Orlando Spotlight: The Strand

The Strand is a highly-regarded, small neighborhood bistro located in the vibrant Mills 50 district of Orlando, Florida. It is known for its contemporary New American cuisine with nostalgic Southern inspiration, focusing on seasonal, scratch-made dishes.

What Makes It Unique

• Atmosphere and Design: Housed in a former corner diner (Chuck’s Diner), The Strand uniquely merges a retro aesthetic with modern flair. The intimate space features midcentury details like mint green tiles, vintage glass blocks, laminated tables, and eclectic light fixtures, creating a cozy, elevated, and welcoming atmosphere.
• Focus on Seasonal Ingredients: The menu is constantly evolving to showcase fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients, which is a core tenet of their culinary approach.
• Bib Gourmand Recognition: The restaurant has been recognized by the MICHELIN Guide with a Bib Gourmand award, signifying “good quality, good value cooking,” a notable distinction for a neighborhood spot.
• Sister Bar: It has a neighboring, separate concept called d.b.a. (Doing Business As) which acts as a sister bar.

History

The Strand opened in late 2013/early 2014 in the space that was formerly Chuck’s Diner for many years. Husband-and-wife duo Alda and Joe Rees are the proprietors, and they conceived The Strand with the purpose of becoming an everyday tradition in the larger fabric of Orlando’s community. In more recent years (around 2024), they expanded their footprint into the adjacent space, which had been The British Shoppe, to open their sister bar, d.b.a.

Customer Feedback

Customer feedback is overwhelmingly positive, often describing The Strand as a “neighborhood gem” with a warm atmosphere and consistently excellent food.

• High Praise: Reviewers frequently laud the exceptional food quality, presentation, and well-balanced flavors. Service is often described as attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly, with staff providing great recommendations.
• Atmosphere and Setting: The intimate and well-furnished interior is appreciated, with the music and ambiance creating a pleasant dining experience without feeling cramped.
• Points of Note: Some reviewers have mentioned the prices are on the higher side, but the overall quality and experience justify the cost. Due to its small size, reservations are highly recommended, and the restaurant enforces a 2-hour time limit for parties.

Highlight Menu Items (Dishes change seasonally, but these have been noted standouts):

• Appetizers: Creole Barbecue Shrimp (often praised with gnocchi patty), Snapper Cakes (served with comeback sauce), Oysters, and Pork Belly.
• Entrees: Demi-glazed Short Rib, Seared Duck Breast, Coffee Rub New York Strip, Steak Frites, and Snapper Cakes (as an entrée).
• Brunch (Saturday Only): Brunch Burger (with bacon, cheddar, sunny-side egg), Grilled Peach Salad (with praline bacon), and Sausage McMuffin.
• Dessert: Tiramisu (noted for its chocolate and hazelnut focus).

Significant Events

While The Strand does not appear to have hosted large, city-wide historical events, its own opening and development are significant for the Mills 50 neighborhood:

• Opening: The restaurant’s opening in the former, long-standing Chuck’s Diner space in late 2013/early 2014 was a highly anticipated event in the local food community, marking an important addition to the district’s dining scene.
• Expansion (d.b.a.): The successful expansion into the neighboring unit to open d.b.a., a companion bar, demonstrated its growing success and commitment to the neighborhood.

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