Always looking for the newest hotspot in town to catch-up with friends and enjoy an adult beverage or two? Well, we’re here to serve….

You may or may’ve not heard of Hanson’s Shoe Repair, a relatively new speakeasy located in the heart of downtown Orlando. I’ve been wanting to go check it for several weeks now, and just this past week I did so.

The concept with Hanson’s–which is located just above NV on Pine Street–is to text a given number the day you’d like to visit, and receive a password to use for admission. Once in, you can enjoy a low-key, intimate atmosphere. Very cute, and honestly it’s one of the only places I’ve ever experienced in Orlando that makes me feel like I’m not in Orlando.

View of the Bar from Roof Patio

As mentioned above, Hanson’s is located above NV, on the third floor. This means there’s rooftop access, and if weather permits (i.e., if it’s a nice, crisp, non-humid evening) I highly recommend taking advantage of the patio and the beautiful view of the downtown Orlando skyline. There’s plenty of things to capture your attention right on the patio, like art, lights, and foliage.

The drinks are all handmade and very, very delicious! Slightly above average in terms of price, but again – they’re handcrafted so you know you’re paying for something unique and made with love (I can only assume). And another really special thing about Hanson’s besides the drinks? Wait for it: Yes, a very faint shoe polish is pumped into the air, so as to give a very authentic touch to compliment the theme of this establishment. Fun, right?!

Intrigued? Here are the location deets:

Hanson’s Shoe Repair
27 E Pine St
Orlando, FL  32801
407.476.9446

For more information on Hanson’s Shoe Repair, “Like” ‘em on Facebook or visit HansonsShoeRepair.com. You can also see what other Central Floridians are saying, or even write your own review, over at Yelp.

You may recall earlier this year we talked about the Marlow’s Tavern opening up in Pointe Orlando. Well, we’ve recently learned there’s another location soon to open in Winter Park (next month): 1008 S. Orlando Avenue, just north of the intersection of S. Orlando Avenue (17-92) and N. Orange Avenue.

Looking forward to it! Especially gettin’ us some of those amazing, delicious fries. What? Oh no – we didn’t say anything, that was just our stomach growling….

To keep up with all things Marlow’s Tavern, check ‘em out on Facebook and Follow on Twitter.

Q: In case you’re not familiar with our series, we always like to begin by having our “spotlight” share something about themselves. What’s a fun fact we should know about you?
A: I used to play guitar and sing in a band in Boston in the early 2000s and played a little around Orlando a few years back. You never heard of it… so I won’t mention it

Q: I’ve known you for several years now, but have no idea if you’re a native Central Floridian, or like so many other residents, a transplant. Which is it?
A: I’m originally from south Fla, lived in Boston for a few years… then made my way to Orlando in 2006 and have been here since.

Q: Your newest venture, Cloak & Dapper, is one of the main reasons I wanted to feature you on our site. An online general store for gentlemen, from what I can initially tell it is a labor of love. How did the concept come about?
A: Well, I knew about a year ago that I wanted to created something orginal and with “taste…” And one day it just clicked… like a hindsight is 20/20 moment for me. I thought… if I were to go out and create a company what in the world would it be? And I thought to myself what am I even qualified to do… Based on the experience I had in my wheelhouse (retail, hospitality, finance and marketing) I realized it had to be a store – which was great news because that’s also what I WANTED to do. So I knew it would be a men’s store and that I wanted to offer a simplified shopping alternative for men… the type of place where the browsing was done for you already and a man could just show up and grab the items he wanted in that moment.. abnd not actually have to “shop” for them. Once this idea came about… I realized it was like a revitalizing of the ole one-stop-shop mentality…. Or GENERAL STORE. On top of all that I wanted to be as true to the conceptual elements as possible.. and carrying exclusively only MADE IN USA goods was the next no-brainer right step. Once this big idea was solidified.. then the true laboring of love took place. And still does. Everyday ☺

