Orlando’s Rosalind Club

PRESENTED BY

Good morning, Orlando! My personal foodie tour continues. Visited The Castle Irish Pub in College Park this weekend and tried their strawberry cheesecake flavored bread pudding with a custard drizzle! Yum! 🥄

 In today’s issue: 👇

• The Rosalind Club

• Orlando restaurants rethink tipping

• The “Fix-It” Brigade

• ….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

P.S. Happy birthday to my lovely wifey. AKA Mrs. Orlando Signal. AKA Kyron!

ORLANDO REWIND ⏪
Orlando’s Rosalind Club: A Lasting Legacy

The Rosalind Club, born in 1894 as the Ladies Social Club of Orlando, has been the beating heart of the city's social scene for over a century. Drawing inspiration from Shakespeare's enchanting Rosalind in "As You Like It," the club has hosted a myriad significant events and community celebrations.

In 1916, they relocated to an architectural masterpiece overlooking serene Lake Eola, designed by Murray S. King. The renaming of West Street to Rosalind Avenue forever etched the club's name into Orlando's landscape. Membership was highly exclusive, including the city's most influential families who shaped its cultural and social fabric.

Cherished traditions like the debutante ball have graced its charming spaces for generations, introducing Orlando's daughters to society amidst elegance and grace. The stately walls have borne witness to life's most cherished moments, serving as a premier venue for weddings and celebrations.

Today, the Rosalind Club continues hosting luncheons and social events, strengthening bonds of friendship and embodying the enduring power of sisterhood as the area's longest-standing private women's social club.

Its hallowed halls adorn Orlando's rich history, weaving a vibrant tapestry of memories from contemporary celebrations to the debutante traditions that highlight its community presence.

See an expanded version of this article I published with our media partner, Winter Park City Lifestyle.

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THE SQUEEZE 🍊
Bracing for Impact: The Untold Story of Courthouse Trauma

In Orange County's courthouse, a ground-breaking pilot program offers a lifeline to crime victims. The State Attorney's Office and Victim Service Center have joined forces, providing on-site counseling before and after hearings.

Survivor Rachel Sines, who endured a harrowing ordeal years ago, praises the initiative's potential to accelerate healing journeys.

Counselor Rhonda Wilson becomes a safe haven, guiding victims through the emotional turmoil of courtroom proceedings.

State Attorney Andrew Bain recognizes addressing trauma at its source as pivotal, ensuring victims receive critical support.

The program symbolizes a profound commitment to healing, offering solace within the halls of justice. Sines declares victims are stronger than they think and there is light at the end of the tunnel.

As this respite takes root, a crisis helpline stands ready, underscoring the enduring vow to uplift survivors on their path to recovery.

Land Grab Feud: Orlando, Orange County Head to War Over Sunbridge

A simmering turf war between Orlando and Orange County exploded into open conflict over Orlando's attempted annexation of Sunbridge, a vast area east of the airport along State Road 528.

County commissioners unanimously triggered conflict resolution procedures after Orlando voted to claim roughly half of Sunbridge, with the rest potentially annexed on May 13th.

Commissioner Nicole Wilson blasted the city, accusing Orlando of only partnering with the county when seeking money, not to control harmful growth. A tense 30-day negotiation period will ensue, followed potentially by mediation.

But the county attorney warned it could end up in court if the dispute over absorbing the prized Sunbridge territory remains unresolved, with Orlando able to be sued to block the contentious annexation move.

Restaurants Rethink Tipping with Controversial Service Charges

The restaurant industry is undergoing seismic shifts, with service charges emerging as a contentious but increasingly prevalent practice. These fees help offset soaring operating costs and provide an alternative to the antiquated tipped wage model still allowing servers to be paid just $8.98 per hour in Florida.

While some establishments use charges to compensate all staff, others stipulate they only cover front-of-house workers. Though financially beneficial for struggling operators, the lack of transparency has caused consumer backlash.

However, for trendsetters like Kaya in Orlando's Mills 50, service charges are transforming the workplace dynamic. By decoupling pay from fickle gratuities, they've fostered a more collaborative environment where staff appreciate the stable income and teamwork flourishes.

It signals an evolution away from the cutthroat hustle for tips toward a revitalized future for the hospitality industry.

The “Fix-It” Brigade: Volunteers Battle Landfill Crisis

Recently in Orange County, a dedicated group of volunteers led a quiet revolution against waste and environmental degradation through the "Fix It! Don't Pitch It" event.

Spearheaded by Aimee Krivan, the Pollution Prevention Program Coordinator for the Environmental Protection Division, this initiative encourages residents to repair broken household items instead of discarding them. The impact is significant – in 2022 alone, Orange County diverted 118 pounds of trash from landfills and saved residents $5,762 in repair costs.

Volunteers like Ariel Takuma, a volunteer with Central Florida RECON, driven by a passion for environmental preservation, breathe new life into cherished possessions, stemming the tide of pollution one repair at a time.

Molly and Villo Galvan's beloved bicycle is one such success story, its lifespan extended through skilled hands.

As the world grapples with overconsumption, these unsung heroes remind us of the power in preserving and repurposing, weaving a tapestry of sustainability stitch by stitch.

TASTY NEWS 🧑‍🍳
Orlando Eateries On Their Way

1️⃣ Mango Mango - Tropical Temptations Tease O-Town West

Mango Mango, a tantalizing Hong Kong-style dessert café, prepares to unveil mango-infused slurpy sweets, sundaes and crepe rolls at 11225 S. Apopka Vineland Road in O-Town West, promising a tropical treat haven for mango enthusiasts - though an opening date remains deliciously elusive.

2️⃣ Kōri Bakery and Dessert - A Delectable Japanese Gem Blooms in Mills 50

Nestled in the newly minted complex at 725 N. Mills Ave., Kōri Bakery and Dessert, a delectable Japanese gem slated to open in late spring/early summer, eagerly awaits. This ode to confectionary artistry will unveil ethereal kakigori (snow ice) and pillowy shokupan (milk bread), transporting patrons to realms of pure indulgence. Prepare for sweet gratification redefined.

3️⃣ Tom’s Watch Bar - A Spectacle of Indulgence

Envisioned by Smashburger founder Tom Ryan, Tom's Watch Bar, a 11,000-square-foot entertainment mecca, opens mid-May at Hollywood Plaza Garage. Boasting 150+ hi-res screens, 360-degree Orlando views, virtual golf bays, and elevated bar fare, this boob-tube-heavy behemoth promises an unparalleled experience for spectacle and indulgence seekers.

#ORLANDOSIGNAL 📸

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FOODIE FIND, FORK YEAH! 🤩
Ding Tea Orlando

📍4680 Millenia Plaza Way, Orlando, FL 32839, or map to this location, right here.

Ding Tea Orlando stands as a beacon of tea-infused indulgence, captivating boba enthusiasts with its extensive menu and unwavering commitment to quality.

While the addictive duo of Vietnamese coffee and popcorn chicken holds a special place in diners heart, this latest visit unveiled a treasure trove of flavors, including the viral cheese coin – a symphony of molten cheese and savory pork floss encased in a sweet, freshly baked waffle exterior.

The matcha brown sugar milk tea and spring time blueberry fruit teas further elevated the experience, transporting me to realms of earthy, velvety sweetness and sun-dappled orchards brimming with ripe berries.

Ding Tea Orlando solidifies its place where tea and treats converge in harmonious delight, offering a array of flavors that linger on the palate of the soul.

dingteaorlando

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MORE PULP! 😎
Weekday things to check out

> Immerse yourself in Greek culture through an authentic multi-course meal, music, dance, and festive plate-breaking at The Greek Corner on Monday, April 29th. (link)

> Wednesday, May 1st hosts the Empowering Night of Laughter showcasing fearless female comedians performing comedic routines outside their comfort zones at The Abbey. (link)

> Join talented artist Heather for a night of painting, laughter, craft beers, and cozy vibes at Gravity Taproom's Paint Nite on Wednesday, May 1st. (link)

> Voodoo Bayou, a premier destination for southern Cajun flare and exotic craft cocktails, has just opened their their Orlando location at 7525 W Sand Lake Rd BLDG A. (link)

> Relive the iconic 'Is a Real Boy' album as Say Anything performs it for the 20th anniversary tour at Hard Rock Live on Wednesday, May 1st. (link)

> Get a backstage pass to the Orlando Ballet with the Uncorked series, offering intimate encounters with dancers and artistic leaders on Thursday, May 2nd. (link)

> Experience the future of entertainment with virtual pop sensation Hatsune Miku's one-of-a-kind concert at Dr. Phillips Center on Thursday, May 2nd. (link)

> AJ’s Chocolate House’s monthly chocolate and wine tasting is just around the corner. Join them Thursday, May 2nd for a night of delicious chocolates paired incredible wine. (link)

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