Orlando’s signature dog goes well beyond your classic condiments. | Photo by dinnercraft via Creative Commons
If you’re channeling your inner Jennifer Coolidge today and jonesing for a hot dog, we’re presenting our Orlando-style dog, aka the “Crunch Munch Sucker Punch.”
Because if Chicago and Seattle each get their own signature recipe, we say Orlando should too.
First things first: It might be sacrilege to disassemble a Publix sub, but we’re going to use one of their tasty buns as the cradle for our hot dog. Of course, it’s gotta be an alligator sausage, preferably fried.
If you’re like us, you love a little crunch in your lunch, which is where the boiled peanuts come in. A light sprinkle should make a perfect topping, paired with some melted Swiss cheese for a Cuban sandwich flair.
Finally, drizzle both locally-made datil pepper sauce + orange blossom honey on top for a spicy sweet kick, and you’ve got a dog that’s sure to become as big of a tourist attraction as Epic Universe. Check, please.
Asked
Asked
Let’s settle this once and for all. Is a hot dog a sandwich?
A. Sure, why not? B. No. What is wrong with you? C. No — it’s a taco. D. It’s something else.
AdventHealth July 4th Watermelon 5k | 7:30 a.m. | Park Avenue, Winter Park | $40+ | Lace up your sneakers and dash through Winter Park to earn some ice-cold watermelon at the finish line.
Orlando F1 Watch Party | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Half Barrel Beer Project | Cost of purchase | Grab breakfast and drinks before settling in to watch the British Grand Prix.
Monday, July 7
Free Day & Story Time | 11 a.m. | Harry P. Leu Gardens | Free | Bring the little ones for an indoor storytelling event + enjoy free admission to the gardens all day long.
A project to make Audubon Park more walkable and bikeable is back on track — with a new timeline. The project’s preliminary design has been completed, with a final design expected by next fall + construction set to begin in 2027, pending funding approval. (Orlando Business Journal)
Try This
Being a local in the city of theme parks has its perks; Florida residents can take advantage of a new ticket deal at Universal Orlando Resort. The exclusive-to-Floridians ticket offers “Buy 2 Days, Get 1 Day Free on a 2-Park 2-Day.” (WFLA)
Outdoors
This weekend, the Central Florida Zoo is offering discounted admission in honor of its 50th anniversary. Today through Sunday, July 6, adult tickets will cost $19.75 — a nod to the zoo’s founding year — and children’s tickets will cost $16.75.
Coming Soon
Fatburger locations are headed our way. The chain’s parent company, Fat Brands, recently announced that it will open 40 more Fatburger restaurants across the state in the next decade, including here in Orlando. (Orlando Business Journal)
Open
A new bottle shop with a rooftop outdoor space and daily happy hour recently hosted its soft opening in Winter Park. The Good Pour will have an official ribbon cutting on Friday, Aug. 8 + a grand opening bash on Saturday, Aug. 9. (Bungalower)
Pets
Fireworks and celebrations can be fun for people, but scary for pets. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office has tips for keeping your animals safe during the celebrations today, including keeping them indoors.
Weather
It’s electric — “it” being Orlando. In 2024, The City Beautiful saw more lightning per square kilometer than anywhere else in the US. This feels like a good time to share the city’s prevention and safety info on summer thunderstorms + flooding.
Internationally renowned artist Kelsey Montague painted “What Lifts You Orlando,” a locally inspired mural of angel wings. Montague is the artist behind similar paintings in cities across the world like Nashville + LA.
Head downtown to snap a pic and take a closer look at the local landmarks that made it — we spy the swans of Lake Eola.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Admittedly, I’ll be swapping out all of my weiners (or alligator sausages) for a vegan variety today. I know, I know — insert that meme about vegans always finding a way to tell you that they’re vegan.
If you’re also curious about a meat-free frankfurter, check out the Vegan Field Dog at Universal’s Hot Dog Hall of Fame.
