Welcome to Monday Morning in Orlando
Once again, I took the fam out over the weekend to try something new (to us). The winning ticket was Beignets & Brew on N. Orange Ave. I mean, the maple bacon beignets were just out of this world!
In todayβs issue: π
- Ronnieβs
- How Death Made Me Laugh at Life
- Gabrielβs Sub Shop
- β¦.andΒ much more
Did someone forward this email to you? If so, subscribe here.
Letβs dive in!
- Philip
P.S. Want some hawt community sourced foodie recommendations? Check out the Orlando Signal Restaurant Guide, right here.
ORLANDO REWIND βͺ
How a Cranky Jewish Deli Became a Beloved Orlando Institution
For 39 years, a Jewish deli on East Colonial Drive ran on a delightfully absurd philosophy: you'll eat here, you'll love it, and you'll follow the rules. No exceptions.
Larry Leckart opened Ronnie's Restaurant in May 1956 at Colonial Plaza, introducing bewildered Central Floridians to lox, Reubens, and the joys of a proper bagel. The menu starred hot pastrami, blintzes, and the outrageous "Mogambo Extravaganza," an ice cream sundae so massive it required two-handed delivery.
But the real draw? Leckart's hilariously strict rules: no sharing entrees, no split checks, exactly two butter pats per person (don't even ask for a third). Separate lines for small and large parties. Service was brusque and vaguely insulting, "like being served by your mother." Customers ate it up.
By 1995's closure, Ronnie's had fed 21 million people and dispensed 4 million corned beef sandwiches.
For those who remember, Ronnie's proved something wonderful: sometimes the best restaurants are the ones that tell you no, and make you come back begging for more.
πΈ Check out some throw-back Ronnieβs photos, right here.
β‘ Your social calendar called. It's feeling neglected.
Alrighty, yβall!
Winter Park. THIS Wednesday (January 28th). Final call ends TODAY at 6:30 p.m.
Here's the move: Answer our quick quiz, right here. We pair you with five Orlando locals based on what makes you tick. Show up at a restaurant worth discovering.
Why this is π₯: Small group. Real conversations. Zero weird energy.
Clock's ticking as seats lock at 6:30 PM today.
π Book right here before it's too late!
THE SQUEEZE π
When Death Becomes Your Best Teacher
Sarah Marie Shoulak has an unusual collection: multiple brushes with death. This April, the Orlando-based writer releases Dead Serious: How Death Made Me Laugh at Life (Soul Speak Press), a memoir that treats mortality less like a tragedy and more like that friend who keeps teaching you uncomfortable lessons.
Born in Ohio with stops in Denver, Beijing, and Miami, Shoulak chronicles her journey through close-calls with death, multigenerational grief, and substance abuse before finding sobriety. She wields dark humor like a survival tool, proving you can be both heartbroken and happy, sometimes on the same Tuesday.
Her mantra: "get better, not bitter," because perseverance beats resentment every time.
π Join Sarahβs Book Launch Team to read it NOW.
Electric Companies on Notice as Florida Fights Back
Ready for some good news about your electric bill? Clean energy advocates are practically doing cartwheels as lawmakers from both political camps team up to tackle those cringe-worthy utility costs.
One proposal would cap power company profits at the national average and stop utilities from sneaking certain expenses onto your tab. The timing couldn't be betterβregulators just approved a mind-boggling $7 billion rate increase last year, with half padding company profits, according to watchdog groups.
Another bill wants similar profit limits plus beefed-up oversight.
And hey, Floridians aren't just sitting around complaining: over 25,000 fired-up residents have signed petitions calling out utilities for alleged price gouging.
(Learn lots more about the fight for affordable energy with Jessica Meszaros, right here)
MCO's Big Plan: More Spaces, Smarter Tech, Less Circling
Orlando International Airport is gearing up for a serious parking makeover as travelers keep pouring in.
Last week, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority gave the thumbs-up to two multi-story garage additions at terminals A and C. The plan calls for 8,000 shiny new spaces by 2030, while approximately 1,500 spots in the Terminal Top Parking Garage are getting upgraded to reserved parking.
But wait, there's more! MCO is rolling out smart parking systems across all four garages, beaming real-time availability to the mobile app, digital displays, and FlyMCO.com. Garage C launches first quarter 2026, with garages A, B, and Terminal Top following by summer 2027.
The airport ditched its consolidated rental car facility idea, opting for quicker, wallet-friendlier wins instead.
Three Central Florida Culinary Stars Snag James Beard Semifinalist Nods
Orlando's food scene remains criminally underrated, but the tide is finally turning.
Central Florida is sizzling its way into the 2026 James Beard Awards with three semifinalist nominations.
Leading the pack is Wendy Lopez, chef and partner at Reyes Mezcaleria, who snagged a coveted spot in the βBest Chef: Southβ category, no easy feat when you're going toe-to-toe with culinary heavyweights from six southern states
With 23 years of kitchen magic behind her, Lopez considers this just her opening act. Her restaurant lives just north of downtown Orlando within the Good Salt Restaurant Group family, which also boasts Sparrow, Seito Sushi Baldwin Park, The Osprey and The Monroe (β one of my faves).
Since 1990, the James Beard Awards have reigned as America's top culinary bragging rights.
πΌ This Weekβs Curated Jobs
Sourced from the Orlando Signal Job Board!
π§ Trades Technician IV - $1K Sign-On Incentive | Orange County Government | Orlando
Keep Central Florida running with skilled electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work for a top public employer with exceptional benefits and emergency response opportunities.
π° $23.19-$30.14/hour + $1K bonus | π Learn More & Apply
πΌ Executive Assistant to C-Suite | Tews Company | Downtown Orlando
Support a dynamic C-Suite executive and manage office operations in this high-impact role perfect for tech-savvy professionals with entertainment or hospitality industry experience.
π° $70K-$85K/year (temp to hire) | π Learn More & Apply
πΎ Luxury Banquet Director β Lead Signature Events | Marvin Love and Associates | Florida
Orchestrate unforgettable luxury events at a prestigious hotel, leading teams and delivering white-glove service that exceeds expectations.
π° $90K-$100K/year + bonuses | π Learn More & Apply
π Senior Project Manager (Remote) | Molina Healthcare | Remote
Lead cross-functional healthcare projects from concept to completion, managing teams, budgets, and timelines in this fully remote leadership role.
π° $80K-$155K/year | π Learn More & Apply
Tap/click here for lots more opportunities. Over 200 added last week!
βοΈ Orlandoβs best flight deal - Cuban coffee and coastal cool edition
February in Miami just hits different. The humidity's gone, the beaches are actually enjoyable, and you're hopping between Cuban coffee windows, Wynwood murals, and that perfect stretch of sand where the water's always warm. It's close enough to feel like a quick escape, different enough to feel like you left the country.
Orlando (MCO) β Fort Lauderdale/Miami (FLL) for 87 bucks*, round-trip Friday through Sunday in late-February. See the deal.
*Price shown above is accurate as of the time this newsletter was sent.
TASTY NEWS π§βπ³
Orlando Area Eateries Coming & Going
1οΈβ£ NOW OPEN: Kappo Tsan - Cut, Cook, Connect, Repeat
Kappo (ε²ηΉ) (Insta) means "cut and cook," and that's exactly what happens right in front of you. Watch chef David Tsan work his magic: knife skills, fire, fragrant ingredients, and beautiful plating all coming together in real time. Think omakase's laid-back sibling, an intimate, multi-course adventure where the chef and you actually get to chat. That's kappo.
2οΈβ£ NOW OPEN: Seoul BΕl - Korean Comfort Meets Wellness Bowls
Seoul BΕl (Insta) just landed in Windermere, dishing out customizable Korean wellness bowls packed with quality proteins, vibrant banchan, and house-made sauces. The hanok-inspired space is all good vibes and soulful sounds, perfect for slowing down with a bowl that actually fuels you. It's Korean comfort food with a mission: fresh, crave-worthy, and balanced in all the right ways.
#ORLANDOSIGNAL πΈ
I took a picture of a picture while exiting the pristine bathroom at The Glass Knife. π€£
π· via @orlandosignal |πWinter Park
Tag @orlandosignal to get your photo featured in the newsletter!
FOODIE FIND, FORK YEAH! π€©
Gabrielβs Sub Shop
π3006 Edgewater Dr, Orlando, FL 32804. Map to this location.
Some restaurants chase trends. Gabriel's Subs just kept making sandwiches. They donβt even have an Insta account!
Since 1958, this College Park spot next to Edgewater High School has been feeding Orlando without fuss or fanfare. Delaine and her family carry on what her parents started, serving stacked ham subs, cheesesteaks, and tuna made from Mom's original recipe.
No gimmicks. No reinvention. Just honest food and regulars who've been coming back for decades.
π Check out the menu right here π
Source: Gabrielβs Sub Shop
MORE PULP! π
Weekday things to check out
π From My Hometown
π
Thursday, January 23rd - Friday, February 21st
π Winter Park Playhouse at Orlando Shakes
Southeastern Regional Premiere featuring three young men at Apollo Theatre with 60s-70s R&B hits from Otis Redding, Sam Cooke, James Brown; matinees Wed-Sun 2pm, evening shows Fri-Sat 7:30pm.
π Classic Soul
π CMF - NOW Ensemble
π
Monday, January 26th | 7:30pm
π Timucua
International Chamber Music Festival featuring dynamic ensemble with flute, clarinet, electric guitar, double bass, and piano creating new 21st-century chamber music.
π Fresh Sound
π―οΈ International Holocaust Remembrance Day
π
Tuesday, January 27th | 5:30-7pm
π Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center, Maitland
Solemn commemoration honoring six million lives lost and survivors' strength with reflection and remembrance.
π Never Forget
π¨βπ³ Cooking with Confidence: Essential Skills
π
Tuesday, January 27th | 6-7pm
π Center for Health & Wellbeing, Winter Park
Culinary Health Institute class teaching cooking techniques, knife skills, and kitchen management with plant-forward samples for $35.
π Kitchen Mastery
π Tasty Takeover in The Milk District
π
Tuesdays | 6:30-10pm
π The Milk District β 2424 E Robinson St
Orlando's premier weekly food truck block party featuring diverse culinary offerings behind the shops and bars.
π Dine Alfresco
πΊ Orlando Beer Week: Green Bench Brewing Spotlight
π
Wednesday, January 28th | 11:30am-11pm
π Γ La Cart SoDo
St. Petersburg brewery tap takeover featuring wide range of quality beer styles in casual food hall atmosphere.
π Craft Celebration
ποΈ Boards and Brews
π
Wednesday, January 28th | 5:30-7:30pm
π The Monroe, 448 North Terry Avenue
Meet Mayor Dyer and learn about serving on city advisory boards; brews and appetizers provided, registration required.
π Get Involved
π· Lecture: "Centuries of Tomfoolery"
π
Wednesday, January 28th | 2:30-3:30pm (doors 2pm)
π The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
Mary Mills presents on trick glasses, pipes, and whimsical glass delights in museum collection.
π Glass History
β Avalon Park Stargazing Night
π
Thursday, January 29th | 6-9pm
π Avalon Park Town Park
Community stargazing with Emil Buehler Planetarium and Central Florida Astronomical Society featuring professional telescopes and astronomy enthusiasts.
π See Stars
π ZORA! Academic Conference: "Entering the Zoraverse"
π
Thursday, January 29th | 10am
π Historic Eatonville
Professors and scholars discuss Zora Neale Hurston's multidisciplinary work relating to communal spaces and places.
π Literary Legacy
π Want to share an event? Use this link.
THANKS!
β Want to connect with 20K+ curious Orlandoans for your business?, start a conversation here.
π Know a community superstar? Tell me about them, right here.
Thanks for reading! Iβll see you again on Thursdayβs weekend fun issue.
My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal
