Ming's Bistro in Orlando
Credit: courtesy of Ming's/Facebook

RESTAURANT OPENINGS & CLOSINGS:

The building formerly housing chef Peter Liu’s Peter’s Kitchen (also, recently if briefly, known as Chuan Lu Garden) now holds Ming Garden, operated by the owners of Mills 50 mainstay Ming’s Bistro … Moon Wok Kitchen & Lounge, offering modern takes on Cantonese fare, has opened in the Orchid Bay Plaza at 11701 International Drive. The concept from the owners of Twenty Phở Hour has Kai Kai owners Jerry and Jackie Lau helping out with the upscale Chinese dishes and dim sum. Craft cocktails and mocktails are also offered …

James Beard Award-nominated restaurateurs Johnny and Jimmy Tung will take over the space formerly home to Colibri Mexican Restaurant in Baldwin Park, which closed Dec. 21. Soseki chef William Shen and his team will oversee the concept which, I’m told, won’t be Japanese. Look for a fall opening and more details to come … Selva Rosa Cocina & Bar has opened in the former Teak Neighborhood Grill space at 901 S. Orlando Ave. in Maitland. The restaurant blends Mexican, Latin American and Asian flavors, and features three distinct areas: the main dining room, a sushi bar and “El Patio Rosa” … Goodbye, Starbucks; hello, Jeff’s Bagel Run: The local bagel shop will soft-open a Colonialtown location Jan. 28-29 at 3011 E. Colonial Drive across from the Fashion Square Mall. Every customer will receive a free bagel and spread … 

Saucy!, the new concept by KFC specializing in chicken tenders and 11 special sauces (a nod to the chain’s secret recipe of 11 herbs and spices), has opened in the old PDQ Chicken space at 925 S. Orlando Ave. in Winter Park … Raine’s Pizzeria, a NY-style pizza slice op, has taken over the Leguminati space inside the Hourglass Market at 2401 Curry Ford Road … Jabal Coffee, another fancy Yemeni coffee shop, has opened at 8335 S. John Young Parkway … La Boom Cafe, offering a host of pastries, macarons and cookies as well as brunch fare, has opened at the Promenade at Sunset Walk at Margaritaville Resort.

RESTAURANT NEWS & EVENTS:

Chefs Joe Cash of Michelin-starred Scoundrel (Greenville, S.C.) and Jason Beliveau of Nami will collaborate on a dinner Thursday and Friday, Jan. 22-23, influenced by French, European and Japanese-American techniques supported by their years cooking together at Per Se. Cost is $225. Visit namilakenona.com for more … The Orlando Halal Food Fest goes from noon-10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, at the Islamic Center of Orlando (11543 Ruby Lake Road). Numerous vendors, from Koyla Pakistani BBQ and Kabab King to Yalla Smash Burger and The Cairo Express, will be on hand. Check out @orlandohalalfest on Instagram for more.

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This article appears in Jan. 21-27, 2026.

Orlando restaurant critic. Orlando Weekly restaurant critic since 2006.