Tiki Temptation

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Good morning, Orlando. I’m curious: when do you consider the start of summer? 🍉 For many people in the U.S., summer goes from Memorial Day (last Monday) until Labor Day (Sept 2). Our fam is split on the answer.

 In today’s issue: 👇

• Orlando's newest speakeasy

• Adaptive reuse renaissance

• Lamp & Shade

• ….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 ⏪
The Haunting Relic of Longwood

The Bradlee-McIntyre House, a 140-year-old Longwood gem, harbors a rich collection of secrets waiting to be unraveled. Built in the 1880s for Boston architect Nathaniel Bradlee, this winter retreat tragically saw his demise shortly after completion. The McIntyre family later acquired it in 1904, ushering in new chapters.

In 1969, the house narrowly escaped demolition when the Longwood Historic Society intervened, relocating it to 130 W. Warren Ave and securing its place on the National Register of Historic Places. Meticulous renovations have restored each room's former glory.

Yet an air of mystery lingers. An empath reported feeling eerie "electrical activity" in a second-floor bedroom. Former residents recounted glimpsing shadowy figures. Orbs appeared in guest photographs inside a parlor room. The third floor's servant's quarters and hidden spaces seem to harbor an inexplicable presence.

Now, the house faces a dire threat - a leaking roof in need of replacement at a staggering $60,000 to $70,000 cost.

The Historic Society races against time to raise funds through a poker tournament, offering prizes and catered meals.

This venerable structure's future hinges on saving its weathered facade from further decay, preserving the whispers of the past etched into its walls.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ST. JOHNS RIVERSHIP CO.
The 3 Henrys Uncovered: Whiskey Tasting and Local History Aboard Barbara Lee

Embark on Whiskey & Wisdom, a captivating historical tour aboard the Barbara Lee sternwheeler on Lake Monroe.

June's spotlight focuses on "The 3 Henrys" – Henry Plant, Henry Sanford, and Henry Flagler – and their indelible impact on Lake Monroe.

Indulge in a two-hour cruise paired with a riveting presentation by the Sanford Museum or Seminole County Museum on local history.

Occurring monthly on the second Wednesday (book now for June 12th), the experience is elevated by Loggerhead Distillery's whiskey tasting of five distinct libations, perfectly complemented by whiskey jam and baguettes. Yum!

An optional à la carte menu is available, but immerse yourself in local history, a relaxing cruise, and libations for just $35 per person (That’s all?). Taxes and gratuities extra.

An unforgettable voyage awaits.

THE SQUEEZE 🍊
From Blight to Bright: Osceola's Adaptive Reuse Renaissance

In the affordable housing crisis, Osceola County pioneers a revolutionary solution: adaptive reuse. By repurposing abandoned offices and vacant hotels, the county leads the nation in converting commercial spaces into desperately needed residential units.

RentCafé data reveals nearly 1,900 new homes projected through these transformative projects.

Nonprofits like Hope Partnership and city initiatives such as Kissimmee's Haven on Vine spearhead the charge, breathing new life into underutilized structures.

Thrive Studios exemplifies this ethos, offering affordable studios with on-site services in a former motel. Officials champion density, recognizing adaptive reuse leverages existing infrastructure while providing workforce housing.

With foresight and ingenuity, Osceola County reinvents ruins, forging vibrant communities from forgotten relics.

Tiki Temptation in Orlando's Newest Sultry Speakeasy

In Orlando, a captivating NEW speakeasy has emerged – Roka Hula (Insta), nestled within the Voodoo Bayhou (Insta) restaurant in Dr. Phillips.

This tiki-inspired gem exudes mystery and allure, enticing guests with its neon-pink bar and stylish ambiance.

With the kitchen helmed by Chef Mike Andrzejewski, a 3X James Beard semifinalist and a culinary luminary who’s graced the stages of "Beat Bobby Flay" and "Chopped," the Asian-inspired menu tantalizes with delicacies like sushi rolls, nigiri, baos, and hot and cold tapas.

Indulge in the decadent donut holes with Nutella, or sip the intriguing "Dead-lee" margarita from a striking snake cup.

With its unique ambiance, exceptional cuisine, and boundary-pushing ethos, Roka Hula promises an unforgettable journey into the realms of sophistication and delight, poised to captivate Orlando's discerning palates.

Eating Local, Dreaming Global

The Orlando Foodie Fest, hosted by Nikko Gomez (Food on The Spectrum), is a monthly celebration (1st Wednesday of each month aka THIS Wednesday) of local culinary talents and entrepreneurial spirits. Gomez meticulously curates a diverse array of vendors, considering their social media presence and unique flavors.

The event showcases global cuisines, like Gaucha Argentine Empanadas, run by Mariana Flindt, offering over 15 empanada varieties. Flindt credits the festival for her business's growth and exposure.

Gomez proactively promotes vendors, advertising their events and creating content. David Pagan, an event coordinator, praises Gomez's warmth and support for new businesses.

As popularity soars, they may expand the festival's frequency. Gomez encourages continuous improvement, embracing a "trial by error" mindset.

The Orlando Foodie Fest (Insta) fosters community, perseverance, and passion, becoming a beacon for aspiring entrepreneurs in the City Beautiful.

Ride DTO: Orlando's $595K Bet on Micro-Transit

Downtown Orlando's streets may soon see a fleet of on-demand electric shuttles ferrying riders for $1 per trip. 

The City of Orlando's Community Redevelopment Agency is considering a $595,000 plan from Circuit Transit Inc. to deploy five shuttles for 70 hours weekly. Check them out, here.

Billed as "Ride DTO," the micro-transit program aims to improve accessibility while boosting local businesses. However, concerns have emerged around such initiatives' ability to move large volumes efficiently and potential bias toward affluent areas over marginalized communities.

As Circuit prepares to report operational data, scrutiny intensifies over whether Orlando's experimental service can modernize transit equitably.

This saga highlights the complexities of evolving urban mobility without leaving any neighborhood behind.

TASTY NEWS 🧑‍🍳
Orlando Eateries On Their Way

1️⃣ Peach Cobbler Factory - Grandma's Cobbler Heads to Ocoee

Born from Juan and Tami Edgerton's passion for grandma's cobbler, Peach Cobbler Factory (Insta) expands from Nashville to Ocoee at 269 West Road - a sugary good time offering 12 cobbler varieties, banana puddings, cinnamon rolls, shakes and cookies with flavors from peach to caramel apple, though no official opening date has been announced yet.

2️⃣ Chapman & Chase Lounge - Flavors of Florida's Past Revived on Park Avenue

The Chapman & Chase Lounge, a 6,700-square-foot ode to Winter Park's founders, Loring Augustus Chase and Oliver Everett Chapman, at 500 S. Park Ave by Artistry Restaurants, celebrates Florida's bounty with fresh fish, locally raised beef, and citrus flair in a fin de siècle-inspired space, set to open this year.

3️⃣ Oza Izakaya - Sunset Izakaya Joins Orlando's Omakase Renaissance

Tim Liu, the mastermind behind Mikado and Boku, who unveils Oza Izakaya (Insta) this month - a twilight izakaya in Williamsburg at 5310 Central Florida Pkwy, inspired by Mount Fuji sunsets and Kyoto's post-work haunts, amidst a high-end omakase house and tasting menu wave reshaping the city's gastronomy.

#ORLANDOSIGNAL 📸

Beautiful City Hall

📷 via @thecitybeautiful |📍Downtown

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FOODIE FIND, FORK YEAH! 🤩
Lamp & Shade Craft Kitchen And Cocktails

📍1336 N Mills Ave, Orlando, Florida 32803, or map to this location, right here.

Orlando's culinary theater welcomed a show-stopping newcomer just last month - Lamp + Shade Craft Kitchen and Cocktails.

This Asian-inspired tapas eatery, located in the former Lamp Shade Fair store, has finally opened to rave reviews after months of anticipation. The boldly flavored small plates like charred baby bok choy and seafood hot pot share the spotlight with ingenious cocktail concoctions like Tony's Tiki Tea, a Thai tea-based libation.

Extended nightlife hours encourage lingering conversations over the creative cuisine and drinks. The stylish interior showcases (Insta) a mural by Sumner Mormeneo, while the exterior "Diversity Mural" by Cherie Bosela memorializes Pulse victims.

With its seductive flavors, Lamp + Shade promises to illuminate Orlando's dining scene like never before.

MORE PULP! 😎
Weekday things to check out

🔥 Presented by: Winter Park City Magazine, is hosting a June issue launch party Wednesday, June 5th from 6-8 p.m. at FORWARD/SLASH Distillery & Blending House. Come mingle and enjoy an evening with delicious drinks and great company. Grab your free tickets, right here.

> Starting Tuesday, check out CLUE at Dr. Phillips Center. Based on the cult 1985 Paramount movie and inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, Clue is the ultimate whodunit that will leave you dying of laughter and keep you guessing until the final twist. (More info)

> This Wednesday, head to Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, located at 411 Mercy Drive, for a night of philanthropy and fun with their “Do Good Date Night.” Do Good Date Night combines date night with volunteering. Have a fun night out while also making a difference in your community! (More info)

> This Thursday, Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Orlando. Get your tickets now to discover the music of 90s Unplugged at The Abbey under the gentle glow of candlelight. (More info)

> Anytime this week, Orlando’s largest sports bar is now open on I-Drive at the top floor of the Hollywood Plaza Garage entertainment complex. Tom’s Watch Bar features a central stadium screen paired with more than 150 additional screens, providing guests 360-degree views and virtual golf bays, so guests can hit the greens without going outside. And of course tons of food options. (More info)

> This Thursday, enjoy the Crooked Can Beer Dinner at the FastBreak Sports Bar at 6001 Destination Parkway Orlando. Indulge in a specially curated menu paired perfectly with Crooked Can Brewery beers. This in-person event promises a fun evening filled with great company and even better flavors. Don't miss out on this unique dining experience! (More info)

> This Friday, check out the Science of Cheesemaking in-person class at the UF IFAS Extension Orange County. In this hands-on cooking class, you will discover the basics of cheesemaking. Participants will prepare and sample homemade Fromage Facile. (More info)

🔥 Reminder: This Wednesday, June 5th from 6-8 p.m our media partner, Winter Park City Magazine, is hosting a June issue launch party at FORWARD/SLASH Distillery & Blending House. Grab your free tickets, right here. ➕ I’m attending this event (this is me) so come up and say HI. Come mingle and enjoy an evening with delicious drinks and great company.

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Thanks for reading! I’ll see you again on Thursday’s weekend fun issue.

My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal