Asian Flavors Abound at Emeril’s Tchoup Chop

Emeril's Tchoup Chop

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When Emeril’s Tchoup Chop opened in Universal’s Royal Pacific Resort in Orlando a few years ago, it became one of my go-to restaurants for Asian-inspired dishes. Recently I popped back in and surprisingly found one of Orlando’s best chefs running the kitchen: chef Greg Richie. Recognized for his modern Asian cuisine, he won several dining awards at Roy’s Orlando before joining Emeril’s team. I took a counter seat at the open kitchen and ordered a cantaloupe cocktail, quite a deceiving name because the drink is really a blend of orange vodka with watermelon liqueur, OJ and a splash of Rose lime juice. Call it what you may, it was refreshingly delicious. Richie whipped up some panko-crisped Apalachicola oysters for me. The bivalves are a rarity south of the NW Florida fishing town, so this was an unexpected treat. Sitting in a pool of color—sapphire blues and bright oranges—I devoured his seared jumbo sea scallops with butternut squash risotto and creamy Thai curry-lobster sauce. Dessert was a sampling of Emeril’s famous banana cream pie (impossible to pass on) and a beautiful cranberry-and-pear strudel with chestnut ice cream and spiced caramel sauce. 

Tags: Emeril | food | Greg Richie | orlando | Royal Pacific Resort | Tchoup Chop | Universal