Welcome to Monday Morning in Orlando

Ended up at the Blueberry Festival out in Mount Dora this weekend. What fun! Then we capped off the afternoon at 1921 (this place is the cats meow) for Mrs. Orlando Signal’s birthday brunch, with a special stop at Alyson A Bakeshop on the same block. She transitioned as an ER doc to live out her dream as a baker. ❤️‍🔥

In today’s issue: 👇

• Spaniflora

• Farm-to-your-mug

• Zorba’s Kitchen

• ….and much more

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🛑 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. 🐈

Let’s dive in!

- Philip

ORLANDO REWIND ⏪
Lakeside Elegance with a Twist: Orlando's Juicy Architectural Gem

Perched beside Orlando's sparkling Lake Eola is a 1924 architectural gem with personality to spare—Eola House, the $9,500 dream home of George and Anna Eleanor Herold Marsh and their daughter Anna. This "Spaniflora" style beauty jumped on the simplified Spanish/Mediterranean Revival bandwagon that had Florida architects swooning during the Roaring Twenties.

The mastermind? Brazilian-born, globe-trotting architect George Edward Krug (1869-1939), who knew when to whisper and when to wow. His parchment-colored creation sports stylized Corinthian capitals and a cheeky quatrefoil window, while a jaw-dropping exterior staircase steals the show amid otherwise understated elegance.

The home's claim to fruity fame? Owner George Marsh invented the "Marsh Seedless Grapefruit"—talk about leaving a juicy legacy! After Anna Eleanor's passing in 1954, George squeezed another decade of lakeside living before departing at a ripe 90 years old.

Orlando gave this historic hotspot a glamorous makeover in 2013 (after brooming four neighboring houses), creating the perfect lawn for showing off its curves.

Now a 1991-designated landmark, it hosts swanky soirées while the Marshes rest peacefully at Greenwood Cemetery—though one imagines they'd be tickled by their home's continuing zest for life!

🤔 Hmmm, this would make a hell of a location for an Orlando Signal meetup.

(Learn more about the Eola House with John Dalles, right here)

THE SQUEEZE 🍊

Cup of Community: How Lobos Coffee Roasters Poured Its Way Into Orlando's Heart

In the buzzing Audubon Park Garden District, there's a spot where coffee dreams come true and the aroma of freshly roasted beans might just make you float through the door. That's Lobos Coffee Roasters, the labor of love from Tony Villalobos.

Tony's coffee adventure began as a kid on his grandmother's Panamanian coffee farm. 

"Those incredible smells left their mark," he grins, recalling his first encounters with the magical bean.

After emptying his savings, securing an SBA loan, and a year-long real estate hunt spanning four locations, Tony opened Lobos in December 2020—pandemic be damned! Some might call the timing crazy, but for Tony, it was just another chapter in creating his coffee kingdom.

What makes Lobos special? Tony's farm-to-your-mug approach and the genuine connections brewed alongside the coffee. His shop isn't just about caffeine—it's a community percolating with quality, sustainability, and authenticity.

Now expanding to a second location in the SODO District at À La Cart (coming soon), Villalobos remains focused on his vision: "Building meaningful spaces that reflect the heart of the neighborhoods we're in. Orlando has embraced us—and we're excited to keep growing with it."

📸 Want to see Lobos' coffee creativity, then Insta is your spot, right here!

House Hunting Heatwave: Inside Central Florida's Property Boom

Central Florida's housing scene is throwing a party with a whopping 12,000 homes inviting buyers to come play!

Real estate guru Ron Ziolkowski says brace for the Mother's Day avalanche when even more "For Sale" signs will pop up like spring flowers. Despite this housing buffet, February's median price tag hit $385,000—up $10,000 from January—with Orange County homes selling 4% hotter than last year.

First-timers face obstacle-course lending requirements and wallet-draining down payments while prices refuse to cool their jets.

Orlando's realtor president Lawrence Bellido calls it a rare housing dance where neither buyers nor sellers lead. Should interest rates dive to the high fives, Ziolkowski predicts a "gentlemen start your engines" scramble in this real estate hot spot.

(Learn more about this glut of home inventory with Asher Wildman, right here)

Orlando Businesses Give National Economic Jitters the Cold Shoulder

While America's economic confidence takes a nosedive to a meager 36%, Orlando's business scene is throwing its own optimism party!

