Last Orders at Kappy's

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Good morning, Orlando. Sadly, this weekend we hung out at home and did not embark on any culinary adventures. However, next weekend we have a good one on the agenda. I’ll share next Monday!

 In today’s issue: 👇

• The Mustard Seed's 40-Year Legacy

• Last Orders at Kappy's

• TooJay’s Deli

• ….and much more

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Let’s dive in!

- Philip

ORLANDO REWIND ⏪
The Mustard Seed's 40-Year Legacy

In Orlando's Eatonville, a tiny seed of compassion has grown into a mighty oak of hope. The Mustard Seed Foundation, founded in 1984 by Carol Kane, a widowed mother of five juggling two waitressing jobs, began in a humble garage with a mission to ensure no child slept on the floor. Inspired by biblical teachings, Kane believed small acts could move mountains.

From serving 99 families in its first year, The Mustard Seed blossomed. By 1999, it had a dedicated facility, later expanding to a debt-free 20,000 square foot building. Kane's extraordinary efforts earned her the 1992 Jefferson Award, chosen from 46,000 nominees.

Today, The Mustard Seed serves about 30 families weekly, providing 500 furniture pieces to those below the poverty line. The Seed Boutique offers free clothing, adding dignity to charity.

Carol Kane passed in 2022, but her legacy thrives. From its initial 99 families to 1,500 annually now, The Mustard Seed remains true to her vision: a place where faith creates miracles.

In ever-changing Orlando, it stands as a beacon of shared humanity, offering warmth and hope to all who seek its shade, reminding us that even in our darkest hours, we are never truly alone.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE ORANGE COUNTY REGIONAL HISTORY CENTER
Third Thursday @ The Museum

As twilight falls on September 19, 2024, The History Center electrifies Orlando's cultural scene. From 5 to 9 p.m., this free Third Thursday event, in conjunction with the Downtown Arts District Mural Festival, transforms the museum into a playground of creativity.

Amidst the "Cover Story: Watermark's 30 Years" exhibit, visitors craft personalized paper dolls, weaving themselves into the tapestry of history.

Outside, at the museum’s doorstep, Heritage Square erupts in a blend of color as artists breathe life into murals before your eyes.

This isn't just a night out—it's a journey through time and art, where Orlando's past and present merge in a celebration of community spirit.

THE SQUEEZE 🍊
Last Orders at Kappy's: A Community's Farewell to 52 Years of Subs

As many of you know, I recently covered Kappy's Subs in the Orlando Rewind section, but Maitland's beloved sandwich haven, announced they were closing its doors last Saturday after 52 years, victim to new property ownership.

The community rallied for a final taste, with lines snaking around the block. Adam Milsom, Executive Chef and third-generation operator, navigated a whirlwind of emotions as patrons shared memories.

The closure announcement sent shockwaves through Maitland, with Milsom feeling a part of himself dying. Yet, overwhelming support buoyed the team's spirits.

As Kappy's served its last sandwiches, hope lingered for a potential relocation. For now, they focus on a farewell honoring their community, leaving behind a legacy of bringing people together.

Swings of Hope: St. Cloud Rallies for Young Cancer Survivor

Stories like this are why I write this newsletter. 👇

In the sweltering St. Cloud heat, a group of dedicated volunteers raced against time, erecting a colorful playset for a young cancer warrior last week.

Three-year-old Devyn Aguilar, a neuroblastoma survivor, was the lucky recipient of this backyard haven. The project was part of the Roc Solid Foundation's ambitious nationwide initiative to build playsets for children fighting cancer, which saw nearly 80 playsets built in just three days, 11 of which were in Florida alone.

Volunteers, including Amazon manager Maria Rodriguez, sacrificed work and sleep to participate in what she described as one of the most impactful experiences of her life.

For the Aguilar family, the playset symbolized more than just play—it represented Devyn's triumph over expectations and a beacon of hope for other families facing similar battles in St. Cloud and beyond.

🛑 Seriously, go check out the Roc Solid Foundation, right here.

Curbside Cuisine: Orlando Locks-in the Recipe for Food Truck Regulations

Orlando's culinary landscape is sizzling with change as the city serves up codified regulations for its food truck scene.

After years of experimenting with a pilot program that began in 2013, city officials are now plating a permanent set of rules. The new rules restrict mobile vendors to commercial zones and existing business lots, with a few exceptions for special events and on-site services.

Aspiring food truck moguls must obtain proper licensing, permissions, and follow strict guidelines for operation and cleanliness.

As this regulatory dish makes its way through city governance, from the Municipal Planning Board on August 20, 2024, to potential City Council approval in late 2024, Orlando's street food enthusiasts eagerly await the final flavor of these new ordinances.

From Settlements to Solutions: Orange County's Bold Move Against Opioids

Orange County unveils a groundbreaking initiative to combat opioid addiction. The Orange County Medical Clinic, partnering with STEPS, launches a medication-assisted treatment program targeting uninsured residents battling severe opioid use disorder.

