The Park Avenue District will host an outdoor event focused on building community relationships and showcasing distinctive downtown dining options. Plated: A Dinner Party on Park, happening Thursday, Feb. 29, will offer a multi-course culinary experience on a long, family-style table set in the center of Park Avenue’s brick-paved street.
“Part of our mission at the Park Avenue District is to connect our community,” Executive Director Carina Sexton told the32789. “I can’t think of a better way to do this.”
Sexton was appointed to the 501(c)(3) in April of 2023, five months after it was approved as an apprentice in the Florida Main Street Program. The initiative provides technical assistance in the revitalization and economic development of historic downtowns. In August of 2023, the District launched its social club, dubbed Club 1882, that offers exclusive perks and private events in partnership with the business community. Plated is among the gatherings aimed at building new connections and reinforcing existing partnerships. Proceeds will benefit Park Avenue District initiatives.
Shades of white attire is required for Plated, which will begin with a pre-dinner networking/meet and greet that will feature a signature cocktail by Prato and hors d’oeuvres from Financier Cafe and Bistro. The first course, by Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine, will be followed up with a seasonal salad by New General Cafe & Coffee Bar. Main course selections will be prepared by the culinary teams at Boca, AVA MediterrAegean, and Prato. The evening will end with desserts from Choulala Fine Pastries and music will be provided by Central Florida Vocal Arts. A harpist will be playing just feet away from Central Park’s Emily fountain.
“We started working on this event during the summer,” Sexton said. “Coordinating with seven different restaurants takes some time. Then we needed to coordinate with the city. All of the stars have finally aligned to bring us to this point.”
Plated will run from 5:30-9:30 p.m. on Feb. 29. To accommodate the event, the city has announced the following road closures:
- Lincoln Avenue between Park Avenue and Center Street will be closed for 24 hours beginning at midnight on Wednesday, Feb. 28.
- From 1 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 29, until midnight, Park Avenue will be closed between Morse Boulevard and Canton Avenue. Garfield Avenue will also be closed during that time.
For more information and tickets, visit the Park Avenue District website.