Sorekara
4979 New Broad St., Orlando
Japanese restaurant Sorekara, from chef William Shen and restaurateurs Johnny and Jimmy Tung, was built around the philosophy of sorekara (Japanese for “and then”) and appreciating each unique moment of life. Guests are ushered through multiple rooms rooted in this philosophy for an hours-long meal comprising 20-plus bites. “We want guests to think about their experience, and think about it for days and weeks after,” says Shen. “It’s one of a kind,” says Tung. Credit: Matt Keller Lehman
The folks at Michelin just randomly announced 10 additions to their Florida restaurant guide today, six of which are in Miami and four right here in Orlando.
The four Orlando-area restaurants — Sorekara, Ômo by Jônt, Coro and UniGirl — all happened to be on my list of Top Tables of 2024 (Sorekara at No. 1, Ômo by Jônt No. 2, Coro No. 3 and Mills Market, where UniGirl is housed, snagging the Honorable Mention).
According to Michelin, these establishments are highlighted as “New” on their website and will be included in the 2025 edition of the Florida guide when it’s released later this year (date TBA).
Some of the newbies may even receive stars or Bib Gourmands.
Ômo by Jônt Credit: Rob Bartlett
Now, if I were a betting man, I’d say both William Shen’s Sorekara and Ryan Ratino’s Ômo by Jônt will be the first Orlando-area joints to receive 2 Michelin stars, not that I really give a hoot about Michelin’s rating system or the shadowy manner by which they decide how to hand out their paid-for awards.
Oh, you weren’t aware of Michelin’s utter lack of transparency and potential conflicts of interest? Well, grab yourself some Hokkaido uni and read all about it here.
For the full list of additions to the Florida Michelin Guide, click here.
