Tyler Kineman has been promoted to the position of chef de cuisine at the newly Michelin-starred Knife & Spoon at the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes. He replaces Gerald Sombright who recently left to accept the position of executive chef at The Club at the Dunes in Naples.

Kineman was previously banquet chef at the Ritz-Carlton and was was Knife & Spoon’s sous chef when the restaurant opened in 2020. The chef de cuisine serves under executive chef John Tesar, who is based in Dallas.

I’ve heard of ghost kitchens but in this case I’m the one who got ghosted.

Pop’s Pizzeria, which moved into the former Tako Cheena space when that restaurant moved to the former Forbidden City spot down the block, has a very nice online ordering system. I used it the other night to order a pizza for pickup, chose my pie and the size I wanted, then checked out, gave my credit card details and even added a tip even though I had had no human contact to that point.

I still haven’t. When I arrived at the time I requested to have the order ready, the Mills 50 restaurant was closed. Another couple who had also placed an order online were standing at the gated and locked back door, too, trying to call the restaurant. But no one answered and the voicemail was not accepting messages.

I’ve disputed my charge with American Express and I’m sure it will be resolved. I still don’t know what’s going on with Pop’s but in the meantime, caveat orderer.

The most annoying thing about it all was that I was planning on pizza for dinner. Driving home I passed Eola Lounge and decided to stop in. I’ll have my review soon.

The next category in our Foodster Awards for Independent Restaurants is Best Tacos.

Below are the preliminary nominees. You may vote for up to three candidates. Those getting the most votes will advance to the finals.

You may also write in a candidate. But remember, Foodster Awards are only for Independent Restaurants, defined as those with three or fewer locations. (Sorry, Tin & Taco, you’ve graduated.) Chains are not eligible and any write-ins that do not qualify will be deleted.

Also, do not write in the name of a restaurant that already appears on the list. Duplicates will be deleted along with any additional votes they’ve received.

Nominations will be accepted through Friday, Sept. 12. Finalists will be announced Sept 15.

After voting, leave a comment telling us which restaurant you voted for and why. We may use your comments when the winners are announced.

Here are the nominees for Best Outdoor Dining 2022: