I could totally do Winter Park… Park Ave is like a foot and a half from the office.
But I’d like to pre-emptively veto Cheesecake Factory.
Are any of those restaurants better to handle a larger crowd? I’m hoping to bring Hub and my gf too. Are we talking lunch or dinner?
Lunch, and dinner if people want to stay longer. As for crowds, most places on Park Ave are fine accomodating crowds of 15-20. Larger than that and we should call ahead.
Seconded. Cheesecake Factory is expensive and not that tasty.
I’ll probably be going, and, depending on his schedule, Acid Lamp might accompany me. I’ll be in town, and I probably won’t be that busy, but he may have to work during the day.
Well, if we’re sticking with Park Avenue in WP there’s no Cheescake Factory…that’s in Winter Park Village.
Another idea is Dexter’s which isn’t on Park ave but only two blocks away.
Dexters, 310 Park south, Spice, Park Plaza Gardens, Luma are all restaurants but all have a full bar and some have extensive wine lists.
310 Park South and Dexters are probably the less expensive choices.
Farther down the avenue are half a dozen other restaurants the names of which I can never remember. Bosphorous is the Turkish place and I know there’s an Italian place and a place that does mostly breakfast and lunch is it Briar Patch? Can’t remember.
Farther down diagonally across from the catholic church there’s a tiny little Bistro, I think it’s called Bistro on Park or something… that’s really inexpensive but it’s also very, very small. We’d probably fill up the place…which actually might be fun.
Those are just my thoughts. Saturday, May 19 at 1 pm is good for me. I may even drag my husband along.
I’m in for Saturday the 19th, 1 pm or any time of day. Despite technically living in Winter Park, I think I’ve been to Park Ave only 2 or 3 times, but it does seem like a good place to have lunch followed by optional other entertainment.
Is there any way that someone familiar with the area can decide on a place for us to meet?
If we’re settled on Park Avenue, I’ve made a few suggestions. I’m very familiar with the area having performed there in various musical groups for the last…oh…10 years or so.
But Autolycus is running this show so I think I’ll leave him with my suggestions and ask him to make a final pronouncement.
What’s the word kiddos?
– IG
Hey all, sorry about that. The thread slipped my mind.
Hmmm… meeting place, meeting place.
How about we meet at the Rollins archway by Panera bread. It’s where Park Ave meets Orange. It’s big and very easy to find.
As for lunch, let’s figure that out after we know who’s coming.
Here’s the thing, learned by hard experience: people in general, and Dopers in particular, are an eclectic group. If we’re to meet at the Rollins archway at a given time, there will be a bell-shaped curve that describes the time when people will arrive. Some will be late, a few will be spot on, some will be early. Most folks won’t know each other. If a lot of people come and go at this location, it might be a bit tough to figure out who is who. Some people will “shy” out because they’re reticent to walk up to perfect stranger in a strange place and ask if they are Dopers.
Some place with seating (and shade) is preferrable. Also, for all meetings, a meeting time should be proposed. Meet at 12:30, eat at 1 pm? Be bold, be decisive, be Autolycus! 
Seriously, pick a place with chairs and A/C and a time at let people come in as they may. A sign that says “SDMB” of some sort is probably a good idea as well. Something unambiguous is always best, with an address is even better. It could take me 45 minutes to find this arch, as I’ve never been to this area. If I can plot it on MapQuest or something it will work a lot better.
Alrighty then!
The Official Orlandope Fest Start Date and Gathering Time is the following:
Saturday May 19th, Meet at 12:30PM at the Panera Bread outside Patio on Aloma by the Rollins College Arch. It’s across from Miller Hardware and the 7-11. I will make some sort of makeshift sign.*** (walking distance from my house too, if people want to chill there at some point)
Meet at 12:30, eat at 1:30PM. Dinner and Bar-hopping to follow if enough people stay.
Good job!
I would have never though to meet there…good idea.
Now should we all wear a funny hat or carry a rubber chicken so that we know each other?
We should all tie an onion to our belt.
[sub]I hate to say it, but I’m new to the area. I may be the only one who needs a street address or map, but, well, there’s someone who needs clearer directions.[/sub] Is it this one? (A on the map)
Yes, I believe that’s it. The Rollins College Arch actually arches over Park Avenue (IIRC) on the Rollins College side of Fairbanks Avenue. The Panera’s right there on the corner. There’s nothing else like it. If you get to the intersection of Fairbanks and Park it will be impossible to miss.
That’s cool. It reminds me that there are two other WP restaurants very near there that, while not actually on Park Avenue, are really good. Urban Flats is very affordable (my band used to play there) with a full bar and good wine list and excellent food and right next to that is Ole, Ole which has a really great tapas menu.
And, of course, Panera.
Just a warning shot…I’m dealing with some spousal crap right now and may be unable to attend.
It may sort itself out in the next week. Then again, it may not. It’s really up to him.
Saturday, the 19th, at 1 at Panera in Winter Park sounds cool to me.
I’ll be there!
-foxy