First look: A taste of Orlando’s new Slate restaurant

Orlando can finally get a taste of what Chef Dominic Rice has cooked up at a new independent restaurant in Dr. Phillips.

New neighborhood, chef-driven eatery Slate is now open at 8323 W. Sand Lake Road in Unicorp National Developments Inc.’s $12 million Parkside at Dr. Phillips retail complex, which is anchored by Trader Joe’s. The restaurant is a partnership between Rice, Atlanta-based Concentrics Restaurants and Unicorp President Chuck Whittall.

New restaurants help establish the city’s budding culinary scene, showcase top talent and help draw more visitors to the area. It also provides new opportunities for local vendors, creates new jobs, construction opportunities and more dining options for locals.

Rice hosted a media dinner on June 16 to showcase some of the dishes from Slate’s menu. Check the photo gallery for a look at some of the appetizers, entrees, sides and desserts.

OBJ first learned about slate in 2013, when Whittall first talked about this newest endeavor. Check out more recent headlines on the retailing and restaurantsindustries.