OPENINGS & CLOSINGS:
Asin, chef DJ Tangalin’s Filipino concept comprising a chef’s tasting counter as well as an à la carte menu, has launched inside Arden in Ivanhoe Village. Tangalin says Asin (Tagalog for “salt”) will offer “technique-driven” dishes using local, seasonal ingredients. Tangalin is currently serving a small bites menu; the full menu will launch in two weeks … Over at Mills Market, chef William Shen (Sorekara, UniGirl, Zaru) will open Okonomi, a 10-seat space offering à la carte nigiri with unique cuts of fish and seafood. Okonomi will open in August next to Cowboy Curry, which is slated to open next month … Allure Lounge, billed as a “premium fusion world kitchen,” has opened at 13 W. Pine St. downtown. The restaurant and mixology bar promises to bring the vibrant spirit of Cape Town, South Africa to downtown Orlando. Live music and VIP service is also offered …
Piacere Pizza, the Miami-based wood-fired pizza outfit, is now offering their pies, pasta, panini and desserts out of a food truck at A La Cart at 609 Irvington Ave. … Jag Cantina has opened in the old Black Rock Bar & Grill space at 8965 Conroy Windermere Road. Jag offers “refined” (read: pricey) takes on Mexican fare … Diamond Chicken has moved into the old Alex’s Fresh Kitchen space at 1015 State Road 436 in Casselberry. Diamond brings NYC halal cart-style chicken and rice, wings, burgers and fried chicken to the neighborhood … Winter Park cheese shop Simply Cheese has opened inside The Good Pour in College Park, offering artisanal cheeses and charcuterie boards …
Jamaican patty chain Juici Patties will open a second Orlando-area store at 2704 N. Hiawassee Road at the end of September. A third location is being planned at 3120 S. Kirkman Road, though it’s currently in the permitting process … Wonderful Hand-Pulled Noodle is now offering its squigglers out of the old Taste of Asia space at 8910 Turkey Lake Road, just a few doors down from Boiled Fish … College Park Diner, billed as “Orlando’s oldest,” has shuttered for good after numerous health code violations … At the Great Southern Box Co. Food Hall, Dancing Yeti, the stall plating Nepalese standards, has left the building.
NEWS & EVENTS:
Filipino Freedom Fest goes from 6-10 p.m. Sunday, June 29, at Kaya and The Burrow in Mills 50. The fourth annual block party will feature plenty of food and cocktails from Kaya, icy treats from Koko Kakigori, as well as artisans, live music and kids activities. Visit kayaorlando.com for more.
This article appears in Jun 25 – Jul 1, 2025.