Zola Bar & Tables, featuring “Florida flavors” — seafood, as well as a serious cocktail and wine program — will open next month in the old Santiago’s Bodega space at 1185 Springs Centre S. Blvd. in Altamonte Springs. According to owner Jay Edge, the name comes from the original Zola in Kansas City, founded by Jay and his brother Loy, who has since passed away. Expect an intimate vibe and some decor flourishes featuring French writer Émile Zola … Yuji Sushi, featuring AYCE sushi and Asian cuisine, will open in the old Oyishi Japanese Steakhouse space at 1275 Oviedo Mall Blvd. at, yep, the Oviedo Mall … Look for Millie’s Swedish Candy Co. to open June 13 next door to The Doghouse at 2529 Edgewater Drive in College Park. They will, of course, specialize in those viral Swedish confections balancing sweet, salty and sour flavors … Cocina 214, the Tex-Mex mainstay in Winter Park, will close May 29 after 15 years. A new, as-yet-to-be-named concept will move into the space following a remodel.
Paradox, a modern steakhouse with a private members lounge, opens this summer in the former Blu on the Avenue space at 326 S. Park Ave. in Winter Park. A “Michelin-starred chef” will helm the kitchen, but the mysterious folks behind this mysterious restaurant haven’t revealed who this mysterious chef is … Hayashi Tarō, chef Lewis Lin’s omakase bento concept, will open in early June in the former RoyalTea space at 714 N. Mills Ave. in Mills 50. To-go boxes will range in price from $35 to $45, though additional omakase options will be offered to those opting to dine inside at the eight-seat counter ……