Hump and Kisses

Good morning, Orlando. Thanks for all the feedback in last weeks poll where I asked how ya’ll felt about me mentioning the closing of eating establishments. You overwhelmingly (90.77%) want to know about this. I’m going to briefly mention closures in the Tasty News section, but not go into it much. Someone closing down their livelihood is a major bummer, so I want to inform, but respect them for taking the risk in opening to begin with.

 In today’s issue: 👇

• Hump and Kisses

• Stroke of Genius

• Mediterranean Street Food

• ….and much more

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Let’s dive in!

- Philip

ORLANDO REWIND ⏪
Hump and Kisses: Sir Gus, Orlando's Beloved Shriner Showstopper

In Central Florida, an unlikely star was born. Sir Gus, a charismatic dromedary (Arabian one-humped camel), became the face of Orlando's Bahia Shriners in 1977. This extraordinary ambassador, named after generous Shriner Gus Patterson, wasn't your average mascot—he was a four-legged phenomenon.

Sir Gus's claim to fame? A penchant for peculiar pecks. Visitors offering carrots between their lips found themselves on the receiving end of a whiskery smooch, earning him the title "The Kissing Camel." For 25 years, Sir Gus trotted from birthday bashes to civic soirées, spreading joy and awareness for the Shriners' mission.

Tragically, a parade in 2002 marked Sir Gus's final bow. His untimely passing sparked an outpouring of grief, with over 1,000 mourners attending his memorial. As Gary Bergenske eulogized, "Is it not amazing that... the largest attended memorial service is for a camel?"

Though Sir Gus Jr. took up the mantle, the original's legacy endures—a testament to a remarkable creature who united a community with nothing more than a gentle spirit and a knack for unconventional kisses.

See an expanded version of this article with our partner, Orange County Regional History Center, by Jeremy Hileman.

THE SQUEEZE 🍊
Silence Speaks Volumes at Lake Eola's “Soundless” Symphony

Lake Eola Park is poised to host an awesome musical experience that defies convention. On Wednesday, September 25th at 6 p.m., the "silent piano" phenomenon MindTravel will transform the park's Northeastern Lawn into a sanctuary of melody via headphones. The event space itself echoes themes of connection and transformation.

Virtuoso pianist and meditation guru Murray Hidary will perform live, his music streaming directly into attendees' headphones. This unique fusion of music and mindfulness promises to unlock "deeper meditation, sleep, health, vitality and creativity."

As fingers dance across keys, participants will embark on an introspective journey, proving that sometimes, the most profound symphony is the one felt, not heard.

👉 You can check out tickets, right here.

The $20 Million Spell: Conjuring Smoother Rides on I-4

Where fantasy meets asphalt, Orlando's roadways are getting their own magical makeover from the I-4 Beyond initiative.

FDOT is tackling the notorious I-4 and State Road 528 interchange, a crucial link between Orlando's attractions and its international airport. Where commuters are at the mercy of unpredictable traffic, FDOT's Tim Freed envisions a future where rush hour loses its rush, promising a widened ramp to unclog the artery of getting around.

This $20 million project is just one piece of the larger I-4 Beyond the Ultimate puzzle, set to reshape Orlando's traffic landscape. As construction hums, it whispers of shorter commutes and smoother journeys in the City Beautiful.

Stroke of Genius

In a medical milestone, Orlando Health Horizon West Hospital has become a Certified Primary Stroke Center, joining its Florida sister facilities in providing critical care for this prevalent killer.

The Winter Garden hospital, opened in 2021, earned The Joint Commission's prestigious designation after a year of intensive preparation. Every staff member, from surgeons to custodians, has mastered the "BE FAST" protocol (balance, eyes, face, arm, speech, time), creating a culture of vigilance.

Hospital President Maggie Bonko emphasized their commitment to serving the community with top-tier emergency care. This certification eliminates the need for most stroke patient transfers, offering local access to specialized treatment.

As heart disease and stroke continue to claim more lives than cancer, Orlando Health Horizon West stands ready to combat this silent epidemic.

The Sunshine Express with Florida's Growing Rail Network

Florida's rail renaissance is in full swing as Brightline celebrates its first year in Orlando, having transported 2.6 million passengers between Central and South Florida.

Meanwhile, SunRail marks a decade of service, recently completing a 17-station expansion. Bob O'Malley of Right Track Public Affairs emphasizes the necessity of diverse transportation options for Florida's 22 million residents and 140 million annual visitors.

The ambitious Sunshine Corridor project aims to connect Orlando International Airport with tourist hotspots and employment hubs, potentially serving 125,000 jobs. Universal Orlando Resort has pledged land and financial support for the expansion.

