Everoak's Sustainable Harvest

Good morning, Orlando! On Tuesday evening I was lucky enough to attend the Gusto Impact Awards event on i-Drive. Very cool to see a local business, Box The City, receive $10K to grow her business, plus another $50K to spend on adverting!

In today’s Orlando Signal, Thursday (weekend fun) issue:

• Everoak’s sustainable harvest

• Symphony of Illusions

• International Vegan Food Festival

• + lots of weekend recs

🛑 Don’t forget to click (or tap) the poll at the bottom of this issue so we know if we’re on the right track. Every time you vote in a poll, our cat Luna gets a little treat. 🐈

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On with it!

- Philip

3 QUICK NEWS BITS ⏲️
A Taste of Thailand Arrives in Orlando's Curry Ford District

In Orlando's Curry Ford District, the aromas of lemongrass and chili fill Thai Spoon, a cozy eatery serving authentic Thai flavors. Owners Irin King and Tukta Pinyo, first-generation Thai chefs, have realized a lifelong dream by opening this culinary gem.

Their journey began lending hands in their parents' Thai restaurants, eventually converging in Orlando to share their passion. With just 50 seats, Thai Spoon exudes inviting intimacy.

The menu features iconic pad thai and fried rice, but traditional offerings like fiery som tum salad and drunken noodles truly set it apart, showcasing the owners' expertise in preserving culinary heritage.

While currently their sole venture, the owners remain optimistic about success, buoyed by Orlando's tight-knit Thai community's support, even from competitors – a testament to Thai culture's beauty.

A Styrofoam Saga: Orlando Innovators Transforming Trash to Treasure

In the heart of Central Florida, a tight-knit crew of former high school friends are waging an ingenious war on plastic pollution. Samuel Baker and his team at Prag have pioneered a groundbreaking process that transforms discarded Styrofoam into "Solar Soil" - a nutrient-rich, organic fertilizer.

Backed by a $275,000 grant, their Orlando lab is an eco-alchemist's haven where microbes and compounds cooperate to convert the once-indestructible plastic into a plant growth catalyst.

Chief Researcher Gabe Degalia oversees the intricate conversion, marveling at how their innovation aids moisture retention and provides an ideal soil structure. With initial products like "Wriggle Brew" making waves, Prag is driving a consumer shift towards sustainability by offering safer, smarter alternatives to combat environmental crises stemming from everyday materials.

Emboldened, they've set their sights on a $1 million grant to scale up their circular economy marvels.

Everoak's Sustainable Harvest: A Farm-to-Table Awakening

In an unassuming three-acre plot just outside Orlando's bustling city limits, a quiet agricultural revolution is taking root at Everoak Farm.

Here, husband-and-wife team Mike and Nikki Garcia are pioneers of sustainable practices, championing biointensive and regenerative farming methods that maximize every inch while respecting nature's delicate balance.

Their "Certified Naturally Grown" fields eschew bureaucratic red tape, instead nurturing an interconnected ecosystem where bees pollinate, pasture-raised chickens roam freely, and food scraps from O-Town Compost transform into fertile soil that nourishes their crops.

More than just sustenance, Everoak's bounty cultivates a farm-to-table renaissance, gracing the menus of pioneering local eateries like The Strand and Mid Drive Dive.

But the Garcias' mission extends beyond the plate. Through educational workshops, they empower the community to embrace backyard gardening and support local farms.

Every Saturday, their vibrant market hosts an array of popup stands by fellow small businesses, fostering a sense of community deeply rooted in Orlando's fertile soil.

This urban oasis defies industrial norms, flourishing with self-sufficiency, environmental stewardship, and culinary delights.

WEEKEND SPOT HIGHLIGHT 🔦
Science of Wine

📍Orlando Science Center. 777 E. Princeton St. Orlando, Florida 32803. Map to this location.

🕐 Saturday, April 27th, 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m

Ignite your senses at the Orlando Science Center's Science of Wine event on April 27th. This is an annual fundraiser where wine, food, and unique experiences converge.

Explore interactive exhibit halls, including the captivating new "Life!" gallery, while savoring gourmet delights from local culinary stars.

Discover the art of winemaking with advanced sommelier Melissa McAvoy's Italian wine and cheese pairings, and Dr. Robin Back's insightful South African winemaking presentation featuring a Cap 2018 Pinotage tasting.

Get hands-on at The Hive: A Makerspace by crafting personalized wine charms and learning about CNC machine-made wine caddies. Bid on coveted prizes like flights and private dining experiences in the silent auction.

With exclusive wines from Southern Glazer's, this event promises an evening of indulgence and science that inspires learning.

TOP 3 FUN RECS FOR THE WEEKEND 🍊
Symphony of Illusions

📍Dr. Phillips Center – Steinmetz Hall. 445 S Magnolia Ave. Orlando, FL 32801. Map to this location.

🕐 Saturday, April 27th. 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Renowned for his charismatic stage presence and ability to captivate audiences, Michael Grandinetti is a master illusionist who weaves together the worlds of magic and music. He has performed alongside prestigious symphony orchestras across America, from Pittsburgh to Phoenix.

During these spellbinding shows, Michael choreographs a seamless blend of illusion and melody. As the orchestras play, he masterfully executes mesmerizing feats of magic - transforming his tuxedo, conjuring blooming roses, and appearing to levitate among the musicians.

But the true highlight is the finale, where the orchestra seems to read the minds of the audience, playing selections they had merely imagined moments before.

🔥 Experience his musical magic with a Family 4-Pack: 4 tickets for $100 using code FAMILYFUN.

The Brightside Music Festival

📍Central Florida Fairgrounds. 4603 W Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32808. Map to this location.

🕐 Saturday, April 27th

Presented by Orlando's WJRR radio, the day-long extravaganza is headlined by Sublime - the wildly influential band reunited, featuring original members Bud Gaugh and Eric Wilson joined by Bradley Nowell's son Jakob on vocals.

The stacked lineup is a who's who of '90s ska and punk juggernauts: 311, Goldfinger, Story of the Year, Face to Face, Save Ferris, Unwritten Law, and Zebrahead.

Between the rambunctious performances, festivalgoers can unleash their wildest dance moves while savoring a $10 craft beer sampling showcasing local brews. It's the ultimate spring party, dripping with nostalgia and revelry.

International Vegan Food Festival

📍Wall St Plaza. 25 Wall St, Orlando, FL 32801. Map to this location.

🕐 Saturday, April 27th from 3 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Check out the International Vegan Food Festival, where plant-based delicacies reign supreme. Explore a myriad of vegan food stalls, each offering innovative creations that redefine culinary boundaries.

Indulge in sizzling vegan burgers, artisanal pizzas adorned with vibrant toppings, exotic salads bursting with global flavors, and decadent desserts that tempt with sheer indulgence.

Whether a committed vegan or a curious explorer, this festival promises an educational and delectable experience. Delve into sustainable food practices, connect with a vibrant community sharing your passion for cruelty-free dining, and savor the fusion of flavor and compassion.

Mark your calendars for a celebration that elevates plant-based cuisine to new heights, unraveling the boundless possibilities of ethical indulgence amidst a vibrant, festive atmosphere.

MORE WEEKEND HAPPENINGS 🎭 🥁 

Friday:

MVP VI: Yoenis Tellez v Joseph Jackson | 5:30 p.m. | I-Drive | $40-$75 (link)

Orlando Solar Bears Home Playoff Game 1 | 7 p.m. | Downtown | $18.50-$119 (link)

Sideline Wine & Dine Presented By OAI + Rainier | 7 p.m. | Downtown | $115-$150 (link)

Taylor Maxwell (Sundown Sessions) | 7 p.m. | Mills 50 | Free (link)

The Verve Pipe | 7 p.m. | Downtown | $30 (link)

Rhapsodic Keyboards | 7:30 p.m. | I-Drive | Free (link)

The Evolution of a Broken Heart | 7:30 p.m. | College Park | $25 (link)

An Adele Horror Story | Fri & Sat 7:30 p.m. | Downtown | $25-$50 (link)

Brothers Osborne: Might As Well Be Us Tour | 8 p.m. | I-Drive | $49.50-$89.50 (link)

Saturday:

Ward and Wellbeing Earth Day Block Party | 8 a.m. | Winter Park Area | Free (link)

13th Annual Paws for Peace Walk and Run | 9 a.m. | Audubon Park | Free (link)

Mother's Day Pop Up Market | 9 a.m. | Audubon Park | Free (link)

The 14th Annual Earth Fest | 10 a.m. | Casselberry | Free (link)

TPD 2nd Annual Cornament Challenge! | 12 p.m. | Thornton Park | $40 (link)

Harlem Globetrotters | 1 p.m. | UCF | $30-$75 (link)

Tea & Sandwiches with Dr. Porchia Moore & Alyne Harris | 1 p.m. | Mills 50 | $5 (link)

Goblin Market - Discount Art Mart | 1 p.m. | Conway/Curry Ford | Free (link)

Dustin Kensrue | 6 p.m. | Downtown | $22 (link)

Sunday:

D.T.O. Jazz Fest | 12 p.m. | Downtown | Free-$50 (link)

The Florida Vintage Market | 12 p.m. | Winter Park Area | Free (link)

BFF Game Day | 12:30 p.m. | Downtown | $28-$56 (link)

The Legendary JC’s |  2 p.m. | Mills 50 | $10-$16 (link)

Spheres Bubble Show | 2 p.m. | Central | $35-$46.11(link)

Orlando City B vs. Toronto FC II | 3 p.m. | Kissimmee | $15 (link)

Simply Clean Expo | 6 p.m. | Mills 50 | $15 (link)

Midnight Marauders Story Hour | 7 p.m. | Audubon Park | Free (link)

Hawt Mic Comedy | 8 p.m. | Milk District | $8 (link)

THANKS!

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We’ll see you on Monday.

My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal