News Summary
Winter Park is set to welcome SAMA, a fine-dining Indian restaurant by Chef Amit Kumar, known for his acclaimed local eateries. Located at the intersection of Lee Road and Lewis Drive, SAMA aims to bring authentic Indian cuisine to the neighborhood. The restaurant will offer a unique dual dining experience and accommodate up to 150 guests. The space, currently under development, is expected to enhance the local dining scene with its upscale offerings and community-focused approach, eagerly anticipated to open in 18 months.
Winter Park Welcomes SAMA: A New Fine-Dining Indian Experience
Exciting news is cooking in Winter Park! Chef Amit Kumar, a well-known name in the local dining scene, is gearing up to launch a brand-new fine-dining Indian restaurant named SAMA. Nestled at the busy intersection of Lee Road and Lewis Drive, this culinary venture promises to bring a fresh and authentic taste of India to the community.
A Taste of India Right in Your Neighborhood
For those familiar with Chef Kumar’s work, you may recognize his thriving trio of restaurants in the Greater Orlando area: Aashirwad Indian Food & Bar, Bombay Street Kitchen, and Tamarind Indian Cuisine. The accolades for Bombay Street Kitchen have been nothing short of impressive, earning a Michelin Bib Gourmand award for three consecutive years! With SAMA, Kumar aims to elevate the standard even further by crafting a unique dining experience that resonates with both locals and food enthusiasts alike.
Development Update: Getting Things Started
Currently, demolition work is underway to clear the land for SAMA. This involves removing three existing structures, including an office, a dry-cleaning business, and the now-closed Fuji Sushi restaurant. Excitement is brewing as Chef Kumar is finalizing the contractor for the construction work, promising that this culinary oasis will be ready to welcome guests in approximately a year and a half.
What to Expect at SAMA
Plans submitted to the City of Winter Park reveal some intriguing details about this upscale establishment. Stretching across 7,252 square feet with room for an impressive 150 seats, SAMA will offer guests a delightful dining experience on two floors, plus a mezzanine! The outdoor seating area, made up of both covered and uncovered spaces, expands the total area to over 8,000 square feet, allowing diners to enjoy the beautiful Florida weather while sampling top-notch Indian cuisine.
From the renderings, it’s clear that SAMA will boast a stunning design that will certainly turn heads. Situated right on Lee Road with a convenient surface-level parking lot at the back, accessibility has been a top priority for Chef Kumar. The location is also perfectly positioned not far from I-4, making it easy for visitors from all around the area to stop by and indulge.
Two Unique Dining Concepts
One of the standout features of SAMA will be its dual dining concepts on each floor. The first floor will focus on traditional presentations of Indian dishes, celebrating the rich heritage of this beloved cuisine. Meanwhile, the second floor will take a different approach with a menu centered around small plates, perfect for those who love to sample a little bit of everything. This way, guests can choose their dining adventure, whether they’re looking for a hearty meal or a festive sharing experience.
Focused on the Local Community
In a conscious move to strengthen community ties, SAMA will cater primarily to local patrons, steering clear of tourist-heavy attractions. Chef Kumar’s intent is clear: create a cozy and accessible location that resonates with the residents of Winter Park, while still offering a polished and fine-dining experience.
Looking Ahead
But that’s not all—there are whispers of yet another restaurant venture on the horizon for Chef Kumar, targeted for W Colonial Drive. This new spot is set to feature a commissary and testing kitchen, where innovative menu items will be born alongside a limited-seating restaurant offering a fabulous five-course tasting menu.
As Winter Park prepares to welcome SAMA, food lovers are eagerly waiting to indulge in the flavors of India that Chef Kumar so passionately provides. One thing’s for sure—Winter Park is about to get a whole lot tastier!
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Additional Resources
- Orlando Sentinel: New Restaurant from Acclaimed Chef in Winter Park
- Orlando Date Night Guide: Outdoor Dining in Orlando
- Orlando Weekly: Masala Magic
- Orange Observer: Guru Indian Restaurant Celebrates 10th Anniversary
- Gainesville Sun: Indian Aroma, First Watch and Wild Pie Openings
- Wikipedia: Indian Cuisine
- Google Search: Indian Restaurant News
- Google Scholar: Indian Restaurants
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Indian Cuisine
- Google News: Indian Food News
