[The Plaza]

I suspect that whatever goes in there will at least offer food since there is such a nice kitchen in the space. I'm expecting more something along the line sof The Fifth but wouldn't be surprised to see a national chain, personally though I'd much rather see a Panera or something like that in there.

That's not a bad idea either. Perhaps a the first Corner Bakery in Orlando would be ideal there.

[The Plaza]

Please don't be another generic club.

Agreed. This corner has great energy for a full service restaurant.

[Orlando Restaurants & Bars]

On Saturday, I checked out both Elixir and The Courtesy Bar. Both of these are great additions to the area. Elixir is spacious with a fun, early 1900's decor and will offer food in a month or so.

The Courtesy Bar is definitely one of my favorite new places. I returned Sunday night and was happy to see a steady crowd. Owner Gene and his wife Diana are very friendly and actively seek out patron feedback to ensure their expertly crafted cocktails are to your liking. Bartender Eric is beyond knowledgeable. Subtle things like real cherries soaked in either brandy or bourbon are used for specific cocktails. Courtesy is definitely not your typical downtown swill-slinging cocktail bar.

[Orlando Restaurants & Bars]

Exciting new things seems to be popping up in the Dolive building.

Facing Washington is a beautiful new bar Elixir Bar Room & Hash House. I ran past it last night and peeked inside. Finally something a little different for the downtown scene. If Restoration Hardware had a bar, this would be it. I'm looking forward to checking it out this weekend along with The Courtesy Bar--- I hope it's a keeper!

[Orlando Restaurants & Bars]

I ran past The Courtesy Bar last night and it appears opening will be happening soon! I'm hoping this will be the slightly more sophisticated and unpretentious bar downtown Orlando is in need of.

The anticipated opening is Saturday. Here's hoping!

[Orlando Restaurants & Bars]

I ran past The Courtesy Bar last night and it appears opening will be happening soon! I'm hoping this will be the slightly more sophisticated and unpretentious bar downtown Orlando is in need of.

[Downtown Orlando Project Discussion]

While I think this could be an ok thing, a couple of thoughts come to mind: first, since World of Beer is hardly fine dining, do they do 51% of their business in non-alcohol sales (I've never been to one, so have no clue?) Second, it is of some interest that we want to remove 5 (sort of) historic houses because Eola supposedly doesn't have enough green space, but then remove current green space for this. I'm perplexed. In any event, thanks for posting this - this train seems to be leaving the station rather quickly.

Let's be honest, though. The "green space" outside this space is relatively just grass with outside the dining space. We're hardly losing desirable "green space" by the acquirement of this parcel.

[Orlando Restaurants & Bars]

The bakery does not seem to have any activity for almost two months every week when I look into it.

Loft 55 had their job fair in July and their website says opening August 2012. http://loft55orlando.com/

The Club at NBA city will only be open on days of Amway events.

You also forgot about One Eleven (old Tastings). They have had that buildout completed several months. Two months ago I peeked in and the coolers were stocked with beverages. I have no idea what the hold up is.

Benjamin seemed to have completed major buildout wihtin the past two weeks. Their Facebook page was recently updated and mentioned their new location at Washington (formerly in Lake Nona region I believe). Time will tell. I give it a week or so.

[Orlando Restaurants & Bars]

I am waiting anxiously for the opening of the Cask & Larder in the old Harper's/Le Cordon Bleu spot in WP. It's from the folks at The Ravenous Pig and they are apparently going out of their way to keep some of the historic features from the old building. I did find it a little ironic that they're billing themselves as a "Southern Public House" in what has to be one of the least Southern towns in central Florida but still can't wait until September 5th.

I peeked inside on Tuesday; the interior looks great. I'm too am looking forward to the opening of this one. I was unaware of its affiliation with Ravenous Pig. Sounds promising!

[Orlando Restaurants & Bars]

DTA & Aura: I live in 101 and on my way to and from church st through our side entrance i've kept up with the build-out inside these spaces. they are taking forever but most recently i've seen framing and drywall going up and tiles being laid. also saw a table full of sample stemware/ dishes/ glasses/ etc in the aura space- probably picking out what they'll have. was told they had a change of design/layout recently and had to go through repermitting or whatever. looks like it's still coming along seems to be workers in there at least daily M-F.

Glad to know I'm not the only one using the side entrance only to check up on the progress of these spots!

[Orlando Restaurants & Bars]

Saddened by the closing of the Dessert Lady on Church Street, what other venues do you think could make great use of the space? I personally found the Euro-Bohemian style of the venue to be cozy and distinct to the area. Perhaps an upscale cocktail & craft beer venue with a combined gallery (an upscale version of XL) could do well in the space?

As for other restaurants and bars in the Downtown/Thornton Park area, does anyone know the timeframe for:

Benjamin French Bakery & Café at 716 E. Washington (former Marie France clothier). Buildout looks to be complete and opening impending. I'm personally looking forward to this one!

DTA- Don't Tell Anyone Modern Speakeasy in 101 Eola, facing Church Street. Buildout seems to be moderately progressing. Other than the name and poster out front, I don't know much about this business.

Aura Restaurant & Bar in 101 Eola at the corner of Eola and Church. Quite possibly the longest buildout in restaurant history, buildout seems to be speeding up a bit. Anyone have an anticipated opening date for this one?

Hooch (formerly The Globe) at Wall Street Plaza. This craft liquor and beer house should be opening soon if not already. Young Jewish Professionals Monthly Happy Hour (as made famous by MTV's The Wake Brothers) is planned for this venue in early September.

Loft 55. No information on this--- Buildout Progress?

Barley House- No details.

The Club at NBA City in Amway Center made its offical announcement last week. Though on the far end of the Amway Center, if anything like other NBA City locations, the atmosphere and food ought to be promising. The challenge will be getting patrons to that side of Church Street on non-game days, much less that end of the Amway Center.

[Downtown Orlando Project Discussion]

I remember the proposal to keep commercial development from the recent acquirement, but I had never before seen a proposal on the "food court" / Farmers Market site before. In theory, in the annexation, Washington can be planted over in a new park addition for the Farmers Market. Building this relatively small footprint mixed-use with parking could definitely help the park and surrounding businesses. This could be the solution for the Lee's Lakeside spot and add to retail/restauramt streetscape on Central all while incorporating into the surrounding park. A shame too about the pavillion.

[Downtown Orlando Project Discussion]

Hello Everyone. Long time listener, first time caller... I just came across two projects for Lake Eola not seen before. Does anyone have information as to whether these are simply concepts or are they investor backed? Both the mixed-use Eola Office building and Bloom Pavillion would contribute (much needed) unique architecture to the city.

http://www.processarchitecturellc.com/2008/05/07/lake-eola-office-building/

http://www.processarchitecturellc.com/2008/05/20/bloom-pavilion/