Orlando’s only modern German restaurant

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Orlando! We treated Mrs. Orlando Signal to a wonderful Mother’s Day at Leu Gardens (Thanks, Orlando Signal, for the rec! haha) Then, we went to Superica and had the most amazing Tex-Mex linner.

Moms’, how was your Mother’s Day? Hit reply and let me know!

 In today’s issue: 👇

• Orlando's storied street names

• Great Harvest

• Orlando’s only modern German restaurant

• ….and much more

🛑 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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Let’s dive in!

- Philip

ORLANDO REWIND ⏪
Uncovering Orlando's Storied Street Names

Orlando's streets are a canvas of history, each name telling a unique story.

Orange Avenue, the beating heart of downtown, is named after a record-breaking 3.25-pound orange from a 19th-century grove, a testament to the area's fertile soil and ideal climate.

Early pioneers named streets after the surrounding landscape, such as Central Avenue demarcating the division between Orlando's northern and southern halves.

Pine Street paying homage to the profusion of pine trees that adorned its vicinity. The street was originally bordered by a grove of live oak trees, which is why it was initially called Oak Street.

Church Street bears witness to a time when a modest two-room structure hosted various denominational services, serving as a sanctuary for the faithful until permanent churches could be established.

As mentioned in a previous issue, Rosalind Avenue's name originates from a women's social club founded in 1894, inspired by the heroine protagonist of Shakespeare's timeless play, "As You Like It." The club's land acquisition near Lake Eola and a petition for a name change led to Mayor James Giles christening it Rosalind Avenue in 1919.

Even West Street, situated on the eastern side of downtown, has a curious history, marking the western boundary of Florida pioneer Jacob Summerlin's property, despite being located on the eastern side of downtown – a quirk of history that defies geographical logic.

As we navigate Orlando's bustling streets, each step echoes with the whispers of those who came before us, their stories woven into the very names that guide our paths.

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THE SQUEEZE 🍊
How Orlando's Urban Planners are Prioritizing Eco-Friendly Living

In Orlando, a chorus of sustainable urban planning voices echoes, led by Michael Hess and Dr. Bruce Stephenson.

Hess, the city's sustainability director, champions initiatives like urban farms providing free, locally-grown produce, tree canopy expansion for cooling shade, and clean energy access for underserved communities. His mission is an equitable, eco-conscious city that mitigates climate impacts.

Stephenson, inspired by transcendentalism, advocates for walkable environments like Baldwin Park, fostering connections with nature, active lifestyles, and a sense of community. He envisions a future akin to Portland's livable, transit-oriented Pearl District, with pedestrian-friendly streetcars and minimal car reliance.

Orlando's Creative Village embodies this vision as a 68-acre mixed-use urban project integrating residential units, student housing, office spaces, creative studios, retail, a hotel, parks and open spaces. It houses the UCF/Valencia downtown campus and gaming giant Electronic Arts, creating a vibrant, walkable district.

These urban visionaries are crafting a City Beautiful in harmony with nature, nurturing well-being, environmental stewardship, and a sustainable quality of life.

Baking Brilliance: Orlando's Great Harvest Crafts Ancient Artistry

While internet bakers struggle with sourdough, Evan DeLaney of Great Harvest Bread Co. in Orlando has mastered it. His bustling Lake Avenue bakery mills whole wheat flour daily, baking scratch-made breads and pastries.

DeLaney honed his craft in New York City's Michelin-starred kitchens, emerging with an unwavering commitment to excellence at any establishment.

Though an unlikely baker initially, he has grown to deeply appreciate the intricate artistry of baking. Crafting tantalizing "Gluten-X" treats or coaxing out the perfect sourdough loaf, he savors the trial-and-error journey to the coveted final product.

For DeLaney, baking bread melds science and artistry, culminating in an unparalleled sense of accomplishment when perfected. Under his skilled hand, Great Harvest shines as a Florida gem showcasing masterful ancient craftsmanship.

Orlando's Stormwater Solution Raises a Flood of Controversy

In a controversial move to rescue Orlando's aging, overwhelmed stormwater system, city leaders propose more than doubling property owners' fees over four years.

Outrage has poured in, with accusations the sharply rising costs could force out residents on fixed incomes. But Public Works Director Corey Knight insists the escalating fees, last raised 15 years ago, are unavoidable to maintain quality of life as hurricanes grow wetter and population swells.

A typical homeowner's $9.99 monthly fee would gradually rise to $21.24 by 2028, raising $54.5 million annually by then - double the current budget continually tapped for repairs of century-old pipes.

Neighborhood president Clay Rivers statement reflects concerns in Washington Shores about flooding woes persisting even as payments increase. Orlando's leaders must balance vital infrastructure needs with costs struggling residents can afford.

Tax Holidays to Help Florida Brace for Intense Hurricane Onslaught

As Florida braces for a "supercharged" hurricane season, state officials urge residents to prepare emergency kits during upcoming tax holidays.

Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie says focus should be on family readiness, not dire forecasts. He recommends seven days' worth of supplies for self-sufficiency.

