Some say that street vendors are a dime a dozen in downtown Orlando, but we beg to differ. When was the last time you bit into a street dog and thought to yourself, “hot damn”? For us, it’s almost always right after a visit to The Vegan Hot Dog Cart.

“I’ve been told you haven’t been to Orlando if you haven’t been to the Vegan Hot Dog Cart,” manager Brandon Kaiser said. We kinda agree. The handwritten recipes and funny drawings on the sign are enough to make your mouth water.

Wanna give the Old Reliable or El Boricua a try? The Vegan Hot Dog Cart sets up shop on the corner of Orange Avenue and Washington Street seven nights a week, from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m.

Check out our full video with The Vegan Hot Dog Cart here. It’s pretty tasty if we do say so ourselves.

We want to know what you want to know about Downtown, its history, culture, or character? Let us know here for a chance to see your question answered in a future newsletter.

To infinity and beyond. Today’s a big day for UCF engineering students. Two research collection points — called payloads — that were built by undergraduate students will be launched into space aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket. Liftoff is scheduled for 9:50 a.m. EST. (Orlando Weekly)

Movin’ on up. Another highrise is in the works for downtown Orlando. A developer has filed plans to build a 19-story tower at North Magnolia and Palmetto avenues that would include a luxury hotel, six floors of penthouse condors, and 4,250 square feet of retail space. (Orlando Sentinel)

A different recovery story. After hurricanes like Irma and Harvey devastated Florida and Texas, big-name donations came in from organizations like the NFL and celebrities like Beyoncé. That hasn’t been the case for communities in the Panhandle after Hurricane Michael, and disaster-relief organizations are overwhelmed. If you’re looking to donate, head here for a verified list of organizations. (Tampa Bay Times)

Yo quiero. Care to wash down that crunchwrap with a fine cabernet? Taco Bell is bringing its fast-casual, alcohol-serving “cantina” concept to downtown Orlando as an anchor tenant in the One South Orange building, which is in the middle of a $4.5-million renovation project. The new restaurant is expected to open sometime this fall. (Orlando Weekly)

It’s not “Hamilton,” but… If you’re looking for a fun musical performance with a dash of history, the Central Florida Vocal Arts’ production of “A Tale of Two Cities” premieres in Orlando this Friday. Like the classic Dickens novel, the musical includes themes of social justice and personal redemption. (Orlando Sentinel)

ON A KIND NOTE 😍 

We asked you yesterday what’s the best random act of kindness someone has done for you recently in Orlando, and your responses have put smiles on our faces. Adrianna Sekula said, “Every morning Monday-Friday, my faith in humanity gets another boost when, without doubt, someone immediately lets me onto busy South Street from Liberty Avenue during rush hour downtown. I never wait. I shouldn’t be surprised, but I always am.”

We’ll be sharing more of your responses in a later newsletter,  but we wanted to share one today to remind you that it’s cool to be kind.

Stay nice to people, Orlando,

— Pulptown