James and Julie Petrakis and partner Johnny "Not the 4 Rivers Guy" Rivers have, ahem, landed a space inside Terminal 2 of Orlando International Airport for an outpost of their Cask & Larder. A similar menu to the Winter Park restaurant, adapted to meet the needs of travelers, will be offered. Look for a summer 2016 opening.
Florida's own Art Smith, a James Beard Award winner and Oprah's former personal chef, will open a farm-to-forker at Disney Springs next year. The name of the restaurant, much like the Southern fare he'll serve, is a mouthful – Homecoming: Florida Kitchen and Southern Shine.
OPENINGS In addition to dropping the "Bar & Grill" from their name, Tabla has expanded their Indian menu to include Chinese and Thai cuisine ... Bistro Le Coq au Vin (in the space formerly occupied by Bistro Cloclo) is now in soft opening mode ... Maddey's Craft & Cru will move into the Bumby Arcade next March. Fine & Dandy, a craft cocktail lounge, will occupy the cellar downstairs ... TR Fire Grill opens next month in the Ravaudage complex in Winter Park ... The much-anticipated Black Rooster Taqueria on Mills is shooting for a December opening ... Look for Nova Restaurant to open in the former Elliott's Public House/Brian's restaurant space in Ivanhoe Village next month.
CLOSINGS The Tap Room Grille in Waterford Lakes has closed ... Extract Juice Bar in Hannibal Square has also closed.
EVENTS Florida stone crab claw season is upon us, and seafood restos across the state will serve the sweet seasonal meat from Oct. 15 to May 15 ... Noted Michelin-starred chef Rocco Iannone and renowned pizzaiolo Daniele Uditi make a three-day appearance at Maitland's Francesco's Ristorante & Pizzeria Nov. 10-12 ... Get your tickets now to one of our fave culinary events of the year: the Swan & Dolphin Food & Wine Classic, Oct. 30-31. Highlights include more than 40 food and wine stations, 10 food and beverage seminars, a beer garden, and an opportunity to meet celeb chef Todd English.
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