Maria & Enzo's to Open Alongside Enzo's Hideaway at Disney Springs

1486 Buena Vista Drive.

Orlando, FL 32830

Nick Valenti, CEO of Patina Restaurant Group (PRG), confirmed plans to open three new modern Italian restaurant and bar concepts at Disney Springs this winter.

The restaurants, which are all new concepts created by PRG, each with unique menus, will form an expansive dining complex showcasing authentic Italian food and entertainment. They will be adjacent to The Edison, the lavish “Industrial Gothic”-style destination also being developed by PRG.

“I’m delighted to announce that we will be opening a trattoria named Maria & Enzo’s, as well as Enzo’s Hideaway, a separate restaurant in what were said to be rum-running tunnels, which is destined to become a local favorite,” said Valenti. “They are inspired by the cuisines of Sicily and Rome, the Italian family, and the best of Italian modern cooking.”

The new concepts tie into the Disney Springs storyline of a restored Florida waterfront town. “Our inspiration is to bring unforgettable food and wine from Italy to Florida, with the stunning scenery you only find at Disney,” said Valenti.

Maria & Enzo’s – an Italian trattoria set in the town’s storied abandoned airline terminal from the 1930s, will now be transformed into a restaurant. The dining room is open and airy, featuring 50-foot ceilings with views of Lake Buena Vista. The restaurant interiors showcase artifacts that reference air travel of the time, with maps and historic flight paths.

The menu is inspired by Sicily, with a range of family-friendly dishes – Arancini di Carne (rice balls stuffed with meat), Melanzane Parmigiana (eggplant Parmesan) – and handmade pastas – Busiate con Granchio (spiral pasta with crab), ‘Ncasciata al Forno (Sicilian baked pasta) – served tableside. Other highlights include fresh fish, richly flavored steaks and chops.

Enzo’s Hideaway is a speakeasy inspired by Roman aperitivo bars, located in the storied rum-runner tunnels that adjoin Maria & Enzo’s.

Building off of Florida’s true history of rum running, Enzo’s Hideaway will pour Prohibition-era cocktails at its Tunnel Bar and serve a casual menu of hearty Roman dishes, such as the city’s legendary Bucatini alla Carbonara (hollow spaghetti with creamy egg and pancetta sauce) and Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe (square-cut spaghetti with pecorino and black pepper).

Pizza Ponte will be a fast-casual concept and the perfect place for a quick bite serving pastries, pizza, Italian sandwiches, and espresso. Pastry specialties include Bomboloni (Italian doughnuts) Sfoglia di Riso (pastry with rice cream) and Tiramisu. Savory items include signature Triangolo (stuffed pizza bread) sandwiches, Porchetta (roast pork) and Pizza al Taglio, Sicilian-style pizza by the slice.

Maria & Enzo’s, Enzo’s Hideaway and Pizza Ponte are slated to open during this winter. For more information on Patina Restaurant Group visit http://www.patinagroup.com.

Patina Restaurant Group is a bicoastal boutique company and leader in the premium segment of the restaurant industry. In New York, its portfolio features such restaurants as Lincoln Ristorante, STATE Grill and Bar at the Empire State Building. Other East Coast properties include Tutto Italia Ristorante and Via Napoli at the Epcot World Showcase in Lake Buena Vista and Morimoto Asia Orlando at Disney Springs.

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Oblivion Taproom

5101 E Colonial Drive
Orlando, FL 32828
(407)802-4800
View Website Here

One of my original blog posts, way back in 2011 was about the all new Oblivion Taproom,  opened up and owned originally by Missy Jahn and Pete Wesenberg. They employed at that time Chef Jim “Goody” Goodman, who now works on the west coast.

Following a short closing in 2016, there was an announcement that Oblivion Taproom would reopen under new ownership of long time patron, Shawn Paris. The past owners of Oblivion announced that they would be closing suddenly at the end of January, that was then followed by news announced a few days later that it would be reopening soon under new ownership.

I've been several times since the change, and figured I would go check them out on a Thursday night with a couple of friends for an official updated review.

Shawn Paris has worked hard to keep the space and the ambiance that made Oblivion unique the same, but has added a few improvements, including added foot rails, new beer lines, and a paired down menu.

Oblivion boasts the Top Prize for Best Pub Grub of 2016 from Orlando Weekly, with a menu that includes over Fifteen different burger creations and either Regular, or Smoked Wings with a selection of over twenty two different seasonings and sauces, including a super secret Sweet sauce crafted from grandpa's family recipe.

The inside is still very spacious with an open dining room that has about fourteen hundred sq ft., that is big enough for any event or party. The decorations are still remnant of when they first opened with skulls and crossbones, and lots of cool but dark artwork, that is perfect for a craft beer and burger bar. Aside of nightly events, they also have five arcade games, two dart boards and a pool table.

