Kappy's Subs Time Capsule

Good morning, Orlando. This is Orlando Signal, where we have more hot tips than your local nail salon. Har-har

 In today’s issue: 👇

• Kappy’s time capsule

• A comedy wedding

• Ivanhoe Park’s Lager House

• ….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 ⏪
Kappy's Subs: A Time Capsule on Orlando's Doorstep

In the heart of Maitland lies Kappy's Subs, a diner frozen in time - a portal to an era when life moved at a leisurely pace.

Traced back to the Great Depression's repurposed train car diners as “micro-cafes,” Kappy's originated as a 1963 What-a-Burger before transforming into Kappy's Submarine Sandwiches in 1967 under Isodore "Itch" and Anne Kaplan. Famed for made-to-order subs like the Italian sausage and Philly cheesesteak, it fostered a warm ambiance with classic diner accents.

In 1974, the torch passed to Warren Robert "Bob" Caplan, (yes, with a C) a New Jersey native who preserved its spirit. Today, his daughter Rachel Milsom safeguards the legacy, with grandchildren Adam and Maya continuing the tradition.

Stepping into Kappy's (Facebook) is journeying through a wormhole where past and present converge delightfully. The compact eatery offers vintage delights - fresh sandwiches, burgers, milkshakes and fries served amidst retro decor and its Sammy Sub mascot.

Despite relentless change, Kappy's endures as a beloved Maitland cornerstone.

Open daily with catering and food truck offerings, it's more than a diner - it's a tapestry woven from history, legacy and commitment to an bygone era's simple pleasures.

(Learn more about Kappy's Subs Time Capsule from Jason Byrne, right here.)

THE SQUEEZE 🍊
Eatonville's Historic Jewel Awakens: The Rebirth of Club Eaton

In Eatonville's cultural heart, a legendary venue awakes from slumber - Club Eaton, gracing Kennedy Boulevard and West Street, is poised for a transformative revival.

From its 1940s inception until 2008, its hallowed halls hosted musical luminaries like Joe Simon, Bobby Bland, B.B. King, and The '5' Royales. Charles McKinney vividly recalls his boyhood, standing outside, drinking in the reverberations of greatness flowing from within.

After years lying dormant, a $1.25 million renovation funded by the state and current owner promises to restore Club Eaton's former glory. Engineer Samuel Lee eagerly anticipates demolishing unsound elements and marveling at the rebirth unfolding inside.

The owner's vision promises nostalgic interiors reflecting the club's heyday, ensuring a new generation experiences its timeless allure when it grandly reopens next spring, reclaiming its rightful place as a beacon of Eatonville's rich cultural heritage.

👉 A few months back, I wrote about Club Eaton’s Storied Nights, right here.

The Barbara Lee’s Live Theater Revival

In a fusion of entertainment and culinary delights, the St. Johns Rivership Co. just launched an unforgettable live dinner theater cruise aboard the Barbara Lee sternwheeler on Lake Monroe.

The “Barbara Lee Comedy Wedding” is the culmination of a lively group of New Yorkers bringing their energetic spirit to the tranquil Barbara Lee riverboat in Sanford for a memorable “wedding” celebration.

As Mrs. Orlando Signal and I attended the soft opening a week and a half ago, we found ourselves part of an absurdly comedic and immersive performance where the audience joined as "wedding guests," right down to dancing at the "wedding reception!”

The hilarity unfolded across both decks of the majestic vessel, seamlessly intertwining with a tasty 4-course meal offering choices with everything from Tropical Chicken to Prime Rib, savored against a breathtaking sunset backdrop.

New owner, Michelle Wyatt's vision was to revive the magic of the former Riverboat Romance theater, closed since 2011 in Sanford, and bring it to the Barbara Lee.

As the night drew to a close, while devouring a slice of red velvet cake (my favorite!), the Barbara Lee had long transformed into a floating stage. Passengers were transported into a realm of pure escapism and delight, leaving a memorable mark on all who experienced this theatrical cruise adventure. Michelle Wyatt nailed her vision.

🔥 Book your own dinner theater experience, offered on the second and fourth Sunday of each month, right here.

Soaring Spirits: The Avian Reconditioning Center's Mission to Heal and Educate

In Apopka's, the Avian Reconditioning Center emerges as a sanctuary for Central Florida's injured and orphaned birds.

Led by visionary director Carol McCorkle, this nonprofit haven boasts an impressive 100-foot flight cage where feathered patients regain their strength and confidence to soar.

The center's mission extends beyond rehabilitation; under the guidance of Avian Care Manager Bill Hammer, birds unfit for release become ambassadors, educating visitors during awe-inspiring flight demonstrations every Saturday when the center opens its doors to the public from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a $5 donation per person.

In 2023, the center (Insta) admitted 237 birds, remarkably releasing 138 back into the wild—a testament to their unwavering commitment to preserving nature's delicate balance and forging connections between humans and these magnificent winged creatures.

Laughter Finds a New Home: SAK Comedy Lab Unveils State-of-the-Art Theater in Downtown Orlando

After over 30 years delivering laughs in Orlando, SAK Comedy Lab unveiled its dazzling new 7,200-square-foot theater downtown with a grand opening celebration last week. The $1.4 million buildout at 55 W. Church St. features a state-of-the-art 175-seat auditorium and triple the classroom space of its former location.

