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YEARS OF HAPPY
CITY OF TOMORROW
How a wish upon a star sparked an entertainment empire
Orlando’s big, bold plans
GIVE ME SPACE
Meet the superstars of the Mars Generation
THE FUTURE IS NOW 44 PALM BEACH ILLUSTRATED
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NOVEMBER 2021 FEATURES 68 / THE SKY IS NOT THE LIMIT Advances in space exploration and technology are taking place right here in Central Florida By Kristen Desmond LeFevre
76 / FUTURE FACING With Lake Nona leading the charge, Orlando is poised to become a model for future-ready cities By Michelle M. Havich
82 / MAGICAL MILESTONE As Walt Disney World celebrates its fiftieth birthday, we look back at how it got here and look forward to taking part in the whimsical festivities that await By Paige Bowers
88 / ON THE EDGE Glam attire for the season—with an edge Photography by Gabor Jurina
98 / DAY & NIGHT This Orlando penthouse is at once artistic, sleek, and sophisticated By Marimar McNaughton
Dolce & Gabbana tulle bodysuit and crystal and jersey bodysuit For buying information, turn to page 114.
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GABOR JURINA
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CONTENTS
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DEPARTMENTS 18 / FROM THE EDITOR
PETER W. CROSS:VISIT FLORIDA
24/SEVEN 25 / ATTRACTIONS How Icon Park adapted and thrived amid the pandemic
28 / PUBLIC SPACES We preview the city’s newest downtown park and concert venue
30 / OUTDOORS
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Five ideas for enjoying the Central Florida sunshine
32 / PROFILE Winter Park’s own Carrot Top reflects on his career
34 / PLAYTIME Space Coast adventures that are fun for the whole family
STYLE 39 / THE LOOK Whimsical handmade creations and retro mod style
42 / JEWEL BOX Jewelry depicting the human form
44 / BEAUTY PHOTO COURTESY OF AMAN
The goodness of coconut for the skin
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ESCAPE 53 / WANDERLUST Educational conservation experiences in the Turks & Caicos By Daphne Nikolopoulos
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CONTENTS
58 / QUICK TRIPS Discover Grand Velas Riviera Maya in Playa del Carmen, Mexico during a luxe all-inclusive retreat By Daphne Nikolopoulos
60 / HIGH ROAD Infiniti’s all-new QX60 scores big in the midsize luxury crossover market By Howard Walker
62 / HIGH SEAS The Burger Boat Company’s 50 Cruiser provides the grandeur of a superyacht in a smaller package By Howard Walker
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EAT + DRINK 107 / HIGH TEA
The lowdown on matcha and where to try it in the Orlando area
108 / LOCAL BITES
Five suggestions for outdoor dining, a quick-fire Q&A with chef John Tesar, spotlight on Walt Disney World’s most creative fiftieth anniversary bites and sips, where to try hot chicken sandwiches, and the latest on Russell’s on Lake Ivanhoe
112 / POUR
Irish whiskey is having a major moment, driven by a handful of top-quality distillers By Mark Spivak
PARTING SHOT 116 / FUTURE PULSE
Insight into the plans in place for the National Pulse Memorial & Museum
ON THE COVER:
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PHOTOGRAPHER: GABOR JURINA MODEL: NIKKI REYNEN LOCATION: EVENT SPACE AT 1111 LINCOLN ROAD, MIAMI CLOTHING: DIOR FASHION EDITOR: KATHERINE LANDE MAKEUP: DANIELA GOZLAN USING DIOR BEAUTY HAIR: GIANLUCA MANDELLI USING KERASTASE. FOR BUYING INFORMATION, TURN TO PAGE 114.
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The Spotlight Squad Charlize Theron Misty Copeland Yao Chen
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Publisher Terry Duffy Editor in Chief Daphne Nikolopoulos Creative Director Olga M. Gustine Executive Editor Mary Murray Senior Editor Kristen Desmond LeFevre Associate Editor Allison Wolfe Reckson Fashion Editor Katherine Lande Wine & Spirits Editor Mark Spivak Automotive Editor Howard Walker Travel Editor Paul Rubio Web Editor Abigail Duffy DESIGN Senior Art Director Ashley Meyer Art Directors Airielle Farley, Jenny Fernandez-Prieto, Kevin Martin Digital Imaging Specialist Leonor Alvarez-Maza CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Dana Berry, Paige Bowers, Christina Cush, Michelle M. Havich, Faiyaz Kara, Linda Marx, Marimar McNaughton, Giuseppa Nadrowski, Kalia Richardson, Olivia Sedlacek CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Gabor Jurina, Venjhamin Reyes ADVERTISING
Associate Publisher Deidre Wade, 561-472-1902, dwade@palmbeachmedia.com Account Managers Melissa Zolin Schwartz, 561-472-1922, mschwartz@palmbeachmedia.com; Dina Turner, 561-472-2201, dturner@palmbeachmedia.com Daisy Abreu, 305-903-0621, dabreu@palmbeachmedia.com Advertising Account Executive Karli Brown Advertising Services Coordinators Emily Hauser, Christopher Link, Johanna Moriarty Project Manager Asia Jones PRODUCTION Production Director Selene M. Ceballo Production Manager Kayla Earle Digital Pre-Press Specialist George Davis Digital Production Coordinator Kassandre Kallen Advertising Design Coordinators Anaely J. Perez Vargas, Jeffrey Rey OPERATIONS Chief Operating Officer Todd Schmidt Office Manager Sue Martel Circulation/Subscriptions Administrator Marjorie Leiva Distribution Manager Judy Heflin Accounting Specialist Lourdes Linares Accounts Receivable Specialist Ana Coronel CUSTOM PUBLISHING Editor Cathy Chestnut SUBSCRIPTIONS 800-308-7346
In Memoriam Ronald J. Woods (1935-2013) HOUR MEDIA, LLC CEO Stefan Wanczyk President John Balardo PUBLISHERS OF: Palm Beach Illustrated • Naples Illustrated • Fort Lauderdale Illustrated • Orlando Illustrated Palm Beach Charity Register • Naples Charity Register • Florida Design Florida Design Naples • Florida Design Miami • Florida Design Sourcebook • Palm Beach Relocation Guide • Southwest Florida Relocation Guide • Fifth Avenue South The Jewel of Palm Beach: The Mar-a-Lago Club • Traditions: The Breakers • Palm Beach 100 • Naples 100 • Art & Culture: Cultural Council for Palm Beach County Pinnacle: Jupiter Medical Center Foundation • Waypoints: Naples Yacht Club • Naples on the Gulf: Naples Chamber of Commerce • Jupiter • Stuart • Aventura Community Foundation of Collier County Community Report • Advances: Tampa General Hospital Published by Palm Beach Media Group North, LLC, P.O. Box 3344, Palm Beach, FL 33480, 561-659-0210 • Fax: 561-659-1736 ®Palm Beach Illustrated, Palm Beach Magazine, and Palm Beach Social Observer are registered trademarks, and ™Palm Beach Living is a trademark of Palm Beach Media Group North, LLC.
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M A L L AT M I L L E N I A
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FROM THE EDITOR
“Space … the final frontier. The famous words of the Star Trek title sequence played in many heads, including mine, as the world watched William Shatner launch into space last month aboard a Blue Origins New Shepard rocket as part of a crewed suborbital mission. After landing, the 90-year-old actor who portrayed space explorer Captain James T. Kirk of the USS Enterprise in the original Star Trek series, was moved to tears when considering the fragility of our planet. “This air which is keeping us alive is … immeasurably small when you think in terms of the universe,” he said. “Mars doesn’t have it.” True enough, but if some Central Florida–based researchers have anything to do with it, that will soon change. From studying and simulating regolith to grow food on places like Mars, to figuring out ways to outsource energy and data production to robot labor in space, the brain trust of the Space Coast is reaching for the stars— quite literally. Read about the work of Florida Tech and University of Central Florida researchers and scientists, and marvel at the space industry advances being shaped right here at home, in “The Sky is Not the Limit” on page 68. In this future-themed issue, we also look at Orlando’s ambitious plans to become a future-ready city. What does that mean? For starters, it’s about innovation—tech accelerators, a soon-to-be-built vertiport to house an air taxi, autonomous mobility, a highspeed rail. But the future is not all computers and technology; it’s about people, too. Health and safety, including a clean environment for all, inclusivity, and sustainability are among the pillars being addressed. Because growth is great, but only if it’s holistic and smart. Our leaders get that. Turn to “Future Facing,” on page 76, to learn more. In the innovation conversation, we couldn’t leave out Walt Disney. The man with the grand vision for an entertainment hub that inspired dreams and pushed the boundaries of invention would be proud to see his Walt Disney World at 50. As Central Florida’s most iconic attraction celebrates a half-century, we take a look at Disney’s path to success, fueled largely by the power of imagination and a belief that anything’s possible. Some might even call it magic. Don’t miss “Magical Milestone,” our report on the past, present, and future of the happiest place on Earth, on page 82. Live long and prosper, friends!
CAPEHART
To BOLDLY GO
Daphne Nikolopoulos Editor in Chief
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ATTRACTIONS
The Most Iconic Entertainment Orlando residents and visitors have their pick of places to spend recreational time. Although Icon Park only opened in 2015, it has become one of the city’s premier attractions. According to Christopher Jaskiewicz, Icon Park’s president and CEO, being situated right off of I-4 and near the Orange County Convention Center makes the 20-acre entertainment destination ideal for busy families who want to pop in and enjoy as many of the 40-plus shops, eateries, and fun zones as they want.
