Nordstrom is closing at Florida Mall
via Nordstrom at Florida Mall will be closing its doors for good on Saturday, August 16. An anchor store at the the mall for 12 years, the high-end department store provided shoppers with refreshment options in addition to marathon level shopping. Sadly, both the Café Bistro and eBar (an in-store espresso bar) will close as well (read…
After being sent home on MasterChef, Orlando’s Francis Biondi launches website
via Just one week after helping to declare a winner (and three losers) at our Bite Night Celebrity Chef Challenge, Francis Biondi was sent home on MasterChef. On the July 7 episode, spring rolls (with greasy dough and inconsistent filling) were the instrument of Orlando’s Biondi’s destruction. “I’ve been practicing ever since. I’ve made so many spring rolls I could open…
COUNCIL WATCH: Liveblogging your city government at work
YOU GUYS! It’s an “other” Monday that somehow arbitrarily has made itself a special Monday – City Council meetings are fickle about the every-other-week-ed-ness of their intentions – so that means that at 2 p.m., you should come on back to this space and get your “refresh” finger ready. Wait, do you have a “refresh”…
YOUR DAILY WEEKLY READER: Holder on marriage, Trayvonniversary, Charlie’s No. 2
DON’T YOU KNOW, THINGS CAN CHANGE, THINGS CAN GO YOUR WAY, IF YOU HOLDER ON FOR ONE MORE DAY: “If the Supreme Court decides to hear a case on same-sex marriage, the Department of Justice will file a brief urging the court to uphold the rights of gay couples to wed, Attorney General Eric Holder…
World Cup 2014, Brazil: Winners and Losers
When I wrote a few weeks ago that I couldn’t see a way that Brazil would lose, it was true. They did lose — they were humiliated, even — but I don’t think anyone could have foreseen their two best players, Neymar and Thiago Silva, having such a nightmare of a time. Neymar broke his…
This Little Underground: Jenny Lewis & Ray LaMontagne @ Bob Carr
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. Jenny Lewis at Bob Carr PAC (photo by Christopher Garcia) With her first new album in six years coming out at the end of this month and some recent touring, this…
2014 Emmy Nominations: the good, the bad and the WTF
via So, the Emmy nominations were announced yesterday. While there’s always an immediate visceral reaction to the nominations, it normally takes me about 24 hours to comb through them and figure out what the academy got right, what they got wrong and just plain what the fuck were they thinking. Here’s where we’re at with this…
Oh, great: Sarcasm: The Art Show Saturday at Spacebar
25 fun things to do in Orlando this week (7/9 – 7/15) Just what Orlando needs: another “art” show. This one is themed around the idea of sarcasm. You know, the “lowest form of wit,” according to Oscar Wilde. The show, featuring art from Boy Kong, Pam Treadwell, Scott Donald, Wolfrich and others, aims to…
Orlando City supporter groups suspended, fans banned following arrests
Incredible shots from the Orlando City Soccer championship Four Orlando City Soccer fans were arrested for disorderly intoxication and battery of a law enforcement officer at a Tampa Bay Rowdies game on Sunday, July 6. During the match, the OCSC fans, who travelled to Tampa via bus for the game, out-rowdied the Rowdy’s fans, using smoke…
Thank you, Internet: Choco Taco cappuccino and rejected princesses
Friday’s here! Friday’s here! We know what that means: you’re clock watching hardcore today, waiting for the seconds to tick down so you can tear outta the office and hit your favorite happy hour. These links should help you kill the minutes ’til drinkin’ time: via 1. Remember Choco Tacos? Well, imagine them in cappuccino form. A gas…
Pirates of the Caribbean ride takes U.K. man’s fingertips to Davey Jones’s locker
Avast, ye scurveys! Lest ye be thinkin’ yer pinky and ring fingers are always safe from ghastly harm at Disney World, mind the U.K. tourist who just a day ago lost the wee tips of those digits on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. Local constables say the man was “holding onto part of the outside”…
Reviving Rotation: Because music isn’t new, it’s personal
via In an evolving time when even bedroom projects have a studio sheen, there are so many releases that new music is frequently treated like a common whore (I say!). Rely on vague descriptors to find what could appeal to you, immediately consume it while your mind wanders elsewhere on the Internet, and then just…
It’s free Slurpee day at 7-Eleven
via Today, July 11, 7-Eleven celebrates their unofficial 87th birthday, and their gift to you is a free small Slurpee. From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., you can hit up your local Sev and walk out with a Slurpee of whatever flavor you choose. (Word to the not-yet-wise, there’s a new lemonade flavor that would taste…
Movies opening in Orlando July 11 through July 17
Trailers for the films opening in Orlando theaters and on VOD for the week of July 11 through July 17. Check Fandango, Moviefone or Google Movies for showtimes and dates. RIFFTRAX LIVE: SHARKNADO (THEATERS, WIDE LIVE EVENT) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQEXBLjSO8E THE CONGRESS (VOD JULY 15) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOF1qYYHV48 DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES (THEATERS, WIDE) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sHMCRaS3ao BEGIN…
$15,000 of landscaping equipment stolen from Lake Highland Prep
via Yesterday afternoon, Lake Highland Preparatory School suffered a robbery. Between 3:13 p.m. and 4:42 p.m., someone stole $15,000 worth of landscaping equipment from one of the school’s storage sheds, located near the athletic center. If you happened to be in the area at that time and saw anything at all suspicious, in particular a…
After 83 years in business, Chalet Suzanne closes next month
via After 83 years in business, the historic Chalet Suzanne will close its doors on Aug. 4. The quirky pink inn and restaurant has been a Lake Wales mainstay for decades, hosting scores of guests, including celebrities like Robert Redford and Johnny Carson, since opening in 1931. The restaurant attached to the inn was beloved for its kitschy…
Uncle Lou’s launches a weekly karaoke night
Looks like Uncle Lou is giving Big Daddy some competish after a one-off karaoke night held Monday, July 7 at Uncle Lou’s Entertainment Hall inspired an enthusiastic declaration that every Monday from that point on, any punk with a song in his heart can find an open mic at the Mills 50 dive. It’d be…
Winter Park businesses are offering discounts … but only if you’re a part of the SunRail daily grind
via Winter Park shops and restaurants are offering a variety of discounts to SunRail riders this summer. Through September 30, SunRail patrons can enjoy promotions that are sure to keep the cravings at bay such as a free appetizer at Blu on the Avenue, a free dessert at 310 Park South, and 10% off ice cream…
This Little Underground: Classic Country Covers II @ Will’s Pub
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. Classic Country Covers II at Will’s Pub (photo by Ashley Belanger) It’s a good week for showcases of the roots persuasion, and it’s especially nice to see that Will’s Pub’s Classic…
Orlando wants your blood (if you’re a healthy type O-negative)
Central Florida blood bank OneBlood has put the call out for Type O-negative donors as the summer season has put their quantities at low levels. If you’re over 16, over 110 lbs, and run exclusively on O-neg, please consider donating. Your type is a universal match for those in need. C’mon, don’t bogart that sweet blood. You…
YOUR DAILY WEEKLY READER: idiots with guns, jerks on immigration
via theamericanhuman.com RICK SCOTT IS A GUN’S (AND GUN OWNER’S) BEST FRIEND. THE REST OF US? NOT SO MUCH: “Gov. Rick Scott appears nearly bulletproof right now in the eyes of the National Rifle Association. That assessment of Scott comes as the NRA notes that more pro-gun bills have been signed into law in the…
Mills 50 staple Tony’s Deli has closed
