We’re just a month into 2019 and it’s beginning to look a lot like … last year. That’s not a bad thing, mind you. It just means our ever-diverse restaurant scene is getting a healthy dose of even more diversity – more ramen, more yakitori, more sushi, more Neapolitan pizza, more vegan eats, more tacos. We’ve got the biggest name in gastronomy today – José Andrés – opening not one, but two Spanish concepts in Disney Springs – Jaleo and the first brick-and-mortar location of his popular D.C. food truck, Pepe. Food halls (and food hall-like venues) will finally gain traction as Henry’s Depot, the Food Factory and Boxi Park get set to open, and word on the street is that there’s more on the horizon.
Naturally there are plenty of rumors circulating about – this industry thrives on them – one of which has Greg Pranzo (Guy Fieri’s American Kitchen & Bar, Cinco Tacos + Tequila, East Hampton Bait & Tackle Co.) opening a new concept, and another regarding Bruno Fonseca (Hunger Street Tacos, Millenia 106) doing the same. The Ravenous Pig’s James Petrakis is also rumored to be involved in a downtown venture. And speaking of the Pig, they’ll be taking over the Enterprise Rent-A-Car building next door to expand their brewing operations (that one’s no rumor). I’m sure we’ll all raise a glass when they do, but for now, whet your appetites and get ready to wet your whistle at these newly open, and soon-to-open, restaurants in Orlando. - Faiyaz Kara
