Pride is in full swing, especially at The Moderne in Orlando’s Mills 50 neighborhood, which is hosting a celebratory brunch this weekend.
On June 27, from noon to 4 p.m., the party will be held in partnership with Crew Health, a local nonprofit that provides LGBTQ+-focused affordable health care and case management for all.
On Saturday, however, the focus will be on drinks, food, fun and entertainment as guests enjoy the company of host and performer Horxia San Miguel.
“When we built the restaurant, we wanted it to be more than just a place to eat and drink. We wanted it to be a platform for community support to support local nonprofits, and Crew Health is one of them,” Moderne chef and owner Michael Nguyen told the Orlando Sentinel. “We have a close relationship… They were one of the first we partnered with.”
Particularly meaningful, he says, is staff involvement. Many of them are members of the LGBTQ community.
“It’s just great to have them lead this menu and help us create something with local organizations.”
A portion of the proceeds from the special directory will be donated to Crew Health’s mission, but the deliciousness will be there for guests to enjoy. Opening in late 2022, The Moderne is hosting its first brunch and the team is having fun.
“I don’t think there are many Asian brunch spots in Orlando, let alone Hong Kong-style French toast,” Nguyen says of the fried milk bread sandwich.
“Black sesame and peanut butter layered with almond skin.”
A drizzle of condensed milk heightens the decadent factor with the creative drinks The Moderne is known for and drinks made especially for Pride.
Pride Month brings colorful cocktails to Disney Springs and Kings
“We’ve always looked at the idea of brunch, but we kind of crossed the line because Crew Health wanted to do a brunch event. And who knows, maybe we’ll do more of these events.”
In the meantime, make reservations at OpenTable.com or choose walk-up. There are spaces available, but you may have to wait. Patio seating is also available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The 2025 menu was record-breaking and raised a lot of money, Nguyen said. They hope this year’s roster will be an opportunity to give even more back.
“Our bartenders were invited to push the boundaries and create cocktails as bold and unapologetic as the communities they respect,” said Matthew Taylor, PR and social media manager at The Moderne.
“Our goal is to create something beautiful while making a significant contribution to local organizations. The pride of The Moderne is more than just a menu. It’s a statement.”
Find me on Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, Instagram @amydroo or the OSFoodie Instagram account @orlando.foodie. Email: amthompson@orlandosentinel.com, and for more foodie fun, join our Let’s Eat, Orlando Facebook group.
