Hisma

I ate a gringos a couple nights ago after a night of clubbing. I had a burrito, and it was very mediocre. To top it off, they were accepting cash only, and I was the only person in there. I can see Gringos failing very soon if they don't get their act together.

wait... so HSR AND sunrail are getting done? That's great news! I have a feeling someone will find an economical way to get from the airport to downtown. Currently, i have to take a cab every time I need to travel, and it takes me almost 30 minutes from downtown to get to the airport. It's terrible having to travel down semoran every time I need to catch a flight. I can see this system actually being successful if it can find it's way to get from the airport to downtown, the convention center and the theme parks.

took these from my balcony at aspire on 9/4/09

I've heard nothing but good things about 55W from those who have looked at it, and the prices are very comparable to what I'm paying right now at The Aspire. I think when my lease is up in May I'm going to take a serious look at 55W. Hopefully the prices will still be as reasonable.

yep. I live in dynatech as well. The train is audible, but not so bad. Wall St. Plaza on the otherhand, is unbelievably loud. It can be really rough when you want to fall asleep early on the weekends. I'm on the 22nd floor

nice pic posted on the orlandosentinel 7/1

that's good to hear about black olive. When I visited during their soft opening I was less than impressed. Hope to make it back again at some point to see if it really has improved

the escalators are finally fully operational. There are now 2 large digital screens out in front (probably to list movies & play times). I rode the escalators up, and the interior seems to be ready to go. Only thing missing is a fully stocked concession and ticket area. Will take pics soon

I actually had dinner at Black Olive last night. They are still in their soft opening so they did not have a full menu. However, I got to try some appetizers, the caesar salad and a few entrees. The presentation on all the dishes was top notch. Service was excellent (mainly since the place was dead I assume), and it felt more like an experience than just a meal. Had octopus and mussels for the appetizers. Mussels were pretty mediocre, octopus was done well, did a good job of neutralizing the flavor. The caesar had a grand presentation and took about 5 minutes to make in front of us. It had a spicy kick to it, but again I wasn't overly impressed by the taste. I had some veal for my entree, the portion was a bit small but the presentation was excellent and the meat was perfect. My friend had the pasta and it was obviously home made... very thick noodles, unique flavor and once again excellent presentation. Overall I would say the service was excellent, the food was decent, and the overall experience was very enjoyable. I will certainly be back. I just hope it catches on with the locals, it was DEAD when I was there, though I know it has not officially opened yet.

well if that is to be the case, has anyone heard on the status of getting the units open as apartments? I am anxious to get that god awful fence down that's blocking half of Church st

concrete is being poured now through tomorrow for the new movie theater. This thing is well on it's way!!

surina are you in some sort of diners club? That would be a fun way to try new restaurants

say what?? the girls that work there are smokin...

I hope this spawns steady foot traffic in downtown. Now that I'm living here, it seems like it's pretty slow except at night... retail could really use a boost.

one step closer... http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/news_poli...do-commiss.html This afternoon, the Orlando City Council is expected to grant final approval to a $6 million deal to bring a movie theater downtown. Commissioners already gave the deal a green light last month, but there will be public hearings today on the way the incentive package is structured. If you want to say something about it, the 2 p.m. meeting at City Hall will be your last chance. The plan calls for a 12-screen "cinema grill" on the second level of The Plaza, with oversized, faux-leather seating for 1,200; cabaret-style tables; and an expanded menu, including beer and wine.