As Tapa Toro transitions into Helena Modern Riviera, new concept soft opens with 2 Valentine's Events

An exciting new European Riviera dining destination is in development at ICON Park on International Drive and it will debut with two Valentine's Events.

The highly visible, over 8,000-square-foot anchor in the heart of ICON Park (previously Tapa Toro), will be the site of a new culinary concept from new owners Jonathan and Angelica Pluvinet of Atelier Dining Group.

Atelier Dining Group is the parent company of Rosallie Le French Café Las Vegas and two successful Central Florida restaurants in historic downtown Winter Garden: Rosallie Le French Café Winter Garden and Mangoni Italian Market Pizza.

The Pluvinet’s fourth concept and endeavor is a full dining Mediterranean getaway of a restaurant called Helena Modern Riviera. The cuisine is inspired by the coastal flavors of the European Riviera with touches of flair from the Mediterranean Isles.

The restaurant will remain open for dining as it evolves into Helena, with a soft opening on February 13 and 14, with a full transformation by Spring 2024.

This Valentine’s Day, Orlando foodies can take loved ones on a culinary experience to the Mediterranean simply by dining at Helena Modern Riviera.  

Each event has its own special twist:

An interactive Galentine’s Day Cocktail Making Class previewing Helena’s newly crafted drinks, light bites and delectable desserts. 

An exclusive Valentine’s Day Dinner consisting of a six-course, prix-fixe menu with modern Mediterranean dishes and a dessert sure to fuel the sweetness of the night.

The new restaurant concept will immerse diners in the contemporary vibe of the Riviera and Mediterranean isles. The dining experience features fresh and elevated cuisine inspired by the coasts of France, Italy and Spain. Experience fine dining within an airy and sophisticated indoor and outdoor space that boasts a luxurious patio serving hand-crafted cocktails.

“We wanted to convey the experience of the Riviera during our personal vacations there to our patrons here in Orlando. The freshness of everything, the openness, just how the entire Mediterranean experience delights all your senses.”

Galentine’s Day Cocktail Making Class (Feb. 13)

Galentine’s Day is celebrated every year on February 13th. What better way to spend it with your forever besties than by mixing up your own cocktails with a variety of delicious goodies to munch on?

Helena Modern Riviera is offering the ultimate girls' night out with a special Galentine’s Day Cocktail Making Class. Attendees will make the restaurant’s signature drink, The Helena, and a classic crowd-favorite, the Espresso Martini.

The interactive experience includes:

• Ingredients, tools and instructions for cocktail-making 

• Two crafted cocktail recipes

• Glass of rosé

• Shareable appetizers: Charcuterie Board, Arancini and Hummus & Pita

• Treat Board: Macarons, Chocolate-covered Strawberries, Chocolate Truffles and Candy Hearts

Reservations are available from 6 to 8 p.m. and will cost $86 per person (Plus tax and 20% gratuity). To book a time slot, call Helena Modern Riviera at (407) 226-2929.

Valentine’s Day “For Helena” Dinner Event (Feb. 14)

The Valentine’s Day Dinner consists of a menu that transports couples through the Mediterranean as they celebrate each exciting stage of falling in love. The dinner is reservation-only, limited to 120 guests, includes live entertainment and features a prefixed menu for $110 per person.

The event’s menu showcases six courses, each created with the highest quality ingredients:

First Date

• Cold Water Lobster Cappuccino Bisque

• Salad of Madre Chicory, Belgian Endive, Watercress, Roquefort Cheese, Candied Walnut, Walnut Emulsion

• Tian Fresh Jumbo Lump Crab, Avocado, Meyer Lemon Confit, Gazpacho

Intermezzo Dance

• Iced Popsicle & Pop Rocks

Main Squeeze

• Beef Wellington with Parsnip Puree, Thumbelina Carrots, Cippolini Onions and Green Peppercorn Sauce Café au Lait

The Kiss

• Cherry Chocolate Bombe Glacée with Black Cherry Dirt

Helena’s handcrafted cocktails, champagne and wine selections are readily available to add to guests' dining experience.

To make reservations for this limited-seating event, call Helena restaurant at (407) 226-2929.

Helena Modern Riviera’s soft opening will continue until the official grand opening, which is expected to take place in Spring 2024. 

To learn more about Helena Modern Riviera, click here.

OWNERSHIP:

Atelier Dining Group’s founder and owner Jonathan Pluvinet was born in France to a family steeped in the industry, with parents who owned several restaurants and a hotel in France. Inspired by the family legacy of entrepreneurship, Pluvinet pursued a B.S. in Business, along with a full-ride sports scholarship for skiing, at The University of Nevada, Reno. In just over 10 years, he has developed three European-inspired dining concepts and four locations in the highly competitive markets Las Vegas and Orlando. At just 26 years of age, he launched his first dining concept with Rosallie Le French Café in Las Vegas, then set his sights on Central Florida to launch two restaurants in downtown historic Winter Garden — another Rosallie Le French Café and a second concept with Mangoni Italian Market Pizza (named after his grandfather). Now 37 years old, he adds the new Helena Modern Riviera as the piece de resistance in a growing portfolio that represents the full dining scene - from casual cafés to fine dining - with his own unique touch.

MORE INFORMATION: For updates on the restaurant’s transformation and new menu items, follow them on Instagram @AtelierDiningGroup or click here.

2024 is shaping up to be an exciting year in Orlando, with a ton of exciting new additions in the works! Find out what's new and coming to Orlando in 2024, including new Rides & Attractions coming to Orlando's Theme Parks, plus the new Restaurants & Bars, and Resorts & Hotels coming to Central Florida in 2024.

To keep up to date with the very latest happenings in Orlando, sign up to the Gotta Go Orlando Newsletter, and follow us on our social accounts to find the best events: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Discover the best of Orlando with our daily updated news, featuring the Best Things To Do:

Entertainment News, Live Music & Concerts News, Events & Festival News, Theater & The Visual Arts News, Bar, Club & Nightlife News, and Food & Drink News.

For the latest events in Orlando, check out our events guides: Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Month, Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend, and FREE Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend.

For the very latest Orlando Theme Park News click here, and for the latest Attractions News click here.

Plus, check out our daily updated guides to Central Florida'sTheme Parks: Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando, LEGOLAND Florida, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

To feature your business with Gotta Go Orlando learn more about advertising with us, and to or list your events with us, submit your Orlando events here.