your trip!!

    Reply

Leave a Reply to Carol Cain Cancel reply

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About me

Hi! I'm Carol! I am an award-winning travel blogger, a keynote speaker, and the Principal and owner of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. I a wife to a handsome Irish/Scot and a mom to 3 sons and 2 puppies. Welcome to my blog where I share stories of my travels and professional public relations insights and advice. Thank you for reading and for your support!

Carol Cain

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If you are a foodie traveler, Madison, WI is a des If you are a foodie traveler, Madison, WI is a destination for you. This list of good eats were all within close proximity to each other and spots we made time for during our short weekend visit. So definitely note that this doesn’t even begin to cover the tip of the iceberg, but makes a good starter list!

📍@ShortStackEats in the heart of Downtown Madison is clearly a UW favorite. Loved their pancakes! We thought it was a pricey for breakfast, and only offered drip coffee, but the scene was fun, food was good, and service was friendly.
📍@SardineMadison is a waterfront French bistro that has stood the test of time (we’ve been coming here since we lived in Madison!). It can feel very corporate some nights, but their Happy Hour and brunch are definite highlights and it’s a really nice dining experience overall.
📍@EatattheAudrey impressed us! It’s not your usual “hotel restaurant” and I would say it easily stands alone as an eatery worth checking out in Madison. Great breakfast options, cozy vibes, nice bar, and good service!
📍@RamenStation1124 good, affordable ramen.
📍BlindShotSocialClub We really loved this spot for brunch (sorry, was enjoying the company and totally spaced out on capturing food images!). Golf fans will love hitting the putt here (you can reserve a private room too), and what I though was most cool was the delicious and wide selection of non-alcoholic cocktails to choose from. This place is a total vibe!
📍@StringsRamen is a chain, but I have to say it is some of the best ramen I have had in a long time. I especially loved how you can choose your ramen but heat level but also by Japanese region which allowed us to taste a couple of new flavors!
📍@Parthenongyros has been around awhile (hubby recalls coming here during his college years!) and was voted #1 take out in Madison! Though we indulged inside and away from the snow. A delicious, quick bite when strolling around State Street.

And again, this is just a starter list. There is so much more to eat and enjoy in this top foodie city! What other spots would you add to this list?

#madisonwi #foodiegram #foodiedestinations #goodeats @destinationmadison
I love to travel. It has always been important to I love to travel. It has always been important to my family. My parents got my first passport weeks after I was born. They couldn’t afford to travel like I do now, but they understood, as immigrants, the absolute privilege that comes attached to having that shiny blue American booklet and they wanted me to have it.

I was yet again reminded of my privilege when my travel back home on this last trip was delayed over 24 hours. I have a village in place to make sure my kids were ok. Having my own business meant I didn’t have to report in to anyone, and was still able to work remotely so none of my clients were inconvenienced by it. Though the airline covered our hotel and food, we never worried that we couldn’t do it ourselves otherwise. While we were annoyed, we weren’t stressed.

So while I love to travel, and I love sharing my travels with you, I acknowledge that being able to do so, and dealing with the consistent travel disruptions so prevalent today without worries is a privilege…one that started with a little blue booklet that gives me more access to the world than some others do.

And I want us all in this travel space to be reminded of this. Of how lucky we are. Of our privilege to access and time and money.

So let us travel with grace and awareness. Let us remain rooted in reality and perspective. Acknowledging that our escapism isn’t one so easily accessible to others. Understanding that this is also why local stories have as much value as those to exclusive destinations, if not more. And, never forgetting, especially in the travel influencer and media space, that were it not for hosted campaigns and paid-for travel opportunities, most of us wouldn’t be able to afford the lifestyle we so beautifully curate online.

It doesn’t matter how often you travel, or how far. Just that hopefully you will be able to gift yourself the experience of doing so and experiencing something new.

#travel #travelmedia #travelinfluencer #wheretonext
As I work on compiling all the good eats I experie As I work on compiling all the good eats I experienced in Madison, WI, I have to ask: what is your favorite meal of the day, and where did you experience a highlight of the same?

I am a huge fan of breakfast. This beauty was a blueberry pancake order from @shortstackeats. Pancakes are not a big thing for me, but these were pretty perfect. I am craving them still. 🥞♥️

#madisonwi #goodeats #travelingfoodie @destinationmadison
We got back on a plane! Here are scenes from a qui We got back on a plane! Here are scenes from a quick trip to Madison, WI - my first time back in 14 years! Though we were here for family matters, we did take a moment to explore a bit of what used to be a place we called home.

We couldn’t do anything else until we drove around Lake Monona, where we once had a home, and took in the wintery views (there is an epic 13.2-mile trail that loops around the lake that is worth exploring if you visit!). Though our time was limited, we were able to enjoy some of it along State Street exploring the shops, eateries, the FREE @mmocamadison, and the beautiful architecture of the WI State Capitol Building (the Dane County Farmers Market will soon pick up again - Saturdays, April 15 thru November 11, 2023 around the Capitol Building and it is one of the best farmers markets anywhere!). 

We booked a room at the @hiltonmadison Monona Terrace to be within walking distance of all the downtown fun (tip: for a room with a lake view make sure to book at the upper levels above 10th floor for an unobstructed view of Lake Monona). 

Madison, WI is a skip and a hop from the Finger Lakes so this short and sweet visit didn’t feel difficult at all. And we absolutely loved the winter scenery and seeing what has changed (a lot) since we lived here.

Stay tuned for my list of where we ate!

Have you ever been to Madison, WI?

#madisonwi #weekendgetaway #wisconsin @destinationmadison
The joy of that first sip of the day. #randommom The joy of that first sip of the day. 

#randommomentsarethebest
I think my husband enjoys it, but still can’t be I think my husband enjoys it, but still can’t believe how easily I’ve been waking up in the early mornings since our last trip. Not sure how to shake it, or if it’s temporary, but here it is: the rare sighting of me up and moving early in the day. Am I a morning person now? Has travel ever permanently changed any of your habits?

#morningperson #lifeinthecountry #newme <-😂

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