The acclaimed Visit Orlando's Magical Dining is back for its 20th run, and it's bigger than ever. This year, over 160 restaurants are participating in the event, which kicked off today and will continue through September 30, according to WESH. Food enthusiasts can indulge in three-course dinners for either $40 or $60, exclusive of tax and gratuity, at a variety of dining establishments, spanning from local favorites to Michelin Guide-recognized spots.
This milestone anniversary not only showcases 24 fresh additions but also includes 15 restaurants that have received accolades from the Michelin Guide, as My News 13 reported. Orlando's food scene is broad and varied, and Magical Dining offers a perfect opportunity to explore it, with everything from Greek tavernas to high-end steakhouses and innovative sushi bars joining the lineup. And while gourmands dig in, they'll be doing good, too; a portion of the proceeds from each meal will benefit local nonprofits focusing on reading instruction and educator training.
The Reed Charitable Foundation, this year's primary beneficiary, is committed to combating the literacy crisis in Orlando. "When we empower children with the ability to read, we are not only giving them the gift of literacy, but more importantly, we're giving them the lifelong gift of self-confidence that they can believe in themselves and do anything," Jennifer Ford Knopf, president and founding director of the foundation, stated, as detailed by WESH. With the support from Magical Dining, the Reed Charitable Foundation will look to widen its reach across Orlando.
In addition to Reed Charitable, Visit Orlando is pledging a $3,000 donation to a non-profit in each of Orange County's six commission districts, and since its inception in 2009, the Magical Dining initiative has raised close to $3 million for various local organizations. For those looking to participate, reservations can be made through the event's website, which also assists diners with dietary restrictions, providing search filters for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, as WESH reported.