As these rail systems evolve, they face challenges in adapting to new work patterns and ensuring safety, while striving to create a more connected and sustainable Florida.

TASTY NEWS 🧑‍🍳
Orlando Eateries On Their Way

1️⃣ QDOBA - Fiesta Alert

Spice up your October! After a simmering saga of delays, Qdoba's (Insta) eighth location is set to tantalize taste buds at 416 N Terry Ave. Dynamic duo Wade Gosnell and Wade Oney are expanding their flavorful empire, adding to their four Orlando and three Tampa spots. Get ready for a zesty experience!

2️⃣ Chi-Kin - A Clucking Exciting, Flavorful Expansion

Korean fried chicken sensation Chi-Kin (Insta) is roosting in Windermere this October, taking over 5845 Winter Garden Vineland Road. Owner Hoi Nguyen isn't stopping there – he's also launching DZÔ! BBQ on Colonial Drive, offering Southeast Asian barbecue. With Side-Chik already complementing the original Mills 50 location, Nguyen's culinary empire is truly taking flight!

3️⃣ Quicksand - Mills 50's Natural Wine Oasis

Heather LaVine, Golden Hour Wine's maestro, is uncorking Quicksand (Insta) in Mills 50. This intimate 14-seat bar at 1903 E. Colonial Drive promises to ensnare wine lovers with organic, biodynamic pours and Eurocentric bites. Opening late 2024, it's where time slows and conversations flow, complementing, not replacing, Golden Hour's retail charm.

👎 Dearly departed/ing eating spots (each links to their closing statements): Farm + Haus in Winter Park, Pom Poms Tea House in Orlando, Ethos Vegan Kitchen in Winter Park, Alex’s Fresh Kitchen in Casselberry, and Valkyrie Doughnuts in Orlando.

#ORLANDOSIGNAL 📸

Coca-Cola Bottling Company in Kissimmee in 1940

📷 via @floridamemories |📍Kissimmee

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FOODIE FIND, FORK YEAH! 🤩
Mediterranean Street Food by Shishco

📍118 Lake Ave, Maitland, FL 32751, or map to this location.

In Maitland, Mediterranean Street Food (Insta) by Shishco is a gem that's been tantalizing taste buds since 2015. At 118 Lake Ave, this eatery transports diners to the sun-soaked shores of Turkey and beyond.

From the aromatic Chicken Shish Kebab to the indulgent Lamb Chop Bowl, each dish tells a story of cultural heritage and culinary expertise. Using Grade A choice meats and fresh produce, Shishco elevates street food to an art form.

With options for vegans and halal-seekers alike, and boasting a 4.5-star Yelp rating, this cozy spot is a flavorful journey through the Mediterranean, right in the heart of Maitland.

MORE PULP! 😎
Weekday things to check out

> Today (Monday), Celebration Brewing Co is thrilled to open their doors to the community with a day packed full of fun, flavor, and festivities. Enjoy $5 Beers All Day, Live Music & Entertainment, and great food! (deets)

> Tomorrow (Tuesday), savor an unforgettable evening at a winemaker's dinner featuring Larry Stone, Master Sommelier and winemaker behind Lingua Franca wines at Wine Bar George. Delight in an extraordinary five-course feast crafted by Executive Chef Will Davison, with each course thoughtfully paired with Lingua Franca’s exceptional wines. (love you some wine)

> Also on Tuesday, relive the iconic music, influences, and storied career of “the Man in Black” in this entertaining journey through Johnny Cash‘s expansive discography at Judson’s live with The Smoking Jackets: A Tribute to Johnny Cash. (Walk The Line)

> On Wednesday, catch Edward Scissorhands: Matthew Bourne’s Dance Versio. Based on the classic Tim Burton movie and featuring the hauntingly beautiful music of Danny Elfman and Terry Davies, Bourne and his New Adventures Company return to this witty, bittersweet story of an incomplete boy left alone in a strange new world. (snip snip)

> On Thursday, check out Diversitastic! Dining: Colombia. The experience includes an authentic multi-course meal, from appetizer to dessert, and a program of music and/or dance, as well as cultural and chef presentations and maybe a fun culturally-specific game with prizes. (Celebrate!)

> Also on Thursday, catch Sir Jac & The Revolution, the consummate Prince tribute, bring their incredible show to The Wharf (Kissimmee) Concert Series with every distinct detail, from awesome costuming to authentic instrumentation! Performing all of the greatest hits of Prince, widely regarded as one of the greatest musicians of his generation and more! (1999!)

THANKS!

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

My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal