This is not an example of Raw Food.
Bookmark this new (to me) Orlando food blog: Julie's Raw ambition, all about raw food eating. (Source: Pulse of Central Orlando) I guess that means no deep fat fryer or coffee maker-warmed oatmeal.
Whatever, the post I want you to see has a brief interview with New York City-based raw food chef, author, traveler, and entreprenuer, Matthew Kenney, who just opened Café 118, in beautiful rich-white-people land, Winter Park. WARNING: Turn your speakers off before you visit the restaurant's website. Someone didn't take Web Design 101: the site has auto-playing music.
Anyways here is the interview:
JK: I understand Café 118 is a franchise concept. How do you find and train the proprietors and their staff to serve the delicious raw dishes that you’ve designed? Or should I ask, how do they find you?
MK: The franchise aspect of the concept will follow the launch and refinement of the concept, menu and operational processes. Beginning a franchise is almost like building a second business, as it requires a great deal of standardization, far more than what might be necessary for a single unit. I’m sure that it will be a challenge, but ultimately, we plan to develop operating methods that will be possible for others to assume, after a thorough training period.
JK: Orlando is a city known for its chain and corporate restaurant dominance, and Orlandoans tend to be a pretty conservative, fickle bunch when it comes to dining out. What made you choose this “meat and potatoes” town to make a raw food mark?
MK: Despite the “meat and potatoes” stigma, there is an enormous (and growing) vegetarian community in Central Florida, as well as a large population of people who are devoted to health and fitness. Café 118 is designed as a concept that, although adhering to a vegan set of guidelines, still serves food that is decedant and full-flavored. Also, while there are far more omnivores here than vegetarians, there are also many steak and mainstream restaurants. We hope that fulfilling a niche in this market will prove to be a good choice.
JK: How would you like get the raw food word out in Central FL, and particularly, that Cafe 118 is not just a bunch of lettuce or smoothies branded as “health food”?
MK: The best way for someone to hear about us would be to learn that we serve great food - not just because we are vegan or raw, but simply because of its freshness and vibrancy. Many people have tried raw ice cream and liked it more than traditional ice cream. The goal is to achieve that with all of our dishes. The powerful flavor of raw food is what converted me from being a traditional chef, perhaps it will have a similar effect on others!
Café 118 is located at 153 East Morse Blvd. in Winter Park, FL (view map).