- In sushi news, up in Oviedo, Yuki Hana is out and Koi Sushi is in. I’d say that’s a lousy name but I don’t like to carp.
- In other sushi news, Kabooki Sushi, which recently opened a second location on Restaurant Row, is going to expand the original location on Colonial Drive by punching through the wall into the space that was a Jet’s Pizza. Yes, they apparently have permission to do that.
- More sushi news: Ari Hibachi & Sushi in the Gateway Village north of Orlando International Airport closed about two weeks ago. Frankly, I’d been expecting this, but closer to the date of the review I wrote about it almost exactly five years ago. This was a sort of second location for Ari Japanese Cuisine in Celebration, which is still open. The Orlando restaurant was distinct in that it had teppanyaki tables for people who like to see their food get slapped around before they eat it. Orlando Weekly reports that Agave Azul Cocina Mexicana will take over the Gateway Village space. Agave Azul also opening a location in Lake Nona and Windermere.
- Speaking of Windermere, Feather & Quill, the new concept from the same owners as the Stubborn Mule and Menagerie in downtown Orlando, has softly opened in the former Dexter’s space at The Grove. Steaks, seafood, sandwiches and burgers, and pastas and pizza are on the “soft opening menu.” Maybe after the soft opening they’ll narrow things down and better define the concept.
- BoVine, the steakery going into the former Park Plaza Gardens space on Park Avenue, is looking to open in March and is currently hiring staff. It’s been a long time coming, but perhaps Joanne McMahon, who also owns 310 Park South and blu on the avenue across the street, is hoping the long opening will allow more people to forget the debacle of Park Plaza Gardens’ closing. Here, I’ll remind you.
- Jaleo by José Andrés at Disney Springs will mark its first anniversary with a Paella Block Party Saturday, March 21, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Flamenco dancers, food, sangria, wines, cocktails. $99, tickets here.
- In case you missed it, Eola Wine Company has been sold.
- Kudos to Talk of the Town Restaurant Group and its foundation, which has raised over $1 million in three years with its Round Up for Charity program. Diners at TTRG brands, which include Charley’s Steak House, FishBones and MoonFish, among others, are given the opportunity to round their check up to the nearest dollar amount. Those funds go to benefit such programs as Special Olympics Florida, Kids Beating Cancer and OneOrlando Fund. Talk of the Town Restaurant Group was founded in 1974 by father and son team Charley and Ron Woodsby.
- Taste of Windermere is Saturday, Feb. 29, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Grove. Because the organizers didn’t want you to starve, about 19 of the 30 or so participants are from outside Windermere. Tickets, $90, here.
- Saturday the 29th is also, of course, Leap Day. And Dexter’s New Standard is hosting an appropriate wine dinner featuring Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars. Four-plus courses, $95 plus tax and gratuity. Leaping begins at 6:30. Call 407-636-4995. Extra credit if you go stag.
- I’m a little surprised Central Florida’s original Asian street food chain hasn’t taken advantage of the calendar blip. Wouldn’t you go to a Sadie Hawkers Day dinner?
