Ford, Fire and the Future

Good morning, Orlando! It’s April Fools’ day! But since your esteemed host (ME) hates this day of the year, there ain’t no foolin’ in todays’ newsletter.

Can I ask for a quick favor? If I decided to curate and include 3-5 interesting or cool job openings in Orlando each week, would that be of value to you? Click the poll below and let me know.👇

 In today’s issue: 👇

• The Angebilt’s Winding Road

• The Chocolate Alchemist

• Bokatto Crêperie

• ….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 ⏪
Ford, Fire, and the Future: The Angebilt's Winding Road

From the visionary mind of Florida's pioneering architect, Murray S. King, the Angebilt Building arose between 1921 and 1923, a magnificent homage to New York City's iconic Pennsylvania Hotel. Boasting Orlando's sole fireproof construction at the time, the Angebilt Hotel opened its doors on March 14, 1923, unveiling 250 luxurious guest rooms and a constellation of opulent amenities.

Quickly becoming the epicenter of high society, the hotel played host to American icons like Henry Ford, Harvey Firestone, and Thomas Edison. Yet, its gilded facade belied financial turmoil, and mere months after its grand debut, bankruptcy loomed.

Over the decades, the Angebilt weathered a tempestuous journey – numerous ownership changes, a savage hurricane decimating its rooftop deck in 1944, and a devastating fire in 1983 to the top two floors, marking the end of its hotel operations.

Rising from the ashes, the Angebilt Building refused to succumb, instead undergoing a metamorphosis into a bustling office complex. Today, it houses a diverse array of businesses, including the vibrant co-working space Expansive Workspace – a modern setup that pays homage to the building's storied past through meticulously restored spaces and amenities.

As Orlando evolved from a sleepy town to a thriving metropolis, the Angebilt Building stood resolute, a living chronicle of the city's narrative – woven with financial struggles, natural calamities, celebrity encounters, and an unwavering resilience that allowed it to adapt and endure as an iconic landmark.

THE SQUEEZE 🍊
Celebrating Mister Rogers' Week of Kindness

In a world often marred by cynicism, the gentle teachings of Fred Rogers stand as a beacon of kindness and human decency.

Few know of Rogers' deep ties to Central Florida, where he first visited in 1948 and met his future wife Joanne Byrd. The Rogers family, including son John and sister Elaine, would all attend Rollins College in Winter Park.

More importantly, Rogers found solace penning scripts and composing music for "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" in Florida winters, authoring nearly half the show's content locally each year. His message championed loving oneself, embracing diversity, and being a good neighbor.

Now, the "Mister Rogers' Week of Kindness" from April 1st through April 6th honors his legacy through community events hosted by the show's cast and crew.

Attendees are encouraged to bring gently used sweaters and shoes as donations benefiting One Heart for Women and Children, symbolizing the sharing and human connection he embodied. In this progress-driven region, the week reminds that true growth stems from empathy, acceptance, and being a good neighbor.

Orlando's Digital Solution to Downtown Parking Doldrums

Orlando's vibrant downtown has long grappled with a vexing challenge – the elusive hunt for parking spots.

For residents like Elijah Martinez, lack of parking deterred embracing urban living, forcing him to sell one car. A city survey revealed 13% cited parking scarcity as hindering economic growth. But change looms on the horizon with Orlando's digital way-finding initiative.

Dynamic signs will provide real-time parking availability, guiding drivers during events. Martinez believes knowing where to park will transform downtown accessibility, easing congestion and delays.

The $155,393 project, bolstered by $100,000 from the Community Redevelopment Agency, aims to make travel intuitive.

As the nine-month design phase commences, anticipation builds among residents and businesses. Martinez views it as a stride towards a future where the parking predicament becomes a seamless journey to Orlando's thriving core.

The city heeds public desires, investing in a solution that could redefine the downtown experience.

A Purrfect Mission: Fostering Orlando's Tiniest

Within the sun-dappled streets of Central Florida, a symphony of tiny mews heralds the arrival of kitten season, a time when thousands of feline bundles find themselves in need of a helping paw.

The Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando answers this call, relying on a dedicated corps of foster families to provide safe havens. Among them is Chitra Banjaree, a medical student whose apartment is a playground for six rambunctious kittens, their boundless energy a respite from academia's rigors.

For eight months, she has nurtured these ambassadors, her hesitation about long-term adoption outweighed by her love for cats.

Pet Alliance’s 8-year veteran, Cathy Rodgers understands the pivotal role of fosters, especially during the surge of spring and summer litters.

With an estimated 2,000 kittens expected, Pet Alliance aims to swell their foster ranks to 150, a number that could transform countless lives.

For these selfless caregivers, the commitment is one of time and effort, Pet Alliance shouldering financial burdens – a reassurance that has buoyed Banjaree's efforts until her charges find forever homes.

The Chocolate Alchemist of Park Avenue

As you stroll down Orlando's Park Avenue, an irresistible aroma wafts from AJ Chocolate House - the unmistakable scent of fine European chocolate.

Behind the gleaming display cases lies a tale spanning continents and generations. It began when Edwin Jablonskas' father, weary of the restaurant business, discovered a passion for chocolate on a whimsical trip to Belgium.

As they introduced Belgian chocolates to Lithuania, the young Edwin witnessed his father's infectious excitement steadily building.

However, their fledgling endeavor faced early setbacks that nearly crushed their aspirations, such as an amateur blunder that resulted in an entire large batch melting in a sunny window. Just when their dreams seemed doomed, a journalist's glowing review sparked a chocolate craze, reviving their fortunes.

Years later, Edwin carried on the family legacy by bringing AJ Chocolate House to Orlando in August 2023, to fill a niche for extraordinary desserts. Within this stateside outpost, skilled chocolatiers meticulously handcraft each decadent masterpiece.

Edwin remembers the joy of playing with chocolate at 16 and strives to uplift people through his craft. In an era of mass-production, AJ stands as an artisanal beacon of excellence born from a pursuit for perfection.

AJ’s has chocolate, waffles, wine, and (gasp!) milkshakes. The menu’s divine.

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

TASTY NEWS 🧑‍🍳
Orlando Eateries On Their Way

1️⃣ Pinstripes Italian Bistro (+ Bowling Alley?)

Pinstripes, Chicago's trailblazing Italian bistro/bowling concept, unveils a 40,000-square-foot Orlando mecca in April at 11643 Daryl Carter Parkway. This culinary playground merges wood-fired pizzas, seasonal gelatos and local craft beers with first-class bowling lanes and bocce courts. Guests can revel in Neapolitan flavors, clinking glasses and clashing bocce balls, whether for family fun, date nights or grand celebrations. The cozy outdoor fireside lounge invites lingering after games. Pinstripes' innovative fusion of dining and recreation promises an unparalleled Italian playground.

2️⃣ Boxer & Clover BBQ

In Orlando's East End Market, chef Matt Hinckley's Boxer and Clover, a barbecue concept honoring Southern traditions, has soft-opened. Named after Orwell's cart horses, it offers succulent smoked meats like brisket, pork butt, and ribs, complemented by classic sides and homemade pies. Hinckley's approach transcends geographical boundaries, blending quality ingredients and artisanal techniques. Though a temporary residency, the soft-opened Boxer and Clover promises an authentic, flavor-packed journey through the American South's rich culinary heritage.

3️⃣ BinBông

Within Orlando's vibrant Mills 50 District, a delectable transformation is underway at 1200 E Colonial Drive. Visionaries Tien Truong and Amy Thai are crafting BinBông, a haven promising elevated coffee, tea, ice cream, and dessert experiences. While the opening date remains a delicious mystery, anticipation builds for the harmonious fusion of flavors and artistry this enchanting destination will unveil.

#ORLANDOSIGNAL 📸

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📷 via @mastropiecesproductions |📍Lake Eola

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FOODIE FIND, FORK YEAH! 🤩
Bokatto Crêperie

📍12720 S Orange Blossom Trl # 2, Orlando, FL 32837, or map to this location, right here.

Let’s talk about Bokatto Crêperie. This trendy establishment pays homage to French-inspired cuisine, offering a delectable tapestry of flavors that captivate the senses.

The menu is a love letter to crêpes, from the decadent Nutella Crêpe to the savory Bolognese Crêpe, and the innovative Chicken Stroganoff Crêpe. Beyond the realm of crêpes, salads and sandwiches grace the menu, each a masterful blend of fresh ingredients and time-honored techniques.

The Bokatto Deluxe Salad is a feast for the senses, a vibrant medley of fruit cocktail, creamy ice cream, coconut shavings, cheese, milk cream, and a tantalizing blackberry sauce.

Whether seeking indulgence or a lighter fare, Bokatto Crêperie promises to captivate your palate and transport you to a world where flavors reign supreme, and every bite is a celebration of culinary artistry in the heart of Orlando.

bokatto_creperie

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MORE PULP! 😎
Weekday things to check out

> Join Knight of Laughs tonight at The Abbey for laughs and drinks! Laugh like royalty at this comedy showcase featuring a lineup of aspiring local comedians in the heart of downtown Orlando. (link)

> Check out the Taste of Baldwin featuring food, wine, and music by main act, Harlequin this Thursday in Baldwin Park. (link)

> On Wednesday catch jazz luminaries Carol Stein & Friends reimagine standards from the Great American Songbook in Judson's Live. (link)

> Starting Thursday, jump into the swinging, high-energy Broadway musical set to Louis Jordan's iconic rhythm and blues/jazz score called Five Guys Named Moe at the Winter Park Playhouse (link)

> Break out those leashes – it’s time for Yappy Hour! Head to Crescent Park Lake Nona for live music, pet vendors, free nail trims, and mocktails from 6-8 p.m. (link)

> Lecture: The High Museum of Art's Katherine Jentleson on Nellie Mae Rowe's Art and Legacy at the Mennello Museum of American Art. (link)

> At the Orlando Public Library check out the Solar Eclipse Mocktail Lounge. Attendees will be able to try space inspired mocktails and test their solar eclipse knowledge with a trivia game. Registration required. (link)

> Check out Teddy Swims gear up for an insane performance at the Hardrock Orlando this Thursday at 8pm. (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