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Zumba class at Studio K, winner in the category of Studio for Body & Soul
Once again, the readers of Orlando magazine have spoken, casting votes for their favorites in categories ranging from bicycle shops to bloggers, hair salons to home builders, radio shows to culinary treasures on Restaurant Row. Check out the results, plus closer looks at some of the winners.
ON THE COVER A treasure map of Orlando's best.
Illustration By Elly Walton
31 |
GROWING UP GRIDIRON Josh Heupel was always wired for football. His dad knew it early. His high school coach saw it clearly. And the Oklahoma Sooners reaped the benefits of his talent and drive when, as quarterback, Heupel made them national champs. Now, fans of UCF's Knights are about to see what their new head coach is made of.
COMING UP SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
• Annual Pet Issue
• Food Adventures
• A Photo Journey
• Finest Doctors
• Arts Season Preview
• Fall Fashion
• Premier Chiropractors
• Premier Doctors
• Spotlight on Veterinarians • Magical Dining
6 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST 2018
• Orlando Home+Garden
• Holiday Gift Guide
ROBERTO GONZALEZ
41
BEST OF ORL
CONTENTS DEPARTM ENTS
UP FRONT
DINE
16 | THE MIX
78 | REVIEW
Your feedback, trivia and other tidbits.
18 | FROM THE EDITOR Best of ORL, then and now.
PULSE 22 | THE FIND Jump right in, the water's fine! These figure-flattering swimsuits will have you looking great on the beach or poolside.
24 | BODY & SOUL
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Dragging during the day because you're missing out on some good, ol' shut-eye? Try these tips for a deeper, more restful sleep.
At Terralina Crafted Italian, recently opened at Disney Springs, Chef Tony Mantuano keeps the menu focused on Rome and parts south, with delicate pastas, savory pizza and grilled seafood. Add in his grandmother's influence and the results are magnificent.
80 | REVIEW Critic Joseph Hayes assembles a group of rosé drinkers to rate eight varieties of the pink wine, which has made a comeback.
83 | RECOMMENDED EATING Restaurants to put on your must-try list.
26 | GETAWAY Bring your snorkel and dive gear for an underwater thrill at these three easily accessible Florida diving spots.
28 | STORY OF A… Lifeguard.
SCENE 100 | ON THE TOWN What’s happening in the area this month in theater, film, music, art and more.
108 | RSVP Hot 100 Realtors, Holocaust Dinner of Tribute.
108
ETC. 112 | EXTRA PULP Laura Anders Lee embraces the real meaning of her sons' birthdays.
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SNORKELER: © MICHAEL SCOTT; DESSERT: TERRALINA CRAFTED ITALIAN; REALTORS: EMILY JOURDAN; SWIMSUIT: ROBERTO GONZALEZ
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LETTER FROM TH E EDITOR
Best Reflections
First of all, the magazine’s catch phrase in 1993 wasn’t “The City’s Magazine’’ but rather “Central Florida at Its Best.” The cover story was titled “The Information Highway Starts Here’’ and dealt with how Orlando would be “the test lab for technology of the 21st century.’’ (A 500-channel, interactive cable system was on the horizon.) Best of Orlando was in this issue too—or should I say “Best and Worst of Central Florida” (emphasis mine), with editors and writers weighing in with picks. A sampling: • Best Boat to Nowhere: The Sea Escape day cruises out of Port Canaveral. • Best Helping Hand: Second Harvest Food Bank, which shipped 5.7 million pounds of food to the victims of Hurricane Andrew. • Best Remnant of Old Florida: Roadside alligator attractions, like the venerable Gatorland. • Worst Cultural Wake: The Florida Symphony, whose death left an enormous void in the Orlando cultural scene. • Best Chocolate Cake: The homemade foothigh wonder at Briarpatch Restaurant in Winter Park. So where are they now? The Cruise to Nowhere is no more, but Port Canaveral is bustling with the likes of the Disney and Carnival lines. Second Harvest is still helping multitudes of people. Gatorland remains a throwback treasure. The Florida Symphony was reborn bigger and better as the Orlando Philharmonic. And Briarpatch, on Park Avenue, still has that great homemade chocolate cake.
18 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST 2018
Other interesting tidbits of yesteryear: Readers selected Allied Discount Tires for best commercial (RIP, Sam Behr, Mr. “Tires Ain’t Pretty’’). Blockbuster won best video store for foreign films. Fuddruckers had the best burger. Then-Orlando Mayor Glenda Hood captured best politician. The best place to take out-of-town guests was Church Street Station. But talk about endurance: Several places that finished first in their categories in 1993 also finished at the top in 2018. They are Leu Gardens for wedding venue, Orange Cycle for bike shop and Dubsdread for public golf course. Kudos to these veterans. One other category from a quarter-century ago is worth mentioning: the readers’ pick for amateur sports team. It was none other than UCF football. And we said this: “The move to NCAA Division I will obviously give Knights fans still another boost.’’ Well, there have been some starts and stops over the years, but the play on the gridiron is fabulous these days, as evidenced by last season’s 13-0 record and a claim to the national championship. And that gives me a perfect segue into this month’s profile of UCF’S new head coach, Josh Heupel. Writer Peter Kerasotis crafts a compelling account on how Heupel was wired for football from childhood and carried that competitive drive into college, where as quarterback he led the Oklahoma Sooners to a national title. Now at UCF, he seeks to build on perfection. Elsewhere in this issue, dining critic Joseph Hayes explores the newly opened Terralina Crafted Italian at Disney Springs; columnist Laura Anders Lee finds treasure amid the madness of kids’ birthday parties; and Cheri Henderson delves into the life of a lifeguard (including a day that saw 25 saves). So now you have a guide. Go forth and explore.
BARRY GLENN
BARRY.GLENN@ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM
ROBERTO GONZALEZ
W
elcome to our annual Best of ORL issue. Prepare to enjoy reader picks in dozens of categories, plus 11 mini-profiles of favorite people, places and things. This issue, along with our May Dining Awards feature, always gets me thinking about the best of years past. So I couldn’t resist digging through the archives to see what OMag focused on 25 years ago this month.
SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
Orlando’s Top Hand Surgeons
Brian White, MD
George M. White, MD
Anup Patel, MD, MBA
Jason Pirozzolo, DO
Orlando Hand Surgery Associates MEDICAL SPECIALTY: Orlando Hand Surgery Associates (OHSA) specializes in treating all issues of the shoulder, elbow, forearm, wrist and hand. Specialties include surgery of the upper extremity, hand and microvascular surgery, sports medicine and plastic surgery. OHSA also offers nonsurgical regenerative medicine procedures, such as platelet rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell therapy. There is an on-site surgery center, and procedure rooms for the convenience of patients. Same Day, Next Day and Emergency appointments available. Dr. George White is president of Orlando Hand Surgery Associates, serving the Orlando community since 1991. He received his undergraduate and medical
Downtown Orlando 801 N. Orange Ave. • Suite 600 Orlando, FL 32801
degrees from Johns Hopkins University. Dr. White completed his fellowship in Hand and Microvascular Surgery at the Curtis National Hand Center. He was named “Best Doctor” by U.S. News & World Report, “Top Doctor” by Consumers’ Checkbook, one of “America’s Top Doctors” by Castle Connolly Medical Ltd., and one of the top ten shoulder surgeons in the U.S. by Becker’s ASC Review.
Dr. Brian White completed his orthopedic training at the University of South Florida. Following residency, he completed a fellowship in Hand and Microvascular Surgery at the University of Southern California. The Orthopedic Research and Education Foundation has recognized his distinguished research in the field of orthopedics. Brian is also on the clinical faculty at Florida State University.
Dr. Jason Pirozzolo is the Director of Sports Medicine and Trauma. He attended Ohio State, and served as one of the team physicians at Duke University. He is President of The American Regenerative Medicine Society and serves on the Board of Governors at the Florida Medical Association.
Dr. Anup Patel completed his Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery training at Yale University, followed by a Hand Microsurgery fellowship at the NYU Institute of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery. His work has been featured in The New York Times, on NBC’s The Tonight Show, and in USA Today.
Deltona 1565 Saxon Blvd. • Suite 301 Deltona, FL 32725
Dr. Phillips 7940 Via Dellagio Way • Suite 142 Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 841-2100
|
OrlandoHandSurgery.com
PULSE
©CGRANT14-OCEANGRANT.COM/ COURTESY OF CITRUS COUNTY VCB
TH E FI N D • B O DY & SO U L • G E TAWAY • S TO RY O F A …
PAGE 26
UNDERWATER VIEW
Florida has abundant waterways where you can swim with the fishes and mingle with the manatees. Check out three—Crystal River, Rainbow River and Blue Heron Bridge— that are ideal for snorkelers and divers.
PULSE THE FIND
Strong Suits This season’s swimsuits get high-water marks for flattering features such as ruffles, cut-outs, abstract prints, bold hues and seductive detailing.
Vince Camuto marine blue and white halter suit with pom pom belt, $110 at Bloomingdale’s at The Mall at Millenia. bloomingdales.com
Abercrombie & Fitch blackand-white opposing stripe midriff suit, $24 at Abercrombie & Fitch at The Mall at Millenia. abercrombie.com
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Bleu|Rod Beattie navy onepiece with ombre lace detail in front and back, $109 at Everything But Water at The Mall at Millenia. everythingbutwater.com
Winding Wave high-neck scoop back suit with UV protection 50, in Ming Jade, $154 at Tommy Bahama at The Mall at Millenia. tommybahama.com
ROBERTO GONZALEZ
BY HANCEL DEATON
Tracy Watts raffia fedora, $145, and Two’s Company sunglasses, $22.50, both at The Grove in Winter Park. thegrovewp.com
Trina Turk black plunging V-neck one-piece with colorful graphic print design, $156 at The Grove in Winter Park. thegrovewp.com
La Blanca hot pink asymmetrical one-shoulder suit with ruffle detail, $129 at Macy’s at The Mall at Millenia. macys.com
Tory Burch navy and cream tapestry print suit with SPF 50, $218 at Bloomingdale’s at The Mall at Millenia. bloomingdales.com
Laundry by Shelli Segal black one-piece with multicolor stitching, $130 at Bloomingdale’s at The Mall at Millenia. bloomingdales.com
PULSE | AUGUST 2018 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | 23
PULSE BODY & SOUL
brain that you’re about to go to sleep. This is also the time to sip on herbal tea or take a homeopathic sleep remedy (just make sure to consult your doctor first).
UNPLUG While scrolling social media may seem mindless, it actually stimulates your brain, causing a spike in cortisol, which makes it even harder to relax. “This concept of being still and being by ourselves within our own heads is very foreign to us,” says deStefano, of why it’s even more crucial to unplug. Plus, the blue light from any device makes it difficult to fall asleep. Try powering off technology at least 30 minutes before bedtime. Keep your phone off your nightstand (or, even better, out of your bedroom altogether) and invest in an alarm clock. This prevents the temptation to pick it up and check it as you’re trying to fall asleep.
Wake up on the right side of the bed by following these tips for getting a good night’s sleep. BY MADDY ZOLLO RUSBOSIN
U
UP ALL NIGHT tossing and
turning? You’re not alone. According to the American Sleep Association, up to 70 million Americans suffer from a sleep disorder. The main culprit behind these restless nights is, typically, stress. “When you’re in the world that we’re in, there’s so much to do and so much to get done,” explains Robert Michael deStefano, sleep expert and managing director at Longeva, a sleep wellness brand. “This has a particular effect on our body and mind— chemically, emotionally, and physiologically.” Because of our go-go culture, it’s challenging to forget about the stressors of the
day when we crawl into bed, which makes getting quality rest a challenge. That’s why deStefano says it is crucial for us to redefine bedtime through decompression. “It’s a process of reversing and creating a different state of consciousness,” he says. To get into a sleep-ready state, try these five ideas to help you unwind and bring on the zzzzzs.
SET THE MOOD It’s important to start transitioning from work mode to relax mode well before you get under the covers. “There should be a consciousness of chilling down the environment,” explains
24 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST 2018 | PULSE
deStefano. “The lights should be dimmed, the volume of the TV should be lowered, and if you’re on your laptop, bring down the brightness level.” Setting a regular time each night to unwind helps lower stress and get you in the right headspace.
CREATE A RITUAL When you’re about to go to bed, stick to a consistent presleep routine. What it involves depends on what relaxes you: It could be taking a hot bath, gently stretching out, applying a pampering face mask, or reading a few chapters in a book. Whatever you choose, it should mentally calm you down—this signals your
TRY A SLEEP TREATMENT For the ultimate experience, book the Sleep Ritual Massage at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando. DeStefano helped design the treatment that will help you achieve peak sleep-readiness through music, massage, and botanicals. It provides you with the basic steps of getting a good night’s sleep, and you’re even given an at-home sleep kit to boost your bedtime routine.
ADOBE STOCK © DIMITRIY
Keep Calm and Sleep On
SOOTHE YOUR SENSES Keep the relaxing vibes flowing by calming your senses. This decompression lets the thoughts of the day bubble up, getting them out of the way, so you don’t wake up at one in the morning thinking about them. Invest in good blinds or blackout shades to simulate total darkness and turn on a sound machine or soft music. You might also try applying a soothing essential oil to your temples or spritzing your pillow with a lavender-scented spray.
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Virtual Tours
“Harmony”
“Sonata”
PULSE GETAWAY
Clear Blue Waters Florida is a wonderland for snorkelers and scuba divers, with plenty of places to explore—both below and above the surface. BY TARA BRADLEY CONNELL
F
FROM UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTERS with octopuses swimming among the pilings under Blue Heron Bridge to finding fossilized shark’s teeth in the freshwater springs of Rainbow River to playing with the friendly manatees of Crystal River, there are countless ways to dive in and discover Florida’s coastlines, springs, and waterways. Here’s a look at three scenic spots, all easily accessible from Orlando. BLUE HERON BRIDGE/PHIL FOSTER PARK.
Phil Foster Park, about a three-hour drive south to Riviera Beach, is located under the Blue Heron Bridge. It’s a great alternative for those wanting to explore the underwater world without braving coastal waves. Admission to the park is free and includes picnic areas, restrooms, freshwater showers and beach access to Lake Worth Lagoon. Depths range from 5 to 20 feet, making it ideal for both snorkelers and scuba divers. Just be sure to check the tide charts so you’re there when visibility is at its best: one hour before or after slack high tide. For dive or snorkel gear, the onsite dive shop at Blue Heron Bridge has everything from masks and tanks to dive flags. Once you’re outfitted and ready, you’ll find that the 800-foot long Snorkel Trail, marked by three underwater statues, is easy to navigate. The natural marine life is equally impressive with wily octopuses crawling along the sandy bottom, shy seahorses hiding under rocks, and playful angelfish darting through the water. For those looking to extend their stay here, the Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa is nearby. Condominium-style suites include a full kitchen, and living, dining, and sleeping areas as well as private balconies with ocean views.
PLANNING YOUR TRIP
CRYSTAL RIVER. When it comes to playing with the big boys, there’s nothing like swimming with the manatees. Crystal River, a 90-minute drive northwest toward Homosassa, has 70 springs, most of which are in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. Once there, Kings Bay and the nearby Homosassa River provide a natural habitat for over 1,000 manatees that come here for shelter during the winter months. So many manatees have been known to congregate here that from November 15 to March 31, access to some of the springs is blocked off to protect these gentle giants. And while the water may seem warm to them, the constant 73-degree temperature doesn’t feel too balmy to us. Come prepared with a thick wetsuit and extra dry layers for the boat ride back to the marina. All of the available charter excursion companies respect the marine mammals and follow the same protocol. During the manatee encounters, observation practices allow swimmers and snorkelers to touch manatees with one hand only if a manatee initiates contact. And while you may be tempted to offer a belly scratch, merely watching these peaceful creatures float through the water is epic. After some manatee action, a favorite snorkel/dive stop is King Spring, located in Kings Bay. Divers love it for the small cavern and spring, located at a depth of 65 feet. At the surface, snorkelers can keep an eye out for manatees or search for other Florida marine life such as gar, bass and bluegill. For those wanting to make a weekend out of it, book a stay at the Plantation on Crystal River. Located just minutes from the Crystal River Wildlife Refuge, the 50-year old hotel sits on 232 acres and offers high-end amenities
such as waterview rooms, a full-service spa, golfing, boating and fishing. Bonus: The hotel’s proximity to the river, and its onsite dive shop, mean guests can take manatee snorkeling tours just steps from their door. RAINBOW RIVER. With waters reflecting
bright greens and blues, it’s clear to see why this spot is called Rainbow River. Located in Dunnellon, a two-hour drive northwest of Orlando, the 5.7-mile freshwater river pumps out an estimated 400 to 600 million gallons of water daily, allowing snorkelers and divers to simply give in to the calm current and go with the flow. Dive operators like American Pro Dive offer snorkel/dive excursions that taxi groups upriver and follow them back to the starting point as they leisurely drift along the miles of watery landscape. Below the surface, you’ll see bubbling sand—a distinctive sign of the river’s many freshwater springs—and grassy beds housing curious bluegill and bass, turtles, and the occasional diving anhinga—Florida’s beloved water bird. It only takes about an hour to drift downriver, and with the river’s maximum depth of 25 feet, divers don’t have to worry about running out of air. Since the boat follows alongside the group, there’s always an escape route for those wanting a break or a cup of hot chocolate, a cherished after-dive treat. For overnight stays, the recently renovated Gator Den Motel at Angler’s Resort is set on the Withlacoochee River, less than a mile away. The full-service bait and tackle shop, as well as boat rental options, make it a go-to spot for those wanting to fish. Come nightfall, everyone can reconvene at the Blue Gator for live music and cold beers down by the water.
Whether you go for the day or longer, here are some suggestions for enjoying your snorkel/scuba getaway.
TIKI-TIME
MANATEE MANIA
FREEZER BITES
SOUTHERN STYLE
While you’re at Blue Heron Bridge, check out Guanabanas Restaurant, a tropical oasis nestled along the water off A1A. The menu features mouthwatering fish tacos, nachos, and cheeseburgers that will put the perfect punctuation mark to an action-packed day in paradise. guanabanas.com
Manatee season at Crystal River is technically from November to March, so expect to find sanctuary markers designating their resting grounds. Swimmers are not allowed within these areas, but the manatees are friendly and often swim up to boats for a visit.
Ask anyone where to go after a manatee visit at Crystal River, and they’ll send you to The Freezer, a tiki bar located in an old fish freezer. On the menu: peel-and-eat shrimp, blue crabs, and Maine lobster served in a beer carton. 352-628-2452.
After a dip in Rainbow River, your visit is not complete without a taste of local cuisine such as catfish, sea scallops, frog legs, and Florida gator. Stumpknockers On the River serves up traditional Southern favorites alongside views of the Withlacoochee River. stumpknockersontheriver.com
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TURTLE, CORAL WITH FISH, SNORKELER: ©MICHAEL SCOTT; KAYAKERS: JEFF WALCZAK/MARION COUNTY BCC; MANATEES: ©CGRANT13/COURTESY CITRUS COUNTY VCB; SINGLE FISH: TARA BRADLEY CONNELL
(Clockwise from top left) A loggerhead turtle and a small school of grunts search for food on the sandy bottom of Lake Worth Lagoon; kayakers explore the topside beauty of Rainbow River; fish surround one of the many coral heads found in the waters under Blue Heron Bridge; the shallow depths of Lake Worth Lagoon make it a great place for snorkelers and divers alike; during the winter months, manatees stay warm in the 73-degree waters of Three Sisters Springs, located in Crystal River; a French grunt, a common Florida fish, comes in for a closeup. PULSE | AUGUST 2018 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | 27
PULSE STORY OF A…
Lifeguard For more than four decades, Kimberly Lytle has “lived the world of lifeguarding.” BY CHERI HENDERSON As a swimmer, she was a late bloomer. The Miami native and Kissimmee resident “did not learn to swim until I was 9.” It was actually in Maryland, where she lived for about 11 years, that Lytle developed her love of the water. “Every day has been water-oriented since that point.” A high bar. Lytle says the first steps to becoming a lifeguard include swimming 300 yards, treading water using only your feet, and carrying the equivalent of a 100-lb. person from the bottom of the pool to the side 20 yards away. “That’s to get you into the training program. The course itself is 32 hours.” Knowledge of CPR and rescue breathing are a must. Once certified, training continues. “The national standard for lifeguarding is four hours of in-service training a month,” plus training for recertification. Everyone is vulnerable in the water. People tend to overestimate their abilities in the water. “Most of the rescues I’ve made involve people putting themselves in situations in which they didn’t expect the consequences. Suddenly they start to panic. Anyone can get in trouble—even me, unless I keep my wits about me.” The pay isn’t commensurate with the responsibilities. Lytle works full-time as a history teacher at Neptune Middle School while working as a lifeguard on the side. “You cannot make a living from lifeguarding. The pay is not adequate for the credentials and the job performance, knowing that our whole goal is to save a life.” Baywatch raised awareness of more than bikinis. “Baywatch, as hokey as it was, did emphasize that lifeguarding is a profession.” Lifeguarding has gained reputability over Lytle’s career. “Now we’re wearing uniforms. We’re first responders. We’re constantly watching.” The day she had 25 saves. Two years ago, Lytle lifeguarded at the Clermont Warrior Dash, where she kept EMTs hopping with one save after another. “I don’t think I’ll ever surpass that one. It was a good day.” But she doesn’t consider herself a hero. “I’m just doing what I’m trained to do.” “Parents are the CEOs: Constant Eyes On.” Lytle warns, “The leading cause of death for children under the age of 5 is drowning. It’s secondary in children 14 and under. Boys are more prone than girls because they’re the daredevils.” It’s necessary to watch kids and also teach them to swim at an early age. “The World Water Park Association states that if a child doesn’t learn to swim by the age of 8, then he may never learn.”
The day she’ll leave the chair. Lifeguarding requires physical strength, so Lytle—who has received multiple honors and sits on two boards—swims, bikes, goes to the gym and does long-distance competition swims to stay in shape. “I work out all the time. I can’t afford to be out of shape for this job. When I can no longer physically do it [lifeguard], I’ll quit—not before.” 28 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST SEPTEMBER 20182016 | PULSE | PULSE
ROBERTO GONZALEZ
She’s always on. Because she’s trained in emergency rescues, Lytle remains alert, even on dry land. She recently pulled over to help an elderly woman who fell on the sidewalk.
GROWING UP
GRIDIRON Even as a toddler, Josh Heupel was wired to be a competitor and a champion. Now as UCF’s new head coach, he seeks to build on perfection.
by Peter Kerasotis
AUGUST 2018 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | 31
GROWING UP GRIDIRON
JOSH HEUPEL
H
Little Josh Heupel had been begging his dad to let him tag along at football practices when Ken was the defensive coordinator at Aberdeen Central High School in South Dakota. Football coaches back in the olden days of 1981 were known for not putting up with nonsense. And, if anything, Ken Heupel has a doctorate in Old School. “Now son, if you come to practice, I can’t have you messin’ around,” he’d tell the boy. The boy would nod, assuring his father he wouldn’t. So one day, Josh’s mom, Cindy, picked up the boy from daycare, brought him to the football field, leaned him over an iron fence and literally dropped him off. “As soon as his sneakers hit the ground he was off and running, and from that day forward he was actively involved in everything we did,” Ken says. “He sat in on team meetings, watched game films, interacted with the players, was a ball boy. No matter what football program I was with, whether it was high school or college, Josh was always there and never once did I have to say, ‘Josh, quit messin’ around.’ ” Call it drive, intuition, talent, instinct, or a combination of those and more. Ken Heupel can’t define the “it’’ factor. But he knew early that his son had it. And he’s convinced that UCF fans are about to witness it too as Josh Heupel leads the Knights into the 2018 season as their new head football coach. “There was always something about him that you just can’t coach into someone,” Ken says. Now 63, Ken Heupel rewinds his mind, hitting pause on one memory after another. He thinks about how tedious film sessions are, and how they could be especially that way for a child; but not for young Josh Heupel. He’d sit watching game film being dissected and analyzed and then go home and watch a football game on television, applying what he had just absorbed in a dank film room to what was emanating from a TV screen. And he not only could repeat what he absorbed, but also explain it and even question it.
32 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST 2018
ROBERTO GONZALEZ
HIS SON WAS JUST 3 YEARS OLD WHEN KEN HEUPEL FIRST SAW IT.
COURTESY OF CINDY HEUPEL
Once, when Aberdeen Central had suffered a crushing loss in the state semifinals, Josh was riding home with his father, sitting in the car’s passenger seat. As Ken recalls, Josh was only 8, so small that the seatbelt’s shoulder strap covered his mouth. He pulled the strap away so he could speak. “Dad,” he said, “you know they were running a radar defense on third down?” “Yes, son.” Pause. Again, little Josh pulled the seatbelt strap away from his mouth. “You know that with a radar defense the flats are open?” “Yes, son.” A longer pause, with a slight hesitation added in. Josh’s fingers pulled the seatbelt strap away from his mouth a third time. “You know we only threw to the flats two times tonight?” All these years later, Ken chuckles at the memory, recalling that it was another one of those “it” moments. He also recalls hoping his son didn’t pull that seatbelt strap away from his mouth a fourth time. “It was a tough enough loss as it was,” he says, “and now I had my 8-year-old son critiquing me.” That was the football side of Josh analyzing the game. Then there was the football side of playing the game, when Ken witnessed a fiery competitiveness that—like that “it” factor—you just can’t coach into a kid. Not only did Josh embrace competition, he had the ability to make that shot on the basketball court or throw that touchdown pass on the football field—and to do so at the precise moment when his team needed it. And when plays were breaking down and holes were closing, Josh was able to see not the roadblocks, but the new pathways—able to slow the game down when at the same time it sped up for others.
Josh was 16 when he and a high school classmate named Dawn Dell became friends; a friendship that eventually led to a romance and then marriage, now with two children— Hannah, 10, and Jace, 8. Dawn also saw the “it’’ factor, even back then. “He was different from other guys, not just in high school, but we went to different
Josh Heupel, age 5, in his bedroom, which was decked out with lockers. Below, the future star in his element. “There was always something about him that you just can’t coach into someone,’’ his dad says.
colleges and he was different from any guy I ever met in college,” she says. “He was serious, driven; there was an ambition about him.” She pauses, contemplating her thoughts and words. “I don’t know if serious is the right word, because Josh likes to have fun, but there was a maturity about him that was ahead of his years.” Steve Svendsen has been coaching football for 33 years and he’s never had a player like Josh Heupel. “He’s the most prepared athlete, and I mean meticulous in his preparation, that I ever had,” says Svendsen, who coached Josh at Aberdeen Central and is now the head coach at Caney Creek High School in Conroe, Texas. “He wanted to know everything.” Svendsen recalls times when he’d watch game film with Josh at the school’s field house or at his own home and “he’d wear me out. I’d have to tell him, ‘Josh, it’s 10 o’clock and I’ve got to go to bed.’ ” Before his senior year, Josh wrote down a set of 20 goals that included a daily log of the AUGUST 2018 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | 33
GROWING UP GRIDIRON
“
34 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST 2018
I think it’s the power of one, that one person can make an impact that changes the course of someone’s life.” Josh Heupel
food he ate. Svendsen saved it. “It’s an amazing thing to look at, with how detailed it is,” he says. “I show it to kids all the time as an example of how to set goals. Combine that with Josh’s talent, and his competitiveness, and you can see why he became such a great college athlete and coach. He just cares so much.” Heupel was 39—he turned 40 on March 22—when UCF hired him to succeed Scott Frost, who departed for the University of Nebraska. He’s young enough that he not only plays pickup basketball games with his staff, he’s also one of the better player on the court, demonstrating ambidextrous skills. That athleticism tends to get forgotten about Heupel, who in 2000, as the University of Oklahoma’s quarterback, helped lead
COURTESY OF CINDY HEUPEL
Josh, with parents Ken and Cindy and sister Andrea, holds the Walter Camp Award for collegiate player of the year in 2000. Below, the star QB on the cover of Sports Illustrated and in a selection of cards.
the Sooners to their last undefeated and only 13-win season, as well as the National Championship. He also finished runner-up for the coveted Heisman Trophy to Florida State’s Chris Weinke, one slot ahead of third-place finisher Drew Brees. Shortly after getting the UCF head coaching job, a Central Florida journalist told Heupel that he is a Heisman Trophy voter and that he voted for Weinke that year. Heupel smiled and perhaps only half-kiddingly said, “Thanks. Great. That was a close vote and it probably cost me the Heisman Trophy.” Indeed, it was a close vote, with Weinke edging Heupel by only 76 points—,1,628 to 1,552. The journalist asked Heupel if finishing second still bothers him. “My life’s been pretty good,” he says. “As a competitor do you ever think about that? Absolutely. You want to win everything all the time. If you’re a competitor you’re wired like that.” He’s wired like that. Dawn will tell you that the Heupel household is a competitive one. She’s a former athlete too, having briefly played volleyball and basketball in college. “At our house it’s like the Heupel Olympics,” she says. “My daughter is the biggest game person and she’s always roping Josh into these four-hour games of Monopoly.” Because of how Hannah can melt her dad’s heart, he sometimes lets her win, but rarely. Then there are the epic games of some variation of football that he plays with his son, Jace, in the family’s backyard. “Sometimes I look out the window and see Jace on the ground crying,” Dawn says. “And Josh is telling him to get up and finish the game. And Jace is saying he’s done. And Josh is telling him that he has to finish what he started. As a mother that’s some-
ROBERTO GONZALEZ
times tough to watch. But there are lessons there that he’s teaching.” Teaching is what Josh calls coaching. It’s what Heupel is bringing to UCF and how he hopes to impact his players. “I think it’s the power of one, that one person can make an impact that changes the course of someone’s life,” he says. “We talk about having real relationships. If you have that, they accept coaching in a different way. They understand where you’re presenting the information from, which is a place of caring about them, about loving them. When that happens, you have the ability to change the scope of someone’s life. And that’s the greatest thing about this game to me. People use the word coach, but we’re really teachers. We teach the game, but we’re teaching life lessons through it.”
Once, when he was growing up, Josh Heupel was riding in the family car with his parents when he announced that his goal was to play in the NFL and also do something to help young people who didn’t have the advantages he did. Ken Heupel looked at his wife, Cindy, and they knew they had just witnessed another “it” moment. Sure enough, after his college days, Josh was drafted by the Miami Dolphins, but injuries waylaid his pro career before it could gain traction. But while he was in college he started The 14 Foundation. It initially focused on a Thanksgiving food drive and as a way to bring Christmas gifts to disadvantaged children. The foundation, run mostly now by his father and others, has branched out into various football camps which, according to the foundation’s website, focus on “lessons on health, fitness, academic achievement, how to make good life choices in avoiding drugs and violence, and leadership skills focusing on discipline, respect, trust and hard work.” It all sounds good, and it is good, but Heupel is intelligent enough to know that as a head football coach at a major program,
he’s in a bottom-line business. He’s also obviously aware that UCF just put together a historic season—going 13-0 and staking claim to being the real National Champions. Pressure? “We talk to our players about it and our coaches, and we have to adhere to the same advice—don’t pay attention to outside noise,” he says. “It sounds easy; it’s hard in practice. But it’s the reality. I’ve played and coached in high-pressure venues where you’re expected to go win every ballgame.” He ruminates aloud that it’s rare in college football to capture back-to-back national championships and even rarer to accomplish back-to-back undefeated seasons. But that doesn’t mean he isn’t going to try. “We have
The Heupels at home: Josh, wife Dawn and children Hannah, 10, and Jace, 6. Recalling Josh’s high school and college days, Dawn says: “There was a maturity about him that was ahead of his years.”
AUGUST 2018 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | 35
GROWING UP GRIDIRON
Coach Heupel with offensive lineman Titus Davis (top), and engaging in a spirited game of table tennis. Of the pressure to win after a 13-0 season, Heupel says: “We talk to our players about it and our coaches, and we have to adhere to the same advice—don’t pay attention to outside noise.”
36 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST 2018
extremely high expectations inside of our football program,” he says. “But we haven’t talked about going undefeated. At the end of the day, it’s our job to focus in on going 1-0 every week.” He knows, though, that it’s the storyline. He knows that UCF fans—with a team many prognosticators consider loaded with even more talent than last season—want nothing short of a repeat performance while the college football elitist would enjoy nothing more than to see the Knights falter so they can point to the
This is Heupel’s first head coaching job, but he not only grew up around football coaches, he got into the profession when he was 26. He started as a graduate assistant at his alma mater. After spending a year as the tight ends coach at the University of Arizona, he returned to Oklahoma and spent nine years there under the same coach when he was a player—Bob Stoops. He was the quarterbacks coach for the first five years at OU and then served as a co-offensive coordinator for four seasons. But after an 8-5 season (5-4 in the Big 12) in 2014, Stoops fired Heupel. The two men haven’t spoken to each other since. Statistically, though, it was Oklahoma’s defense, not the offense, that was the Sooners’ problem in 2014. The bigger problem, however, was that the team’s
ROBERTO GONZALEZ
program with haughty noses tilted high and claim that 2017 was a fluke. “Look,” Heupel says, addressing the topic head-on. “I know that at some point we’re going to lose a ballgame while I’m the head coach at UCF. I don’t want that to happen for a long time, but all I can control is today.”
COURTESY OF UCF
defensive coordinator was Stoops’ brother, Mike. While an 8-5 season at a traditional power demanded that some heads roll, it sure wasn’t going to be that of the head coach’s brother. Many college football observers believe Heupel was made to be the scapegoat, getting news of his dismissal from the head coach he both played and coached for via a telephone call. When the theory that he was made to be the fall guy for an 8-5 season is broached with Heupel, with a recorder running in front of him, he just stares. Seconds tick by. Finally, he says, “You can write that down, but I’m not going to answer.” What he will say is that getting fired allowed him “the opportunity to push pause and reflect on the positives and the negatives and the forks in the road you ultimately go down. I think things happen ultimately for a reason. I think I’ve grown from the experience. I got back to my roots offensively to what I want to be about.” After a year as the assistant head coach at Utah State, he took a job in 2016 as the quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator with the University of Missouri and showed that whatever made him successful as a coach, he still had it. In his first season, and in the vaunted Southeastern Conference, Heupel led a Tigers offense that had been ranked 124th in the country the previous year to 13th in 2016 and eighth last season. In fact, in 2017 the Tigers led the SEC in total offense— averaging 502 yards per game, as well as 51 points per game in their final six games. But if you’re a college football coach, you know that you never reach the end zone. There is always room to improve, always new ideas to absorb, always another set of eyes that might see something you’re missing. In line with that, Josh invited his father Ken to hang with him for a couple of weeks during UCF’s spring practices and provide feedback. “Every day after practice he’d come in with a notebook full of things,” Josh says with a smile. It was a little bit of role reversal for sure, but that’s okay. Even though Ken Heupel always knew that his son had that “it” factor, as an old football coach he also knows that you never want to take it for granted.
“
I think things happen ultimately for a reason. I think I’ve grown from the experience. I got back to my roots offensively to what I want to be about.” Josh Heupel
Heupel and his team in scenes from recent practices and the annual Spring Game. UCF’s Knights open their 2018 season on August 30 at the University of Connecticut.
AUGUST 2018 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | 37
Missed the Lake Nona boom? Think again! Call for initial offering and pricing.
There are treasures to be found all over Central Florida—and here’s your exclusive map to some great finds. Our annual Best of ORL list is based entirely on reader picks in dozens of categories. Plus check out our snapshot profiles of selected winners. PROFILES BY CHERI HENDERSON & MEGAN STOKES PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBERTO GONZALEZ ILLUSTRATIONS BY ELLY WALTON
AUGUST 2018 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | 41
FO OD DR I N K &
In December 2016, longtime friends Iain Yeakle and Alex Tchekmeian pooled their backgrounds in the coffee industry and opened the first Foxtail Coffee Co. location in Winter Park. “We wanted a space where friends could come and create, meet friends, make new friends and celebrate things. Foxtail in Winter Park is a communal space for people to express themselves or work [remotely]. A lot of people will come in and work all day,” Yeakle says. Foxtail has since expanded to two locations in Winter Park, one in downtown Orlando, one in Altamonte Springs and one opening soon in Orlando’s Hourglass District. “It’s the freshest coffee you can get. Most of our coffee we serve within two weeks of roasting to give it a little bit of rest period so it’s at its peak when served,” Yeakle says. The company focuses on equitable sourcing and fair wages for coffee farmers, as well as obtaining locally sourced eggs, vegan doughnuts and pastries, juices and kombucha. “We’re striving for something better, and we carry that to every shop we open,” Yeakle says. —Cheri Henderson 42 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST 2018
COMMUNITy coffee shop
1
Foxtail Coffee Co. Four Orlandoarea locations foxtailcoffee.com
2
Axum Coffee Downtown Winter Garden axumcoffee.com
3
Drunken Monkey Coffee Bar Milk District drunkenmonkeycoffee.com
caterer
1
Arthur’s Creative Events & Catering Altamonte Springs arthurscatering.com
2
Puff ’n Stuff Events and Catering Orlando puffnstuff.com
3
Cuisiniers Catered Cuisine & Events Winter Park cuisinierscater.com
place for a frozen treat
1
Jeremiah’s Italian Ice 14 Orlando-area locations jeremiahsice.com
2
Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt 13 Orlando-area locations menchies.com
FOXTAIL COFFEE CO.
Coffee & Community
3
Twistee Treat Nine Orlandoarea locations twisteetreat.com
CHOCOLATE SHOP
1
Peterbrooke Chocolatier Downtown Winter Park peterbrookewinterpark.com
2
The Ganachery Disney Springs disneysprings.com/ shopping/the-ganachery
3
Farris & Foster’s Famous Chocolate Factory Baldwin Park farrisandfosters.com
WINE STORE
1
Total Wine & More Three Orlandoarea locations totalwine.com
2
Tim’s Wine Market Four Orlandoarea locations timswine.com
3
ABC Fine Wine & Spirits Multiple Orlandoarea locations abcfws.com
RESTAURANT ROW RESTAURANT (SAND LAKE)
1 2
Eddie V’s eddiev.com
Ruth’s Chris Steak House ruthschris.com
Prime Time in Sanford
Dwayne Pratt laughs as he recounts how Buster, the elk head hanging above the beer cooler in his bar, got his name. When Pratt opened Colorado’s Prime Steak restaurant in Sanford in 1992, the bartenders settled on the name after they kept “busting” their heads on the elk’s chin when they grabbed a beer. The restaurant’s homepage reads, “Buster says eat more steak.” Idiosyncrasies like this tell patrons the story of both Pratt and his business. The Colorado references are reminiscent of the owner’s life there in the 1970s. There, he met his late wife, who opened Colorado’s Prime Steak with him, and it’s where the restaurant originally got its beef. Though Pratt loves Florida, he longs for the crisp mountain air. “What I miss most about Colorado is the way the air smells. It’s so fresh, you wouldn’t believe,” he says. On the menu is Gigi’s Homemade Chips and Salsa. Gigi and Pratt are newlyweds; they met when Gigi came into the restaurant wanting to use his kitchen to make salsa. “I’m living a charmed life, let me tell you,” he says. —Megan Stokes
3
Rocco’s Tacos & Tequila Bar roccostacos.com
COLLEGE PARK RESTAURANT
1
RusTeak Restaurant & Wine Bar Edgewater Drive rusteakwinebar.com
v
2
ROBERTO GONZALEZ
K Restaurant Edgewater Drive krestaurant.net
3
Outpost Neighborhood Kitchen Edgewater Drive outpostcollegepark.com AUGUST 2018 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | 43
1
The Crooked Spoon Citrus Tower Boulevard Clermont facebook.com/ thecrookedspoon
BREWERY
1
Crooked Can Brewing Company Downtown Winter Garden crookedcan.com
2
Orlando Brewing SODO (South of Downtown) orlandobrewing.com
3
Ten10 Brewing Company Mills 50 District ten10brewingcompany.com
2
Goblin Market Downtown Mount Dora goblinmarketrestaurant.com
3
Copacabana Cuban Café Downtown Mount Dora copacabanacubanrestaurant.com
OSCEOLA COUNTY RESTAURANT
1
El Tenampa W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway (192) Kissimmee facebook.com/ ElTenampaMex192
44 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST 2018
The Catfish Place 13th Street (192) St. Cloud thecatfishplacestcloud.com
WINTER PARK RESTAURANT
3
1
All Italian Market & Ristorante West Osceola Parkway Kissimmee allitalianmarketandristorante.com
WINTER GARDEN RESTAURANT
1
Moon Cricket Grille West Plant Street mooncricketgrille.com
2
Chef’s Table at the Edgewater West Plant Street chefstableattheedgewater.com
3
4 Rivers Smokehouse South Dillard Street 4rsmokehouse.com
Luma on Park Park Avenue lumaonpark.com
2
Prato Park Avenue prato-wp.com
3
Hillstone South Orlando Avenue hillstone.com
SEMINOLE COUNTY RESTAURANT
1
Colorado’s Prime Steak South Orlando Drive (17-92) Sanford coloradosonline.com
BEER: ROBERTO GONZALEZ; FOOD: CROOKED SPOON
LAKE COUNTY RESTAURANT
2
2
Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Café Downtown Sanford hollerbachs.com
SPECIALTY FOODS STORE
3
Trader Joe’s Winter Park and Restaurant Row traderjoes.com
Sushi Pop Oviedo sushipoprestaurant.com
DOWNTOWN RESTAURANT
1
Kres Chophouse Church Street kresrestaurant.com
1
3
1
2
2
Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando Downtown Orlando grandbohemianhotel.com
3
WXYZ Bar Aloft Orlando Downtown aloftorlandodowntown.com
Whole Foods Market Three Orlandoarea locations wholefoodsmarket.com The Fresh Market Five Orlandoarea locations thefreshmarket.com
1
Artisan’s Table Pine Street artisanstableorlando.com
1
2
Yard House I-Drive 360 yardhouse.com
2
TACOS
The Alfond Inn Downtown Winter Park thealfondinn.com
I-DRIVE AREA RESTAURANT
The Rusty Spoon Church Street therustyspoon.com
HOTEL LOUNGE
2
Café Tu Tu Tango Southern I-Drive area cafetututango.com
3
Texas de Brazil Outlet Marketplace texasdebrazil.com
3
Rocco’s Tacos & Tequila Bar roccostacos.com
Tijuana Flats Multiple Orlandoarea locations tijuanaflats.com
3
Gringos Locos Four Orlandoarea locations gringoslocos.com
PLACE FOR WATERING HOLE SOMETHING Wally’s SWEET
1
Mills 50 District wallysonmills.com
2
Frogger’s Grill & Bar Five Orlandoarea locations froggers.com
3
The Guesthouse Mills 50 District facebook.com, search for The Guesthouse
1
Gideon’s Bakehouse East End Market, Audubon Park gideonsbakehouse.com
2
The Glass Knife South Orlando Avenue (17-92), Winter Park theglassknife.com
3
The Cheesecake Factory Winter Park Village and The Mall at Millenia thecheesecakefactory.com
THEME PARK RESTAURANT
KRES: ROBERTO GONZALEZ; YARD HOUSE: DARDEN RESTAURANTS
1
Rainforest Café Disney’s Marketplace and Disney’s Animal Kingdom rainforestcafe.com
2
Be Our Guest Disney’s Magic Kingdom disneyworld.disney.go.com
3
Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Universal CityWalk margaritavilleorlando.com
AUGUST 2018 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | 45
Hom
e & Shopping
fun in store Chic Boutique founders Renee Dietzel (left) and Janet Acker met on Acker’s first day in town at their children’s school and have been inseparable since. Dietzel had a background in teaching and real estate, and Acker had experience in fashion merchandising. “Back when the economy took a turn, we went out for dinner one night, and we were saying, ‘What should we do? We don’t want to sit around crying about the economy,’ ” Dietzel recalls. So they decided to pool their business experience and open a consignment shop that would be set apart by its current fashions—two years old or newer—and its customer service. The Audubon Park store’s business has boomed since it opened in 2010, and it often receives consignments from out of state. Dietzel and Acker also donate items monthly to a variety of charities. The co-founders, who consider the store their “last career,” also draw people with their fun-loving spirits. “We’re like Lucy and Ethel. We have people coming in here who just want to hang out and laugh,” Dietzel says. — C.H.
1
Apopka Florist Main Street, Apopka apopkaflorist.com
CONSIGNMENT OR RESALE SHOP
1
Chic Boutique Audubon Park chicboutiqueresale.com
2
2
Bay Hill Florist Sand Lake Road bayhillflorist.com
3
Once Upon a Child Six Orlandoarea locations onceuponachild.com
3
Sweet Repeats Oviedo sweetrepeats2.com
Oviedo Florist Downtown Oviedo oviedoflorist.com 46 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST 2018
GIFT SHOP
1
The Primrose Shop Audubon Park Instagram: @theprimroseshop
2
INTERIOR DESIGNER
1
Morrone Interiors Downtown Orlando morroneinteriors.com
Orange Door Gift Boutique Oviedo orangedoorgb.com
Anne Rue Interiors Sanford annerue.com
3
3
The Pink Chalet Pop-up shop facebook.com/thepinkchalet
2
Ted Maines Interiors Winter Park tedmainesinteriors.com ROBERTO GONZALEZ
FLORIST
HOME DÉCOR STORE
WOMEN'S BICYCLE SHOP CLOTHING STORE Orange Cycle
PLACE FOR ANTIQUES
HomeGoods Multiple Orlandoarea locations homegoods.com
Macy's Five Orlandoarea locations macys.com
Adjectives Market Three Orlandoarea locations adjmkt.com
1
2
1
2
Pier 1 Imports Seven Orlandoarea locations pier1.com
Chico’s Five Orlandoarea locations chicos.com
3
3
IKEA Millenia area, Orlando ikea.com
HOME BUILDER
1
Z Properties Winter Park zpropertiesinc.com
Forever 21 Seven Orlandoarea locations forever21.com
POOL BUILDER
1
Pools by Bradley Sanford poolsbybradley.com
2
Premier Pools of Central Florida Winter Park premierpoolsofcentralfl.com
2
Charles Clayton Construction Winter Park charlesclayton.com
3
Signature Pools South Orlando signaturepools.com
1
College Park orangecycleorlando.com
2
David’s World Cycle Seven Orlandoarea locations davidsworld.com
3
Kyle’s Bike Shop Milk District kylesbikeshop.net
CAR DEALER
1
2
Renninger’s Flea Market & Antique Center Highway 441, Mount Dora renningers.net
3
Park & 2nd Downtown Sanford parkand2nd.com
1
Fields Auto Group Multiple Orlandoarea locations fieldsauto.com
2
Lexus of Orlando Winter Park lexusoforlando.com
3
Massey Cadillac North John Young Parkway Orlando masseycadillacnorth.com
3
David Weekley Homes davidweekleyhomes.com
KITCHEN & BATH STORE
1 Z PROPERTIES; POOLS BY BRADLEY
Bed, Bath & Beyond Multiple Orlandoarea locations bedbathandbeyond.com
2
IKEA Millenia area, Orlando ikea.com
3
Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery Ivanhoe Village fergusonshowrooms.com AUGUST 2018 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | 47
S tyle & Polish
Craig DeLongy recalls the black-andwhite saddle shoes his mother made him wear on his first day of high school and the relentless teasing that ensued. Fast forward to today and DeLongy, owner of John Craig Clothier, has recently bought an almost identical pair of shoes to wear on the golf course. “My wife asked me why I always have to wear a sport coat when we go anywhere. That’s just who I am,” he says. “I’m always dressed.” The 67-year-old entrepreneur’s passion for polish echoes his parents’ belief in the power of presentation (they never allowed DeLongy to own a pair of jeans). They weren’t wealthy but his mother topped every outfit with a hat, and his father “always dressed like a gentleman.” DeLongy remembers the first time his mother took him to a fine clothing store. “She bought me a beautiful camel cashmere overcoat that I still have today,’’ he says. “I can’t fit in it but I still have it.” DeLongy opened the flagship John Craig store on Park Avenue in Winter Park in 1996, now one of six statewide. “It’s rewarding to have a wife bring in her husband and watch the transformation,’’ he says. — M.S.
1
John Craig Clothier Park Avenue, Winter Park johncraigclothier.com
2
Jos. A. Bank Five Orlandoarea locations josbank.com
3
Men’s Wearhouse Seven Orlandoarea locations menswearhouse.com
MALL
1
The Mall at Millenia Conroy Road mallatmillenia.com
48 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST 2018
Altamonte Mall Altamonte Springs altamontemall.com
3
The Florida Mall South Orange Blossom Trail simon.com
JEWELER
1
Bay Hill Jewelers Orlando and Winter Park bayhilljewelers.com
2
Gems of the Jungle Jeweler Lake Mary gemsofthejunglejewelers.com
3
Victoria Jewelers Baldwin Park victoriajewelers.net
CRAIG: ROBERTO GONZALEZ; MALL: MALL AT MILLENIA
MEN’S CLOTHING STORE
2
BEFORE
How do you help your clients? It’s no secret that today’s luxury client is highly selective and demands hassle-free service. A major remodel is both magical and daunting - at the same time, so our clients are looking for the designer who is the ultimate in versatility. Th The truth is having the right designer is the perfect reflection of who you are. What is your process? It starts with the initial conversation, we listen. Understanding our clients’ personality and life goals is the key to outstanding results, so simply getting to know them is an essential step. Second, we develop a comprehensive plan. We collaborate wi with builders and architects on every project, but we are the single point of contact, to deliver a best-in-class experience. Third, as professionals we deliver – as promised. We are obsessed with transforming rooms into drop-dead gorgeous living spaces. Our goal is to cr create a space that reflects your personal style with functional beauty. Tell us about Anne Rue Interiors: Led by Principal Designer, Anne Rue from HGTV Design Star and Travel Channel’s Hotel Impossible, we are Central Florida’s premier luxury interior design firm. We are thrilled to be named one of the Top 3 Interior Design firms in Orlando - again! We’d love to help with your next project! Call us at (407) 322-6742 or visit www.AnneRue.com
AFTER
peo ple & media
3
Adam Shadoff Fox 35 fox35orlando.com
MUSIC RADIO STATION
1 2 3
XL 106.7 FM xl1067.com Z88.3 FM zradio.org K92.3 FM k923orlando.com
LOCAL RADIO SHOW
1
Johnny’s House XL 106.7 FM xl1067.iheart.com
PASTOR
Derrick Williams had a long and successful engineering career at Lockheed Martin. But in 2005, he felt led to take on a second career: helping to shepherd the 500-member flock of Parramore’s Shiloh Baptist Church. In 2012, he took over as senior pastor while continuing his career, retiring from Lockheed in 2017. “My primary mission is to lead and feed the congregation and the community,” Williams says. “To live by example becomes a must in ministry to God’s people.” The husband and father of two says he encourages his congregants to use their gifts to make a difference in the lives of others. He also hopes to bridge generational gaps so many can come to know God. “If it’s God’s will, my legacy would be, ‘He pastored at a place where God allowed peace at a time where all generations were able to come and hear and learn of Him,’” Williams says. “We’re living in a time when people are hurting others and hurting themselves. I believe it traces to a lack of a relationship with God.” — C.H. 50 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST 2018
Derrick Williams Pastor at Shiloh Baptist Church of Orlando sbcorlando.org
The Philips Phile Real Radio 104.1 FM realradio.iheart.com
2
3
David Uth Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church of Orlando firstorlando.com
3
Byron Bledsoe Senior Pastor at C3 Church, Avalon Park c3church.cc
TELEVISION SPORTSCASTER
1
Pat Clarke WESH-Channel 2 wesh.com
2
Jamie Seh WKMG-Local 6 clickorlando.com
2
Obie & Ashley in the Morning K92.3 FM k923orlando.com
TV WEATHER FORECASTER
1
Tom Terry WFTV-Channel 9 wftv.com
2
Amy Sweezey WESH-Channel 2 wesh.com
3
Tony Mainolfi WESH-Channel 2 wesh.com
ROBERTO GONZALEZ; TERRY: COURTESY OF WFTV
A Faithful Shepherd
1
Music to L ive By
In 2017, musician and longtime Mount Dora resident Nicole Equerme received an email asking if she would like to perform a solo show at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. “I literally just hid beneath the covers” after reading it, she recalls. “It was too much.” She took the stage in November, three years after releasing her first album, “I,” and just two years after pursuing music full-time. Compared vocally to Norah Jones, the singer/brass and string player/audio-video technician draws upon a variety of instrumental influences including Chris Thile, Imogen Heap and Zoe Keating. And she’s getting noticed. “This year I’ve been gigging about six days a week on average,” she says. You can often see her performing at Disney Springs with the “bluegrassish” band Mighty Swell or as a solo act around Central Florida. “I have enough material to record 2 1/2 albums,” Equerme says. “But I’ve been so busy since I made music my profession. I’m hoping this year will be my year [to record again].” – C.H.
Christina Thomas Go Epicurista goepicurista.com
1 2 3
3
Nicole Equerme nicoleequerme.com Paulo Clayton pauloclayton.com Casey Conroy iamcaseyconroy.com
INSTAGRAMMER
1 2 3
Tim & Jenn Tracker The Tim Tracker facebook.com/thetimtracker
ATHLETE
1
Shaquem Griffin UCF Football/ Seattle Seahawks seahawks.com
Lemonhearted @lemonhearted Orlando Is Sleeping @orlandoissleeping
Jessie D Photographer/ Makeup Artist Orlando jessiedee.net
2
Patrick Buckley Images Ocoee patrickbuckleyimages.com
3
Kimberly Santana Photography Orlando kimberlysantanaphotography.com
1
CityArts Factory Downtown Orlando orlandoslice.com
2
BLOGGER
1
1
ART GALLERY
Raul Araujo Jr., Stylist @raularaujohair
Brendan O’Connor Bungalower bungalower.com
PHOTOGRAPHER
2
Aaron Gordon Orlando Magic orlandomagic.com
3
JoJo Morasco Pro Lacrosse Player Windermere Prep Boys Lacrosse Coach wpsathletics.com
Snap! Space/ Snap! Downtown East Colonial Drive East Church Street snaporlando.com
3
Rogers Kiene Building (formerly Gallery at Avalon Island) South Magnolia Avenue facebook.com/ rogerskienebuilding
TELEVISION NEWS TEAM
1
Jim Payne & MeredithMcDonough WESH-Channel 2 wesh.com
2
Greg Warmoth & Martha Sugalski WFTV-Channel 9 wftv.com
3
Amy Kaufeldt & Bob Frier Fox 35 myfoxorlando.com
COMMUNITY LEADER
1
Buddy Dyer Orlando Mayor cityoforlando.net
2
Joshua Vickery Executive Director, Central Florida Community Arts cfcarts.com
3
Teresa Jacobs Orange County Mayor orangecountyfl.net
EQUERME: MARIAH WILD; DYER, O’CONNOR: ROBERTO GONZALEZ; ANCHORS: WESH; GRIFFIN: UCF
2
LOCAL BAND OR SINGER
Orlando’s Golf Course Since 1924
2018
BEST PUBLIC GOLF COURSE
COME JUDGE FOR YOURSELF! BOOK TEE TIMES 407.246.2551 | HISTORICALDUBSDREAD.COM
fun
r e u s i e &l
Dubsdread’s Perfect Read Rodney Reifsnider remembers hearing groans from the golfers behind him when they realized he was playing a round with his mother. “They’d say, ‘Aw, I got a woman in front of me,’ because they thought it would slow them down,” he says. Although the negativity never made her quit, Reifsnider suspects it’s the reason she would golf only with him, despite her natural ability (she averages a score of 100). As general manager of Dubsdread Golf Course, Reifsnider wanted Orlando’s oldest course to reach beyond the stereotypical golfer and find ways to acquaint more women and minorities with the sport. In 2015, Dubsdread began offering Ladies Links, a women’s monthly group lesson that teaches everything from putting to driving a golf cart, erasing intimidation from every aspect of the game. The most recent session was Hawaiian-themed, where about 20 women learned to navigate sand traps and sipped “Sandgrias.” And more than 230 women attended Dubsdread’s National Women’s Golf Day event on June 5. “I think [golf] gives women an alternative way to socialize,” Reifsnider says. “When they’re at Dubsdread, it’s their club.” — M.S.
PUBLIC GOLF COURSE
PRIVATE GOLF COURSE
1
1
3
2
Winter Park Golf Course North of Downtown cityofwinterpark.org
Isleworth Golf & Country Club Windermere isleworth.com/golf
3
3
Twin Rivers Golf Club Oviedo twinriversgolfclub.com 54 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST 2018
Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club and Lodge Bay Hill bayhill.com
Interlachen Country Club Winter Park interlachenccfl.com
ROBERTO GONZALEZ
Dubsdread Golf Course College Park historicaldubsdread.com
1
Charles Hosmer Morse Morse Museum of American Art Winter Park morsemuseum.org
2
Orlando Museum of Art Loch Haven Park omart.org
3
Orlando Science Center Loch Haven Park osc.org
PLACE FOR A STAYCATION
1
Walt Disney World Lake Buena Vista disneyworld.disney.go.com
2
Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort fourseasons.com
3
The Alfond Inn Downtown Winter Park thealfondinn.com
BUSINESS HOTEL
1
Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando Downtown Orlando grandbohemianhotel.com
2
ENTERTAINMENT NON-THEME EXPERIENCE PARK ATTRACTION ICON Orlando
1
1
2
2
(formerly the CocaCola Orlando Eye) International Drive iconorlando.com
Orlando Science Center Loch Haven Park osc.org
The Alfond Inn Downtown Winter Park thealfondinn.com
Topgolf Orlando Universal Boulevard topgolf.com
Gatorland South Orange County gatorland.com
3
3
3
Hilton Orlando Destination Parkway, off I-Drive thehiltonorlando.com
The Escape Effect International Drive theescapeeffect.com
ICON Orlando (formerly the CocaCola Orlando Eye) International Drive iconorlando.com
PLACE TO GET MARRIED
1
Harry P. Leu Gardens Orlando leugardens.org
2
Disney’s Wedding Pavilion Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Lake Buena Vista disneyweddings.com
3
Casa Feliz Historic Home & Venue Winter Park casafeliz.us
56 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST 2018
PROBERTO GONZALEZ
MUSEUM
MOVIE THEATER
1
AMC Dine-In Disney Springs 24 Disney Springs amctheatres.com
2
Regal Winter Park Village Stadium 20 & RPX Winter Park regmovies.com
3
Epic Theatres at Lee Vista South Orlando epictheatres.com
LIVE MUSIC VENUE Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts Downtown Orlando drphillipscenter.org
TRIVIA NIGHT
2
1
3
2
Hard Rock Live Universal Orlando Resort hardrock.com/live The Plaza Live Milk District plazaliveorlando.com
CHARITY GALA
1
Hats and Heroes Ball Benefits Kids Beating Cancer Pediatric Transplant Center kidsbeatingcancer.com
2
Runway to Hope Spring Fashion Soiree Benefits children and families affected by pediatric cancer runwaytohope.org
3
UCP of Central Florida’s An Evening at the Palace Gala Benefits individuals with a spectrum of disabilities ucpcfl.org
Graffitii Junktion Seven Orlandoarea locations graffitijunktion.com Curtis Earth at Bikes, Beans & Bordeaux Audubon Park bikesbeansandbordeaux.com
3
Red Cypress Brewery Winter Springs redcypressbrewery.com
FESTIVAL
1
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Walt Disney World disneyworld.disney.go.com
2
Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival Park Avenue, Winter Park wpsaf.org
3
Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival Loch Haven Park orlandofringe.org
58 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST 2018
TRIVIA: ROBERTO GONZALEZ; EPCOT: ASHELYN VAZQUEZ
1
hea
lth & beauty
A Friendly Throwback
60 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST 2018
BARBER SHOP
HAIR SALON
1
1
2
2
The Eastside Barbershop Union Park Facebook, search for Eastside Barbershop Floyd’s 99 Barbershop Six Orlandoarea locations floydsbarbershop.com
3
Kennedy’s Barber Club Winter Park and Lake Mary kennedysbarberclub.com
SizzorS Salon Oviedo sizzorssalon.com
Salon Ciseaux Winter Park salonciseaux.com
3
Stella Luca 2 Winter Park locations stellaluca.com ROBERTO GONZALEZ
Jose Perez loved the barbershops he grew up frequenting in New York City. The barbers were funny, friendly and everyone felt comfortable, no matter their age, gender or ethnicity. Over the 20 years he’s been cutting hair in Orlando, Perez says he’s seen more profanity and loud music in local shops. When he opened The Eastside Barbershop— named after its location in east Orlando—in 2015, he aimed to re-create the community hub he missed. “It’s tough to find a good group of guys so that you can have fun, create a good, family atmosphere but not so square where it’s boring. We just have a really good balance,” Perez says. People are so comfortable at Eastside, Perez says, that parents drop their children off for haircuts while they run errands. Women are welcome as well; he says he has a few groups of women who make their appointments together to socialize. “They pull up chairs afterward and crack up. Then I have some older guys stick their heads in to talk about the game. It feels like the shops I grew up in.” — M.S.
AUGUST 2018 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | 61
HEALTH & BEAUTY DAY SPA
1
3
LA Fitness Multiple Orlandoarea locations lafitness.com
The Woodhouse Day Spa Dr. Phillips Area orlando.woodhousespas.com
STUDIO FOR BODY & SOUL
2
1
3
2
The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes Orlando ritzcarlton.com/orlando Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa Multiple Orlandoarea locations handandstone.com
Studio K International Drive studiokorlando.com
Orlando Power Yoga Three Orlandoarea locations orlandopoweryoga.com
3
Sunlight Yoga Lake Nona besunlight.com
NAIL SALON
1
Dancing Under the S tars
Studio K on International Drive was born in 2010 after owner and CEO Kristin Weissman had gained 70 pounds from a stressful public relations job. The lifelong dancer recalls a conversation with her doctor about regaining fitness: “He said, ‘What do you like to do?’ I said, ‘I like to dance.’ ” But in the land of lithe theme-park dancers, Weissman couldn’t find a judgment-free dance studio. So she opened one. “No matter your shape, size or level of ability, the floor is yours at Studio K,” she says. The studio offers about 15 classes each week, ranging from ballet done to rock music to light-saber fitness to fight choreography to specialty workshops based on famous dance routines or musicals. Participants from ages 15 to 80 dance under twinkle lights to reduce body awareness. “It lets everyone enjoy the class 10 times more. You shut the door and dance your heart out and have a great time,” Weissman says. “This studio is my dream. My goal is to have them all over the country.” — C.H.
Stella Luca Two Winter Park locations stellaluca.com
2
SizzorS Salon Oviedo sizzorssalon.com
3
LP Nails & Spa Colonial Marketplace 407-826-1515
WORKOUT FACILITY/GYM
1
2
YMCA Multiple Orlandoarea-locations ymcacentralflorida.com 62 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST 2018
ROBERTO GONZALEZ
Hardcore Fitness Winter Park hardcorefitnessfl.com
2018
Immerse yourself in the world of superheroes, crime fighters, and gadgets!
Final Days — Closes Sept. 3 osc.org/heroes
Thank you for voting Orlando Science the Best Non-Theme Park Attraction! AUGUST 2018 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | 63
1
Rise Above Tattoo Mills 50 District riseabovetattoo.com
2
Trinity Tattoo Company Longwood trinitytattoo.com
3
Built 4 Speed Tattoo Colonialtown facebook.com, search “built 4 speed tattoo”
CHIROPRACTOR
1
22 Health Three Orlandoarea locations my22health.com
2
Adam Stewart Stewart Wellness & Chiropractic Casselberry stewartwellnessorlando.com
3
Lonnie Meade-39 Health Longwood thirtyninehealth.jimdo.com
PLASTIC SURGEON
1
3
Brian Joseph-Park Avenue Plastic Surgery Winter Park orlando-plastic-surgery.com
OPTICIAN/ OPTOMETRIST
1
Mark & Karen PerryVision Health Institute Milk District visionsourcevisionhealthinstitute.com
2
Thomas FialaFiala Aesthetics Altamonte Springs plasticsurgeryinflorida.com
Thanh (Kai) NguyenYou & Eyes Avalon Park youandeyes.com
2
3
George Pope-Orlando Plastic Surgery Center Orlando georgepopemd.com
64 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST 2018
John NowellSouthwest Orlando Eye Care Dr. Phillips area southwestorlandoeyecare.com
TATTOO: ROBERTO GONZALEZ; PERRYS: ERIKA GRACE PHOTOGRAPHY
TATTOO SHOP
Schedule Your Tour Today! 407.206.8602
www.thefirstacademy.org A Christ-Centered Preschool to Grade 12 College Preparatory School Apple Distinguished School World-Class Teaching and Learning Life-Changing Spiritual Formation
2018
AUGUST 2018 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | 65
k i ds
s t e p &
Spirited Houses The First Academy has found a way to make its school seem smaller, more intimate. Each student in the K-12 Christian school is assigned to one of five “houses.” Principal Shayne Grove says the younger kids, ages 7-12, will create a strong association with their house, rooting for them in house-vs.-house competitions. In high school, students meet with the guidance counselor who leads their house as well as their housemates daily during last period, spending time studying, mentoring or worshiping. “Some students will connect through athletics, some will connect through student leadership, some will connect through academics. This is just another way for them to connect,” Grove says. There are regular house competitions in a myriad of physical, academic and creative fields where each house votes for a student to represent them. Afterward, Grove says, students meet on the field for hot dogs and hamburgers. At year’s end, a school champion is chosen based on competition scores, grades and behavior throughout that year. Grove says this helps students sharpen their skills and talents, on and off the field. — M.S.
The First Academy Orlando thefirstacademy.org
PRESCHOOL
The First Academy Orlando thefirstacademy.org
Lake Highland Preparatory School Orlando lhps.org
3
StarChild Academy Multiple Orlandoarea locations starchildacademy.com
1
2
Lake Highland Preparatory School Orlando lhps.org
3
Windermere Preparatory School Windermere windermereprep.com
PRIVATE SCHOOL, 6-8
1
Lake Highland Preparatory School Orlando lhps.org
PRIVATE SCHOOL, K-5
The First Academy Orlando thefirstacademy.org
1
3
StarChild Academy Multiple Orlandoarea locations starchildacademy.com
2
Windermere Preparatory School Windermere windermereprep.com
66 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST 2018
1
2
Ladybird Academy Multiple Orlandoarea locations ladybirdacademy.com
3
The First Academy Orlando thefirstacademy.org
SUMMER CAMP
1
StarChild Academy Multiple Orlandoarea locations starchildacademy.com
2
Ladybird Academy Multiple Orlandoarea locations ladybirdacademy.com
3
Windermere Preparatory School Windermere windermereprep.com
PLACE FOR BABY & CHILDREN'S CLOTHING
1
Once Upon a Child Six Orlandoarea locations onceuponachild.com
2
Tugboatt & the Bird Downtown Winter Park tugboatandthebird.com
FIRST ACADEMY: ROBERTO GONZALEZ; CAMP: STARCHILD ACADEMY
2
PRIVATE SCHOOL, 9-12
3
The Children’s Place Six Orlandoarea locations childrensplace.com
DOG PARK
1
3
Cocina 214 Downtown Winter Park cocina214.com
PET SPA & GROOMING
Lake Baldwin Park Lakemont Avenue, Winter Park cityofwinterpark.org
1
2
2
Plush Paws College Park plushpawsinc.com
Oviedo on the Park/ Center Lake Park Oviedo cityofoviedo.net
Ashley’s Pack South Semoran Boulevard facebook.com/ashleyspackllc
3
3
Dr. P. Phillips Community Park Dr. Phillips area drphillips.org
Ranger’s Pet Outpost and Retreat Winter Park rangerspetoutpost.com
ANIMAL HOSPITAL
SPECIALTY PET STORE
1
Tuscawilla Oaks Animal Hospital Oviedo tuscawillaoaksah.com
A Tail-Wagging Good Time
Michael Fried and partner Rick Merrifield approach Ranger’s Pet Outpost and Retreat in Winter Park like a “relationship business,” Fried says. The CFO and CEO have fostered relationships with clients since opening their first shop in 2001. “Kids who came in to visit with us [then] are now adult clients. We’ve watched these kids grow up, and now they bring their dogs to us,” says Fried. Now in a 40,000-square-foot location, the doggie daycare accepts new clients only once a year because of its popularity. Each weekday, 90 to 100 daycare pooches enjoy activities such as hurdle games, dog tag and dog tennis. Classes arranged by size, age and disposition rotate every 15 minutes. “We want to keep the dogs active so they’re not bored. Most of the clients say, ‘My dog gets in the car and is passed out in the back seat,’ ” laughs Fried. He also points out that the extra activity keeps pets out of trouble when they get home. “We save shoes.” — C.H.
1
Woof Gang Bakery Multiple Orlandoarea locations woofgangbakery.com
2
Pookie’s Pet Nutrition & Bow Wow Bakery Winter Park pookiesbowwowbakery.com Winter Park Veterinary Hospital Winter Park wpvet.com
3
Oviedo Animal Hospital Oviedo oviedoanimalhospital.com
PET-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT
1
Rock & Brews Oviedo; Lee Vista Area rockandbrews.com
2
Yellow Dog Eats Gotha yellowdogeats.com
3
Woof! Orlando College Park wooforlando.com
DOGGIE DAY CARE
1
Ranger’s Pet Outpost and Retreat Winter Park rangerspetoutpost.com
2
A Little Pet Inn Winter Park alittlepetinn.com
3
Woof! Orlando College Park wooforlando.com
68 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST 2018
ROBERTO GONZALEZ
2
h ! s t nu 1-800-414-7941 WadePecans.com
AUGUST 2018 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | 69
Family & Sports Chiropractic
CUSTOM DESIGNED OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES FROM NEW POOLS TO RENOVATIONS
2018
Thank you for voting us Best of Orlando!
➜ Chiropractic & Wellness ➜ Sports Therapy ➜ Auto Accidents ➜ Back Pain ➜ Nutrition Adam T. Stewart, DC, 1455 S. Semoran Blvd. Suite 177, Casselberry, FL 32707
407-960-1542
StewartWellnessOrlando.com
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THANK YOU FOR VOTING US AS
ORLANDO’S BEST CHOCOLATE SHOP!
2018
PETERBROOKE CHOCOLATIER OF WINTER PARK 2018
THANK YOU, ORLANDO!
1419 West Broadway, Oviedo, FL 32765 (407) 365-3035 | oviedoflorist.com 70 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST 2018
300 S. Park Avenue | Winter Park, FL | 407-644-3200 | PeterbrookeWP.com
congrats to the winners of the
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marks the Spot PatrickBuckleyImages.com AUGUST 2018 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | 71
RUNWAY to HOPE 2 0 1 8 S P R I N G FA S H I O N S O I R E E EVENT RECAP SATURDAY, MAY 19, 2018
The Runway to Hope Spring Fashion Soiree is the organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s signature fundraising event of the year! The highlight of the evening was an inspiring and heartwarming fashion show featuring more than 150 incredible and brave children, all of whom are currently battling or have overcome their pediatric cancer. Modeling much more than clothing, these courageous children walk the runway hand-in-hand with one of our national and local celebrity escorts. Orlando magazine is proud to support Runway To Hope. Thank You Mark and Josie!
Donate Today at runwaytohope.org
PRESCRIPTION
SUNGLASSES
READERS
ATTITUDE
OMFG (Oh My fabulous Glasses) COMING IN August TO The Florida Mall CLICK: eyebobs.com
COME BY: The Florida Mall 8001 South Orange Blossom Trail Orlando, Florida 32809
CALL: 866.393.2627
FOLLOW US! Get a behind-the-scenes look into our favorite things, life in Orlando and more!
OrlandoMagazine @OrlandoMag @OrlandoMag OrlandoMagazine AUGUST 2018 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | 73
“Most Americans will encounter at least one medical error in their lifetime.” National Academy of Medicine
“When it seemed like nothing was working, Best Doctors showed me that there was another cause for my problem.” Best Doctors Member
WE’RE MORE THAN JUST A LIST WE’RE THE SOLUTION Best Doctors is an employer-provided benefit that gives over 12 million eligible members in the U.S. and an estimated 40 million members worldwide a unique suite of services designed to do one thing: eliminate medical uncertainty in a very uncertain landscape. Best Doctors not only identifies the very best clinicians, it partners with them to review members’ medical diagnoses and treatment plans as well as answer any questions a member may have—providing unparalleled clinical quality as an integral part of employers’ benefits offerings. Are you a Best Doctors member? Ask your HR representative if Best Doctors is a benefit.
Bestdoctors.com 1.800.223.5003
SKIN & EYE SPEC I A L ISTS
SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
JOHN (LUCKY) MEISENHEIMER, MD The Meisenheimer Clinic and Day Spa
SPECIALTY: Doc “Lucky” Meisenheimer is a board-certified dermatologist, Mohs Surgeon, and the owner and director of The Meisenheimer Clinic and Day Spa, where the Doctor sees all patients, and a human, not a computer, answers the phones. As a skin cancer surgeon, Dr. Meisenheimer has served Orlando for over three decades and has diagnosed and treated over 30,000 skin cancers. He also offers a full line of cosmetic services, including Laser Facial Rejuvenation, Botox®, Juvederm, chemical peels and a Day Spa specializing in microneedling, massage, customized facials and extensive
selections of Lira Clinical® products. COMMUNITY: Dr. Meisenheimer may be best known in the community as the founder of “Lucky’s Lake Swim,” designated by the Central Florida Historical Society as a Central Florida historic event. For more than 25 years, thousands of swimmers from all over the world have joined Lucky in his daily morning swim. The World Open Water Swimming Association ranks the swim as one of the Top 100 open-water swims in America, and several world records have been set at the site. His daily lake swim at his home on Lake Cane has raised tens of thousands of dollars for
local charities and has generated the Lake Cane Restoration Society, a 501c charitable organization that cleans up and preserves our natural bodies of water in Florida. An American Swim Coaches Association certified, Level 5 coach, Doc Lucky has served as an Orange County Special Olympics Coach since 1993. He has been on the board of the YMCA Aquatic Center since 1992 and is a founding member and current president of the YCF Underwater Hockey team and has served as a national team physician. PUBLISHING AND FILM: Doc Lucky is the author of several books as well as an actor, director, and screenwriter.
7300 Sandlake Commons Blvd., Suite 105 | Orlando, FL 32819 | 407-352-2444 OrlandoSkinDoc.com | DocLucky.com | TheImmune.com | LuckysLakeSwim.com | ZombieCause.com AUGUST 2018 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | 75
DINE
TERRALINA CRAFTED ITALIAN
R E VI E W â&#x20AC;¢ R ECO M M EN D ED E ATI N G
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TOWER OF PLENTY
The antipasti tower at Terralina Crafted Italian, the new Disney Springs hotspot, features prosciutto, spicy capicola sausage, mozzarella bocconcini, Pecorinotruffle potato chips and much more.
DINE REVIEW
A culinary force for decades, Chef Tony Mantuano says, “I’m still here, still doing it, still loving it.”
At Terralina, Tony Mantuano is drawing upon his grandmother’s culinary wisdom to create superb Italian dishes. And loving every minute of it. BY JOSEPH HAYES
TERRALINA CRAFTED ITALIAN The Landing at Disney Springs Pizza and entrees: $14-$42 407-934-8888 terralinacrafteditalian.com
I
IMAGINE A RESTAURANT steeped in theme park illusion that becomes the quintessence of authentic Italian cuisine. Now imagine it’s called Terralina. In 1988, Portobello Yacht Club was a stylish eatery at Disney’s newly opened Pleasure Island entertainment complex, with Americanized dishes and one of the first wood-fired ovens in the area. The fictional home of the Pleasure Island founders, it became simply Portobello when James Beard Award-winning chef Tony Mantuano started advising the kitchen 10 years ago. “For many years Portobello was the only Italian restaurant around,” Mantuano says. “I think we have to try a little bit harder now.” That effort has been transformed into the just-opened Terralina Crafted Italian, styled as a trattoria in the Lake District of northern Italy. A sweeping glass conservatory overlooks Lake Buena Vista, and the spacious bar leads to a dining room replete with stone floors, expanses of shuttered windows and stone walls straight out of il Bel Paese. The food focus is Rome and parts South, delicate pastas and savory pizza, grilled seafood and tender mozzarella. While enticing presentation is important, flavor and simplicity is key for Mantuano, who’s been known to say that the most important ingredient is the one you leave out. “Re-creating flavors that my grandmother introduced to me, burned into my memory,” he says. “The more you do it, you realize it’s just leaving stuff out. It’s not like you’ve got to add more … pork bones browned in olive oil and garlic, and Italian tomatoes, that’s it; you let it cook, you’ve got the best-tasting sauce ever. So that drives me.” His “Nonna’s pork ragu” turns up on hand-rolled gnocchi ($25) so light they could hover above the plate. A simple dish of bucatini and clams
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($26) builds from sea-fresh shellfish and the tang of lemon to a kick of Calabrian pepper-spiced ’nduja sausage. Along with a bestselling cookbook and multiple Top Chef appearances, Mantuano’s fame includes the award-winning Spiaggia and River Roast restaurants in Chicago; Mangia Trattoria in his hometown of Kenosha, Wisconsin; and Terzo Piano at the Art Institute of Chicago. “I could eat Italian food every single day. I don’t know if I could say that about anything else,” he says. “And people know a lot more than they did 20 years ago, 15 years ago. A lot of people have been to Italy, so now you can grow from the Italian-American standards. What we’re doing you can find in Italy.” Even for those demanding their eggplant parmesan fix (a beautifully stacked presentation for $21), the expected side of spaghetti
GALDONES PHOTOGRAPHY
Master of His Craft
EDIBLE EDUCATION
COURTESY OF TERRALINA CRAFTED ITALIAN; BUILDING: EMILY JOURDAN
Executive Chef Justin Plank is at the Terralina helm, crafting dishes like the beautifully stacked eggplant parmesan, and bucatini and clams spiced with ’nduja sausage.
is made to order and presented tableside with fresh pomodoro. “It’s not just food on a plate,” says Mantuano. Echoing an origin story shared by other great chefs, Chef Tony inherited a love of food not from family-owned restaurants, but from tradition. “Growing up in an Italian-American family,” he says, “every holiday was around food. I grew up in Kenosha, Wisconsin. My grandparents started in the auto industry, then opened a grocery store called Mantuano Food Shop.” A determined look crosses his face. “Which damn, I want to do again one day—but they always had the best ingredients. He was a butcher, she was an awesome cook. So that’s your life, you think everyone’s grandparents have a shop. Then going to college as a music major [he’s a trombone player] I knew that’s not what I wanted to do. I wanted to work in restaurants.” The memory transports him back to his roots. “It’s honest work; we take pride in the food we put on the plate. We make dough from
scratch, we make pasta from scratch, and I think that pride carries through. Thirty-five years later I’m still here, still doing it, still loving it.” There’s a fascinating dynamic in the kitchen, benefiting not only from the sensibility of a James Beard Award winner, but also a name familiar to veterans of the local dining scene: Executive Chef Justin Plank. When he helmed the kitchen at the late Park Plaza Gardens, his name preceded the restaurant’s on the awning (as in “Chef Justin’s’’), much to Plank’s chagrin. “It was kind of embarrassing … I grew up in Winter Park, the last of nine kids,” he says. “The sign said ‘Home of Celebrity Chef Justin Plank,’ and my brother still calls me CCJ.” Plank, who tailors the menu with Mantuano, points to seafood cannelloni ($26) as a standout. “So much good stuff,” he says. “Shrimp, scallops, salmon, mahi, firm bits of swordfish, sweet corvina, mascarpone cheese, wrapped in pasta that’s paper-thin, baked in a lobster cream sauce with
lemon zest and mozzarella. It’s probably my favorite.” Plank’s journey traces from Manuel’s on the 28th and Harvey’s Bistro, to Downtown Disney’s Wolfgang Puck Café, to HUE and Park Plaza Gardens, then establishing the BB King’s Blues Club franchise around the world as a general manager. After nine years in a tangent field, he was called back to his Disney stomping grounds to revitalize Portobello when Mantuano joined the team. “Tony and I hit it off,” he says. Chef Justin calls the new Terralina “the prettiest restaurant I’ve ever been in.” Include the world-class caliber of the food, and I think you’ll agree.
Towering Presents Mantuano is justly proud of Terralina’s antipasti tower ($36), a dual-layered presentation that includes prosciutto; spicy capicola sausage; grana padano cow’s milk hard cheese from northern Italy; bite-sized mozzarella bocconcini; pickled vegetables; grilled zucchini; parmesan crisp; olives; and housemade Pecorino-truffle potato chips. “It’s fun,” he says. “Why shouldn’t good food be fun?”
WHILE STILL RUNNING his restaurant K Wine Bar, James Beard Award nominee chef Kevin Fonzo began working with College Park-based Orlando Junior Academy, teaching cooking and nutrition to the non-profit, Seventh-day Adventist school’s students. Along the way, Fonzo, academy executive director Janice Banks, gardener Brad Jones and fellow chef Sarah Cahill developed the idea of a standalone teaching kitchen. Providing gardens, cooking instruction and after-school programs, the project attracted funding from Florida Hospital and Emeril Lagasse, whose Emeril Lagasse Foundation donated $250,000 to help build the Edible Education Experience. The striking building, which opened in April 2017, not only offers education for OJA and Orange County public school children, but also hosts a series of Chef Nights, bringing local chefs to the 3,500-square-foot kitchen to dazzle diners. Participants have included Joseph and David Creech of Hunger Street Tacos, Ryan Freelove of Market to Table, Rusty Spoon’s Kathleen Blake, Bruno Zacchini of Pizza Bruno, and Alexia and Rhys Gawlak of Swine & Sons. Coming up next is Shaun Noonan of vegetarian restaurant Dixie Dharma on August 23; John Calloway of Black Rooster Taqueria in September; and in October, chefs Joe and Alda Rees of The Strand. For details, go to edibleed.org —J.H.
DINE | AUGUST 2018 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | 79
Joseph Hayes’ rosé lineup featured eight offerings. Most were impressive, but one was the unanimous favorite.
DINE REVIEW
Santa Julia Brut Rosé NV. Technically a rosado from Argentina’s Mendoza region, this light sparkler of Pinot Noir grapes has a delicate color and surprising aroma of vegetation, more like grape leaves than grapes. “I liked the bubbles,” said one, “and the apple-ish taste.” Santa Julia Organica. Argentin-
ian organic Malbec with a deep taste of red fruit, caramel and vanilla. “Blackberries and plums,” was a comment.
from “nice fruit and balance” to “tasted a little thin.”
S. Pratsch Rosé. Unequivocally the favorite (including mine). From lower Austria, grown on tiny estates of organic Zweigelt grapes, it reminded me of the drier Reislings but with a fruitier taste and sweet aroma. “I’d serve with dinner,” was a comment. “Yes, please! Love this.”
Besserat de Bellefon Brut Rosé.
Snowbirds Rosé. Certified
The enduring pink wine is back, and here are some taste tests to reacquaint you with its unique character. BY JOSEPH HAYES
L
LET US TALK of rosé wine, that sometimes maligned, often celebrated summer quaff. The popularity of the pale pink child of red grapes and casual drinking can be traced not to twenty-teens brunches, but to 6th century B.C. France, 14th century nobility, and 1970s California. Then it faded like a coral sunset. But those who think rosé is still passé haven’t been socializing lately, or perusing Instagram for pink pictures. Rosé is back. I gathered some non-expert sippers to sample an assortment of wines, coincidently on National Rosé Day (June 9). To keep it as level as possible, I only revealed the names of the wines, with bottles kept out of close observation. Each of our samples range from $11 to $20 a bottle, with one exception, and are available at Total Wine, ABC and your local wine shop.
OUR TASTES:
Barton and Guestier Passeport.
Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah grapes go into this readily available bottle from Provence. The mixed berry flavor starts a bit tart, eliciting responses ranging 80 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST 2018 | DINE
The costliest of our selection ($65-75), this Meunier, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay blend is a true Champagne from Champagne. Round and complex fermentation forward; one taster said, “I’d serve it before meals.” Bubbles positive; characteristic hints of yeast (“Tastes too sour” and “Boo!”) negative. Le Charmel Rose, Tortoise Creek Wines. A multi-layered
blend of Syrah, Cinsault, Mourvèdre, Grenache and Rolle from coastal Provence. Extremely pale and very fruity with an intense taste of raspberries and a “dry apple aftertaste,” it appealed as a “salad dinner” companion. Mont Gravet Rosé. The south
of France brings us a 100% Cinsault from Languedoc. Slightly sweet, it appealed in hue (“I want lipstick this color”) and origin (revealed as from France, a smiley face and “Ooh La La” appeared one critique sheet). An enjoyable berry taste.
organic Carignan grapes from a Russian River Valley vineyard, conceived by Orlando chef Jamie McFadden, and finished and bottled by local Quantum Leap Winery. With a rich, jewel-like color, and pronounced aroma of berries and noticeable alcohol (open it ahead). “I can’t identify it,” one of our panel said, “but very fruit forward.” Thanks to all our hard-working tasters. And remember, rosé isn’t just for the summer.
Can Do For the outdoorsy sipper, rosé has hit the canned wine category. Francis Ford Coppola’s Sofia offers a sparkling brut aimed at the LaCroix crowd in single glass servings (4/$20). Sonoma’s Scribe Winery serves Una Lou rosé in 2-glass cans (4/$40), and the “not exactly a rosé” RAMONA revives the wine cooler with a bubbly made from Sicilian grapefruit juice and Italian wine (4-pack, $20).
ROBERTO GONZALEZ
War of the Rosés
orlando magazine & a mediocre time with Tom & Dan presents
2018
Burger Battle
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AFRICAN
Boma-Flavors of Africa Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, 2901 Osceola Parkway, Lake Buena Vista 407-939-3463. disneyworld.disney.go.com B, D daily. At buffet-style Boma, African-influenced foods span the continent from the Mediterranean to South Africa. To their credit, chefs at Boma prepare every item fresh every day. The breakfast selctions are superb. $$$ Jiko-The Cooking Place Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, 2901 Osceola Parkway, Lake Buena Vista 407-939-3463. disneyworld.disney.go.com D nightly. Wood-burning ovens and traditional cooking styles infuse Jiko with the diverse flavors of Africa. Everything on the exotic menu, from East African curries to Moroccan savory pastries, will please. $$$$ Ẃ Sanaa Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Kidani Village, 2901 Osceola Parkway, Lake Buena Vista 407-939-3463. disneyworld.disney.go.com. L-D daily. Sanaa’s focus on the foods of East Africa makes for a mouth-watering trip. Flavors of India, Portugal and Europe infuse the menu, with many dishes served as multi-item samplers. Pair the short ribs or the smoky, mildly spicy perfection of tandoori chicken with little-known wines from Indian vineyards. $$$ Ẃ
AMERICAN
903 Mills Market 903 S. Mills Ave., Orlando 407898-4392. 903millsmarketcafe.com B-L-D daily. This simple little neighborhood eatery is a great place to stop in for the “EMT,’’ an award-winning sandwich that’s a concoction of breaded eggplant, melted mozzarella, sliced tomatoes and pesto served in a toasted club roll. 903 also has a selection of 100 craft beers, along with weeknight dinner specials, including Meatloaf Mondays. $ %Ace Café Orlando 100 W. Livingston St., 407996-6686. acecafeusa.com L-D daily; BR Sun. Our 2018 Readers’ Choice for Best Happy Hour, which runs from 5 to 7 weekdays. There are car or motorcycle “meets’’ most every night—from Mustangs to Mopars, hot rods to Harleys—so the hours are even happier (every Thursday is Bike Night). Inside, Ace’s menu is classic American, with Buffalo wings, meatloaf, and all manner of burgers. $$ Artist Point Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, 901 Timberline Drive, Lake Buena Vista 407-939-3463. disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining D daily. A fantastic lodge setting combines with flavors of the Northwest to make this restaurant a prime Disney draw. The menu mainstay is the Chinook cedar plank salmon; seasonal items include bison, venison and diver scallops. The wine list, exclusive to Oregon and Washington State vineyards, offers some great Willamette Valley and Red Mountain labels. $$$$ Ẃ
Ẃ
2018 Dining Award winner Reservations recommended Extensive wine list Preferred Dining Partner
Most restaurants listed here are recommended by an Orlando magazine dining critic. Others are marked as winners of our critic and readers’ 2018 Dining Awards and/or as recent advertisers. This list is offered as a reader service and is not intended to be comprehensive. Although we make every effort to keep the listings current, they are subject to change without notice.
%Beth’s Burger Bar 24 E. Washington St. Orlando 407-650-4950; 5145 S. Orange Ave., Edgewood 407-888-1190; 9938 Universal Blvd., Orlando 407888-1190. bethsburgerbar.com L-D daily. Winner of the Dining Awards’ Readers’ Choice for Best Local Burger the past three years. Owner Beth Steele and her crew offer an impressive array of mouthwatering creations in an informal, welcoming atmosphere. The Peanut Butter Burger is truly tasty, topped with grilled onions, cheddar cheese and A1 sauce. And if you dare, order the Double D Challenge—a four-patty burger featuring eight slices of bacon and five different cheeses. Win a T-shirt if you finish it! $-$$ California Grill Disney’s Contemporary Resort, 4600 North World Drive, 15th Floor, Lake Buena Vista 407-939-3463. disneyworld.disney.go.com D nightly. The venerable Disney gem underwent a major makeover a few years ago, but the incredible views and abundant wine selections have ramained. The menu changes daily, but some things are constant: Pork Two Ways features grilled tenderloin and pork belly served with goat cheese polenta; the beef filet from the searing wood oven is also a standout. There’s a 10- to 14-course sushi bar extravaganza nightly for a limited number of diners. $$$$ Ẃ %Chef’s Table at the Edgewater 99 W. Plant St, Winter Garden 407-230-4837. chefstableattheedgewater.com D nightly. Kevin and Laurie Tarter’s restaurant has ruled the chef’s table category for a decade and 2018 was no exception, as it captured the top pick from our critic and readers. Chef de Cuisine David Lampman came to Chef’s Table in 2009 and is now the main hand in the kitchen, executing Tarter’s culinary vision with plates of lowcountry perloo, New Orleans-influenced fish, and fork-tender osso buco. $$$$ Ẃ Copper Canyon Grill Pointe Orlando, 9101 International Drive, Orlando 407-363-3933. ccgrill. com L-D daily. This restaurant offers up full-flavored American cuisine made from scratch daily with an emphasis on fresh and bold tastes. The menu features classics like meatloaf and hickory grilled steaks but also puts a spin on other staples like skillet-baked cornbread. $$-$$$$ Dexter’s Three Orlando-area locations. dexwine. com L-D daily; BR Sat.-Sun.; These combination art gallery, chill-out hangout and neighborhood fixture cafés offer signature sandwiches and immense pasta bowls and entrées. $$ Ẃ Earls Kitchen+Bar The Mall at Millenia, 4200 Conroy Road, Orlando 407-345-8260. earls.ca L-D daily, BR Sat.-Sun. This upscale casual chain offers delicious diversity in its menu, crafted by Chef Simon Zanotto. Try the avocado “Super Toast,’’ the combo platter of ribs and chicken, the bacon cheddar burger, or the Korean bibimbap of fresh and pickled veggies in a stone rice bowl. The impressive cocktail menu includes Bees Knees, a concoction of Aviation gin, Cointreau, bitters, lemon and honey. $$-$$$ Ẃ
Ember 42 W. Central Blvd., Orlando 407-8495200. emberorlando.com L-D daily. Enjoy appetizers and cocktails downtown at this upscale bar. Flatbreads, sliders and salads fill the menu as well as daily specials. Exposed brick and a rich color scheme add to the cozy atmosphere. Dine inside near the main bar or outside in the courtyard. $-$$ Ẃ Everglades Restaurant Rosen Centre, 9840 International Drive, Orlando 407-996-9840 ext. 3610. evergladesrestaurant.com D nightly. Nestled in a sprawling hotel complex and aimed at celebrating regional Florida food, Everglades specializes in prime steaks and seafood as well as more unusual items such as gator chowder and marinated buffalo. $$$ Ẃ Farm & Haus 3201 Corrine Drive, Orlando. farmandhaus.com. D Mon-Thu. If you’re too busy prepare dinner, just order online and Farm & Haus will cook and deliver it, or you can pick it up at East End Market. The menu, which changes weekly, has included slow-cooked lamb with braised fennel and oranges over couscous; English pea and smoked country ham risotto; and brown butter carrot cake. $-$$ %Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers 3200 S. Orange Ave., 8107 Vineland Road. freddysusa.com Open daily. It’s simply a skinny steakburger on a toasted bun, but pleases the palate: Freddy’s captured our Critic’s Pick for Best Burger in the 2018 Dining Awards, as well as the Judges’ Choice in our inaugural Burger Battle in 2017. The frozen custard is a delight too, as are the Nutter Butter ice cream sandwiches. $ The Glass Knife 276 S. Orlando Ave, Winter Park 407-500-2253. theglassknife.com B-L-D daily, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.; BR Sat.-Sun. This hotspot near Winter Park Village is a sleek yet approachable haven for those in search of both sweet and savory. Start the day with doughnuts, an avocado and egg toast, or a cheddar biscuit sandwich. Lunch standouts include the turkey bacon club and the berry bacon spinach salad. In the evening, enjoy Southern red velvet or carrot cake, and European-style pastries along with fine wines, craft beers and champagne. Be warned: You might be unable to resist taking home one of The Glass Knife’s gorgeous cakes. $$ Graffiti Junktion 700 E. Washington St., Thornton Park 407-426-9503; 2401 Edgewater Drive, Orlando 407-377-1961 and eight other Orlando area locations. graffitijunktion.com L-D daily; BR Sun. Graffiti Junktion specializes in burgers. Items like the Iron City Burger (topped with a fried egg and Canadian bacon among more traditional toppings like American cheese and onions) are complemented by daily happy hour specials and themed nights throughout the week. $-$$
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%Hillstone 215 S. Orlando Ave., Winter Park 407740-4005. hillstone.com L-D daily. Grilling is king here, whether the choice is steak, fish, chops or chicken. The hardwood-grilled trout, pork ribs and cheeseburger are standouts—as is the lakeside setting, which put Hillstone at the top among readers in the categories of Outdoor Dining and View in our 2018 Dining Awards poll. $$-$$$$ Ẃ %Keke’s Breakfast Café Multiple Orlando-area locations. kekes.com B-L daily. Voted Best Breakfast by readers for the past three years, this Orlando-based chain has more than a dozen local outlets offering a wide selection of pancakes (enormous), waffles, French toast, omelets, egg combos and more. $ LakeHouse Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, 1 Grand Cypress Bloulevard., Orlando. 407-2394240. grandcypress.regency.hyatt.com B-L-D daily. This resort hotel restaurant features a huge selection of light-to-hearty offerings throughout the day, including a breakfast buffet. Among the dinner menu items: chicken pot pie, K.C. bone-in strip steak, grilled cauliflower steak, and shrimp & grits. $$-$$$$. Marlow’s Tavern Four Orlando-area locations. marlowstavern.com L-D daily. This cozy tavern puts a gourmet spin on classic American cuisine and offers a wide selection of beers. Try one of their popular cheeseburgers, the blackened fish tacos, or white cheddar shrimp and grits. Among the desserts is the fried banana split. $$ %Maxine’s on Shine 337 N. Shine Ave., Orlando 407-674-6841. maxinesonshine.com L Fri.-Sun.; D Tue.-Sun.; BR Sun. This casual bistro is full of quirky charm, with a menu ranging from bar snacks to full entrees emphasizing seafood. Outdoor seating, live music, an interesting wine list and the presence of delightful proprietors add up to everything you should expect from a local restaurant. Winner of the Readers’ Choice for Neighborhood Restaurant and Best Kept Secret in our 2018 Dining Awards. $$-$$$. Ẃ %Omelet Bar 2250 Strategy Blvd., Orlando 407-704-1597. omeletbar.com B-L daily, BR Sun. Winner of our Critic’s Pick for Best Breakfast in the 2018 Dining Awards, this eatery across from UCF shines with overstuffed build-your-own omelets, a pancake bar, breakfast bread bowls and a three-way chicken and waffles “flight.” Lobster Benedict and unlimited mimosas make for a pleasant Sunday brunch. $-$$ %Orlando Meats 728 Virginia Drive, Orlando 407598-0700. orlandomeats.com B-L Tue.-Sat.; BR Sun. It’s a hands-on full-service butcher shop but a great place for breakfast and lunch as well. Not wasting anything, Orlando Meats’ potato chips are fried in beef tallow. The menu includes a fried turkey bologna sandwich (with yellow mustard on white bread); and the beef, meatloaf and burgers are roasted, baked or ground on premises. For breakfast, the offerings include the Blarney Stone: corned beef, sauerkraut, corned mayo, Swiss, and fried egg on a bagel. Winner of the Critic’s Pick for Best Lunch in our 2018 Dining Awards. $-$$ The Outpost Neighborhood Kitchen 2603 Edgewater Drive, Orlando 407-930-6282. outpostcollegepark.com L-D Tue.-Sun.; BR Sun. At this eatery, virtually everything is house-made, including condiments and sauces. The shrimp and grits are superb, featuring white cheddar and Parmesan along with a spicy Cajun brown
butter sauce and chorizo. The enormous Ericsson smoked pork ribs are cut St. Louis style and covered in a smoky-sweet sauce. $$-$$$ The Parkview 136 S. Park Ave., Winter Park 407647-9103. facebook.com/TheParkviewWP L-D daily, BR Sat.-Sun. This self-described “neighborhood joint’’ excels with most menu ventures, especially at brunch, with items such as the pastrami tartine—an open-faced sandwich of house-cured beef and poached egg on a batard—and a variety of frittatas, the best being the mélange of savory mushrooms, broccolini and goat cheese. There are plenty of national and local brews on tap, along with an extensive wine list, and The Parkview features live jazz and indie music nights. $$-$$$ Ẃ The Ravenous Pig 565 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park 407-628-2333. theravenouspig.com L-D daily. Chefs Julie and James Petrakis, both Orlando-area natives who trained at the Culinary Institute of America, showcase the “gastropub” phenomenon with an ever-changing menu that includes fare like seared foie gras, pork porterhouse, mushroom cannelloni and the Ellensburg Lamb Noisette with royal trumpet mushrooms. $$$ Ẃ RusTeak 2625 Edgewater Drive, Orlando 407540-1100 rusteakwinebar.com L-D Mon.-Sat. This popular College Park gathering place boasts a prodigious range of offerings, from steaks and flatbreads to tasty burgers and salads. RusTeak offers a sizable wine list and a wide variety of craft cocktails. $$-$$$. Ẃ Seasons 52 Plaza Venezia, 7700 Sand Lake Road, Dr. Phillips 407-354-5212; 463 E. Altamonte Drive, Altamonte Springs 407-767-1252. seasons52.com L-D daily. Like the food it serves, this Darden upscale chain remains as fresh as the day it opened. Most dishes are under 475 calories, and what flavorful calories they are: from the caramelized sea scallops with lemon risotto and roasted asparagus, to the wood-roasted pork tenderloin with sweet potato mash and spring vegetables. The wine list is just as impressive. $$$ Ẃ Se7en Bites 617 N. Primrose Drive, Orlando 407203-0727. se7enbites.com B-L Tue.-Sun. Baker and pie maker Trina Gregory-Propst likes to push the limits of food as you know it, and her neighborhood breakfast and lunch destination packs in the patrons. Se7en Bites’ creations include hand-made moonpies, cupcakes, luscious biscuits and gravy, statuesque cakes and a chicken pot pie with a perfect crust. The salted caramel chocolate pecan pie is a thing of beauty. $ %Shakers American Café 1308 Edgewater Drive, Orlando 407-422-3534 shakerscafe.com B-L daily This enduring College Park eatery, a 2018 inductee into the Dining Hall of Fame, offers plenty of breakfast fare favorites, from standard eggs and sausage to gravy and biscuit. But the real treat is to check out the specials on the chalkboard. They could include a chorizo and goat cheese omelet, beef short rib hash, or cinnamon roll pancakes. For lunch, Shakers (so named because of its collection of salt and pepper shakers) offers a variety of items, including Reubens, burgers and “Mom’s Meatloaf.” $ Slate 8323 W. Sand Lake Road, Orlando 407-5007528. slateorlando.com L Mon.-Fri., D Mon.-Sat., BR Sat.-Sun. The menu at this Restaurant Row spot ranges from pasta and pizza to a selection of eye-opening entrees. Start with pimento cheese hush puppies, then move to main dishes like hearth-roasted snapper with cornmeal spoon-
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bread, or smoked brisket with brown sugar chili rub, house bacon and roasted rutabaga-potato hash. Sweet endings include lemon berry trifle, and rum raisin bread pudding. $$-$$$$ Ẃ The Smiling Bison 107 N. Magnolia Ave., Sanford 407-915-6086. thesmilingbison.com L Wed.-Sat., D Tue.-Sat. The highlight here is house-made charcuterie—smoked kielbasa, sweet curry sausage and, of course, the bison burger. Other menu items include the boneless pork chop with kumquat marmalade, the Duck Lover’s Pizza with duck ham, sausage and confit, and cheddar-bacon fat biscuits. $$-$$$. Souplantation & Sweet Tomatoes Multiple Orlando-area locations. souplantation.com. L-D daily. A remarkable array of salads and soups, allowing for much healthy eating but also providing for a bit of a splurge (such as pizza or ice cream) if desired. $-$$ Swine & Sons Provisions 595 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park 407-636-7601. swineandsons.com B-L-D Mon.-Sat. Lexie and Rhys Gawlak are the proprietors of this grocery-eatery, providing house-made sausages, terrines and bacon, along with sandwiches like the Southern Cuban and the ribeye hotdog. The Swine’s breakfast includes the eggs on a bun (fried eggs, bacon and tomato jam) and avocado toast. $-$$ %The Tap Room at Dubsdread 549 W. Par Street, Orlando 407-650-0100. taproomatdubsdread.com L-D daily. BR Sun. Nestled within the picturesque Dubsdread Golf Course, The Tap Room offers casual, yet sophisticated, American fare. Fresh fish, hand-cut steaks, pastas and the award-winning Tap Room Classic Cheeseburger are some of the College Park restaurant’s best menu items. You can dine inside or out on the veranda, which offers views of the golf course. The Readers’ Choice selection for Best Power Lunch in our 2018 Dining Awards. $$-$$$ Ẃ Tony Roma’s 8560 International Drive, Orlando. 407-248-0094. tonyromas.com L-D daily. There are ribs aplenty here, basted with your choice of four sauces, including a Maker’s Mark bourbon variety. But this casual dining mainstay also boasts a variety of steaks, seafood, chicken, burgers and salads. Mix and match items include the filet medallions and ribs combo. $$-$$$ Ẃ %T-Rex Cafe 1676 E. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista 407-828-8739. trexcafe.com L-D daily. This Disney Springs restaurant literally takes you back—to prehistoric times—as you enjoy dishes like the Bronto Burger, Mega Mes-O-Bones spareribs, Pork-asaurus Sandwich, and the Cesar-saurus Salad, all the while surrounded by animatronic dinosaurs. Our Readers’ Choice for Best Place to Take the Kids in our 2018 Dining Awards. $-$$$ The Waterfront 4201 S. Orange Ave., Orlando 407-866-0468. thewaterfrontorlando.com L-D daily; BR Sun. This reinvented lakeside spot boasts an impressive quartet of veteran local chefs at the helm—Pat Kennedy, Matt Wall, A.J. Haines and Alex Meyer. Among the standouts are the Waterfront Burger, with hand-ground chuck, housecured bacon, Swiss and blue cheese and caramelized onion; fish and chips; and blackened catfish with kale and grits. On the last Monday of every month, the chefs are given free rein to leave the menu behind and the results are delicious. A recent dinner featured rabbit schnitzel, house-made sausage, beef sauerbraten and apple strudel. $-$$
ASIAN
Hawkers Street Fare 1103 N. Mills Ave., Orlando 407-237-0606; 9100 Conroy Windermere Road, Windermere 407-583-6334. eathawkers.com L-D daily. Chefs specializing in cuisines from Vietnam, China, Malaysia and Hong Kong put a modern twist on family recipes to create tasty fare like crispy cod with black bean sauce, kimchi fried rice, chicken eggrolls, green papaya and shrimp salad, and wok-fired green beans. $ King Bao 710 N. Mills Ave., Orlando 407-2370013. kingbaowow.com L-D daily. This Mills 50 spot offers a variety of rolls, ranging from light and pillowy to sturdy and chew-worthy, holding treats like pork belly, shrimp and kimchi fried chicken. Fascinating combinations like Asian pear salsa on the Glen Rhee Korean short rib, or shallot, pepper and ginger relish on tofu “Veganville” handhelds, emphasize the well-thoughtout flavors. $ Mamak 1231 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando 407-2704688. mamakasianorlando.com L-D daily. Mamak brings the flavors of Malaysia to Orlando. A musttry is the wonton with hot sauce, consisting of steamed chicken and shrimp dumplings coated in peanut sauce, chili oil and sesame seeds. Other winners: pasembur, a sweet potato gravy served on crispy tofu; and gwa bao, a soft steamed bun filled with duck or pork. $-$$ Morimoto Asia Disney Springs Marketplace, Lake Buena Vista 407-939-6686. patinagroupcom/morimoto-asia L-D daily. Morimoto Asia, a towering presence at the phoenix that is Disney Springs, is an ultra-hip vision of pan-Asian delights created from the mind of Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto. Its quirky takes on Chinese, Japanese and Korean dishes enhance a substantial sushi menu that can sometimes be acquired directly from the hands of the Iron Chef himself. Don’t miss the Peking Duck and the Singapore laksa, which adds rice noodles and chicken meatballs to spicy curry and coconut soup. $$$ Ẃ Noodles and Rice 813 N. Mills Ave., Orlando 407895-8833. noodlesandricecafe.com L-D daily except closed Tuesdays. The menu at Noodles and Rice is extensive and this Mills 50 spot gets just about everything right. Try the hot pots, Korean seafood pancakes, house ramen or the wonderful Thai basil fried rice. $ Sushi Lola’s 2902 Corrine Drive, Orlando 407898-5652. sushilolas.com L-D Mon.-Sat. At this Audubon Park café, Korean chefs in the back kitchen create oven-based offerings while sushi masters assemble intricate rolls at the bar out front. The most popular offering, the Playboy Roll, features tuna, avocado and tempura shrimp, adorned with fish roe and roasted rice crackers. For a Korean dish, try the bulgogi bibimbap— marinated beef and rice. $-$$$ TaKo Cheena 932 N. Mills Ave., Orlando 321-2367457. mytakocheena.com L-D Tue.-Sun. This adventurous cuisine boasts numerous influences, from Thai to Indian to Mexican. Treat yourself to the Indian butter chicken burrito, Thai Peanut Chicken tacos, or Asian hot dogs—Chinese sweet sausage topped with kimchi or pickled daikon radish. TaKo Cheena is open till 4 a.m. Friday and Saturday. $
BARBECUE
%4 Rivers Smokehouse Six Orlando-area locations 1-855-368-7748. 4rsmokehouse.com L-D Mon.-Sat. Our 2018 Readers’ Choice in three categories—Barbecue, Ribs and Takeout. The lines at 4 Rivers can get long, but John Rivers’ succulent barbecue sandwiches, delectable brisket (inducted into our Hall of Fame in 2017) and home-style sides are worth the wait. The baked cheese grits are magnificent. $-$$ Bubbalou’s Bodacious Bar-B-Que Five area locations. bubbalous.com L-D daily. This local chain is a good bet for a quick barbecue fix. Tender smoked pork is sliced Virginia-style onto soft sweet buns. Try the award-winning ribs (available with mild, hot or killer sauce) and the fried okra. $-$$ Cecil’s Texas Style Bar-B-Q 2800 S. Orange Ave., Orlando 407-423-9871. cecilsbbq.com L-D daily. Slow hickory-smoked meats are brought to you by three generations of the Reaves family. They offer outrageously good pulled pork, beef brisket that makes folks hover over the plate, and unique sides such as jalapeño mashed potatoes, spicy baked beans and sweet potato soufflé. And free ice cream! $$ Pig Floyd’s Urban Barbakoa 1326 N. Mills Ave., Orlando 407-203-0866; Lake Nona Village, 9680 N. Narcoossee Rd., Lake Nona 407-730-7376; pigfloyds.com L-D daily. Serving a combination of Latin, African and American fusion, this eatery also invokes the Caribbean roots of barbecue with barbakoa, or traditional Puerto Rican smoke cooking, full of rich flavors and tropical ingredients. It’s on delicious display in the St. Louis ribs and the matahambre smoked flank sandwich. Also try the North African chicken sausage and shrimp platter. $-$$$. The Polite Pig Disney Springs, Town Center 407938-7444. disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining L-D daily. The culinary powerhouse that is the Petrakis family trots out exemplary barbecue and more in a locally sourced, artisanal restaurant disguised as a fast food outlet. It’s all here: pulled pork sandwiches, St. Louis ribs, and coffee-scented, amazingly tender brisket. But the Pig also offers delectable surprises like a salmon BLT (with bacon jam and marinated tomato), cracklings, charred broccoli, barbecue cauliflower, chicken salad made with meat from the smoker—and even a house-brewed beer. $-$$$
CAJUN/CREOLE
Tibby’s New Orleans Kitchen 2203 Aloma Ave., Winter Park 407-672-5753; 494 W. S.R. 436, Altamonte Springs 407-951-6928. tibbysneworleanskitchen.com L-D daily. Using family recipes, owner Brian Wheeler delivers satisfying N’Awlins cooking, with the jambalaya-crawfish-filé gumbo as the standout. Andouille sausage is king; it’s in almost every dish. $-$$
CARIBBEAN
%Bahama Breeze Five area locations. bahamabreeze.com L-D daily. A themed delight that has dominated the Caribbean category of our Dining Awards for many years, Bahama Breeze showcases interpretations of island cuisine, including jerk chicken, West Indian patties, fried plantains, and seafood paella. A terrific family dinner destination. $$-$$$
Kafe Kalik 9029-A Airport Blvd., Orlando International Airport 407-825-3274. kafekalik.com L-D daily. Indian curries, jerk seasoning, seafood and slow-cooked meats highlight the menu. Anything Bahamian from “Mama’s Kitchen” should be considered first. The Arawak Cay sushi bar is an interesting twist, featuring seafood from the islands such as conch salad, tuna ceviche and lobster. Desserts are also a delight. $$
CHINESE
Chef Wang’s Kitchen 5148 W. Colonial Drive 407-930-3188. L-D daily except closed Tuesday. At this hidden treasure inside a strip mall, Chef Jian Hua Wang creates memorable dishes such as deep-fried eggplant and potatoes sautéed in sweet soy sauce and garlic. Pork dumplings are simple dim sum-sized packets, perfectly pan-fried with crisp wrapping and savory filling. Other specialties range from sweet and sour shredded potatoes to a ginger steamed whole fish. Sichuan styles are represented in dan dan mein, which are hand-pulled round noodles topped with ground pork, hoisin, five spice powder and hot chili oil. $$ Jumbo Chinese Restaurant 1967 Aloma Ave., Winter Park 407-657-8878 jumbowinterpark.com L Mon.-Sat., D daily. A Winter Park fixture for three decades, Jumbo’s boasts all the familiar dishes, plus offerings like Duck Polynesian—deep-fried boneless duck served with lychee and pineapple in a homemade sweet and sour sauce. Group dinners are available for two to six people. $-$$ Ming’s Bistro 1212 Woodward St., Orlando 407898-9672. L-D daily. This out-of-the way Mills 50 spot offers dim sum worthy of San Francisco.. Feast on sesame balls, roast pork buns, shrimp dumplings and items you may not recognize (like chicken feet or jellyfish). In addition, a full menu of Hong Kong-style entrées offers enticements— order the duck. $ %Peter’s Kitchen 3922 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando 407-895-8174.peterskitchencb.business. site L-D daily except closed Wednesday. Residing in a nondescript building that has housed all manner of eateries over the years, this newcomer is a hit with readers, who voted it Best Chinese in our 2018 Dining Awards. The dim sum gets rave reviews from the online community; other menu items include squid with ginger and scallions, Peking duck, honey garlic chicken, and jumbo shrimp with walnuts. $$ P.F. Chang’s China Bistro Winter Park Village, 436 N. Orlando Ave., Winter Park 407-622-0188; The Mall at Millenia, 4200 Conroy Road, Orlando 407-345-2888. pfchangs.com L-D daily. Chineseinspired foods from the creators of Fleming’s steak house, so you know the beef dishes will be good. $$-$$$ Ẃ
CONTINENTAL
Chatham’s Place 7575 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Orlando 407-345-2992. chathamsplace.com D Mon.-Sat. Wooden wine racks line the walls enclosing only 15 tables, creating a cozy atmosphere to enjoy high-quality dishes and attentive service. The few select items on the menu, such as the Portobello mushroom soup and duck breast entrée, intrigue the palate. $$$$ Ẃ
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DINE RECOMMENDED EATING Hamilton’s Kitchen at The Alfond Inn 300 E. New England Ave., Winter Park 407-998-8090. thealfondinn.com B-L-D daily. At the site of the late, great Langford Hotel, standout entrees with a European flavor are created, including the olive oil poached snapper, honey glazed pork belly, and ahi tuna served over tomato and eggplant caponata. The watermelon salad is a delicious, deceptively simple palate cleanser between courses. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ Jack’s Place Rosen Plaza Hotel, 9700 International Drive, Orlando 407-996-1787. jacksplacerestaurant.com D nightly. Sample steaks and seafood while surrounded by the world’s largest collection of autographed caricatures of stars and dignitaries. $$$ Ẃ Nine18 The Villas of Grand Cypress, 1 N. Jacaranda, Lake Buena Vista 407-239-1999. grandcypress.com D Tue.-Sat. Contemporary Continental cuisine is served in a refined casual atmosphere with polished service and sunset views of a magnificent golf resort. Begin with the mustard seed-crusted ahi tuna or the wild mushroom crepe. The main courses offer creative takes on duck, steaks, scallops, grouper, venison, lamb and chicken. $$$$ Ẃ
CREATIVE/CONTEMPORARY
%1921 by Norman Van Aken 142 E. 4th Ave., Mount Dora 352-385-1921. 1921nva.com L Tue.Sat.; D Tue.-Sun. The Critic’s Pick as Best Destination Restaurant in our 2018 Dining Awards. Renowned chef Van Aken has made a big splash in a small town with New Florida Cuisine served in a gorgeous setting of furniture and artwork from the nearby Modernism Museum. Start with the Florida spiny lobster and rock shrimp dumplings, then move to the “Korea Town’’ fried Cornish hen. Executive Chef Camilo Velasco also creates a superb pan-roasted duck breast with flavors of guava and mole sauce. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ Artisan’s Table 22 E. Pine St., Orlando 407-7307499. artisanstableorlando.com B-L-D daily; BR Sat.-Sun. Simple ingredients and exemplary preparation are the hallmarks of this downtown spot. The menu shifts daily according to what’s available, but here’s what to watch for: grilled ciabatta and puttanesca, featuring smoked pulled chicken topped with a quick-fried egg; the panseared salmon served on a bed of chickpea and lentil salad; and the fish and chips. $$-$$$ Ẃ %The Boheme Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando, 325 S. Orange Ave., Downtown 407-313-9000. grandbohemianhotel.com B-L-D daily; BR Sun. Our Critic’s Pick for Hotel Restaurant in the 2018 Dining Awards. Chef Laurent Hollaender also lays out an amazing array of items for Sunday brunch, from oysters and crab legs, to waffles and omelets, to house-made charcuterie and decadent desserts. Evening fare includes sherry-baked Chilean sea bass and cognac-flamed pepper steak. $$$$ Ẃ Canvas Restaurant & Market 13615 Sachs Ave., Orlando (Lake Nona) 407-313-7800. canvaslakenona. com D daily, L Sun. Canvas is a multicultural mélange of tastes, with influences of Latin, Caribbean, New Orleans, and Cuban. The pork belly and ham sandwich and the smoked fish dip are winners, as are most of the shrimp dishes. Don’t miss Canvas’ take on mussels, meaty shellfish served in a blend of tart tomatillo and spicy chili. $$-$$$$ Ẃ
Café Tu Tu Tango 8625 International Drive, Orlando 407-248-2222. cafetututango.com L-D daily. Go with a group and share, as Café Tu Tu Tango’s menu is full of inventive items—all in appetizer-sized portions. Cajun chicken egg rolls and Dutch salad made with caramelized onion flatbread, dried cranberries, pine nuts and goat cheese are typical selections. $$ Ẃ Capa Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, 10100 Dream Tree Blvd., Lake Buena Vista 407-313-7777. fourseasons.com/orlando D daily. Capa combines the joys of a true tapas bar with the depth of a premium steakhouse, offering stunning views from its 17th-floor perch. The small plates include ternera beef cheeks, strips of veal draped over bits of roasted rutabaga, and patatas bravas, small potato columns in a spicy paprika sauce. On the large side, the 32-ounce Porterhouse for two is otherworldly in size and flavor. $$-$$$$ Ẃ Citricos Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, 4401 Grand Floridian Way, Lake Buena Vista 407939-3436. disney.go.com D daily. Citricos offers a unique blend of Southern European cuisine with a local Florida touch. France, Spain and Italy make an appearance on the menu. For a special treat, reserve the in-kitchen Chef’s Domain table well in advance. $$$$ Ẃ El Buda Latin Asian Restaurant 116 W. Church St. 407-203-8171. elbudadowntown.com L Tue.Sat., D Tue.-Sun., BR Sun. Chef Roberto Treviño creates phenomenal fusion cuisine at this downtown spot. Standouts include the duck nachos (be sure to ask for the fried, rather than baked, wonton skins), and the flavorful Tuna Buda poke bowl, which stacks sushi tuna on red quinoa with avocado, wild hijiki seaweed and what Treviño calls “the salty sauce.” Other worthy delights: duck fried rice with sweet fried plantains, and the scallion pancake quesadillas, filled with sautéed vegetables and cheese. And don’t miss the pork and sweet plantain dumpling, El Buda’s signature dish. $$-$$$ Itar Bistro and Market 7065 Westpoint Blvd., Orlando. 407-757-055. itarbistro.com L-D MonSat. This gem combines the flavors of Italy and Argentina, with Chef Mariana Moya at the helm turning out rich, robust dishes. Try the pasticcio eggplant with Parmigiano topping, as well as the mixed grill for two, featuring Angus beef flank, short ribs and blood sausage. The empanadas, particularly those with chicken and onion filling, are delightful. $$-$$$ K Restaurant 1701 Edgewater Drive, Orlando 407-872-2332. kwinebar.com L Mon.-Fri.; D Mon.Sat. A College Park mainstay of fine American cuisine sure to please both the eye and the palate. The menu changes each day, ensuring that every dining experience will be unique, and the intimate and cozy dining room is the perfect setting for a romantic night out. $$$ Ẃ Luma on Park 290 S. Park Ave., Winter Park 407599-4111. lumaonpark.com D nightly. Executive chef Brandon McGlamery offers fine dining with a sustainable twist, creating a changing menu that focuses on using locally sourced ingredients. Standouts include the Idaho rainbow trout with black beluga lentils and julienned zucchini, and the roasted Ashley Farms chicken with butternut squash puree, cider-glazed Brussels sprouts and red onion marmalade. $-$$$$ Ẃ
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Market to Table 146 Plant St., Winter Garden 407-970-8876. market2table.com D Wed.-Sat.; BR Sat.-Sun. Chef Ryan Freelove offers an approachable, seasonally influenced menu focusing on fish and fowl and enhanced by house-made stocks, herb butters and sauces. Appetizers like rich crab cakes, calamari (dressed with tangy lemon aioli), and grilled beef skewers are simple and simply well done. He serves fish robed in lemon juice and a superb airline chicken breast accompanied by potato puree and a grilled mini squash filled with beets and duck confit. Soups like the fall offering of butternut squash have great depth of flavor. $$$ MOOR Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, 6000 W. Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee. 407586-1101. marriott.com L-D daily. A one-of-a-kind dining experience on a 60-foot ship deck within a hotel. Specialty Chef Phillip Fisher oversees the dishes, including creations like she-crab soup and Gulf-caught white shrimp atop Anson Mills white corn grits. The flatbreads are special— particularly the house-smoked duck and goat cheese—as well as the chicken and waffles, using chicken from Lake Meadow Naturals made with scratch ricotta cheese and drizzled in maple syrup-reduced pan drippings. $$-$$$$ Ẃ Norman’s Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, 4012 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando 407-3934333. normans.com D nightly. New World Cuisine pioneer Norman Van Aken is the mastermind behind the Orlando Norman’s, a dramatically designed dining room featuring a menu that melds the flavors of Latin America, the Caribbean, the U.S. and the Far East. $$$$ Ẃ The Osprey Tavern 4899 New Broad St., Orlando 407-960-7700. ospreytavern.com L Tue.-Sat., D Tue.-Sun., BR Sun. This Baldwin Park spot offers a fascinating menu that includes whole grilled branzino, bolognese, duck breast, and cottage pie with braised short rib. The desserts and fresh-baked brunch creations from Pastry Chef Kristy Carlucci are must-haves. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ Primo JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes, 4040 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando 407-393-4444. primorestaurant.com D nightly. After winning the coveted James Beard Award, Chef Melissa Kelly and her pastry-chef husband, Price Kushner, opened the Grande Lakes Marriott branch of Primo. The warm, woodsy restaurant offers items such as rack of lamb with figs, casarecce pasta with clams and mussels, roasted chicken breast with lima bean ragout, and pan-seared diver scallops with risotto. The produce comes from Primo’s on-site garden. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ %The Rusty Spoon 55 W. Church St., Orlando 407-401-8811. therustyspoon.com L Mon.-Fri.; D nightly. Kathleen, Blake, our Critic’s Pick for Best Chef in the 2018 Dining Awards, offers creative riffs on classic European and American dishes, while sourcing local ingredients whenever possible, at her gastropub in the 55 West building. Try the lamb sandwich or the Dirty South stew, the latter a combination of rock shrimp, yellowtail snapper and clams. Other winners: the “55” burger stuffed with bacon and Gruyere cheese, and the Lake Meadow salad of greens, eggs and chicken livers from Lake Meadow Naturals farm. $$-$$$ Ẃ %Santiago’s Bodega 802 Virginia Drive, Orlando, 407-412-6979; 1185 Spring Center South Blvd., Altamonte Springs, 407-960-2605. santiagosbodega.com L-D daily, BR Sun. This tapas-style restaurant, with its art-filled dining
room and captivating lounge, captured the Best Brunch and Late Night Dining awards from readers in our 2018 dining poll. Santiago’s specializes in hot and cold small plates, with more than three dozen available, ranging from yellowfin tuna ceviche and lamb patties to chicken skewers and tomato and basil bruschetta. $$ Ẃ %Strong Water Tavern Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando, 6601 Adventure Way, Orlando 407-503-5000. loewshotels.com/ sapphire-falls-resort D daily. Our Critic’s Pick for Best Casual Dining in the 2018 Dining Awards. Chef Carlos Castaño presents a dazzling menu of items from Cuba, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Haiti, Colombia, U.S. Virgin Islands and Mexico in this rum-centric small-plate restaurant disguised as a hotel lobby bar. Best bets: the Peruvian Trio, three servings of classic ceviche of corvina; beef and sweet plantain hash; pollo patron, shredded chicken atop fried green plantain slices with a spicy tomato hogao; and Jamaican curry goat. More than 60 types of rum are available from the bar, most in a three-shot tasting flight. $-$$ Ẃ %The Tasting Room 99 W Plant St., Winter Garden 407-230-4837. chefstableattheedgewater. com D Mon.-Sat.; BR Sun. Take your taste buds on a trip to the Bayou—Chef Kevin Tarter infuses his Louisiana upbringing into every dish at this sidekick to the adjoining Chef’s Table. The tapasstyle dining includes items like smoked fish dip, fried green tomatoes, lobster BLT, and Muffaletta sliders. The craft drinks are outstanding. Winner of the Readers’ Choice for Best Appetizers in our 2018 Dining Awards. $$-$$$ Ẃ %Tiffins Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Lake Buena Vista 407-939-3463. disneygo.com L-D daily. Within three gallery-like dining areas full of original art and artifacts from Asia and Africa, Tiffins presents adventurous dishes such as a wholefried sustainable fish served on fermented black bean sauce with green papaya salad; and a berbere-spiced lamb chop fragrant with clove and cardamom. For appetizers, which can be a meal in themselves, don’t miss the black-eyed pea fritters or the smoky grilled octopus. Winner of Critic’s Pick for Best Theme Park Restaurant in our 2018 Dining Awards. $$$$ Ẃ %Urbain 40 8000 Via Dellagio Way, Orlando. 407-872-2640. urbain40.com L-D daily. Our Critic’s Pick for Fine Dining in the 2018 Dining Awards. Local legend Tim Keating has raised the level of culinary excellence wherever he has been chef, and this Restaurant Row spot is no exception. The melting pot of tastes includes bouillabaisse Provencal, an exquisite offering of Northeastern mussels, clams from Cedar Key and wild-caught shrimp in a tomato, saffron and fennel broth with a touch of Pernod. Other winners: the Angus burger with pimiento cheese, onion jam and Bearnaise sauce; a richly flavored chicken Alfredo; and a magnificent shrimp lo mein. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ %Victoria & Albert’s Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Lake Buena Vista 407-824-1089. victoria-alberts.com D nightly. Reserve far in advance for Orlando’s only AAA Five Diamond restaurant, a 2018 inductee into our Dining Hall of Fame. Award-winning Executive Chef Scott Hunnel and Chef de Cuisine Aimee Rivera prepare outstanding seven-course prix-fixe meals in the main, very intimate dining room, the 10-course splendor of dinner in Queen Victoria’s Room, and a 10-course extravaganza right in the kitchen at the Chef’s Table. $$$$ Ẃ
CUBAN
%Black Bean Deli 325 S Orlando Ave. Suite 1-1, Winter Park; 1835 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando 407-628-0294. blackbeandeli..com L Mon.-Sat., D Mon.-Fri. Winner of the Readers’ Choice for Best Latin in our 2018 Dining Awards, this family-run eatery specializes in authentic Cuban comfort food. The Cuban sandwich, media noche, picadillo—and of course the black beans—are first rate, as are the empanadas. The creamy flan custard is a must-try to top off the meal. $ Columbia 649 Front St., Celebration 407-566-1505. columbiarestaurant.com L-D daily. The oldest restaurant chain in Florida, serving authentic, upscale Cuban fare from sangria to paella in a decidely Spanish, Old World-style dining room. The merluza “Russian style” is especially interesting. Live music plays in the tapas lounge. $$$ Ẃ Cuba Libre Pointe Orlando, 9101 International Drive, Orlando 407-226-1600. cubalibrerestaurant.com D nightly. In this massive setting reminiscent of a Cuban hacienda courtyard, chef/partner Guillermo Pernot offers a magnificent menu that features classic Cuban recipes as well as bold adaptations. The contemporary items include Citrus Grilled Brick Chicken in mango sweet and sour gravy. Classic Cuban items are offered as well, like Ropa Vieja—shredded beef brisket stewed with tomatoes, bell peppers, onions and red wine and served with maduros and steamed white rice. $$$ Ẃ Padrino’s Cuban Bistro 13586 Village Park Drive, Orlando 407-251-5107. padrinosbistro.com L-D daily. From the markets of 1930s Cuba to present-day Orlando, generations of the Padrino family have been nourishing people with authentic Cuban cuisine. Try
the white bean “caldo gallego” soup and citrus-marinated lechon asado pork. Finish with house-made Tres Leches cake. $$
DESSERT
%Better Than Sex 1905 N. Orange Ave., Orlando 407-761-8949 betterthansexorlando.com 6 p.m.midnight Wed.-Sun. The atmosphere is decidedly sweet and sexy at this Ivanhoe Village spot, selected by readers as tops for Best Desserts in our 2018 Dining Awards. A steamy sample: Peanut Butter Perversion (peanut butter mousse on a chocolate chip cookie dough crust with salted chocolate bark). Or try the Lavender Lipstick, a honey-rimmed glass of Proseco dripping with lavender syrup. $$ Blue Bird Bake Shop 3122 Corrine Drive, Orlando 407-228-3822. bluebirdbakeshop.com Open Tue.-Sun. Get your sweet and coffee and have a seat, or order your bounty to go. Either way, be prepared to choose from more than two dozen varieties of cupcakes—including sweet potato, red velvet, Snickerdoodle, apricot ginger and even a chocolate Guinness beer cake. $ %Buttermilk Bakery 1198 Orange Ave., Winter Park 321-422-4015. buttermilk-bakery.com B-L Tue.-Sat.; BR Sat.-Sun. Voted Best Independent Bakery by our readers in the 2018 Dining Awards. Taissa Rebroff, her brother Phillip and mom Lana bake everything that graces the ever-changing menu, from the sweet croissant tarts with plum or apricot, to orange-cardamom buns, to baked Basque peppers on housemade sourdough. Delectable tea cakes, cookies and scones also make regular appearances. $
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DINE RECOMMENDED EATING Charlie’s Gourmet Pastries 3213 Curry Ford Road, Orlando 407-898-9561. charliesgourmetpastries.com Open Mon.-Sat. A longtime Orlando favorite, Charlie’s creates items such as checkerboard cake, rainbow cookies and mincemeat pies that have become nostalgic and forgotten treats elsewhere. There also are elephant ear pastries, cream cheese rugelach and real coconut macaroons, but it’s the overstuffed fruit pies and butter-laden cakes that have kept people coming back for nearly 50 years. $-$$ P Is For Pie 2806 Corrine Drive, Orlando 407-7454743 crazyforpies.com 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.-Sat. This Audubon Park gem creates mouthwatering whole pies, hand pies, “pie pops’’ and more. The choices are many, from banana cream to caramel maple pumpkin to—wait for it—chocolate peanut butter & sea salt pie. Get there early. $-$$ The Cheesecake Factory 4200 Conroy Road, Orlando 407-226-0333; 520 N. Orlando Ave, Winter Park 407-644-4220 L-D daily. The menu is extensive to say the least, with all manner of entrées and salads. But it’s the sweets that draw diners, The signature item is cheesecake, of course, and the offerings in that area range from Oreo Dream to lemon meringue to white chocolate raspberry truffle. $$-$$$
Chez Vincent 533 W. New England Ave., Winter Park 407-599-2929. chezvincent.com L-D daily. This charming French spot in the trendy redeveloped Hannibal Square section of Winter Park offers fine food and formal service in an elegant dining room. $$$ Ẃ %DoveCote 390 N. Orange Ave., Orlando 407930-1700. dovecoteorlando.com L Mon.-Fri., D Mon.-Sat., BR Sun. Winner of the Critic’s Pick as Best Restaurant in our 2018 Dining Awards. Chef Clayton Miller’s goal is to present “approachable French comfort food’’ and he delivers, with consistently superb creations that range from a killer onion soup and magnificent chicken pâté, to dishes such as short ribs and grilled chicken whose exacting technique belies their simplicity. With a creative lineup of craft cocktails and a generous happy hour, this downtown gem is not to be missed. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ Le Coq Au Vin 4800 S. Orange Ave., Orlando 407851-6980. lecoqauvinrestaurant.com D Tue.-Sun. An Orlando mainstay since 1976, this French restaurant combines classic cuisine such as the signature coq au vin (chicken in Burgundy sauce) with Southern specialties—New Orleans-style gumbo and boudin sausage do have French roots, after all. $$$ Ẃ
EUROPEAN
The Greek Corner 1600 N. Orange Ave, Orlando 407 228-0303. thegreekcorner.net L-D daily. This Ivanhoe Village favorite offers an abundance of Greek specialties, ranging from lamb kebobs and chops to baked dishes like pastitsio and moussaka. For lunch, try the gyro or souvlaki. $-$$$ %Taverna Opa Pointe Orlando, 9101 International Drive, Orlando 407-351-8660. tavernaoparestaurant.com L-D daily. Chosen Best Greek and Best Place to Celebrate by readers in our 2018 Dining Awards, this I-Drive mainstay features upbeat music that has patrons dancing on the tables (almost), while the kitchen creates satisfying takes on Hellenic dishes like slowroasted lamb, and pastitsio. $$$ Ẃ
Bauern-Stube 8015 S. Orange Ave., Orlando 407-857-8404. bauern-stube.com L Mon.-Fri.; D Mon.-Sat. From the stacks of stollen greeting you at the entryway to the accordion player creating a festive dining room, Bauern-Stube re-creates a German after-a-day-in-the-fields retreat. Begin with a black beer, then try the authentic sauerbraten or hunter schnitzel with mushroom and onion gravy. $$-$$$ %Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Café 205 E. First St., Sanford 407-321-2204. willowtreecafe.com L-D daily. Our readers’ pick for Best German in the 2018 Dining Awards, Hollerbach’s offers a vast array of beers and such hefty food choices as the Schlachthaus Platte with its veal sausage, pork meatloaf and smoked pork loin. On weekends, you’ll find a sing-along, with people locking arms and swaying back and forth to German tunes. $$-$$$$ Schumann’s Jager Haus 25 W. Church St., Orlando 407-985-1950. schumannsjagerhaus.com L-D daily. The Mulvaney brothers opened this German restaurant and placed chef Ralph Oliver at the helm, and the result is superb cuisine, from schnitzel to potato pancakes to spatzle. Try the signature pork or chicken Jager schnitzel, a tender cutlet dressed in a rich mushroom demiglace and served with pickled red cabbage. There’s also a cordon bleu version with ham and Gruyere cheese. And oh, yes: There’s lots and lots of beer. $$-$$$.
FRENCH
%Café de France 526 Park Ave. S., Winter Park 407-647-1869. lecafedefrance.com L-D Tue.-Sat. Our Readers’ Choice for Best French Restaurant in the 2018 Dining Awards. You could easily miss this diminutive restaurant on Park Avenue’s south end—and that would be a big mistake. For nearly four decades, Dominique and German Gutierrez have delighted diners with a simple, subtle seasonal menu featuring standouts like herb-roasted rack of lamb, beef bourguignon, coq au vin and slow-roasted glazed duck. $$$ Ẃ
GREEK
INDIAN
Aashirwad Indian Restaurant 7000 S. Kirkman Road Orlando 407-370-9830 aashirwadrestaurant.com L-D daily. This I-Drive restaurant focuses on northern Indian dishes. The familiar favorites are all here—samosas, chicken tandoori, chicken tikka—as well as intriguing selections such as chicken shakuti (anise-flavored poultry cooked in coconut-based masala gravy). There are also a dozen vegetarian choices, from tadka daal (yellow lentils cooked with tomatoes, onions and spices) to methi malai mutter (green peas in a creamy gravy with fenugreek leaf). $$ Bombay Café 1137 Doss Ave., Orlando 407-2405151. bombaycafeorlando.net L-D daily. Located near Florida Mall, this casual spot offers a variety of Indian favorites. Of particular note: the crispy, crunchy Indian snack known as chaat; and the south Indian dosa, a folded pancake filled with ingredients such as peas, onion, tomatoes and lentil chutney. Curries include khoya kaju, cashews cooked in a creamy sauce. $ Kohinoor Indian Restaurant Ethan Allen Plaza, 249 State Road 436, Suite 1093, Altamonte Springs 407-788-6004. kohinoorindianrestaurant.com L-D Tue.-Sun. Bombay native Reis Fernandez transforms simple foods such as chicken and lentils into tender, aromatic, almost mystical meals. The chicken xacuti is a must-try specialty from Goa, and the bharta is a creamy eggplant dish. $$-$$$ Ẃ
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Memories of India Shoppes at Lake Emma, 3895 Lake Emma Road, Lake Mary 407-804-0920; 8204 Crystal Clear Lane, Suite 1600, Orlando 407370-3277. memoriesofindiacuisine.com L-D daily. From crisp samosa starters and spicy vegetable dishes to classic tikka masala and fragrant clay oven tandoori, Memories has helped define excellent Indian cuisine in Orlando since 1999. $$-$$$ Rasa 7730 W. Sand Lake Road, Orlando 407-9300402. eatatrasa.com L-D daily. This eatery along Restaurant Row aims to broaden our concept of Indian food, creating marvelous dishes from the country’s southern region, as well as Chineseinfluenced cuisine. A great way to experience the dishes is with the South Indian thali, or platter, with its variety of offerings ranging from poriyal (a dry spice blend surrounding fresh okra) to sambhar (a lentil-based vegetable dish flavored with tamarind). Other best bets: iddly Manchurian, a Chinese-influenced lentil cake, and dosa, crepes wrapped tortilla style around vegetables. $$. %Tamarind 501 N. Orlando Ave., Suite 149, Winter Park 321-207-0760; 12309 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando 407-237-0920. tamarindfl.com L-D daily. Owner/chef Amit Kumar uses slow-roasted spices to create outof-this-world flavors at this jewel, selected Best Indian cuisine by our readers in the 2018 Dining Awards. The Goan shrimp curry, Kashmiri aloo (potatoes in yogurt curry) and palak paneer (spinach and curd cheese) are standouts, as is the tandoori chicken. Save room for kulfi, a heavenly dessert. $$-$$$.
IRISH
Fiddler’s Green 544 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park 407-645-2050. fiddlersgreenorlando.com B Sun.; L-D daily. Simple, hearty Irish food and numerous beers on tap draw a young, fun-loving crowd to this comfortable tavern, replete with a massive wooden bar from Ireland. $$ Ẃ Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant Downtown Disney, 1640 E. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista 407-938-0300. raglanroadirishpub.com L-D daily. This Irish-themed megapub inspired by celebrity chef Kevin Dundon is not to be missed. A sure bet is Kevin’s Heavenly Ham, oven-roasted ham with an Irish Mist glaze with potato cakes and braised cabbage. Add a brew from the extensive beer menu and stay a while to enjoy the joyous music and dancing. $$$ Ẃ
ITALIAN
Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza 420 E. Altamonte Drive, Altamonte Springs 407-260-2625; 8031 Turkey Lake Road, #300, Orlando 407-363-9466 acfp.com L-D daily. The pies take only four minutes to cook in an 800-degree coal oven; other specialties include meatball & ricotta, Philly cheesesteak, and Eggplant Marino. $$ Antonio’s 611 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland 407-6451035 antoniosonline.com L-D daily. In the dining room upstairs, Chef Patrick Tramontana offers entrees like Pollo Marsala, or braised lamb shank with Parmesan risotto and sweet peas., while the informal cafe and market downstairs boasts a variety of pizzas, salads, meats, pastas and more. $$-$$$$ Ẃ Bice Portofino Bay Hotel, Universal Orlando, 5601 Universal Blvd., Orlando 407-503-1415. biceorlando.com D nightly. Tucked into an upstairs corner at the Portofino, Bice brings Orlando the seductive pastas, risottos and entrées that have made the chain an Italian favorite in numerous locations around the world. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ Cala Bella Rosen Shingle Creek, 9939 Universal Blvd., Orlando 407-996-3663. calabellarestaurant.com D nightly. Stimulating Italian fare, in-
One more reason to choose
Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children.
U.S. News & World Report, 2018-2019 Best Hospitals.
cluding great risotto and lamb chops, is served in a beautiful dining room at this sprawling hotel. The desserts are fabulous, too. $$$$ Ẃ Christini’s Ristorante Italiano Dr. Phillips Marketplace, 7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Dr. Phillips 407-3458770. christinis.com D nightly. Owner Chris Christini has wowed diners with his meticulously prepared old-school menu since 1984. The Linguine alla Genovese Is a perfectly balanced pasta dish with pesto sauce and distinct flavors of garlic and pine nuts, while Chicken Scaloppine al Marsala combines rich wine sauce with sauteed mushrooms and a thin-pounded chicken cutlet. $$$$ Ẃ Enzo’s on the Lake 1130 S. 17-92, Longwood 407834-9872. enzos.com L Fri.; D Mon.-Sat. Antipasti of roasted vegetables, marinated seafood and imported salamis begin the feasting at Enzo’s, a longtime family-owned Italian restaurant in a lakeside house. Dover sole, rarely seen on today’s menus, is a specialty. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ Francesco’s Ristorante & Pizzeria 400 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland 407-960-5533, francescos-rist.com L-D Mon.-Sat. The pizza is primo at Francesco’s, whether you choose the simple Margherita or load it with carne or vegetables. Other standouts include the spaghetti alla carbonara and the pollo Siciliano, a chicken breast sautéed in a mix of capers, artichokes and garlic and wine sauce. $$-$$$ Il Mulino Walt Disney World Swan Resort, 1200 Epcot Resort Blvd., Lake Buena Vista 407-9341199. swandolphin.com/ilmulino D nightly. New York’s Il Mulino has cloned itself, and the Orlando version is on Disney property. The restaurant brings the flavors of chefs/founders Fernando and Gino Masci to the subtropics. $$$ Ẃ La Bella Luna 4886 New Broad St., Orlando 407895-0025. labellalunafl.com D daily; L Mon.-Sat. This friendly family-owned restaurant in Baldwin Park offers specialties such as Zuppa di Pesce, cedar plank salmon, Basa Luna, Chicken Tortellini Carbonara, and a wide range of award-winning New York–style pizzas, as well as a selction of Italian wines and beer. $$ La Luce 14100 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane, Orlando 407-597-3600. laluceorlando.com D daily. West Coast Italian stylings come to Orlando in this signature restaurant started by celebrity chef Donna Scala. Best selections include bitesize polpette meaballs and the Tuscan ragu and lamb. House-made pastas and high-end ingredients are a hallmark. $$-$$$ Ẃ Mellow Mushroom 11680 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando 407-384-4455; 2015 Aloma Ave., Winter Park 407-657-7755. mellowmushroom.com L-D daily. This pizza place is known for its easygoing atmosphere and quirky décor. The menu includes a variety of specialty pizzas, calzones, hoagies and salads. Choose from more than 40 different beers on tap to pair with your pizza slice. $-$$ Nonno’s Ristorante Italiano 1140 E. Altamonte Drive, Altamonte Springs 407-260-8900. nonnositalianrestaurant.com L Tue.-Sat., D Tues.-Sun. Winner of Best Italian Restaurant among readers in our 2018 Dining Awards. Pasta, seafood, veal and chicken populate the menu here, and the genial Stefano LaCommare and son Lenny do very well with all of them. Classic eggplant parm is a massive serving of breaded eggplant smothered in tomato sauce and cheese and cooked in the oven. The monkfish special features firm white fish topped with capers, pine nuts, olives and chopped tomato. For an appetizer try the bruschetta topped with caponata, a delicious mélange of eggplant olives, onions and celery. $$-$$$
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DINE RECOMMENDED EATING Peperoncino Cucina 7998 Via Dellagio Way, Orlando 407-440-2856 peperoncinocucina. com L-D daily. The husband-wife chef team of Barbara Alfano and Danilo Martorano provide a delicious slice of Southern Italy with an array of fish and meat entrees, pasta and risotto. But their antipasti and stuzzicherie (starters and appetizers) are particularly magnificent, ranging from tiny burratini cheese with ripe tomatoes and house-spiced, thin-sliced pastrami to fried risotto arancini balls and Calabrese roasted eggplant. $$-$$$$ Ẃ %Pizza Bruno 3990 Curry Ford Road, Orlando. pizzabrunofl.com D daily, L Sat., BR Sun. Our 2018 Critic’s Pick for Best Neighborhood Restaurant and Readers’ Choice for Best Pizza. Bruno Zacchini’s tiny eatery is a draw not only for your average pizza lover but also local kitchen celebs seeking the goodness of his Neapolitan soft dough pie. Zacchini keeps it simple—crushed plum tomatoes and fresh cheese for a pizza subtle in taste and a great base for toppings including hot soppressata, clams and wood-fired pineapple. $-$$ Prato 124 N. Park Ave, Winter Park 407-262-0050 prato-wp.com. L Wed.-Sun.; D daily. From Luma executive chef Brandon McGlamery comes Prato, a trendy, communal spot with inventive offerings like pretzel-encrusted calamari, shrimp ravioli, oakroasted trout and a variety of pizzas. $$-$$$ Ẃ Rocco’s Italian Grille & Bar 400 S. Orlando Ave., Winter Park 407-644-7770. roccositaliangrille.com L Mon.-Fri.; D Mon.-Sat. Guests can expect a true Italian experience from owner and chef Rocco Potami. Part of that experience, set in a vintage 1940s building, involves indulging in multiple courses, otherwise known as primo e secondo piatti. Diners are encouraged to arrive hungry— very hungry. Menu standouts include the Scaloppine di vitello alla Rocco—veal scaloppini topped with roasted red peppers, prosciutto and Fontina cheese, deglazed with white wine and finished with a rich demi glace sauce. $$-$$$$. Ẃ Vito’s Chop House 8633 International Drive, Orlando 407-354-2467. vitoschophouse.com D nightly. The fine chops, aged steaks, 1,000+ wine selections and Italian flair make this I-Drive restaurant a sophisticated choice. The menu also includes large lobster tails, fresh fish and classic Italian cuisine. $$-$$$$ Ẃ Winter Garden Pizza Company 46 W. Plant Street, Winter Garden. 407-877-1930. wintergardenpizza.com L-D daily. This downtown hometown favorite’s menu is chock full of pie combinations, calzone, pasta, subs and Buffalo wings. $-$$
JAPANESE
Amura 55 W. Church St., Downtown Orlando 407316-8500; Plaza Venezia, 7786 W. Sand Lake Road, Dr. Phillips 407-370-0007; Colonial Town Plaza, 950 Market Promenade Ave., Lake Mary 407-9366001. amura.com L Mon.-Sat.; D nightly. Three of Orlando’s hippest sushi houses, the downtown location casual, the others modern and suave. $$$ Banshoo Sushi Bar Rosen Centre Hotel, 9840 International Drive, Orlando 407-996-9840. rosecentre.com D nightly. Chef Yoshi Kohazame combines the simplicity of a Japanese sushi roll with ingredient combinations that suggest an American flair. The masterpiece of his kitchen is the rice. And he will offer you recommendations based on your previously ordered dish. Top the night off with a Banshoo Sunset Punch cocktail. $$
%Domu 3201 Corrine Drive, Orlando 407-9601228. domufl.com D daily; BR Sat.-Sun. Winner of the Critic’s Pick for Best Japanese in our 2018 Dining Awards. This Audubon Park hotspot, located in East End Market, offers a modern take on a traditional ramen bar. Be prepared to wait—90 minutes most nights; they don’t take reservations—but know that the wait is worth it. Chef/owner Sonny Nguyen cooks up a sterling assortment of pork, chicken and vegetable broth ramen with house-made noodles, as well as otherworldly crispy wings in kimchi butter. And the grilled octopus dish may be the best-tasting bargain in town. $$ Dragonfly Robata Grill 7972 Via Dellagio Way, Orlando 407-370-3359. dragonflysushi.com/ orlando D daily. Executive chef Ray Hideaki Leung’s 1,000-degree grill imparts a quick outer crisp and sublime taste to squid, mackerel, ribeye, lamb chops and a variety of other meats and fish. The sushi and sashimi selections are plentiful: The signature Classic roll with albacore tuna, whiite fish and scallions is sauced, then baked, for a combination of sweet, spicy and savory. Dragonfly has one of the best happy hours around. $-$$$$ Ẃ Kabooki Sushi 3122 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando 407-228-3839. kabookisushi.com D daily. Chef/ owner Henry Moso has a passion for Japanese culture that is reflected in his inventive menu: Kazan scallops with a spicy green peppercorn coconut sauce, and tempura duck breast with Thai basil sauce. Sushi offerings are equally creative—kokonutsu lobster roll combines tempura lobster, creamy avocado, salty roe, citrus, honey, soy and toasted coconut. $$$ %Kobe Japanese Steakhouse Seven area locations. kobesteakhouse.com D daily. A perennial Readers’ Choice for Best Japanese. Teppanyaki chefs grill a variety of meat and seafood dishes as well as vegetables and fried rice right at your table. After dinner, indulge in green tea ice cream or fried cheesecake. $$$ Nagoya Sushi 7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Orlando 407-248-8558; 5661 Red Bug Lake Road, Winter Springs 407-478-3388. nagoyasushi.com D nightly. At Nagoya, the art of the itami-san (sushi chef) is alive and well with a steady hand on sea-kissed fish. But it’s the kitchen food (cooked dishes) that shines in these friendly cafes, with the miso scallops a particular favorite. $$-$$$ %Seito Sushi 4898 New Broad St., Orlando 407-898-8801; seitosushi.com L-D daily. Winner of the 2018 Critic’s Pick for Best Pan-Asian, and voted Best Sushi by readers. At Seito, owner Jason Chin and executive chef Huy Tin have elevated sushi and Pan-Asian dining to a delicious new level. The ramen bowls are magnificent slow-cooked, heady broths swimming with braised meats, eggs and superb noodles. Teriyaki chicken and bulgogi, grilled marinated Korean beef, also are winners. The chirashi items are beautiful arrangements of seasonal fish atop seasoned sushi rice—and some of the best plates in Orlando. Also, try the eel topped with charred Asian pear. $$-$$$. Ẃ Shari Sushi Lounge 621 E. Central Blvd., Thornton Park 407-420-9420. sharisushilounge.com L Mon.-Fri.; D Mon.-Sat. The food, the atmosphere and the diners are all stylish at Shari Sushi, which presents a variety of cutting-edge rolls, sashimi, and tempura. $$-$$$
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Shin Sushi and Sake Bar 803 N. Orange Ave., Orlando 407-648-8000. shinsushi.com L Mon.-Fri.; D Mon.-Sat. The closest thing we have to a neighborhood sushi bar. Four Japanese chefs own and operate this North Quarter spot, serving some of Orlando’s most authentic sushi. Extensive selection of sakes. $$$ Ẃ Sushi Pop 310 W. Mitchell Hammock Road, Oviedo 407-542-5975. sushipoprestaurant.com. D Tue.Sun. This hip spot is a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds. Giant screens play Japanese anime while waiters dressed in anime or glam-rock styles deliver eye-popping dishes like the Anaconda roll, boasting avocado, eel and tempura shrimp, or the Harvest Duck, served atop a green bean and stuffing casserole. $$-$$$$ Ẃ Yamasan Sushi & Grill 1606 N. Mills Ave., Orlando. 407-228-1730. yamasanorlando.com L-D daily. This trendy entry on the Mills 50 dining scene turns out fabulous sushi, tempura, udon bowls and mushi soups. $-$$ Yuki Hana 3635 Aloma Ave., Oviedo 407-6958808. sushioviedo.com L-D daily. Executive Chef Albert DeSue presents creative takes on Japanese cuisine, from dishes seared on the robata grill (don’t miss the applewood baconwrapped scallops) to a sukiyaki featuring lightly seared Wagu, a single egg yolk, blistered leeks and crispy tofu cubes, topped off by a meaty jus poured tableside. The sushi offerings resemble works of art, particularly the house-cured salmon wrapped around avocado and accented by dots of edamame cream and pickled shallots. $$$ Ẃ Zeta Bar & Sushi Lounge Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, 14100 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane, Orlando 407-597-3600. hiltonbonnetcreek.com/dining/ zeta-bar-sushi-lounge D daily. Whether you’re gathering for lively conversation or to catch your favorite game, this sophisticated hotel spot offers an abundance of traditional and signature sushi rolls, sashimi and noodles, along with innovative hand-crafted cocktails, wines and beer. $$-$$$ Ẃ
KOREAN
BBB Tofu House 5140 W. Colonial Drive 407723-8299. L-D daily except closed Wednesday. Tucked away in Chinatown Plaza is this gem, with Chef-Owner Tony Teng serving up a feast of Korean delights like bulgogi (thin-sliced marinated sirloin); cheese buldak (spicy chicken topped with mozzarella); and a variety of Korean BBQ combos. BBB also offers excellent soon tofu soup, with seafood, short ribs, ramen, dumplings and more as options. Every meal comes with an assortment of house-made side dishes called banchan, ranging from kimchi and pepperbasted turnip to bean sprouts and citrus-dressed shredded cabbage. $$-$$$ Seoul Garden 511 E. Horatio Ave., Maitland 407599-5199. L-D daily except Wednesday. Standard grilled meat bulgogi barbecue, served with all those little side dishes, is here, but there’s also a world of other traditional dishes to be explored. Order the seafood pancake for an invigorating combination of simple seafood and fiery kimchi. $$ Shin Jung 1638 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando 407895-7345. shinjungkorean.com L Mon.-Fri.; D nightly. From the grills in the center of the tables to the five types of kimchi that accompany meals, Shin Jung is authentic Korean all the way. Daeji bulgogi is tender pork in a sweet-spicy sauce. $$
Bulla Gastrobar 110 S. Orlando Ave., Winter Park 321-214-6120. bullagastrobar.com L-D daily. Bulla satisfies with a tasty lineup of Spanish tapas, entrees and libations. Among the standout tapas: chili and garlic infused gambas a ajillo shrimp and the huevos “Bulla,” a fried egg on crisp potatoes with Serano ham and potato foam. The large plates include an excellent seafood paella, cooked to order with the coveted soccarat, the browned crusted rice touching the pan. $-$$$$ Ẃ Cevíche Tapas Bar and Restaurant 125 W. Church St., Orlando 321-281-8140. ceviche.com D Tue.-Sat. A multitude of hot and cold tapas, plus paellas and cazuelas, are served in the styles of Northern Spain and Catalan in this upscale Church Street mainstay. $-$$$ Ẃ Fogo de Chão 8282 International Drive, Orlando 407-370-0711. fogodechao.com L daily except Saturday, D daily. At this Brazilian steakhouse chain, you start with the salad and sides bar, then turn your dinner card green side up, signaling the gaucho chefs to hustle over and begin serving tableside from your choice of 15 fire-roasted meats, including pork ribs, filet mignon and sausage. Sides include cheese bread, polenta and caramelized bananas. $$$-$$$$. Ẃ Mango’s Tropical Café 8126 International Drive, Orlando 407-673-4422. mangos.com/orlando D daily. Our Readers’ Choice winner for Best Entertainment/Live Music in the 2018 Dining Awards. Mango’s dinner show with singers, dancers and a live band begins at 7 and runs continuously through the evening. The “Floribbean’’ menu includes churrasco steak with shrimp au gratin and grilled salmon with mango salsa. Late at night Mango’s transforms into a DJ-led dance floor spread among eight bars. $$$ Tapa Toro 8441 International Drive, Orlando 407-226-2929 tapatoro.restaurant L-D daily. Chef Wendy Lopez was selected as Best Chef by readers in the 2018 Dining Awards, and the restaurant topped Best Spanish as well. The 12-seat paella pit is a big draw here, cooking up numerous tasty versions of the classic rice dish. Tapa Toro is also tapas territory, with the small plates drawing from both Spanish and Mediterranean influences. Try the pan con petipua, pureed green peas topping toast wedges with beets and goat cheese, or the pulpo al gallego, tender octopus charcoal grilled and sprinked with picante paprika and sea salt. $$-$$$ Ẃ
MEDITERRANEAN
Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine 108 S. Park Ave., Winter Park 407-644-8609; 7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd, Suite 108, Dr. Phillips 407-352-6766. bosphorousrestaurant.com L-D daily. Chosen by readers as Best Middle Eastern cuisine in our 2018 Dining Awards. Turkish specialties from frothy tarama (whipped caviar) to falafel, along with entrees like chargrilled chicken patties and lamb shanks with vegetables are highlights at this family-owned restaurant. $$-$$$ Cedar’s Plaza Venezia, 7732 W. Sand Lake Road, Dr. Phillips 407-351-6000. orlandocedars.com L-D daily. Cedar’s gives Middle Eastern cuisine the respect it deserves, graciously serving high-quality standards, from a smoky baba ghannouj to lamb kebabs, in an upscale atmosphere. $$-$$$ Ẃ
U.S. News & World Report, 2018-2019 Best Hospitals.
LATIN/SPANISH
Okay, two more reasons.
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DINE RECOMMENDED EATING Paramount Fine Foods 8371 International Drive, Orlando 407-930-8645. paramountfinefoods. com L-D daily. Embracing the flavors of the Middle East, this Canadian-based company has opened its first U.S. location at the I-Drive 360 entertainment complex. Try the baked pita straight from the wood-burning ovens, barbecue halal meats, chicken and beef shawarma, flatbread creations, and the baklawa dessert. $-$$$ Villa de Flora Gaylord Palms Resort, 6000 W. Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee 407-586-1114. gaylordpalms.com B-D daily; BR Sun. Make your way around the Mediterranean market-like buffet and enjoy such dishes as Valencian seafood paella, osso buco with gremolata, and chicken cacciatore. Villa de Flora also has one of the more popular Sunday brunches in the area. $$$ Ẃ
MEXICAN/TEX-MEX
Agave Azul 4750 S. Kirkman Road, Orlando 407704-6930. agaveazulorlando.com L-D daily. A bountiful menu ranging from Fajitas de Camaron (grilled shrimp sauteed with onions, bell peppers, tomatoes and mushrooms) to Arrachera (grilled marinated skirt steak, topped with chimicurri sauce). Agave Azul also offers lots of drink choices—as in more than 100 brands of tequila to choose from. $-$$$ %Black Rooster Taqueria 1323 Mills Ave., Orlando. 407-601-0994. blackroostertaqueria.com L-D Tues.-Sun. This farm-to-taco eatery, owned by John Calloway and wife Juliana, is our Critic’s Pick for Best Tacos in the 2018 Dining Awards. Calloway creates hand-pressed corn tortillas and emphasizes savory rather than spicy. Crispy red grouper tacos—beer-battered fish piled with pickled cabbage, avocado and fresh cilantro— are one of the richly flavored delights. Also try the smoky achiote pork, slow cooked in a banana leaf for 36 hours and layered with pickled onion, cilantro and a fruity, mellow habanero salsa. $ %Cocina 214 151 E. Welbourne Ave., Winter Park 407-790-7997. cocina214.com L-D daily. This restaurant just off Park Avenue is a perennial winner for Best Mexican/Tex Mex among readers in our annual Dining Awards—2018 makes the seventh year in a row it has topped the category. The extensive menu includes tempting items like fried avocado bites, Snapper Frito, and Mexican corn, as well as more traditional favorites. Also sure to please: an ample selection of margaritas, wines and beer. $$$ Ẃ Frontera Cocina Disney Springs Town Center 407560-9197. fronteracocina.com L-D daily. Chef Rick Bayless, an eight-time James Beard Award winner, creates true Mexican fare, with delights like carne asada, Black Angus steak steeped in garlic and red chilies; tortas, a crusty bread roll stuffed with achiote-seasoned pork shoulder; and coctel verde, shrimp and scallops dressed ceviche-style in lime, avocado and sharp pepper-tomatillo salsa. Don’t miss the delicious sikil pak, a spicy Yucatecan pumpkin seed dip. $$-$$$$ Hunger Street Tacos 2103 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park 407-444-6270. hungerstreettacos.com L-D Mon.-Sat., BR Sat. Our Critic’s Pick for Best New Restaurant in the 2018 Dining Awards. Brothers Joseph and David Creech present delectable tacos, quesadillas and tostadas that define the real Mexico. Try the suadero, seared marinated brisket with cilantro, lime and an avocado-tomatillo sauce. Two taco offerings that leap from classic to fusion are the “Grilled Cheese,’’ melding halloumi, refried beans, Serrano-lime salsa and mint; and a pankofried avocado wedge, served with shredded cabbage, pepper-lime crema and queso cotija. $-$$
Mi Casa Tequila Taqueria Rosen Shingle Creek, 9939 Universal Blvd., Orlando 407-996-9939. rosenshinglecreek.com L-D daily. This gem dazzles with Mexican dishes crafted by Hawaiianborn chef Cameron Hostellero. The Flounder Vera Cruz boasts lightly coated fish topped with flaked crab, avocado and slaw. The filet tostada features a chipotle-pepper-rubbed Angus filet atop fried tortillas layered with Manchango cheese and salsa rojo. The giant margaritas are a must. $$-$$$ %Reyes Mezcaleria 821 N. Orange Ave., Orlando 407-868-9007. reyesmex.com L Mon-Fri; D daily; BR Sat.-Sun. Our Readers’ Choice for Best New Restaurant in the 2018 Dining Awards. Restaurateur Jason Chin (Seito Sushi, The Osprey Tavern) ventures into Mexican cuisine in downtown’s North Quarter, and the results are impressive. What he calls “regionally inspired Mexican cuisine’’ includes offerings like tacos stuffed with crispy fish, braised short ribs or pork belly; tuna tostada, a fried, crispy platter of tortilla crowned with yellowfin tuna and a splash of pickled tomatillo and lime aioli; and a stellar Oxacan mole negro—impeccably cooked duck breast with a deep chocolatly sauce, roasted pumpkin and chayote squash. $$-$$$ Taquitos Jalisco 1041 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden 407-654-0363. L-D Tue.-Sun. Enjoy sizzling fajitas, tortilla soup, flavorful chicken mole and bountiful burritos, with musicians playing on weekends. $$ Tijuana Flats Multiple area locations. tijuanaflats. com L-D daily. From humble beginnings in Winter Park, Tijuana Flats has spread across Florida and beyond. Using the freshest ingredients—and making an amazing array of hot sauces available—quesadillas, crispy tacos and of course flour tortillas keep diners coming back. $
SANDWICHES
Beefy King 424 N. Bumby Ave., Orlando 407894-2241. beefyking.com B-L Mon.-Sat. Nobody would enter the circa-1960s Beefy King on a whim, but they’d miss moist and tender roast beef, pastrami, turkey and ham cooked on premises and served from a steam table just like in the delis of old. $ %The Deli Downtown 18 N. Boyd St., Winter Garden 407-347-3873. thedelidowntownwg.com L daily; D Mon.-Sat. Our Critic’s Pick for Undiscovered Gem, as well as Best Sandwich, in the 2018 Dining Awards. Chef Joseph Burnett, formerly of Osprey Tavern, is creating casual masterpieces in downtown Winter Garden, including sandwiches, soups and salads. The Buffalo chicken sandwich, the award winner, is a magnificent combination of tender beer-braised chicken, fragrant Marbleu blue Monterey Jack cheese, house-pickled celery and house-made ranch and Buffalo sauce. Other winning sandwich combinations: carved roast beef and horseradish; pulled pork and Oaxaca cheese; and jack fruit with whiskey barbecue sauce. $ %Pom Pom’s Teahouse & Sandwicheria 67 N. Bumby Ave., Orlando 407-894-0865. pompomsteahouse.com L-D daily (open 24 hours Fri.Sat.). Readers’ Choice for Best Sandwiches in our 2018 Dining Awards. This Milk District favorite offers two dozen inventive sandwiches and an array of salads. Try the Fu Man Chu sandwich, a wild combination of Asian-spiced pulled pork, goat cheese and ginger-cranberry chutney. $
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%Savoree 2 W. Plant St., Winter Garden 407-3475222. savoree.net Opens daily at 11 a.m. Our 2018 Readers’ Choice for Best Salads, Savoree boasts a varied lineup of sandwiches, wraps, salads and bowls. The Walkers Bowl features brown rice, oven-roasted salmon, carmelized onions, toasted almonds and feta cheese, topped with Green Goddess dressing. $ %TooJay’s Gourmet Deli Six area locations. toojays.com L-D daily. Winner of the Readers’ Choice for Best Deli in our 2018 Dining Awards. TooJay’s serves up thick corned beef, pastrami and turkey sandwiches, along with house-made salads. Comfort food like shepherd’s pie, pot roast and meatloaf also is in abundance. The chocolate Killer Cake is legendary. $-$$
SEAFOOD
Bonefish Grill Eight area locations. bonefishgrill. com D nightly. From the folks who brought us Outback, this is a casual seafood chain with a sleek edge. Fish selections are seared over oak and topped with sauces like mango salsa or garlic-gorgonzola butter. $$-$$$ %deep blu seafood grille Wyndham Grand Orlando, Bonnet Creek, 14651 Chelonia Parkway, Orlando 407-390-2420. deepbluorlando.com D nightly. Our Readers’ Choice winner for Best Service in the 2018 Dining Awards, deep blu shines with an inventive menu featuring selections like lobster with seafood stuffing, blu crab crusted grouper, and seafood Cioppino. A must-order is the blu crab mac n’ cheese. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ Eddie V’s 7488 W. Sand Lake Road, Orlando 407355-3011. eddiev.com D nightly. Seafood is the specialty of the kitchen, where moist grouper simply sauteed in garlic is given the same attention as an intricate lemon sole coated in a Parmesan crust. But steaks also stand out, from the center-cut filet mignon to the huge 22-ounce charred ribeye. The side dish menu includes crab fried rice, an entrée in itself, but a must-try is the truffled macaroni and cheese. Eddie V’s also boasts a dazzling happy hour menu, including lollipop lamb chops, lump crab cake, and Point Judith Calamari with roasted cashews and crisp noodles. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ FishBones 6707 Sand Lake Road, Orlando 407352-0135; 7005 County Road 46A, Lake Mary 407-581-2399. fishbonesorlando.com D nightly. FishBones serves just-caught seafood along with aged steaks and prime rib in a relaxed yet refined Key West-themed dining room. $$-$$$$ Ẃ %Flying Fish Disney’s Boardwalk, Lake Buena Vista 407-939-3463 disneyworld.disney.go.com D-daily. Our Critic’s Pick for Best Seafood in the 2018 Dining Awards. The cuisine created by Chef Tim Majoras at Flying Fish is magnificent, with the menu adapting to the seasons and availability. Items like Cedar Key clams, rock shrimp and Florida coast grouper take full advantage of local specialties. The blue crab bisque is superb, as is the Maine lobster nero pasta: lobster poached in butter and fennel, highlighted by squid-ink pasta, baby artichokes and golden tomato sauce. $$$$ Ẃ Hemingway’s One Grand Cypress Blvd., Orlando 407-239-1234. grandcypress.hyatt.com D daily. If the décor doesn’t make you feel like you’re vacationing in the Florida Keys, the cuisine will. Mementos and fishing trophies from Key West’s most famous resident add to the relaxed atmosphere. Start with the coconut scallops or the Key lime Caesar salad and move on to the Seafood Paella Valenciana or the Macadamiacrusted sea bass. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ
U.S. News & World Report, 2018-2019 Best Hospitals.
Johnnie’s Hideaway 12551 State Road 535, Orlando 407-827-1111. johnnieshideaway.com D nightly. This modern Caribbean-styled dining room serves simply prepared quality steaks and fresh fish to emphasize old Florida and Floribbean cuisine. Johnnie’s is complete with a lakeside Hideaway Tiki Deck & Raw Bar. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ MoonFish The Fountains, 7525 W. Sand Lake Road, Dr. Phillips 407-363-7262. moonfishorlando.com D nightly. Fish caught that day and prepared creatively defines this large seafood house, which serves a wide-ranging menu in an elaborate, cheerful space. $$-$$$ Muddy Waters 101 S. Eola Drive, Orlando 407843-9676. muddywaters-orlando.com D daily; L Sat.; BR Sun. Chef Bernard Carmouche exels at New Orleans-inspired cooking in a hybrid sports bar, after-hours club atmosphere downtown. The signature po’ boy sandwich is a wedge of Crescent City pleasure, with lightly seasoned shrimp, fried oysters or catfish shoehorned into a crisp-crusted French baguette. Other highlights include the large raw oyster bar, and the smoked trout beignets, which are like fish-stuffed hush puppies. $$-$$$. Ocean Prime Rialto, 7339 W. Sand Lake Road, Orlando 407-781-4880. ocean-prime.com D nightly. Superb seafood and steaks are presented in a supper club atmosphere, while jazz plays in the artistically lit piano bar. The surf and turf boasts a filet, butter-poached lobster tail, gouda potato cake and chili seared spinach. The sea scallops with Parmesan risotto is another winner, as is the black truffle macaroni and cheese. $$$$ Ẃ The Oceanaire Seafood Room Pointe Orlando, 9101 International Drive, Orlando 407-363-4801. theoceanaire.com D nightly. More than 25 species of fish and shellfish are flown in daily. The wine list is tailored for pairings with seafood, and the vintage ocean liner décor complements the nautical menu. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ Paddlefish Disney Springs, 407-934-2628 paddlefishrestaurant.com L-D daily. Aboard a docked paddleboat that was once Fulton’s Crab House, this Disney standout won Best Seafood from readers in our 2018 Dining Awards. The menu is extensive, with charred octopus and lobster corn dogs among the starters. The main courses include scallops with brown butter, cauliflower puree, crispy Brussels sprouts and bacon; and the market catch with Macadamia nut crust, red curry and crab fried rice. There’s all manner of seafood boils as well, and landlubbers can opt for a steak, chops or chicken. $$$$ Ẃ Reel Fish Coastal Kitchen 1234 N. Orange Ave., Winter Park 407-543-3474. reelfishcoastal.com L Tue.-Fri.; D Tues.-Sat.; BR Sat.-Sun. At Reel Fish, in the former Ravenous Pig location, restaurant veteran Fred Thimm takes an upscale fish camp vibe and runs with it. The restaurant’s takes on “fish camp classics’’—fried shrimp, scallops, oysters or fish—are flawlessly cooked, with a slightly salted batter. The fish dip boasts flaked trout mixed with matchsticks of green apple. $$-$$$ Todd English’s bluezoo Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel, 1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd., Lake Buena Vista, 407-934-1111. swananddolphin.com D nightly. Chef/TV personality Todd English runs this contemporary seafood restaurant. The overthe-top design sets the stage for the menu’s “coastal cuisine,” essentially a fusion of flavors from the U.S., Europe and Asia. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ
Make that three.