Executive Director Chris Dinger expressed excitement that the new space puts them in a better neighborhood for their audience, provides an upgraded experience in every aspect, and triples their classroom capacity - ensuring many more years of laughs for audiences, students and corporate partners.

The event kicked off with a reception, ribbon-cutting, and SAK's signature "Duel of Fools" improv show. With four downtown locations, the new theater marks SAK's largest investment in its 47-year history.

Beyond shows on Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., it offers improv classes, camps and corporate events. As Orlando's improv pioneers since 1991, SAK promises an unmatched live comedy experience in its modern new venue.

TASTY NEWS 🧑‍🍳
Orlando Eateries On Their Way

1️⃣ City Food Hall - Ivanhoe Village's Dining Destination Reborn

In Ivanhoe Village, City Food Hall (Insta) is breathing new life into the 12,550-square-foot space formerly occupied by Hall on the Yard, promising 10 tantalizing food stalls, indoor golf suites, event spaces, and an extensive entertainment schedule, though no opening date has been set yet, as it expands from Destin and West Palm Beach to Orlando, Gainesville, and Athens, Georgia.

2️⃣ Grillers Latin Fusion - Chickasaw Trail's Fiesta Unveiled

Helmed by owner Jose Martin, Grillers Puerto Rico (Facebook) is set to unveil its third Orlando outpost along Chickasaw Trail by late June, introducing a 4,000-square-foot epicurean oasis with 170 seats, serving its signature Latin fare alongside an Asian fusion menu featuring ceviche, sushi, and more in a former restaurant space.

3️⃣ Ivanhoe Park Lager House - Resurrecting Tradition, Crafting Innovation

In a bold move, Ivanhoe Park Brewing Co. recently acquired the shuttered Deadwords Brewing Company, breathing new life into the space with the Ivanhoe Park Lager House (Insta). Featuring traditional lager styles like Kolsch Wheels, Side Pull Taps, Slow Pour Pilsner, and Milk Tubes, alongside revived Deadwords recipes, the new concept promises a harmonious fusion of tradition and innovation, set to unveil this week on June 12th.

#ORLANDOSIGNAL 📸

Street Food

📷 via @sododistrict |📍SoDo District

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FOODIE FIND, FORK YEAH! 🤩
The Alfond Inn

📍300 E New England Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789, or map to this location, right here.

At the Alfond Inn (Insta), Wine Down Wednesday unfolds from 4-9pm weekly, with $5 wine glasses, $5 margaritas, and exquisite $9 desserts crafted by Executive Pastry Chef Jason Acevedo.

Indulge in velvety tiramisu or caramelized pear perfection while surrounded by over 600 contemporary artworks curated by Barbara and Ted Alfond.

Live music enlivens the space, like the talented flamenco dancer inviting joyous dancing. No reservations required for this refined haven offering $20 bottles, charcuterie boards, and immersion in art and culinary delights.

Treat yourself to Orlando's sophisticated gem at The Alfond Inn's Wine Down Wednesday.

MORE PULP! 😎
Weekday things to check out

> On Tuesday from 7pm-11pm, prepare to be whisked away to the heart of Paris, through chic flavors and alluring French wine. Paris in June at the Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant promises a journey through the city’s culinary treasures from the first sip to the last bite, experiencing the epitome of Parisian style and flavor. Includes 4 course dinner with wine pairings. (More info)

> Experience an evening of jazz improvisation with Thomas Milovac Quartet–in Judson's Live on Wednesday. Order from a curated scratch-kitchen menu of shareable plates, and enjoy a craft cocktail or beverage during your experience.(More info)

> On Thursday, check out These dreams: A Tribute to Heart performing all of the Greatest Hits of Heart including “These Dreams,” “Barracuda,” “Alone,” “Magic Man,” “Crazy On You,” and more from their 5 decades of Billboard Top 10 albums. Enjoy a unforgettable night of Rock & Roll as we pay tribute to the legendary band Heart. (More info)

> Pink Floyd fans, join Ultimate Floyd on Thursday at the new Good Times Bar and Grill (used to be Fredster's) in Maitland for an evening of Pink Floyd music performed by Orlando's own Ultimate Foyd Tribute. (More info)

> On Thursday, check out Rhythms of the Caribbean at the Winter Park Playhouse This unique one-night-only event showcasing Caribbean steelpan and poetry, Caribbean folk songs, and Caribbean Gospel singers will take place at The Winter Park Playhouse in their beautiful lobby bar/cabaret space. (More info)

> Check out happy hour on Thursdays and Fridays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Garden Tiger at 1900 Alden Road. It’s a new botanical restaurant concept filled with plants and a pleasing aesthetic from the team behind The Heavy, and has soft opened in Orlando's Ivanhoe Village, offering happy hour specials, events, small bites, drinks, and live music. (More info)

> This Friday, Classic Albums Live features the finest studio musicians performing classic rock albums LIVE note for note, cut for cut, at the Hard Rock Cafe & Live Orlando. This time it's Prince “Purple Rain”! (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