Florida Citrus Sports launches local food and beverage collabs

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College football fans — and Florida-local foodies — have some seeking to do around town as the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl approaches.

Florida Citrus Sports (FCS) has partnered with a bunch of local favorites to create limited-edition food and beverage items saluting the 80th running of this legendary gridiron championship, available now through game day, Dec. 31.

The cross-pollination is valuable, says Jordan Eichenblatt, creative director of HIFIVE, a local ad agency that partners with FCS on many projects.

“We reached out to different places we thought would bring something unique to the table, and not just for FCS members, who are an audience that might not know about many of them,” he explains. Conversely, “the restaurants’ regulars might not know about the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, so each side will hopefully get exposure to all-new people through this collaboration.”

Regardless, $1 from each item purchased will benefit Lift Orlando, supporting neighborhood investment efforts in The Communities of West Lakes, which surrounds Camping World Stadium.

One such collab comes from Pizza Bruno, where chef/owner Bruno Zacchini has made a few alterations to their legendary apps. The reimagined White Cheddar Cheez-It garlic knots are available now, but only at the Maitland location.

“It’s part of our new ‘triple threat’ secret app at Maitland Social,” says Zacchini, noting that it’s dine-in only. “I love the white cheddar Cheez-Its, and we’re sort of bridging the gap between Cheez-Its’ crushability and our knots.”

Much like Zacchini’s offering, all the dishes and drinks, inspired by the game, will include the flavors of Cheez-Its or citrus.

These include Pizza Valdiano’s buffalo chicken pizza with a Cheez-It crust, Ivanhoe Park Brewing Company’s 80 Years of Impact Citra Blonde Ale and The Neighbors’ Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, a cocktail featuring Pa’alante reposado rum, cane sugar cola and lime, served over a bowl of Cheez-It crackers (which those who order will eat separately).

“FCS is a really great organization, not only if you like sports, but different events, as well,” says Eichenblatt, who is also a member, citing the post-game Thornton Davis show as one such example.

“There are all kinds of upgrades coming to Camping World Stadium soon, so it’s really the perfect time to be a member — or become one. You get tickets to the games, pre-sale items, and connect to a network of really great people who are here to support Orlando,” he adds, citing all the volunteer opportunities available, within Camping World and without, in the West Lakes District.

“Helping that neighborhood thrive is a big part of what we do.”

Other favorites connected to the collab are Phat Ash Bakes, which will be offering its Luscious Lemon cookie as an A La Cart City exclusive, Black Phin Coffee and Gnarly Barley, both of which have two limited-edition items on their menus.

As downtown’s Art² park opens, À La Cart City provides the food and beverage

The Gnarly Barley’s ‘Noles fan following will be delighted to note that the  ’77 Tangerine Bowl Nuggies are a nod to the year when Florida State won the Citrus Bowl.

“There are a few fun Easter Egg names like that out there,” says Eichenblatt, noting that Framework Coffee’s ’91 National Champs offering salutes Georgia Tech.

In addition to the ongoing food and beverage collaborations, mixology fans can look forward to a Cheez-It Citrus Bowl Cocktail Competition on Dec. 8 at Lamp & Shade in Orlando’s Mills 50 District.

The event will feature a roster of local bartenders crafting Citrus Bowl-inspired sips, including featured drinks from partners Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Don Q Rum. Winning creations will earn a special feature during bowl week festivities.

For more info, or to purchase tickets, visit CheezItCitrusBowl.com.

Find me on Facebook, TikTok, Twitter or Instagram @amydroo or on the OSFoodie Instagram account @orlando.foodie. Email: amthompson@orlandosentinel.com, For more foodie fun, join the Let’s Eat, Orlando Facebook group.

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