- Look for the Baldwin Park location of Manny’s Original Chop House to close sometime in July or August and, after a 30 day or so redo, reopen as a more upscale steakhouse. It’ll still be under the same ownership — sorry to get your hopes up — but I assume they’ll get rid of the “Pump Boys and Dinettes” decor. The new name hasn’t been finalized yet but it will be similar. Manny’s Unoriginal Chop House?
- Monkey Shoulder, a maker of a blended malt scotch whisky, will be pouring cocktails at Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace Friday and Saturday (March 29, 30) from a rather large shaker. It’s called the Monkey Mixer, and you’d be forgiven for confusing it with a tony cement mixer. The 2400 gallon mixer is attached to the rear of a semi truck. Technically, I think you’d have to agree that although it’s in the shape of a shaker, the device is actually stirring the cocktail. Said cocktail will be the Mixed Up Monkey and may be sampled 5:30 to 10 p.m. Wouldn’t just just love to see the Oscar Meyer Wienermobile pull up next to that thing?
- If you’d rather wield a more conventional shaker, you may be interested in attending the Master Mixology Class hosted by the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of American on Sunday, March 31, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Ritz-Carlton Orlando. Registration is $50, which will get you in to all of the events that day, including an afternoon wine seminar, plus a $10 lunch coupon. It’s part of a Consumer Day outreach by the organization. Register here.
- The people who own the Chai Thai restaurants will open Mai Thai in the former Artisan’s Table space on Pine Street in downtown Orlando. I told you that Artisan’s Table moved to 55 W. Church St., right? I wonder if the new tenants asked Artisan’s why they wanted to move. Or the Black Olive. Or Pine 22. Or Blue Smoke Burgers.
- Cleanse your palate and get ready for a Taste of College Park, Thursday, April 11, at 6 p.m. at Historic Dubsdread.
- You might as well go ahead and put the Wine Quest dates on your calendar. This year’s events will be May 17 and 18 at Loews Royal Pacific Resort. Details.
- Canadians Faiyaz Kara of the Orlando Weekly and Kristen Manieri or Orlando Date Night Guide, who may or may not be documented, will be hosting their annual event dedicated to covering perfectly good fries with gravy and other accouterments. It’s Poutine Palooza Part Trois, which is pronounce pah twah if you’re from the French-speaking areas in Canada and part troys if you’re not. April 14, 3 to 6 p.m. at East End Market. You may purchase your $35 ticket here.
- Don’t forget that tonight, March 29, is the official grand opening of MX Taco, 207 N. Bumby Ave., Orlando, from 4 to 8 p.m. Proceeds will go to The Barber Fund, which assists people with cancer. Mariachi music will be involved.
