Note: An earlier version of this story referred to Scott Drewno as part of the development team, as detailed in a press release. Drewno is not involved in the restaurant.
More Asian food is scheduled to come in off the street when Lotus Asia House opens at Pointe Orlando next year. The new restaurant will take over the space formerly held by RA Sushi.
Lotus Asia House is being developed by restaurateur Karim El Sherif. El Sherif’s Linkedin profile says that he has been owner of Lotus since July of this year. Previously, he was director of food and beverage/taskforce consultant at the Waldorf Astoria, The Roosevelt in New Orleans.
In a statement provided by Pointe Orlando, El Sherif said of Lotus Asia House, “We want to make this an area where people will want to sip creative cocktails and sample Pan-Asian cuisine, inspired by street food vendors found all over Asia.”
The menu will offer Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese cuisines as well as sushi. The decor, shown here in artist renderings, will feature a sculpture of Buddha at the entrance to the lounge, because, you know, it’s Asian. Seating will be at large round booths and communal tables. There will also be an indoor-outdoor sushi bar. Outdoor sushi is fun in the Florida summers.
No date has been set for the opening, but expect it early 2019. The previously announced Hopdoddy Burger Bar, which is going into the former Funky Monkey Wine Company space, should open shortly after the New Year if not before.
