Coming soon to an abandoned Straub’s near you: Oblivion Taproom. That’s the name — and one hopes not the status — of a planned restaurant in the former Straub’s Fine Seafood restaurant on East Colonial Drive in Orlando. The restaurant will be owned by Pete Wesenberg and his wife, Melissa Jahn. Jim “Goody” Goodman, formerly of the JW Marriott, has signed on as chef.
Wesenberg told me that “the idea is to offer gastropub quality food at bar & grill prices.” He said the menu will be typical pub far but made from scratch, including, he said, the patties for the burgers. “No pre-formed Sysco patties here,” he said.
With Taproom as part of the name, the restaurant will offer a large assortment of craft beers, at least 20 on tap, plus an “ample bottle selection.” There also will be wine and full liquor.
The decor, says Wesenberg, will have “a bit of an edgy feel to it, more rock ‘n roll, less institutional. Needless to say we’re not exactly targeting the early bird crowd from our previous tenant.” (Straub’s was known for its early evening menu, popular among seniors. The seafood restaurant closed several years ago ostensibly because, a tenant said at the time, needed repairs to the property’s septic system were prohibitive.) Plans call for Oblivion Taproom to operate 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Mondays through Saturdays.
Sounds like they’re paying attention to detail and have an eye toward good quality, from what Wesenberg has told me. Not sure why they’ve chosen the name Oblivion, which the dictionary defines as “the state of being forgotten, esp. by the public.” Irony, I’m guessing.
Wesenberg says the team is aiming for a late March 2011 opening. Stay tuned for updates.
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