Dr. Thomas Hall, director of the county's Office for a Drug Free Community, emphasizes the program's focus on overlooked individuals cycling through emergency rooms or recently released from incarceration.

This initiative, funded by opioid settlement money, offers a trifecta of FDA-approved medications, with buprenorphine at the forefront. Recent policy shifts have expanded access to these crucial treatments.

As Orange County witnesses a glimmer of hope with a slight decline in overdose deaths, this program helps transform treatment deserts into havens of recovery and offering a renewed chance at life.

TASTY NEWS 🧑‍🍳
Orlando Eateries On Their Way

1️⃣ Luminescent Bar and Indian Street Food - Dazzling Flavors, Electric Nights

This fall, Orlando welcomes Luminescent (Insta) at 12286 E Colonial Dr. This innovative concept by Shivah Kothari blends a bar, coffee shop, and Indian street food. Featuring dynamic lighting, craft cocktails, and dishes like spiced wings and flatbreads, it promises a unique sensory experience. By day, it's a work haven; by night, a vibrant hotspot.

2️⃣ The Burrow Cafe and Play - Whimsical Oasis for All Ages

This January, Orlando's families will discover The Burrow Cafe and Play (Insta) at 618 N Mills Ave. Sisters-in-law Jovana and Morgan's brainchild boasts a 1500-square-foot hobbit-inspired playground, surrounded by a Lineage Coffee oasis. Open daily 8am-9pm, it's where parental respite meets childlike wonder, complete with light bites and low ABV sips.

3️⃣ Hapa Halo Grill - Skewered Bliss on Wheels

Orlando's taste buds, brace yourselves! Hapa Halo Grill (Insta) rolls out September 28th-29th at The Acre (4421 Edgewater Dr). Kegan Baker's Japanese kei truck, a mobile yakitori paradise, brings Tokyo street flair to the Sunshine State. This pint-sized powerhouse will zip between events, leaving a trail of sizzling skewers and satisfied smiles.

#ORLANDOSIGNAL 📸

5:30am Nona

📷 via @orlandosignal |📍Lake Nona

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FOODIE FIND, FORK YEAH! 🤩
TooJay’s Deli

📍2624 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32803, or map to this location.

Since 1981, TooJay's Deli (Insta) has been Florida's portal to authentic New York flavors. Born in the Sunshine State, this culinary gem now peppers Florida, including Orlando, with its mouthwatering creations. Dive into the Nova Salmon Benedict, a vibrant medley of flavors, or savor the Beef Brisket Dip, a Floridian twist on deli classics.

From handcrafted sandwiches to made-from-scratch soups, TooJay's menu is a love letter to Big Apple cuisine. Don't miss the Pastrami Reuben "Knishwich" – a delicious rebellion against tradition.

For dessert? The Chocolate Cheesecake Delight awaits, promising a sweet finale to your New York-meets-Florida culinary adventure.

MORE PULP! 😎
Weekday things to check out

> Global Peace Film Festival Tuesday, September 17-22, Various locations This long-running festival uses film to redefine peace as a framework for conflict resolution. Carefully curated selections serve as catalysts for change, sparking open dialogues that extend beyond the screen and into real-world action. (deets)

> Artist Talk: Denise Bookwalter Tuesday, September 17, 6pm, Rollins Museum of Art Join Associate Professor Denise Bookwalter for an insightful talk on book arts. Explore the intersection of traditional and digital print processes, dimensional prints, and installations.

> Mural Festival Thursday, September 19-20, CityArts Watch Magnolia Avenue transform as muralists create live art on 8x8 walls. This two-day festival culminates in a team challenge, accompanied by DJs, food trucks, and bars. Experience the vibrant pulse of Orlando's street art scene. (experience creativity)

> Gothic Seas: Fathoms of Intoxicating Fortune Thursday,September 19-29, 100 S Eola Dr Embark on a nautical comedy where the supernatural meets the intoxicating. This immersive experience by New Generation Theatrical blends humor, mystery, and craft cocktails. (more info)

> Snapshots: A Musical Scrapbook Thursday, September 19 - October 13, The Winter Park Playhouse Experience a musical journey through time with songs by Stephen Schwartz. This regional premiere weaves beloved tunes from "Wicked," "Pippin," and more into a touching story of rediscovered love, proving the power of life's simple moments. (get tix)

> Pressed Floral Art Workshop Thursday, September 19, 5:30pm, The House on Lang Learn the art of flower and leaf pressing with Bomb Blooms. Discover techniques to preserve nature's beauty, creating lasting botanical artworks. Perfect for garden enthusiasts or anyone looking to capture memories from outdoor adventures. (make art)

 > Glazed in Bourbon: Private Select Maker's Mark Barrel, Thursday, September 19, 6-9pm, Orlando World Center Marriott. Experience an exclusive bourbon event at The Stockroom speakeasy. Savor the Private Select Maker's Mark Barrel, enjoy two custom cocktails, and indulge in chef-crafted pastry pairings and lite bites. (start sipping)

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