Tax-exempt items from June 1-14 and August 24-September 6 include flashlights under $40, coolers under $60, generators under $3,000, and more. Past storms have scarred Florida, but Guthrie stresses readiness allows calm during the tempest.

Being prepared with stocked kits provides peace of mind to ride out storms safely.

For a hurricane-prone state, the 2024 season will test preparedness - but heeding official advice on building emergency stockpiles could help Florida weather the gathering storms as before.

Get a free disaster supply checklist, right here.

TASTY NEWS 🧑‍🍳
Orlando Eateries On Their Way

1️⃣ Schmankerl Stub'n - Orlando’s Only Modern German Restaurant

Opening on May 16th, In the former abode of Neon Beach, at 131 N. Orange Avenue, Suite 104, this newcomer to the city's landscape has already piqued the curiosity of food enthusiasts far and wide. Schmankerl Stub'n (Insta), a moniker that translates to "Room of Delicacies" in the German tongue, is the brainchild of the masterminds behind Dan's Bavarian Takeout, a ghost kitchen that has already earned a loyal following at Dollins Food Hall.

2️⃣ Lazy Moon Pizza - New Lunar Pizza Destination Lands

Locally beloved Lazy Moon Pizza (Insta) ascends once more, unveiling its third outpost in Maitland on May 18th with a grand opening at 11 a.m. Situated in the former Einstein Bros Bagel domain, this stellar expansion boasts local art murals, the iconic slice menu, libations, and a 62-seat patio under the radiant moonlight.

3️⃣ Yao’s - Fusion Flavors Redefine Chinese Dining

In Oviedo, Yao's (Insta) promises a tantalizing fusion of Chinese heritage and Central Florida flavors. Owner Georgia Yiu unveils this contemporary restaurant at 15 Alafaya Woods Blvd Suite 107, boasting 125 seats, a full bar with local brew collaborations, and innovative cuisine balancing time-honored family recipes with modern techniques. Opening this summer in the former Bento Asian Kitchen & Sushi space, Yao's vows to redefine Chinese dining with its harmonious blend of tradition and locale.

#ORLANDOSIGNAL 📸

Pixon + Foxtail early morning

📷 via @orlandosignal |📍Lake Nona Town center

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FOODIE FIND, FORK YEAH! 🤩
Vicky Bakery - A Taste of Cuban Resilience

📍4556 S Semoran Blvd, Orlando, FL 32822, or map to this location, right here.

Amidst the vibrant streets of Cuba, Antonio and Gelasia Cao's passion for baking blossomed into an enduring love at the renowned La Vencedora bakery. Forced into exile, they carried their treasured recipes to Miami, diligently saving until their dream materialized – Vicky Bakery, established in 1972.

Recreating the authentic flavors of their homeland, from flaky guava pastelitos to irresistible croquetas, their unwavering commitment to tradition captivated patrons.

As their children embraced the legacy, Vicky Bakery (Insta) expanded to 23 locations across South Florida. Now, Orlando welcomes this beloved bakery, offering a tantalizing taste of Cuba's rich heritage.

Indulge in the dulce de leche cake's decadence or the guava pastelitos' tropical bliss – for within Vicky Bakery's walls, the spirit of Cuban culinary mastery endures, a testament to love, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams.

Click below to see some of the goodies! 👇

vickybakery

View more on Instagram

MORE PULP! 😎
Weekday things to check out

> Step into a world where culinary excellence meets artistic expression at the Taste of Nona, the Lake Nona region’s premier food and wine festival tomorrow (Tuesday) at the Althea Events Center (More info)

> On Tuesday, check out the hit Broadway musical, Peter Pan at The Dr. Phillips Center (More info)

> On Wednesday, join OFA in partnership with the Orlando Economic Partnership as we take a tour Downtown of Orlando's Digital Twin (Metaverse tour). (More info)

> Check out Vino & Vibez at Canvas Restaurant & Market (Lake Nona) on Wednesday. Indulge your senses with a curated selection of wines from renowned regions like Napa, Sonoma, Barolo, Burgundy, Argentina, Chile, Tuscany, Venice, Friuli, and Barossa Valley. Enjoy small bites in the reception style while listening to live music and waterfront views. (More info)

> On Thursday, check out Artists’ Series: Lunch and Learn. In this monthly Artists’ Series, presented by Central Florida Vocal Arts, you’ll enjoy a lunchtime performance from some of Central Florida’s top musicians and have the opportunity to learn about their process and passion at the Center for Health & Wellbeing in Winter Park. (More info)

> Stroll through the Avalon Park Sip, Sample & Stroll event as you collect samples from various vendors located throughout downtown with your friends and family on Thursday! (More info)

> Also on Thursday, see The Wildflowers: The Tribute to Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to celebrate the life and music of one of the greatest rock icons of all time, performing hit after hit of Tom Petty’s billboard smashes!(More info)

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Thanks for reading! I’ll see you again on Thursday’s weekend fun issue.

My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal