Winter Park, FL February 2024 by City Lifestyle

Love Local F O O D + B E V E R AG E

THE SWEET SMELL OF CHOCOLATE F E B R UA RY 2 02 4

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Leap into Local Love In this February issue, we journey through Eatonville's rich history, Florida's oldest AfricanAmerican municipality. We have had some fun this month traveling on the St. John's Rivership and polling some of our favorite people in the area to contribute to our shopping guides. This month, we have twenty-nine days to celebrate love in all its forms. Valentine's Day isn't just about romantic love; it's a time to appreciate the deep connections we share with those we cherish. Whether it's a partner, a friend, or a family member, let's take a moment to express our gratitude and affection. And let's not forget Galentine's Day, a day to honor the ladies in our lives who stand by us through thick and thin. It's a day for laughter, reflection, and acknowledging the strength and support of our female friendships. So, gather your friends, share stories, and celebrate the bonds that enrich our lives. Both these days remind us to pause and appreciate the love and friendship that surround us, making our lives truly beautiful. Let's revel in the spirit of love, extending our celebrations beyond Valentine's Day to honor the fervent commitment of our local businesses. It's a time to acknowledge and celebrate the support of the Winter Park community, which has been instrumental in sustaining numerous local enterprises over many years. The enduring presence of these businesses is a testament to the unique and special nature of our community—a community that prides itself on nurturing and supporting local endeavors. One more thing, don't forget National Love Your Pet Day is on February 20th! Happy All the Love Days this month!

February 2024 PUBLISHER

Brande Dils | brande.dils@citylifestyle.com P U B L I CAT I O N D I R E C TO R

Allston McEwan | allston.mcewan@citylifestyle.com STAF F P H OTO G R AP H E R

Natalie Pietzak | nataliepietzak@gmail.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kara Adamo, Andy Cingolani, Allston McEwan, City Lifestyle C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Allston McEwan, Kara Adamo, Reg Garner

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein AD DESIGNER Mary Albers LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

BRANDE DILS, PUBLISHER @ W I N T E R PA R KC I T Y L I F E S T Y L E Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Winter Park City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Media Partners LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Winter Park area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Media

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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

Partners’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Media Partners’ does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Winter Park City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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THERE ARE PIECES OF ART THAT DECORATE A HOME AND THOSE THAT DEFINE IT.

Rinat Halon Photography Welcome to your luxury portrait experience

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inside the issue FE B RUA RY 2 0 2 4 | LOV E LO CA L

14 32

Featured

14 20 32

Come Aboard the Barbara-Lee A Unique Experience on the St. Johns River

Eatonville

On the Cover

Departments

AJ Chocolate House owners Katherine Urbyte and Edwin Jablonskas bring authentic European flavor to Park Avenue.

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

City List

Travel Journal TRAVEL

Must See SHOPPING

Our Town EDUCATION

How To EVENT PLANNING + SERVICES

Events

Now Open FOOD + BEVERAGE

Exploring the Rich Heritage of America’s Oldest Black Municipality

The Sweet Smell of Chocolate

AJ Chocolate House brings authentic European flavor to Park Avenue Photography: Rinat Halon Photography

THE DIRECT PRIMARY CARE

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Info & Reservations 407.647.1072 307 South Park Avenue, Winter Park, FL

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FEBRUARY 2024

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

JESSICA CLAYTON

BRANDE DILS

1: Victoria O’Day, Emma Jones: Art and Eat Festival of Hannibal Square, Winter Park 2: Kait Doulou and other members of the Central Florida Political Leadership Institute 3: Very Merry Charity Toy Drive: Cocina 214 4: Victoria O’Day, Monika Kenney, Kerry West Meyer, Esther Creo, Bee Epley: Winter Park Christmas Parade 5: Santa visits with the Grafton Family: The Alfond Inn 6: Brande Dils, Michelle Wyatt, Allston McEwan: St. Johns’ Rivership Co. Lunch Cruise, Sanford 7: Kate & Jim Lane, Lane Technology Solutions: Winter Park Christmas Parade

C I T Y SC E N E

Want to be seen in the magazine? TA G Y O U R I N S TA G R A M P H O T O S W I T H @ W I N T E R P A R K C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E

12 NATALIE PIETZAK PHOTOGRAPHY & DESIGN

SARAH GRAFTON

NATALIE PIETZAK PHOTOGRAPHY & DESIGN

8: Ben, Brande, and (Cover Star) Miles Dils with Cami Monet Miller: Cami Monet, Winter Park 9: Winter Park History Museum Team: Winter Park Christmas Parade 10: Kim Lind & Camille Lemons with Loopy Lemon Floral Events: Palacia Dalca’s Jingle Mingle 11: Park Avenue District Team: Winter Park Christmas Parade 12: Artist Cami Monet Miller signing our December cover art: Cami Monet, Winter Park 13: Cara Langston, Michelle Toro, McKenzie Pollock, Jill Dautzenberg: The Belles & Bows of CFVA 14: Chrisopher Malaba, Holly Jofrion (of Palacia Dalca), and Kammi Malaba: Palacia Dalca’s Jingle Mingle

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FEBRUARY 2024

business monthly A R O U N D U P O F N E W S F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

The Pickleball Club coming to Winter Park The Pickleball Club is under contract for a parcel at 1427 N. Semoran between Orlando and Winter Park. The first club opened in Lakewood Ranch and recently announced plans of an Orlando Expansion. This club will feature 12 indoor courts, outdoor courts, as well as a restaurant and pro shop. Be patient, opening is slated for 2025.

Shipley Do-Nuts Opens in Orlando An iconic Texas brand has made its way to Orlando. They have classic donut flavors, but the difference is their donuts are hand-cut into hexagon shapes, making them fluffier. The Shipley brand has been around since 1936. 1413 Trovillion Avenue, Winter Park. shipleydonuts.com

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The Naked Cupcake Now Offers Delivery Orlando’s #1 cupcake bakery is now delivering to greater Orlando! The Naked Cupcake is a local scratch bakery specializing in custom cakes and cupcakes for all occasions. Having started with a food truck, lovingly named Trixie, they now have a physical location in Lake Nona. They offer their amazing custom cupcakes to residents all over central Florida through their website and the delivery apps UberEats, DoorDash, and GrubHub! TheNakedCupcake.com

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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

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New Intimate Venue Opens at Dr. Phillips Center Discover artists of all genres at Dr. Phillips Center's newest and most intimate venue, Judson's Live Experience, set to open on February 6, 2024! Judson's Live, designed with stellar acoustics in mind, features a low-key atmosphere of table-style seating for 150, sharable plates curated from their scratch-kitchen, and beverages from their extensive brown spirits menu. drphillipscenter.org/events/judsonslive

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Smart Scoops Pet Waste Removal Handles the Dirty Work Smart Scoops is a premier one-stop-shop for pet waste removal, providing a vast range of services for your home & property, including disinfecting, deodorizing, dog repellent, grass repair, waste station maintenance and DNA sampling. If your property is in need of a dedicated solution that is custom-tailored to your needs, count on Smart Scoops to tackle those challenges you may have. 407.205.2792, 281 Specialty Pt. Sanford, FL 32771 SmartScoops.com

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PICKS FOR

VE L OCAL B U

We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.

CITY LIST

the

R OU

Day Spa Dream Skin Lasers LLC dreamskinlaser.com/ | 407.357.0641 The Alfond Inn at Rollins College thealfondinn.com/ | 407.998.8090 Afloat Wellness Spa (Baldwin Park) afloatspa.com/ | 407.203.5628 Artistik Beauty artistikbeautyfl.com/ | 407.759.8807 The NOW Massage Downtown Orlando thenowmassage.com/downtown-orlando/ | 689.800.7524

Wine Bar Modest Wine modest-wine.com/ | 407.960.3857 The Wine Room on Park Avenue thewineroomonline.com/ | 407.696.9463

Want to suggest a monthly pick? G E T I N T O U C H AT C I T Y LI F E S T Y LE .CO M / W I N T E R PA R K

C I T Y LIST

The Parkview theparkviewwp.com/ | 407.647.9103 Sixty Vines sixtyvines.com | 407.410.8005 Vinia Wine & Kitchen viniawinebar.com/ | 407.925.7485

Changing the way women think and feel about money

Bernadette Girvin Michelle Taylor 407.627.0091 bernadette@ michelle@ gfgfinancial.com

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ARTICLE BY BRANDE DILS PHOTOGRAPHY BY REG GARNER

E OM

ABOARD T

Barbara-Lee A Unique Experience on the St. Johns River

T R AV E L J OU R N A L | TRAV E L

Discover a slice of history with the St. Johns Rivership Co.’s replica 1800s paddleboat, the Barbara-Lee, cruising down the St. Johns River. Launched in 1986 and revamped in 2012, this vessel offers a variety of cruises, including lunch, dinner, and live music on Friday nights. Under new ownership since late summer 2023, Michelle Wyatt, a tech entrepreneur from Maryland, has infused modern touches while preserving the boat’s charm. If you recall its former name, the Rivership CONTINUED >

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/W I N T E R PA R K

Romance, you’ll be delighted by the recent upgrades and tech-savvy enhancements, like a user-friendly website for easy ticket purchases and event browsing. My own journey on the lunch cruise was memorable, with delectable warm sticky buns and a relaxed dining experience. The cruise lets you intimately witness the rich ecosystem of the St. Johns River, featuring manatees, alligators, a variety of bird species, and more. Experience the rejuvenated Barbara-Lee for yourself – whether for a leisurely cruise or a distinctive setting for your next corporate event. It’s an opportunity to immerse in nature’s beauty while enjoying modern comforts and exceptional hospitality. Visit stjohnsrivershipco.com to book your adventure or plan your exclusive event.

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The Wyatt Family

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Love LOCAL SHOP FOR YOUR VALENTINE WITH GIFT IDEAS FROM LOCAL FAVS!

2. Louise James Jewelry

3. Glass & Metal Square Keepsake Box, The Apiary

1. Be Mine Party Pennant, Cami Monet

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALLSTON MCEWAN

M UST SE E | S HO P P I NG

5. His & Hers Microsoft XBOX Wireless Game Controllers, Lane Technology Solutions

7. Simply Cheese Charcuterie Board

4. Full Heart Stir Sticks, Cami Monet 8. Paw Print Necklace paired with Diamond Bezel Strand Necklace from Victoria Jewelers

6. Dear Jane Candle

FESTIVE GIFTS FROM CAMI MONET • Be Mine Party Pennant: Go all out on the love factor with a classicly cute take on a traditional Valentine. This beautiful Party Pennant looks perfect popped in a bouquet or used for a Galentine’s Day photo sesh! (1) • Full Heart Stir Sticks: Perfect for cocktails, coffee, parties or impromptu celebrations, these swizzle sticks add fun to any drink. And they’re reusable! Mix and match to keep up with whose drink is whose or simply use them as an adorable drink accessory for festive flair.(4)

TECH GIFTS FROM LANE TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS • His & Hers Microsoft XBOX Wireless Game Controllers: The couple that

plays together, stays together! Hybrid D-pad Share Button Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth (5)

SENTIMENTAL HOME DECOR FROM THE APIARY • Glass & Metal Square Keepsake Box: These stunning pieces boast a black frame with glass sides to showcase your cherished memories with your Valentine. Add photos, ticket stubs, or love letters to preserve the memories.(3)

PET & JEWELRY LOVERS GIFTS FROM VICTORIA JEWELERS • Paw Print Necklace: This beautiful paw print necklace with an inset diamond is sure to melt the heart of the pet lover on your list! Pair with this elegant diamond

bezel strand necklace. (8) Victoria Jewelers can also help you design a unique & meaningful piece for your special someone!

CURATED PICKS FROM SARAH GRAFTON: • Louise James Jewelry: “The perfect Valentine’s gift- my favorite are these cute hearts!” (2) • Dear Jane on Park Avenue: “Their Candles are my go-to gifting item year round!” (6) • Simply Cheese: “The Perfect Galentine Party Platter as well as cute gift options!” (7)

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/W I N T E R PA R K

E a to nv i l l e EXPLORING THE RICH HERITAGE OF AMERICA’S OLDEST BLACK MUNICIPALITY

ARTICLE BY KARA ADAMO | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CITY LIFESTYLE

Eatonville Statue

O UR TOWN | EDUCATI O N

Club Eaton

African American history has such an incredibly powerful, resilient, and often creatively talented foothold in our society. It’s a story of resilience and determination: an impressive testament to the will of incredible people. Out of slavery and the crushing repression of Jim Crow society came a community of powerful, vibrant artists–and many of whom helped form the cultural backbone of Central Florida. Here are a few notable places and stories from Black history, all located just 15 minutes north of Orlando.

EATONVILLE

Established in 1887 and named after Captain Josiah C. Eaton, a union naval officer who helped broker the town, Eatonville is famous for being one of the first all-Black, self-governing towns in the United States. Added to the US National Register of Historic Places in 1998, it’s been home to many iconic figures in African American history, including football safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, author and poet Zora Neale Hurston, football defensive end Deacon Jones, and actor and singer Norm Lewis. The town contains 48 historic buildings, including Moseley House Museum and the now-closed KOHA Club (Formerly “Club Eaton”).

CLUB EATON AND THE CHITLIN CIRCUIT

It’s difficult these days to overstate the incredible influence Black culture has had on the music industry at large. In nearly every genre, the notes and melodies of jazz and blues artists can be heard, weaving their way through modern chord progressions and soulful voices.

Florida, in particular, proudly stands as the birthplace of many famous African American musicians, from Ray Charles and Sam Moore to T-Pain, Flo Rida, and Jason Derulo. Back in the 1940s, however, southern segregation brought many difficulties for Black performers. Jim Crow laws, which weren’t abolished until 1965, prohibited Black artists from playing in many white clubs, and so, out of this repression bloomed The Chitlin Circuit: an initially underground collection of “Black-friendly” bars, dancehalls, barns, nightclubs, concert halls, and restaurants throughout the United States. The Theater Owners Booking Agency (TOBA), which booked black entertainers, was formed in 1909 and helped formally organize the Chitlin Circuit. While association didn’t make it through the difficulties of the Great Depression, its positive influence on Black entertainment was indisputable. One of the most famous venues along the route was Central Florida’s very own Club Eaton. The club opened its doors in 1946: just a year after WWII and only 59 short years after the town itself was established. It was a simple and cramped 40x40’ building with an outdoor bathroom, but it attracted famous artists from all over. It was also classy despite its simplicity: Club Eaton had a strict dress code, requiring men to turn up in coats and ties and women to wear dresses. Club Eaton’s roster was star-studded, boasting names like Duke Ellington, BB King, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Cab Calloway. CONTINUED >

“Out of slavery and the crushing repression of Jim Crow society came a community of powerful, vibrant artists– and many of those people helped form the cultural backbone of Central Florida.”

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“Renowned author Zora Neale Hurston used Eatonville and neighboring areas throughout Central Florida as the backdrop to much of her work, including her international best-seller, Their Eyes Were Watching God.”

Zora Neale Hurston

O UR TOWN | EDUCATI O N

Hannibal Square Story Quilters

The club had rooms on the second floor where the performers would stay–a key safety measure for the time, as many white-owned hotels wouldn’t allow Black performers to stay the night. Club Eaton was run by Billy Bozeman for 49 years until he sold it to E.L. Bing in 1983. Bing rebranded it to “Mr. B’s Club,” and invested over $100k in renovations before reopening in 1985, turning it into a massive, 10,000 square foot, multi-level venue. Eventually, the club changed hands again and was dubbed “Heroes’ Night Club,” and then again to “Club KOHA.” Sadly, it closed its doors in 2008 after being fined and penalized for serving alcohol after hours. The building is still there today, with a plaque on the wall honoring its rich history.

ZORA NEALE HURSTON

To speak of Eatonville without giving a nod to Zora Neale Hurston is impossible. The renowned author used Eatonville and neighboring areas throughout Central Florida as the backdrop to much of her work, including her international best-seller, Their Eyes Were Watching God. Established in 1990, the Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts (known as “The Hurston”) hosts exhibits for African American artists. In 2004, a library was also opened in Hurston’s name.

ROBERT HUNGERFORD PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Robert Hungerford, a white doctor from Maitland who dedicated his life to teaching local Black men reading and writing, was one of the key people responsible for pushing literacy among freed slaves in Eatonville. In 1889, Russell and Mary Calhoun founded the Robert Hungerford Preparatory High School in Hungerford’s honor. The school taught a number of subjects, and life skills, including cooking, housekeeping,

blacksmithing, agriculture, gardening, and more. Eventually, mechanical drawing and radio production were also added to the curriculum. Robert Hungerford Prep stayed private until 1950, when courts turned it over to Orange County as part of a public trust. It remained open until 2009. Today, Eatonville students attend schools in neighboring areas.

THE HANNIBAL SQUARE QUILTERS

A charming section of historic Winter Park, Hannibal Square is a veritable patchwork of lively restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries. While it’s a fully integrated community today, Hannibal Square was originally established in 1881 as an African American community for families that worked the South Florida Railroad. Then, in 1887, residents crossed the tracks to vote and elect two African American aldermen. They served from 1887 to 1893. At the Hannibal Square Heritage Center, you can find gorgeous “storytelling quilts” made by The Hannibal Square Story Quilters, an organization founded and led by expert quilter and artist Lauren Austin. The quilts are designed to reflect the Black experience, femininity, and spirituality. Austin even teaches free quilting classes for visitors, in partnership with the Crealdé School of Art.

TINKER FIELD

In 1964, Martin Luther King Jr stood on Tinker Field, which at the time boasted a baseball stadium built in 1923. There, he performed one of his stirring speeches: coveted now as profound markers of the Civil Rights movement. The field was added to the US National Register of Historic Places in 2004. Though the baseball stadium closed its doors 8 years ago, the location is now used for larger events, like the very popular Electric Daisy Carnival (or, “EDC”).

Kara Adamo is a UX designer and Copywriter by day - pyrography artist, author, and illustrator by night. Her artistic prowess includes woodburning, pet portraits, children’s books, food illustrations, coloring books, ornaments, & family portraits.

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G a l e n t i n e ’s D ay My Favorite Things Edition

ARTICLE BY ALLSTON MCEWAN

Galentine’s Day, observed on February 13th, is a tribute to female friendships. Though it may scream “another made-up Hallmark holiday,” it actually emerged from the TV series “Parks and Recreation!” And let’s be honest, as women who often carry a hefty part of the load for the holidays, a day set aside to spend time with our girlfriends is just a good idea! This year, why not celebrate the love by gathering your besties for a My Favorite Things: Galentine’s Edition party?

Choose a theme/location/budget:

Coffee and pajamas at home? Out to brunch? Margaritas by the pool? You know your girls! Remember, each guest is buying THREE of their favorite item, so keep it budget-friendly. Everyone will go home with 3 of their friends’ favs.

Invite your girlfriends:

Whether there are 5 or 15 of you, ask each person to bring THREE of the SAME item within the budget. You know that thing you find and you just have to text your bestie about it... a favorite new gadget, a life-changing book, an amazing mascara, or a time-saving kitchen tool... be creative! One of the perks of February is that you have just been inundated with gift ideas over the holidays. (Let’s just hope no one can find 3 of that horrific sweater you got from your step-sister’s mother-inlaw!) Reiterate to bring THREE of the SAME item. (You all have that one friend who will show up with three different things. We will forgive her.) Encourage recycling of holiday gift bags for easy presentation access!

Gift Presentation:

As guests arrive, have them write their name on 3 paper hearts and place them into the name bucket. Next, from a deck of cards, pass out a hearts card to each person. The person with the lowest card goes first! Share the gift you brought & why you love it, then choose 3 names to receive the gift.

Allston McEwan is a 4th generation native Orlandoan who loves to write, travel, and spend time with her loving family, amazing friends, her two chihuahuas, and their doggie daddy. Shout outs must go to Tracy Ball, Megan Judd, and my rock star Galentine’s crew!

H OW TO | EVENT P L ANNIN G + SE RVICE S

1 step one Choose a theme/ budget/location that suits you & your besties!

2 step t wo Invite your friends to bring 3 of the SA M E gif t, something they LOV E on budget!

3 step three Present your favorite thing. Go home w ith 3 different gif ts curated by your Galentines!

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/W I N T E R PA R K

FEBRUARY 2024

events A S E L E C T I O N O F U P C O M I N G LO C A L E V E N T S

F EB RUA RY 1 ST

Dining in the Dark Sheraton Orlando North, 600 North Lake Destiny Road, Maitland, FL | 6:00 PM Dining in the Dark is Lighthouse Central Florida’s unique dining experience meant to offer an immersive encounter into a world of taste, smell, sound, and texture — all in total darkness. Your support of Dining in the Dark helps fund Lighthouse Central Florida's services, and impacts hundreds of people living with blindness and vision loss each year. lighthousecfl.org/ditd F EB RUA RY 3 RD

9th Annual Orlando Whiskey Festival Orlando Science Center | 7:30 PM This year's event will feature: fine single malt, blended scotch and American whiskeys including bourbon and rye, flavored whiskeys, beer and wine. The Grand Tasting allows guests to sample close to 100 whiskey brands and interact with industry professionals. Delicious food selections will be available, as well as entertainment and cigars. whiskeynbizz.com F EB RUA RY 5T H

5 Love Languages Date Night The Downtown Baptist Church of Orlando, 120 E. Pine St., Orlando | 7:00 PM The 5 Love Languages Date Night Event with Dr. Gary Chapman will help you discover the tools you need to make a good relationship great, or a hurting relationship heal. Expect to learn, laugh, and connect as Gary reveals powerful insights that will give you a better understanding of yourself and your partner, in the ways that connect you most. 5lovelanguages.com F EB RUA RY 1 0 T H

Paws in the Park 2024 Lake Eola Park | 10:00 AM Experience the joy of the 30th Annual Paws in the Park on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at Lake Eola Park. This event, in aid of Pet Alliance, the region's oldest animal welfare agency, features a pet costume contest, dock diving, lure courses for dogs, an extensive vendor marketplace, food trucks, and various activity stations for pets and their owners. Join this celebration to make a significant difference in the lives of shelter animals. petallianceorlando.org F EB RUA RY 1 0 T H

Chocolate and Tea Pairing at The 7th Owl 1 Purlieu Place, Suite 131, Winter Park | 1:00 PM Decadent chocolate plus exquisitely delicious tea equals pure happiness! Discover the perfect match as we pair 4 chocolates with 4 unsuspecting teas that will surprise your palette.$35 pp 7thowlteausa.com/ F EB RUA RY 1 0 T H

Love Your Library Masquerade Winter Park Library, 1052 West Morse Blvd., Winter Park | 7:00 PM Save the Date for this enchanting Masquerade! Celebrate the evening with your partner, friends, and loved ones while supporting over 138 years of community, literacy, and creativity. Embrace the spirit of the Gala with a festive mask to compliment your evening attire. winterparklibrary.org/gala CONTINUED >

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CONTINUED FEBR UARY 15TH-18TH

Orlando Ballet Presents: The Sleeping Beauty

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Steinmetz Hall, 445 South Magnolia Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801 | 7:30 PM The Sleeping Beauty is timeless and cherished, which is why choreographer Christopher Stowell chose to retell, through dance, one of the world’s favorite fairy tales. Showtimes:2/15-17 | 7:30 pm; 2/17-18, 2024 | 2 pm; 2/18 | 7 pm. Bill & Mary Darden Box Office: 407.358.6603 orlandoballet.org/events/ thesleepingbeauty FEBR UARY 15TH

13th Annual GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Hard Rock Live | 5:30 PM GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch is an annual awards celebration that recognizes second-stage companies headquartered in Florida for innovation, community involvement, leadership, and growth. Developed by the Edward Lowe Foundation, Companies to Watch is a unique way to honor the companies that demonstrate high performance in the marketplace with innovative strategies and processes. growfl.com/upcoming-events FEBR UARY 18TH

Milk Mart's Lazy Lovers Local Art and Food Festival The Nook on Robinson, 2432 E Robinson St, Orlando, FL 32803 12:00 PM

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Time to celebrate the inclusivity and diversity of all the different types of love! We're here for all of it! Join us on February 18th for Milk Mart's sweetest market; a perfect weekend day out with your partner, best friends, family, or pups! Featuring over 200 local artists, makers, vendors, and businesses to visit, there's something for everyone to love! milkmartorlando.com

F E BRUA RY 2 3RD

Natalie Cordone & Shawn Kilgore in Vegas Baby! Winter Park Playhouse, 711 North Orange Avenue, Winter Park | 7:30 PM Cordone and Kilgore deliver an exceptional show featuring all the hits from the stars of the Las Vegas strip. Songs made famous by Cher, Elvis, Celine Dion, Sinatra and many more will be featured in this 2-hour tribute. This will be the premiere of their new production that will kick off a popular tour nationwide. WinterParkPlayHouse.org F E BRUA RY 2 4TH

Winter Park Fashion Week Full Sail Live, 141 University Park Drive, Winter Park Join us for the 2024 Winter Park Fashion Week, presented by the Grafton Family Foundation and the 2024 Host Committee. This year's production will take place at the state of the art Full Sail Live and promises to have top of the line fashions from local boutiques and world renowned designers. Tickets start at $150. winterparkfw.com F E BRUA RY 2 8TH

Denim and Dazzle Giveback Gala Winter Park Events Center, 1042 W Morse Blvd, Winter Park, FL 32789 5:30 PM The Rotary Club of Winter Park Charitable Foundation is hosting its 14th Annual "Denim & Dazzle" Giveback Gala. Indulge in small plates and desserts from the finest local chefs. Sip your favorite beverages, dance to live music, and bid on live and silent auction items. All proceeds benefit over 30 nonprofits supporting children and families in our community. winterparkrotary.com

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ARTICLE BY ANDY CINGOLANI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY AJ CHOCOLATE HOUSE

AJ CHOCOLATE HOUSE BRINGS AUTHENTIC EUROPEAN FLAVOR TO PARK AVENUE

THE SWEET SMELL OF CHOCOLATE 32

NOW OP E N | FO O D + BEVE RAGE

If you’ve noticed a new edition to the shops of Park Avenue, accompanied by an aroma that simply makes you want to melt, it probably means you’ve walked past AJ Chocolate House. Owners Katherine Urbyte and Edwin Jablonskas recently opened the company’s newest

Upon his father’s return, he announced that they were going into the chocolate making business. “I could hear the excitement growing and growing every single day. I could finally hear the passion and the spark coming back. Finally, he told me that

“WHEN I SPEAK ABOUT CHOCOLATE, PEOPLE SMILE” location, and first in the U.S., following in the footsteps of their success in Europe. Edwin’s father opened the first AJ Chocolate House in Lithuania about 20 years ago after selling a successful restaurant business he had owned for many years. At that time, Edwin was only 15 years old. “He got tired of the restaurant business and sold everything he had. And he was thinking about what to do next,” he said. “He was sort of tired of the restaurant business, but he was still passionate about it. He decided to take a trip to Belgium just out on a whim. I don’t even know how he chose Belgium, to be honest. He said that it was some sort of guidance from above.”

we were going to bring the best chocolates in the world from Belgium to central Europe. I thought, Okay, sure, who doesn’t love chocolate?” They opened their first location in Vilnius and after a few early missteps – like placing a large amount of chocolate in direct sunlight, melting it – a journalist was walking by and stopped in to visit the shop. That led to an article in a local magazine, followed by more publicity. Before long, their business was booming. Flash forward to a couple of years ago, and he decided to follow his desire to move to the U.S., specifically Orlando, and started looking for a way to open a location here. CONTINUED >

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“Orlando is changing rapidly,” he said. “There are a lot of people moving here from different states, and people are looking for finer things in life. And really there’s nothing like our concept around here. You have a lot of factory coffee shops, casual dining restaurants, and even upscale dining, but you don’t have a location that you would go specifically for a date night, for a celebration, or to extend your experience of dining and then going somewhere for dessert. That’s the niche we fill.” While it has been a long journey with its share of ups and downs, Edwin says it’s been a rewarding one. “When I speak about chocolate, people smile. And I like to bring smiles to people’s faces. I like to uplift people, and so do my wife and father as well. And I think being in a business where I can enjoy what I do, remember how I felt when I was 16 playing with chocolate, and bring that to Park Avenue is a win for us and the community.” AJ Chocolate House is located at 552 S. Park Ave. For more information, visit ajchocolate.com.

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