Robert Earl is adding more Italian restaurants to his portfolio. But instead of filling out his Buca di Beppo and Bertucci’s Brick Oven Pizzeria brands, he plans to purchase a number of Brio and Bravo restaurants.

Ceviche, the tapas bar and restaurant, has closed its downtown Orlando location. The company made the announcement on its Facebook page Tuesday, blaming the closure to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Ceviche will immediately cease operations permanently in Orlando. The closure is very disappointing for all involved. From the bottom of our heart, thank you for the memories, loyalty and support over the past ten years. We are incredibly grateful to all of our guests and team members– thank you.”

Took a trip to check out Disney Spings, the dining and retail complex that was the first part of the resort to reopen, and found it a shell of its former self. It appeared that there are more venues that remain closed than are open.

Few guests, too, which was fine by me. I didn’t relish finding myself in scrum of people jostling about, even in a place that requires everyone to wear a mask. (More on masks in a moment.) People seemed to just wander. There was little to look at and the mood seemed depressing. Yes, dismal.

But I was anxious to see how Disney was handling the reopening; maybe it would give an insight into how the theme parks will be put back into play. And I was determined to have my first dine-in experience – more like a dine-at experience because I was determined to sit outside – since March 12.

I try to get to New York a few times a year, but always – always – in December. The city is magical during the holidays, with all the lights, decorations and of course the fabulous food.

I want to show it to you.

Join Art In Voyage and me as your host as we explore New York City’s many foodie experiences this December. Perfect for some last minute shopping or to get inspired for your holidays meals, this 4 night/5 day escape includes:

• The grand folks at Grande Lakes are aiming for an Aug. 1 debut of Knife & Spoon, the steakhouse to be fronted by Dallas chef John Tesar. I’ve been assured that when the restaurant opens, it will offer a full array of flatware. Since K & S is still under construction, the owners have the advantage to open with the appropriate amount of spacing between tables rather than having to reconfigure it. The Ritz-Carlton itself is planning to reopen to guests on July 1, so that means other restaurants, including Highball & Harvest, will be back in operation.
• Knife & Spoon, of course, is taking over the space that had been occupied for so many years by Norman’s, the upscale restaurant from celebrity chef Norman Van Aken. The website for Norman’s is promising a summer 2020 opening on Sand Lake Boulevard, which sounds so much grander than Sand Lake Road. It’s going in to the former Bravo Italian restaurant space at the Dellagio.

Last call to vote for Best Takeout 2020.

Voting ends Sunday, June 14, at midnight. Click Read More to see the finalists and to place your vote.