From relaxing vibes to creative food + drink, here’s what to expect when you visit Sora Eatery at LAL. | Photo by LALtoday
Sora Eatery, the new restaurant taking over the former WACO Kitchen space in LAL, is gearing up to open its doors. We stopped by ahead of the restaurant’s grand opening this Sunday, March 16 to get a sample of what Lakelanders and travelers can expect, andthere’s lots to look forward to.
Fast facts
Hours of operation: 7 a.m.-2 p.m., daily
Location: Lakeland International Airport’s second floor, pre-security (read: no plane ticket required)
You’re looking at the Tokyo Drift smash burger + kimchi fries off of Sora Eatery’s lunch menu — if you see us drooling, no you don’t.
Photo by LALtoday
What’s on the menu
Patrons can find a variety of breakfast and lunch options on Sora’s menu. Most menu items have an Asian-fusion flair to them, in addition to classic bites ranging from avocado toast to smash burgers.
We tried the Tokyo Drift smash burger, which features a Wagyu beef patty, American cheese, crispy fried onions, kewpie mayo, and a runny egg on a brioche bun. It was the perfect mix of explorative + comforting flavors. We also paired it with the kimchi fries to get an extra kick of flavor, and they did not disappoint.
City Editor Connor also tried the hojicha latte — a Japanese tea latte with notes of nuttiness that is similar to (yet different from) a matcha latte.
Photo by LALtoday
Not in the mood for a full meal? Sora has plenty of grab + go options at the ready, including onigiri from Omusubee and baked goods from Meraki Bakehouse. Guests can also order a variety of coffee and tea drinks, plus beer and wine.
Asked
Asked
Which Sora menu item has your mouth watering?
A. Tokyo Drift smash burger B. Kimchi fries C. A classic onigiri D. All of the above
¡La Biblioteca Viva! | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library | Free | Join this Spanish-language discussion of the book “La Casa en Mango Street” by Sandra Cisneros.
Evening with the Queens | 6 p.m. | The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art | $250+ | Meet current and former Miss America and Miss Florida titleholders in this intimate dinner + dessert reception featuring live entertainment.
Green Hat & White Gloves Tour | 6-7:30 p.m. | Frances Langford Promenade | Free | Take a walk around Lake Mirror to learn local history through the eyes of the city’s first librarian.
Wednesday, March 12
Senior Social | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Mitchell’s Coffee House | Free+ | LGBTQ+ older adults can connect at this monthly social over coffee and snacks.
Fleet Feet Fun Run | 6-7 p.m. | Fleet Feet | Free+ | Run a 5K around Lakeside Village with a group, then head to The Brass Tap for food + beverage specials.
Thursday, March 13
Wind Symphony Concert | 7-9 p.m. | Harrison School for the Arts | $9+ | Students will perform classical music as a large group and in smaller, specialized ensembles.
“Waitress” | Thursday, March 13-Sunday, April 6 | Times vary | Theatre Winter Haven, Winter Haven | $36 | This musical featuring a score by Sara Bareilles is “opening up” for the first time in Polk County, with local actors at the helm.
Friday, March 14
Dixieland Night Market | 6-11 p.m. | Union Hall | Free+ | Browse art, fashion, food, and jewelry from local makers at this monthly night market.
A new elementary wing will open this fall for the 2025-26 school year. This new wing will have its own dedicated entry, numerous safety features, and classrooms featuring the latest educational technology. Take a virtual tour.
LCA will welcome freshmen and sophomores for the first time in the 2025-26 school year, meaning Lakes Church Academy will celebrate its first graduating class in 2028.
Can buildings retire, too? Ask Lakeland couple Neal + Gabrielle O’Toole, the owners reimagining Lake Morton Place — a renovated commercial building-turned-condo with a third floor available for buyers that overlooks the shores of Lake Morton. See inside. (The Ledger)
Job
Lakeland Police Department is hosting a Career Fair today for both law enforcement + civilian roles. Head to the downtown station’s Community Room from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. to chat with recruiters, then stick around for a panel discussion featuring female employees from across the department.
Biz
Winter Haven’s SouthState Corp. has completed the sale of its 165-branch portfolio spanning six states to New York-based Blue Owl Real Estate Capital for $457 million. Your branch won’t be moving though — as part of the deal, SouthState will lease the bank branches back for at least 15 years. (Business Observer)
Cause
After we shared about “hanging coffee” last week, Kitty Cat Lounge is letting Lakelanders partake in the practice. Stop by to purchase a caffe sospeso ahead of the cafe’s next Food Share event on Monday, March 31 for those experiencing homelessness, or drop off food + shoe donations.
Open
Write all about it. The 3rd Annual Festival of Writing exhibit is now open in the Polk County Administration Building in Bartow. Visit the building’s lobby during business hours through the end of March to see interpretations of Polk County history by Southeastern University’s creative writing + graphic design students.
Kids
With the sun now setting past 7 p.m., summer will be here before we know it, and now is the time to register the kiddos for camp. Whether you have a future scientist, sports star, or artist on your hands, check out these 99 summer camp options around Lakeland. (Lakeland Mom)
Arts
The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum’s stunning new wing features seven all-new galleries and nine exhibitions, including a rare Chihuly glass sculpture. Plan your visit to experience 14,000 sqft of updates.*
Tech
HP Instant Ink smart printers automatically monitor ink levels and send new cartridges directly to your door before you run out. Get a $10 welcome credit.*
Announced
We’re excited to introduce a new way to reach our readers — a limited-time digital display bundle + branded content bundle. Each bundle saves you 20% and includes at least three newsletter placements.
Category
Kids
Spring break, all we’ve ever wanted
Little artists can put their creativity to the test in Art Centric’s kite-building camp. | Photo via @artcentricstudio
Spring break for Polk County Public Schools begins on Monday, March 17. If you’re looking for activities to entertain the youngster in your life, we have you covered, starting with these local camps:
Art Centric Studio | Cue the “Mary Poppins” soundtrack. This new Monday-Wednesday art camp for children ages 5-12 is geared entirely toward kite building.
Little Lake | Kids ages 4-9 will explore a different spot in downtown Lakeland each day, culminating in a pizza party and cooking class. Pro tip: Pay for the whole week, or just a single day.
Snapology | Register children ages 5-14 for a single day or a full week of camp that promises to put Minecraft skills to the test through STEAM-based learning.
Florida Children’s Museum | Museum free play and trips to Bonnet Springs Park await for students in kindergarten through third grade. Both full-week and single-day options are available for this camp that will explore “The World in Motion.”
Shout-out to Instagram follower @jesselnieman for being the first to score 100% in our “Are You a True Lakelander?” game. Consider this your virtual gold star. ⭐ Want to see how you stack up against Jesse’s score? Play the game for yourself.
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