When the news is as grim as it has been recently, with war, inflation, a persistent pandemic that threatens another wave, and gas prices – good god, don’t forget the gas prices – we look for the glimmers that remind us we are civilized and innovative people, and we know that not only will life go on, it will be better, and the world will once again be envious of our American lifestyle.
Which is all to say that Shake Shack is opening its first Florida location with a drive-thru window. So now, instead of standing in a line of humans who all have been tricked into thinking the New York chain has magical burgers – I mean, they must be special because New Yorkers, who are born with an innate sense of what good food is, will wait in line for hours for one – Central Floridians can queue up and idle in the comfort of their automobiles. (Did I mention gas prices? I meant to mention gas prices.)
What’s more, you just know that on Thursday, Mar.24, when the drive-thru window opens at Vineland Pointe, dozens of people will drive dozens of miles, likely passing one of the other four Shake Shack locations, just for the privilege of being among the first to have a burger and a milkshake handed to them through a window. Because apparently this has not been possible before this.
Housekeeping note: World Famous House of Mac, a Miami restaurant that you know is world famous because it says so right in the name, is opening a location in SoDo in a former Pizza Hut hut. Besides macaroni and cheese, the menu will feature chicken and waffles, burgers and and pizza. You know, innovative stuff. WFHofM is owned by Derrick Turton, who is the former manager of the singer Pitbull.
Speaking of pitbulls, you can take yours to Pints N’ Paws Craft Beer Festival in Sanford on Saturday, Mar. 26, from 2 to 6 p.m. Details and ticket buying opportunities here.
Just to prove it’s a dog’s world, Pup Paw-ty, a Mills 50 event, will be Sunday, April 10, from 1 to 5 p.m. Purchase a wrist band for $5 at Quantum Leap Winery then stroll with your dog to participating food and drink venues for specials.
Häos–flipping note. Häos on Church, which took over the Church Street Station space that had been Lion’s Pride, has a new owner and is under new management, mainly because the new owner fired the old management. Name and concept to stay the same.
The Southeast Steel demonstation kitchen is shaping up. Take a look here.
If you’ve ever wondered what Oviedo tastes like (I’m guessing salty with a hint of nasturtiums), you can find out this Saturday, Mar. 26, at the Taste of Oviedo. It’s at the Oviedo Mall from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free admission and parking.
Drive-thru not available.