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“We are rolling,” says Jaskiewicz, who compares opening a new Orlando-area attraction to starting a football team in the SEC. “We are surrounded by established heavyweights that have been here for decades. It’s tough. We even went through a few name changes, like any start-up.” Does I-Drive ring any bells? Turn the page to learn more about Icon Park. (iconparkorlando.com) —Christina Cush
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24/SEVEN The Most Iconic Entertainment CONT. When Jaskiewicz came on board as CEO in 2018, he aimed to retool everything to “convey the high-quality, affordable, easy-access destination it is.” At the time, Icon Park was best known for The Wheel, Madame Tussauds, and Sea Life (the Orlando Aquarium). But the restaurants upfront on the property were not connected with the other amenities. Jaskiewicz led a collaboration between all tenants in order to raise their profile. The result? Even amid the pandemic, when other area venues released employees and laid off workers, Icon Park thrived. “The pandemic was a test to us as a leader,” Jaskiewicz notes. “We were the first ones to present to the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force in May [2020] on how we could reopen. They let us open in June because we are an open-air, gate-free park. It is a message that sits well with people.” To maintain momentum in COVID-19 times, the Icon Park team focused on who was here in Orlando already. This included the more than
HOTELS
Riding the WAVE Fine cuisine meets high tech at the new Lake Nona Wave Hotel. Each of its restauraunts—Bacán, Haven, and the Living Room Bar— will feature a robot butler known as “Rosie” that uses 3D cameras and LIDAR technology to navigate (not unlike those Beep shuttles in Lake Nona’s autonomous vehicle system). But that’s just one of the innovative elements planned at the Wave, which is being billed as one of the world’s most technologically advanced hotels. Rooms will include smart windows that tint using predictive intelligence, voice-automated controls, and a mobile app that puts the hotel experience in the palms of guests’ hands. “At the heart of this beautifully designed community lies innovation, cuttingedge thinking, and thoughtful experiences,” chef Guillaume Robin says. “Sharing our team’s ingenuity with hotel guests is our utmost priority.” (lakenonawavehotel. com) —Kristen Desmond LeFevre 26
2 million residents of the Orlando metro area who likely didn’t want to deal with big lines but may have been interested in eating at Blake Shelton’s Ole Red, which has a stage and talent pipeline from Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry. In another show of optimism, Icon Park has four projects either opening soon or newly opened: the world’s tallest slingshot and tallest drop tower, a virtual reality arcade, and a museum of illusions. Jaskiewicz is hoping that Icon Park becomes the nexus of the city’s next-gen entertainment district. An Orlando native himself, Jaskiewicz cites the spots he often visited growing up and how Icon Park is attempting to capture the feel that locales such as Church Street brought to the area. “We used to go to Rosie O’Grady’s in Church Street Station,” he recalls. “There was a country western space [too]. It was an entertaining mecca. Then Disney opened Pleasure Island in the 1980s to compete with it. They put Church Street out of business by the 2000s. Now there’s Disney Springs. But we have heritage in Icon Park. We are the heir to that entertainment destination legacy.” —C.C.
Clockwise from top left: The Wave Hotel cuts a striking profile in Lake Nona; Haven Kitchen offers indoor seating under a trellis-inspired ceiling or outdoor tables sprinkled among candycolored cabanas.
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24/SEVEN PUBLIC SPACES
Downtown’s ARTSY Experience The new Art2 Park aims to bring entertainment to everyone By Kalia Richardson What began in 2017 as a proposal by Ascend Studios, an audio and visual company, has blossomed into the planning stages of Ascend’s interactive Art2 Park. The park—which is projected to open in Spring 2022—will provide an open venue for residents and visitors to listen to artists in-person or virtually, while unwinding in a hammock or grabbing a bite to eat from nearby food trucks. The quarter-acre lot is located on North Orange Avenue and West Robinson Street. Thomas Chatmon, the executive director of the Orlando Downtown Development Board, says downtown Orlando has lacked a public space centered around entertainment and hopes the Art2 Park concept will bring a level of vibrancy to the area. “This will give us an unexpected experience,” Chatmon says. “There’s nothing else like it.” Ascend’s lead artist, Josh Almeida, says he is excited to be a part of the project and bring the interactive and digital experiences they specialize in. Almeida and Ascend—“using their powers of design, audio, video, and love to fill the world with beauty”—have collaborated with world-class brands nationwide including Nike, Universal Studios, Loews Hotels, Hard Rock Hotels, and Ritz-Carlton to create striking environments for guests. The company has crafted professional systems that include LED video walls, architectural lighting, and even underwater speakers. “There’s a lot of thought, drive, and love that’s brought into it to make sure we’re representing the city, who we are, and who we want to become,” Almeida explains. The park will feature a two-story building structured like a shipping container, with a 19-foot LED wall that will display digital art, gaming tournaments, YouTube events, music festivals, and movies. Situated on the exterior of the building’s second floor, the wall will 28
Plans for the new Art2 Park include a two-story complex that will host live and streaming performances as well as an array of culinary offerings including a café. The site will also welcome food trucks that highlight the diversity of Orlando’s culinary scene.
be viewable from Orange Avenue. The structure also functions as a performance stage and café. Almeida says fees will be kept low in order to increase exposure for independent artists. The park will also include Ascend’s Art Shop, where guests can browse handmade trinkets and locally made artwork. Free, private, and ticketed events such as spoken word, theatrical, and musical performances will be presented at the park. “We want to highlight all these different types of mediums of art,” Almeida says. The café, located on the first and second floor, will offer refreshments like organic sodas and coffee as well as treats like popcorn and ice cream for an additional cost. On select nights, beer and wine will be served. Almeida admits he’s a foodie and looks forward to organic and grilled meals at the food trucks. “I feel like some tacos should definitely be in there,” he says. “Anything with Nutella would be cool.” One food truck will be switched out either weekly or daily, depending on guest preferences, whereas a second food truck will remain in the park for two to three months as a fan favorite. “I think it’ll be really great for both the chefs and the people who are trying to get their businesses off the ground,” notes Almeida, who adds that food is “another art form.”
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24/SEVEN OUTDOORS
5 ALFRESCO Adventures Local nature retreats and wildlife activities await in and around the city By Kalia Richardson
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Cherokee Point Conservation Area This park allows visitors to liberate their senses as Everglade snail kites fly overhead and sandhill cranes wade in the water. Go on a hike or take to the serene waters of Lake Tohopekaliga via kayak or canoe. For those who prefer to stay on dry land, the boardwalk offers a nearly 360-degree view of the lake. (osceola.org)
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Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park Activate your inner American Ninja Warrior and brave the obstacle courses and zip lines at the Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park. Situated in a natural pine forest, the park offers six courses including a 425-foot zip line and 50-foot ladders. Children ages 6 to 8 can partake in the kids’ courses as parents watch from below, capturing every squeal and jump through the 21 mini games. Swinging from ropes, hanging nets, and suspended bridges are among some of the high-energy activities. The park uses a color-coded system that allows juniors and adults to determine levels of elevation and difficulty as they navigate the various courses. (orlandotreetrek.com)
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Shingle Creek Trail In an effort to conserve its natural beauty, historic landmarks, and wildlife, Shingle Creek Regional Park is a part of America’s Great Outdoors initiative. Canopied by towering trees and hanging moss, the onsite 12-mile trail is a comfortable stroll for hikers or avid bird-watchers. It also boasts neat spots for picnicking, kayaking, fishing, and biking. Once fully constructed, the trail will extend for 32 miles, connecting Orlando and Kissimmee. (orlando.gov)
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Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens The Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens covers 23 acres of gardens and is home to more than 500 animals, including giraffes, leopards, and sloths, to name a few. “During this time where everybody’s looking for a chance to get outside of their homes, we’re one of those places that you can come to,” says zoo director Stephanie Williams. Special attractions include giraffe feedings, a bungee bounce, rhino encounters, a carousel, high-flying aerial activities, and the Wharton-Smith Tropical Splash Ground. (centralfloridazoo.org)
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Kissimmee Swamp Tours For 13 years, this family-owned business has immersed guests in the beauty of the undisturbed waters of Lake Kissimmee. “I’ve watched every place like this disappear because of condos and golf courses,” says Robert Murchie, Kissimmee Swamp Tours’ managing partner. “Someone should at least try to preserve what Old Florida looks like.” Attendees board a sixperson boat for the opportunity to view gators, deer, bald eagles, and more within the lake’s 36,000 acres. “It’s a more informative, personal wildlife tour versus an airboat ride,” Murchie adds. (kissimmeeswamptours.com)
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24/SEVEN
CLASS CLOWN
Winter Park’s own Carrot Top started his career by TELLING JOKES on the beach and now entertains audiences in Las Vegas By Linda Marx
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tand-up comedian Scott “Carrot Top” Thompson recently drove through a Wendy’s in Las Vegas to order a hamburger and Frosty frozen treat. When the waitress in the window asked if he wanted anything else, the “always on” funnyman replied, “Yes, please, a dose of the coronavirus vaccine.” Befuddled for a few seconds, she quickly realized who he was and laughed. “I should have known it was Carrot Top!” The native Floridian, who was born in Rockledge and raised in Cocoa Beach, has spent his career performing in clubs, acting, and guest starring on TV—appearing 32 times on The Tonight Show alone. In 2005, Thompson, now 56, began a permanent residency at the Luxor Hotel
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& Casino in Las Vegas. “I love to laugh and get others to laugh,” says Thompson, who was influenced by his NASA scientist father, a witty man with great timing. “Humor keeps me young and doesn’t feel like work. I always say, ‘I can’t believe I am doing this!’” Under his current contract, Thompson performs six nights a week for 40 weeks out of the year. During his shows, he makes clever use of an arsenal of props—more than 200 that fill a dozen trunks. While he was a marketing major at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, he learned that people like to be involved and often need that extra boost to sustain their interest. “I love my props and change them constantly to keep up with the news and pop culture,” he notes. “Props are visually stimulating and help people remember my act.” On his 12 weeks off each year, Thompson accepts other gigs and returns to his waterfront home in Winter Park. “I love my house and boat,” says the comedian, who’s also an avid jogger and fitness advocate. “When I am back in Winter Park, I ski and enjoy the water, weather, and friends. It is my home.” To stay current, Thompson continuously updates and improves his show. Over the years, as his audience members’ attention spans have shortened due to mobile phones and busy lives, he has increased the pace of the production. “I write new jokes and move faster to keep on top of everything because I am so fortunate to have had this long career, and I want to continue. It is demanding work, but I love using props and also performing straight stand-up. I hope to keep my audiences happy for a long time.” «
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24/SEVEN PLAYTIME
Take FLIGHT
Although just a short drive from Orlando, the SPACE COAST offers an out-of-thisworld family experience By Dana Berry
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From the renowned Kennedy Space Center to hidden gems like the Florida Surf Museum, Florida’s Space Coast has something of interest for all ages. This region was named one of National Geographic’s 25 destinations on the rise for 2021, reinforcing the notion that now is the best time to make “space” in your agenda for a visit. Here, we highlight four spots to add to your itinerary.
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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER In May 2020, more than 200,000 people came to watch as the first crewed flight to take off from U.S. soil since 2011 launched into space. There is so much to take in at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, from the Atlantis shuttle to historical displays and memorials dedicated to space pioneers. There’s also an interactive play zone, Planet Play, where children can map a constellation, climb through a wormhole, walk on Saturn’s rings, and more. For kids 10 and older, the newest attraction is the Astronaut Training Experience Center, an add-on activity that invites you to play the role of a space explorer traveling to Mars.
PETER W. CROSS:VISIT FLORIDA
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MERRITT ISLAND NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Dating back to 1962, this refuge now serves as a habitat for wildlife, primarily 358 types of migratory birds and many endangered species including the gopher tortoise and manatee. Popular for kayaking and paddling, the adjacent Indian River Lagoon is best-known for its bioluminescent natural phenomenon. From around June through October, the water turns a fluorescent blue-green color as a result of tiny marine organisms that generate a light reaction. Nighttime tours on clear kayaks allow visitors to see the river come alive with its unique glow.
SPACE COAST BEACHES Known as the East Coast surfing capital of the world, the Canaveral coastline covers 72 miles of sand, making it the largest stretch of beach in the state. The Sebastian Inlet and Paradise Beach in Melbourne are surfer favorites. Ron Jon Surf Shop in Cocoa Beach is a must-do shopping destination for any beach lover. Next to Ron Jon is the Florida Surf Museum, where you’ll discover vintage surfboards and learn about the history and evolution of the sport. Surf school options abound in the area, such as Ron Jon Surf School (and camps for kids), Cocoa Beach Surf Company, and Pura Vida Surf School.
AMERICAN POLICE HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM Titusville is home to the nation’s first law enforcement museum. Serving as a historical experience and memorial, the museum also offers clinics on safety, personal protection, and situational awareness, among other topics. Photo spots abound; take a selfie in an old police cruiser. There’s also a full shooting range with two bays covering 12 positions for target shooting.
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Stay in. Dress up. Mall at Millenia Lower Level | 603.339.7789 us.ecco.com
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E HOLIDAY ED ITION 2021
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THE MALL AT MILLENIA 4200 Conroy Road, Orlando, Florida
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STYLE
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The Artisans
Embrace whimsical creations handmade for the home By Katherine Lande
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1. Anemone Mistral II archival pigment print, limited edition of 75 ($850), Claiborne Swanson Frank, claiborneswansonfrank.com | 2. Dancing Poppies dinner plate in ivory, handmade and painted by artisans in Turkey ($98), Rebecca de Ravenel, rebecca deravenel.com | 3. Geranium plant, handmade from hand-dried paper, wire, and an aged terra-cotta pot ($375), The Green Vase, modaoperandi.com | 4. Hand-blown glass vase in coral with white/red swirl ($625), Paul Arnhold, paularnholdglass.com | 5. Spring Flowers hand-embroidered napkins, stitched by Mariana Barran Goodall (price upon request), Hibiscus Linens, hibiscuslinens.com | 6. Provence needlepoint canvas backgammon board ($370), Lycette, lycettedesigns.com
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STYLE GARDEN GROW Vine-wrapped cocktail ring in pastel colors ($2,953), Bea Bongiasca, bea bongiasca.com
THE LOOK
MOD Squad RETRO SILHOUETTES AND PASTEL PALETTES MAKE A MODERN COMEBACK
STYLE NOTES
By Katherine Lande
SQUARE DEAL: Update your wardrobe with a classic day-to-night box bag. SOFT SHADES: Opt for pastel colors for an effortless take on the trend. GO LONG: Cascading jewelry pieces make a chic evening statement.
LOUD AND CLEAR Roxy pearl clear pumps ($428), Cult Gaia, cultgaia.com
ON THE PROWL Valentino Garavani Roman Stud kitten heels ($1,150), Valentino, valentino.com
SET THE CURVE Fall/ Winter 2021 earrings ($2,050), Chanel, The Mall at Millenia, Orlando, chanel.com
EMILIO PUCCI RESORT 2022 A signature Pucci print minidress evokes international jet-setting reminiscent of the 1960s.
MADE YOU LOOK Micro Lady Dior vanity (price upon request), Dior, dior.com
GREEN DREAM Grace small leather box bag ($2,290), Mark Cross, markcross.com
FRESH MINT Solia PVC sandals ($845), Manolo Blahnik, manolo blahnik.com
BUBBLEGUM BLISS Since 1854 Petite Malle handbag ($5,650), Louis Vuitton, The Mall at Millenia, Orlando, louisvuitton.com 40 ORLANDO ILLUSTRATED
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JEWEL BOX
BODY Talk
Say it all with jewelry depicting the HUMAN FORM
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1. EYE SPY Sydney Evan evil eye earrings with gray cat’s eye beads and diamonds set in 14-karat gold, $1,805. Neiman Marcus, The Mall at Millenia, Orlando (neimanmarcus.com) 2. BLUE CHIP Tiffany & Co. 2021 Blue Book Collection Jean Schlumberger surreal shell necklace with sapphires and diamonds set in platinum, price upon request. Tiffany & Co., The Mall at Millenia, Orlando (tiffany.com) 3. FACE FIRST Rush Jewelry Design signature two-faced Harriet bracelet in 18-karat gold, $3,250. (rushjewelrydesign.com) 4. SEE CLEARLY NOW Effy Jewelry eye earrings with sapphires and diamonds set in 14-karat white gold, $1,645. Macy’s, The Mall at Millenia, Orlando (macys.com) 5. HIGH FIVE L’Atelier Nawbar necklace with diamonds and enamel set in 18-karat gold, $1,125. (lateliernawbar.com) 6. KISS ME Delfina Delettrez ruby lips piercing ring with rubies and a freshwater pearl set in 18-karat gold, $1,650. (delfinadelettrez.com) 7. PEACE OUT Buddha Mama hamsa ring with enamel and diamonds set in 20-karat gold, $6,800. Provident Jewelry locations (providentjewelry.com) 8. POINT OF VIEW Arman Sarkisyan evil eye bracelet with sapphires and diamonds set in 18-karat gold and oxidized silver, $8,860. (armansarkisyan.com)
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C O M E V I S I T U S A T L I L LY P U L I T Z E R M A L L A T M I L L E N I A 4200 Conroy Road, Space E-127 Orlando FL 32839 | Call: 407.226.3380 Text: 813.437.3793
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STYLE
COCO LOCO
Go nuts for these picks that pack the moisturizing benefits of coconut oil and coconut milk for body, skin, and hair: Buff City Soap Coconut Soap and Coconut Soap with Shea ($7 and $8, Buff City Soap, Orlando); Naturally London Cleansing Enzyme Scrub ($27, naturallylondon.com); Frank Body Coconut Coffee Scrub ($19, Ulta locations); Innersense Organic Beauty Hydrating Cream Hairbath and Hydrating Cream Conditioner ($28 and $30, Ulta locations); Truly Coco Cloud Whipped Shave Butter ($20, Ulta locations); and Buff City Soap Coconut Shower Oil ($15, Buff City Soap, Orlando). —Abigail Duffy
ASHLEY MEYER
BEAUTY
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FASHION IS ALL ABOUT LOOKING AHEAD,
and that spirit could be felt more than ever this season as designers across the globe welcomed editors and fashion fans alike back to the runways with collections full of optimism and hope. A celebratory feeling wove throughout the collections, from the feel and designs of the clothing themselves to the sets and the scenes as well — energetic, over the top, fantastically bright, and even a little fancy. It was fashion at its purest — original and made for the individual. But above all, it was fun. Here at The Mall at Mallenia, we are in the mood to celebrate, too. This season, we are relaunching our beloved magazine as an online holiday shopping destination. We’ve curated the best of the season in one easy-to-use digital site with editorial features, trend pages, interior design tips, culinary stories, fashion spreads, our film, and our beloved gift guides. Just pick your favorites, add them to a wish list, and let our personal stylists take it from there. Here, we give you a sneak peek of what to expect. We can’t wait to welcome you to our new site, where the fashions are always fun and always looking forward. fashionlooksforward.com
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1. Versace’s F/W collection had some of our favorite dresses this season —dresses we can’t wait to wear throughout the holidays. 2. We love the versatility of this chain-link piece, which can easily be worn out on the town or to the office. Bracelet, price upon request, Versace. 3. Bold earrings, like this chain-inspired design, can instantly transform your look. Three curb chain links earrings, $395, Saint Laurent. 4. Decadent statement-making designs are signature to Gucci, and this striped outerwear is a lesson in the house’s style. 5. From dinner to dance floor, these shoes will shine. Shoes, price upon request, Prada. 6. Straight from the runway, this bag is Studio 54 approved. Metal mesh bag, price upon request, Chanel. 7. The finale at Gucci’s Aria collection, this elegant gown is a celebration in the house’s iconic heritage. 8. Whether for a holiday party or a dinner out, this LBD is a timeless investment. Sequin slip dress, $898, Tory Burch. 9. A soon-to-be-iconic fashion treasure, this necklace is a part of Gucci’s hacking lab, which according to a press release is all about “experimenting with incursions and contaminations” — for example, Alessandro Michele “hacking” Demna Gvasalia and swiping a selection of his Balenciaga designs for the Aria collection. Necklace, price upon request, Gucci. 10. Dazzle with this shimmering set of glitter. Sprinkle of Magic mini glitter kit, $24.50, M.A.C Cosmetics.
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DRESSING UP
IS BACK!
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A N D BET T ER T H A N E V ER BEFOR E B Y G I U S E P PA N A D R O W S K I
BRING OUT THE SHIMMER,
the sequins, and the shine. Find your favorite heels and that LBD and get ready, because when it comes to fashion this season, we are all about getting dressed up again for occasions both big and small. Across collections and cities, designers near and far made it a point to present shows that brought back the fervor we’ve needed of fashion. At Gucci, Alessandro Michele set the tone with dazzling lights and a collection that partied from first exit to last. The collection, which celebrated the brand’s centennial anniversary, seemed to parallel the spirit of season — to dress up and have fun. “Here we are then, ready to celebrate, wearing our most glittering clothes. Preparations for the event are in full swing. We are eager to walk through
the Savoy’s doors again,” Michele said in a press release for the collection’s launch. He wasn’t the only one filled with excitement, as the same electric energy could be felt at Versace, Saint Laurent, Chanel, and more. Virginie Viard staged a quieter but equally special celebration for Chanel at Castel, the legendary Parisian nightclub. “A girls’ night in,” she said of the event. In between the brand’s iconic tweeds and stunning outerwear was a myriad of shimmery accessories and wonderful little black dresses — the kind we imagine one could wear to both a disco and an intimate dinner party. Here, we showcase some of our favorite items this season, items sure to bring that sense of celebration and jubilee back into your wardrobe. Even if your evening out is really just an evening in, the time to dress up again is now.
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MILLENNIUM
REWIND
T H IS SEA SON’S ST Y L ES A R E A L I T T L E ’ 9 0 S, A L I T T L E Y 2 K, A N D A W HOL E LOT OF FU N B Y G I U S E P PA N A D R O W S K I 4.
CHOKERS, POPBRIGHT PALETTES, miniskirts, cropped cardigans, tiny bags, and a feeling of hope and fervor for the future filled the collections with Y2K excitement. It’s a look that reminds us of the late ’90s and early aughts. It’s pure fun, pure pop, and pure positivity. The looks radiate with an energy reminiscent to that felt on New Year’s Eve 1999 — an energy fueled by the dawn of a new millennium. It’s an energy we’re feeling again for a post-pandemic world and one that this season’s designers are delightfully capturing in their collections. No one expressed that feeling and that nostalgic yet completely newfor-today look more eloquently than Donatella Versace and her 2022 Resort collection. It
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features bold houndstooth patterns, barely-there hemlines, chunky heels, mood-lifting pastel and neon hues, trippy prints, liquid latex, and just a grand sense of having fun with fashion. To Vogue, she said, “I think there’s a renewed sense of optimism right now, and I wanted this collection to speak to that,” adding, “This season is about having fun again, and it feels right to put something positive into the world. We’ll never return to the old world or to the old ‘normal’; there’s no going backwards. This is what the new now looks like to me.” It’s a new look and feel we love, and it is one we hope continues long past the pandemic. So, for now, we’re going to party like it’s 1999. Throw on a Britney Spears track, slip into some platforms, and make the look totally your own with these pop princess-approved pieces.
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THE TIFFA N Y
K NOT
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A BR I L L I A N T N E W A DDI T ION TO T H E BELOV ED BR A N D’S LU X E L I N EU P B Y G I U S E P PA N A D R O W S K I
TIFFANY & CO.,
the legendary label known for its diamonds and rings, is at it again with a soon-tobe-iconic new design, the Tiffany Knot. A tribute to the energy and spirit of the brand’s New York City hometown, the new designs are “subversive, witty, and individualistic” and meant to symbolize the ability “to create connections between people.” The collection features an array of earrings, rings, necklaces, and bracelets cast in 18K yellow gold and 18K rose gold, some set with the label’s brilliant diamonds. Among our favorites, the pavé diamond hinged bracelet is a masterpiece in design.
Master artisans spend approximately 22 hours to craft each bracelet in this shimmering style. The bracelet contains over 400 diamonds set at precise angles to maximize the brilliance. According to the brand, each design is “a complex feat of craftsmanship.” The brand adds, “(The) Tiffany Knot is elegant and contemporary with a touch of sharpness — just like the city that inspired it.”
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To see the brilliance in person, The Mall at Millenia now features a dedicated and immersive pop-in experience to view the new Tiffany Knot.
1. Versace’s Resort 22 collection takes us on a nostalgic trip. 2. This choker gives us serious ’90s flashbacks. Necklace, $875, Chanel. 3. From miniskirts to psychedelic prints, Versace’s Resort 22 collection was all about having fun. 4. This cropped fuzzy knit is right on trend. Cardigan, $78, Aritzia. 5. We love that this pleated mini is crafted of vegan leather. Skirt, $98, Aritzia. 6. Sky-high, these are our new favorite platforms. Loafers, $1,425, Versace. 7. Gucci revamped this iconic ’90s style for today’s generation. Diana mini tote bag, $2,650, Gucci. 8. This breathtaking choker features over 300 hand-set diamonds. Tiffany Knot Double Row Necklace, $29,000, Tiffany & Co. 9. Here, each brilliant diamond has been meticulously chosen. Tif fany Knot Drop Earrings, $5,000, Tiffany & Co. 10. The styling possibilities are endless with this necklace. Tiffany Knot Pendant, $1,800, Tiffany & Co. 11. Over 400 diamonds were hand set in this stunning bracelet. Tiffany Knot Double Row Hinged Bangle, $20,000, Tiffany & Co. 12. This beautiful ring features shimmering pavé diamonds. Tiffany Knot Ring, $1,700, Tiffany & Co. 13. The craftmanship behind this hinged bangle is unparalleled.
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GIVE THEM AN ADVANTAGE JONATHAN TAYLOR PRO RUNNING BACK
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MALL AT MILLENIA SPACE E131
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The Mall at Millenia
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THE MALL AT MILLENIA 407.903.1900
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ESCAPE Adventure Seekers Amanyara partners with Frost Science to introduce young travelers to conservation education at its year-round SEEK camps By Daphne Nikolopoulos
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF AMAN
A
rmed with masks, snorkels, and underwater cameras, the Reef Rescue team enters the glacier-blue water at Amanyara in the Turks & Caicos. Their leaders: conservation educators from the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science in Miami. Their mission: to swim out to Northwest Point Marine National Park and document reef-dwelling creatures, including some endangered ones. Their ages: 10 to 12. It’s a good 10-minute swim to the edge of the park, but the budding conservationists—members of Science Explorers and Environmental Keepers (SEEK)—are undaunted. They’ve been told there’s a rare variety of squid out there, and they’d swim a mile if they had to. Besides, the sun is shining and the water is so clear they can make out the pores on the sand dollars. For squid-spotting, they couldn’t have asked for a better day.
The perfectly blue and clear water off Amanyara is the backdrop for a host of activities for adults and kids alike.
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Clockwise from top left: The main pool Salas make a perfect perch for sunset viewing; fun and games at the Nature Discovery Center; Ocean Cove Pavilion bedroom; the four-bedroom Tranquility Villa.
At the first glimpse of the underwater park, the SEEKers’ eyes widen. A reef “ball”—a huge, man-made concrete structure introduced to build up reefs—is covered with diverse corals and teeming with fis darting in and out of holes. A kaleidoscope of Caribbean sea life is represented: porcupine fish, snapper, grunt, queen triggerfish, you name it. Annie, a 12-year-old, snaps a photo of a parrotfish munching the algae off a brain coral. London, who just turned 10, points to a stingray, and they all gather round, eager to touch it. A few minutes later, lead museum educator Jamie Hardcastle spots The Prize: a school of Caribbean reef squid with golden, torpedo-shaped bodies that can change color to green, brown, red, and even blue depending on their objective. Mesmerized, the kids watch the cute cephalopods propel themselves by doing “the wave” in their endless hunt for food. “Reef squid are so rare,” Hardcastle says during an educational activity that interprets what SEEKers saw in the water. “This is my fift time out here, and I hadn’t seen one before.” 54
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Discoveries like these come courtesy of a partnership between Frost Science and Amanyara, designed to offer young travelers an enriched camp experience. In addition to Reef Rescue, kids can sign up for Coastal Conservation, which is a deep dive into mangroves and coastal habitats, or Sun, Moon, and Stars, a nighttime program that delves into the science of the stars. SEEK camps aren’t the usual crafts-and-movies fare found at hotel kids’ clubs. They’re hands-on, in-the-field experiences based on actual science and a serious goal: to foster a love of the environment in the next generation. “We take what we do at Frost and make it experiential,” Hardcastle says. “It’s a great way [for kids] to see firsthand how a healthy coastline impacts not only marine life, but people as well.” Amanyara, with its 18,000-acre nature reserve and immaculate waters, is the ideal backdrop for such a program. And it comes with a bonus: While the kids are off on their coastal adventures, parents can lounge by their private infinity-edge swimming pool, or strike a Warrior II on their personal yoga pavilion,
Clockwise from top left: Splashing around at Nature Discovery Center; the spacious living room of the four-bedroom Tranquility Villa; private beach beyond Ocean Cove
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Pavilion; the Grand Reflecting Pond showcases the resort’s tropical modern architecture, which is open to ocean breezes; pizza making is one of the favorite kids’ activities. NOVEMBER 2021
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ESCAPE Amanyara’s circular bar and main restaurant (far left) recall Balinese architecture, with its wood construction and open spaces. Left: The SEEK program teaches kids about conservation and the environment through fun, educational programs. Below: The fourbedroom Tranquility Villa is sited around a tranquil water feature.
or wander down a path to a secluded stretch of beach. Amanyara’s villas, which come in two- to six-bedroom configurations, are gorgeous island homes with plenty of room for the entire family and amenities like personal cooks and housekeepers, open-plan living areas, and extensive terraces for sunbathing and outdoor dining. Who’d ever want to leave? (Actually, with the At Home with Amanyara extended stay program, you don’t necessarily have to.)
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As a top destination for multigenerational travel, Amanyara offers a wide range of activities for families to do together. Nature walks and beach cruiser rides are popular with all ages, and water sports like Hobie Cat sailing and kayaking are perfect ways for parents and kids to bond. And everyone looks forward to s’mores night on the beach, when they can gather round a barrel bonfire to toast marshmallows as the sun sets on another day of diversions and discovery. (aman.com/resorts/amanyara) «
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THE GIFT OF THE PARTY #THEYEARLONGGIFT The Mall at Millienia | 407.352.7648
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ESCAPE QUICK TRIPS
JEWEL of the Maya With luxe accommodations and fine cuisine, Grand Velas Riviera Maya redefines the all-inclusive experience By Daphne Nikolopoulos
Clockwise from left: The Presidential Suite in the resort’s luxe “Grand Class” accommodation category; the lobby in the “Zen Class” enclave, overlooking the lush Mayan jungle; cenotes, rainwater-filled natural pits or caves, abound in Mexico; black bean cappuccino with cotija foam and chipilín leaves.
