It’s great to see George Vogelbacher back in the kitchen after being let go from the Winter Park Fish Co. Vogelbacher is now part of the culinary team at Maxine’s on Shine, and I’m seeing more seafood in Maxine’s future …
Café 906, the French café that used to be on the corner of Fairbanks and Denning, will open later this month in the old O’Boy’s Bar-B-Q space in Baldwin Park. I’m hoping the croissants are just as fab as before.
After Chris Windus left Hamilton’s Kitchen last month for an executive chef position at the Charlotte, N.C., airport, the Alfond Inn announced that Marc Kusche will be the new chef of the boutique hotel’s signature resto. Kusche has worked in the kitchens of many a Four Seasons hotel and according to his bio, he likes nothing more than a guest who says “surprise me.” He officially starts mid-May.
B&B Junction and Swamp Head Brewery join forces for a five-course dinner with beer pairings May 4. The menu promises gator, boar, fish, shrimp and beef. Cost is $50 per person, limited to 60 guests. Call 407-513-4134 for reservations. Over at the Royal Pacific Resort, Jake’s Beer Festival takes place this Friday, May 2. Enjoy live music, eats (chicken and waffles!) and, of course, 50 different beers outdoors under the Wantilan Pavilion.
BRIEFLY: Darden’s Yard House has opened in the I-Drive 360 complex on, you guessed it, I-Drive … Noodles & Co. opens its second location in the former Parchment space in Dr. Phillips … Brian’s Restaurant will soon become Elliott’s Public House … Expect plenty of Southern atmo and reds, whites and blues at Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill, opening next month at the new Artegon Orlando … Lombardi’s Seafood is closing its current location and moving to 1888 W. Fairbanks Ave., where they’ll open early next year. The new spot will include a café, and they’ll serve beer and wine.