via Tony’s Deli has been a part of the Mills 50 landscape since opening its doors in 1977. The winner of multiple Best of Orlando awards for best Middle Eastern eatery delighted diners with homemade specialties like stuffed grape leaves or lamb shawarma, but it was the pies that our reviewer liked the best, with fillings…
Oblivion Taproom to roll out new menu next week
via Burger fans who were lamenting the loss of one of the best burgers in the nation (according to the Daily Meal) can now rejoice: The Hog Wild burger is grabbing a permanent spot on Oblivion Taproom’s menu starting Tuesday, July 15. The burger-that’s-almost-too-big-for-your-mouth comes topped with cheddar, caramelized onions, barbecue sauce, a giant perfect onion ring…
10 free things to do in the Orlando area this weekend (July 11- 13)
25 fun things to do in the Orlando area this week (7/9 – 7/16) The City Beautiful has some free treats for you. From an evening gallery tour to a Bastille Day block party, you can have an inexpensive weekend with expensive stories to share. Caring for Your Community Breakfast Connect with people in your community…
Tijuana Flats to serve new line of burweedos starting today
Hey stoners! Tijuana Flats has you covered. Well, like, more than they already did. Starting today, they will serve three burritos rolled in hemp tortillas and prepared “megajuana style.” Details from the press release: GIVE IN TO HEMPTATION AT TIJUANA FLATS THIS SUMMER — For a Limited Time, Tijuana Flats to Feature Three New Burritos…
Woman in the Villages gets DUI in golf cart
Lake County EMS dash cam showing the wayward Villages golf cart. Based on the stories coming out of the Villages lately, you’d think that retirement community has more in common with Animal House than On Golden Pond. Public aardvarking, watermelon explosions, and now a golf cart DUI. Last night 54-year-old Doreen Brown blew nearly twice the legal limit…
YOUR DAILY WEEKLY READER: smoke and mirrors, piss and vinegar
WAIT, SO SMOKING CIGARETTES DOES MAKE YOU COOL? OR AT LEAST A GO-GETTER?: “No matter how hard you try, you don’t hate the tobacco industry nearly enough. Oh, I know, the 5 million tobacco-related deaths a year worldwide provoke intense revulsion, as does the $289 billion a year price tag for U.S. tobacco-related illness ($133…
America’s worst politicians
Alternative weeklies from around the nation tell us about the bottom feeders of public office
Major league beat construction props up Riff Raff’s ‘Neon Icon’
Album review: Riff Raff’s ‘Neon Icon’
Good news for lovers of beer and burgers this week
Tip Jar: local food news
Two devil horns up for Judas Priest’s supposed farewell album
Album review: Judas Priest’s ‘Redeemer of Souls’
A breakdown of the Supreme Court’s Hobby Lobby decision
Give Me Your Money
This Little Underground: Pup bites back at OW
Live reviews of Acoustic Soundcheck at the Imperial, Reggie Williams, the Coathangers, the Menzingers, American Party Machine, Panther Camp, Warm Like Winter
Free Will Astrology
ARIES (March 21-April 19) What are the sources that heal and nourish you? Where do you go to renew yourself? Who are the people and animals that treat you the best and are most likely to boost your energy? I suggest that in the coming week you give special attention to these founts of love…
Florida’s gay-marriage ban goes before Circuit Court judge
Advocates and opponents await ruling of Judge Sarah Zabel
Space-Fest draws on native creative community to keep the Space afloat
Workshops, puppet shows, tarot readings and live music demonstrate the Space’s artistic range in just one night
Bar Exam: Burton’s Bar
Don’t call it a dive; Burton’s is way too clean and friendly for that
Blue Star’s 50th VarieTease production feels fresher than ever
Last month, I visited the downtown Orlando Public Library’s gorgeous new Dorothy Lumley Melrose media center to attend the premiere screening of Focus on Local, a compilation of short documentaries on area performing artists. A platoon of filmmakers led by Robin Cowie (Blair Witch Project, Lovely Molly) captured footage over a single March weekend and…
Cooper’s Hawk is a wine-country-fied Cracker Barrel
Wine-centric chain resto takes flight in the chain capital of the world
Artists discuss their work in ‘People, Places and Things’
