Chew on this, Orlando
🔥 East End Market is revamping its second floor and launching a hot new concept in its place. The Neighbors is a joint initiative from long-term residents in the food hall including Jacob Zepf of Freehand Goods, East End Market owner John Rife, Domu's Sonny Nguyen, and restaurateurs Johnny and Jimmy Tung. Look forward to a local makers' retail space, chef’s incubator and tasting table, and cocktail lounge all in one. (WKMG)
🍽 New restaurants are cool and all, but when’s the last time you took a visit to an OG eatery like Linda’s La Cantina? Our pals over at Orlando Weekly rounded up 28 of the longest-running Central Florida restaurants in town, and it’s worth putting in your back pocket. (Orlando Weekly)
🍜 While Bite 30 is coming to an end, Magical Dining is just about to get started. The annual five-week-long foodie extravaganza from Visit Orlando kicks off Aug. 27 and runs through Oct. 3 and will feature three-course prix-fixe meals for $37 per person at more than 80 participating restaurants. (Bungalower)
🍻 Speaking of good things coming to an end, we regret to inform you that Finnhenry's is closing its doors after 13 years. The downtown bar is where I personally forged a lot of great friendships and took one too many dirty Henry's. Want one last hoorah? Check 'em out before they close up shop this Saturday. (Finnhenry's on Instagram)
🍕 From Sriracha shrimp and bacon cheeseburgers to strawberries, bananas, and marshmallows, what can’t you find on pizza these days? Check out this list of 15 of the area’s most over-the-top ‘zas. (Orlando Weekly)
🇲🇳 The same folks who brought King Bao, Matcha House, Poke Hana, and Chi-Kin to Mills 50 are now bringing a Mongolian barbecue joint to the strip. The Mongolorian will open in the former Firehouse Subs location on Colonial Drive later this year and will serve Mongolian barbecue bowls. (Orlando Weekly)
🍌 You will go bananas over the goodies from Phatash Bakes. The “bananas gone wild” cookies are 1/2 banana and salted caramel dough, 1/2 chocolate and fudge brownie dough, stuffed with chewy delicious caramel, and topped with creamy sea salt caramel candy. (We’re drooling over here 😋) Don’t miss the weekly flavor drops from bakers Ash and Izzy, ready to order every Saturday. (@phatashbakes on Instagram)