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ver the past 18 months, travelers have divided into two categories: those who were so ready for cool experiences that they jumped in with both feet, COVID be damned; and those who tiptoed in by choosing places that felt safe. Destinations that satisfied both of those urges shot straight to the top of must-go lists, especially if they were close to home, luxurious, and inclusive of elevated
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dining and activities. Enter the AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Maya in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Early on, Grand Velas made a commitment to guest safety by limiting capacity and sanitizing suites extensively and sealing the doors before the next guests arrived. With the ubiquitous sanitation mats, temperature check stations, distanced dining tables, and PPE worn by staff, it’s impossible not to feel safe at this property. This is a good thing, since it leaves you free to think about more important things, such as which restaurant to book for dinner. The flagship here is Cocina de Autor, which is billed as a multisensory experience. Chef Nahúm Velasco deconstructs and reinterprets Mexican and Caribbean dishes in a creative way, coming up with such molecu-
lar delights as shaved foie gras with poblanos and corn, or ceviche with squid ink–infused leche de tigre. In the Mexican food category, Frida is the destination of choice for traditional dishes with a modern twist, including a standout black bean cappuccino with cotija foam and chipilín leaves. Piaf, with its sexy red damask panels and dripping chandeliers, serves French classics like mustardblackened fish with homemade choucroute, and a beautiful slow-cooked lamb Navarin. Throughout the Grand Velas restaurants, the variety is broad and the quality high, so there’s little chance of epicurean boredom.
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The Mayan-inspired architecture of Grand Velas (left) sets the stage for indulgent dining (above and below) and activities such as movies on the beach under the stars (top right). The Se Spa is known for its hydrotherapy journey and healing water experiences (top left).
Or boredom, period. There’s an incredible array of diversions at the 206-acre resort, whether you’re traveling solo or on a multigen vacation. Boaters will love the Sunset VanDutch Experience, which includes a visit to an underwater museum, watersports galore, and a gourmet menu with ancestral beverage tastings (bacanora, sotol, and tuxca, to name a few). Another favorite is the Gourmet Cenote Experience, where guests can dine 60 feet beneath the pristine Chukum cenote. Touring the caverns is mind-blowing in its own right, but dining among the stalagmites is definitely one for the books, even for those who have been there, done that. One can choose, of course, to do nothing but be pampered for days, and the Se Spa is ideal for that. Treatments like the Bacal Massage, which utilizes corn and honey, and
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the Úumbal Shawl Massage, rooted in preHispanic methods, are inspired by the destination’s Mayan ancestry. It’s always a good idea to precede a treatment with the Riviera Maya Water Ceremony, a blissful 50-minute hydrotherapy journey in a clay room, ice room, sauna, and a Sensation Pool with waterfalls, water bubble beds, and other relaxing and detoxifying activations. For a getaway close to home yet exotic enough for bragging rights, this luxe oceanfront (and all-inclusive!) treasure is worth finding. (rivieramaya.grandvelas.com) « NOVEMBER 2021
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ESCAPE
HIGH ROAD
GAME Changer
Infiniti’s all-new QX60 raises its game in the midsize luxury crossover market, and scores big By Howard Walker In the words of Toy Story’s Buzz Lightyear: “To infinity and beyond!” Okay, switch the “y” in “infinity” to an “i,” and Buzz could have been talking about Infiniti’s brand-new QX60 three-row sport-ute and how it’s set to take Nissan’s luxury brand beyond and into the future. Truth is, for the past decade, Infiniti-with-an-i has been on somnambulant snooze control, offering slim pickings in the way of new products or innovation. Sedans, SUVs, and coupes that were cool when they came out, are now definitely cruising past their sell-by dates. Take the previous-gen QX60. This bland Jello-O mold on wheels has been around since 2012. In car years, that’s older than Betty White. Yet, amazingly, it was Infiniti’s top seller last year.
But Infiniti’s image is all about to change with the arrival in showrooms of the stylish 2022 QX60. Its sleek, sexy design will definitely have you at hello. There’s a touch of Range Rover Velar and Lincoln Aviator in the longish hood, sweptback windshield, swooping roofline, and high waist. The 20-inch rims and shimmery Moonbow Blue paint on our top-of-the-line $65,000 Autograph model tester will have you looking back as you walk away. And it’s overflowing with detailing: the slash of Zorro LEDs above the headlights, the curvy clamshell hood, the intricate pattern of the grille inserts, the bold rear. There’s plenty to feast your eyes on here. Slide behind the wheel and you’ll see a cabin transformed. Even the $46,850 base model gets
wall-to-wall leather, while our fancy Autograph is lavished with semi-aniline hides stitched and quilted to mimic the ripples created when dropping a pebble in a pond. I kid you not. Add to this the matte-finish wood, piano-black features, and satin metal accents, and there’s no doubt that this is a proper high-luxe ride. For families, the QX still offers the flexibility and versatility of three-row seating. While that third row is just about big enough for adults on short trips, it’s perfect for kids. And Infiniti has nailed the entry-and-exit bit with middle-row captain’s chairs that flip forward at the touch of a button. With the second-row seats in place and the third row folded flat, you get a cavernous 41 cubic feet of load-carrying space. With everything folded, you can expect more than 75 cubic feet. For me, the biggest change between the new QX60 and its predecessor is the way it drives. We’re talking night and day. Yes, the Teflon-smooth 3.5-liter V6 carries over pretty much unchanged—thankfully Infiniti resisted the temptation to trade it for a hyperactive turbocharged four—and it continues to add a true luxury dimension to the Q. As before, the V6 brings a muscley 295 horsepower
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POWER FILE
PRICE: FROM $47,875 ENGINE: 3.5-LITER V6 TRANSMISSION: 9-SPEED AUTOMATIC POWER: 295 HP TORQUE: 270 LB-FT 0-60: 6.6 SECONDS TOP SPEED: 120 MPH LENGTH/ WIDTH: 198/86 INCHES WEIGHT: 4,500 POUNDS (EST) WHY WE LOVE IT: BECAUSE IT SETS A NEW CLASS BENCHMARK IN LUXURY.
to the party. But the big upgrade here is the switch from a lackluster continuously variable transmission (CVT) to a more responsive 9-speed automatic with paddle shifters. Now when you crush the gas pedal from standstill, the QX60 scampers off the line like a Learjet on takeoff. Even as the revs soar, the V6 is bank-vault silent, due in part to the new acoustic glass and 35 pounds of sound-deadening packed in. At freeway cruising speeds, the lack
of wind and road noise is uncanny. Slightly stiffer suspension and quicker, recalibrated electric-assist steering gives the QX a nimble, athletic feel through the twisties while the ride always remains smooth and calm. All QX60s come with front-wheel drive standard, with all-wheel drive a two-grand option. (Infiniti charges $3,000 for the same feature on the top Autograph model.) It’s not intended for mud-up-to-the-axles off-roading, but it will give you confidence in wet and slippery conditions. This section of the market is brimming with terrific offerings—everything from the Acura MDX
and the Volvo XC90, to Lincoln’s Nautilus, Lexus’ RX, and the new Genesis GV80. But this QX60 is a terrific contender that goes straight to the top of the class. It’s going to create quite the “buzz.” «
DON’T LET YOUR PENDING MOVE KEEP YOU UP. palmbeachrelocationguide.com Everything you need to make your move to paradise easy.
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ESCAPE
HIGH SEAS
Class ACT
The Burger Boat Company’s 50 Cruiser has the grandeur of a superyacht in a smaller package By Howard Walker
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There’s this term, “gentleman’s yacht.” Can’t say I know precisely what the definition is. But for me, it conjures an image of vintage style and elegance, with sleek, simple, timeless lines—and lots of varnished mahogany and mirror-polished stainless steel. See a yacht like this on the water and it moves with grace and pace, parting waves like a hot knife through butter. And being a true gentlemanly vessel, it would have a sunkissed George Clooney at the helm. The artisans at Wisconsin-based Burger Boat Company have been building gentlemen’s yachts since the early 1900s. Their newest is the compact Burger 50 Cruiser, which carries on those traditions yet seamlessly merges eons-old boatbuilding techniques with some very cool technology. Just gazing at the yacht makes my heart soar. It is strong and purposeful, with curves in all the right places, miles of varnished cap rails, and decks of teak. It oozes class in the same way a Hinckley, Hunt, or Hood does. But it doesn’t sacrifice function for form. I love the 50 Cruiser’s tall, glass-filled pilothouse, with its slender pillars that ensure a
360-degree, CinemaScope view from the wheel. Top marks as well for the wide decks and high rails for safe line-handling. Not to mention that deep foredeck sofa with wellpositioned cupholders and music speakers for cocktail-hour cruises. Yes, I wish the hull was 5 feet longer at the bow to visually stretch the lines. From some angles, the Cruiser does look a little on the stubby side. But 50 feet bow to stern is just about the perfect size for an owner/driver to comfortably work the boat. And comfort is the watchword here. Much of that is due to the unique shape of the aluminum hull that came off the computer screens of legendary Dutch naval architects Vripack. Using their patented Slide Hull design, cleverly positioned underwater strakes lift the boat and channel air underneath. Additional win-win benefits of the hull design include improved fuel efficiency, an impressive turn of speed, and a smoother ride in gnarly seas. Speaking of efficiency and top speed, the Burger gets its power from a pair of 600-horsepower Volvo Penta D8s. They’re
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POWER FILE
PRICE: UPON REQUEST LENGTH: 50 FEET BEAM: 15 FEET, 2 INCHES DRAFT: 4 FEET, 3 INCHES POWER: 2 X 600-HP VOLVO PENTA D8 DIESELS TOP SPEED: 31 KNOTS WHY WE LOVE IT: BECAUSE IT’S THE TRUE DEFINITION OF AN ELEGANT, CUSTOM-BUILT GENTLEMAN’S YACHT.
coupled to spacesaving IPS drives with joystick controls for magical, slide-it-sideways maneuvering. Those muscley twin-turbo straight-sixes can punch the 50 to a top speed of 31 knots, or throttle back for an easy 26-knot cruising speed. Burger makes sure they’re well-insulated and whisper quiet too; no gentleman likes to raise his voice. The interior layout is the work of Miami-
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based De Basto Designs, which has kept the theme bright, especially in the airy salon, with cream-colored fabrics and veneers. The narrowish cabin has a well-equipped galley on the starboard side, opposite the U-shaped sofa-cum-dinette. The power-sliding sunroof adds light and air and makes for perfect dining under the stars. The back deck features an almost full-width sofa and mirror-varnished table for entertaining. A barbecue, a sink, and counter space is
built into the transom, and a huge hydraulic swim platform makes it possible to launch a tender—or a 10-year-old swimmer—into the water. To stow all those must-have water toys, there’s even an in-hull garage at the stern. Back inside, steps leading down from the salon take you below decks, where there’s a gorgeous, full-beam owner’s suite with massive hull windows. Up in the bow there’s an equally spacious forward VIP cabin. While there’s no bunk room for the kids, Burger is quick to point out that the 50 Cruiser, like all Burger boats, is very much a custom build. Within reason, you can get whatever layout you want. For now, Burger is staying mum as to the price of this new 50 Cruiser. But the astonishing quality and craftsmanship, wonderful fit and finish, and high level of equipment will ensure it isn’t cheap. But then again, a true gentleman wouldn’t dream of asking the price. Naturally, money is no object. «
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SETTING THE STANDARD
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LIMIT WHAT’S NEXT FOR SPACE TRAVEL? FROM THE MOON TO MARS AND BEYOND, CENTRAL FLORIDA IS SHAPING THE FUTURE. BY KRISTEN DESMOND LEFEVRE
Clockwise from top left: NASA’s Mars Curiosity Rover drills for soil samples; astronauts install high-definition cameras using technology developed at Florida Tech; the Robinson Observatory at the University of Central Florida.
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Inset: A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket lifts off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. Bound for Mars, its payload included Perseverence, NASA’s newest red planet rover that is searching for signs of past life to give researchers insights into planetary conditions.
THE PLACE FOR SPACE A DASH OF ISOLATED SWAMPLAND MIXED WITH A WHOLE LOT OF INGENUITY MADE CENTRAL FLORIDA A WORLD LEADER IN THE SPACE INDUSTRY. BUT HOW? AND WHY HERE? The state’s booming commercial space industry—from NASA to SpaceX, Boeing, Blue Origin, and Lockheed Martin—provides jobs for nearly 100,000 Floridians at the more than 470 aerospace and aviation companies that do business here (to the tune of more than $7.6 billion in exported goods annually). But it hasn’t always been this way. Florida underwent a revolution in the 1950s. With the U.S. and the former Soviet Union at the height of the Cold War, the space race was born. In 1958, the U.S. established NASA—building a state-of-the-art launch facility on ideally isolated Merritt Island. The location was strategic: Its peninsular position allows spacecraft to launch over open water (a safer alternative to launching over populated land). And the area’s proximity to the Equator (where the Earth’s spin is slightly stronger) gives a natural boost to rockets as they lift off into orbit. By 1963, the federal government had acquired roughly 140,000 acres of land to build the Kennedy Space Center. Sleepy fishing towns stretching from Titusville to Melbourne were flooded with a veritable army of engineers, scientists, and technicians—all working to fulfill President Kennedy’s moonshot goal. And by 1969, Apollo 11 blasted off, sparking not only a national obsession with space, but a boom for the local aerospace industry.
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Since then, the 72-mile triangle from Cape Canaveral to Palm Bay to Orlando has become a destination for rocket geeks, space nerds, and astronaut wannabes—and more importantly, the next generation of space professionals and scientists who are leading the global effort to push humanity’s reach beyond our home planet. Dale Ketcham, vice president of government and external relations with Space Florida, the state’s aerospace economic development agency, says that ongoing NASA missions, university research projects, and private spaceflight innovations aim to establish Central Florida as “the most successful launch site on the planet.” Andrew Aldrin, director of Florida Tech’s Aldrin Space Institute, says the area is well on its way to becoming more than just what he calls “a NOVEMBER 2021
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Andrew Aldrin, director of the Aldrin Space Institute at Florida Tech
pack-it-up-and-shoot-it-off” location. (And yes, he’s related to that Aldrin; his father, Buzz, was the lunar module pilot on the 1969 Apollo 11 mission, where he and mission commander Neil Armstrong were famously the first humans to land on the moon.) Aldrin says his father wanted to find a university where he could work with faculty and students to start to build on some of his ideas. Florida Tech’s proximity to Kennedy Space Center simply couldn’t be beat. “We are very much in the center of things,” Aldrin says. But, he adds, “ample opportunities still abound for Central Florida
to become a true global hub of the commercial space industry.” He notes that welcoming more companies like One Web—a satellite production company that is planning to open the world’s first highvolume satellite production facility in Cape Canaveral—will be the next step toward solidifying the region’s prowess as Space Central. “We’re starting to see an early bridge between our launch infrastructure on the Space Coast and the intellectual infrastructure in Orlando,” Aldrin says. “That’s a hub of computer science, software development, and aerospace and defense work. When those resources all start to connect, I think that’s when we’ll really begin to reach a critical mass.”
KEEPING UP WITH KENNEDY
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Below: Associate Administrator of NASA Robert Cabana speaks to aspiring astronauts.
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Robert Cabana, Associate Administrator of NASA and a veteran astronaut of four Space Shuttle flights, has his sights set on the moon—for now. What we can learn by returning to the moon (and staying for an extended period of time) will help us to one day live in space and go to Mars—and beyond. NASA’s next big mission is known as Artemis, aptly named for the twin sister of Apollo. “That’s going to take us back to the moon and put the first woman on the moon and next man in 2024,” Cabana says. “The moon is a stepping-stone. We still have a lot to learn if we’re going to maintain humans on Mars, which of course is the ultimate goal.” If NASA’s Artemis timeline goes as planned, we may see an unmanned moon shot from the Kennedy Space Center in late 2021. For Cabana, exploring beyond our home planet is not optional; it’s critical. “When I was selected as an astronaut, I was working for one of my heroes: John Young,” Cabana says. “John always said a single planet species will not survive. We have to push the boundaries of exploration for the good of humankind.” What scientists learn on the moon and on Mars, Cabana notes, will have profound impacts on our understanding of Earth. “The moon used to be part of the Earth,” he explains. “When we go to the moon, we’re going to see pristine elements of what Earth was like when it was formed—things that have not been eroded over time and affected by an atmosphere. Same thing with Mars, which at one time had an atmosphere and flowing water. What happened to it? How did it end up like it is? These questions are what drive us to learn and explore.”
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WHAT’S NEW—AND WHAT’S NEXT—AT THE PLACE THAT FUELS FLORIDA’S ROCKET CRAZE
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Andrew Palmer’s astrobiology lab at Florida Tech features a “Martian Garden.” Palmer’s research aims to identify plants that will grow in regolith.
HITTING PAYDIRT WHAT CAN RESEARCHERS LEARN FROM GETTING DOWN AND DIRTY WITH REGOLITH? MORE THAN YOU MIGHT THINK.
Dan Britt knows his dirt. But when you’re talking about dirt that comes from somewhere other than Earth, it’s called regolith. Britt, the Pegasus Professor of Astronomy and Planetary Sciences at the University of Central Florida’s department of physics, says that regardless of whether regolith comes from the surface of the moon, Mars, an asteroid, or some other planetary body, it holds the key to human survival on places other than Earth. A long-time veteran of NASA science teams (he even has an asteroid named after him), Britt heads the NASA-funded Center for Lunar and Asteroid Surface Science (CLASS). “We’re working to understand how the process of moving around, extracting resources, or building habitats is affected by the stuff that you run into on the surface,” he explains. While studying alien dirt may seem basic, Britt says that using what’s available in outer space (and regolith is plentiful) is critical to the success of establishing an off-Earth base. “We call it in situ resource utilization,” Britt says. “It’s a fancy way of saying: ‘Use what’s there and don’t bring it with you if you don’t have to.’” It’s a concept driven by economy, and it’s measured by gear ratio, which tells you how many pounds of rocket fuel is required to transport a pound of cargo to a given destination. For a Mars mission, the gear ratio is more than 250—that is, for every pound of cargo, the rocket will need to burn 250 pounds of fuel in order to reach the surface of Mars. “That adds up over time,” Britt says. “Things like oxygen you breathe, fuel you can use for your trip home, or construction materials to build habitats—if we can use what’s available on Mars, the moon,
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UCF’s Dan Britt studies a piece of regolith.
asteroids, or wherever you’re going to develop those resources, it would be a much better plan than dragging it along with us.” Britt’s research is setting the stage for NASA to begin to make plans to effectively use the resources available in outer space on future missions. “What resources do we have? What resources can we use to our advantage?” he asks. Answering those questions, he says, will help develop the pathways needed to turn raw materials into finished products. “We’re mapping and developing both a physical and a mental infrastructure,” he adds. “This way we can push ourselves to those frontiers where there’s nothing on the map just yet.” Using samples of Martian meteorites, pieces of asteroids that have fallen to NOVEMBER 2021
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Top: Andrew Palmer guides a Florida Tech student experimenting with simulated Martian regolith.
Earth, and moon rocks brought back by the Apollo missions of the 1960s and 1970s, Britt’s UCF lab has developed a series of regolith simulants, material that mimics what you’d find on a specific alien surface. Research labs worldwide use the regolith simulant to conduct research on everything from dust mitigation to crop production to creating building materials. You’ll find Britt’s Martian regolith simulant inside Andrew Palmer’s lab just an hour’s drive away at Florida Tech in Melbourne. The material contains few minerals, a lot of chlorine, and no organic matter, making it a poor home for plants. Palmer—who is working to discover how to grow food on Mars—sees that as not only a challenge, but an opportunity. He says it comes down to elements: nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. These are the building blocks of what you need to grow plants. But Martian regolith contains almost no nitrogen. That’s where Palmer’s research comes in.
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“We’re trying to understand how little nutrients we need to provide to plants in order for them to survive,” he explains. Palmer and his team are discovering which crops thrive in a harsh regolith host. His lab has already grown peppers, tomatoes, lettuce, and tobacco. Now they’re looking to identify plant varieties that can be selected or engineered to grow at maximum effectiveness. Eventually, they’ll assess the quality of food crops grown in regolith. “Is it good to eat?” Palmer asks. “Will it be nutritious?” But it’s not just about what we might need to add to Martian regolith (like nitrogen) to make it more hospitable. Palmer says we can also improve it by removing elements, like toxic perchlorates. “By pulling those out you could get a double effect: more hospitable regolith and a resource to manufacture rocket fuel for the trip home,” he explains. “More things you don’t have to pack into a spacecraft.” Eventually, Palmer would like to work with more varieties of regolith simulant— including some that represent specific areas of Mars. He says knowing which regions of the planet feature the most hospitable regolith could impact the selection of future landing sites. “If we can say that a certain simulant mirrors a particular region of Mars and plants grow okay in it, then we can put a tick mark by the food safety part of the landing site selection criteria.” In the end, growing food on Mars is about survival. But it’s more than that, Palmer says. “The journey from Earth to Mars could be six months. That’s why growing food on Mars is a necessity: If something goes wrong, people could be stranded for nine months to a year. But it’s also going to be a stressful environment, and I think that growing plants and having something green around you could be a reminder of home. It’s a connection that I think will be very powerful.”
