United We Brunch

Good morning, Orlando! The fam spent last weekend in Boston with 36 degree temps. We had a great time touring Paul Revere’s house, dining at Ristorante Limoncello, and inhaling cannolis at Mike’s Pastry. But it was lovely returning to Orlando warmth!

In today’s Orlando Signal, Thursday (weekend fun) issue:

• Death in the Afternoon nails it

• United We Brunch

• Motor Lodge

• + lots of weekend recs

🛑 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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On with it!

- Philip

P.S. Happy birthday to Patrice Hildebrand 🎂

3 QUICK NEWS BITS ⏲️
Death in the Afternoon Nails It: A Hemingway-Inspired Bullseye

In Orlando's vibrant Mills 50 district, Death in the Afternoon, a moody absinthe house named after Ernest Hemingway's iconic novel, is hitting the bull's-eye with its ambitious concept and masterful execution.

Owner-bartenders Arthur Boothe and Julian Burgos have achieved remarkable success, seamlessly blending the Lost Generation with modern mixology through absinthe-forward libations like the French Pearl and the namesake Death in the Afternoon.

Chef Eric Norvelus, formerly of Primo and the Monroe, has firmly established himself as a culinary maestro, defying conventions with dishes like gnocchi in garlic cream sauce with P.E.I. mussels, delectable jamon pastries, and an ingenious chorizo burger.

Highlights include octopus braised in fennel and smoked pimentón, 23-day aged New York strip glazed in absinthe compound butter, and the fluffy Basque cheesecake.

Beyond culinary triumphs, Death in the Afternoon captures Hemingway's allure, inviting guests to immerse themselves in a "moveable feast" through its patina-textured ambiance and seamless interplay of literature, libations, and gastronomy.

Pastures to Preservation: Seminole's Yarborough Ranch Secured

In a historic move, Florida's cabinet secured the preservation of Seminole County's 1,361-acre Yarborough Ranch through the state's Florida Forever program. This marks the county's inaugural project under the visionary conservation initiative.

For generations, the Yarborough family nurtured this rural gem as a working cattle ranch, surrounded by existing protected lands like the Little Big Econ State Forest.

Now, the Florida Forest Service will oversee the property as an extension of the state forest, transitioning it from cattle operations to a realm of outdoor recreation and sustainable forestry.

The acquisition safeguards vital wildlife habitats, regional water resources, and the Geneva Freshwater Lens aquifer. Crucially, the Yarborough Ranch falls within the 18 million-acre Florida Wildlife Corridor, underscoring its ecological significance.

At a cost of over $34 million, this preservation effort symbolizes Florida's commitment to protecting its natural heritage for posterity. The Yarborough Ranch's transition from a working ranch to a cherished conservation area exemplifies the state's vision of nurturing its landscapes as invaluable treasures.

Check out more details below 👇

Florida's First Voices: A Profound Journey in Art

The powerful "Yaat Ya Oke" (Welcome Travelers) exhibition at Winter Park's Albin Polasek Museum transcends modern Florida to reveal the artistic voices of the state's First Nations people. But experience this captivating showcase soon - it closes on April 14th.

Over 20 Indigenous artists, spanning legendary muralist Jimmy Osceola to 9-year-old prodigy Shonayeh Tommie, merge tradition and innovation in a compelling cultural synthesis.

Vibrant digital works coexist with intricate beadwork and weaving, evoking a deep spiritual presence. In Wilson Bowers and Gordon Wareham's striking "Clan Mothers," ancestral figures fix their gaze upon the viewer.

As this artistic journey concludes, its impact lingers - a poignant reminder to honor the origins of this land, embrace the generational wisdom embedded in each piece, and strive to be worthy caretakers of an extraordinary cultural legacy.

Immerse yourself in the indelible artistic expressions of "Yaat Ya Oke" before this limited opportunity ends.

WEEKEND SPOT HIGHLIGHT 🔦
33rd Annual Florida Film Festival

📍Enzian Theater. 1300 South Orlando Avenue Maitland FL 32751. Map to this location.

🕐 April 12th-21st

Orlando eagerly awaits the 33rd annual Florida Film Festival, a remarkable celebration of cinema unfolding from April 12th-21st.

Enzian Theater and Regal Cinemas will host over 170 thought-provoking films from 41 countries, inviting audiences on "A Road Trip for Yer Mind." This diverse slate encompasses compelling narratives, insightful documentaries, dynamic shorts, and imaginative animated features.

Standout events include a screening of the cult classic "But I'm a Cheerleader" with actress Natasha Lyonne in attendance, and an evening of beloved comedy with John Cleese presenting "Monty Python and the Holy Grail."

Expect an exploration of creativity, emotion, and the human experience. Whether a devoted cinephile or a casual moviegoer, this festival promises a journey through the art of storytelling on the silver screen.

TOP 3 FUN RECS FOR THE WEEKEND 🍊
”United We Brunch” at Lake Eola

📍Lake Eola. 512 E Washington St, Orlando, FL 32801. Map to this location.

🕐 Saturday, April 13th at 12 p.m.

Brace yourselves for an adventure in the heart of Orlando's picturesque Lake Eola.

