Orlando Life November 2013

JAY BOYAR ON THE 2013 PLAYFEST ■ MIKE THOMAS ON DOLL DISASTERS

T H E B E S T O F C E N T R A L F LO R I DA

Silver Spoon Awards

A FOOD-LOVER’S GUIDE TO TOP AREA EATERIES OUR WINNING PICKS FOR GREAT REMODELS $3.95

November 2013

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CONTENTS Volume 14

november Issue 11

DEPARTMENTS 8 JAY BOYAR’S LIMELIGHT

Jay explains how Louis Armstrong and a series of shows that help playwrights discover the wright stuff wound up at Orlando Shakes; Itzhak Perlman will leave his violin behind when he comes to speak at Rollins College; tall tales from a 19th century con man will strut across the stage at UCF; Maitland’s A&H museums will focus on family history, while the Eagles will bring theirs to the Amway.

20 DESIGN / STYLE Fall fashions in a variety of seasonal styles and shades were on display as the annual Runway to Hope fashion show returned to The Mall at Millenia. by Marianne Ilunga

Paula is out and about at anniversary galas for both the Orlando Shakes and the Florida Hospital Transplant Institute; the Player’s Ball for the Bridges of Light Foundation; and with celebrity make-believers at the Downtown Orlando Arts District’s La Maschera.

by Paula Wyatt

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64 RESTLESS NATIVE

FEATURE 28 SILVER SPOON AWARDS A Dr. Phillips hideaway leads a diverse array of Central Florida restaurants being honored for exceptional food and service, as judged by our savvy culinary panel. by Rona Gindin • photographs by Rafael Tongol

Mike ruminates about American Girl dolls, which will have their very own Orlando outlet in 2014. by Mike Thomas

SPECIAL SECTION 51 REMODEL ORLANDO

Remodeling is on the upswing, as evidenced

by Orlando Life’s 2013 Remodeled Home of the Year. Plus, a list of remodeling pros you can trust.

ABOUT THE COVER: Liz G of AbFab Management is as bold and bright as our silver spoon in an Alice + Olivia evening gown ($1,897 from Neiman Marcus at The Mall at Millenia). Photograph by Rafael Tongol; styling by Tammara Kohler of Fused Fashion; hair and makeup by Elsie Knab.

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Photos: (top left) rafael tongol; (top right) The Nielsens Photography & Design; (bottom left) michael lowery photography; (bottom righT) Lisa Marie Mazzucco

48 PEOPLE & PLACES

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FIRST

from the editor

Peaceful Pursuit

ARUN GANDHI CARRIES ON A SACRED TRUST.

I

heard a story last month about a troubled ’tweener whose parents sent him off to live with his grandfather. The kid had anger issues, and his parents were hoping that the old man could straighten him out — which, given that the grandfather in question was Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, was a fairly safe bet.

And so it was that young Arun Gandhi lived with the Mahatma for two years, from 1946 to his grandfather’s assassination in January of 1948. In the decades since, Arun has frequently lectured about the visionary activist for peace, freedom and civil rights, as he did last month in an appearance at Knowles Memorial Chapel on the Winter Park campus of Rollins College.

His hair is shoulder-length and gray these days, and there is a fluidity in his speaking style that tells you he has shared these same stories hundreds of times. But through him you can still sense the strength of the source.

Gandhi was to the cause of creative nonviolence what Einstein was to the theory of relativity: inventive, unyielding, persistent and well ahead of the pack. Arun got a taste of that dogged style after discarding a well-worn pencil while walking outside one day.

That evening, his grandfather asked him what had become of the pencil. Discovering that it had been thrown away, he handed Arun a flashlight and told him to retrieve it.

Then came the lecture. Even in the making of a simple thing like a pencil, you are using the world’s resources. If you waste those resources, you are depriving others, particularly the underprivileged, of their use. And in that neglectfulness and thoughtlessness, you are being violent, as we all are, directly or indirectly, consciously or otherwise.

Gandhi was as careful with words as he was with pencils. He rejected the terms “passive resistance” and “civil disobedience” as inaccurate to describe his quest for a practice of creating peaceful solutions, across the board, to resolve conflicts between nations, faiths and individuals.

Peace, he insisted, was not a possession, but a pursuit. So he used a Sanskrit word, satyagraha, which means the pursuit of truth, to describe his philosophy.

The distinction reminds me of something Ben Franklin once said about the U.S. Constitution: that it guarantees everyone the right to pursue freedom — but does not guarantee that they will find it.

Clearly, that was Gandhi’s attitude about the quest for peace on Earth. Something to keep in mind, given the season that is fast approaching.

Take Note What’s SOCIAL

Follow us on twitter: @OrlandoLifeMag and Facebook at: facebook.com/orlandolifemagazine.

We’re on Google+ and Pinterest too: pinterest.com/orlandolife/.

What’s ONLINE Check out our expanded listing of arts organizations and their schedules of events for the upcoming season.

What you CAN DO Catch up with Sir Elton John, Billie Jean King, Venus Williams and Andy Roddick at the Mylan WTT Smash Hits tennis tournament at Walt Disney World’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on Nov. 17. The event, hosted by Robert and Tricia Earl, will benefit the Hope and Help Center of Central Florida, which is devoted to treatment, education and awareness about the challenges of HIV/AIDS.

What’s ON DECK Michael McLeod Editor in Chief mmcleod@orlando-life.com 4

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We’ll visit with the volunteers at Freedom Ride — human and otherwise — who work with disabled people of all ages, helping them to develop confidence and coordination.

NOVEMBER 2013

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MICHAEL MCLEOD Editor in Chief

HARRY WESSEL

Managing Editor

LAURA BLUHM

Art and Social Media Director Style and Home Editorial Director

JAY BOYAR Arts Editor

RONA GINDIN Dining Editor

MARIANNE ILUNGA, MIKE THOMAS, PAULA WYATT Contributors

RAFAEL TONGOL

Senior Photographer

KEN LOPEZ

Contributing Photographer

JESSICA GILBREATH Editorial Intern

Editorial: press@orlando-life.com

LORNA OSBORN

Senior Associate Publisher Director of Marketing & Public Relations

KATHY BYRD

Associate Publisher

30 YEAR SURVEY of the ART of JAMES M. BOJARZUK

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Opening Reception, SUNDAY November 10th. 2013 from 2pm-4pm.

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Vice President and General Manager

Copyright 2013 by Florida Home Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part prohibited without written permission of the copyright holder.

ORLANDO LIFE ISSN: 2326-2478 (USPS 000-140) (Vol. 14/Issue No. 11) is published monthly by Florida Home Media LLC, 2700 Westhall Lane, Ste 128, Maitland, FL 32751. Periodicals Postage Paid at Maitland, FL and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Orlando Life Magazine, 330 S. Pineapple Ave., Suite 205, Sarasota, FL 34236.

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LIMELIGHT

jay boyar

Feet First, Then Legs

WHEN EVERY WORK IS A WORK IN PROGRESS.

U

nlike a novelist, a playwright can’t just plunk

down in front of a blank screen and type his or her way to the finish line. Along the way, a playwright has to hear the dialogue spoken aloud and see how the performers relate to the script — and each other.

That’s why playwrights often go to considerable lengths to arrange staged readings of a freshly written creation. And it’s why theatrical producers often insist on seemingly endless

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revisions of an untested play prior to an opening: To even guess whether or not a play has legs, you first have to get it up on its feet.

And that’s why, for some lucky playwrights, Playfest! at Orlando Shakespeare Theater has been an important part of a creative process — one that includes an audience.

“It’s great for playwrights to sit in the back of the house and gauge how an audience is responding to their work,” says Mark Routhier, the theater’s director of new play developNOVEMBER 2013

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ment. “And then to have a post-show discussion immediately after a reading like that, to get people’s impressions, is invaluable.”

Now in its 10th year, Playfest! is scheduled for Nov. 8-10.

Seven plays in various states of production will be featured, as well as those post-performance discussions, a separate panel discussion about new works, and a keynote address by playwright and Pulitzer finalist Lee Blessing.

Most of the seven works-in-progress will be performed by local actors and staged by local directors. For these “scriptin-hand” performances, the actors hold their scripts or set them on music stands. Someone else, positioned off to the side, reads aloud the stage directions.

“People who haven’t been to readings are usually pretty surprised at how full the experience is,” notes Routhier.

“They’re getting to use their imaginations — and they’re seeing actors interact with one another.”

Playfest! is presented under the umbrella of “Harriett’s (as in Harriett Lake) New Play Series,” which also includes two fully staged productions at other times of the year. Although Routhier and others at the theater weren’t looking for a theme to link their Playfest! selections, he says that loneliness has emerged as a major element.

“I think that there’s something in the air, and it may have to do with the Internet and social media, and the way everything is sort of over-connecting us,” he muses. “And somehow, there’s a subliminal feeling of isolation.”

Broomstick, by John Biguenet, is the story of a woman who has lived by herself in the Appalachian hills and may or may not be a witch, says Routhier. Meanwhile, I and You by Lauren Gunderson concerns a young girl whose illness has forced her to live most of her life online.

The other Playfest! offerings include For the Loyal by keynote speaker Blessing, about scandal and sports; Bad Dog, a study in addiction by Jennifer Hoppe-House; The Jericho Tree by Michael Aaron Santos, which features Pope Leo I and Attila the Hun, as well as modern-day mobsters; Ithaka

by Andrea Stolowitz, a look at a marine captain who has just returned home from Afghanistan; and the oddly titled (a love story) by Kelly P. Lusk, a tale of three couples.

Why are new plays important? Don’t we already have enough masterpieces? Routhier is ready with an answer: “New plays are so exciting in the way they hold a mirror up to contemporary society and interpret what we’re doing today,” he says. “They examine the human condition as it is right now.”

And at Playfest!, one condition is that you’re part of the process.

Visit orlandoshakes.org for further information. n Jay Boyar, arts editor of Orlando Life, has written about film and travel for the Orlando Sentinel and numerous other newspapers.

He’s the author of Films to Go: 100 Memorable Movies for Travelers & Others and a contributor to Reel Romance: The Lovers’ Guide to the 100 Best Date Movies.

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Damian Barray, Jeffrey Todd Parrott and Sophie Bell.

It’s a Magical Night With Young Satchmo When I think about Louis Armstrong, I always imagine him as a full-fledged jazz star. Beaming his generous smile, he plays his trumpet and sings one of his signature hits, like “Hello, Dolly!” or “What a Wonderful World,” in that marvelous sandpaper voice of his.

But before he was a star, Armstrong was a kid — a kid born in 1901 and raised, as he’d later put it, “way down yonder in New Orleans.”

Young Satchmo is the subject of A Night in New Orleans: A Magic Tree House Adventure, a musical at Orlando Shakespeare Theater through Nov. 23.

It’s based on A Good Night for Ghosts, a book in the popular Magic Tree House children’s series by Mary Pope Osborne.

With book and lyrics by Murray Horwitz and Will Osborne (Mary’s husband), A Night in New Orleans imagines what happens when Jack and Annie (the series’ modern-day siblings) are miraculously transported back to the Big Easy of 1915, where they meet the adolescent Armstrong.

Surprisingly, the show does not feature any of those great songs in the repertoire of the King of Jazz. “This is all original music,” explains Anne Hering, director of education for the theater. The show’s composer is prominent jazzman Allen Toussaint.

All the Magic Tree House stories teach a lesson.

Hering says the lesson here is, “Stay true to your dreams.” The young Louis Armstrong, she says, “does a lot of jobs and has a lot of responsibilities. So he needs to be encouraged to keep at his dream, which is to be a trumpet player.”

I’m hoping he succeeds!

Visit orlandoshakes.org for further information.

ORLANDO LIFE

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LIMELIGHT

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plan on it

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The Plaza Live Nov. 9

This contemporary burlesque company pokes fun at pop culture, mocking such icons as Star Trek, The Avengers, Game of Thrones and The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre Nov. 17

plazaliveorlando.com

“Enamorados del Tango” — Tango Lovers — is a performing ensemble of veteran musicians, singers, composers and dancers straight from the Rio de la Plata, the birthplace of the tango.

Art, Craft & Wine Festival

Craig Ferguson

Cranes Roost Park Nov. 16-17

It’s a sommelier’s heaven. The third annual festival features 100 local artists showcasing their best work. But what makes this event stand out from the rest is the two-day wine stroll, during which visitors can sample wines at each tent.

aacwf.com Craig Ferguson

Tango Lovers

tangolovers.com Hard Rock Cafe Nov. 20

Maybe it’s the late, late hours he keeps with his CBS talk show, but Craig Ferguson is feeling “Hot and Grumpy,” which happens to be the title of his current stand-up tour. The Scottish comic may be out of sorts, but his audiences generally leave happy.

hardrock.com

DeLand Fall Festival of the Arts

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Woodland Boulevard Nov. 23-24

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DeLand, known for its historic vibe and quaint downtown, is hosting its 21st annual Fall Festival of the Arts. Each year the event draws more than 50,000 visitors and features more than 180 artists from all over the country and the world.

delandfallfestival.com Festival of Speed

Ritz-Carlton Orlando Nov. 29-Dec. 1

Showcasing a breathtaking display of vintage and contemporary aircraft, custom motorcycles and the world’s most exotic cars and boats, the Festival of Speed benefits the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children.

festivalofspeed.com/orlando

PHOTO courtesy hard rock cafe

The Suicide Girls

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NOVEMBER 2013

10/11/13 3:36:49 PM

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Let us teach you how to take your tee shot to soaring new heights.

AbadiMTStd_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-= [] \;’,./≠ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? å∫ç∂´ƒ©˙ˆ∆˚¬µ˜øπœ®ß†¨√∑≈¥Ω`¡™£¢ §¶•ªº–≠“‘«…æ≤ ÷≠ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜Ø∏Œ‰Íˇ¨◊„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '" € $‚Ǩ¬£¬•‚Ç©‡∏ø—Ä—É–± AbadiMTStd-Italic_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-= [] \;’,./≠ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? å∫ç∂´ƒ©˙ˆ∆˚¬µ˜øπœ®ß†¨√∑≈¥Ω`¡™£¢ §¶•ªº–≠“‘«…æ≤ ÷≠ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜Ø∏Œ‰Íˇ¨◊„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '" € $‚Ǩ¬£¬•‚Ç©‡∏ø—Ä—É–±

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Enjoy overnight deluxe accommodations while you watch PGA champions and their sons play in the PNC Father/Son Challenge, December 12-15. For reservations, please contact The Ritz-Carlton at 407-206-2400 or visit ritzcarlton.com/orlando.

*Rate is per room, per night, 2-night minimum stay, single or double occupancy, and exclusive of taxes, gratuities, and other charges unless otherwise noted. Valid December 11-15, 2013. Package is subject to availability and cannot be combined with any other offer. Advance reservations are required; rates do not apply to groups. Hotel and resort credits cannot be used toward room rate, tax, resort fee or gratuities. Resort credit is per stay and cannot be reimbursed or exchanged if not used. Credit must be used during stay. ©2013 The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.

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10/11/13 2:01:49 PM

LIMELIGHT

music

The Eagles — All of Them — Will Alight Eagles. For the first time since 1975, co-founder and lead guitarist Bernie Leadon is back in the band, whose countrified California-cool sound earned it a ranking of No. 75 on Rolling Stone’s roster of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.

Leadon has joined his longtime replacement, Joe Walsh, along with charter members Don Henley, Glenn Frey and Randy Meisner, in what may well be the Eagles’ final tour.

The legendary hitmakers will land at the Amway Center Nov. 23.

The title of the tour, The History of the Eagles, sounds a bit bookish for rock ’n’ roll. Then again, if ever a rock group earned epic status, it’s the Eagles — for the drama of their personal clashes (guitarist Don Felder once sued Henley and Frey $50 million for firing him) and the magnitude of their success (150 million albums sold, and counting).

At various times, members of the Eagles have collaborated, on stage and off, with Johnny Cash, Tom Petty, Linda Ron-

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stadt, Stephen Stills and Jackson Browne.

The tour title is a reference to the band’s recently released, three-disc documentary, which includes live performances of rock standards such as “Hotel California,” “Lyin’ Eyes,” “Witchy Woman” and “Heartache Tonight.”

There are also in-depth interviews with band members that include a recounting of the rock-opera way in which Leadon checked out of the band: He poured a bottle of beer over Frey’s head.

It took a while, but apparently, after all these years, cooler heads have prevailed.

Visit amwaycenter.com for more information.

— Jessica Gilbreath

photo: Courtesy Amway Center

Looks like a peaceful, easy feeling has finally settled over the

NOVEMBER 2013

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LIMELIGHT

exhibit

Family Business, Theirs and Yours particularly, but not necessarily, if it’s your own.

That’s the premise of Family Ties — Trace Your Ancestry, an interactive exhibit at the Maitland Historical Museum that will illustrate how founding Maitland families have ties across the country — and so, quite possibly, do you.

In a seminar that accompanies the exhibit, curator Christine Madrid French will provide guidance for visitors who want to research their own lineage.

“If you go to an online ancestry database, you hit stopping points that are hard for people to get past,” she says. “I can show people some of the tricks to get around these roadblocks.”

The main exhibit, which runs through Dec. 10, will feature prominent Maitland families such as the Hills, who settled in the area in the early 1800s; the Galloways, who founded Winter Park’s first telephone company; and William Waterhouse, who built many of the community’s historic houses, and whose son, architect Charles Waterhouse, designed the Maitland Public Library.

Visit artandhistory.org for more information.

— Jessica Gilbreath

PHOTO COURTESY MAITLAND HISTORY MUSEUM

It’s always good to take time out to enjoy the shade of a family tree —

Early Maitland settler Dixie Hill

Park Maitland.

A legacy of leaders for over 45 years.

Since 1968, Park Maitland has been growing the leaders of tomorrow. We offer a proven foundation of excellence in education and provide children the tools they need to realize their dreams!

Jon Whitehead

Managing Partner, Radius Restaurant & Cafe San Francisco, California Florida State University BA Studio Art, Creative Writing Park Maitland, Class of 1985

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10/11/13 2:02:27 PM

LIMELIGHT

events

in the Winter Park Institute-sponsored “Conversation With Itzhak Perlman.”

A Q&A session will follow.

The academic setting is appropriate for Perlman, who has devoted increasing time and energy to mentoring and developing young string players.

The Perlman Music Program, founded in 1995 by his wife, Toby, has helped foster hundreds of gifted young musicians through an intensive summer program on Long Island — the Perlmans, who have five children, live in nearby New York City — as well as a winter session in Sarasota.

Perlman, a faculty member at New York’s Juilliard School, also teaches full-time at the summer program.

Visit rollins.edu/wpi for more information.

— Harry Wessel

Fifty-five Novembers ago, Itzhak Perlman

made his first national TV appearance, performing Wieniawski’s “Polonaise Brillante” on The Ed Sullivan Show. He was 13.

Many child stars burn out by adulthood, but the violin virtuoso’s fame has only grown since that 1958 appearance. Although unable to walk since contracting polio at age 4, Perlman is a world traveler who spent most of last month on a concert tour through Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and China.

His world tour also includes a solo performance Nov. 6 at Sarasota’s Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

He’ll be leaving his Stradivarius behind, however, when he appears at the Alfond Sports Arena at Rollins College on Nov. 7. Instead, he’ll discuss his career, musical method and philosophy

FEED NEED the

PHOTO: LISA MARIE MAZZUCCO

A Violinist Visits, But Sans Violin

Presented by:

WINTER PARK

Join Us in Helping the Hungry Today, and Giving Hope for Tomorrow.

From November 1st to the 22nd, the Winter Park community is raising funds for Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. Join us in this effort by donating individually or forming a team with your family, friends, co-workers or neighbors.

In Partnership with:

TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE.

For more information, visit FeedtheNeedWP.org

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NOVEMBER 2013

10/14/13 10:38:17 AM

WHBM.COM THE MALL AT MILLENIA, 4O7.354.5792 VISIT OUR TEMPORARY LOCATION. LEVEL 2, NEAR BLOOMINGDALES #GIVECOMPLIMENTS

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10/15/13 9:18:11 AM

LIMELIGHT

theater

Henri Louis Grin really did live an inter-

esting life. That much is true. Between the time he was born poor on a Swiss farm in 1847 and died poor in London in 1921, he worked for a famous English actress; sailed to Australia, where he married and fathered seven children; abandoned his wife and kids for a seafaring life; and became a spiritualist in New Zealand.

But Grin’s life wasn’t nearly as interesting as that of the dashing, globe-trotting persona he created for himself in the late 1890s: Louis de Rougemont. As such, he wrote serialized “true stories” in London’s Wide World Magazine detailing his encounters with ship-devouring whirlpools, man-eating octopi, flying wombats and Australian aboriginals who worshipped him as a god.

These tallest of tall tales are at the heart of Shipwrecked! An Entertainment, which will be presented over two weekends — from Nov. 14 to Nov. 24 — at

the University of Central Florida’s Theatre UCF Main Stage.

While some Victorian readers were skeptical, many others defended the avowed adventurer. His celebrity betrayed him, however, when London reporters tracked down Grin’s abandoned wife in Australia. She identified “de Rougemont” as her errant spouse when shown published photos of him.

Nevertheless, the serialized articles, compiled and republished in 1899 as The Adventures of Louis de Rougemont, as Told by Himself were entertaining whether fiction or fact. Grin even made music-hall appearances billed as “The Greatest Liar on Earth.”

Visit theatre.cah.ucf.edu for more information.

— Harry Wessel

POSTER: ERIN LARTONOIX

He Was a Liar, Sure, But an Intriguing One

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NOVEMBER 2013

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Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre

December 19th-23rd

by the

NDO ORLA MONIC R A PHILHCHESTR A OR

Join us for our annual Nutcracker Tea December 21st 12:30PM Tickets available online or by calling 407-426-1739

Tickets Start at $30

Sponsored in part by

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10/10/13 2:42 PM 10/11/13 2:02:44 PM

DESIGN STYLE

fashion

Runway to Hope FASHION WEEK AT A RECHARGED MILLENIA MALL IS ALL ABOUT FALL.

by Marianne Ilunga

W

at Millenia — including renovations, relocations and the addition of Prada, YSL, Loft, Michael Kors and others to the fold — there was added excitement in the air as Josie and Mark NeJame (left) presided over Runway to Hope, the climax of this year’s Fashion Week. The fashion-centric fundraiser, co-founded by the NeJames, benefits the fight against pediatric cancer and has raised more than $3 million since 2010. The main stores featured in this year’s event were Neiman Marcus, Tory Burch, Salvatore Ferragamo and Jimmy Choo. Apparel from Bloomingdale’s accompanied the Jimmy Choo footwear. The celebrity host was fashion-model-turned-style-expert Lawrence Zarian (below), whose recent book, Ten Commandments for a Perfect Wardrobe, offers tips for women and men regarding selfimage, closet basics, accessorizing and faux pas. Zarian’s favorite fall trends: “Plaid is really important this fall. I love anything with texture, so velvet is a must. The No. 1 item to get is a leather motorcycle jacket. Every woman should invest in a velvet pantsuit, plaid or tartan pants or skirts, winter white and anything that makes you feel sexy.”

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Credits: styling by melanie pace, photographs by The Nielsens Photography & Design

ith so many changes afoot at The Mall

NOVEMBER 2013

10/15/13 11:53:45 AM

Red to Toe ORLANDO-LIFE.COM

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Red isn’t just for the holidays. It’s sophisticated and wearable all year round.

Red shoes, a red dress and a red clutch to pull it all together: Can’t do better. Plum, which accentuates the delicate yet striking effect of lace dresses, was a close runnerup on the Millenia runway.

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DESIGN STYLE

fashion

Fashion Zoo 22

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Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a jungle out there! Animal prints in an array of patterns and colors were on display in clothing as well as accessories such as scarves. For a casual chic look, leggings and tall boots have become de rigueur.

NOVEMBER 2013

10/11/13 2:05:53 PM

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DESIGN STYLE

fashion

Jacketed Style 24

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White shoes and white handbags are a staple, while color-blocked handbags remain popular.

Menswear has influenced womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s jackets, with oversized coats atop above-the-knee skirts. Allblack leather creates a rock-star look softened by colorful accessories such as printed scarves, colorful handbags and metallic shoes.

NOVEMBER 2013

10/11/13 2:06:09 PM

Meet the Masters. Rembrandt, Rubens & Gainsborough at the Orlando Museum of Art Your City.

Your Museum.

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10/11/13 2:06:18 PM

DESIGN STYLE

fashion

Leather Look 26

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Somewhere, James Dean is smiling. Leather was all the rage this year, for women and men.

Leather pants were a must, and leather accents highlighted jackets. The old-school bomber jacket made a strong comeback — did it ever really go away? — and pants were more tapered.

NOVEMBER 2013

10/11/13 2:06:30 PM

COLOR US GREEN Read Orlando Life anywhere, anytime on your iPad, Mac or PC, with nothing left to recycle.

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10/15/13 9:20:32 AM

10/15/13 9:23:26 AM

2013 SILVER SPOON AWARDS WHERE SHOULD YOU EAT NEXT? OH, DO WE HAVE IDEAS FOR YOU.

by Rona Gindin

photographs by Rafael Tongol

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NOVEMBER 2013

10/15/13 2:54:40 PM

O

rdinarily, we draft a panel of

A refurbished California Grill, with its spectacular view of Cinderella’s Castle, won in the Best Reinvented Restaurant category, while another Epcot establishment, Monsieur Paul, was the runner-up. Top: one of the most popular offerings at Monsieur Paul is red snapper in potato scales with rosemary sauce. Bottom: manager Philippe Girard with chef Francesco Santin, who has worked alongside the restaurant’s namesake, Paul Bocuse.

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experts to determine our annual Silver Spoon awards, which recognize excellence in cuisine and service among local dining establishments.This year, however, we cooked up something different.

Our panel consisted of what we like to call “civilians.” We found nine extremely well-versed Central Florida residents whose hobby is dining out, though “hobby” is putting it mildly.

They spend their spare hours and dollars sampling pastas, steaks, tacos and cakes at restaurant tables from Winter Garden to Winter Springs. They know their food, from Korean tacos to caviar.

They told us about their faves with passion. We reviewed their commentaries, tallied their votes and — ta-da! — our 2013 Silver Spoon winners list was ready to serve up. (For the judges’ identities and bios, see page 46.)

The favorites, we’re compelled to add, were wildly diverse. We did hear plenty about the usual headliners such as The Ravenous Pig, Luma on Park and Victoria & Albert’s. But these wideranging flavor-followers might park their hungry tushes at the local Chinese place one day, a new, highly themed Disney World restaurant the next.

Their collective wisdom is yet another testament to the expanse of gustatory options in Central Florida. (Though, as you will see, they were only too happy to weigh in about the region’s limitations, as well.)

We pared down the punctuation, but be aware that our judges were an enthusiastic lot, whose recommendations filled our in-boxes with quite a few fervent CAPITALIZATIONS and a flurry of downright convincing quadruple !!!!s. And so, as our judges might say, “ENJOY!!!!!”

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Epcot’s Monsieur Paul, which was redesigned for a more relaxed look than that of its somewhat stuffy predecessor, Bistro de Paris, was recognized in two categories — runner-up for Best Reinvented Restaurant, and first place as Best Theme Park Restaurant, High-End.

BEST NEW RESTAURANT Pharmacy

Restaurant Row’s New American speakeasy/rustic chic restaurant takes the prize for its deceptively simpleseeming small plates and entrées, plus Prohibition Era-style cocktails. “It’s the closest thing we have to a NYC Lower East Side establishment,” said one judge.

ALSO MENTIONED: Hamilton’s Kitchen; Santiago’s Bodega; Be Our Guest; Carmel Café & Wine Bar

BEST REINVENTED RESTAURANT California Grill

A refreshing, Mad Men-esque dining room, a creative California-style menu and added outdoor space for watching the Magic Kingdom fireworks made this Disney World eatery a near-unanimous choice among our panelists.

ALSO MENTIONED: Monsieur Paul

BEST NEIGHBORHOOD EATERIES n WINTER PARK Luma on Park

“Luma set the bar long ago, and is still the best,” was how one judge summed it up. “The food is always consistent, creative, seasonally fresh and prepared

Monsieur Paul’s black truffle soup earned Chef Paul Bocuse the medal of Commandeur de la Légion d’Honneur in 1975 at the presidential dinner at the Elysée Palace, 30

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NOVEMBER 2013

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Cask & Larder’s pimento cheese fries with pickled gypsy peppers are a lunch-hour specialty. They pair well with a flight of craft beers.

to perfection.” Said another: “The wait staff is knowledgeable, and there’s not a bad seat in the house,” including the chef’s table.

bar side has beautiful young people drinking martinis. In the dining room, middle-aged folks sip sangria and feast on all kinds of small plates.”

ALSO MENTIONED: The Ravenous Pig; Prato; Café de France; mi Tomatina Paella Bar

ALSO MENTIONED: Hawkers Asian Street Fare; Ánh Hông; Da Lan; King Cajun Crawfish; White Wolf Café

n COLLEGE PARK

n RESTAURANT ROW (TIE)

“Homey yet hip,” “consistently delicious,” “comfortable and inventive,” “friendly and knowledgeable.” So went the judges’ plaudits for a place offering upscale, eclectic meals in a welcoming old house with a wraparound porch and backyard garden.

Few local Italian restaurants can equal the authenticity you’ll find at Peperoncino, with its delicious dishes and its setting in atmospheric Dellagio Plaza.

This smallish eatery drew raves for its menu: “It changes every day, and all the food is made from scratch.”

n DOWNTOWN ORLANDO

Roy’s

ALSO MENTIONED: Kres Chophouse; Citrus

K Restaurant

ALSO MENTIONED: Infusion Tea; Adriatico Trattoria Italiana

n MILLS/50-LAKE IVANHOE Santiago’s Bodega

Virginia Avenue is home to this newcomer, which specializes in broadranging tapas offerings and “is already packed regularly,” as one judge noted.

And packed with a diverse crowd: “The ORLANDO-LIFE.COM

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Peperoncino

The Hawaiian-fusion cuisine of this destination restaurant earned kudos for “flavors of the islands, beautifully presented,” which will “transport you far from the concrete jungle that lies outside.” Noted one judge: “The staff will treat you like family, and the mai tais are not to be missed.”

ALSO MENTIONED: Chatham’s Place; Pammie’s Sammies; Ocean Prime; Seasons 52

The Rusty Spoon

This cozy gastropub, which offers European-influenced American cuisine, was crowned No. 1 because of its fresh, well-prepared food that “never disappoints,” with a vibe that’s “tasteful and simple” and “big city yet still cozy.”

n NEAR UCF Sushi Pop

“What a fun, fun place!” said one judge. “The sushi is wildly creative and so amazingly full of umami.” The wait staff, all agreed, is colorfully entertainORLANDO LIFE

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ing, “and you get to watch Japanese cartoons while you’re eating.” Bonus: there’s a “super-cool hibachi.”

ALSO MENTIONED: Maria Bonita; Jimmy Hula’s; Lazy Moon

n AUDUBON PARK GARDEN DISTRICT Blue Bird Bake Shop

Cupcakes, baked fresh daily in small batches, may not really be a meal. But don’t tell our judges that. Cupcakes, brownies, cookies, scones, muffins and other bakery fare — with a housebranded cup of Top Hat Coffee — is plenty, sometimes. “It’s not a meal, but it can be,” said one judge. Added another: “When someone is doing something this good, he or she deserves a prize.”

Seasonal Berry Melt with berries, brie, onions and spicy honey mustard will “leave you with a good feeling.” In other words, namaste and bon apétit.

ALSO MENTIONED: Il Pescatora; Beefy King

n THORNTON PARK Dexter’s

After years of accolades, this venerable Thornton Park hangout remains as popular as ever. “I always feel at home here, where a nice beer, a bowl of sweet-potato chips and some creative oversized entrée makes a tasty and reasonably priced dinner in a relaxed atmosphere,” said one judge.

ALSO MENTIONED: Shari Sushi; Dandelion Communitea Cafe

ALSO MENTIONED: Rainbow SnoCones

n MAITLAND

n MILK DISTRICT

It may look like “your typical neighborhood Italian restaurant,” yet it’s a cut above, according to the judges, thanks to a chef who prepares “good, layered, flavored authentic Italian.” Bonus: The

Pom Pom’s Teahouse & Sandwicheria

Judges love the “gourmet sandwiches with great karma.” Specifically, the 32

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With its stone walls and cozy booths, the Hawaiian-fusion Roy’s tied for first place as Best Restaurant on Restaurant Row.

Francesco’s Ristorante and Pizzeria

“delicious” chicken parmigiana is only $12.50.

ALSO MENTIONED: Lee’s Palace; Ravalia’s Pasta Bar

n WEST ORANGE

Chef’s Table at The Edgewater Hotel

Located in quaint downtown Winter Garden, this decidedly darling eatery, with its prix fixe three-course menus, is “a cozy, romantic step back in time when hospitality was just as important as the meal,” said one judge. Other judges appreciate the fact that “Chef Kevin Tarter will drop by your table.”

ALSO MENTIONED: Yellow Dog Eats; The Tasting Room; House Blend Café NOVEMBER 2013

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Roy’s Wagyu beef sliders helped the restaurant tie for Best Happy Hour Food. The mini burgers are topped with caramelized onions, chipotle aioli and garlic sweet potato fries.

BEST DISH, HIGH-END

Copper River King Salmon, Artist Point

This themed restaurant at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge celebrates the culinary heritage of the Pacific Northwest with its signature salmon entrée.

“People plan their vacations around this dish,” as one judge pointed out. It’s available seasonally.

ALSO MENTIONED: Seafood cioppino at Deep Blu Seafood Grille; Reconstructed lasagna at The Rusty Spoon

BEST DISH, AFFORDABLE

Brooklyn Water Bagels

Some of our judges have had their fill — figuratively and literally — of supermarket bagels. Now, however, they’ve found a suitable alternative: “New York bagels (really!) without the flight and hotel. Now that’s affordable!”

ALSO MENTIONED: Fried chicken and waffles at Hash House A Go Go; Squid with spicy pepper and salt at Lam’s Garden; Pad Thai at Tasty Thai Cuisine; Country ham mac ‘n’ cheese at Hamilton’s Kitchen; Grilled artichokes at Hillstone

BEST NEW CHEF

Christopher Windus, Hamilton’s Kitchen

“It’s the extra added little touches that make his dishes stand apart,” said one judge, citing as an example the daORLANDO-LIFE.COM

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til sauce served with his “delightful” shrimp and grits. Technically, Windus isn’t a “new” chef — he spent 10 years as executive chef of Todd English’s bluezoo at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel — but he is new to the Alfond Inn’s Old Florida-themed eatery.

Luma on Park and Prato; Norman Van Aken at Norman’s; Khalid Benghallem at The Venetian Room; Kevin Tarter at Chef’s Table at The Edgewater Hotel

ALSO MENTIONED: Loren Falson at Pharmacy and The Table Orlando

Formerly Del Frisco’s, this Winter Park institution has a faithful following.

“The atmosphere may be a little dated, but maybe that’s part of the charm,” said one judge. Another judge was unequivocal: “It serves the best steak dinner there is. Onion rings, house salad, filet with chauteau potatoes and a nice drink. There’s almost never room for dessert, but there’s always next time.”

BEST VETERAN CHEF Kathleen Blake, The Rusty Spoon

There is an embarrassment of culinary riches in this category, but the judges settle on Blake because, as one put it, “she was farm-to-table before it was cool.”

ALSO MENTIONED: Scott Hunnel at Victoria & Albert’s; James and Julie Petrakis at The Ravenous Pig and Cask & Larder; Brandon McGlamery at

BEST STEAKHOUSE

Christner’s Prime Steak & Lobster

ALSO MENTIONED: Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar; Morton’s The Steakhouse; The Capital Grille; Kres Chophouse; Linda’s La Cantina ORLANDO LIFE

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The Rusty Spoon got kudos as Best Farm-to-Table Restaurant and Best Downtown Orlando Restaurant. In addition, its Grown-Up s’more (top) was among the Best Dessert winners, and chef-owner Kathleen Blake (left) was named Best Veteran Chef.

BEST SUSHI

Nagoya Sushi

One man’s bait? Don’t roll out that old cliché in front of our judges, who awarded the gold ring to this small sushi bar, with locations in Dr. Phillips and Winter Springs. The sushi here, they say, is rolled into beautiful works of art, delighting both the eye and the palette.

ALSO MENTIONED: Shin; Hanamizuki; Shari Sushi; Sushi Pop; Amura

BEST FRENCH FRIES

Multiple Winners

Although no one mentioned McDonald’s, clearly our judges do, in fact, “want fries with that” at their favorite restaurants. The pimento cheese fries with pickled gypsy peppers at Cask & Larder were singled out, as were the garlic basil gruyere fries at The Fry Bar at the Winter Park Farmers’ Market. The old-school fries at humble Hot Dog Heaven were lauded as “crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, with a special salt that is very lightly flavored.” The hand-cut fries at The Rusty Spoon were favored in part because they come with “two dipping sauces, in case you don’t get enough calories from just the fries.” And as if there weren’t enough spud-centric selections, the truffle fries at Luma on Park were also roundly praised.

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BEST SEAFOOD Ocean Prime

Orlando isn’t so landlocked that you can’t find delicious, fresh seafood. And our judges say it’s hard to beat Ocean Prime, a supper-club style restaurant that also specializes in steak. “All entrées are very high quality, but the Chilean sea bass stands out because of the champagne truffle sauce,” said one judge. The same judge also lauded the pre-dinner cocktails, and said the “most refreshing” is the cucumber gimlet.

ALSO MENTIONED: Lee & Rick’s Oyster Bar; Deep Blu Seafood Grille; Winter Park Fish Co.

BEST FARM-TO-TABLE The Rusty Spoon

Farm-to-table dining is a rapidly spreading trend in the culinary world, and has many adherents locally. But for our judges’ money, this selection was easy. “No discussion!” said one, pointing out that chef-owner Kathleen Blake has “created relationships with farms to grow and raise food for her restaurant.”

ALSO MENTIONED: Dandelion Communitea Cafe; Cask & Larder; alFresco’s; Fresh; K Restaurant, The Smiling Bison

BEST WINE LIST

Luma on Park

This category also boasted many contenders, but ultimately Luma on Park stood out because it offers “a variety of spectacular wines from around the world, at every price point.” Plus, noted one judge, “if you don’t know what you’d like, the wait staff is well trained to help.”

ALSO MENTIONED: Capital Grille; Eola Wine Company; Carmel Café & Wine Bar

BEST FRIENDLY FACE

Andy Riddle, The Ravenous Pig

Riddle was described as a “very personORLANDO-LIFE.COM

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Rocco’s Italian Grille, which tied for Best Italian Restaurant, offers many authentic Italian dishes, including Pappardelle alla Toscana: ribbons of pasta tossed with garlic, artichoke hearts, mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes, then topped with arugula and shaved parmigiano. able bartender” who not only advises his customers on remodeling but also has a “loyal customer base, which has followed him from the Flying Fish to Seasons 52 to The Ravenous Pig.” ALSO MENTIONED: Chris Pruitt, Luma on Park; Karen Jemison, K Restaurant

BEST SERVICE, HIGH-END Multiple Winners

Capital Grille tallied up plenty of points for service. “It’s one of the few restaurants I’ve eaten in five-plus times and never been disappointed in,” said one judge. But others felt just as strongly about AAA Five Diamond Victoria & Albert’s, The Venetian Room and Le Coq Au Vin, which charmed the judges with their polished “old-school” style.

BEST SERVICE, AFFORDABLE Multiple Winners

Hillstone, which “prides itself” on its tableside manner, was a judges’ favorite in this category. Also earning praise was IHOP — specifically the location on Lee Road — “because they are quick, accurate and supremely friendly,” as well as The Ravenous Pig, K Restaurant, Café de France and Tasty Thai Cuisine.

BEST SMALL-PLATES RESTAURANT Multiple Winners

Three-way deadlock! Our judges couldn’t choose between Santiago’s Bodega (“Every dish I’ve had here has been scrumptious, and the atmosphere is lively and friendly”); mi Tomatina Paella Bar (“I love the traditional and creative Spanish tapas); and The TastORLANDO LIFE

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Cocktails reminiscent of the Prohibition era helped propel Pharmacy to Best New Restaurant status.

ing Room (“There’s an ever-changing menu offering a variety of small plates”).

ALSO MENTIONED: Le Rouge Wine Bar; Hawkers Asian Street Fare; Carmel Café & Wine Bar

BEST OUTDOOR DINING Multiple Winners

It seems our judges dine alfresco for different reasons. Two prefer Hillstone, located on Lake Killarnery, “for the combination of the food and view” and because “the lake sunset is just magical.” For just the view, another opted for Spice Modern Steakhouse on iconic Lake Eola in downtown Orlando. For “amazing people watching,” it’s 310 Park South, while a “real city” feel” is available at Armando’s in Hannibal Square, where “you can hear the music from neighboring establishments” while dining “under the moonlit sky.”

ALSO MENTIONED: Rocco’s Tacos & Tequila Bar; Urban Flats; The Greek Corner

BEST CHINESE

Chuan Lu Garden

Chuan Lu “offers just what we chiliheads have been searching for — wonderful Szechuan dishes seasoned with the right amount of heat to burn, in a euphoric kind of way,” said one judge.

“It has a huge menu with something for everyone, even wimps.”

ALSO MENTIONED: Lam’s Garden; Tasty Wok; Winnie’s Oriental Garden; U & Me; Magic Wok; Lee’s Palace 36

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NOVEMBER 2013

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BEST VIETNAMESE Ánh Hông

Every Vietnamese restaurant has its specialty and a variety of eateries, in the ViMi District and elsewhere, earned kudos from our judges. A consensus finally developed around Ánh Hông, which was praised for its “wallet-friendly, flavor-packed” foods like Vietnamese carpaccio, noodle soups and make-your-own summer rolls.

ALSO MENTIONED: Da Lan; Viet Garden; Pho Hoa; Pho Vinh

BEST THAI

Tasty Thai Cuisine

This family-owned eatery offers some of Orlando’s most authentic Pan-Asian cuisine, including massaman curry, pad thai and tom kha gai coconut milk soup. The judges like the fact that they can order “truly hot Thai food,” especially “red curry chicken to die for.”

ALSO MENTIONED: NaraDeva; Sea Thai ORLANDO-LIFE.COM

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California Grille’s wood-fired oven is the one original piece of equipment remaining in the Best Reinvented Restaurant. Top, the new Midcentury Modern California Grill dining room.

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T f S b

2013 Readers’ Choice Awards Your vote counts, too! Orlando Life’s Readers’ Choice survey, sent via email and posted online, gave you a chance to dish out your opinions. Here are your picks for your favorite dining places in the following categories: New Establishment 1. Carmel Café & Wine Bar 2. Pharmacy 3. RusTeak Breakfast Place 1. First Watch (multiple locations) 2. KeKe’s Breakfast Café (multiple locations) 3. Cracker Barrel (multiple locations) Late Night Place 1. Raglan Road 2. Urban Flats (multiple locations) 3. Maxine’s on Shine Wine List 1. The Venetian Room 2. Victoria & Albert’s 3. Luma on Park

Th 1

Dessert 1. Dessert Lady 2. Seasons 52 3. Le Coq Au Vin Service 1. Victoria & Albert’s 2. The Venetian Room 3. Café de France Server 1. Shaun Jones, Victoria & Albert’s 2. Kelcy Ward, Prato 3. Matthew Schwemmer, Café de France Chef 1. Brandon McGlamery, Luma on Park, Prato 2. Scott Hunnel, Victoria & Albert’s 3. Nathaniel Russell, Café de France

The Ravenous Pig’s Andy Riddle is such a popular bartender that fans drink where ever he’s mixing and shaking.

BEST INDIAN

Start with the assorted appetizer platter, then have the chicken saagwala, the lamb vindaloo or the spinach-cheese paneer at Memories of India, which has been “scratch-preparing aromatic specialties for many years.”

boundary between Europe and Asia.

This particular Bosphorous is much more accessible, located on Park Avenue in Winter Park and in the Dr. Phillips Marketplace. There, lovers of exotic cuisine enjoy oversized lavash and praise the “great food and great ambiance.”

ALSO MENTIONED: Tabla Bar & Grill; Tamarind

ALSO MENTIONED: Aladdin’s Cafe; Cedar’s; Pasha Taverna & Lounge

BEST MIDDLE EASTERN

BEST ITALIAN

Fun fact! The Bosphorus, also referred to as the Istanbul Strait, forms the

Rocco’s Italian Grille & Bar and Peperoncino were “neck in neck,” said one

Memories of India

Bosphorous

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Th to

Multiple Winners

NOVEMBER 2013

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THANKFUL for DINNER SURROUNDED

by FAMILY. Thursday, November 28 11am - 7pm This year, spend the holiday at Rosen Centre’s Thanksgiving Buffet. With everything from turkey and stuffing to decadent desserts, our buffet gives you more time to enjoy what matters most — friends and family.

$39.95 per person* $16.95 kids 4-12* Children 3 & under eat free To view the menu, visit RosenCentre.com/Thanksgiving.

Call 407.996.2385 for reservations. *Pricing does not include tax or gratuity.

9840 International Drive | Orlando, FL 32819 13-ROC-097 ORLANDO LIFE NOV 2013.indd 1

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RosenCentre.com 10/7/13 9:33 AM

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Appetizers 1. Tasting Room at Chef’s Table 2. Café de France 3. Cítricos Cocktail 1. White Linen at Luma on Park 2. Manhattan Fizz at Pharmacy 3. Watermelon Granita at Carmel Café & Wine Bar Beer 1. World of Beer (multiple locations) 2. Cask & Larder 3. Moon Cricket Grille Deli 1. TooJay’s (multiple locations) 2. Publix (multiple locations) 3. Cavallari Gourmet Pizza 1. Mellow Mushroom (multiple locations) 2. Flippers Pizzeria (multiple locations) 3. Anthony’s Pizza

judge. “Both offer beautiful authentic family recipes with plenty of heart and soul.” Rocco’s food is “fresh and deliciously prepared,” added another, who recommended the beef tenderloin with gorgonzola and the gnocchi.

Peperoncino’s food, the judges agreed, is “creative” and “finely crafted with love.” Enzo’s on the Lake is “singular for its high-quality food, romantic atmosphere and pretty lake view,” while at Prato you’ll always find “amazing, handmade, interesting, surprising, enlightening pastas.”

ALSO MENTIONED: Ariatico Trattoria Italiana, Il Pescatore.

BEST FRENCH

Le Coq Au Vin

Long a special-occasion staple, Le Coq

Au Vin’s casual country French menu and cozy — dare we say cluttered?

—ambience has made it a perennial favorite among longtime locals, including our judges, who lauded its “excellent food and charming traditions.” Try the salad laitue et noix, bronzed fish and chocolate soufflé for “perfection.”

ALSO MENTIONED: Café De France; Le Café De Paris

BEST FOOD TRUCK

Gator Country BBQ

One of our judges abstained from voting in this category, exclaiming: “OMG — like I eat out of a truck!”

The rest, apparently, do. “One of the few trucks that isn’t a gimmick,” said another judge regarding the winning four-wheeler. “This truck has the best

“BEST ITALIAN” — 2013 Silver Spoon Awards

LIKE us on Facebook for a chance to win dinner for two.

Book Now for your HOLIDAY PARTIES! 40

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W inter Park 400 South Orlando Avenue s 407-644-7770 Reservations online at www.roccositaliangrille.com NOVEMBER 2013 10/15/13 10:43:52 AM

10/15/13 12:17:49 PM

food I’ve eaten — amazing burgers, cool gator bites, and a little bit of everything else.”

ALSO MENTIONED: Korean BBQ Taco Box

BEST FOR ROMANCE Multiple Winners

It seems our food-fiends take their tête-à-têtes to different tables all over town. One gets in the mood at Chatham’s Place, another at a “dark and moody back table” at Kres Chophouse. Yet another swears by Enzo’s on the Lake, saying: “I can’t think of a prettier site or a more delicious meal for the big proposal, a date night or a couples night out.” But this category would be incomplete without a tip of the hat to über-fine-dining favorite Victoria & Albert’s.

ALSO MENTIONED: Chef’s Table at the Edgewater Hotel; The Venetian Room; Luma on Park

BEST DESSERT

Multiple Winners

How sweet they are! La Luce’s butterscotch pudding is “so good, it has its own Facebook page,” one judge pointed out. Other delightful delicacies recommended by the judges were Nelore Churrascaria’s Brigadiero, Peterbrooke Chocolatier’s Refrigerator truffles, The Rusty Spoon’s Grownup s’more, and Hamilton Kitchen’s Bourbon caramel sundae, described as “decadent, luscious sin in a glass.”

BEST RETAIL BAKERY (TIE) Sister Honey’s

As one judge put it, Sister Honey’s baked goods are “yum covered with an icing of yum, filled with gooey rich yumminess.”

Croissant Gourmet

The judges were, not surprisingly, especially partial to Croissant Gourmet’s ORLANDO-LIFE.COM

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Orlando Life Magazine STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP 2013 Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation, PS Form 3526-R. 1.) Publication title: Orlando Life Magazine (ISSN 2326 2478). 2.) Publication Number: 0000-0140. 3.) Filing Date: September 26, 2013. 4.) Issue Frequency: Monthly. 5.) Number of Issues Published Annually: 12. 6.) Annual Subscription Price: Free. 7.) Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: 2700 Westhall Lane, Suite 128, Maitland, FL 32751-9998; Contact Person: Diana Clenney. Telephone: (941) 487-1136. 8.) Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher: 330 South Pineapple Ave., Suite 205, Sarasota, FL 34236-7032. 9.) Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor and Managing Editor: Randy Noles, Group Publisher; Michael McLeod, Editor; Harry Wessel, Managing Editor; 2700 Westhall Lane, Suite 128, Maitland, FL 32751-9998. 10.) Owner: Florida Home Media, LLC, 2700 Westhall Lane, Suite 128, Maitland, FL 32751-998. 11.) Known Bondholders, Mortgagees and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities: None. 12.) N/A. 13.) Publication Title: Orlando Life Magazine. 14.) Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: October 2013. 15.) Extent and Nature of Circulation: Average Number of Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months; Number of Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: A.) Total Number of Copies: Average: 11,015; Actual: 10,296.

B.) Legitimate Paid and/or Requested Distribution: 5,566. 1) Outside County Paid/Requested Mail Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541: Average: 5,566; Actual: 4,905. 2.) In-County Paid/Requested Mail Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541: Average: 0; Actual: 0. 3.) Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Paid or Requested Distribution Outside USPS: Average: 114; Actual: 97. 4.) Requested Copies Distributed by Other Mail Classes Through the USPS: Average: 0; Actual: 0. C.) Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation: Average: 5,680; Actual: 5,002. D.) Nonrequested Distribution: 1.) Outside County Nonrequested Copies Stated on PS Form 3541: Average: 3,579; Actual: 3,564. 2.) In-County Nonrequested Copies Stated on PS Form 3541: Average: 0; Actual: 0. 3.) Nonrequested Copies Distributed Through the USPS by Other Classes of Mail: Average: 0; Actual: 0. 4. Nonrequested Copies Distributed Outside the Mail: Average: 645; Actual: 645. E.) Total Nonrequested Distribution: Average: 4,224; Actual: 4,209. F.) Total Distribution: Average: 9,904; Actual: 9,211. G.) Copies Not Distributed: Average: 1,111; Actual: 1,085. H.) Total: Average: 11,015; Actual: 10,296. I.) Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation: Average: 57%; Actual: 53%. 16.) Publication of Statement of Ownership for a Requester Publication is required and will be printed in the November 2013 issue of this publication. 17.) Signature and Title of Business Manager: Pamela A. Flanagan, Vice President. Date: September 26, 2013.

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Burger 1. Five Guys (multiple locations) 2. Graffiti Junktion (multiple locations) 3. BurgerFi (multiple locations) Buffet 1. Boma 2. Sweet Tomatoes (multiple locations) 3. Fogo de Chão Coffee 1. Starbucks (multiple locations) 2. Axum 3. Barnie’s (multiple locations) Sushi 1. Seito (two locations) 2. Shari 3. Aji Happy Hour 1. Carmel Café & Wine Bar 2. Urban Flats (multiple locations) 3. Big Fin Seafood Kitchen Date Place 1. The Venetian Room 2. Maxine’s on Shine 3. Luma on Park African 1. Boma 2. Jiko 3. Sanaa American 1. Seasons 52 (multiple locations) 2. Urban Flats (multiple locations) 3. California Grill BBQ 1. 4 Rivers Smokehouse (multiple locations) 2. Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q (multiple locations) 3. Bubbalou’s Bodacious BBQ (multiple locations) Brazilian 1. Texas de Brazil 2. Fogo de Chão 3. Nelore Churrascaria Caribbean 1. Bahama Breeze (multiple locations) 2. Puerto Rico’s Cafe 3. Singh’s Roti

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Judges named chef-owner Kevin Fonzo’s K Restaurant the Best Restaurant in College Park.

croissants, as well as its blueberry tarts and aptly named Wonderful Chocolate.

ALSO MENTIONED: Shari Sushi; Ocean Prime; Fishbones

ALSO MENTIONED: Yalaha Bakery; Charlie’s Bakery; Blue Bird Bake Shop

BEST CRAFT BEER SELECTION

BEST HAPPY HOUR FOR FOOD Multiple Winners

Let’s just say our judges were surprisingly well-versed on happy-hour food and speculate no further. Ruth’s Chris Steak House was praised for its “great prices, cool foods,” while Roy’s won acclaim for its “$6 Wagyu beef sliders, lobster potstickers, spicy tuna roll, shrimp rolls and short rib tacos, all ridiculously delicious.” And don’t forget Carmel Café & Wine Bar’s chickpea fries, which one judge described as “sooooo good.”

Cask & Larder

Ron Raike, who has more than 20 years of beer-making experience, is one of just a handful of brewmasters statewide to complete the Cicerone Certification Program (a Cicerone is like a sommelier, except for beer). So it’s no wonder that his employer, Cask & Larder, earned praise from the judges for its combination of house brews and choice outsiders brought in from boutique producers.

ALSO MENTIONED: Red Eye Bar and Grill; Jax 5th Avenue Deli & Ale House; Imperial Wine Bar & Beer Garden NOVEMBER 2013

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BEST DĂ&#x2030;COR

Multiple Winners

Our judges enjoy good food, but they generally prefer to enjoy it in a welldesigned setting. Hannibalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on the Square was deemed â&#x20AC;&#x153;fancy, modern and interesting;â&#x20AC;? Normanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s was described as â&#x20AC;&#x153;the prettiest, most sophisticated and understatedly elegant restaurant in Orlando,â&#x20AC;? while Deep Blu Seafood Grille was called â&#x20AC;&#x153;hip yet elegant, a perfect balance of soothing hues, exciting accents, perfect lighting and comfortable seats.â&#x20AC;?

(albeit with a co-winner this year).

The elegant ambiance and the Modern American cuisine (despite the European implication of the name) has earned it AAAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Five Diamond Award, the only Orlando restaurant to be so designated.

The Venetian Room at the Caribe Royale Hotel

BEST HOTEL OR RESORT RESTAURANT, HIGH-END (TIE)

Just one AAA diamond behind V&A but every bit its equal in the hearts of some of our judges, this romantic restaurant, known for its classically continental cuisine (despite the Italian implication of the name), is celebrating its 10th anniversary.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Of courseâ&#x20AC;? V&A topped this category

ALSO MENTIONED: Emerilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tchop Chop at the Royal Pacific Resort; BiCE at the Portofino Bay Hotel

Victoria & Albertâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s at Disneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Grand Floridian

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BEST HOTEL OR RESORT RESTAURANT, MODERATE

Boma at Disneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Animal Kingdom

You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t care for buffets? Give this one a try, say the judges. The food, which features a variety of meats, fish and vegetarian items based on African dishes, is â&#x20AC;&#x153;adventurous and flavorful.â&#x20AC;?

ALSO MENTIONED: The BĂśsendorfer Lounge at the Grand Bohemian; Sanaa at Disneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Animal Kingdom; Mama Dellaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s at the Portofino Bay Hotel

BEST THEME PARK RESTAURANT, HIGH-END

Monsieur Paul at Epcot

One judge paid this theme-park restaurant perhaps the highest possible compliment: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The French wait staff

SOUTHERN KITCHEN

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Chinese 1. Winnie’s Oriental Garden 2. Imperial Dynasty 3. Tasty Wok Creole 1. Tibby’s New Orleans Kitchen 2. King Cajun Crawfish 3. The Big Easy Cuban 1. Black Bean Deli 2. Padrino’s 3. Numero Uno French 1. Café de France 2. Le Coq au Vin 3. Chez Vincent German 1. Hollerbach’s Willow Tree 2. Emmy’s Time Out 3. Bauern-Stube Greek 1. Taverna Opa 2. Greek Flame Taverna 3. Athena’s Grill Indian 1. Raga 2. Memories of India 3. Woodlands Irish 1. Raglan Road 2. Fiddler’s Green 3. Claddagh Cottage Italian 1. Prato 2. Buca di Beppo (multiple locations) 3. Enzo’s on the Lake Japanese 1. Kobé (multiple locations) 2. Amura 3. Dragonfly Korean 1. Seoul Garden 2. Korea House 3. Shin Jung Mexican 1. Paco’s 2. Garibaldi 3. Agave Azul Middle Eastern 1. Cedar’s 2. Bosphorous 3. Marrakesh

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Chris Windus’ devotion to American classics at Hamilton’s Kitchen merited him a Best New Chef tag.

will make you think you’re not in a theme park.” Added another: “The food is awesome and, if you’re lucky, you’ll snag a window seat to watch the fireworks.”

ALSO MENTIONED: Emeril’s Orlando at Universal Studios

BEST THEME PARK RESTAURANT, MODERATE

Sharks Underwater Grille at Sea World

If sharks don’t make you nervous — you’ll be dining right next to a huge tank swimming with them — then the judges say you’ll enjoy this nautically themed eatery, especially if you bring the kids along. With a setting like this, the food doesn’t have to be anything

special — and yet, according to the judges, it is.

ALSO MENTIONED: Mama Melrose’s at Disney’s Hollywood Studios; The Crystal Palace at Walt Disney World

BEST THEME PARK RESTAURANT, QUICK BITE Multiple Winners

When our judges are schlepping family around Epcot and don’t have time for a leisurely sit-down meal, they head for the Yorkshire County Fish Shop, particularly for its “crunchy fish and chips.” Plus they recommend “any food from the booths at the Epcot Food & Wine Festival, especially the escargot in France, which provide “the best three quick bites ever.” n NOVEMBER 2013

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Seafood 1. Oceanaire Seafood Room 2. Big Fin Seafood Kitchen 3. Ocean Prime

BEST DINING EXPERIENCE THAT ORLANDO LACKS

Not to end on a downer, but we owed it to our civilian foodies to give them a chance to vent about what they can’t find in this town. Here’s a selection of what they’d like to find in their Christmas stockings: “A place that serves great huevos rancheros.”

“A spot like Caviar Russe in NYC with top chef-type caviar–infused foods with champagne offerings pages long.”

“Supper clubs like the old Pinkie Lee’s, where you can get not only an incredible meal but also world-class entertainment.”

“French bistros like Balthazar, casual restaurants with adventurous cuisine like Alder, and [cutting edge] Asian restaurants similar to Momofuku in NYC.” “We don’t have even one really amazing American bakery with artisan breads, cookies and cakes.”

Steakhouse 1. Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse 2. Christner’s Prime Steak & Lobster 3. The Capital Grille Thai 1. Thai Thani (multiple locations) 2. Orchid Thai 3. Thai Blossom Vegetarian 1. Dandelion Communitea Café 2. Ethos Vegan Kitchen 3. Chamberlin’s Market & Café (multiple locations) Vietnamese 1. Little Saigon 2. Ánh Hông 3. Viet Garden

“New restaurants that are original rather than copies of food styles that originated in other cities.”

Start a new holiday tradition by dining at Winter Park’s newest restaurant, Hamilton’s Kitchen at The Alfond Inn. Offering traditional themed dinners on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Reservations requested

Serving daily: breakfast 7-10 am, Lunch 11:30-2:00 pm and Dinner 6-10 pm

The Alfond Inn 300 East New England Avenue, Winter Park, FL 407-998-8089 www.thealfondinn.com ORLANDO-LIFE.COM Hamilton Kitchen .5 OL.indd 1

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MEET THE JUDGES

Jack Biggers and Brenda Giles, retired air-traffic controllers, have been taking Orlando’s restaurants seriously ever since they married and moved to Winter Park 20 years ago. They favor food that reminds them of earlier, earthier days. “We’re both Southerners who grew up in a time when everything was ‘farm to table’ and made by ‘artisans,’” says Brenda.

April Boykin is a social worker living in Winter Garden. An ambitious home cook and avid baker, she dines out several nights a week. She’s especially keen on Greek and southern European cuisines.

John Hampton is an Orlando investment advisor who blames his passion for fine food on his father. “When I was only 4 years old, he insisted on taking me to one of the stuffiest fine-dining establishments in the country at that time, Le Bec-Fin. My mom thought it was ridiculous and was proven right when I spilled an entire glass of red wine on my father’s brand-new silk suit.”

Chele Hipp is a Winter Park homemaker and retired lawyer.

“I’m a lot more selective on my restaurant fare these days,” she says. “My current favorite experience is anything with a very high Zagat food rating and a very low Zagat décor rating — supremely excellent food in humble surroundings.”

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Judi Wallace, of Orlando, is a native Midwesterner, raised in a food-loving family on good beef and excellent cabernet. She spent more than a decade on the board of directors of the Alliance of Sommeliers doing wine tastings and dinners. Her travels to Europe have broadened her understanding and appreciation of varied cuisines.

Wendy Wallenberg travels internationally as a stylist and producer with minnichphoto. com. The Orlando resident grew up in Washington, D.C., where she lived in a multicultural neighborhood. “I learned to appreciate the spiciness of Indian cuisine, the comforting meat and potatoes my Irish neighbors shared, the subtle sweetness of bottom-of-the-pan burnt cherries in Persian food.”

SIX ORLANDO LOCATIONS • www.toojays.com

Amy Winslow, who works at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Dr. Phillips, grew up in a family that celebrated food. Today she watches Cooking Channel shows regularly with her teenage girls.

Favorite recent food experiences include a food tour of New York’s Greenwich Village and dinner at Iron Chef Alexandra Guarnaschelli’s renowned restaurant, Butter.

Herbert Woodbury, an Osceola County real-estate investor, dines out “almost every night.”

A wine connoisseur partial to California cabernets, he also favors “good happy-hour deals.”

When a menu isn’t in English, “I’ll often ask the chef to send out something special, or pick something unknown with the attitude that if locals can eat it, so can I.”

ORLANDO-LIFE.COM

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Thank you, Orlando The Venetian Room is proud to be voted a 2013 Silver Spoon award winner. We look forward to serving you for many years to come.

thevenetianroom.com 407-238-8060

ORLANDO LIFE

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PEOPLE & PLACES

with paula

Shake-ing It Up

I

A QUARTER CENTURY DEVOTED TO THE BARD. But honestly, the most heartwarming part of all was to scan the audience and make a mental note of all the Shakes stalwarts: über-donors John and Rita Lowndes, Ken and Trisha Margeson, Frank Santos and Dan Dantin; board member Bryce West; and the gala’s chair, Patricia Strasberg — not to mention Orange County Commissioner Ted Edwards and Orlando City Commissioner Robert Stuart.

n my mind, it seemed like the classiest dinner theater in

town — although, technically, it was billed as Orlando Shakespeare Theater’s 25th Anniversary Gala.

Let’s start with the dinner, because, let’s face it, who in their right mind passes up a chance to belly up to the bard?

Laid out in the lobby of the company’s multi-theater complex in Loch Haven Park on that star-struck night were culinary wonders supplied by Bubbalou’s Bodacious BBQ, Dexter’s Restaurants of Orlando, Puff-n-Stuff Event Catering and Rosen Hotels.

Now the theater: Once our glorious grazing was done, we glided on down to the Margeson Theater, where first we enjoyed entertaining reminiscences about the evolution of one of the city’s most important cultural institutions from some of the folks who had a hand in it: Shakes Artistic Director Jim Helsinger, University of Central Florida President John Hitt, Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs and attorney Suzanne E. Gilbert, president of the Shakes board.

Then we watched former SunTrust CEO Tom Yochum play auctioneer. He’s a powerful guy, but couldn’t stop his wife, Penny (what a great name for a banker’s wife), from outbidding everyone else when she was so inclined.

We enjoyed all that plus a scene from the Shakes’ Wild West-set production of Taming of the Shrew (Geoffrey Kent and Deanna Gibson made a perfectly pugilistic match as a cowpoke version of Petruchio and Kate).

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LA MASCHERA

“I’m the madam of the Mardi Gras,” said Donna Dowless, chairwoman of the Downtown Orlando Arts District. She certainly looked the part, in a lazy, lacy black confection.

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer was the perfect Southern gentleman in a straw hat and dapper summer suit. Orlando attorney Jim Lussier was debonair, dressy and dreadlocked as a swashbuckling pirate.

Meanwhile, Ron Legler, president of the Florida Theatrical Association, made a loquacious lobster. Or so we thought, until he informed us that he was a crawfish. The daddy crawfish!

All this masquerading was at the heart and soul of La

1. Loyal Orlando Shakes supporters celebrate its 25th year 2. University of Central Florida President John Hitt 3. Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs

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1. Florida Theatrical Association President Ron Legler 2. Downtown Orlando Arts District Chairwoman Donna Dowless 3. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer 4. United Arts of Central Florida President/CEO Flora Maria Garcia 5. Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan Maschera, a Mardi Gras-themed, come-as-you-aren’t benefit at The Abbey, that charming theatrical/nightclubby venue near Lake Eola. The event, which featured heavy hors d’oeuvres and the New Orleans jazz music of the Buzz Cats, was the district’s annual fundraising party, with proceeds helping to fund public art, theater and venues in downtown Orlando.

10TH ANNIVERSARY PLAYER’S BALL

Fresh from his appearance at the 2013 Video Music Awards, ’N Sync alumnus Chris Kirkpatrick joined local on-air personality Jana from XL106.7 to host the 10th annual Player’s Ball benefiting the Bridges of Light Foundation at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando.

Bridges of Light provides mentoring and educational programs for at-risk children in Central Florida. Stacey Papp, Orlando sweetheart and owner of Bay Hill Jewelers, with stores in Dr. Phillips and Park Avenue, is founder of the charity, and calls on her local celebrity friends to come out and support it.

I never miss a chance to talk with former New York Yankee Johnny Damon, who went to Dr. Phillips High School and still calls Windermere home. He and his wife, Michelle, are regulars at the Players Ball.

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I pretty much ran with arms wide open into Creed stars Mark Tremonti, Scott Phillips and Brian Marshall, and got the inside scoop on the fall tour schedule for their other popular band, Alter Bridge.

And of course, no Orlando party is complete without Orlando Magic Community Ambassador Bo Outlaw on hand.

After the silent auction, the lights went out, music came up and the casino action went on until all hours of the night. Many guests stayed over at the Waldorf and made a weekend of it.

EVENING IN THE GROVE

As a native Floridian, I’ve had my fair share of fresh-squeezed lemonade — and the smell of orange blossoms always takes me back to the grove behind my grandmother’s house. So when I walked into the Sheraton Orlando North for the Art & History Museums – Maitland Evening in the Grove Gala, I felt right at home.

Models doubling as “living trees” talked to guests as they walked by, and the rows of orange, lemon and lime tables for the silent auction were neatly planted with over-the-top items.

This unique themed event has been a staple on the fall-ball calendar for years: The A&H honors an individual, family or business that has made a significant, positive impact on Central Florida history. This year the honor went to A. Duda & Sons.

1. Chris Kirkpatrick and Jana from XL 106.7 2. Johnny Damon, Rock Band Creed Alumni Mark Tremonti, Scott Phillips, Brian Marshall 3. Stacey Papp, Bridges of Light founder, with husband, Bill

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PEOPLE AND PLACES

with paula

1. Andrea Bailey Cox, Jose Fajardo 2. Maitland Mayor Howard Schieferdecker and Jolene Schieferdecker, Nikki Seybold, Orange County Commissioner Ted Edwards 3. Jackie Brockington, Duncan DeWahl 4. Stacy and Danny Mello

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Duda has deep roots — literally and figuratively — in Central Florida, planting its first celery crop here in 1926 and growing into an international leader in agribusiness.

But it’s also a leader in community involvement and, more recently, the promotion of healthy lifestyles. Jose Fajardo, executive vice president at Orlando, Inc. (Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce), and Jackie Brockington from Central Florida News 13, made a dynamic duo as emcees and auctioneers.

FLORIDA HOSPITAL TRANSPLANT INSTITUTE 40TH ANIVERSARY Long before the Amway Center and well before the Citrus Bowl — since 1911 to be exact — the Country Club of Orlando has hosted celebrations for important milestones.

The Florida Hospital Transplant Institute, for example, recently celebrated its 40th Anniversary Gala at the club, with proceeds benefiting the under-construction Transplant House on the shores of Lake Winyah.

This Florida Hospital Orlando facility will serve as a home away from home for patients who are in the area for solid-organ transplants as well as recovery following a ventricular assist device implant.

Did you know that Orlando is home to one of the strongest organ-transplant programs in the U.S.? It was no secret to the sold-out room full of surgeons, doctors and community leaders who came to honor the Institute’s four decades of service.

I got to spend some time with the innovative team from Mazor Robotics, an international robotic-surgery company that recently moved its world headquarters from Israel to Orlando.

I also connected with representatives of JLR Medical Group, an Orlando anesthesiology practice that recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, as well as representatives from Celgene, the multinational biotechnology company. n

THERE’S MORE ONLINE

Using your mobile device, scan the QR code or go to orlando-life.com and see more pictures and stories from these and other events held throughout Central Florida.

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1. Dr. Joe Warren, Dr. Barbara Czerska, Cheryl Bartch, Kristen Knight 2. Leigh Ann Burgess, Eric Stevens, Dr. Bob Metzger, Dr. Jeanne Day, Dr. Don Jablonski, Dr. Jim Porterfield Native Floridian Paula Wyatt is an Orlando event planner, socialmedia expert and entrepreneur whose companies include Posh Able Events, Posh Able Image Builders and the nonprofit Posh Abilities.

You can reach her at paula@poshableevents.com.

NOVEMBER 2013

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REMOD E L ORLANDO

VISION AND CREATIVITY PHOTO: EVERETT & SOULÉ

This contemporary living room with a gorgeous lake view is just one spectacular component of Orlando Life’s 2013 Remodeled Home of the Year. The judges awarded first place to Phil Kean Design Group, second place to Farina & Sons and third place to Lamar Design in a very tight competition. For more on the winning homes, see the accompanying story.

PUBLISHED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE REMODEL AND DESIGN COUNCIL OF THE HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF METRO ORLANDO

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REMODEL

Remodel and Design Council

MEMBER DIRECTORY

The companies listed below are members of the Remodel/Design Council of the Home Builders Association of Metro Orlando. Their membership is an indicator of their commitment to professionalism, continuing education and customer satisfaction. For more information about the council, call the HBA at 407-629-9242 or visit hbaofmetroorlando.com.

YOU CAN COUNT ON THESE PROS

Welcome to the second edition of Remodel Orlan-

do. As chair of the Remodel and Design Council, I’m excited about this special section and about our new partnership with Orlando Life.

The council is part of the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Metro Orlando. The HBA, one of the area’s largest and oldest trade associations, has been recognized for 60 years as the voice of Central Florida’s housing industry.

Our purpose is to educate the public, promote the industry, take a proactive role in governmental and regulatory issues and provide programs and services that enhance our members’ ability to do business in a professional and competent manner.

Professionalism is why the businesses listed to the right are the ones you want to consult before remodeling your home. By being council members, these builders, designers and suppliers have shown their commitment to making your project — and every project they tackle — the best that it can be.

I hope you enjoy the articles and photographs in Remodel Orlando. I look forward to upcoming issues, where you’ll see more projects highlighted and more information on home improvements and the people who make them happen.

In the meantime, if you’re considering a remodel project, check with the HBA to make sure that the company you plan on using is state-licensed for your safety and protection.

Mike Keesee, President Keesee and Associates Chairperson, Remodel and Design Council 52

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BUILDER/CONTRACTOR MEMBERS AC Ernst Building Adventure in Building Carta Construction, Charles Clayton Construction College Park Construction Cumbus Constructing Group Eden Construction Five Star Construction Services Hardwick General Contracting JLM Design & Remodeling Jonathan McGrath Construction Patriot Building Group PC & M Phil Kean Design Group PSG Construction Walter Price Design Build WAO Builders ASSOCIATE MEMBERS A. Clore Interiors Akcel Construction.

Arace Designs B&A Design Studio Bailey Industries Builder Architect Magazine Canin Associates Central Kitchen & Bath

Central Supply Ceramic Matrix CL Kitchen Bath & Closets DBSS Energy Technology Services Ferguson Bath Kitchen & Lighting Gallery Florida Door Solutions Florida Home Media (Orlando Life) Iron Age Architectural Metals Keesee and Associates M2 Interior Design Milcarsky’s Appliance Centre Natural Stone Motif New Horizons Development Group Orlando Window Tint Specialists Page Insurance Agency Pella Windows & Doors S & W Kitchens SLR Proshots Solar-Tite Stairmasterz The Flooring Center The Paint Drop by Valspar Thomas Lumber Tremron Group Zio Group

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REMODEL In the 2013 Remodeled Home of the Year, sliding glass doors open onto a beautiful lakefront outdoor living area.

2013 Remodeled home OF THE YEAR WINNERS SHOWCASE BOTH THE ART AND SCIENCE OF HOME RENOVATION.

I

By Randy Noles

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photo: michael lowery photography

t’s been a good year for remodelers. With home-improvement spending at its highest in more than five years — and up 18

percent over a year ago — and residential construction improving in May by nearly 20 percent compared with the same month last year, it seems safe to declare the downturn over.

Perhaps that’s why the remodeling category in Orlando Life’s Home of the Year competition was tougher than ever. The entries were so strong, in fact, that we opted to hold the Remodeled Home of the Year winner until this special edition of Remodel Orlando. The other winners, including the Home of the Year in the new-construction category, were announced last month.

The Remodeled Home of the Year competition was judged by a panel of three renowned out-of-market architects (see page 58). Judges assigned point values between 1 and 25 in the categories of creativity, efficiency, aesthetics and livability. So the highest possible score from an individual judge was 100. The scores from each judge were then totaled, making the highest possible combined score 300.

As with the other Home of the Year categories, this one was close. Here, then, are the winners, which were separated by only a handful of points, and which demonstrate the science and the art of remodeling in a spectacular way. n NOVEMBER 2013

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REMODEL

FIRST PLACE PHIL KEAN DESIGN GROUP Bay Point

Team: Builder and architect, Phil Kean Design Group; interior design, Rob Turner, Phil Kean Design Group; landscape design, Redmon Design Company; kitchen cabinets, Cabinetry Creations

This circa-1980s home, located in a gated community on a lakefront home site, was starting to look and feel dated.

The homeowners wanted to expand living spaces and enhance sustainability while improving lake views. So, interior walls were removed and room placement adjusted to improve flow.

A second floor was added to provide a master suite with an exercise room and a private office. One small but telling feature: Space for a future elevator was incorporated in the foyer’s stone column as a coat closet covered by a barn door. Panoramic lake views were created for all the lakeside rooms, while the lake side of the home was opened to the outdoors using large sliding glass doors. The outdoor living area features a spacious lanai with a summer kitchen, dining area and fireplace surrounded by a “firetainment” sitting area. Retractable screens connect the 605-square-foot outdoor living area with the family room, dining room and kitchen via pocket sliding glass panels. As for sustainability, the home also earned Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification.

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photo: michael lowery photography

Could this ho-hum home (right) be the same home as the one pictured above?

It is, but with an added second floor and an entirely new architectural style, you’d hardly recognize it.

FROM THE JUDGES Beautifully conceived contemporary design with open floorplan for public areas and more private bedroom areas ... tremendously successful transformation ... wow! ... this house wins due to the well-executed addition of a second floor and the overall aesthetics ... vision and creativity on display ... the second-floor addition allows beautiful views from almost every room.

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NOVEMBER 2013

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2250 LEE ROAD, SUITE 120

W I N T E R PA R K , F L O R I D A 3 2 7 8 9

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REMODEL

SECOND PLACE

FARINA & SONS

Historic Estate Team: Builder, Farina & Sons; architect, David E. Runnels; interior designer, Grant Gribble, Gribble Interior Design Group; landscape design, Frank Joseph Brooks; pool design, Frank Joseph Brooks and Grant Gribble; pool contractor, Artistic Pool Design

This historic 1920s estate in the heart of College Park had been “modernized” in recent years, stripping it of many Spanish details and robbing it of considerable character. The scope of the project also included a revamp of the home’s front, which now boasts a stately entrance with a front porch and a garden seating area, the addition of a master suite, a reworked outdoor living area and a breezeway connecting the main house to the guest house. Outdoors, the goal was to create a secluded environment that preserved the original privacy wall and fountain while maximizing space for entertaining. The fan-shaped pool incorporates glass pebbles in the interior finish and colorful Mexican-style tiles along the water line. It features a saltwater system and solar heating so it can be used year round. Decorative lighting within the pool adds visual excitement. Of particular interest are period light fixtures, and fencing and railing that showcases custom ironwork. The travertine patio provides space for gardening, cooking and dining. This home also won first place for Best Outdoor Living Area and second place for Best Bathroom (see October issue).

FROM THE JUDGES Sensitive and appropriate front addition ... wonderful transformation at the rear of the home ... I love the material choices; the bold colors are lively and consistent ... the outdoor living area is an oasis ... the newly remodeled master bath captured elegance and efficiency.

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MEET THE JUDGES

Patrick W. McClane, Smith and McClane Architects, Richmond, Va. A native Floridian, McClane received his Bachelor of Design from the University of Florida and later studied at the Vicenza Institute of Architecture. He also received a Master of Architecture from the University of Virginia.

His work, including new homes and home additions, has received numerous awards, and he is an expert on the work of renowned Winter Park architect James Gamble Rogers II. Gregory F. Shue, Shue Design Associates, Holden Beach, N.C. Shue, who began his architectural career after graduating from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 1997, has experience with an array of building types.

His residential work, including primary residences, seasonal and vacation residences, apartments and townhouses, has been featured in magazines and books.

In addition to designing homes for private clients, he’s a design consultant to local, regional and national builders and developers.

Jannis Vann, House Plan Resource, Woodstock, Ga. Designing homes since 1982, Vann has won local, regional and national awards from the National Association of Home Builders and the American Institute of Building Design. She has also judged competitions for those organizations. Vann, who completed courses from the Institute of Classical Architecture in 2002, markets through national websites and designs custom homes and remodeling projects in metro Atlanta.

PHOTOS: EVERETT & SOULÉ

This 1920s charmer was restored to its former Spanish-style glory.

NOVEMBER 2013

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Faucet Collection

Experience a gallery where you are the artist. Where you can see, touch, and feel your home the

way you want it, right now. All the latest appliances. Gorgeous sinks and faucets. Brilliant lighting.

Plus, the product expertise that makes it easy to turn your vision into reality.

FERGUSON.COM Orlando 1200 Alden Road (407) 893-5452 ORLANDO-LIFE.COM

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Š2013ORLANDO Ferguson Enterprises, LIFE 59 Inc.

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REMODEL

THIRD PLACE

A significantly enlarged kitchen was a highlight of this award-winning home.

LAMAR DESIGN Gem on Magnolia

A renovation and an addition transformed this 1,800-square-foot, circa1950s home. Wall heights were raised, creating 10-foot ceilings with tray details. The exterior was updated with a dual-pitch, standing-seam metal roof system in a natural finish, exposed heavy timber rafter tails and a covered entry using dark wood columns. Inside, the open floorplan allowed substantial expansion of the kitchen and great room. The master suite addition created a private retreat from the existing bedroom wing. Now 2,400 square feet, the home also boasts a new patio/summer kitchen.

FROM THE JUDGES An outstanding job with the interior spaces ... wish this one had entered kitchen of the year ... love what they did with the kitchen/dining space.

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photo: courtesy lamar design

Team: Building designer, Lamar Design; builder, Parkland Homes; interior designer, Deborah Alsup Interiors; kitchen cabinets, Winter Park Kitchen & Bath.

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REMODEL

DULL AND DATED N T THIS MODEST ‘70S HOME WAS TOTALLY TRANSFORMED.

his 1,592-square-foot Altamonte Springs home was built

in 1979. And while it might have been state of the art during the disco era, it was as dated as a leisure suit and just about as comfortable 34 years later.

The new owner, who wanted to bring the twobedroom, two-bathroom home into the 21st century, contacted Jonathan McGrath Construction to engineer a complete transformation.

The small and dated kitchen posed a particular challenge. So the McGrath team removed walls and raised the ceilings while converting the laundry room into a spacious pantry/office area.

This made the kitchen more open and inviting, added muchneeded storage space and boosted the home’s living area. A new half-bath adjacent to the kitchen was added.

An existing half bath was gutted and reconfigured, and now is accessible only through the guest room. Voila! There’s now a master suite with a private bath.

“We were able to accomplish all of the homeowner’s goals without adding additional square footage to the home,” says Marion McGrath, partner in Jonathan McGrath Construction, which celebrates its 30th anniversary next year. “The project was done entirely within the original footprint of the home.”

The owner, Chris Gemelli, agrees: “The home turned out exactly as I had envisioned. No one would ever be able to tell it was a remodeling project. Everything blends so well. You can’t tell where the old stops and the new begins.”

Gemelli travels frequently for business, so the McGrath team even helped take care of two resident cats while renovating the home.

Now, that’s customer service.

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D NOW DELIGHTFUL

The kitchen and fireplace room in this 34-year-old home were, to say the least, unremarkable â&#x20AC;&#x201D; until Jonathan McGrath Construction engineered a total transformation.

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RESTLESS NATIVE

M TH

mike thomas

American Excess

O

COLLEGE TUITION OR DOLL REPAIR? I CAN’T DO BOTH. ur 9-year-old daughter was devastated, sitting on the

bed, holding the severed arm. Josefina’s left shoulder socket was an open wound, her black eyes staring lifelessly.

Thank God she is plastic, or the carpet would have been ruined for sure. My daughter says she was just putting Josefina’s blouse on and the arm just came off and it was absolutely nobody’s fault. And now I must decide what to do.

Do we send Josefina to the American Girl Hospital or do we send our children to the University of Florida?

Because we can’t afford to do both.

As many of you parents know, American Girls is an experiment in figuring out how much suburban parents will pay for dolls. Mattel still can’t believe it.

For as much plastic as it takes to make two $15 Barbies, they can make one $110 American Girl Doll and $700 worth of accessories. This has led to the creation of an entire American Girl Industrial Complex.

There is Kit the Great Depression doll, Caroline the War of 1812 doll, Molly the World War II doll and Saige the Modern Era doll. For diversity, there is Kaya the Native American doll, Addy the Escaped Slave doll and, of course, Josefina, the Legal Immigrant From Mexico doll.

Each comes with her own story of hardship, woe and triumph over all odds. Molly almost lost her father to the Germans. Kit’s father moved out when he lost his job and, as a result, she had to sell eggs. Kaya was captured by an enemy tribe.

As for Josefina, her father was arrested in Arizona for driving without his citizenship papers, moved to Florida and was purged from the voting rolls. Saige flunked the FCAT and her mom crashed the Beamer on Park Avenue while on Ambien.

OK, I’m kidding about those two. But you get the idea.

Each girl has a list of customized accessories that would make Paris Hilton envious.

Josefina’s wardrobe, for example, includes six outfits averaging $30 apiece. Her food and oven are $48, her table and chairs are $90, her bedtime set is $94, and so on and so on. I think we got Sambrita the goat for $20.

With American Girls, even the accessories can have accessories. Kaya’s $75 horse, Steps High, comes with a $32 saddle 64

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and $48 foal, Sparks Flying.

The dolls, you see, are just a gateway drug. How I know all this is my own tale of hardship and woe.

And now, lest I have any money for retirement, the American Girls are coming to the Florida Mall, where a store will open next year.

Make room on those credit cards and head on over with your girl and her dolls. They can have brunch. Lunch. Afternoon tea. Dinner. The dolls can be pampered at the hair salon.

They can get manicures, facials, cucumbers for their eyes, spa packages and pierced ears. And don’t forget the Late Night at American Girl Place Deluxe Package for $245 each!

On none of the above am I kidding.

Now in their defense, let me just add that the dolls have brought much happiness to both my daughters and they do hand down well, effectively cutting their price in half.

They are educational, encourage reading and promote wholesome values, unlike Gator Cheerleader Barbie who I just caught in the back of the Subaru with FSU Ken. Josefina is a nice girl. She never upsets the neighbors by talking about them in Spanish with the other Josefinas.

When she says “Si, se puede,’’ she is talking about getting into the Winter Park High School IB magnet.

But unlike Barbie, I can’t just pop her limbs back in place.

I have to Fed-Ex her to an emergency room in Wisconsin, which charges about as much as Florida Hospital.

Or we could simply leave Josefina as is and become trendsetters. It’s only a matter of time before American Girls comes out with a $110 one-armed doll, with an optional $120 prosthetic device and $90 three-legged dog.

She’ll probably be Asian. All the girls in her new school will be cruel at first, causing much hardship and woe. But after 90 minutes she will win them over with her pluckiness, and they will vote her head cheerleader instead of the shallow and crass Gator Cheerleader Barbie. And she will give everybody one-armed hugs.

Tears of joy will flow all across Maitland and Winter Park.

How did Disney not think of this first? n Native Floridian and longtime Orlando columnist Mike Thomas is a freelance writer. You can reach him at miket@orlando-life.com.

NoVEMBER 2013

10/15/13 11:45:10 AM

MORE THAN JUST A GIFT CARD....

THE GIFT OF EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCES.

©2013 Hilton Worldwide

If you’re looking for a special holiday gift that is sure to impress – whether for a beloved family member or an important business associate – consider the Waldorf Astoria® Orlando & Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek resort gift card. Choose to give the gift of luxury and flexibility – as this card can be used toward overnight stays at either resort, dining in our world-class restaurants including La Luce® by Donna Scala and the legendary Bull & Bear®, rounds of golf at our Rees Jones-designed championship Waldorf Astoria® Golf Club and spa experiences at the rejuvenating Waldorf Astoria® Spa. It’s truly a gift of extraordinary experiences.

Gift cards may be purchased online at either WaldorfAstoriaOrlando.com or HiltonBonnetCreek.com

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