Aura Florida Lounges to Open Several New Venues in Eola Square
Aura Florida Lounges, in collaboration with Alena Hospitality, has announced the grand opening date for “Lotus,” a new restaurant concept which promises to elevate the city’s social and dining scenes. Slated to open on August 1st in The Sanctuary building in Downtown’s trendy Eola Square neighborhood, Lotus is described as a Farm-to-Table Fusion concept.
“If you are a fan of Thornton Park’s ‘see-and-be-seen’ boutique shopping and dining destinations, or just a fan of fabulous food, you will love Lotus,” said Julie Morris, Director of Marketing for AURA Florida Lounges. “Lotus is designed to appeal to the 30-plus crowd who are seeking fine dining in a big-city atmosphere reminiscent of South Beach or Las Vegas.”
In addition to Lotus, the AURA group also plans to announce the debut of Lotus’ sister restaurant, “Honey,” which will open shortly after Lotus in mid-August. “We expect both restaurants to take Orlando’s culinary, entertainment and nightlife to a much-needed new level, creating the city’s most anticipated hot spots,” continued Morris.
Lotus & Honey are located on the ground floor of the city’s posh residential condominium, The Sanctuary (100 South Eola Drive, Orlando, FL 32801) in Downtown Orlando’s Eola Square (South Eola Drive between Pine & Church). Lotus’ Farm-to-Table Fusion menus, created by Chef Luis J. Negrón, are a combination of local ingredients fused with techniques gleaned from around the world. “We have developed an innovative menu of items that are delicious, visually stimulating and healthy, “ said Chef Negrón. “Most entrée selections are between 500-600 calories, which we know will appeal to our clientele.”
Guests will find cuisine that is representative of cultures from Italy, the Middle East, France and beyond. Menu items include Jerusalem artichokes with artisan prosciutto, burrata and yellow tomato for $13; Korean spiced spare ribs with green papaya slaw for $9; rock shrimp & scallop croissant with smoked pear tomatoes, bibb lettuce and blueberry-black pepper compote for $12, plus an exciting array of other options.
Lotus will also feature a stylish full bar with the freshest of cocktails, comprehensive wine list and happy hour daily from 4-8 p.m. “Lotus will be THE place to be for weekend brunch with bottomless mimosas and innovative menu items,” said Erica Fallon CEO of AURA Florida Lounges. “Plus, we have the largest patio in Thornton Park where guests can dine alfresco in Orlando’s fine weather.”
The Lotus interior encompassed a stylish and energetic renovation (accented in bright fuchsia and lime green) on par with dining destinations one would find in major U.S. cities.
“The team at AURA Florida Lounges are hospitality industry veterans and business professionals who understand Orlando’s 30+ market,” said Fallon. “We know what young professionals in Central Florida are looking for – a hip destination to enjoy dining, entertainment and nightlife. Our goal is to shape the Eola Square neighborhood into a dining & dating destination.”