- It’s starting to look like it’s going to be a race in 2019 to see which concept becomes more dominant in Central Florida, ramen or poke. Pokéworks puts its bid in with a new location in the Stonehill Plaza in Oviedo. As part of its grand opening celebration, it is offering poke bogos on Saturday, Feb. 2. Also, I’m told, the first 50 customers that day will receive “a coveted Pokéworks branded coconut.” I can’t imagine what that is and I’m afraid to meet someone who might covet one.
- Kona Poké has opened in Lake Mary. It will celebrate its opening on Fri., Jan. 25, with food specials. There is no mention of coconuts.
- Also Friday, Paddlefish at Disney Springs will offer Seafood Secrets Cooking Class with executive chef Steve Richard. Cooked seafood — what a concept. Cost is $60 per person. You must bring your own coconut.
- Cafe de France on Park Avenue will host a dinner featuring Rhone wines on Thursday, Jan. 31. Cost is $72. Cafe de France has been around a long time and has been oft reviewed. It recently received what an email described as a “raving review” from Orlando Family Magazine.
- As I predicted, Adobe Gila’s, one of the first bar/restaurants to open at Pointe Orlando, is closing. Of course, I predicted it would close back in 1998, but still.
- Brendan O’Connor of Bungalower and Jon Busdeker of Orlando 60 are co-hosting a Valentine’s Day dinner at Orlando Meats that will feature a menu consisting of various hearts, which causes us to wonder who hurt them so deeply. The 7 p.m. dinner will feature pairings from Digress Wine. Tickets are $100 plus tax and there are only for eight couples or 16 members of the Lonely Hearts club. Get your tickets before they’re gone or you can just eat your heart out.
- “The popcorn technique you won’t find on the internet.” (A headline recently spotted on the internet.)
