Downtown News and Stuff…

The “The Paramount on Lake Eola” continues toward completion. Construction fencing has been removed from the perimeter and once again Central Blvd., Lake Ave, and Pine St. are opened after over 2 years of being partially closed. The Publix Supermarket also looks to be completing build-out, with the sign being worked on this week, though the actual opening will not happen until Labor Day.

In other news, plans for the “Orlando Wheel” to be located in tourist town (I-Drive Area) are under way. The 500ft wheel will be similar to the London Eye and others in Singapore and Bejing, containing sightseeing capsules all around a ferris wheel structure, each holding about 40 people. Given Orlando’s flat terrain, it should make for a great view of Downtown Orlando for anyone willing to bear the trauma of first driving down to that part of town and second being trapped inside a capsule chock-full-of tourists. But hey, it’s sure to make the tourists happy, and may be worth trying at least once, maybe when Aunt Bunny and Uncle Leo come to visit and you’re forced to drive to touristville!

Anyway, lots going on in dining news, we have some openings, closings, and name changes. First, Cool Blue Burrito that was located in The Plaza has closed without notice. Its short stint is of no surprise given that it was only opened for 4 hours a day, weekdays only! Plus with Panchero’s down the street on Church St., and Tijuana Flats re-opening a few blocks away in Thorton Park, its sub-par burritos didn’t stand a chance anyway. Speaking of Tijuana Flats, the build out in the old Gelatone gelato shop and Renovations spa spaces in Thorton Park Central, next to Hue Restaurant, looks to be coming along nicely with awnings and signs now appearing along with general minor renovations to the exterior of the Thorton Park Central retail for the Central and Summerlin corner. In openings, Panino’s Pizza & Grill has opened on Orange Ave (next to Ichiban Sushi). Haven’t tried it out yet, but the hours look promising 9am to 5am, just hope it will stand out among the 4 other Pizzerias in view from just outside their front door (plus NYPD Pizza soon to be opening in The Plaza!). Also in The Plaza, the build out of Bola Italian restaurant space continues, however with a new name posted, “The Black Olive”. No word on the details of this change, however the Bola Italian Restaurant that was on I-Drive appears to have closed (along with their website).