We reported back in August that Barcelona Restaurant & Wine Bar would be moving into the Marketplace at Dr. Phillips. But co-founder Andy Pforzheimer told me that he's planning to open sister resto Bartaco in the space next to Christini's instead. Bartaco is a taqueria inspired by beach culture in Punta del Este, Uruguay, and Buzios, Brazil. Look for it later this summer.
OPENINGS Canvas Restaurant and Market has opened in Lake Nona's Laureate Park ... Nova in Ivanhoe Village will launch its soft opening this weekend (the patio, BTW, looks great) ... Speaking of Ivanhoe Village, Gargi's Lakeside in Gaston Edwards Park may become a Mexican restaurant, Mesa21, by fall 2016 ... Speaking of Mexican restaurants, Verde Cantina, touting "Mexican soul food," will move into the former Tijuana Flats space in Thornton Park ... Whole Foods Market in Altamonte Springs is now open for business ... Wahlburgers' grand opening bash is set for Feb. 18 with Paul, Donnie, and Marky Mark in attendance; the restaurant opens Feb. 9 to the public.
NEWS/EVENTS There's a new reason to go to Park Plaza Gardens: Bram Fowler (Journeys) is now the executive chef and is giving the menu a much-needed revamp ... Marlow's Tavern in Waterford Lakes is now serving Sunday brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. ... The seventh annual Orlando Chili Cook-off goes from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, at Orlando Festival Park. Cost is $15 ... Chef Bob Aungst prepares a four-course gluten-free menu Friday, Feb. 26, at the Bistro on Park Avenue ... The Downtown Food & Wine Festival, now in its eighth year, is Feb. 27-28 at Lake Eola Park. Advance tickets are $15 ... Norman Van Aken will cook alongside other James Beard Award-winning and Michelin-starred chefs at the All-Star Chef Classic in Los Angeles March 9-12 ... The Five Chefs, Five Courses, Five Charities event takes place March 13 at the Alfond Inn with Fabrizio Schenardi, Henry Salgado, Kathleen Blake, Kevin Fonzo and Marc Kusche taking part. Cost is $150 ... Cress Restaurant's Hari Pulapaka will cook at the Beard House in New York City on April 4. The theme? "Global Table, Sunshine State."Got restaurant dish? Send tips to [email protected]