Q: One of the things I really like about this site, and the product, is everything is produced in the United States. Why did you feel that’s an important angle and service to provide customers?
A: It’s something that appeals to the modern red-blooded gentleman male… knowing that the item I’m wearing or purchasing was handcrafted by top artisans in their industry… right here in the USA… It’s a badge of honor in not only supporting manufacturing on our side of the pond.. but also knowing the quality of the product… it was made with care, in limited runs, it will be a unique item that not every other man will be wearing. You ever go out one night and run in to a few other guys wearing the same cologne or jeans or shirt or shoes as you? It happens a lot for men because there are less buying options for us. Men all go to/shop at the mall, the Gap or Jcrew, etc.. and even though they have great looks sometimes.. they’re mass-produced and its obvious from the look and feel of the pieces. Sure, eventually there will be more Cloak & Dapper customers and similar items will be worn out on the town… but I imagine when that happens it will be more of a mutual respect… or high five moment.. than an embarrassing one.

Read More…

It’s that time again! The Orlando International Fringe Festival is a huge annual initiative for the Central Florida community. Certainly a big stimulator for the Arts. And we’re happy to help get the word out about this year’s Festival, starting tomorrow May 15.

For info and all things Fringe visit OrlandoFringe.org. Enjoy!

I see your bus, I see your bus!

(Location: Orlando, near John Young Parkway and I-4).

Our weather has been all over the place the past few weeks, and right now we seem to be experiencing something magical! Curious to know, which season do you most enjoy in Central Florida?

This coming Friday, April 26 through Sunday, April 28, hundreds of competitors hungry for prizes and bragging rights will gather at the American Pie Council®(APC) /Crisco® National Pie Championships held at the Caribe Royal All-Suite Hotel and Convention Center in Orlando.

In conjunction with the pie championships, the APC is proud to present its 12th Annual APC Great American Pie Festival sponsored by Crisco® on Saturday and Sunday, April 27-28, in nearby Celebration, Fla.

Complete details on both can be found on the Pie Council’s website at PieCouncil.org. Oh, and here you go (you’re welcome):

(Image courtesy of PieCouncil.org.)

Hmmm…wonder what they engineer?

Gotta be honest, right up front: I am not a fan.

Dined at Garibaldi Mexican Cuisine over by the Florida Mall not too long ago, and I wasn’t at all impressed. Which is a big bummer ‘cuz y’all know I’m always on the search for some delicious Mexican food in Central Florida. Unfortunately, I’m going to have to cross this one off the list (well…actually, I may give them one more shot prior to doing that).

One of the things I do like about Garibaldi’s–well, the Florida Mall location anyhow (there’s also one in Kissimmee)–is the atmosphere. It’s festive, fun, and different than the average dining room with just tables and everyday artwork hanging on the walls.

A couple of things I wasn’t so fond of during my visit:

• Some of the dishes in my party came out after a really long time. Granted, we were a fairly large party, but we arrived early enough prior to the lunch hour – it wasn’t that busy.
• The servers were not friendly. And I mean none! In fact, our waitress was pretty much downright unfriendly. I realize we never really know what’s going on with folks in their lives, but we were not only a fun group, but when you have a consumer-facing job you better put your gameface on.
• Anything beyond the first basket of chips & salsa costs! Seriously, we requested to have a refill while waiting for our food to come out of the kitchen, and one of the servers said it would be $.99. Of course we paid it, but glad something was said because if we’d seen it on our bill without knowing…well, that would not be cool. So consider yourself warned.

I don’t mean to be captain negatore on this one, not my style as you know. But I feel the need to be honest. Perhaps we caught the restaurant on an off day or something.

Here are a few shots I captured of the food:

So, is mine an isolated experience? I’d love to know. Have you visited either Garibaldi location? If so, what was your visit like?

Location deets:

Orlando
848 Sand Lake Road
Orlando, FL 32809
407.888.2869

Kissimmee
1804 West Vine Street
Kissimmee, FL 34741
407.933.0774

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