Eddie Nickell
Eddie Nickell is the Chef/Owner (along with his partner Nicholas Olivieri) of Bites & Bubbles (bitesbubbles.com), a Contemporary American restaurant in the Mills 50 District at Mills Park near Downtown Orlando, Florida. Most of his career was spent working in fine-dining French restaurants, including L’Auberge in Dayton, Ohio, The Down Under in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and La Ville Maison in Boca Raton, Florida. Bites & Bubbles is a family-owned and operated business, where he is in the kitchen cooking, and Nicholas is in the dining room hosting guests. The restaurant offers a stylish yet relaxed atmosphere, with the main dining room designed to make guests feel like they are in a quaint spot in New York City or Paris, with only eight tables and an expansive bar. The restaurant also has a covered patio, a lanai, and a rooftop dining area, all of which offer the full dinner menu, extensive wine list, and craft cocktails.
Eddie Nickell, Chef/Owner (along with his partner Nicholas Olivieri) of Bites & Bubbles
Who are some of your culinary role models?
With so many culinary icons to choose from, it’s tough to narrow it down, but my top few role models, if I had to choose, would be Julia Child, Anthony Bourdain, Thomas Keller, Massimo Bottura, Dieter Krug, and Alice Waters. Julia Child is a pioneer who brought French cuisine to American audiences through her cookbooks and television series. Anthony Bourdain is a chef, author, and TV host who offered a unique perspective on food, travel, and culture. Thomas Keller is an American restaurateur known for his Michelin-starred restaurants, The French Laundry and Per Se. Massimo Bottura is an Italian chef whose Osteria Francescana was named the world’s best restaurant by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. Dieter Krug was my Executive Chef at L’Auberge in Dayton, Ohio. His commitment to excellence and passion for food has been a great influence on me. Finally, Alice Waters is an American chef and activist who led the farm-to-table movement in California and founded the renowned restaurant, Chez Panisse.
What is your motto or philosophy when it comes to food?
Thomas Keller’s famous quote, “A recipe has no soul. You, as the cook, must bring soul to the recipe,” resonates deeply with me. Cooking is not just a mechanical process of following instructions; it’s an art that requires passion and creativity. For me, cooking is a labor of love, and I always strive to infuse my dishes with soul. When I cook, I want my food not only to look appetizing but to taste amazing. Flavor is paramount, and I’m not afraid to err on the side of boldness and complexity to achieve it. My ultimate goal is to create dishes that not only satisfy hunger but also stir emotions and evoke memories.
What is one of your proudest signature creations in the kitchen?
It’s hard to pinpoint one single dish as my proudest signature creation in the kitchen since my menu changes frequently, sometimes daily, depending on what fresh ingredients I can get my hands on. Each menu I create is a reflection of my current passion, and tomorrow’s menu will be a new adventure for me. Therefore, if you see something you like on the menu, I encourage you to order it because it might not be there the next day. I often receive requests from guests for dishes that I have made in the past and for recipes. In response, I am currently in the process of writing a cookbook that will feature many of my signature dishes, along with stories from my childhood and culinary career. Stay tuned for more updates on that!
Which celebrity or well-known person would you most love to see come in and enjoy your food?
This is an easy one…my favorite celebrity is Dolly Parton, and I would love to meet her and have her come in to enjoy Bites & Bubbles!
What are some of your favorite local restaurants?
Without a doubt, Bites & Bubbles is my absolute favorite restaurant in Orlando, Florida! In addition, I have a particular fondness for two other exceptional eateries in the area: Seito Sushi located in Baldwin Park and Agave Azul in Winter Park.
What are some local food or beverage products that visitors should bring back home with them?
There are countless options to choose from, but if I had to make a recommendation, I would suggest trying Lombardi’s Seafood’s key lime pie and Ivanhoe Brewing’s beer. Lombardi’s key lime pie is one of my favorite indulgences and I believe it’s one of the best I’ve ever tasted. Ivanhoe Brewing, conveniently located near Bites & Bubbles, offers a variety of exceptional brews, many of which we proudly feature.
Why is Orlando such a great place for LGBTQ+ people who love food?
Contrary to what you hear in the media about Florida’s politics, Orlando is known for being a welcoming and inclusive city for LGBTQ+ people, and this is reflected in its vibrant food scene. The city is home to a diverse range of restaurants and culinary experiences that cater to all tastes and preferences. Additionally, there are many LGBTQ+ owned and operated restaurants and bars like Bites & Bubbles that offer a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.
The city also hosts a variety of food festivals and events throughout the year, including the annual Come Out With Pride Orlando event, which features food vendors and food-related activities. Overall, Orlando’s inclusive culture and diverse food scene make it a great destination for LGBTQ+ people who love food.
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