Funky Monkey Wine Company in Mills 50 overhauls its menu and its name
Photo by Mickey Hojdila The downtown branch of the Funky Monkey Wine Company is now known as Funky Monkey Wine Company’s Nick’s Italian Kitchen. Yeah, it’s a mouthful. (Ha.) The Mills 50 district restaurant has made some serious changes to their menu: Gone are the sushi, steak, seafood and game offerings, replaced with pasta, panzanella and profiteroles. Yes, steak…
Pulp Fiction-themed Halloween show just announced
via MTV All right, everybody be cool. Because if you don’t have plans to flee town on Halloween for Fest 13’s ridiculous beefy festival lineup (hello, Melvins!), the most perfectly offbeat Halloween party just cropped up on Will’s Pub’s calendar: Pulp Fiction Live. (RSVP) It’s 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, at Will’s Pub, Lil Indies…
ELECTION DAY!: Well, not really, but today is the first day of absentee ballots and voting from home
Though most people might be swept up in the white-tuft-vs.-bald-hell (oh, and Nan Rich) of the gubernatorial primary lurking around the corner on Aug. 26, there are plenty of other things happening on that ballot, some of which don’t smell like a primary at all. You see, because of the early-’90s winds of fate that…
Incoming UCF Freshmen assigned to live in bathrooms and closets
via Knight News Less than a month remains until classes begin at the University of Central Florida. In an act of preparation or trepidation or just plain excitement to get outta their parents’ house, incoming freshmen have been comparing room (and roommate) assignments on the UCF Class of 2018 Facebook group. Ashlyn TenBieg was shocked…
This Little Underground: Body//Talk (Spazzkid, Dromes) and Phat-N-Jazzy (’80s Soul Nite)
This Little Underground is Orlando Weekly’s music column providing perspective, live reviews and news on the city’s music scene. Read the latest column here. Spazzkid at Peacock Room (photo by James Dechert) It’s July, all the nights are hot. But last Friday (July 18) was hot in the good way, and the heat was…
BREAKING! Never give up!: Emergency motion filed to lift stay in Monroe County marriage equality case (documents inside)
3:30 p.m. UPDATE: The motion to lift the stay has been denied. Related: Time marches on. Not typically ones to take “sit down and shut up” for an answer, especially when said directive effectively comes from the placid stare-down of Attorney General Pam Bondi, attorneys for hot bartenders Aaron Huntsman and William Lee Jones…
Sugarhill Gang, Surfer Blood and Sebadoh to headline Jax’s Connection Festival
The fall concert season is so close, we’re already sweating how to possibly catch all the great announced acts locally, and now here comes Jacksonville’s Connection Festival to lure you north in September. Set for September 12-14, the music festival takes place in downtown Jacksonville with multiple stages on multiple days, featuring a range of…
YOUR DAILY WEEKLY READER: Scott’s prison politics, black power, train in vain
via business insider PRIVATE FUNDRAISER AT PRIVATE PRISON PROFITEER’S MANSION? SOUNDS ABOUT RIGHT: “Florida Governor Rick Scott really knows how to pick a fundraiser. Last month, he was scheduled to attend a $10,000-a-plate event at the home of a real estate developer who’d done prison time on tax charges. Hours after Mother Jones disclosed the…
The Mud Flappers headline WMFE benefit concert
via the Mud Flappers on Facebook If you love NPR and you live in Orlando, by extension you also must love 90.7 WMFE-FM. The community-based non-profit radio station is our local NPR affiliate, as well as providing news and programming that’s relevant to Orlando (you’ve likely even heard OW staffers like Billy Manes and Erin…
A Dickens-style flash mob could win you $5,000
This is probably not the kind of flash mob they have in mind. via “What the Dickens?,” Orlando’s year-long celebration of Charles Dickens’ 202nd birthday, is still going strong. Residents can catch free Dickens film screenings and readings at the downtown public library and compete in Dickens-related trivia the first Tuesday of every month at Stardust Video and…
TODAY: What’s cooler than being cool? Ice … cream from Uber!
via Clowns 4 Kids Until 5 p.m. today, you can use your Uber app to get an ice cream delivered to you, where ever you are in Orlando. Just choose the Ice Cream option in the app and within minutes (as long as a vehicle is available), you’ll be enjoying a sweet treat without even having…
Thank you, Internet: Kindle unlimited and wine-flavored cotton candy
Friday’s here and there’s so much going on this weekend, we bet you can’t wait to get it started. Sadly, you still have some time to kill before you can get your weekend on. Check out these links that should help you whittle away the last few hours of the day. Image via The Des…
YOUR DAILY WEEKLY READER: AIDS crash, reef acids and Republican rape-mongers
via azcentral.com BECAUSE A HORRIFYING PLANE CRASH WASN’T ENOUGH BAD NEWS: “The Malaysian passenger plane that was shot down over Ukraine on Thursday was carrying more than 100 public health experts on their way to a prominent international meeting on AIDS, according to several news reports. Their deaths have prompted an outpouring of grief from…
#100DaysOrlando: Check-in deals for free drinks, food discounts and tons of summer fun
100 days of summer Summer in Florida is hot. And sticky. And filled with booming afternoon thunderstorms. And it’s 100 days long. OK, to be completely technical, there’s only 93 days in summer, but we wanted to round it out to an even hundred for our 100 Days of Summer promotion. Until Sept. 7, you can…
Culture Buzz (tonight!) and Anthology, two awesome upcoming cocktail fundraisers
Sorry for the last-minute nature of this post, but we thought you’d want to know about these two cocktail fundraisers: Giving money to help out someone’s project just goes down smoother with a perfectly crafted drink in hand: 10 p.m. Thursday, July 17 (TONIGHT!), at Lil Indies: Culture Buzz offers chill music (DJ Spreadsheets on the turntables,…
Surprise mural pops up in Mills 50
Prime mural real estate is being snatched up at an alarming rate this summer as more and more businesses in Orlando decide to hop on the muralist gravy train – because art! The Mills 50 Main Street District announced on their Facebook page yesterday afternoon that they’d be getting a new addition to their ever-growing…
BREAKING!: FIRST RULING ON GAY MARRIAGE IN FLORIDA JUST ISSUED AND IT’S A GOOD ONE!
VIA MIAMI HERALD We’re still reading through the ins and outs of this, but just now Judge Luis Garcia issued the following order in the Huntsman case in Monroe County. SKIP TO PAGE 13, YOU GUYS. Barring appeal (which, uh, seems likely), this is a serious step, one that effectively allows marriage certificates (thus marriage…
YOUR DAILY WEEKLY READER: Koch to school, D.C. gun freaks, Boehner’s ugly suit
THE LUNATICS HAVE TAKEN OVER THE ASYLUM (AND THEY BROUGHT KOCH!): “In the spring of 2012, Spenser Johnson, a junior at Highland Park High School in Topeka, Kansas, was unpacking his acoustic bass before orchestra practice when a sign caught his eye. “Do you want to make money?” it asked. The poster encouraged the predominantly…
From Dusk Till Dawn added to Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights lineup
via From Dusk Till Dawn will be making its debut as a maze at Halloween Horror Nights this fall. The haunt will be based on Robert Rodriguez’s television series (which is based on his movie of the same name and airs on Rodriguez’s El Rey network), utilizing characters and locations from the franchise, including vampire-infested nightclub The Twister. Just like in the…
10 free things to do in the Orlando area this weekend (July 18-20)
>a href=”http://photos.orlandoweekly.com/25-fun-things-to-do-in-orlando-this-week-716-722/#1″>25 fun things to do in Orlando this week (7/16 – 7/23) The City Beautiful has some hidden freebies for you to uncover this weekend. From an ice cream social to a Belgian Independence Day celebration, you can have unlimited fun on a limited budget. Mystique CityArts Factory is premiering a new gallery this week. Check out Mystique,…
This Little Underground: Iska Dhaaf & The Welzeins @ Backbooth
This Little Underground is Orlando Weekly’s music column providing perspective, live reviews and news on the city’s music scene. Read the latest column here. Same indifference: Photos from Iska Dhaaf and the Welzeins(photo by James Dechert) Although its two members bring credentials from membership in notable Seattle groups like Dead Oceans recording act Mt. St.…
Florida is the scariest state in the country
We’re No. 1 in sharks and tornadoes! via Real Estate search firm Estately compiled data on common fears held by Americans in order to determine which state is the scariest. Taking into consideration statistics on occurrences likebears, shark attacks, hurricanes, spiders, murders and creepy clowns available for hire, Florida jumped up to No. 1 on the list. In fact, Florida’s so awesomely…
Orange is the new slut: Probing “The Hotwives of Orlando”
Wilson shows off the bod that was too fat for Lorne Michaels One of the pleasures of living in a tertiary market is recognizing that your city’s very name is a universally understood punchline. This is one of the ace cards held by The Hotwives of Orlando, the reality-series parody that became available yesterday on…
Win Tix To Universal Studio’s Halloween Horror Nights
Want to win a pair of tickets to Universal Orlando Resort’s Halloween Horror Nights? Here’s how: 1. Go to our galleries page and look for the hidden Halloween Horror Nights logo in one of the galleries posted between the dates 9/10 and 9/17. 2. Email the link with that gallery image to contests@orlandoweekly.com. In the…
Win Orlando Zombie Ball Tickets
Want to win a pair of tickets to the coolest Halloween party in town? Here’s how: 1. Go to Orlando Zombie Ball’s Facebook event page and click on “going” 2. Tag your party friend and tell us why you want to win! Can’t wait? Buy your tickets HERE! ■ VH1 Celeb DJ Brian Dawe ■ Phantasmagoria will be…
Bar Exam: Bullitt Bar
