The narrow, deep space has a rectangular communal table in the front with seating for 14, plus four high-top tables. The middle of the venue is anchored by a long, black granite bar on the right with 14 red leather bar stools and plush white lounge seating on the left. In the back, a glass-enclosed private dining room seats six.
The color scheme is primarily dark tones of brown and black, with accents of white and red throughout. Large wine racks line the walls, displaying many of the 120 wines available on the menu. Additional beverages include beer and coffee. The tapas menu offers more than 30 items. including lamb sausage with white bean puree and mahi ceviche with pineapple, jalapeño, and cilantro. There is also a selection of cured meats and cheese, and several choices of panini and crostini, such as fig preserve with Manchego cheese or shrimp with avocado puree. For private events, Elidrissi and his chef will coordinate a menu. Groups can also use the restaurant’s Wi-Fi and the flat-screen TV mounted behind the bar.
2. Orlando photographers Curt Littlecott and Stephanie Rounds have operated Nu Visions in Photography out of a downtown studio since 2005. Since September, they have made the unique space available for private events. Nu Visions has 1,400 square feet on two floors, with the second floor overlooking the first. The building stands in what was once an alley, so it is just 11.5 feet wide and best suited to receptions or cocktail parties of as many as 80 people.
Dark woods, textures, and colors give a warm, comfortable feel to the space. The owners’ photography decorates the walls. There is a large bar on the first floor, and one red velvet semicircular booth on each floor that can seat five. Groups can bring in a caterer and additional furniture as necessary. In nice weather, the front doors can be folded open to make use of the sidewalk space out front.
