🐔 Orlando's newest hot chicken spot is jammin'

Plus, Torchy's Tacos is coming to Central Florida and a third anime-themed restaurant opens up near UCF.

By Katie Johnston

Happy Hump Day, Orlando. 

As longtime readers know, on Wednesdays we stick to a food and drink theme around here. And today’s no different. 

It just so happens that I found myself on a call explaining Orlando’s culinary scene to a friend yesterday. I was practically gushing I had so much to tell them about — they were so surprised and couldn’t believe that the “city of Mickey Mouse” had such an abundance of culinary goodness to offer — do you often find yourself doing the same? Defending Orlando to outsiders? 

Anyway, one read through today’s newsletter and you’ll be able to zip any naysayers’ lips up in no time. 

Let’s get to it, shall we? 

Chew on this Orlando

🌮 Torchy’s Tacos is coming to the City Beautiful. The popular Austin, Texas-based chain known for its “damn good tacos” started as a food truck in 2006 and now has brick-and-mortars in 10 states. Florida is next in line, and a Torchy’s location is set to open in Altamonte Springs next summer with another slated for near Vineland Pointe Mall in the fall. (Orlando Weekly) 

🐓 Tacos aren’t the only thing Orlandoans can’t get enough of — we also really love our chicken sandwiches! What a year they’ve had, right? Well, pandemic pop-up Jam Hot Chicken has moved into a permanent space in the former Sausage Shack in Hannibal Square in Winter Park. Fortunately, you won’t have to wait long to order up — the popular Nashville and LA-inspired hot chicken sandwich spot officially opened yesterday. (Orlando Sentinel) 

🍜 Speaking of openings, anime-themed ramen restaurant Soupa Saiyan is opening its third location today, this time in the UCF-area. You can check it out at 11325 University Blvd., about a mile east of campus. Today’s hours are 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. (WKMG) 

🍽 The Dinner Party Project is hosting its last dinner of the season tonight, and there are still two seats left if you’re interested in attending. It’s a four-course, four-beverage sit-down meal with seven strangers around a beautifully set dinner table., It’ll cost you a cool $80, and you can snag your ticket right here. (The Dinner Party Project on Instagram) 

🌟 You’ve heard the news by now — the Michelin Guide is coming to Florida next year. But have you thought about what that might mean for local chefs? And how a Michelin star could increase their business by 20% or how three could double it? Head over to the link to hear more from James Beard-nominated Kabooki Sushi Chef Henry Moso. 👉 (News 13) 

🍸 Orlando’s culinary scene isn’t the only thing we should be proud of — our drink scene goes down pretty well too. Mixologists like Arthur Boothe have helped to put us on the map over the years — Get a taste of what he’s serving up and check out the drink he concocted for last weekend’s anniversary of Repeal Day. (Orlando Sentinel) 

🌽 There’s a new leader at the helm of Second Harvest Food Bank. Derrick Chubbs, once a big-time tech exec, is moving from his current position as the president and CEO of Central Texas Food Bank to replace outgoing CEO Dave Krepcho. Chubb’s first day on the job is Jan. 3. (Orlando Sentinel) 

🍗 Do you too have a stepmom who grosses you out by telling you stories of how much she and her mama would eat (and enjoy!) liver as a kid? How about someone who still loves it up to this day — no? Just me? Well, Orlando Sentinel’s Amy Drew Thompson set out to find the best place to order a tasty helping of liver and onions, and you don’t have to look further than the iconic Nikki’s Place in Parramore. (Orlando Sentinel) 

Things to do

Submit your events to our calendar.

Today

🍽️ Surprise guests! Surprise menu! Four-courses! Four beverages! These are the things this dinner party is made of and you're invited (East Orlando)

🎁 Enjoy a live production of the holiday classic, "A Christmas Carol", at Orlando Shakes thru Dec. 24 (Loch Haven Park)

♻️ Do the environment a favor and consider making your holiday gifts this year. Check out this D.I.Y Gift Workshop and accessory exchange happening at Orlando Brewing (SoDo)

Tomorrow

💻 Get expert advice from Goodwill about the most effective job search techniques for opportunities that fit your skills and interest (Online)

🍷 Sip jolly drinks and shop local vendors at the Griswold Family Sip & Shop at Grape & the Grain (Ivanhoe)

Friday

🍸 Get your tickets for the annual 12 Bars of Christmas Pub Crawl to some of your favorite watering holes (Downtown)

✨ Save the date for the holiday tradition of drinking cocoa and listening to Christmas tunes while the lights go live on the Hannibal Square Heritage Center (Winter Park)

🎭 Enjoy a free outdoor community concert by our friends at Opera Orlando of their new production, "The Secret River" (Milk District)

Saturday

🖼 Don't miss out on your opportunity to meet the legendary local artists the Florida Highwaymen at this morning meet-and-greet (Downtown)

🍿Treat yourself to an afternoon viewing of the holiday classic "It's a Wonderful Life" at the Enzian (Maitland)

👗 Consider this your invite to the 3rd Annual Ultimate Fashion Show for charity (East Colonial)

🎅 Wake up the fam and head to Wekiva Island for breakfast with Santa (Longwood)

🍸 Celebrate the holidays at the Approximately 12 Pubs of Christmas Pub Crawl! (Mills 50)

Sunday

🎟 Add a little whimsy to your weekend with Mythical Mornings at the Museum! Take a fun look into Florida fantasy while enjoying light brunch refreshments and drinks (Downtown)

🍿 Watch "The Santa Clause" at this week's outdoor movie night happening at Wekiva Island (Longwood)

Monday

🌿 DIY — Learn about bright blooms and other plants that thrive locally both as natural dye products as well as cut flowers and make a silk scarf and bud vase arrangement to take home using materials harvested from the culinary garden (College Park)

🎻 Celebrate the holidays with The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra's presentation of "Holiday Baroque with Rimma" at The Plaza Live (Milk District)

😂 Laugh your socks off for a good cause at this annual comedy night/toy drive event happening at Harry Buffalo (Downtown)

Tuesday

🍿Make it a date and watch the holiday classic "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" at the Enzian (Maitland)

One more thing...

Want to help settle a heated debate? As you may already know — and as referenced in today’s newsletter — Orlando loves its chicken, and there’s a certain road where you can sample a lot of it with chicken places on every block. The question is: would you consider that area to be a chicken strip? Or is it a cock block? 

I know, I know — I’m hitting you with the heavy questions today, but I definitely got a laugh out of Brendan from Bungalower’s post and thought you would too. Take a vote, or just laugh at the comments, by clicking right here. 

‘Til tomorrow, friends. 

– ✌️ Katie at Pulptown

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