Now the party’s over – Gallery at Avalon Island show closes Saturday
Opening in Orlando: ‘Dawn of the Planet of the Apes’
Movies opening in Orlando theaters this week
The colorful career trajectory of songwriter Jenny Lewis
From actress to indie rock goddess to collaborator to pantsuit-ed badass, Jenny Lewis changes at her own pace
‘Rage’ isn’t intense enough to succeed
Nicolas Cage signs on to revenge film that lacks the substance we’ve come to expect of him
Sad endings: Jester Theater and Pinocchio’s Marionette Theater close up shop
Happy beginnings: Red Chair rebrands as OrlandoAtPlay.com
Drinking, Nightlife and Parties
Where to drink and party in Orlando this week
Aloof and stilted vocals hinder Grave Digger’s assault
Album review: Grave Digger’s ‘Return of the Reaper’
White House on the economic impact of refusing to expand Medicaid
Florida politicians still skeptical about benefit of providing assistance
Signs and wonders
Readers talk about the city’s enforcement of sign ordinances
Savage Love
I am a straight female who was a dominatrix for a while – and of all the jobs I’ve had, I loved it the most. But I fell in love with a client. Long story short, we are still together after a year and a half, after I closed my practice and sold (most of) my…
Meet Central Florida Zoo’s two new leopards
Image via Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens After the their last remaining leopard passed away last month, Sanford’s Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens added two new (to them!) leopards to their menagerie. The two leopards, born in 1996, have spent practically their entire lives together at the Naples Zoo, so it’s good to see them stick together…
OMG! Todrick Hall is coming to Orlando
via Just in case you’re not living in 2014 and have somehow missed out on the fabulosity that is Todrick Hall, here’s the 411. He got pretty far (not far ’nuff though, m’kay?) in season 9 of American Idol – check his audition HERE (Lee De-who-cares won that year … girl, you can bet those…
New Spearbox hits Ivanhoe Village
The second utility box to be painted in Ivanhoe Village is finally getting gussied up all this week by local artist Andrew Spear, on the busy corner of Orange and Virginia. The subject matter, two pretty vintage lassies coyly looking over their shoulders at the viewer, was inspired by the local history of Ivanhoe Village.…
Orlando Fringe appoints George Wallace executive director, and where/when to see the shows you missed
via Looks like congratulations are in order for the Orlando International Fringe Festival. Yesterday, the festival announced the promotion of George Wallace to Executive Director. Wallace steps into this newly-created position after acting as the festival’s general manager for the past four years. “I am extremely excited about my new role with Orlando Fringe,” said…
New burger and beer joints are popping up all over Orlando
via If burgers and beers are your bag, then we have five pieces of awesome news for you. There are five new spots that have already opened or are on their way to Orlando in the near future that are sure to satiate your burger, beer or both cravings. Here they are: Freddy’s Frozen Custard &…
This Little Underground: Jackson Rodgers debuts New Faces @ Will’s Pub
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. Jackson & Forest Rodgers at Will’s Pub Regular readers of This Little Underground should already be familiar with Orlando country-rocker Jackson Rodgers, but his profile remains disproportionately low relative to…
No injuries in Brevard County I-95 Red Bull spill
The scene of the sticky and caffeinated tragedy. Photo by Kate Nicole. A harrowing scene unfolded last night in Brevard County when a Red Bull delivery truck accidentally sideswiped a disabled semi on an I-95 shoulder near mile marker 195. Luckily no one was injured, but the collision did unleash approximately 2,875 gallons of everyone’s favorite…
Potter fans don’t let long lines ruin their Diagon Alley fun
[View the story “Massive crowds and long lines don’t spoil fun for Diagon Alley fans” on Storify]
