Walk into Kaya in Orlando's Mills 50 District and it's clear that they're not just serving food: they're creating a community. It's one of the linchpins of Chef Lordfer Lalicon's vision, who together with his wife and a crew of longtime friends, has put a fine dining spin on Filipino cuisine. But don't let the tasting menu format fool you; this isn't fussy or formal. Instead, it's the kind of place where families and friends gather and return, time and again.
Chef Lalicon's Central Florida roots run deep and his love for his community is evident. So where does he go when he's not at Kaya? While the busy father of three rarely gets a day off, he shares a few of his favorite go-to spots around Orlando with us, below.
What's your go-to coffee spot?
My go-to coffee spot right now is Haan, which is Korean American owned, minimalist yet modern. I love their delicious choice of curated beans. You can feel the effort, technique and thought behind the drinks. My daughter, Kaya, and I go in the morning before I take her to school. She loves the Croffle.
Do you have any favorite bakeries for breakfast or lunch?
My favorite place right now for lunch is Mills Market. Under one roof you have Chinese at Kai Kai, Vietnamese at Banh Mi Boy and Japanese, my favorite, at UniGirl. It's convenient, affordable, and right across the street from Kaya.
Where do you head after hours?
After hours I head home. I go cuddle with my kids in bed and get ready to attack my next day! If I didn't have kids, I imagine myself going to Otto's High Dive. Justin's team is amazing, the drinks are great, the people are great, and the vibe is killer (Editor's note: Read Justin Levaughn's Orlando picks here).
What is your ultimate guilty pleasure?
My ultimate guilty pleasure is Perrito Maldito from Sebastian of El Tinto, an Orlando pop-up. I grew up eating hot dogs with my dad, so it's very nostalgic. Sebastian is a cook that loves his Colombian roots, and you can feel it when he pops up. The Perrito Maldito, "The Damned Dog," is a beef angus hot dog with caramelized quail eggs, chips, pineapple garlic cilantro sauce and salsa rosada. Definitely a must!
Where’s the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion?
For me the perfect place for a celebration is Ômo by Jônt. It's damn delicious and definitely a special occasion restaurant but still relaxed.
Where would you take an out-of-towner?
I would take an out of towner to my restaurant Kaya (MICHELIN Green Star). It's unique, homey and special. One like no other in the world, I hope. It's community and food together, and I can also give them the special karaoke treatment!
Is there a particular spot, outside of the restaurant scene, that feels special to you?
Yes, under the bodhi tree a few steps outside the restaurant. There is a group of artists led by Boy Kong, that holds a Sunday event called "fruits." It's about a space for people to draw, paint and do crafts in a no judgement, relaxing zone. It's really hard to find spaces where your phone isn't always in front of your face. There is no money involved; just a space for people to connect and enjoy one another.
Where would we find you on your day off?
Day off???? Who has a day off? I have three kids and a restaurant. There are no days off.
Hero image: Lee Romero / Chef Lordfer Lalicon
