Easter at Aurora at the Celeste Hotel
by Susan Shalhoub
Inside the Celeste Hotel – the Tribute Portfolio Hotel on the campus of the University of Central Florida – is the delectable Aurora at the Celeste restaurant, which is gearing up for Easter with fun and curated menu offerings for all ages.
The Celeste is now taking reservations for the two weekends leading up to the holiday, during which the Aurora restaurant will feature its Easter Bunny Breakfast. Sarah Ehmke, director of sales at the Celeste, says that if the appearance from the Easter Bunny isn’t enough of a draw – complete with photo opportunities – the buffet breakfast won’t disappoint.
“We’re planning classic favorites like eggs Benedict, quiche, bacon, sausage, waffles, pancakes, French toast, fruit... pretty much all you can think of, while the Easter Bunny comes around and greets everyone at the tables,” says Mike Trudnak, the Aurora’s executive chef.
“This is always fun for the children,” adds Sarah. “Kids three and under attend for free. And, after breakfast, there’s an Easter egg hunt on our event lawn.”
The Easter Bunny Breakfast on April 2, 3, 9, and 10 begins at 9:00 a.m. and is $40 per adult and $25 for children 12 to 4.
Spring Celebrations
Bunny Tea Time also takes place on those same days at 1:00 p.m. offering a more later-day menu and a different kind of bunny encounter. Private photos with the Easter Bunny will again be available as he visits Aurora tables while attendees enjoy finger sandwiches, canapes, scones, pastries, fruit, desserts, and tea.
“Peanut butter and jelly and hot chocolate will be available for smaller adventurers,” grins the chef.
The cost for adults is $36; $22 for children 12 to 4; and kids 3 and under again eat for free.
On the big day itself – Easter Sunday – the Aurora offers an Easter Day Brunch Buffet on April 17 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For $75 per adult, $25 for children 4 to 12, and free admittance for children 3 and under, a festive menu offers something for everyone.
“We’ll have made-to-order stations with carved meats, such as prime rib, as well as a risotto station and children’s buffet,” says Chef Trudnak.
In addition, the chef-curated cheese display, omelet station, salad station, seafood display, and breakfast favorites will pair nicely with unlimited mimosas and desserts, desserts, and more desserts!
Reservations are required for all Aurora Easter events, so hop to it! Call 689-205-0100, email
Mike.Trudnak@TheCelesteHotel.com, or save your spot through OpenTable.com.