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DINE RECOMMENDED EATING Winter Park Fish Company 761 Orange Ave., Winter Park 407-622-6112 thewinterparkfishco. com L-D Mon.-Sat. With signature seasonings and house-made sauces, this quick-service restaurant is a must for any seafood lover. The wine list features a selection of California wines to enhance any meal. Be sure to try the lobster roll and the savory hushpuppies. $$-$$$ Ẃ
SOUTHERN
%The COOP 610 W. Morse Blvd., Winter Park 407-843-2667. asouthernaffair.com B-L-D Mon.Sat. Voted Best Southern by readers in our 2018 Dining Awards. 4 Rivers barbecue king John Rivers’ venture into fried chicken, catfish and other down-home cuisine has produced pretty much perfection. Some standouts: fried green tomatoes on a BLT, house-made pimento cheese, Low Country shrimp and grits, and chicken ‘n waffles. Yum. $-$$ Highball & Harvest Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, 4012 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando 407-393-4422. ritzcarlton.com B-L-D daily. Scrumptious Southern fare is on the menu, including Cast-Iron Quail with Hoppin’ John, and Brown Butter Trout. Other winners are the shrimp and grits, and The Southern Spread— an assortment of pimento cheese, pickles and smoked fish dip. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ House of Blues Downtown Disney, 1490 E. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista 407-934-2623. hob. com L-D daily; BR Sun.. For a casual bite to eat at Downtown Disney, this Southern-Soul restaurant does the trick. Opt for the fried shrimp po’ boy or the jambalaya, and reserve time for the famous buffet Gospel Brunch on Sundays. $$ Ẃ %Soco-Southern Contemporary Cuisine 629 East Central Blvd., Orlando 407-849-1800 socothorntonpark.com D daily; BR Sun. This Thornton Park mainstay was voted Best Restaurant by readers in our 2018 Dining Awards, Chef Greg Richie, inducted into our 2018 Dining Hall of Fame, delivers delicious down-home cuisine highlighted by creative twists, including lobster, shrimp and grits; pecan-crusted pork chop; buttermilk fried chicken; molasses-braised short ribs; and fried pickled oysters. There’s also an impressive lineup of craft cocktails. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ
STEAK HOUSES
%Bull & Bear Waldorf Astoria Orlando, 14200 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane, Orlando 407-5975500. bullandbearorlando.com D nightly. Our readers’ pick for Best for a Business Dinner and Best Hotel Restaurant in the 2018 Dining Awards. Handsome furnishings, including sparkling chandeliers and a coffered ceiling, give the Bull & Bear space a club-like ambience. Offerings include beef short ribs braised in Syrah wine; Chateaubriand for two; oak plank salmon; and pan-roasted Colorado lamb. $$$$ Ẃ The Capital Grille Pointe Orlando, 9101 International Drive, Orlando 407-370-4392; The Mall at Millenia, 4200 Conroy Road, Orlando 407-3512210. thecapitalgrille.com L Mon.-Fri.; D nightly. Dry-aged steak, doting service and a 300-pluslabel wine list are the calling cards of this upscale steakhouse. Try creative alternatives such as Kona-crusted sirloin with caramelized shallot butter. The classic décor is D.C.-centric—you’ll expect to see a senator dining nearby. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ
Charley’s Steak House 2901 Parkway Blvd. Suite A1, Kissimmee 407-396-6055; 8255 International Drive, Orlando 407-363-0228. charleyssteakhouse. com D nightly. Charley’s custom-built pit gives steak, chicken, chops and fish a distinctive flavor, and a list of over 800 wine selections makes for the ultimate steakhouse experience. $$-$$$$ Ẃ %Christner’s Prime Steak & Lobster 729 Lee Road, Orlando 407-645-4443. christners primesteakandlobster.com D Mon.-Sat. Year in and year out, readers pick Christner’s as the city’s best steak house: They were tops once again in our 2018 Dining Awards poll. Owners Carole, David and Alice Christner serve USDA Prime, cornfed Midwestern beef and Australian cold-water lobster tails in a masculine, woodsy atmosphere. There’s also a 6,500-bottle wine cellar and an extensive single-malt scotch collection. $$$ Ẃ Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House 9150 International Drive, Orlando. 407-351-5074 delfriscos.com L Mon.-Fri.; D daily. Offering prime steak and fresh-off-the-boat seafood, this I-Drive restaurant also boasts two floors, two bars, four private dining rooms—and a wine list of more than 1,200 selections. $$$$. Ẃ Eleven at Reunion Resort Reunion Resort, 7593 Gathering Drive, Reunion. 407-662-1170. reunionresort.com D Tue.-Sat. Situated atop the 11-story Reunion Grande building, Eleven boasts stunning 360-degree panoramas of the area. In the kitchen, Chef Jake Brenchley offers 1855 Premium Black Angus filet, New York strip and sirloin, along with 21-day dry-aged ribeye and Porterhouse. All are seasoned with a house-made 11-spice blend. Seafood items include sea bass with smoked cabbage and pecan brown butter. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar 933 N. Orlando Ave., Winter Park 407-699-9463; Dellagio Plaza, 8030 Via Dellagio Way, Orlando 407352-5706. flemingssteakhouse.com D nightly. With a contemporary dining room and 100 wines by the glass, Fleming’s is a lively take on steak houses. All cuts are aged USDA prime corn-fed beef. $$$ Ẃ Kres Chophouse 17 W. Church St., Downtown Orlando 407-447-7950. kresrestaurant.com L Mon.-Fri.; D Mon.-Sat. Kres’ urban panache attracts downtown’s see-and-be-seen crowd, who fill its dramatic booths to try out sizzling steaks and chops. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ A Land Remembered Rosen Shingle Creek, 9939 Universal Blvd., Orlando 866-996-9939. landrememberedrestaurant.com L-D daily. Themed around Patrick Smith’s novel of the same name, which chronicles a Central Florida family’s experiences around the time of the Civil War, A Land Remembered serves a menu centered on steaks from the Harris Ranch. $$-$$$$ Ẃ %Linda’s La Cantina 4721 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando 407-894-4491. lindaslacantinasteakhouse. com D Tue.-Sun. Linda’s has been serving steaks to Orlandoans for more than 70 years. It specializes in steak and seafood, with all of its USDA choice steaks cut on site. Enjoy a cocktail at the fire fountain lounge before your meal. Voted Best Old Favorite by readers in our 2018 Dining Awards. $$-$$$
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Morton’s The Steakhouse Dr. Phillips Marketplace, 7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Orlando 407-248-3485. mortons.com D nightly. This local outlet of the national chain has made its reputation on 24-ounce Porterhouse steaks, 20-ounce New York sirloin, and 14-ounce double-cut filets. Bar 12-21 features petite filet mignon sandwiches. Don’t forget to try the hot chocolate cake. $$$$ Ẃ Old Hickory Steakhouse Gaylord Palms Resort, 6000 W. Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee 407-5861600 gaylordpalms.com D nightly. Designed to look like a rustic Everglades retreat, Old Hickory emphasizes naturally aged, grain-fed Angus beef with your choice of toppings, plus seafood and handcrafed artisanal cheeses. The award-winning wine list is extensive, offering more than 40 different Cabernet Sauvignon selections alone. $$$$ Ẃ The Palm Hard Rock Hotel, 5800 Universal Blvd., Orlando 407-503-7256. thepalm.com/orlando D nightly. Lavish steaks and giant lobster tails are this high-end restaurant’s delicious breadand-butter. The Palm—filled with 1920s and ’30s caricatures—traces its origins back to 1926, when Italian natives opened the first location in New York City. Don’t miss the jumbo lump crab cake or the ahi tuna. $$$$. Ẃ Ruth’s Chris Steak House Winter Park Village, 610 N. Orlando Ave., Winter Park 407-622-2444; The Fountains, 7501 Sand Lake Road, Dr. Phillips 407226-3900; 80 Colonial Center Parkway, Heathrow 407-804-8220. ruthschris.com D nightly. A topquality restaurant with a reputation for excellent service, Ruth’s Chris serves each steak sizzling hot on a 500-degree plate to preserve the beef’s temperature and flavor. $$$$ Ẃ Shula’s 347 Grill Westin Lake Mary Orlando North, 2974 International Pkwy., Lake Mary 407-531-3567. donshula.com B-D daily. Named after Hall of Fame football coach Don Shula, this is a place for a “raving fan” of steak. The upscale sports bar serves premium black Angus beef burgers and steaks, from the 8-ounce filet mignon to the 16-ounce Cowboy Steak. $$-$$$$ Ẃ Spencer’s for Steaks and Chops The Hilton Orlando, 6001 Destination Parkway, Orlando 407-313-8625. spencersforsteaksandchops.com D Tue.-Sat. You’ll find modern twists on classic American cuisine at this steak house. Steaks are aged 21 to 28 days in-house and beautifully seared to order. $$$$ Ẃ Texas de Brazil 5259 International Drive, Orlando 407-355-0355. texasdebrazil.com L Mon.-Fri.; D nightly. Texas de Brazil is a splendidly executed Brazilian churrascaria. Waiters stop at tables to offer chunks of seared, tender meats, and the salad bar is bursting with additions such as roasted red peppers and imported cheeses. $$-$$$$ Ẃ %The Venetian Chop House Caribe Royale Resort, 8101 World Center Drive, Lake Buena Vista 407-238-8060. cariberoyale.com D Mon.-Sat. Winner of our 2018 Readers’ Choice awards for Most Romantic and Best Wine List. A top-end, fine-dining experience within a hotel, the Venetian is full of deep tones, cut crystal and a replica of Tempietto de San Pietro in the corner. Among the marvelous dishes is the lobster bisque under a dome of pastry. Entrees include bison short ribs with onion jam, New York strip, fllet mignon, veal chop with porcini butter, and an herb-crusted pork chop. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ
THAI
Sea Thai 3812 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando 407895-0985. seathaiorlando.com L-D daily. Don’t let the strip mall fool you—the inner ambience and extensive menu of Sea Thai (the “Sea’’ stands for South East Asia) shine through. A haven for spicyfood lovers, there’s something delicious for all, from the spicy beef salad to the garlic chili fish to the popular crispy Panang duck. Voted Best Thai by readers in our 2018 Dining Awards poll. $$ Thai Blossom 99 W. Plant St., Winter Garden 407-905-9917. mythaiblossom.com L-D daily. Located on the first floor of the historic Edgewater Hotel, Thai Blossom offers affordable Thai favorites and a selection of salad and seafood dishes. The scrumptious creations include mussels in green curry, ginger duck, and a whole soft shell crab served as an appetizer. $$ Thai Cuisine Restaurant 5325 Edgewater Drive, Orlando 407-292-9474. thaicuisineorlandocom L-D daily. Start with the deep-fried fish cakes or the green papaya salad, then move to a wide assortment of noodles and curries. There are a variety of duck dishes, offered stir fried with a range of ingredients, including basil, ginger and eggplant. $-$$ Dandelion Communitea Café 618 N. Thornton Ave., Orlando 407-362-1864. dandelioncommunitea.com. L-D Mon.-Sat, L Sun. Taking residence in a 1920s house, Dandelion is a local leader in using sustainable, organic and environmentally friendly ingredients. The atmosphere is definitely homespun; having a vegan chili bowl or veggie wrap for lunch here is more like visiting a friendly, local music-minded aunt than sitting in a restaurant. Beer and wine are available, and local artworks are showcased. $ Ethos Vegan Kitchen 601-B New York Ave., Winter Park 407-228-3898. ethosvegankitchen. com L-D Mon.-Sat.; BR Sat.-Sun. Winner of Best Vegetarian from readers in our 2018 Dining Awards, Ethos takes its name seriously, serving pizzas, sandwiches and entrées from an exclusively vegan kitchen. You will feast on such specialties as Sheep’s Pie (meatless with broccoli, carrots peas, onions, mashed potatoes and gravy), Mac ‘n Cheese ‘n Peas, and Bay Cakes, made with chickpeas, celery and fesh herbs. Vegan beer and wine are served, and a jazz/funk brunch is presented every Sunday. $-$$ Infusion Tea 1600 Edgewater Drive, Orlando 407999-5255. infusionorlando.com B-L-D Mon.-Sat, L-D Sun. It wasn’t the first tea shop in College Park, but Infusion certainly started the alternative vibe in this neighborly neighborhood. A center of the local art, crafting and writers’ scene, the kitchen serves fresh-made soups, salads and sandwiches with an organic and local slant, along with dozens of flavored and exotic teas. $ Market on South 2603 E. South St., Orlando 407613-5968 marketonsouth.com B-L-D Mon.-Sat., B-L Sun. If you turn up your nose at the thought of “plant-based dining,’’ then you’ve never eaten at this popular spot beside the 408. Not to be missed: Chef Shaun Noonan’s Carolina BBQ pulled jackfruit or Celine Duvoisin’s much-in-demand doughnuts (“100% egg-free and dairy-free and not healthy at all’’). $-$$
We meant four.
U.S. News & World Report, 2018-2019 Best Hospitals.
VEGETARIAN
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DINE RECOMMENDED EATING %The Sanctum Café 715 N Fern Creek Ave. Orlando 407-757-0346. thesanctumcafe.com B-L-D Mon.-Sat.; BR Sun. Winner of the Critic’s Pick for Vegetarian and Readers’ Choice for Best Healthy Selections in our 2018 Dining Awards. Owner/ chef Chelsie Savage refers to her restaurant as “plant based” and “healthy” before the word vegetarian is mentioned. Sourcing locally and organically whenever possible, this neighborhood favorite now offers dinner menus and Sunday brunch along with the popular lunch fare. Try the coconut polenta cakes with cabbage slaw and sriracha; and the Southern Soul bowl of mushroom gravy, black-eyed pea tempeh, organic potato and brown rice. $-$$
VIETNAMESE
%Little Saigon 1106 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando 407-423-8539. littlesaigonrestaurant.com L-D daily. This Mills 50 District mainstay, chosen as Best Vietnamese by our readers in the 2018 Dining Awards, offers a wide variety of rice and vermicelli dishes topped with your choice of meat and vegetables. But it’s the soups that are the go-to for the many faithful—steaming bowls full of pork or beef, noodles, and fresh basil. The summer rolls with peanut sauce are a must. $-$$ Pho 88 Vietnamese Restaurant 730 N. Mills Ave., Orlando 407-897-3488. pho88orlando.com L-D daily. The specialty here is pho—broth, noodles and meat—with choices seemingly endless (11 variations of beef noodle soup alone). Other menu items include beef stew, stir-fried noodle dishes, and the banh mi Vietnamese sub. $-$$ Pho Vinh 657 N. Primrose Drive, Orlando 407228-0043. phovinhorlando.com L-D daily. An impressive menu of Vietnamese dishes features soups, noodles and rice platters. Pho Vinh serves a standout example of a dish enshrined in our Dining Hall of Fame—Buùn Chaû GioøThòt Nöôùng, rice vermicelli with charbroiled pork and spring rolls. $-$$. Saigon Noodle & Grill 101 N. Bumby Ave, Orlando 407-532-7373; 710 S. Goldenrod Rd., Orlando. 407-658-1967. saigonnoodleandgrill.com L-D daily. An array of soups, silky and sweet pad thai, pan-fried noodles and caramelized shrimp and pork belly are some of the sights and aromas that await you at this eatery. $ Viet Garden 1237-1239 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando 407-896-4154. vietgardenorlando.com L-D daily. Fusing the cuisines of Vietnam and Thailand freely, Viet Garden garners reader votes regularly for its reasonably priced chicken satay, pad Thai and spicy stir-fried beef with vermicelli. $-$$$
WINE BARS AND LOUNGES
The Attic Door 28 W. Plant Street, Winter Garden. 407-877-0266 jrsatticdoor.com D (snacks/ small plates) Tue.-Sat.; seasonal BR Sun.This eclectic spot proclaims itself “the swankiest little wine bar and live music venue around.’’ Relax with a glass of wine in one of the mismatched chairs or leather sofas amid the funky array of lamps and tables. $-$$ Blue Martini Pointe Orlando, 9101 International Drive, Suite 1182, Orlando 407-447-2583. bluemartinilounge.com Open daily. Live music, cocktails accented with glow sticks, trendy bar foods and a lively dance floor lure upscale singles. $$-$$$ Ẃ
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Five. Definitely five.
Bösendorfer Lounge The Grand Bohemian Hotel, 325 S. Orange Ave., Downtown Orlando 407313-9000. grandbohemianhotel.com Open daily. Black marble, red stone and mirrors, plus an Imperial Grand Bösendorfer piano, create an edgy and upscale environment for martinis, indulgent nibbles, casual power meetings and entertainment. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ Eden Bar 1300 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland 407-6 29-1088. enzian.org L-D daily. Taking a cue from Hapsburg beer gardens, Eden offers a bucolic outdoor setting right outside the Enzian theater. Local and international beers and a good selection of wines snuggle up with salads, nachos and sandwiches, along with Austrian goulash and unusual pizzas (potato and bacon, anyone?). $$ Ẃ Eola Wine Company 430 E. Central Blvd., Orlando 407-481-9100. eolawinecompany.com Open daily. Part retail shop, part lounge, Eola Wine offers an impressive variety of labels, more than 100 wines by the glass and a commendable selection of beers. Nibble on flatbreads, cheese platters and bruschetta “flights.” $-$$$ Ẃ One80 Skytop Lounge 400 W. Church St., Orlando 407-913-0180; 180downtown.com Open to ticketholders during select Amway events; nonevent, open Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 10 p.m.-2:30 a.m. Located on the top terrace of the Amway Center, One80 is a hot downtown ultra-lounge. Its patio bar with a 180-degree view of the city skyline is as impressive as the beautiful people who flock to it. $$ The Vineyard Wine Company 1140 Town Park Ave., Suite 1260, Lake Mary 407-833-WINE. thevineyardwinecompany.com Open daily. With a variety of tapas, lunch and dinner entrées, desserts, and platters to accompany your wine, this spot is more than just a lounge. Sit back with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc while enjoying the live music Tuesday through Saturday. $-$$$ Ẃ The Wine Room 270 Park Ave. S., Winter Park 407-696-WINE. thewineroomonline.com Open daily. Warm and inviting, The Wine Room offers hundreds of wines. Dozens are available as 1- to 3-oz. samples paid for through a debit system. Selections can be enjoyed along with handcrafted meats and cheeses. Voted Best Wine Bar by readers in our 2018 Dining Awards. $-$$ Ẃ
(Okay, that’s it, we’ve run out of space.)
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MORE ONLINE: Be sure to check out additional restuarant listings and other reviews in our dining section on orlandomagazine.com.
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A THING OF BEAUTY
Winter Park’s Charles Hosmer Morse Museum houses a vast collection of original leaded glass artworks by Louis Comfort Tiffany, plus sculpture, paintings, graphics and decorative art of the late 19th and early 20th century.
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Jumpstart your Labor Day festivities at Raglan Road’s annual Great Irish Hooley, Aug. 31-Sept. 3, p. 101.
ELECTRIC OCEAN Through Sept. 2: As the sun goes down, SeaWorld Orlando comes alive with exciting nighttime shows and electrifying music. Guests are immersed in a sea of wonder that ends in a fireworks finale. Included with theme park admission. 7007 Sea World Drive, Orlando. seaworldparks.com CIRQUE DU SOLEIL CRYSTAL Aug. 1-5: In this brand-new arena creation, gymnasts and skaters perform acrobatics on the ice and in the air, seamlessly combining multiple disciplines for a world-class audience experience. Wednesday-Friday 7:30 p.m., Saturday 4 and 7:30 p.m., Sunday 1:30 and 5 p.m. Amway Center, 400 W. Church St., Orlando. amwaycenter.com SUMMER EVENINGS WITH ANDRÉ Aug. 4 & 25: Stage readings of plays written by J. André Smith, founder of the Maitland Art Center. 7:30 p.m. Art & History Museums Maitland, Germaine Marvel Building, 231 W. Packwood Ave., Maitland. 407-539-2181. artandhistory.org CRAFTS AND CULTURE MARKET Aug. 5: Happening the first Sunday of every month, this outdoor family-friendly event features a kids’ corner, food trucks, artisan vendors, and music. Free. 1 p.m. 100 E. Kennedy Blvd., Eatonville. Search Eatonville Cultural and Heritage Foundation Inc. on Facebook.
FIRST THURSDAYS AT OMA Aug. 2: Mingle with local artists and view their work, enjoy live music and wander the galleries of the Orlando Museum of Art. Food and drink available for purchase. 6-9 p.m. Orlando Museum of Art, 2416 N. Mills Ave., Orlando. omart.org SUMMER FUN DAYS Aug. 4 & 11: Families and people of all ages are invited to participate in mostly indoor activities away from the rain and heat at the Lake Wales Museum. The Florida Highwaymen are celebrated on the first Saturday in August, and a disco party complete with tie-dye and peace signs will be held the second Saturday. Free. Lake Wales Museum, 325 S. Scenic Hwy., Lake Wales. 863-676-1759. lakewalesmuseum.org STORY TIME AT LEU GARDENS Aug. 7: Story tellers from the Orange County Library System share a variety of ways to engage your child into playful reading the first Monday of every month, excluding city holidays. For families with infants to age 5. Free. Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 Forest Ave., Orlando. leugardens.org SMACKDOWN LIVE Aug. 7: The WWE returns to Orlando for the second time this year. See AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura in a WWE Championship Match. Also see Daniel Bryan, Jeff Hardy, The Miz, Big Cass, Carmella, New Day, Naomi, Becky Lynch, The Bar, The Usos, Asuka and many more. 7:45 p.m. Amway Center, 400 W. Church St., Orlando. amwaycenter.com
THORNTON PARK 2ND THURSDAY ART AND WINE WALK Aug. 9: Artists display works for sale along the streets and inside local businesses. Free, but $15 gets you a glass (pay and pickup at Olde Town Brokers) and a map of participating businesses. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Summerlin Avenue and Washington Street. thorntonparkdistrict.com SANFORD’S ALIVE AFTER 5 STREET PARTY Aug. 9: Central Florida’s largest recurring street party—a gathering with live music, local artists and food and beverage samples. 5 p.m. 230 E. First St., Sanford. sanfordwelcomecenter.com ART & MUSIC IN THE PARK Aug. 10: Artwork and live music in the park between Casselberry City Hall and Lake Concord just east of U.S. Highway 17-92. Food trucks and other vendors on site. Free. 6 p.m. Casselberry City Hall, 95 Triplet Lake Drive, Casselberry. 407262-7700 Ext. 1507. casselberry.org MOUNT DORA 2ND FRIDAY ART SPLASH Aug. 10: An evening of art, music and hors d’oeuvres to showcase the work of regional artists, on display at several walking-distance venues. Free. 6-8 p.m. 138 E. Fifth Ave., Mount Dora. mountdoracenterforthearts.org HARVEST GRAPE STOMP Aug. 10-12: With the arrival of harvest season at the vineyard, it’s time for a little grape-stomping competition. This family friendly activity includes live music, Lakeridge wine and com-
EVENT SUBMISSIONS: For inclusion in On The Town, send event information to hancel.deaton@orlandomagazine.com. Deadline for print is two and a half months prior to the event date. Events can also be submitted to our online calendar at orlandomagazine.com (these will not be printed). 100 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST 2018 | SCENE
COURTESY OF RDESIGN/RAGLAN ROAD
SPECIAL EVENTS
WORLD OF GOOD plimentary winery tours and tastings, plus beer, soft drinks and food for sale. Free. Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards, 19239 U.S. Highway 27 North, Clermont. lakeridgewinery.com 3RD THURSDAY GALLERY HOP & ART WALK Aug. 16: Visitors converge on the core of Orlando’s Downtown Arts District to browse the galleries and non-traditional art venues that spotlight the best of established and emerging Orlando-based artists. 6 p.m. CityArts Factory, 29 S. Orange Ave., Orlando. orlandoslice.com MONSTER JAM TRIPLE THREAT SERIES Aug. 18: In this new tour, fans will witness a fierce battle for the championship with each competitor using customized high-powered vehicles—Monster Jam Speedsters, Monster Jam ATVs and the famous Monster Jam trucks—closer to the action than ever before. 1 and 7 p.m. Amway Center, 400 W. Church St., Orlando. amwaycenter.com SANFORD ART WALK Aug. 18: Discover this river town’s culture, nightlife, food and art while exploring galleries and art spaces on and around First Street between Magnolia and Sanford avenues. This month’s theme: “The Bigger Show.” 6-9 p.m. sanfordwelcomecenter.com FLORIDA KIDS AND FAMILY EXPO Aug. 18-19: While your children create, play and collect free stuff, all in air-conditioned comfort, you can pick up new ideas and opportunities to enrich your family’s life. Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Orange County Convention Center, West Concourse, 9800 International Drive, Orlando. mycentralfloridafamily.com FLORIDA FESTIVAL OF NEW MUSICALS Aug. 23-26: Winter Park Playhouse presents a festival dedicated to new musicals, designed to foster the development of new works, writers and composers. The four-day event showcases six never-before-produced musicals. The first act of each is fully read and sung, concert-style, without staging, by professional actors and musicians. 711 N. Orange Ave., Suite C, Winter Park. 407-645-0145. winterparkplayhouse.org VISIT ORLANDO’S MAGICAL DINING MONTH Aug. 24-Sept. 30: Satisfy your cravings for haute cuisine at reasonable prices during this five-week culinary promotion of the region’s best dining. More than 70 of Central Florida’s top restaurants feature three-course, prix fixe dinners for $35 each, with a dollar from each meal donated to a local charity. 407-363-5872. visitorlando.com/magicaldining EPCOT INTERNATIONAL FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL Aug. 30-Nov. 12: Taste the world from one location in Central Florida as dozens of international food markets pop up within this Disney theme park. Experience the art of celebrity chefs, attend culinary demonstrations, and enjoy “Eat to the Beat” concerts. It’s more than two full months of food and fun. Walt Disney World’s Epcot World Showcase, Lake Buena Vista. disneyworld.disney.go.com
THE GREAT IRISH HOOLEY Aug. 31-Sept. 3: This annual Labor Day weekend Irish music festival combines authentic step dancing, traditional food and drink, Celtic face-painting and fun, plus the best Irish music this side of the Atlantic. Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant, Disney Springs, 1640 E. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista. raglanroad.com
CONCERTS
AUGUST FUNDRAISERS 8/3-5 MEGAPLEX 2018, benefits The C.A.R.E. Founda-
tion of Apopka, which rescues local wildlife and abused pets. DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld, Orlando. megaplexcon.org
8/9-11
THE ABBEY 100 S. Eola Drive, Orlando. 407-704-6261. abbeyorlando.com Aug. 31: TWRP—Together Through Time 2018 North American Tour, 8 p.m. AMWAY CENTER 400 W. Church St., Orlando. 407-440-7000, 800745-3000. amwaycenter.com, ticketmaster.com Aug. 14: Shakira 7 p.m. Aug. 26: Alejandro Fernández & Los Tigres del Norte Rompiendo Fronteras Tour 2018, 7 p.m. THE BEACHAM 46 N. Orange Ave., Orlando. 407-246-1419. thebeacham.com Aug. 9: American Football, 7 p.m.
HEARTS OF REALITY, benefits Give Kids the
World Village. Celebration Town Center, Celebration. heartsofreality.com
8/10-12 ANNUAL HARVEST GRAPE STOMP, benefits the
Boys & Girls Club of Lake and Sumter counties. Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards, Clermont. lakeridgewinery.com
8/18 CELEBRATION OF RUNNING PRESENTED BY FLORIDA HOSPITAL, benefits the Track Shack
Youth Foundation and the Orlando Science Center. Loch Haven Cultural Park, Orlando. trackshack.com
COMING UP… 9/8
TASTE OF CENTRAL FLORIDA, benefits the
BLUE BAMBOO CENTER FOR THE ARTS 1905 Kentucky Ave., Winter Park. 407-6369951. bluebambooartcenter.com Aug. 1: Bobby Koelble Trio, 8 p.m. Aug. 3: Terri Binion and Jack Graham, 8 p.m. Aug. 4: Nate Najar and Phill Fest present “Bossa Nova Guitars,” 8 p.m. Aug. 7: Tuesday Night Sessions—Chris Cortez, 8 p.m. Aug. 8: Peppino D’Agostino, 8 p.m. Aug. 9: Thursday Night Hang—Marco Bojorquez Trio, 8 p.m. Aug. 10: Beautiful Bobby Blackmon Band, 8 p.m. Aug. 14: Tuesday Night Sessions—Chris Cortez, 8 p.m. Aug. 15: Carol Stein & Friends with Charlie Silva, 8 p.m. Aug. 16: Thursday Night Hang—Dave Sheffield Trio, 8 p.m. Aug. 17: Charlie DeChant and the Kings, 8 p.m. Aug. 21: Tuesday Night Sessions—Chris Cortez, 8 p.m. Aug. 22: Jeff Rupert Quartet, 8 p.m. Aug. 23: Thursday Night Hang—Steve Luciano Trio, 8 p.m. Aug. 24: Dan Jordan Quartet, 8 p.m. Aug. 25: The Conglomerate, 8 p.m. Aug. 26: Yaes, 8 p.m. Aug. 28: Tuesday Night Sessions—Chris Cortez, 8 p.m. Aug. 30: Thursday Night Hang—Cortez and Koelble, 8 p.m. BOK TOWER GARDENS 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. 863-676-1408. boktowergardens.org
children’s feeding programs of Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida and Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. Orlando World Center Marriott, Orlando. centralfloridataste.org/taste
9/22 ORLANDO BURGER BATTLE, benefits Runway
to Hope. Come hungry as Central Florida’s top chefs offer up their take on Orlando’s best burger, presented by Orlando magazine. Seminole Harley-Davidson, Sanford. orlandoburgerbattle.com
9/29 CF CLIMB, benefits the Central Florida Chapter
of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. For speed or endurance, climb 28 flights of stairs at the Orlando World Center Marriott, Orlando. flightcf.cff.org
Aug. 18: Ms. Murphy’s Chowder Celtic Band, 7:30 p.m. CENTRAL FLORIDA COMMUNITY ARTS Northland Church, 530 Dog Track Rd., Longwood. 407-937-1800. cfcarts.com Aug. 24: We The People—A Celebration of America, 7:30 p.m. CENTRAL FLORIDA FOLK Lake of the Woods Clubhouse, 300 Carolwood Point, Fern Park. cffolk.org Aug. 26: Dana Cooper and Michelle Dalziel, 2:30 p.m.
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SCENE ON THE TOWN CFE ARENA University of Central Florida main campus, 12777 N. Gemini Blvd., Orlando. cfearena.com Aug. 31: Metro Boomin, 8 p.m. DR. PHILLIPS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. 844-513-2014. drphillipscenter.org Aug. 25: Star Wars—Return of the Jedi in Concert, 7:30 p.m. HARD ROCK LIVE 6050 Universal Blvd., Orlando. 407-351-5483. hardrock.com Aug. 3: Classic Albums Live—Fleetwood Mac “Rumors,” 8 p.m. Aug. 10: Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band and Beth Hart Band, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 30: The Brian McKnight 4, 9 p.m. HOUSE OF BLUES Disney Springs West Side, Walt Disney World. 407-934-2583. houseofblues.com Aug. 3: Dave Matthews Tribute Band, 7 p.m. Aug. 4: O.A.R.—Just Like Paradise Tour with special guest Matt Nathanson, 6:15 p.m. Aug. 10: Justin Quiles, 8 p.m. Aug. 11: The Molly Ringwalds, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 16: Umphrey’s McGee, 6 p.m. Aug. 19: The B-52s, 7 p.m. Aug. 26: Alkaline Trio, 6:30 p.m. KING CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 3865 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne. 321-2422219. kingcenter.com Aug. 3: Hippiefest 2018, 8 p.m. Aug. 18: Classic Albums Live—The Beatles “The White Album,” 8 p.m. ORLANDO AMPHITHEATER Central Florida Fairgrounds, 4603 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando. orlandoamphitheater.com Aug. 25: Angry Orchards Rock the Roots with Sublime with Rome, Lupe Fiasco and New Politics, 2 p.m. Aug. 26: Residente in Orlando, 7 p.m. PLAZA LIVE ORLANDO 425 N. Bumby Ave., Orlando. 407-228-1220. plazaliveorlando.com Aug. 4: Jeremih, 8 p.m. Aug. 10: Bomba Estéreo, 9 p.m. Aug. 17: Steel Panther—Sunset Strip Live, 8 p.m. Aug. 19: An Unpredictable Evening with Todd Rundgren, 8 p.m. Aug. 31: Boney James, 8 p.m. SILVER SPURS ARENA Osceola Heritage Park, 1875 Silver Spur Lane, Kissimmee. ohpark.com Aug. 10: Zion & Lennox, 9 p.m.
THE SOCIAL ORLANDO 54 N. Orange Ave., Orlando. 407-246-1419. thesocial.org Aug. 1: Lydia and Jared & The Mill, Cherry Pools, 6 p.m. Aug. 2: Phlegmatic Dogs and Nate Verde, 9 p.m. Aug. 9: DK the Drummer and Sucré, 7 p.m. Aug. 11: Big 10-4, 6 p.m. Aug. 14: Vacationer and Sego, 7 p.m. Aug. 15: The Sword, 6:30 p.m. Aug. 16: The Alarm, 7 p.m. WAYNE DENSCH PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 201 S. Magnolia Ave., Sanford. 407-321-8111. wdpac.com Aug. 11: Solitary Man—A Neil Diamond Tribute, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 16: Gone with the Wind—Classic Movies on Magnolia, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 18: Quadraphonic Surround Sound—A Tribute to Pink Floyd, Rush and Led Zeppelin, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 26: Sanford Jazz Ensemble Summer Concert, 3 p.m. WILL’S PUB 1042 N. Mills Ave., Orlando. willspub.org Aug. 14: The Dave LaRue Band and Travis Larson Band, 7 p.m.
CLASSICAL MUSIC BLUE BAMBOO CENTER FOR THE ARTS 1905 Kentucky Ave., Winter Park. 407-6369951. bluebambooartcenter.com Aug. 15: Carol Stein & Friends with Charlie Silva, 8 p.m. CENTRAL FLORIDA COMMUNITY ARTS Maitland Presbyterian Church, 341 N. Orlando Ave., Maitland. 407-937-1800. cfcarts.com Aug. 10: Music for Sacred Spaces, 7:30 p.m. OPERA ORLANDO ON PARK SUMMER CONCERT SERIES University Club of Winter Park, 841 N. Park Ave, Winter Park. 407-512-1900. operaorlando.org Aug. 5: Soprano Laura León, 2 p.m. Aug. 12: Soprano Suzanne Kantorski, 2 p.m. WAYNE DENSCH PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 201 S. Magnolia Ave., Sanford. 407-321-8111. wdpac.com Aug. 31: Music, Monsters and Mayhem, 7:30 p.m.
COMEDY DR. PHILLIPS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. 844-513-2014. drphillipscenter.org
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Aug. 31: My Brother, My Brother and Me, 7 p.m. ORLANDO IMPROV Pointe Orlando, 9101 International Drive Suite 2310, Orlando. 407-480-5233. Ages 21 and over. Wednesday and Thursday at 8 p.m., Friday at 8 and 10:30 p.m., Saturday at 7 and 9:45 p.m., Sunday at 7:30 p.m. 407-480-5233. theimprovorlando.com SAK COMEDY LAB Ongoing: Improvisational comedy shows, competitions, songs and scenes. 29 S. Orange Ave., Orlando. Tuesday-Wednesday times vary; Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. 407-648-0001. sakcomedylab.com SLEUTHS MYSTERY DINNER THEATRE Ongoing: Audience members solve a crime during the dinner show. Performances nightly. 8267 International Drive, Orlando. 407-3631985. sleuths.com
FILM HARRY P. LEU GARDENS 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando. 407-246-2620. leugardens.org Aug. 3: Black Panther, 8:30 p.m. ENZIAN POPCORN FLICKS IN THE PARK Central Park, 150 W. Morse Blvd., Winter Park. 407-629-0054. enzian.org Aug. 9: Finding Nemo, 8 p.m. FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT Old Town Kissimmee, 5770 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy., Kissimmee. myoldtownusa.com Aug. 5: Black Panther, 7 p.m. Aug. 12: Guardians of the Galaxy, 7 p.m. Aug. 19: Lilo & Stitch, 7 p.m. Aug. 26: A Wrinkle in Time, 7 p.m. MOVIEOLA Lake Eola Park, East Lawn, 512 E. Washington St., Orlando. cityoforlando.net/parks/movieola Aug. 31: E.T. The Extra Terrestrial, 8:15 p.m. WAYNE DENSCH PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 201 S. Magnolia Ave., Sanford. 407-321-8111. wdpac.com Aug. 16: Gone with the Wind, 7:30 p.m.
LITERARY CARIBBEAN HUT CAFÉ Aug. 3, 10, 11, 18 & 25: Live music and open-mic talent, from poetry/spoken word to comedy. 8 p.m. 2141 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando. 407-4253190. caribbeanhutflorida.com DIVERSE WORD Aug. 7, 14, 21 & 28: A weekly gathering highlighting spoken-word poetry. 8 p.m. Dandelion
Communitea Café, 618 N. Thornton Ave., Orlando, 407-362-1864. dandelioncommunitea.com FLORIDA STATE POETS ASSOCIATION— ORLANDO-AREA CHAPTER Aug. 16: All local FSPA members are eligible to join. Third Thursday of the month, 6:30 p.m. Maitland Public Library, 501 S. Maitland Ave., Maitland. floridastatepoetsassociation.org FLORIDA WRITERS ASSOCIATION— ORLANDO-AREA CHAPTERS Aug. 1 & 9: Orlando writers’ group meetings with guest speakers and discussions are the first Wednesday of month, 6:30-8:30 p.m., University Club of Winter Park, 841 N. Park Ave., Winter Park. The Maitland writers’ group meetings are the second Thursday of month, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Maitland Public Library, 501 S. Maitland Ave., Maitland. floridawriters.net, madaboutwords.com NERD NITE ORLANDO Aug. 9: An evening of entertaining, thought-provoking presentations with host Ricardo Williams. Second Thursday of the month. 7:30 p.m. The Abbey, 100 S. Eola Drive, Orlando. 407-704-6261. orlando.nerdnite.com OPEN MIC POETRY Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29: Open-mic poetry readings 9 p.m. each Wednesday. Austin’s Coffee and Film, 929 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park. Free. 407-975-3364. austinscoffee.com WRITERS OF CENTRAL FLORIDA OR THEREABOUTS facebook.com/groups/writersofcentralfloridaorthereabouts Aug. 1: The Just Write Roundtable is a discussion and meeting for local writers. 7 p.m. Free. PR’s Taco Palace, 717 W. Smith St. Orlando. Aug. 8: Short Attention Span Storytelling Hour…or Thereabouts. 7 p.m. Free. Stardust Video & Coffee, 1842 Winter Park Road, Orlando. Aug. 15: Storytelling as Bungee Jumping is a chance for writers of any genre to take a risk by trying out something new before a supportive group of other writers, 7 p.m. Free. Copper Rocket Pub, 106 Lake Ave., Maitland. Aug. 22: So You Think You Can Funny? is for comics, writers, poets, bloggers or storytellers who have written something funny, 7 p.m. Free. Stardust Video & Coffee, 1842 Winter Park Road, Orlando.
THEATER CENTRAL FLORIDA COMMUNITY ARTS CFCArts Black Box Theater, 250 S.W. Ivanhoe Blvd., Orlando. 407-937-1800. cfcarts.com The Pirates of Penzance Aug. 3-19: This classic operatic musical follows the story of Frederic, a pirate apprentice who has made it his life’s mission to destroy his gang as soon as he is released from their
reign on his 21st birthday. Friday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 3 p.m.; special discount showing Thursday Aug. 16 at 7:30 p.m. MOONLIGHT PLAYERS THEATER 735 W. Minneola Ave., Clermont. 352-243-5875. moonlightplayers.com Charley’s Aunt Through Aug 5: When Charley and Jack plan on proposing to the girls they love, they intend for Charley’s aunt coming from Brazil to act as chaperone. With her last-minute cancellation, the boys draft their pal to dress in drag and introduce him to the ladies and their families as the aunt. All goes well until the real aunt turns up. Friday-Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 2:30 p.m. SONNENTAG THEATRE AT THE ICE HOUSE 1100 N. Unser St., Mount Dora. 352-383-4616. icehousetheatre.com Sweet Charity Through Aug. 5: It’s 1966 and Charity Hope Valentine is a taxi dancer at a seedy dance hall in New York City. Will she finally find true love at last with a shy accountant named Oscar? Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday-Saturday at 8 p.m., Saturday-Sunday at 2 p.m. WINTER PARK PLAYHOUSE 711 N. Orange Ave., Suite C, Winter Park. 407645-0145. winterparkplayhouse.org Gigolo—A Cole Porter Revue Through Aug. 19: Inspired by the life of Porfirio Rubirosa, this musical revue features 25 Cole Porter classics to tell the tale of a handsome playboy and his relationships with four beautiful women. Thursday-Sunday at 2 p.m., Friday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
MUSEUMS ALBIN POLASEK MUSEUM AND SCULPTURE GARDENS 633 Osceola Ave., Winter Park. 407-647-6294. Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday 1-4 p.m. polasek.org Czech-born American sculptor Albin Polasek’s onetime Winter Park home and studio is now a museum with an art collection focused mainly on American representational sculpture, with more than 200 of Polasek’s works inside and out. The former residence is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Arabesque—Contemporary Conversations Through Aug. 19: Explore modern Islamic art through this exhibit of submitted works and selections from a private collection. ART AND HISTORY MUSEUMS—MAITLAND 221 W. Packwood Ave., 231 W. Packwood Ave. and 820 Lake Lily Drive, Maitland. 407-539-2181. Thursday-Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. artandhistory.org A collection of museums encompassing the Maitland Art Center, Maitland Historical
Museum, Telephone Museum, Waterhouse Residence Museum and Carpentry Shop Museum. Maitland Art Center, Tuesday-Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; all others Thursday-Sunday noon-4 p.m. Closed on major holidays. artandhistory.org Enchanted Florida Through Aug. 26: On display at the Maitland Art Center, see paintings, photographs and video art by Florida artists whose works show their search and desire for pristine nature, but what they encounter is landscape blighted by urban and suburban developments. Discover André Smith Ongoing: Smith created an art colony in 1937 in Maitland, originally called The Research Studio. During his 21-year tenure at the art center, Smith developed friendships with author/ folklorist Zora Neale Hurston, arts patron Mary Curtis Bok and stage actress Annie Russell, while also creating a location for invited artists to develop their work. Maitland Art Center. CASA FELIZ HISTORIC HOME MUSEUM 656 N. Park Ave., Winter Park. 407-628-8200. casafeliz.us Ongoing: This restored Spanish farmhouse-style home, designed by acclaimed architect James Gamble Rogers II, was saved from the wrecker’s ball and now serves as a community center and museum. Open houses hosted by trained docents take place every Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon, and live music is featured in the large parlor on Sundays from noon to 3 p.m. Free. CORNELL FINE ARTS MUSEUM Rollins College campus, 1000 Holt Ave., Winter Park. 407-646-2526. Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday-Sunday noon-5 p.m. rollins.edu/cfam Margaret Bourke-White’s Different World Through Aug. 26: An examination of the work produced by this trailblazing photographer from her time in Russia and her photojournalism conducted during World War II, plus rarely seen photographs taken in India, Pakistan and South Africa, among other locations. Trong Gia Nguyen—My Myopia Through Aug. 26: Seeking to disturb the traditional viewing experience, Nguyen’s series of windows replicate the familiar iron security window grates commonly found in older colonial homes in Vietnam. However, as they are constructed of thin wood, they’re incredibly fragile and unable to serve any purpose of security. The Myers Legacy—Dutch and Flemish Paintings from the Collection Through Aug. 26: A small selection of works by Dutch and Flemish Renaissance and Baroque artists from the collection of John C. Myers, Sr., whose family made the greatest contribution to helping Cornell Fine Arts Museum build the only Old Masters collection in the Orlando area.
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SCENE ON THE TOWN Forging Modern American Identities—Recent Acquisitions Through Dec. 12: An exhibit of recent gifts to the collection from Rollins alumni Barbara and Theodore Alfond, allowing the museum to present a dynamic and multifaceted history of 20th-century art produced in the United States. DALI MUSEUM 1 Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg. 727-823-3767. thedali.org Clyde Butcher—Visions of Dalí’s Spain Through Nov. 5: Explore Salvador Dalí’s homeland as documented by this renowned nature photographer, often called “Florida’s Ansel Adams,” Clyde Butcher in this exhibit created specifically for The Dali. HANNIBAL SQUARE HERITAGE CENTER 642 W. New England Ave., Winter Park. 407539-2680. Tuesday-Thursday noon-4 p.m., Friday noon-5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. hannibalsquareheritagecenter.org The Heritage Collection Ongoing: Photographs and oral histories of west Winter Park. The Hannibal Square Timeline Ongoing: Documents the significant local and national events in African-American history since the Emancipation Proclamation. HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL RESOURCE AND EDUCATION CENTER OF FLORIDA 851 N. Maitland Ave., Maitland. 407-628-0555. Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.1 p.m., Sunday 1-4 p.m. Free. Donations accepted. holocaustedu.org Deadly Medicine—Creating the Master Race Through Aug. 31: Trace the history of Nazi Germany racial health policies from the early 20th-century international eugenics movement to the Nazi regime’s “science of race.” The exhibit is also meant to challenge viewers to reflect on the present-day interest in genetic manipulation that promotes the possibility of human perfection. Tribute to the Holocaust Ongoing: This memorial exhibit presents an overview of the Holocaust through artifacts, videos, text, photographs and artwork. LAKE WALES MUSEUM 325 S. Scenic Highway, Lake Wales. 863-6761759. Tuesday-Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Free. cityoflakewales.com/439/depot-museum Little Slices of Heaven on US 27 Through Aug. 11: This exhibit features old Florida tourist destinations as it follows the development in 1926 of US 27, which runs from Miami to Fort Wayne, Indiana. It was once the state’s principal highway for travelers to and from Florida and now is one of the country’s oldest, historic highways.
MENNELLO MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART 900 E. Princeton St., Orlando. 407-246-4278. Tuesday-Saturday 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Sunday noon-4:30 p.m. mennellomuseum.com Jiha Moon—Double Welcome, Most Everyone’s Mad Here Through Aug. 12: Moon uses multi-media to harvest cultural elements native to Korea, Japan, and China and unite them with Western elements to investigate the multi-faceted nature of our current global identity as influenced by popular culture, technology, racial perceptions and folklore. MORSE MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART 445 N. Park Ave., Winter Park. 407-645-5311. Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday 1-4 p.m. morsemuseum.org Celebrating 75 Years—Pathways of American Art at the Morse Museum Through Sept. 23: The museum celebrates the breadth and depth of the collection assembled by founders Hugh and Jeannette McKean with a special exhibit that includes portraits, landscape paintings, works on paper and pottery. 19th-Century American Landscapes Through Jan. 2019: In this exhibition, the Morse presents a selection of landscape paintings from its collection that illustrate the affinity between the ideas of the French Barbizon School (1830–1870) and American painting at the turn of the 20th century. Louis Comfort Tiffany’s Life and Art Ongoing: Through art objects, archival documents and artifacts, this exhibition examines Tiffany’s astonishingly diverse work in the decorative arts—what he called his “quest for beauty”—over the course of his lifetime. Art Nouveau in Europe and America from the Morse Collection Ongoing: An installation of works that represent the bold, international decorative-arts style known as Art Nouveau, which peaked from about 1890 to 1910. The exhibition, drawn from the Morse collection, features furniture, jewelry, ceramics and art glass from European and American artists and designers. MUSEUM OF ART DELAND 600 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand. 386-734-4371; downtown satellite location, 100 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand. 386-279-7534. Thursday-Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday. 1-4 p.m. moartdeland.org Legendary Florida—The Florida History Paintings of Jackson Walker Ongoing: Paintings of Florida’s eventful past are on permanent exhibit at the Volusia County Historic Courthouse, 120 W. Indiana Ave., DeLand.
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ORANGE COUNTY REGIONAL HISTORY CENTER 65 E. Central Blvd., Orlando. 407-836-8500. Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday noon-5 p.m. thehistorycenter.org Another Year Passes—Orlando After the Pulse Nightclub Massacre Through Oct. 14: This commemorative exhibit includes images and items from Orlando’s Pulse memorial sites, along with community artwork and international tributes. Ongoing: Explore multiple floors of exhibits taking you through the history of Orange county, from the first people to the first contact with the Spanish through 100 years of tourism all the way to the present-day theme-park era. ORLANDO MUSEUM OF ART 2416 N. Mills Ave., Orlando. 407-896-4231. Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday-Sunday noon-4 p.m. omart.org 2018 Florida Prize in Contemporary Art Through Aug. 19: This exhibition features works from 10 of the most progressive and exciting artists working in Florida today. Louis Dewis—A Belgian Post-Impressionist Through Sept. 9: A mini-exhibition of seven paintings by Dewis who was inspired by such French masters of landscape painting as Corot, Cézanne and Gauguin, to paint scenes of cities, villages and countryside throughout Belgium and France. Contemporary American Graphics Collection Ongoing: Includes more than 150 original signed and numbered lithographs, etchings, silk-screen prints and woodcuts by America’s foremost artists. Contemporary Art Collection Ongoing: Outstanding works of art from 1945 representing such artists as Jennifer Bartlett, Nick Cave, Lesley Dill, Jane Hammond and James Casebere. The exhibit also includes an extensive collection of prints from the 1960s to present. ORLANDO SCIENCE CENTER 777 E. Princeton St., Orlando. 407-514-2000. Sunday-Tuesday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-9 p.m. osc.org Hall of Heroes Through Sept. 3: Immerse yourself in the world of superheroes, crime fighters, gadgets and spies in this exhibit where you’re in the midst of the action and on an exciting journey through several different themed environments with surprises around every corner. THE JAMES MUSEUM OF WESTERN AND WILDLIFE ART 150 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. MondaySunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 727-892-4200. thejamesmuseum.org
Art and the Animal Through Oct. 23: The 58th Annual Exhibition of the Society of Animal Artists is a juried show of premier wildlife art from artists around the world and will feature over 100 paintings and sculptures, with select art available for purchase. WINTER PARK HISTORY MUSEUM 200 W. New England Ave., Winter Park. 407-647-2330. Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. wphistory.org Wish You Were Here—The Hotels and Motels of Winter Park Through May 2019: From the lavish luxury hotels of the late 1800s to roadside family motels, tourist courts and the boarding houses used by the workers who built Winter Park, this exhibit highlights all the hotels and motels that played a part in creating the town of today. ZORA NEALE HURSTON NATIONAL MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS 227 E. Kennedy Blvd., Eatonville. 407-647-3307. Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.1 p.m. Donations accepted. zoranealehurstonmuseum.com Ongoing: The museum provides a place in the heart of the community where the public can view the works of artists of African descent.
GALLERIES ANITA S. WOOTEN GALLERY Valencia College, East Campus, 701 N. Econlockhatchee Trail, Orlando. 407-582-2298. Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. valenciacollege.edu/arts Richard Currier Through Aug. 3: Contemporary painter and native of Florida displays his work of atmospheric landscapes and dramatic ocean scenes. ARTS ON DOUGLAS 123 Douglas St., New Smyrna Beach. 386-4281133. Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. artsondouglas.net Jane Manus—Where Form Meets Function Through Aug. 11: A collection of new works by this contemporary sculptor based in South Florida, combining functional sculptural furniture with the artist’s signature minimalist designs. Endless Summer Aug.4-25: This juried group exhibition showcases the work by Florida artists demonstrating their ideals, memories and perceptions of the summer season. ATLANTIC CENTER FOR THE ARTS Pabst Visitor Center: 1414 Art Center Ave., New Smyrna Beach. 386-427-6975. Tuesday-Friday
10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. atlanticcenterforthearts.org 29th Annual University Student Exhibition Through Aug. 11: A group exhibition in honor of the outstanding work being produced by state university art students. University of Central Florida Flying Horse Editions—The Art of Collaboration Aug. 18-Nov. 3: The collection of limited edition prints by the contemporary artists who’ve participated in the collaborative research studio for visual artists at the University of Central Florida. AXIOM FINE ART GALLERY 268 W. New England Ave., Winter Park. 407543-2550. Monday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. axiomfineart.com Impressions Through Aug. 30: This summer showcase features the “impressions” left by local artist, Christopher Santos, and select regional artists on the Axiom team throughout the past year. CITYARTS FACTORY 29 S. Orange Ave., Orlando. 407-648-7060. Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. orlandoslice.com Ongoing: A collection of seven galleries showcasing a variety of artworks. CREALDÉ SCHOOL OF ART Two locations: Alice & William Jenkins Gallery, 600 St. Andrews Blvd., Winter Park. 407-6711886. crealde.org; and Hannibal Square Heritage Center, 642 W. New England Blvd., Winter Park. 407-539-2680. hannibalsquareheritagecenter.org 37th Annual Juried Student Exhibition Through Sept. 1: Juried by Crealdé program managers, this exhibit features some of the year’s best student work in painting, drawing, photography, ceramics, sculpture, jewelry and fiber arts. HARRY P. LEU GARDENS 1920 Forest Ave., Orlando. 407-246-2620. Open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. leugardens.org Enchanted Fairy Doors Through Sept. 30: Explore the 50-acre gardens to find where the fairies live in this whimsical exhibit featuring fifteen one-of-a-kind fairy doors that will inspire your child’s imaginative world of mythical forests and secret gardens. JEANINE TAYLOR FOLK ART GALLERY 211 E. 1st St., Sanford. 407-323-2774. Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday noon-5 p.m. jtfolkart.com Folk Art Meets Design Aug. 18-Sept. 16: The gallery welcomes a team of interior designers with each designer given the opportunity to design a vignette around a selected piece of folk art from
gallery owner Jeanine Taylor’s extensive inventory. Opening reception coincides with Sanford’s monthly Art Walk on Aug. 18. MAYOR’S GALLERY AT ORLANDO CITY HALL 400 S. Orange Ave., Orlando. 407-246-4279. Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday-Sunday noon-5 p.m. cityoforlando.net Heather Nagy—Orlando Collection Through Aug. 3: A series of paintings by local artist Heather Nagy who strives for people to see the beauty she finds in Orlando with new eyes. SNAP! SPACE 1013 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando. Thursday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. or by appointment. snaporlando.com Couture Culture II Through Sept. 8: Fashion stylist and photographer couple Formento and Formento return to Snap! with the newest works from their series “Hysteria,” complemented by works from the new series of narrative photographs “Midnight” by French artist Reine Paradis.
SPORTS ORLANDO CITY SOCCER Orlando City Stadium, 655 W. Church St., Orlando. orlandocitysc.com Aug. 4: vs. New England Revolution, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 24: vs. Atlanta United FC, 8 p.m. ORLANDO PRIDE Orlando City Stadium, 655 W. Church St., Orlando. orlandocitysc.com Aug. 5: vs. New Jersey, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 11: vs. Portland, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 25: vs. Chicago, 7 p.m. FLORIDA FIRE FROGS Osceola County Stadium, 631 Heritage Park Way, Kissimmee. 321-697-3156. floridafirefrogs.com Aug. 6: vs. Palm Beach, 6:30 p.m. Aug. 7: vs. Palm Beach, 6:30 p.m. Aug. 8: vs. Palm Beach, 6:30 p.m. Aug. 9: vs. Fort Myers, 6:30 p.m. Aug. 10: vs. Fort Myers, 6:30 p.m. Aug. 11: vs. Fort Myers, 6:30 p.m. Aug. 12: vs. Fort Myers, 11 a.m. Aug. 21: vs. Jupiter, 6:30 p.m. Aug. 22: vs. Jupiter, 6:30 p.m. Aug. 23: vs. Jupiter, 6:30 p.m. Aug. 24: vs. Lakeland, 6:30 p.m. Aug. 25: vs. Lakeland, 6:30 p.m. Aug. 26: vs. Lakeland, 11 a.m. ONLINE CALENDAR: Be sure to check out our online calendar at orlandomagazine.com
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ARE YOU READY TO SAVOR ORLANDO? Orlando magazine’s weekly blog featuring its noted dining critic, Joseph Hayes, focuses on the area’s wide array of delectable dining options. From fine dining to local hot spots, interviews with top chefs and innovators, reviews and more, Savor Orlando is your hub for all things food in Central Florida. To partner with Orlando magazine on an upcoming blog or to read Joseph’s latest post, go to orlandomagazine.com/savororlando
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Hot 100 Realtors Orlando magazine celebrated Real Estateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hot 100, honored in the June issue, with a reception at The Residences at Dellagio. Sponsors were Park Square Homes and Windermere Preparatory School.
Jennifer Piper, Liz Jones, Christy Knox, Lisa Morgan,
Sean Frank, Beth Hobart, John Russell
Ron Ziolkowski, Ann Varkey
Tricia Quinn, Akanksha Gulati, J.J. Mackle Alex Vastardis, Peter Luu
SPONSORED BY
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Carlos Cepeda, Robert Colvin, Luis Casanas, Dallas Hus, Joseph Russomano
EMILY JOURDAN
Veronica and Tony Figueroa
Melodee and John Muccigrosso
Gary Kelly, Dana Wheaton, Kelli Belfatto, Denise Rapp (Park Square Homes)
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EMILY JOURDAN
Mark Kessler, Simon Simaan, Diana Kessler, Gary Kelly, Ron Ziolkowski
Kristin Merrick, with Kristin Weissman of Windermere Prep
Aracelis Holguin, Wendy Stewart, Veronica Figueroa
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Holocaust Center Dinner of Tribute The Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida honored community activists Jeffrey Miller and Ted Maines at its annual dinner of tribute, raising more than $400,000 for educational and cultural programs.
Dayna Heller, Donna Dowless
Mark and Jennifer Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Mara
Louis Supowitz, Bruce Gould, Aaron Weil
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Jerry and Val Demings, Pam Kancher
Jeffrey Miller, Tess Wise, Ted Maines
COURTESY OF HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL RESOURCE AND EDUCATION CENTER OF FLORIDA
Jeffrey Miller, Ted Maines
Stay Connected To Your Community! Check out these events and other opportunities to stay connected to your community in Orlando magazine’s On the Town, World of Good and orlandomagazine.com!
— PRESENTS — — PRESENTS —
Give Kids The World Village Black & White Gala
DISCOVER THE POWER OF HOPE & THE COLOR OF IMAGINATION
Second Annual
Courthouse Cup
Friday, September 28, 2018
Saturday, September 15, 2018
Dubsdread Golf Course 549 W Par Street Orlando, FL 32804
$6,000 premium plus table $5,000 premium table • $3,500 table $400 individual ticket
7-8:30 AM Registration & Continental Breakfast 8:30 AM Shotgun Start
Hyatt Regency Orlando
Give Kids The World Village is an 84-acre, nonprofit “storybook” resort located near Central Florida’s most beloved attractions. Critically ill children and their families are treated to weeklong, cost-free vacations, complete with accommodations in whimsical villas, transportation, donated attraction tickets, meals, and much more. Since 1986, Give Kids The World Village has welcomed more than 160,000 families from all 50 states and over 75 countries. For more information, contact Sean Gross SeanG@gktw.org or 407-396-1114 ext. 4245
givekidstheworld.org
Join the Historical Society of Central Florida on Friday, September 28, for a Four-Person Golf Scramble of historic proportions and the 2nd Annual Courthouse Cup. The Scramble for the Courthouse Cup is a fundraiser for the nonprofit Historical Society of Central Florida, which supports the Orange County Regional History Center’s mission and programs through an agreement with the Board of County Commissioners. Funds raised through the group’s membership programs, admissions, special events, and other activities help support the cost of exhibits, care of the historical collection, and numerous educational offerings for adults and children.
thehistorycenter.org
I
I HATE KIDS’ birthday parties. Yes, I know
that’s an awful thing to say. It’s like saying I don’t want a puppy. And I don’t. I’m a terrible person. Kids’ birthday parties are a lot of stress for parents. I am normally a single mom at such events. My husband, Bryan, works long hours, and he’d prefer to spend Saturdays playing golf and watching football. Meanwhile I’m refereeing another kind of game. A bunch of kids are hyped up on sugar with a bunch of kids they don’t know who are also hyped up on sugar. After cake, ice cream, candy and a juice box, anything can happen. Growing up with a January birthday, I was envious of the kids with summer parties by the pool. But as a mother, I find birthday parties during the dog days of summer to be punishment. And as luck would have it, my sons, Anders and William, both have summer birthdays. The boys are 8 and almost 6 and require full-time supervision. There is no relaxing
on the sidelines. At pool parties, most all the other moms lounge around and chat with their makeup and hair fully intact, while their children play nicely with others. I, on the other hand, must keep a close watch on my two. I’m one of the few moms actually in the pool. With both boys climbing all over me, and mascara smudges under my eyes, I look like a drowned raccoon. Attending a pool party is only slightly better than going to the other venues that were obviously chosen by a child against their parents’ wishes. The bouncy house place is overcrowded. The go-kart track is painfully hot. The arcade is annoyingly loud. The bowling alley pizza tastes like feet. And don’t get me started on the germs. During one party, Anders refused to share his Capri Sun with his younger brother, saying it was “gross.” Yet in the public bathroom he touched every surface of the stall before chewing his fingernail on the way to the sink. I get the heebie-jeebies just thinking about it.
EMAIL LAURA AT FEEDBACK@ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM AND READ MORE OF HER COLUMNS AT ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM 112 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST 2018
Volume 72, Number 10, Orlando® (USPS 007-215) (ISSN 1059-3624) is published monthly by Morris Visitor Publications, 801 N. Magnolia Avenue, Ste. 201, Orlando, FL 32803. For subscriptions, call 1-800-243-0609 or visit our website at www.orlandomagazine.com. Copyright 2018 by Morris Communications. All rights reserved. Orlando® and CENTRAL FLORIDA® are federally registered trademarks. THE ABCs of Education™, CENTRAL FLORIDA HOME & GARDEN™, DISCOVER ORLANDO™, INSIDE ORLANDO™, LIVING IN ORLANDO™, ORLANDO HOME DESIGN™, and ORLANDO HOME & GARDEN™ are state registered trademarks. Reproduction or use in whole or in part of the contents of this magazine or of the trademarks of Morris Visitor Publications without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Periodicals postage paid in Orlando, FL and additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address change to Orlando magazine 801 N. Magnolia Ave. Suite 201, Orlando, FL 32803. Unsolicited photographs, illustrations, or articles are submitted at the risk of the photographer/artist/author. Morris Visitor Publications assumes no liability for the return of unsolicited materials and July use them at its discretion.
Birthday Wishes
Hosting a birthday party is no piece of cake either. There was the time our sink stopped up with six inches of water as a dozen kids arrived at our house. There was the time our hired “grown-up” musician stampeded a group of 4-year-olds for piñata candy. When Anders turned 2, Bryan took him along to the wrong Chickfil-A to pick up the nugget tray, and they showed up an hour late to his own party. There was the party at the fire station when the firefighters answered a real alarm, leaving startled 3-year-olds to cry in an empty garage. And, of course, this one: When William turned 1 at the beach, Anders got severely ill with a vomiting disorder and spent the weekend at the hospital. Next month, William is turning 6, and he has high expectations for his party. He has specific guests and a certain theme in mind along with a list of toys he’s curated from television commercials and YouTube videos. I was starting to imagine what might go wrong this year, when I stopped myself with a startling realization. My baby is turning 6? And he’s starting kindergarten this month, too? My blue-eyed, blond baby is officially a big boy with dark brown hair and his own definite ideas about the world. He can write his name (backward), make his bed, ride a bike, and sing all the lyrics to Michael Jackson’s “Bad.’’ For now, he still snuggles in my lap every chance he gets. But soon he’ll want to spend birthdays with mostly his friends. He’ll be embarrassed when I sing. He’ll be too old even to play with toys, wanting video games or his own iPhone instead. And to think that all this time, facing the endless birthday parties with dread, I’ve been missing the whole point: It’s not about me. To a child, birthdays are the biggest deal ever. They are something kids talk about all year, the ultimate threat they deliver on the playground: “If you do that again, you will not be invited to my birthday party!” Most of all, though, they are about celebrating the life of a child, surrounded by the very special people in his life. So as much as I’d like to celebrate my sixth anniversary of childbirth at a spa, I know exactly where I’ll be—relishing a big blob of buttercream icing with my birthday boy. Because when it comes time for my sons to blow out their candles, I want to be the one who makes all their wishes come true.
DAVID VALLEJO
EXTRA PULP LAURA ANDERS LEE