Set on a busy corner in Thornton Park, SOCO is an exciting
new addition to the neighborhood. Texas-born
Executive Chef Greg Richie trained with Emeril Lagasse and Roy Yamaguchi,
picking up some Asian fusion inspiration. Soco brings together his Southern roots with
the exotic influences that he mastered while working in Hawaii. I had the pleasure of tasting several cocktails and small bites at a recent media mixer.
One of Soco’s most famous dishes is Chicken and Dumplings,
which is really more of a ravioli. It
combines Chicken Breast, Lobster Dumplings, Local Mushrooms and Edamame. The
Soy Butter sauce is way better than it sounds, complex and creamy, bringing all
of the flavors together in perfect harmony.
Oyster lovers will enjoy SOCO’s Cornmeal Crisped version, served
with Pickled Green Tomato Relish on housemade Chicharrones, and topped with Herb
Cream.
Craft Cocktails set the mood perfectly when dining on the
expansive outdoor patio. The Royal Palm
is a very strong and flavorful drink, made with Palm Ridge Reserve, House
Orange Marmalade, Scrappy’s Chocolate Bitters, and Agave. My favorite drink was The Sparkler: Sparkling Wine, Bernheim
Wheat Whiskey, Aperol, Lemon, Agave. So refreshing and delicious!
The House Made “Moon Pie” is WAY better than the original. A
nice crunchy graham cracker crust is filled with dense, truffle-like chocolate,
and topped with toasted marshmallow swirls. An RC Cola reduction provides
exciting contrast.
Everything I tasted
at SOCO offered excellent flavor and exciting interpretations, there’s nothing
basic about this place. I look forward
to trying more of their offerings very soon, especially the Sunday Brunch!
Located in Thornton Park: 629 E Central Blvd, Thornton Park, Downtown Orlando
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