Kathleen Blake, chef-owner of the Rusty Spoon Credit: Photo by Rob Bartlett
Kathleen and William Blake have sold their interest in the Rusty Spoon restaurant at 55 W. Church St. In its eight years, the restaurant was one of the best examples in Orlando of locally and seasonally focused fine dining. Chef Kathleen Blake not only forged relationships with local farmers and purveyors, she was a role model for aspiring female chefs.

“Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and Amway Center have re-invigorated downtown Orlando and we are excited about the continuing growth of the city center,” said chef Kathleen Blake in a statement.

Michelle Lagerweij assumes day-to-day operations as the new proprietor Friday, July 19. Over the coming weeks, guests can expect menu changes and the restaurant’s name to change.

Longtime Rusty Spoon chef Reanna McNamara will remain running the kitchen. Kathleen and William Blake plan to assist in the transition.

So many restaurants, so little time. Find out the latest dining news every Friday morning with our weekly Food + Drink newsletter.

Related Stories

This article appears in Jul 17-23, 2019.

Jessica Bryce Young has been working with Orlando Weekly since 2003, serving as copy editor, dining editor and arts editor before becoming editor in chief in 2016.