For my first hidden gem of Orlando, I’d like to take a trip down to Lake Nona and show what this community has to offer. Lake Nona is a relatively new addition to the City Beautiful. When I was in elementary school, Lake Nona Middle school didn’t even exist! The Tavistock company is developing Lake Nona into what is now known as The Medical City.
Hidden away towards the end of Narcoossee Road is the Lake Nona Town Center. The Lake Nona Town Center is home to several establishments owned by the Tavistock Restaurant Collection. Out of all the Orlando Tavistock restaurants, Boxi Park is by far the most welcoming and entertaining. The lively outdoor experience is full of shipping containers repurposed into restaurants. There is something for every kind of person. From seafood and vegan food to ice cream and pop up dessert food trucks, Boxi Park has an option for every craving.
After about thirty minutes of deliberation, I decided on eating at the Cañonita: Street Taqueria container. I had three carne asada tacos and let me just say: Oh. My. God. The tacos were a bit small, so three seemed like a good amount. They’re more snack sized than meal sized. These tacos were incredible, though.
Tacos not pictured due to technical difficulties.*
* (I got too excited and started eating before i could take a picture)
The line for The Naked Cupcake food truck was waaaaaaaay too long so I went to the Before It Melts container instead. To be honest, I’m not the biggest ice cream fan. It was average. The presentation was super cute! It had a little chocolate disc that said Boxi Park on it. This ice cream was also a little expensive. This little cup of ice cream had no business being $5.50.
Vanilla soft serve, tropical fruit sauce, passion fruit, mango, coconut flakes, and meringue shards.
Boxi Park was super busy but it was also the Saturday after Valentine’s day, so I understand. It was fun watching local performers on the stage they had there. Overall, it was a great experience. I can’t wait to go back and try out the other containers. Maybe next time I’ll use their little beach volleyball court. I might even bring some kids that I babysit so they can have fun at the playground.
I’m super excited to visit a bunch of other locations in the Lake Nona area. I’m eager to try out all of the Tavistock restaurants around here. Orlando blows my mind every day. There are always hidden gems in the City Beautiful. See you guys next week with a new hidden gem! Always remember: it’s great to live like a local.
Orlando Gems 