Yard House to Open on International Drive in Orlando Spring 2014

May 20, 2013May 19, 2013 - Michelle Snow

Darden Restaurants has announced that they will bring their Yard House brand to Orlando in the Spring of 2014.

The location will be on International Drive at the new I-Drive Live development on the former site of the Mercado, just south of Sand Lake Dr.

Yard House is an upscale-casual American eatery (burgers, sandwiches, tacos, steaks, pastas, etc.) that is best known for having more than 100 international, craft and specialty ales and lagers on tap.

I visited the one in downtown San Diego a few years back, and I enjoyed it. I visited during happy hour, with some great drink specials.

Reportedly the Orlando location will have over 14,000-sq-ft, with a seating capacity of 400. It will be the 6th Florida location for the brand.

For more information, or to take a gander at the menu, visit yardhouse.com.

Timpano Restaurant Is Now Closed on Restaurant Row in Dr. Phillips; To Reopen as Eddie V’s

January 11, 2013January 11, 2013 - Michelle Snow

Timpano Italian Chophouse & Martini Bar on Sand Lake Road has closed for good as of this month.

One of Restaurant Row’s earliest tenants, it was originally owned by Orlando-based e-Brands.

Last year it was sold to the restaurant arm of Tavistock Group, which also bought neighboring Samba Room. That venue has already been sold off and reopened as Rocco’s Tacos & Tequila Bar.

Darden Restaurants has bought the former Timpano building, and has announced they plan to tear down and rebuild it as one of its Eddie V’s brand of restaurants.

According to the website, Eddie V’s is an upscale steak and seafood restaurant, with live music.

No time table has been given for the transformation.