The latest Orlando MSA Business Conditions Survey reveals local companies aren't just surviving—they're thriving, with 76% maintaining their confidence and 64% celebrating revenue bumps. These 107 businesses (employing a whopping 125,000 folks across four counties) are zipping past national storm clouds by doubling down on hometown advantages.

Rather than wringing hands over political uncertainty, Orlando's entrepreneurial crowd is cooking up fresh talent strategies, recruiting digital wizards, and mining local opportunities.

As national forecasters frown, Central Florida's business leaders are winking at each other—betting that regional resilience outshines national nervousness every time.

🧠 Want to check out the full, engaging survey responses? Then click right here.

Orlando's Newest Foodie Playground Opens with a Bang

Orlando's food scene just got a tasty upgrade with City Food Hall's (Insta) weekend debut in Ivanhoe Village! The sprawling 12,550-square-foot culinary playground transformed the former Hall on the Yard space into a foodie paradise just months after announcing plans.

This delicious new hotspot packs in ten mouthwatering vendors – from Eggdose's knockout breakfast sandwiches to the triumphantly resurrected Taglish with its Filipino flair.

Basketball fans can slam-dunk their appetites at the aptly-named burger joint, while culinary high-rollers can head upstairs where Michelin-starred chef Mike Collantes works his French magic at Chez Les Copains, dishing up everything from decadent bone marrow to luxurious caviar.

With four bars and plenty of space to mingle, this tasty hub is ready to party!

🍽️ Check out this spot and food vendors, right here!

TASTY NEWS 🧑‍🍳
Orlando Area Eateries Coming & Going

1️⃣ Shokupan Bakehouse - Dough Dreams Come True

Excitement rises as Shokupan Bakehouse (Insta) celebrated its soft opening last Thursday at 12140 Collegiate Way, Suite 105, Orlando. This sister concept to Chiffon Culture now offers heavenly Shokupan sandwiches, artisanal croissants, and more delectable creations near UCF. A must-visit new chapter in Orlando's food story!

😢 Dearly departed/departing: The Thirsty Topher announced they’re permanently closing at the end of this month, However, their neighbor Ziggie’s Pizza is slated to take over the space. While Pups Pub Orlando announced they closed last Saturday, although, state they have plans to open in Clermont later this year.

#ORLANDOSIGNAL 📸

Established 1911!

📷 via @orlandosignal |📍Mills 50

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FOODIE FIND, FORK YEAH! 🤩

Zorba’s Kitchen

📍7325 Lake Underhill Rd, Orlando, Florida 32822. Map to this location.

At the bustling corner of Lake Underhill & Goldenrod, Ioannis's family-owned Zorba's Kitchen (Insta) serves as Orlando's gateway to authentic Greece.

Every scratch-made dish—from the succulent lamb gyro to the layered moussaka, comforting pastitsio, and perfectly charred chicken skewers—arrives as an artistic masterpiece that delights both palate and eye.

Beyond exceptional cuisine, it's the warm atmosphere that transforms meals into memories, creating a Mediterranean escape without leaving Orlando.

👉 Check out Zorba’s Kitchen right here

MORE PULP! 😎
Weekday things to check out

📄 Next Step Screenplay Series: "DEAD CAMELS" 
📅 April 28, 2025 | 7-10pm 
📍 Bynx Orlando, 420 E. Church Street

Staged reading of a thriller where a man and KGB agent must navigate dangerous factions to prevent world war.
👉 Get Tix

🍔 Tasty Takeover in The Milk District 
📅 Tuesdays | 6:30-10pm 
📍 The Milk District – E. Robinson St Orlando's premier weekly food truck block party featuring diverse culinary offerings behind the shops and bars.
👉 No Admission Charge

🍸 City Sparks Mid-Week Mixer 
📅 April 30, 2025 | 7-9pm 
📍 Flûtes Champagne Bar, Winter Park

Structured social event for Orlando singles ages 21-45+ featuring conversation cards and dedicated host.
👉 Meet New People

🎵 Vivaldi's Choral Works With Bach Vocal Artists 
📅 May 1, 2025 | 7:30pm 
📍 Bach Festival Society of Winter Park

Evening concert featuring lesser-known masterpieces from the beloved composer performed by vocal ensemble.
👉 Discover Vivaldi

🎬 May Movie Night: Twister 
📅 May 2, 2025 | 8:30pm (gardens open 7pm) 
📍 Harry P. Leu Gardens

Outdoor screening of the classic disaster film in a beautiful garden setting; bring dinner and seating.
👉 Under the Stars

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