The city's top brunch destinations have united to curate the Ultimate Brunch Extravaganza, a one-day celebration of indulgence and revelry. Prepare to graze endlessly on an array of brunch delicacies, complemented by a free-flowing selection of Bloody Marys, beer, mimosas, and handcrafted cocktails.

As you savor each bite and sip, live entertainment will set the mood, creating a vibrant atmosphere that seamlessly blends culinary delights with the joy of music.

The best part? This all-inclusive feast comes at an irresistibly low price, ensuring an unforgettable experience without breaking the bank.

Pssst. There’s people who can’t go selling their tickets on Facebook at a discount, right here. 😃

Soulful Melodies at Judson's Live: An Intimate Evening with Madison McFerrin

📍Judson’s Live. 445 South Magnolia Avenue Orlando, FL 32801. Map to this location.

🕐 Sunday, April 14th at 5 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Step into Judson's Live, Dr. Phillips Center's intimate music venue inspired by legendary listening rooms. Enjoy a 90-minute experience with a 50-minute performance by independent artist Madison McFerrin, complemented by craft cocktails and small plates.

Madison's distinct vocals blend acapella, self-harmonizing, and genres like R&B, pop, soul, and jazz. Her music explores inner liberation, intuition, and social issues, drawing inspiration from artists like Stevie Wonder and Erykah Badu.

More than just a performer, Madison prioritizes community-building. Her shows offer a stylish, relaxed atmosphere to appreciate her soulful artistry and connect with fellow music lovers.

Discover this unique experience at Judson's Live.

As the cool kids say, she’s “FIRE 🔥.” 👇

The Morse Museum's Neon Night Awakens a Vintage Marvel

📍The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, 445 North Park Avenue. Map to this location.

🕐 Friday, April 12th at 6:00 p.m.

The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art hosts a one-night-only "Neon Night" extravaganza on April 12th. For the first time, they'll showcase the Orange Court Motor Lodge neon sign from their private collection, dormant for over 30 years.

This vintage marvel adorned the façade of the illustrious 1920s Orange Court Hotel, boasting 275 rooms and Central Florida's first indoor pool. Designed by Atlanta architect G. Lloyd Preacher, it stood as a Downtown Orlando icon until demolition in 1990.

The museum has amassed and restored neon signs from the region for decades, yet kept them from public view - until now. From 7-9 pm, the Orange Court's sign will blaze again under the night sky after a special 6 pm "Color and Light" gallery tour.

Witness this revival as the museum displays a dazzling piece of local history.

MORE WEEKEND HAPPENINGS 🎭 🥁 

Friday:

• Silvestre Dangond | 6 p.m. | Downtown | $47.99-$117.49 (link)

• Taylor Acorn: GOOD ENOUGH TOUR | 6 p.m. | Downtown | $20 (link)

• AI Across Creative Frontiers | 6:30 p.m. | Downtown | Free (link)

• Bit Brigade | 7 p.m. | South Eola | $17 (link)

• Yoga & Beats | 7 p.m. | Thornton Park | $20 (link)

• Hippocrene Saxophone Quartet | 7 p.m. | Downtown | $15 (link)

• Zoya Zafar (Sundown Sessions) | 7 p.m. | Mills 50 | Free (link)

• Harold López-Nussa: Timba a la Americana | 7 & 9:30 p.m. | Downtown | $45 (link)

• UCF Choirs: An Evening of Consolation and Hope featuring Brahms' Requiem | 7:30 p.m. | Downtown | $25 (link)

Saturday:

• Collective Corner Local Pop-up Market | 12 p.m. | Ivanhoe Village | Free (link)

• Florida Prison Education Project Talk | 1 p.m. | Downtown | Free (link)

• Motor Madness By Orlando Car Club | 1 p.m. | Downtown | $37.45 (link)

• Virginia Drive Live | 5 p.m. | Ivanhoe Village | Free-$5 (link)

• Kindred Pear April Night Market | 6 p.m. | Thornton Park | Free (link)

• Deko with Yameii & Friends Odyssey 1 Tour | 6 p.m. | Downtown | $28 (link)

• JK and The Contraband | 6:30 p.m. | Mills 50 | Free (link)

• The Art Party | 7 p.m. | Winter Park Area | $70-$1600 (link)

• Jazz’n Blues Concert | 7 p.m. | Audubon Park | $25-$30 (link)

• Elements presents Lou Gorbea | 9 p.m. | Milk District | $13 (link)

• Absolutely Avalon | 5 p.m. | Avalon Park | Free (link)

Sunday:

• The 19th Annual Orlando VisionWalk | 10 a.m. | Edgewood | Free (link)

• Opera and Art Songs around the World | 2 p.m. | Downtown | Free (link)

• Bynx Author Series: Vanessa Frances | 2 p.m. | Downtown | Free (link)

• National Young Composers Challenge | 12 p.m. | Downtown | Free (link)

• Aquisito Nomas! – Carnavales en Peru! | 3:30 p.m. | Mills 50 | $25 (link)

• Something Corporate: Out Of Office Tour | 8 p.m. | I-Drive/Universal | $51-$66 (link)

THANKS!

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We’ll see you on Monday.

My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal