Live well, eat well – in Baldwin Park and beyond

Home is where the heart is. And our heart lies in the many diverse neighborhoods of Orlando and Winter Park.

In our ‘Meet Your Community’ series, we introduce you to people who help Orlando grow and thrive – and who have found their sanctuary in this beautiful city.

Name: Jason Chin
Neighborhood: Baldwin Park since 2005
Business: Seito Sushi, Osprey Tavern, Reyes Mezcaleria
Free time: Spends time with his daughters
Secret talent: DJ’ing
Advice for newcomers: Use the Baldwin Park Network or the Nextdoor app to stay informed about your community
Community shout-outs: James and Julie Petrakis of the Ravenous Pig and Cask & Larder, Kevin Fonzo of K Restaurant, and Kathleen Blake of the Rusty Spoon for inspiring young restaurateurs to take it to the next level. Craig Ustler, developer, for his vision and care for Orlando.

We met Jason Chin, prolific restaurateur and Baldwin Park resident, in his beautifully styled Osprey Tavern. It’s clear right away that we are in the presence of someone who has a clear vision for his business, who loves our local community, and who -above all- is a friendly, down-to-earth guy who just wants to see people happy.

Originally from Chicago, Jason has been a Florida resident since 1990, but it wasn’t until he settled his home and his business in Baldwin Park that he found a place where his heart truly lies. The strong sense of community, the beautiful outdoor areas and trails, and the central location, all contribute to why Jason calls himself a diehard Baldwin Parker.

Known in the neighborhood for his congenial demeanor and excellent restaurants, Jason’s main goal is to enrich people’s lives. He says being a restaurateur is not a glamorous job, but that “it’s so precious to provide a service that allows others to spend an enjoyable time with their friends and family. This lies at the core of what it means to own a restaurant”.

Before becoming parents, Jason and his wife Sue would travel frequently. Their journeys have certainly inspired his restaurants. Looking around Osprey, you can spot antique luggage and navigational tools alongside pictures of Baldwin when it was still a naval base. Jason emphasizes how the established Chicago dining scene has impressed him with effortless execution of décor, brand, and a natural, genuine sense of hospitality. Jason strives to instill in his staff the same sense of quality you can find at Blackbird by Executive Chef Paul Kahan, or at The Girl and the Goat by Executive Chef Stephanie Izard, both winners of James Beard awards.

“The dining scene in Orlando has been showing great promise in the past five years,” says Jason. He is proud that despite the hurdles, he always stayed true to what he set out to do, which is contribute to the exciting movement of the local dining scene, which has evolved far beyond fast food chains and pub grub. Jason truly wants to add value to Baldwin Park and the surrounding neighborhoods he loves.                                                                                                   

Chef Ford Fry in Atlanta, who owns all kinds of restaurants, inspired Jason to not feel restricted by his Asian heritage and to boldly try his hand at different types of cuisine, like Jason’s newest venture: Reyes Mezcaleria in the North Quarter (Grand Opening is May 17th!).

Mezcal, like tequila, is made from agave, but is roasted in large pits, which gives it a more complex, smoky flavor, comparable to a Scotch. Jason describes the Reyes Mezcaleria menu as regionally inspired Mexican cuisine with a unique flair.

Jason has many more dreams and ambitions, but for now, we can’t wait to try Chef Austin Boyd’s agave salad, drunken oysters, or duck enmoladas – and of course the many mezcal drinks.