The Square Table

Orlando’s Thornton Park

By Dina Di Maio

Move over, Mickey. Orlando’s got another reason for us to visit. Us being the less-commercialized, culture-loving tourist. Sure, we get dragged along on those trips to the places listed in glossy brochures, but secretly we long to leave the group and find the city’s heartbeat. On a recent trip to the city of the famous mouse, I was pleasantly happy to stumble upon Thornton Park. Having lived in the Village for years, I found solace in this quaint, urbanized area of Orlando.

About ten years ago, the now-hip, gay-artsy area was a boarded-up nowhere. Developers Phil Rampy and Craig Ustler saw its potential and helped revive it. The whole downtown Orlando had a revitalization with areas of new stores, bars, restaurants and clubs, Church Street Station being one. Compared to other larger cities, though, these redone sections are the tip of the iceberg for culture. By and large, downtown Orlando is a bit of a disappointment when it comes to nightlife. But things are changing. With lovely Lake Eola nearby, pricey high-rise apartments are on the rise. Though Thornton Park is small, it will likely keep expanding, as it’s got some of the coolest eateries and shops in the city.

Let’s start with Hue, 629 East Central Blvd., which calls itself an urban bistro. This very hip eatery has quality, flavorful food and a great brunch. I had a steak sandwich here with Gouda cheese that was to die for—I could only eat half. I split the spinach and arugula salad with berry balsamic dressing and wished I had room for sesame tuna tartar (I usually can’t pass up tuna tartar). I loved the swanky design of this place and felt like I was in New York or Miami.

Just as the carnivore in me cannot pass up tuna, the writer in me cannot pass up a bookshop. And why would I want to pass up Urban Think!, a few doors down at 625 East Central Blvd.? This is not just a bookshop. It also has a bar but also serves up author readings, art showings, live music and more. It’s my kind of bookshop, for the community.

Marie-France, 716 E. Washington St., is a great boutique with lots, I repeat, LOTS of hot, hot jewelry. I was a good girl and left with only one sparkly thing J Next door is Dish & Dat with lots of cool stuff for the home and garden. Splash! Soap and Bath Company makes a lot of its bath products on site and they have many soaps and creams for you to try.

Shari Sushi Lounge was a must-stop for me, being a sushi hound. Another hip restaurant. The design here is contemporary chic and the food, despite a long wait at peak times, is grade-A. I had a melt-in-your-mouth ceviche and some of the best sushi I’ve ever had. The banana dessert is the perfect way to end a meal—and a stay in O-Town.