Filipino food and culture have always been a part of Kadence’s story. In an e-mail this morning, Kadence sent out news about their upcoming new project, Kaya, a Filipino restaurant at the former Dandelion Communitea Cafe location in Orlando, Florida.
“Our first event in Orlando (even before Kappo!) was a 2013 Typhoon Haiyan relief fundraiser that featured a Filipino tasting menu, and y’all have rocked with us through the years at our backyard bbqs, kamayan feasts, and underground dinner parties. We can’t wait to take it to the next level through Kaya.” said the release.
“We’ll be cooking the food closest to our hearts while infusing our experiences, memories and creativity to continue expanding awareness and love of Filipino food. More casual than Kadence – and more seats, too – we hope Kaya becomes a neighborhood restaurant, a place to gather as much as a place to celebrate a special occasion.”
The project will be led by Lo and Jami, along with their longtime friends Johnny and Jimmy Tung, while Mark and Jen continue to focus on Kadence.
“It’s full circle for our crew as we (and a slew of other local food industry folks) met through the Filipino Student Association at the University of Florida almost 20 years ago (GO Gators!). It’s no surprise our vision for Kaya includes nourishing a sense of community as much as cooking beautiful, soulful food,” says Jami Bailey of the Kaya team.
The restaurant will be located at 618 N Thornton Ave in the space previously occupied by Dandelion Communitea Cafe, and they hope to open late summer/early fall 2021.
“We couldn’t be more excited by this opportunity to contribute to the growing Filipino food scene in Central Florida. We’ll share more details over the next few months, so stay tuned to our IG accounts @kaya.orlando and @kadenceorlando for the latest”
