Oblivion Taproom: Fine Example of a Gastropub!

Colleen Burns the community manager at Yelp invited me to the Elite event hosted by Oblivion Taproom.  With the Florida Film Festival commencing this weekend and the A to Z April Blog Challenge, I have had my plate full and I was still in two minds about attending this event till my husband coaxed me into giving it another chance.

 

Allow me to elaborate; a few months ago Oblivion Taproom was in the running for the ‘Best Burger’ in town poll. I am on a perpetual hunt for new and delicious dishes in the city and will leave no menu unturned, and Burgers, especially fine burgers hold a soft spot in my foodie heart. That said, one evening oddly enough all of three of us were craving a good burger. Since, I had heard the buzz around town for Oblivion (the only one I hadn’t tried), I decided to check it out. We drove down all the way to the East side of Colonial, parked my car in the parking lot, looked at Oblivion, and after a few hesitant moments of deliberation, drove off to find another burger joint.

Typically, I will travel any lengths and go to just about any restaurant regardless of their ambiance, size, location, price etc to satiate my taste buds.  For some reason I couldn’t convince myself to walk into Oblivion that evening. Did I just judge a book by the cover page? Sadly, yes I am guilty as charged.  Little did I know how wrong I was?

Co owned by Missy Jahn and Pete Wesenberg, Oblivion Taproom is a new entry to the Orlando food scene which has gained popularity relatively quick. Spend a few minutes with Missy and Pete, and you will realize just how special Oblivion is to them. Add a classically trained Executive Chef to the mix; you have a fool-proof recipe for a great restaurant.

Chef Goody is a graduate of the infamous Culinary Institute of America.  Now there are only a handful of CIA graduates in Orlando, so it is indeed an honor to be in the presence of one. Speaking of which, let’s discuss food and the dishes Chef Goody had whipped out for us.

First of all, the obscenely, perfect roasted suckling pig stole the show, hands down. It was food porn at it’s finest.  The skin was crisp, the meat juicy, it was an orgasmic experience to say the very least. The pig was so crisp and succulent, that I couldn’t bring myself to wrap it in a bun. I just ate it with my bare hands, relishing the juiciness.

One can taste Chef Goody’s adventurous spirit through his playful creations. The deviled eggs were a party in my mouth with all the unique flavor combinations.

I am a NY City gal at heart and the house made pastrami with rye bread was spot on, delicious. Hats off Chef!! I loved it.

The Philly sliders were juicy and seasoned well. Nice job!

The Chipotle Black Bean Burger was brimming with bold flavors; I certainly didn’t expect it. Hands down, the BEST Vegetarian Burger I have had the pleasure of enjoying in CFL.

With over 40 rotating craft beers, Pete and his crew are eager to inspire and tantalize your palate. And more than willing to educate you in case you stumble over unfamiliar names.

Bottom Line: Oblivion Taproom has the making of your neighborhood favorite happy hour joint which caters not only to beer aficionados, but Chef Goody’s creative concoctions will satiate any gourmand’s foodie heart too. It is just that kind of place.

The Full Line-Up:

Chip & Dip Station
Fried Hand Cut White Corn Chips served with:
– House Salsa
– Black Bean & Grilled Pineapple Pico de Gallo
– Fire Roasted Jalapeño Nacho Cheese Sauce
– Cumin Lime Sour Cream

Trio of Deviled Eggs
– Sausage Egg & Cheese McMuffin
– Green Olive & Feta
– Bloody Mary

House Made Pastrami
– Served on Local Marbled Rye Bread with Swiss Cheese, and House Caraway Beer Mustard

Wiz Wit Slider
– The Philly Classic Thinly sliced Beef Top Round w/ Griddled Onions & Cheese Wiz on Local Slider Roll

Roast Pig Station
– Slow Roasted Suckling Pig Pulled to order Served on Local Slider Roll with Choice of Toppings:
– House BBQ
– Carolina Vinegar BBQ
– Mojo
– Escabeche style onions

Paradise Burger
– Chipotle Black Bean Burger topped with Pickled Mango & Avocado on a Local French Onion Roll.

Beer Tastings:
Coney Island Lager – from Shmaltz Brewing
Wittekerke Winter White Ale – Belgian White (Witbier)
Terrapin Hopsecutioner IPA

Oblivion Taproom is located at 5101 East Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32803. You can reach them via their website, Facebook Page, and Twitter Handle.

 

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