It’s your hangout for strong drinks, loud music and big dumb fun
Savage Love
I have two questions, Dan. 1. Recently, I went to a bar with my brother and encountered a friend from high school. My brother told me that, toward the end of the night, my friend followed him into the bathroom and made a drunken pass at him (which apparently involved a clumsy grab at his…
Undoing redistricting in Tallahassee
Leon County circuit judge calls legislature to task for unfair districts
Lesser fish, more cupcakes, and Nora finds a new home
Tip Jar: local food news
Drinking, Nightlife and Parties
Where to drink and party in Orlando this week
Phat-N-Jazzy’s DJ BMF puts a different spin on the ’80s night
From skating to R&B classics at Semoran Skateway to New York radio discoveries to DJ’ing 20 years of parties, BMF’s search for ’80s soul didn’t stop when the decade did
Dine like a Prussian king at Schumann’s Jager Haus
It’s the best of the wurst right in downtown Orlando
Free Will Astrology
ARIES (March 21-April 19) “I have complete faith in the continued absurdity of whatever’s going on,” says satirical news commentator Jon Stewart. That’s a healthy attitude. To do his work, he needs a never-ending supply of stories about people doing crazy, corrupt and hypocritical things. I’m sure this subject matter makes him sad and angry.…
The Great Escape Room is a brain-teasing interactive attraction
No simplistic fetch-quest, Great Escape Room offers an old-school intellectual experience
Man to appeal suit against Disney over 2006 injury
Dave Peterson says exculpatory clauses in Florida put consumers at risk
‘Ladies of Eola Heights’ lampoons locals, with heartfelt emotion
Girls will be girls this time around in Wanzie revival
This Little Underground: The return of Jenny Lewis
Plus live reviews of Ray LaMontagne, Henry Toland; Jackson Rodgers debuts ‘New Faces’ showcase and attends Steve Earle’s Camp Copperhead
Opening in Orlando
‘Le Chef,” ‘Planes: Fire & Rescue,’ ‘The Purge: Anarchy,’ ‘Sex Tape’ and ‘Wish I Was Here’
Films and screenings
Special screenings and film events in Orlando this week
Inmate attacks officer at hospital, vandal attacks chairs at pool
Police beat: crime reports from the Orlando Police Department
Fans of Cooper’s Hawk speak up
Letters to the editor
Orlando Science Center request for funding gets cool response from county
Sorry, Orlando Science Center. We have stadiums to build and conventions to attract. On the list of things Orlando and Orange County have agreed to help fund lately: Sports tourism ($2.5 million dedicated to lure more events to Orlando – perhaps that’s why Mayor Buddy Dyer was in Dubai and Turkey earlier this year). Dr. Phillips…
Orlando is the fifth most exciting city in Florida
Even the swans love it here. 60 epic Orlando sunsets Real estate site Movoto has compiled the top 10 most exciting cities in the state of Florida and Orlando landed at No. 5. To determine this ranking Movoto considered the following: Nightlife per capita (bars, clubs, comedy, etc.) Live music venues per capita Active life options per capita (parks, outdoor…
USA Today names Orlando’s best non-chain restaurants
50+ places to find comfort food in Orlando Continuing their obsession with Orlando, USA Today wrote a piece on Orlando’s non-chain restaurants. Look, we live in Orlando, so we know all about the delicious, often farm-to-table food our local restaurants have to offer. According to USA Today, these are the City Beautiful’s best independent restaurants (and a little taste…
Watch Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back at the Enzian for free
via Update: Due to inclement weather last week, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back was not able to be shown at the Enzian. You’re in luck though! It was rescheduled for Wednesday, July 23. Kevin Smith is a generation-defining director, beginning with the classic (are we calling movies from 1994 classics already?) Clerks and other gems like Mallrats, Chasing Amy and,…
King of Versailles David Siegel buys the Orlando Predators
It’s been widely reported as rumor, then it was finally confirmed, that David Siegel of Westgate Resorts and Queen of Versailles/biggest house in the world/just bought the Cocoa Beach Pier fame was planning to buy Orlando’s arena-football team, the Predators. Today Westgate sent out a press release congratulating Siegel for sealing the deal and promising that…
Mills 50 District restaurant Forbidden City to close
Wall To Wall: Orlando’s street art makes the city beautiful Housed in a former gas station, Forbidden City has been a part of the Mills 50 landscape for more than 27 years. After this fall, the iconic building will no longer be home to the Chinese restaurant, as the new owner of the building will not…
Pot plot discovered in Sumter County Wildlife Management Area
This just in from the MyFWC Facebook page: A Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officer was patrolling the Richloam Wildlife Management area in Sumter County this week, when he stumbled across a pretty epic marijuana grow site. In addition to the big plot of plants in the photo above, the site also had a…
YOUR DAILY WEEKLY READER: Morgan’s weed stash, UberX got you crazy, the Klan in Fruitland
via Daniel Boone Savage ALL THE EXPENSIVE WEED!: “Orlando trial lawyer John Morgan said he has pledges of up to $6 million — not including his own substantial checkbook — to back a proposed constitutional amendment going before voters in November that would allow doctors to order marijuana for patients with debilitating illnesses. Morgan, who largely…
Rock & Roll Heaven makes Paste’s pop culture guide to Orlando
When you have such glaring tourist fodder as the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, it becomes even harder to see other worthwhile pursuits in a city like Orlando (especially when you sink so much time into waiting around Universal Studios for a glimpse of their newest attractions). But the latest entity to step up to…
