We have news out of Winter Garden. Kevin and Laurie Tarter, owners of Chef’s Table at the Edgewater and other WG venues, have announced the hiring of Crystal Womelsdorf as executive chef. David Lampman will continue on at the popular restaurant as chef de cuisine. (Womelsdorf is pictured above at right with the Tarters.)

This is a homecoming of sorts for Womelsdorf, who had worked with the Tarters when they were on the staff at California Grill and joined them when they started their chef table concept 12 years ago this month.

As reported earlier this week, Spoleto Italian Kitchen, the South American-born chain of quick-serve restaurants, appeared to have closed all of its Central Florida locations. At the time of publication, none of the chain’s representatives were available for comment. Friday, managing partner Laura Henderson returned a call to confirm that indeed the restaurants are permanently closed. She cited the pandemic as the reason for the shutdown, noting that the parent company is in Brazil, which is currently being hard hit by the coronavirus.

This is a first-time category for our Foodster Awards for Independent Restaurants, but it somehow seems a natural choice: Best Takeout.

During the nominating phase, you may vote for up to three candidates. Voting will continue through June 3. The restaurants receiving the most votes will advance to the finals.

When deciding whom to vote for, consider the food, of course, but also consider the takeout experience. Give special consideration to the restaurants that have had to reconfigure their business model to provide takeout during the pandemic.

Click Read More to see the list of nominees and to vote.