Raising Her Palate and Our Memories at ÔMO by Jônt in Winter Park

As a mom, I am always thinking about the kind of memories I am creating with my daughter.

Not just the big vacations or birthday parties, but the small, intentional moments that shape how she sees herself and the world around her.

Recently, that looked like getting dressed up on a random night and taking her to ÔMO by Jônt in Winter Park.

Yes, a Michelin starred restaurant. With my 11 year old.

When booking, we intentionally opted for the Salon experience instead of The Journey or The Jaunt. We have never done anything like this before, and I wanted us to dip our toes in the water before going all in. The Salon felt like the perfect entry point. It gave us a taste of Michelin level dining without committing to the full tasting experience.

And honestly, that made all the difference.

The Salon setting is cozy and intimate, almost like sitting in a beautifully styled living room. It felt elevated without feeling intimidating. Smaller bites. Several different dishes. The freedom to try something, decide how you feel about it, and move on to the next experience.

Let’s be honest. Kids are not going to adore every complex flavor. They are still learning. They are still discovering what they like. The Salon format allowed my daughter to explore without pressure.

We walked in dressed up, and I immediately noticed a shift. She stood a little taller. She paid attention to the details. The eclectic music played in the background, jumping across genres in a way that somehow worked. Halfway through dinner, I realized the menu did the same thing. Familiar elements paired with unexpected twists.

We tried the Croustade, the Gamtae which quickly became her favorite, and the bao bun which was mine. Each dish was beautifully presented. The waitress took time to explain the ingredients and even showed us the best way to eat each one. That guidance made my daughter feel included rather than out of place.

The Nutter Butter might have been the most meaningful dish of the evening. Inspired by one of the chef’s favorite childhood treats, it was nostalgic and elevated at the same time. My daughter immediately understood the reference. She knew the cookie. But she had never experienced it like this. It was such a powerful reminder that refinement does not erase childhood. It can build on it.

I ordered a rosé. She was served her own non alcoholic glass with the same presentation and care. That small detail meant more than I expected. She felt included. She felt grown in a safe way.

One of my favorite moments of the night was watching her try Petrossian caviar for the first time. It was served on a buckwheat waffle with French onion. I was not sure how she would react. But she loved it. Watching her surprise herself reminded me why exposure matters.

Then came the Kakigori. Hazelnut, coffee, and chocolate, shaved fresh from an ice grating machine right at the bar. We got to watch it being made, which made it feel even more special. It tasted like a sophisticated Ferrero Roche. Rich. Decadent. Beautiful.

That night was not about creating a foodie. It was about creating a memory.

It was about showing her that she belongs in beautiful spaces. That she can try new things. That she can have opinions. That refinement and curiosity can exist together.

One day, she will choose her own restaurants. She will travel. She will walk into rooms I am not in.

And I hope nights like this quietly teach her that she belongs in them.