My Sanford Magazine - Fall 2020 by Blair Creative Group

THE MAGAZINE FOR THE SANFORD FLORIDA LIFESTYLE

BILINGUAL MAGAZINE

SANFORD FLORIDA | SEMINOLE COUNTY

SEP-NOV 2020 • QUARTERLY

WWW.MYSANFORDMAGAZINE.COM

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Sanford's Positive Community Magazine

SANFORD’S

BEST

MEET THE

RIVERAS ‘Best of Sanford’ Chiropractor Award Winners

BEST OF SANFORD GUIDE SEE INSIDE

VISITLOCAL EVENTS

SANFORD SANFORD LOCAL EVENT 365365 CALENDAR

B eautiful Sunsets • Fr iendly Faces • Family Atmosphere Great Locally-Owned Restaurants and Shops

ESTABLISHED 2014

VOLUME 6, ISSUE 4

FALL 2020 | QUARTERLY

LETTER FROM THE

EDITOR

From my heart to yours! Sanford Sanford Sanford, it fills me with pride to see dreams come true. Even when trying to endure a pandemic, we choose to celebrate our vision for Sanford coming to fruition. I thank God and Our Lady for watching over my small community as it grows bigger and better every day. Our visitors are discovering our little paradise. In addition to its own magazine, Sanford naturally has its own award show – like the Oscars, but local! I love this community and its people. This event is an opportunity to express that love and support for each other, our careers, and our businesses. I am proud to present this edition as a special summary of the 2019 “Best of Sanford” Awards. We postponed the celebration several times and finally, decided that a virtual ceremony would be best. Despite many obstacles, we succeeded in making that happen. Seeing the proud faces of the winners as they were recognized for their hard work made all the headaches worthwhile. Pages 7-10 of this edition offers readers the opportunity to re-live these joyous moments as the winners received their awards. A link to watch the festivities again and again is also available!

October is a Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I would like to remind our readers about the importance of getting screened for breast cancer. Early detection can save lives, and regular screening is the key to early detection. In early 2016, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Because it was detected at an early stage, it was treatable. I am grateful to God for saving my life. Thank you for accepting me into your homes and hearts through My Sanford Magazine. This publication is a dream come true for me, thanks to the support from all of you. I love you all.

This Issue was published by MY SANFORD MAGAZINE LLC, with project management by:

Editor in Chief & Founder Perla B. Crosby

Cover Photography Kelly Clore with kabiki photography

Associate Editor Caroline van den Berg

Digital Marketing Director Brian R. Ambrosini

Art Director Renée Blair Photographers Benevolence Photography Daniella Mastroianni, Mastropieces Photography JP Photography Kelly Clore with kabiki photography

WRITE TO US | ESCRÍBENOS A EDITOR@MYSANFORDMAGAZINE.COM Perla is the founder, Editor In-Chief and publisher of My Sanford Magazine. Her goal was to produce a local magazine that would foster unity and promote good will in Sanford’s culturally diverse community. This was accomplished and the magazine has been declared a resounding success. Perla also conceived and brought to fruition the Sanford Tourism Office and serves as its first Chairperson. Proceeding her long career as a Diplomat in Rome, Italy, she served as the Director General of Tourism in Italy where she also founded a successful tourist and business magazine.

Social Media & Marketing Specialist Daniella Hume Contributors: Daniella Hume Leon Konieczny Nikki Namdar Andrew Thomas Bob Turk Caroline van den Berg

My Sanford Magazine disclaims all liability for any and all advertisements, promotions, articles, and other affiliated content contained within this publication. The opinions of the authors are those alone. We do not accept any liability for information or advice provided by any advertiser, sponsor, or associated business provided in this magazine.

PROUD MEMBER OF:

ON THE COVER Sanford's Award-Winning Chiropractic Couple, Drs. Alicia and Omar Rivera.

As many readers know, my family lives in the Dominican Republic, which I also love, but as long as I believe I can do positive things to benefit this community, I will be here working side by side many others who love Sanford as much as I do. Let us continue to do our best every day as a

Photo Credit: Kelly Clore with kabiki Photography

TABLE OF CONTENTS COMMUNITY & PEOPLE

LIFESTYLE

4 Sanford's Award-Winning Chiropractic Couple

24 Trending in Sanford!

7 Sanford's Best 12 City of Sanford Supports Small Business Recovery 2 M Y S A N FOR D M AG A Z I N E | FA L L 2 0 2 0

FOOD & DRINK

17 2020 - The Best of Sanford Getting Better and Better… 19 Downtown Sanford Food & Drink Map

BENEVOLENCE PHOTOGRAPHY (TOP LEFT)

united team. Let us continue to share our ideas for the betterment of our peers. We are working together for the same city with love and loyalty.

We Truly Love the Sanford Community, and Thank You for Your Loyal Support. Proudly Serving! ~ 38 Years Catering to the Central Florida Community ~ ~ 12 Years at the Same Location in Historic Downtown ~ ~ 1 Year at The Emporuim on Park ~

The Corner Café – Home of Gourmet2Go... Winner of Trip Advisor's Readers' Choice Award 2020

Located At the Corner of 1st St. and Park Ave. Historic Downtown Sanford 386-848-4132 • www.thecornercafesanford.com

COVERSTORY

SPOTLIGHT:

Sanford’s Award-Winning Chiropractic Couple BY NIKKI NAMDAR

anford is often described as a cultural mecca. From Jamaican cuisine to German festivals, our city is a melting pot for any and all to live and work. Our very own award-winning Rivera Family Chiropractic Center is a married couple of Puerto Rican and Cuban descent. Together, Dr. Omar and Dr. Alicia have built a health center that educates its patients on natural solutions to their problems. “Education is key for every patient that walks through the door,” he said.

Dr. Omar refers to the couple’s Puerto Rican and Cuban backgrounds with a huge sense of pride. “We live in a community and a country where you can actually thrive with hard work and faith, so it means everything to us,” he said. “Sanford is a very welcoming and diverse community, so that means the world to us. Our kids can see that. It doesn't matter what your background or ethnicity is, your hard work will pay off.” Both doctors attended Palmer Chiropractic — Dr. Alicia attending the West Coast, California location and Dr. Omar on the Port Orange, Florida location. They met while she was working as an associate at a Miami chiropractic office. 4 M Y S A N FOR D M AG A Z I N E | FA L L 2 0 2 0

Drs. Alicia and Omar Rivera

KELLY CLORE , KABIKI PHOTOGRAPHY

Hailing from Miami, the Rivera’s moved to Sanford because it was a central location for them to commute to their other two locations in Deltona and Casselberry. When they came across Sanford, they really liked the downtown area and the small town feel that is inclusive of a variety of cultures.

At the time, Dr. Omar, who has suffered from scoliosis since the age of thirteen, was a regular patient there, as it was his brother’s practice. Due to his condition, his family visited the chiropractor often, and the family practiced a holistic upbringing. Growing up playing soccer and competitive sports led to rehab therapy. Dr. Alicia is an athlete herself, and enjoys participating in track and field, cross country races and marathons. Their family often attends running events and sponsors 5Ks and health fairs. “The first responders, including police officers and firefighters, were our very first patients since day one, and we love it,” Dr. Omar said. “We are a very active family,” Dr. Alicia said. “All three of our children play for Orlando City Club, and they play soccer as well as other school sports. I think it's important for a child to see a healthy lifestyle in their parents, so they pick up those habits as an adult.” Some may call this union fate, but they say it was their faith.

KELLY CLORE, KABIKI PHOTOGRAPHY (TOP RIGHT); COURTESY NIKKI NAMDAR (BOTTOM RIGHT)

“We both held chiropractic and holistic values, and we knew we wanted to open a clinic with our name to spread the world and focus on education and discussion about chiropractic care,” Dr. Alicia said. “When I saw her in my brother’s clinic while she was doing her internship, I immediately knew that she was the one,” Dr. Omar added. “Obviously, it took some courting, but the moment I saw her I knew she was the one. There was really no plan in place. It kind of grew and evolved organically. I knew that's what I wanted to be. She was already a licensed practitioner, so chiropractic medicine has really opened the doors for us and provided and helped us grow together.” Dr. Omar and Dr. Alicia’s purpose of their practice is to enhance the quality of life of their patients through a thoughtfully designed healing environment and a loving and compassionate staff. “We have created a space for our patients to feel good in,” Dr. Alicia adds. The couple emphasizes a whole-body approach when treating their patients and whole family care. From newborns to great-grandparents, they ensure that every patient feels cared for and supported in their journey to optimal health. “We've been around long enough in the community that some of the teen patients, for

l-r: Sienna, Dr. Omar, Mateo, Dr. Alicia and Omar Jr. with their Bull Mastiff Caballero and French Bulldog Gus

example, who were educated on the wholebody approach now bring their children for us,” Dr. Alicia said. “That means everything when we see them as a teenager and now, they are married and bring their whole family in.” She beams with pride as she describes going the extra mile to make their patients feel completely at home. “We like to think of our clinics as being zen and peaceful. The result is an atmosphere very conducive to healing.” Dr. Omar adds, “The best part of our practice is that we really care about you. We’re warm and friendly and always committed to meeting your expectations. Our mission is to help our patients recover their youthful health and vitality with proper spinal alignment, maximal muscle function and proper vitamin balancing. We are committed to helping you achieve your health goals.” The Rivera family’s chiropractic center has won the Best of Sanford four years in a row. They credit their staff for their recognitions and stress the importance of teaching their children, Omar Jr., 16, Sienna, 13, and Mateo, 11, that they can do whatever they dream of. “It’s quite an honor. I take pride in it,” Dr. Omar said. “We work hard, and that award honestly

is a team effort because of my wonderful staff and their hard work and education. I always share it with them. We have it displayed in the office. Without them, none of my success comes through. Those awards are testament to the entire staff and entire clinic.” Dr. Alicia’s advice for anyone who follows their dreams, whether becoming a chiropractor or another trade: “Work hard, but wherever one decides to take a route, it's incredibly important to give back to the community, to get involved with the local community.” “I would add that with strong will and determination, don't take no for an answer and anything is possible because it’s hard out there,” Dr. Omar said. “It's not going to be easy, but as long as you're determined and willing to put the work in, great results will always come through. We love Sanford, and we will always be grateful for that.” Nikki is a writer who enjoys telling stories that connect the community and spark emotion. In her spare time, she loves eating vegan food and sharing it to her Instagram, @OrlandoVegans, and spending time with animals.

MYSAN FORDMAGA ZI N E.COM | MY SAN FOR D MAGA ZI N E

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900 W. W. 25th St. 900 Sanford, FL 900 900 900 W. W. W. 25th 25th 25th St. St. St. Sanford, FL (407) 878-5848 Sanford, Sanford, Sanford, FLFLFL (407) 878-5848

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M Y S A N F O R D M A G A Z I N E | CO M M U N I T Y & P E O P L E • 14

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SANFORD’S

BEST

Streams ‘Live’ The 4th Annual Best of Sanford Readers’ Choice Awards Celebration BY CA ROL I N E VA N DE N B E RG

JP PHOTOGRAPHY

Y SANFORD MAGAZINE was thrilled to present the 4th Annual Best of Sanford Readers’ Choice Awards! Held on September 2, 2020 at the Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center, local business owners and city officials gathered to celebrate this year’s winners while citizens tuned in from the comfort of their homes and various restaurants throughout Sanford. Streaming a live ceremony came with its share of challenges, but the My Sanford Magazine team looks forward to this event all year! Honoring businesses that deliver the best in products, services, activities, dining, and unique entertainment experiences has been an incredibly rewarding experience. This year, it was an honor to have Martha Matty Frias join our annual hosts, Amber Clore and Derrick Daniel, as a representative of the Latin community.

MYSAN FORDMAGA ZI N E.COM | MY SAN FOR D MAGA ZI N E

WATCH THE BEST OF SANFORD EVENT: https://bit.ly/36i3yYp

MY SANFORD MAGAZINE IS PLEASED TO PRESENT THE 4TH ANNUAL BEST OF SANFORD READERS' CHOICE AWARDS PERSONAL SERVICES BEST HAIR SALON WINNER: The Backroom Salon First Runner-Up: VMZ beauty studio Second Runner-Up: Studio 105 Salon BEST NAIL SALON WINNER: Bellagio Nails & Spa First Runner-Up: Koi Nail Spa Second Runner-Up: American Spa Nails BEST BARBER SHOP WINNER: Flawless Cuts Barbershop First Runner-Up: Tradition Barbershop Second Runner-Up: Fist Impression Barbershop BEST WELLNESS SPA/FITNESS FACILITY WINNER: Athletic APEX Florida First Runner-Up: Harmonious Healing Massage Second Runner-Up: LA Fitness now Esporta Fitness Sanford BEST MEDICAL FACILITY WINNER: Central Florida Regional Hospital First Runner-Up: North Seminole Family Practice, Second Runner-Up: Orlando Health Physician Associates - Sanford/ Lake Forest BEST CHIROPRACTOR WINNER: Dr. Omar M. Rivera First Runner-Up: Dr. Erin Lynn Spaulding Second Runner-Up: Dr. Ron Sir. Fulmore

BEST DENTIST WINNER: George Mitrogogos First Runner-Up: Dr. Randall Brown, DMD Second Runner-Up: Dr. Chip Edwards, Jr., DDS BEST MEDICAL DOCTOR WINNER: Daniel Monette First Runner-Up: Dr. Vinay Chandra Srivastava Second Runner-Up: MD, Dr. Vincent Mamone, DO BEST VETERINARIAN/ BEST PET CARE WINNER: Dr. Susan Wayne at Murphy Veterinary Clinic First Runner-Up: Pet Paradise Sanford Second Runner-Up: VCA Newman Sanford Animal Hospital BEST REALTOR WINNER: Deborah Ward-Moran First Runner-Up: Caroline van den Berg Second Runner-Up: Tammy Agnini BEST ACCOMMODATIONS WINNER: SpringHill Suites by Marriott First Runner-Up: Higgin's House Bed & Breakfast Second Runner-Up: Park Place Inn and Cottages BEST FINANCIAL SUPPORT WINNER: Amanda Spor First Runner-Up: Fairwinds Credit Union Second Runner-Up: Citizen Bank of Florida BEST PHOTOGRAPHER WINNER: Jessica McCarty-Carvajal First Runner-Up: Reg Garner Second Runner-Up: Daniel Morris

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BEST LOCAL CHARITY ORG/ BEST LOCAL HUMANITARIAN WINNER: Ladies 327 First Runner-Up: Pet Rescue by Judy Second Runner-Up: Love Mission BEST SMALL RETAIL BUSINESS WINNER: Magpies Modern General Store First Runner-Up: Sanford Homebrew Shop Second Runner-Up: The Emporium on Park BEST LARGE RETAIL BUSINESS WINNER: Dillards First Runner-Up: Target Second Runner-Up: Walmart

BEST ARTS AND CULTURE BEST EVENT VENUE WINNER: Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center First Runner-Up: Venue 1902 at Preservation Hall Second Runner-Up: Theater West End BEST LOCAL ARTIST WINNER: Hannah Harber Wynn First Runner-Up: Kevin Abbott Second Runner-Up: Heather DeSanctis BEST ARTS/ MUSIC FESTIVAL WINNER: Sanford Porchfest First Runner-Up: St. Johns River Festival of the Arts Second Runner-Up: Sanford Avenue Block Party

BEST RESTAURANTS BEST DAYTIME DINING WINNER: Colonial Room Restaurant First Runner-Up: Hollerbach’s Willow Tree, Second Runner-Up: Christos’s BEST CASUAL DINING WINNER: El Zocalo Mexican Restaurant First Runner-Up: St Johns River Steak & Seafood Second Runner-Up: The Breezeway Restaurant and Bar BEST FINE DINING WINNER: The Old Jailhouse Sanford First Runner-Up: The Tennessee Truffle Second Runner-Up: The District BEST SWEET EXPERIENCE WINNER: Andy's Frozen Custard First Runner-Up: Wondermade, Second Runner-Up: Donuts To Go BEST CATERER WINNER: The Corner Cafe - Home of Gourmet2Go First Runner-Up: Creations Catering & Events Second Runner-Up: Christo's BEST CHEF WINNER: Nat Russell First Runner-Up: Chef Bram Fowler Second Runner-Up: Patrick Story BEST NEW RESTAURANT/BAR WINNER: The Basin First Runner-Up: Throwbacks Sanford Second Runner-Up: Loggerhead Distillery

https://bit.ly/342x9lQ

BEST BAR BEST MICROBREWERY WINNER: Sanford Brewing Company First Runner-Up: WopsHops Brewing Company Second Runner-Up: Deviant Wolfe Brewing BEST CRAFT COCKTAILS WINNER: Tuffy's Bottle Shop & Lounge First Runner-Up: Bitters & Brass Second Runner-Up: Buster’s Bistro BEST HAPPY HOUR WINNER: West End Trading Co. First Runner-Up: Tuffy’s Second Runner-Up: Celery City Craft BEST BARTENDER WINNER: Robbie Kennerney First Runner-Up: Thomas McBee Second Runner-Up: Percy JP Buster

READERS’ CHOICE

KELLY CLORE, KABIKI PHOTOGRAPHY

BEST OVERALL BAR WINNER: Celery City Craft First Runner-Up: Throwbacks Sanford Second Runner-Up: Imperial Bar BEST OVERALL RESTAURANT WINNER: Hollerbach's Willow Tree Café First Runner-Up: The Tennessee Truffle Second Runner-Up: The Old Jailhouse Sanford

MYSAN FORDMAGA ZI N E.COM | MY SAN FOR D MAGA ZI N E

KELLY CLORE, KABIKI PHOTOGRAPHY

BEST OF SANFORD

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Join us for Sanford’s #1 Lakefront Dining Experience

Waterside Eatery with a Light-Filled Dining Room, Outdoor Tables and a Hearty Menu of Chops & Seafood.

ST. JOHNS RIVER STEAK & SEAFOOD 407-878-0980 • www.stjrss.com 550 N. Palmetto Ave. • Sanford, FL 32771

Thank you!

FOR VOTING US!

321.363.4647 • 200 S. MYRTLE AVE. HISTORIC DOWNTOWN SANFORD

Thursday, Friday, and Saturday: 5:30 –10pm Brunch on Saturday: 9am–1pm 407.942.3977 125 West 1st Street • Sanford, FL 32772 www.TheTennesseeTruffle.com TheTennesseeTruffle

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COMMUNITY & PEOPLE

City of Sanford

SUPPORTS SMALL BUSINESS RECOVERY B Y A N D R E W T H O M A S, Director, Community Relations & Neighborhood Engagement, and BOB TURK, Director, Economic Development

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to qualified businesses classified as nonessential and mandated to close and/or modify operations by executive order. The focus of the program is to support businesses that are

reopening to rehire employees and assist with the payment of back rent, mortgage, utilities and PPE for employees and customers.

DANIELLA HUME, MASTROPIECES PHOTOGRAPHY

nderstanding the tremendous negative impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on our local economy, particularly our small businesses, the City of Sanford launched a Small Business Relief Grant (SBRG) program to retain local jobs and assist in stabilizing the businesses that have been affected. The city commission approved the program at its May 18, 2020 meeting and amended it at the June 8, 2020 meeting. The amendment aligns the program with the Department of Urban Housing (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). The commission approved the program with a high sense of urgency to implement support as expeditiously as possible. A press release was issued to the media on June 10, 2020 announcing the program would be accepting pre-applications effective June 11, 2020. The SBRG program provides one-time grants

OPPOSITE PAGE: City of Sanford employees: SBRG application review committee Pictured l-r: Lindsey Bojadzijev, Dixie Mozick, Andrew Thomas, Traci Houchin, Bob Turk, Ashley Hampton

DANIELLA HUME, MASTROPIECES PHOTOGRAPHY

ABOVE: Bob Turk and Ashley Hampton

The City of Sanford’s Community Development Block Grant Program and the Economic Development Department modified existing economic development programs to create a combined funding mechanism that is providing grants to small businesses to avoid job loss and re-employment of individuals that were laid-off due to the COVID-19. Eligibility for the program includes businesses reopening under phase I of the governor’s executive order who have not received funding from other sources, are in compliance with all city codes, have all required local, county and State licenses and permits, are current on all state and local taxes, and maintain an adjusted gross income under $500,000. Top priority was given to businesses that met the criteria and had not received funding from other sources. Eligible businesses have received up to a maximum of $15,000 in funding. As stipulated by the CARES ACT’s Community Development Block Grant program and the

Federal Housing Administration guidelines, a portion of the overall Small Business Relief Grant program is for retention and re-employment of low-to-moderate income employees. This one-time grant is providing critical support to help our distressed businesses recover from the five-month shut down caused by COVID-19. We have experienced some challenges with the program, as have the business adjusting to the requirements and guidelines imposed under the CARES Act to qualify for funds. Program staff have worked diligently with the businesses to collect the required documents, such as applying for DUNS Numbers, verifying the business information with SUNBIZ, and including local business tax receipts (BTR) and EIN/FIN numbers. For many of our businesses, this was their first time applying for federal assistance and were not familiar with the level of documentation required.

Although the program application process added additional stress on business owners, program participants worked through the frustration, and the process strengthened the city’s relationship with many of businesses and stress the importance of working together during difficult times. To date, the City of Sanford has funded over fifty impacted business that qualified. Nearly $500,000 has been allocated to assist these businesses in navigating these uncertain times.

CIT Y OF

FLORIDA sanfordfl.gov sanfordfl.gov

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Making Realty…

a Reality!

Words can’t describe how thankful we are to those who made this award possible. Thanks to our hard working team who’ve stuck with us from the beginning. And thank you to all our dear customers who have given us continuous support. From the bottom of our hearts we appreciate you all.

• Homes for Heroes® • First Time Homebuyer Programs • Foreclosures • Bank Assets

—Michelle Pham, Owner Bellagio Nails & Spa

SAMIYAH ALI P.A., Realtor®

Serving Seminole, Volusia and Orange Counties for 14 years!

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READERS’ CHOICE BEST OVERALL BAR 10:33 pm

10:33 pm

118 S. Palmetto Ave. • Sanford, FL 32771 www.CeleryCityCraft.com

Just one bite... and You’ll feel the Love Justone onebite… bite...and andYou’ll You’llFeel feel the the Love Love Just

Soul Food Soul Food & Entertainment & Entertainment

CMY

Historic Downtown Sanford 503 S. Sanford Ave., Sanford, FL 32771 Historic407 Downtown Sanford - 878 - 7785 503 S. Sanford WE Ave., Sanford, FL 32771 CATER

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HISTORIC DOWNTOWN SANFORD WE CATER Brunch Buffet Karaoke Steak, & | Sanford, 503 Sanford Avenue FLCigars 32771 EveryS. 4th Sunday Thursday Nights Bring Your Own Whiskey WWW.ORDERSHANTELLS.COM Wednesday Nights WE CATER • OrdersShantells.com

*Check our Facebook page to see upcoming events Check our Facebook Page for Upcoming Events Brunch Buffet Karaoke Steak, Cigars & Every 4th Sunday

Jazz & Chew

Thursday Nights

Brunch Buffet

Bring Your Own Whiskey

Wednesday Nights Steak, Cigars & Karaoke

Every 2nd Saturday Bring Your Own Whiskey Thursday Nights Every 4th Saturday see upcoming 7:30p*Check our Facebook page toWednesday Nights events

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D TE CE OR VO PLAAST ORD ING F IN ST KF N

BE BREAIN SA IME D

T R H FO UNC DAY T R S B BE d an

Banquet Facilities & Catering Available

Colonial Room R E S T A U R A N T

Open 7 Days A Week Monday–Saturday: 6:30am–2pm • Sunday: 7am–2pm

Owner: Michelle Simoneaux • alishelle@yahoo.com 105 E. First Street, Suite A • Sanford, FL 32771 • 407.323.2999 16 M Y S A N F O R D M A G A Z I N E | F A L L 2 0 2 0

FOOD & DRINK

2020

The Best of Sanford GETTING BETTER AND BETTER… BY LEON KONIECZNY

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: PHOTOS COURTESY HOLLERBACH'S WILLOW TREE CAFÉ, CHRISTO'S, BUSTER'S BISTRO, THE DISTRICT

Clockwise from top left: Hollerbach's Willow Tree Café, Christo's, Buster's Bistro, The District

istoric, downtown Sanford has something few other small towns have—a vibrant dining scene with many outstanding eateries, all concentrated in a small, historic, downtown area. In less than a half hour, one can walk from one end of this area to the other and back, in the meantime passing by many of the best “good eats” and “good drinks” that Sanford has to offer—dozens of fine, “Best of Sanford,” award-winning restaurants and bars. While the COVID-19 pandemic has dampened Sanford’s dining scene, downtown establishments have quickly adapted and continue to provide the Best of Sanford to locals and out-of-towners alike, in a safe and socially distanced manner. Yes, Sanford still is a great destination for good eats and fun times.

As a foodie, I’ve been dining (and drinking) in downtown Sanford for quite a few years. I’ve seen it change, evolve, grow, and mature. And Downtown Sanford is not done yet. Quite a few years ago, there were only a few choices for good food in downtown Sanford. Today, you could eat at a different place every day for well over two weeks and never, ever, be disappointed—and have quite the superb variety as well. Along the way, you’d eat at some of the best restaurants there are, the Best of Sanford, as awarded over the years by My Sanford Magazine. Year after year, the readers of My Sanford Magazine reward Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Café with some of their top awards. One of Sanford’s oldest and most established restaurants, Hollerbach’s started out many years ago with only a handful of employees in a small space.

Now, their latest expansion—which includes Sanford’s first and only rooftop biergarten—is downtown’s largest and most popular restaurant. The beer, the fun, the entertainment—it’s all never-ending, and accompanied by some of the most amazing German food you’ll ever experience. Hollerbach’s is an “experience” in and of itself. Still, there are quite a few other fine dining choices in downtown Sanford as well. Receiving MSM “Best” awards this year and in recent years, fine dining includes such restaurants as these: • The Old Jailhouse—and yes, it was once the county’s jailhouse (the iron bars re- main) with their unique offerings and craft cocktails. Dinner behind bars! • The Tennessee Truffle, home to award-

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FOOD & DRINK •

VOTED

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MICRO BREWERY Enjoy our large open air taproom with a view into the brew house. Savor handcrafted beers, meads, ciders and specialty sodas. Taste the fresh, locally sourced ingredients, made to order. Relish the sounds of our performing musicians. Soak in the quintessential southern hospitality, make new friends, discover history. Sit outside, enjoy the beautiful Florida weather with your furry friends. Bring you kids for mac ‘n cheese while you sip our handcrafted beer.

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winning “Best of Sanford Chef” Nat Russell who brings to Sanford his take on modern southern cuisine with a unique, everevolving menu. The District, specializing in hearty and complete meals that will fill you up and find you leaving full and satisfied with their culinary attention to detail.

Perhaps its casual dining or home cooking that you’re looking for? Well look no further than the following, each with its own good reasons for a visit: • The Colonial Room serves up the best breakfast (and lunch) in Sanford and is always popular. This diner never disap- points and has a loyal, local following. • The Breezeway is known, not only for its large and unique outdoor space (a “breeze way”), but also for its Big Fish and the My Sanford Special—you better be hungry. • St. John’s River Steak and Seafood boasts the best view around with dining right on Lake Monroe. And as the name suggests, the steaks and seafood are specialties. • El Zocalo boasts some of the best Mexican food in town with special house margari- tas—and everything is authentic, and home-made. • Christo’s Café has a wide assortment of the comfort food you want, and the dessert case is always a huge temptation. Go ahead, indulge. And then there’s the eclectic places, from a food court to a number of bars with mighty fine food—or are they restaurants with some good drinks? You be the judge: • Henry’s Depot is a food court of sorts, in an old railroad depot. A handful of various food vendors will fill your every desire with a wide selection of good eats. You can order a la carte from various places and wash it all down with some fine brews and drinks from The Basin. • Wop’s Hops is Sanford’s first Micro-brewery and boasts some mighty fine bar grub with an Italian flair. Don’t miss the Wopsi- cle, by the way, and Italian meatball on a stick! • Sanford Brewing Company is perhaps downtown’s biggest micro-brewery, but don’t overlook their fine kitchen which puts out some amazing dishes. • The Sullivan, an Irish Public House (pub) boasts some of the best Irish fare around,

The Old jailhouse

• • •

not to mention a proper pour of Guinness. Shantell’s Just Until…. Boasts some award-winning fried chicken as well as other southern home-cooking specialties. Fuel BBQ has some award-winning BBQ that can’t be beat. Not sure where it is? Follow your nose! Buster’s Bistro is Florida’s only Belgian bar, with amazing food offerings. Don’t miss the Frites, said to be invented in Belgium.

So far, I’ve just scratched the surface of the Best of Sanford. There are several other eating and drinking establishments in downtown, all within a 30-minute walkabout. Almost every place mentioned so far, plus a host of others not mentioned, have won Best of Sanford Awards over the past several years, and Sanford is not done yet with its evolution. Several “new” places are in the works—stay tuned. The only real problem with eating (and drinking) in downtown Sanford is that there are so many great choices—but whatever, wherever, and whenever you choose, you cannot go wrong eating and drinking in downtown Sanford. Leon Konieczny is a local Central Florida foodie and food blogger who’s been writing about Sanford and Seminole County area “good eats” restaurants for the past seven years. He’s big into eating at local mom ‘n’ pop shops where high quality ingredients, love, and a dose of home cooking make all the difference. While he occasionally eats at the big chains, he claims it’s only to remind him where a real quality dining experience lurks — in the small restaurants which are the heart and soul of every neighborhood and community.

PHOTOS COURTESY THE OLD JAILHOUSE (TOP) AND LEON KONIECZYN (BOTTOM)

24 CRAFT TAPS • SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY

DOWNTOWN SANFORD FOOD & DRINK MAP 17

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16 20 18 17 13 26 4

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FOOD 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17.

Best Fish & Chicken Wings Buster’s Bistro Caffe Di Riverwalk Christo’s Colonial Room Restaurant El Zocalo Mexican Restaurant Fuel BBQ Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Café Magnolia Square Market Moon’s Subs Mr. Z’s Sanford Negril Spice Jamaican Restaurant Palate Bubs and Ice Cream Raw Press Juice Co. Sanford Pizza Company Shantell’s St. John’s River Steak & Seafood

DRINK 18. Sushi & Seoul at Celery City Craft 19. Taste of Thyme Café 20. The Breezeway Restaurant & Bar 21. The Corner Café 22. The District in Sanford 23. The Healthy Buddah 24. The Old Jailhouse 25. The Smiling Bison 26. The Tennessee Truffle 27. Wondermade 28. Zorba's Greek Restaurant

1. 1st Street Lounge 2. Bitters and Brass 3. Celery City Craft | Celery City Cigars 4. Deviant Wolfe Brewing 5. Ellen’s Wine Room 6. Executive Cigar Sanford 7. Henry’s Depot 8. Inner Compass Brewing Co. 9. Loggerhead Distillery 10. Luisa’s Cellar Wine Bar 11. Palate Coffee Brewery 12. Sanford Avenue Tavern 13. Sanford Brewing Company 14. Suffering Bastard Tiki Bar

15. The Alley 16. The Basin 17. The Imperial Bar at Washburn Imports-Sanford 18. The Sullivan, A Public House 19. The Wet Spot 20. Throwbacks Sanford 21. Torch One Cigars 22. Tuffy’s Bottle Shop & Lounge 23. West End Trading Co. 24. Wop’s Hops Brewery

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LIFESTYLE

TRENDING

IN SANFORD! BY DANIELLA HUME There is so much to offer when walking around downtown Sanford. Between the eclectic variety of food and beverages to the various unique shops, there is something appealing for everyone. This section of our magazine will feature some of the trendiest businesses in town. Our fall edition will step into the fashion world and get a taste of The Chiffon Cat Vintage, a curated collection of secondhand finds that combine vintage fashion with modern style.

Layer up with your favorites this fall! Denim jacket, XL, $23; striped turtleneck, medium, $18; corduroy skirt, medium, $20.

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Transition into fall with this casual maxi dress! Striped maxi dress, size 8, $28.

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Add a pop of color to your wardrobe! Gingham trenchcoat, medium, $30; mockneck sleeveless sweater, small, $18.

Daniella Hume owns a photography business located here in the heart of Sanford. Daniella graduated UCF with her broadcast journalism degree. She worked in local news for many years before leaving and starting her own company. While she isn’t working, Daniella loves to be at home cooking with her husband Jerry and playing with their dog, Luna. They love to go down to the Sanford Marina together and watch the sunset.

DANIELLA HUME, MASTROPIECES PHOTOGRAPHY

Fall in love with polka-dots this season! Polka-dot dress, large, $25.

My Sanford Magazine 107 South Oak Ave. Sanford, FL 32771

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