Cantina Catrina, the authentic Mexican restaurant dedicated to celebrating the traditional Mexican holiday of Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead, will soon be opening in Orlando.  This will be the restaurant’s second location in the United States, the other being in Miami. Situated in the Florida Mall, the 220-seat restaurant will offer indoor and outdoor covered-patio dining and will be open for lunch, dinner, weekend brunch and late-night dining. The menu offers modern Mexican cuisine made from scratch with imported ingredients intended to preserve the traditional flavor profiles of Mexican culinary heritage. The cocktails are made from 100% distilled Mexican agaves. The colorful décor and laid-back feel at Cantina Catrina help to bring the celebration of Día de los Muertos to guests dining at the restaurant, with it’s fun, festive vibe. 

The L.A. and Nashville-inspired hot chicken restaurant, JAM Hot Chicken, recently opened in Winter Park’s Hannibal Square. The highly anticipated opening of the pop-up turned restaurant features a menu that boasts “all natural, hormone and antibiotic-free chicken fried in 100% peanut oil.” The restaurant offers many variations of fried chicken including wings, tenders and their incredibly popular chicken sandwiches, as well as local craft beer. With spice levels ranging from plain to the highest level, JAM, there is something for all taste buds. The interior design of the 465-square-foot space features hip hop music and pop culture nostalgia, and the restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating as well as takeout. 

Last month, Soupa Saiyan 3, an anime-themed ramen restaurant, began a soft opening near UCF. This is the restaurant’s third location, with the original Soupa Saiyan situated near Universal Studios and Soupa Saiyan 2 in Jacksonville. The unique décor includes murals referencing the Japanese animated series Dragon Ball Z and the Super Saiyan characters, for which the restaurant is named. The noodle bar menu consists of a variety of items including sushi, soups and dumplings. The restaurant’s Soupakase provides a one-hour, casual omakase experience of rotating delicacies from around the world.