Oblivion prides itself on diversity and that starts with a wide selection of beverages. With over forty rotating taps, one hundred various bottled & canned brews, ten plus meads and five different wines, there is something for everyone. Also new is a selection of thirty five different liquors, as they were strict craft brews only at first opening.
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The Midnight Espresso Porter from Motorworks Brewing was pretty good and a good pick me up too.

Mac Bites are basically balls of Mac & Cheese deep fried and topped with creamy Alfredo sauce and served with your choice of hot sauce.These were very tasty and gobbled up by our table.

Although, some of the menu has been scaled back, they still have some crazy and outrageous burgers, like the Godzilla. The Godzilla Burger is a house patty glazed in teriyaki, topped with fried pork belly and a wasabi aioli sauce. Pretty wild, but the flavors worked.

Beer comes in bottles, cans and on draught at Oblivion. This High Stepper IPA from my favorite craft brewery, Crooked Can was a very good beer with the tots and burgers, but it did take almost 20 minutes to get, because apparently there were no cold ones available.

The Magic Mushroom Burger is topped with a grilled balsamic portabella. My guest chose the wedges with garlic Parmesan seasoning for a side.

The Ringer is quite a burger creation as well with a country fried burger topped with house chicken fried bacon, beer cheese sauce, and a mac bite.

Our service was a bit slow, and the canned beer not being ready were a bit of a letdown. Overall we all enjoyed our visit here, but I would be lying if I didn't say, that this visit wasn't overly impressive.

I still really like Oblivion, and wish them well, because the restaurant industry can be brutal, and its good to see a local non chain spot keep fighting the good fight. 

They are always a fun place to grab some really good beers, decent food, and have a fun time just looking around at all the artwork and the vibe they still maintain there.

Throughout the week you can catch various live performances and a Thursday Karaoke Night as well as a Saturday Acoustic Night with both starting at 9:00pm and lasting until Midnight. Oblivion often has lots of themed parties too, for movies, TV shows, and sci fi fanatics alike.

Oblivion Taproom is open Tuesday through Thursday from 4:00pm until 12:00am. They are closed on Monday. Friday and Saturday they are open until 2:00 am, and on Saturday and Sunday, they serve brunch from 11:00 am until 2:00pm.

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Orange County Brewers

131 N Orange Ave.
Orlando, FL 32801
(407) 914-2831
View Website Here

If you remember, back in March I told you that “Something exciting is brewing in Downtown Orlando", as Orange County Brewers was getting set up to be new residents in Downtown Orlando.

Now, OCB as I like to call it, is fully open and brewing some pretty damn good beers in Orlando’s only downtown craft brewery.

The idea of Orange County Brewers arose from a team of rogue entrepreneurs looking to solve a problem: Finding craft beer in Downtown Orlando with brews that quench their thirst for unique flavors in a welcoming Sunshine State atmosphere.

Drawing from over a decade of success in owning and operating hospitality hot spots, the group quickly came up with a concept that celebrates an adventurous spirit with brews fit for fueling an active Florida lifestyle, brainstorming a new big idea, and exploring everything in between.

Located on the corner of Orange Avenue and Jefferson Street, the 3,400 square-foot full service brewery/brew pub is brewing a variety of different styles of beer, including Ales, Lagers, Pilsner, Stouts, IPA’s, Hefeweizen and Porters, plus they also feature a craft pizza kitchen called “Orlando Pizza and Wing Co.”

Behind the brewery is Head Brewer Amanda Roberts, joined by Owners Jeremy Roberts and Travis Barr, who have been putting together the Orange County Brewers (OCB) concept for over two years. They have both been in the hospitality industry for over 10 years and combined have owned and operated over 10 concepts.

Inside the brewery is a modern and industrial design that features exposed brick walls, an open design with dark wood accents, long tables with group interior seating and outdoor seating via patios in the front and rear of the establishment.

Artwork abounds inside as well with decorative painting on the walls, hand made beer flight holders and some really cool artwork on the ceiling.

“We are very excited to finally open our new concept, which we’ve been working on for the last few years,” says Owner Jeremy Roberts. “OCB is the only brewery in the Downtown Entertainment District. We are very grateful to the City of Orlando Economic Development for working with us on this project, and we look forward to welcoming beer lovers and creating many new ones throughout the region.”

While Amanda is busy brewing beers, the food is handled by Orlando Pizza and Wing Company. They serve up a variety of pizza’s, fresh baked sandwiches using the pie crust for the bread, and some very good smoked wings with a large variety of sauces.

Whether you’re raising a beer to a bold experience or experimental business, OCB has a brew for you in mind. The bar is very open and inviting and a current on taps list is displayed on an LED screen above, as well as a daily printed out list available at each seat.

Some behind the scenes looks at the brewery.

Here we can see some of Amanda’s latest creations getting ready to be served … Like Son of a Witch… a special Halloween IPA brew.

A beer flight with Green Tea IPA, Coco-mon Porter, Dankster of Love, The Go To Blonde Ale, and a Key Lime Chameleon Cream.

Here's another flight of awesome beers at Orange County Brewers with Grapefruit Pale Ale, OB'Session IPA, 81 IPA, Ginga Beat Saizon, and a Percolator Coffee Milk Stout. The coffee milk stout is dangerous and so good all at once.

The Smoked Wings available from Orlando Pizza and Wing Company are super jumbo, and super delicious.

At OCB and Orlando Pizza and Wing Company, you can Choose from over 20 specialty pies or create a topping recipe of your own. This is the Tree Hugger Pie with fresh Mozzarella, tomatoes, artichoke hearts, olives, goat cheese and crunchy onion straws.

The Area 51 Pie features spicy sausage, ham, pineapple and jalapenos.

The Joey Bada Bing is a bit more simple in design, with meatballs, sausage and pepperoni.

Orange County Brewers is open for lunch and into the night hours daily. They offer tours, and Brewer-in-Chief Amanda Roberts plans multiple group activities each week that will involve education for anyone who would like to learn more about beer. OCB beers will also be distributed via City Beverages. 

This is a really cool spot, and so far the only brewery in the downtown district. The beers made here are flavorful and really hit all the flavor notes with a nice variety. Stop by sometime time and say hello to Amanda and the staff at OCB.

For more news and information on OCB, visit www.theocbrewers.com and www.facebook.com/orangecountybrewers.

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Norman Van Aken to Open New Wynwood Restaurant and Cooking School

50 NW 24th Street
Miami, FL 33127

View Website Here

Southbound Hospitality Announces the Opening of: Three Restaurant and No. 3 Social Rooftop Bar & Lounge in Wynwood Arcade with Celebrated American Chef Norman Van Aken.

Southbound Hospitality Group is pleased to announce two distinctive food and beverage experiences opening in the city’s vibrant Wynwood neighborhood. No. 3 Social is set to open later this October with restaurant Three to follow.

Located in Wynwood Arcade, on 50 NW 24th Street, the restaurant, rooftop bar and lounge is located next to the soon to be opened cooking school, In the Kitchen with Norman Van Aken. 

The concept will pay homage to the Magic City, its colorful history and culinary spirit. The legendary Floridian Chef Norman Van Aken, known as the founding father of New World Cuisine will lead the culinary program, and celebrated hospitality veterans Susan Buckley and Candace Walsh will oversee the business operations of the venture they have worked so hard to bring to life.

“I am very thrilled to be a part of a hospitality project of this nature, we believe that it’s the first of its kind in Miami,” says Van Aken. “I love being involved with Southbound Hospitality Group because we share a philosophy of building communities, a commitment to outstanding service and food, and a drive to offer unique experiences to Miami.”

Three, the flagship restaurant in Wynwood Arcade, is both energetic and welcoming, and surrounds guests with the nature and art-infused inspirations of Florida culture. Three has 100 seats, including a 10-seat chef’s counter where guests can get a close up view of the craftsmanship and artistry of the culinary team.

Chef Norman Van Aken guides this personalized and educational endeavor with Chef-de-Cuisine Miguel Massens. “Three” highlights Chef Van Aken’s New World Cuisine, which celebrates the ethnic diversity and food history of Florida in a globally informed way. Three is one of the only restaurants in South Florida offering a fully ‘prix fixe’ menu. There will be a 3- or 4-course menu as well as a 7-course ‘Chef’s Tasting Menu’.

No.3 Social, the only rooftop bar and lounge in Wynwood, presents an atmosphere that will liven up the Wynwood skyline. This rooftop destination can accommodate 100 guests under canopy cover.


No. 3 Social will feature highly curated soulful music to accompany the food which pays homage to street foods from around the world, while incorporating the flavors of Florida. The bar program features vibrant cocktails inspired with local ingredients, a carefully selected wine list, and locally crafted beers.

The beverage and wine programs at both Three and No. 3 Social will complement Chef Van Aken’s menu with an eclectic wine list and a cocktail menu. Jean-Baptiste Barre, the sommelier, is on hand to help guide guests from a list that has been created by one of New York City’s most venerated wine experts, Heidi Turzyn.

“We’re excited to bring this concept to Wynwood. This rooftop is everything, that everything else is not,” says Buckley. “There is the culinary, beverage and hospitality components and so much more. This is where it all comes together, the energy of our community; music, art, air, & light. This vibe we have created is truly the soul of Wynwood.”

For more information, visit https://www.threewynwood.com/ www.no3social.com

Led by co-founders Susan Buckley and Candace Walsh, along with Chef Norman Van Aken, Southbound Hospitality Group designs, brands, and operates a high-end lifestyle hospitality experience with a common belief in uncommon luxury, convenience of location, and world-class amenities. 

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Teak Maitland

901 S Orlando Ave.

Maitland, FL 32751
(407) 335-4835
View Website Here

Have you been to the all new Teak Neighborhood Grill recently? I sure have and I can tell you it was great.

This is the official second location for Teak. The original location is situated in the Hampton's living complex in the Metrowest community of Southwest Orlando.

They have been steadily growing a reputation for not only gigantic and delicious burgers but also for their award-winning cuisine and laid back dining atmosphere.

Since opening its doors in April of 2010, Teak has specialized in hand-crafted burgers, craft beers and cocktails, using fresh, local and organic ingredients in every dish. The newest location for Teak is aiming to do the same thing in a different part of town.

The space the new restaurant is in was formerly occupied by Rangetsu. Once you walk inside Teak, it’s pretty hard to believe that an upscale Asian restaurant formerly occupied this space. They pretty much re-did everything, even down to the floors, which are polished concrete for a good down home neighborhood bar and grill feeling.

I was pretty impressed with the layout and design of the place. It is certainly different and much larger than the original location, but they did a great job of recreating the environment from the original location. Just like the original, they are even tucked into The Village at Lake Lilly apartments, as the original location is located in the Hampton's living complex in the Metrowest community.

With the help of Executive Chef Matthew Reed, Teak has taken the gourmet burger scene in Orlando to a whole other level. Those burgers are becoming famous amongst the local dining community as well, with Teak having earned“Best Burger,” “Top 10 Burger Joint,” a “Must Do” in Central Florida and countless other recognitions.

Visitors of Teak can choose from one of their 25 signature hand-crafted burgers like the Cronie Burger, which is a French doughnut tossed in Cinnamon and sugar loaded with beef and bacon or a PB&J Burger. Insiders get even more original and tasty options, with Teak’s password-only secret burger menu.

While it may be hard not to order one of those crazy good burgers at Teak, they do have a large selection of other dishes. Other offerings include, edamame, salads, steaks, ribs, flat breads, an eggplant burger, and fish tacos to name a few. The bar and cocktail menu has plenty to offer as well with over 30 craft beers on hand and gourmet cocktails plus a wine selection.

One of three bars inside Teak Maitland.

Yes, they even have a dedicated wine bar at the new location.

A traditional mule with Stoli on the left and a mule with Sailor Jerry on the right.

The Fresh Fried Mozzarella Rounds are always delicious and a favorite of mine at Teak.

How about these Loaded Pierogies? They were so good tossed in sour cream, chive and Sriracha Alfredo sauce with bacon and topped with frizzled onions.

Two spicy cocktails on deck... the Cool Sewell on the left features muddled cucumber and jalapenos with Luna Azul Blanca Tequila and the Spicy Pineapple on the right is made with Tanteo Jalapeno infused Tequila and pineapple juice.

In addition to great burgers, Teak serves up some awesome sandwiches too, like the " Hot Dead Animal Club" with sliced ham, turkey, pulled pork, and crispy bacon topped with melted Swiss cheese, lettuce and tomato on a brioche bun with herb mayo.

The Philly Burger is on the secret menu, and features a fresh ground beef patty topped with sauteed onions and peppers and is covered in melted Swiss cheese. We had the Onion Rings for a side with this one.

The Engine Oil Burger at Teak Maitland has sauteed peppers and onions, imperial stout glaze, fried egg, crispy potato strings and Swiss cheese on a pretzel bun. The side of Scalloped Potatoes are pretty awesome. You can get fries, tots, scalloped potatoes, or onion rings for a side with any burger or sandwich option.

Although, I wanted the Ultimate Cronie, a fried croissant dessert, The Chocolate Lava Cake was a very good substitute, since they were out of the delicious cronie treat. This was a very rich and delicious treat filled with chocolaty goodness and topped with whipped cream and ice cream.

In addition to all of that, Teak has plenty of HD TV's and a very nice covered patio. The atmosphere here is laid back and playful, especially if you are there for trivia night, and some nights also feature a live musician. There is plenty of seating inside, but the outside patio is also very nice with adequate seating and relaxing lighting with a few TV’s

I can tell you we really enjoyed our time there, and all of the burgers and food we tasted were superb. We sampled a total of three burgers, two appetizers and split a dessert, along with some great cocktails and a few craft brews.

The newest location of Teak is pretty remarkable and they have done a wonderful job of keeping the neighborhood grill and bar vibe at the new spot. If you are in the area, check them out. You will not regret it. They do tend to get packed on the weekends, so plan accordingly.

The Maitland location is open from Monday to Friday from 11:00am until 2:00am. On Saturday and Sunday, they open at 10:00am and close at 2:00am.

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