OPENINGS
South Korean fried chicken chain Bonchon will open its first Florida outpost on Semoran Boulevard near the airport later this summer … High-end Italian coffeehouse Tutto Caffe will open in Baldwin Park later next month. In addition to coffee, focaccia, panini, pastries and imported gelato will also be served … Gaviota Brasas, from the folks who brought us Gaviota Seafood & Fine Peruvian Cuisine in Thornton Park, has opened in the former Casa Barcelona/California Burrito Express location on East Colonial Drive … The owners of King Bao will open lobster-roll joint Colonial Lobster next to Mamak on Colonial Drive. King Bao, by the way, is now open Sundays from noon-9:30 p.m. … The Farmhouse Espresso Bar will open next door to Foxtail Coffee Co. later this year. In addition to offering overflow seating for Foxtail customers, the space will feature a small market and host coffee-related classes … Insomnia Cookies has opened on North Orange Avenue downtown and is delivering cookies until 3 a.m. every day … Geyser Point Bar & Grill has opened inside Disney’s Wilderness Lodge … On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina on State Road 535 celebrates its grand opening at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 27.
NEWS/EVENTS
Kathleen Blake (the Rusty Spoon) and Brandon McGlamery (Luma on Park) are James Beard Foundation award semifinalists in the Best Chef: South category. Tony Mantuano, consulting chef for Portobello at Disney Springs, is a semifinalist for Outstanding Chef. Finalists will be announced March 15 … Tapas Before Take-off allows you to enjoy a three-course prix fixe meal and a complimentary drink at Tapa Toro plus a ticket to ride the Orlando Eye for $49.95 … Luke’s Kitchen & Bar is now serving lunch every day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. … The Samurai Supper March 1 at Baoery Asian Gastropub features a six-course meal plus two cocktails. Cost is $50 per person … The 5 Chefs, 5 Courses, 5 Charities event returns to the Alfond Inn March 12 with chefs Kathleen Blake, Kevin Fonzo, Greg Richie, Henry Salgado and Jason Klingensmith participating. Cost is $150 … Foodstock Orlando, a multi-day food and music festival, goes on March 1-4 at various venues around the city. Visit foodstockorlando.com for more.
This article appears in Feb 22-28, 2017.