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GOING UNDERGROUND
Inset: Regolith research includes testing a rover’s ability to maneuver on Mars’ surface. Right: Professor Philip Metzger works with students at NASA.
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HAVE RESEARCHERS BEEN LOOKING FOR ALIEN LIFE IN ALL THE WRONG PLACES?
READY, ROBOTS COULD ROBOTS IN SPACE BE THE SOLUTION FOR THE WORLD’S ENERGY CRISIS? ONE LOCAL RESEARCHER IS BETTING ON IT.
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tend to imagine the way things are right now,” he says. That’s why he’s focused on finding the intermediate steps that will get people and politicians thinking about the viability of off-planet supply chain businesses that sound more like science fact. One of those businesses involves a method of mining moon ice, which can be turned into rocket fuel or used in communication between satellite thrusters. Studies are underway to analyze the economics of the project and to develop the technology needed to sort ice from grains of moon dust. Metzger and his partners estimate that if they can figure out a way to provide that service for $50 million per spacecraft, then it’ll be a profitable—and early—off-Earth business. (And should humans ever create communities on Mars, they’ll be his customers as they travel back and forth.) Some researchers are focused on getting to Researchers hope NASA’s Mars or other planets. Perseverence rover— shown here in an artist’s Not Metzger. “Planets are rendering—will unlock where you want to make new Martian insights. your home,” he says. “But I want to learn to live beyond planets. I’m not interested in going to another planet and trying to learn how to live there. I’m more interested in developing the machinery that supports the planet without damaging the planet.” COURTESY OF NASA
Philip Metzger, a long-time NASA veteran who currently works as a planetary physicist at the University of Central Florida, sees space as the next frontier. But, he says, letting robots go into space while humans stay put may be the key to improving the outlook here on our home planet. “Our civilization has expanded to the point that we are outgrowing our planet,” Metzger warns. “We’re stressing the Earth and causing climate change, depleting our best resources.” To fix this, Metzger believes we must learn how to put the machinery of industry off the surface of our planet, in space. “When you find you’ve overgrown the planet, you don’t solve that by punishing people,” Metzger says. “You solve that by attacking the root problem, which is we’ve got too much going on on one planet, so let’s get it off the planet.” Metzger notes that the most feasible products to outsource to space are massless—namely, energy and data—and that the key to off-Earth industry is robotic automation. “If we can create a complete supply chain in these sectors where robots are doing the work, and even creating additional robot workers as needed, then the labor cost eventually vanishes,” he says. By moving energy and computing sectors into space, Metzger estimates that we could relieve the Earth of half of its industrial burden by the end of the century. He admits that our robotics capabilities are not where they need to be—but they could get there in 40 to 50 years. Sound like science fiction? Metzger understands. “It’s hard for people to envision it because people
Since his boyhood days watching Carl Sagan on TV, Florida Tech astrobiology assistant professor Manasvi Lingam has had a suspicion that humans are not alone in the universe. Now his latest research says the rocky red terrain of Mars may cover a rich environment full of life. Using models of biospheres with the characteristics of Mars and Earth, Lingam and his team discovered that it’s possible for organisms to live under the surface of the red planet. The groundbreaking findings come on the heels of recent work by Italian researchers who have suggested that salty lakes lie beneath Mars’ south polar ice cap. Lingam warns that just because his work has shown there is the potential for life and water under the surface of Mars, it doesn’t mean we’ll see large marine animals swimming there. Instead, he suggests it’s more likely we’d find primitive organisms like microbes and, perhaps, worms. Lingam’s next move? Building on his research by looking at missions that would explore whether other planets and heavenly bodies have the potential to harbor life. “I would like to extend this study to other worlds,” Lingam says. “The goal would be to drill into a planet like Mars to sample the soil and rock and see what’s out there.”
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Florida Tech student Alyssa Carson is training to be among the next generation of space explorers.
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EYES ON THE SKIES Alyssa Carson was 3 years old when she told her father she wanted to be an astronaut, with her sights set on going to Mars. In the years that followed, Carson completed NASA Space Camps from Florida to Texas, Canada to Turkey—making her the only person to attend every NASA-sponsored camp. And don’t think she’s flying outside of the agency’s radar: In 2013, NASA invited then-11-year-old Carson to sit on the MER 10 panel to discuss future missions to Mars. She was later selected as one of seven ambassadors representing Mars One, a mission to establish a human base on Mars by 2030. At 15, Carson was the youngest person to be accepted to and graduate from the Project Polar Suborbital Science in the Upper Mesosphere (known as the Advanced POSSUM Space Academy), officially making her certified to go to space and become a future astronaut trainee. At 18, she earned her pilot’s license. Now 20, Alyssa is positioning herself to be among the next generation of space explorers. We caught up with the Florida Tech junior to find out more about what drives her—and what lies ahead. OI: Why space travel? And why Mars? Carson: One day we do have to learn how to travel somewhere else. It’s [about] taking a broader view; not just thinking about what’s going on in the world right now, but thinking ahead to where we might be thousands of years from now. It’s not that going to Mars is going to save the population of Earth. Mars is in our same solar system, so if the sun were to burn out or something, Mars would be out of luck, too. But it’s starting the process: learning how to travel to another planet, learning how to set up a base there. Of course, there’s a sense of adventure and opportunity that plays into it too. We’re at the point where technology is nearly ready to take us to Mars. We might as well do it. And it might as well be me. There are some big risks inherent in traveling to a place like Mars—from radiation to a lack of oxygen to possible physiological tolls. Does that worry you? I’m kind of at a point where I’ve learned about the risks for so long that many of them seem normal to me now. But more than that, I’ve learned about the solutions that NASA and other groups have come up with to try to keep astronauts safe. 74
And there are still risks they haven’t figured out how to handle, so we definitely couldn’t just get up and go there tomorrow. But meeting the people who are working to figure these things out has really put me at ease. When you see how dedicated they are to safety, you feel like you’re in good hands. Some of the proposed missions to Mars have astronauts staying there for long periods of time or even indefinitely. Would you be up for a permanent residence on the red planet? If that was the only option, I would be up for it. I would prefer to return, of course. But if it was the only option I would still want to go. At this point there is so much to benefit from a return flight, that it seems likely. I’m sure our scientists here on Earth would love to get their hands on the things we could bring back— rocks and other samples for even more research—not to mention just the morale boost and excitement from having astronauts return to Earth from Mars and what a feat that would be. How can sending astronauts to Mars help regular people on Earth? Space travel is not just science in a vacuum. What we learn pushes us in so many different ways that benefit the Earth. People don’t think about the technology we use every day that was either invented for the space program or by the space program. Something like a mission to Mars will push our technology even further, and a lot of the technology that will be invented to get us there can probably be used to solve problems we have on Earth. What’s next on your path to becoming an astronaut? Right now I’m focusing on my college classes. But some of the next steps include continuing with my pilot’s license, getting my instrument rating. I’m also looking to do an analog, which is a project where you’re simulating some of the conditions you’d experience in an alien environment. The one I’m looking at focuses on isolation, and it’s on a boat for 30 days. You and your crew members live as if you were on a mission to Mars—you grow food to eat, conduct missions together, things like that. I also plan on getting my skydiving certification—a little bit more freefall. I’m excited to experience that kind of environment.
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SPACE-READY SCHOOLS TWO SPACE COAST SCHOOLS ARE MAKING THEIR MARK AS THEY REACH FOR THE STARS
Florida Tech Melbourne’s Florida Institute of Technology is just a stone’s throw away from the Kennedy Space Center. Sure, the school has been there for every NASA launch, but in those 60-plus years, it’s built connections to the space industry far more complex than geography. • Astronaut Alumni: Six Space Shuttle astronauts are Florida Tech grads, including Sunita Williams, who was selected to crew the Boeing Starliner, set to launch in 2021. • Space Station Staple: In 2017, the school launched a highly specialized camera known as a Charge Injection Device (CID). Installed on the exterior of the International Space Station, the CID can capture very bright and very dim light to help scientists identify
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potential Earth-like planets beyond our solar system. • Aldrin Approved: Named for Buzz Aldrin, the second person to walk on the moon, the Aldrin Space Institute advances the goal of establishing and sustaining a human presence on Mars. • Program Prowess: Florida Tech offers the first undergraduate astrobiology program in the U.S., plus other space-related bachelor’s degrees, including astronomy, astrophysics, and planetary science. • Rich in Research: Supermassive black holes, planetary atmospheres, Mars rovers, zero-gravity simulators, solid rocket fuel, hybrid rockets, microgravity exercise equipment, and landing simulators are just a few of the space-related research projects underway at Florida Tech. • Geared Up: The school’s Ortega telescope is one of the largest research telescopes in the southeastern United States. • Digging the Dirt: Through a partnership with NASA, Florida Tech is conducting research into growing plants on simulated Martian soil and using 3D-printing technologies to create construction bricks from simulated Martian soil.
Clockwise from top left: Florida Tech alumna Sunita Williams performs a space walk; students at UCF use powerful tools to peer into the skies; an astrobiology major works in a Florida Tech lab.
University of Central Florida Drive through the Orlando campus of the University of Central Florida, and you start to notice the street names—Gemini Boulevard, Andromeda Loop, Apollo Circle— reflect UCF’s beginnings as a space university. Founded in 1963 to provide talent to the U.S. space program, UCF has been making an impact on outer space ever since. • Asking Big Questions: From creating high-res maps of water on the lunar surface, to finding ways to administer IV medicines in zero gravity, these are just some of the solar system–sized areas of research that UCF faculty are working on. • Star Searching: UCF’s Robinson Observatory houses a 20-inch telescope, offering students a
training ground to collect solid data and conduct original research. • NASA Know-How: UCF faculty are part of several NASA missions and the university has received more than 330 NASA awards since 1991. • Knights in Space: Two UCF grads are finalists for a one-way flight to Mars as part of the Mars One project to establish a base. • Mission Ready: Thirty percent of all Kennedy Space Center employees are UCF alumni, and the university is the primary supplier of talent to the U.S. aerospace and defense industries. • Extraordinary Exoplanet: Not every university has a planet named after it. In 2012, UCF researchers discovered an exoplanet they named UCF-1.01, which is located 33 light-years away. « NOVEMBER 2021
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FUTURE FACING ORLANDO’S PLAN TO BE FUTURE-READY BRINGS TOMORROW’S INNOVATIONS TO LIFE TODAY BY MICHELLE M. HAVICH
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Inset: The Creative Village neighborhood offers ample opportunities to live, work, and learn. Opposite page: From its autonomous shuttles to its tech-centric shared spaces, Lake Nona is a “smart city with a soul.”
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omorrowland is more than just a section of Walt Disney World. It’s becoming real, right in Orlando, which has plans in place to be a “future-ready city”—one that uses stakeholder involvement, innovation, and technology to create a thriving and vibrant community of tomorrow. What makes Orlando primed to become a future-ready city? According to Michael Hess, director of Future Ready for the City of Orlando, the answer starts with planning and community. “We are one of the only places that has created an overall future-ready smart city plan,” he says. “We’ve taken a step back and looked at this holistically, engaging the community and really thinking about what issues they want us to solve as a future-ready city, as opposed to just shiny objects.”
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The city started the phased-in approach to the future-ready plan in late 2019 with internal in-depth interviews with all of the city departments, asking them what they thought a smart city or future city should be. “We wanted to understand from them some of the things they were already doing,” Hess says. They moved forward with focus group discussions with city staff and community stakeholders, where they brainstormed ideas. Next came public workshops for each of the city’s six districts. “We had really great turnout, so we were getting direct feedback from the community,” Hess says. Held in February and March of 2020, the last public workshop took place just as everything was shutting down due to COVID-19, so Hess says they set up virtual workshops to show the community how the plan was progressing, enabling them to extend community engagement. While the pandemic has slowed projects down, the city was able to finish the master plan, which is available online (orlando.gov/our-government/future-ready-city) in the virtual “meeting room.”
The future-ready master plan is organized around seven focus areas—connectivity, energy, health and safety, materials, mobility, placemaking, and water—which categorized major services already provided by the city and its partners. Along with those pillars, a list of foundational elements will guide the plan’s implementation, including people first, diversity, sustainability, prosperity for all, transparency, and security. According to Hess, every plan is assessed through these foundational elements. “Every project we do, we’re thinking about those foundation elements, and actually we use those to help pick what projects we want to do,” he says. To kick things off, Orlando will roll out a hot spot and tablet check-out program, giving residents the opportunity to rent equipment at designated community centers. “We have goals around bridging the digital divide,” Hess says. “One of the issues is that people have lost their jobs during the pandemic, and now that everything has gone online, they may not be NOVEMBER 2021
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able to pay their internet bill. We’re trying to Lake Nona is home to provide these resources so people can check high-tech artworks such as The Beacon out a tablet from one of our community centers. (above left), commuThat tablet has cellular data, and it actually is nal areas like Boxi Park (above right and going to have resources on it to help with job below), and innovative searches.” work spaces such as Pixon MS2 (inset). Bridging the digital divide is critical to making a future-ready city equitable for everyone. Hess refers back to the foundational elements to explain. “One of them is prosperity for all. One is resilience. One is people first. To me they all point to equity and having an equitable city. When I personally think about technology, new technology is a way to continue to divide the haves from the have nots, but it’s also an opportunity to bring everyone up, create equity, and [provide] everyone access to information and technology. We’re going to continue to separate economically if there are people who don’t have access to the internet.” The city is also working with computer students at Valencia College to empower them Of course, new technology and innovation can lead to job losses as to start a new product to help better define the digital divide. certain skills become automated. Like everything, Orlando has a plan for that. “One of the overarching goals is around workforce development,” Hess says. “Anytime we put out one of these future-ready projects, we’re really trying to have some form of workforce development in it, to really involve the community, particularly in this current climate. I’m actually a believer that technology is going to eliminate some jobs, but I think it’s going to create more. Anytime we roll out a program that has a workforce development component, I think it’s really going to help with that issue.” Going forward, Hess believes that Orlando can be a model for other cities hoping to become future-ready, but not necessarily because of the end result. “I really hope that everyone looks at our process and not necessarily our results or the projects that we pick,” he says. “There are different priorities in Colorado than in Florida. So, to me, I really hope the example that we set is that other communities will go through that community engagement process and not just think about doing technology at the beginning, but actually go to the community and ask them, ‘What do you want to solve? What do we need to get better at?’ And 78
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if there is a technology solution that helps with that, great, or if there’s a low-tech or no-tech solution, great. That’s what’s most important to me, defining what smart city or future-ready means to your community first.
FORWARD-LOOKING LIVING Live-work-play developments are coming together in the Orlando area, offering amenities for all types of residents. For more urban living, the Creative Village is transforming the former site of the Amway Arena in downtown Orlando into a 68-acre, mixed-use, transit-oriented infill neighborhood that will be home to leading higher-education providers, high-tech digital media, and creative companies. The neighborhood is a public/private partnership between the City of Orlando and Creative Village Development LLC, a joint venture between Ustler Development Inc. and Banc of America Community Development Corporation. The new University of Central Florida (UCF) Downtown and Valencia College Downtown campuses opened in Creative Village in August 2019, and big-name creative companies are moving in, starting with Electronic Arts (EA), which is relocating its Maitland, Florida, headquarters to Creative Village. A leading video gaming company and a global powerhouse in digital interactive entertainment, EA is expected to move into a new 175,940-square-foot space. The Julian, the first apartment project in Creative Village, opened in July 2020. The 14-story building features 409 contemporary
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Leading video game developer EA will open a new East Coast headquarters in downtown Orlando.
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Clockwise from above: Students at UCF Downtown; Move Nona autonomous shuttle; UnionWest student resident community at Creative Village.
residences and 6,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial space. When it is fully complete in 2022, the Julian will include 350,000 square feet of academic space for UCF Downtown and Valencia College, more than 950 apartments, 640 studenthousing beds, 175,000 square feet of professional offic space, a 2.5-acre public park, a Marriott hotel, and the ACE School, which will serve 1,000 students in pre-K through eighth grade. Nearby Lake Nona is hyped as “a smart city with soul.” The 17-square-mile master-planned community developed by Tavistock Development Company prioritizes forward-thinking technology, strategic partnerships, education, and well-being in a vibrant live-work-play environment. Health and wellness are a major focus for Lake Nona residents. Home designs include single-family, multifamily, and seniorspecific neighborhoods, and Lake Nona also boasts its own Medical City, which includes the Orlando VA Medical Center, Nemours Children’s Hospital, MD Anderson Orlando Cancer Research Institute, and the UCF Lake Nona Medical Center. Residents can participate in the groundbreaking Lake Nona Life Project, a long-term health study designed to examine patterns, predictors, and strategies of lifestyle behaviors that may optimize lifelong wellness. But Lake Nona is also harnessing the power of technology for its
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German Aviation company Lilium (below right) will bring its Lilium Jet air taxi (inset) to Central Florida. Other industry leaders such as Verizon are also flocking to the area, to include a Verizon 5G Innovation Hub in Lake Nona (below).
residents, having announced an agreement with Verizon in early 2020 to bring new technologies (including 5G) to the area. The Verizon 5G Innovation Hub will operate in a shared space with the leAD Lake Nona Sports & Health Tech Accelerator in the new Pixon MS2 collaborative environment. The leAD accelerator will focus on “future of living” solutions in three areas—sports and health tech, smart cities, and the future of nutrition—driving growth for entrepreneurs through investment and mentorship in an environment that will allow participants to conceive, test, and implement their ideas during a sixmonth program.
TRANSPORTATION TRENDS
George Jetson’s space car is on its way to becoming a reality with a fleet of all-electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) jet aircraft being developed by Lilium. The Munich-based aviation company has partnered with Tavistock and the City of Orlando to build the first U.S. “vertiport” in Lake Nona, creating the country’s first air bility network. Located adjacent to the Orlando International Airport (OIA), Lake Nona is also home to BBA Aviation/Signature Flight Support and SimCom Aviation Training, making it a natural choice for the first vertiport.
COURTESY OF LILIUM
COURTESY OF LAKE NONA
Planned to launch in 2025, the eVTOL service will enable people to travel within a 186-mile radius in the state of Florida. Still in the development stage, the five-seat aircraft (four passengers and a pilot) is designed with regional mobility in mind, saving passengers—who will be able to use the Lilium app to find the closest vertiport and plan out trips—up to 30 minutes of travel time. “Lilium’s first location in the Florida network has been announced as Lake Nona, Orlando,” the company has stated. “Lake Nona has been described as the ‘Future of Cities,’ so it was a natural choice for Lilium to establish the first vertiport location in the U.S. and the firs outside of our home country. At its core, the community is designed to meet a higher standard of smarter, sustainable living, an ethos which closely matches that of Lilium.” Speaking of the OIA, high-speed rail Brightline is on track to expand its service from West Palm Beach into the airport’s South Terminal in late 2022 or early 2023, creating another connection spot for visitors to easily zip into Orlando in under two hours. In November 2020, Brightline also announced it was entering an agreement with Walt Disney World to construct a train station at the Disney Springs shopping, dining, and entertainment complex, providing a convenient travel option between Walt Disney World and Brightline stations at OIA, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach.
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COURTESY OF LUMINAR
COURTESY OF LILIUM
Inset: The Lilium Lake Nona vertiport will be the first of its kind in the United States. Below: Luminar’s Scott Faris, Jason Eichenholz, and Austin Russell are leading its efforts in Orlando to create autonomous vehicle sensors and software.
INVITING INNOVATION When it comes to innovation, University of Central Florida is a focal point for development areas such as the Central Florida Research Park and Creative Village. One of the country’s largest technical universities, UCF was founded in 1963 to provide talent for the region and the growing U.S. space program. Today UCF has 13 colleges and more than 230 degree programs, including optics and lasers, modeling and simulation, engineering and computer science, and video game design. So, it’s no surprise that companies with an eye toward the future are moving to Orlando to take advantage of the talent and research programs UCF has to offer. Adjacent to UCF, the Central Florida Research Park is home to the headquarters of Luminar, an autonomous vehicle sensor
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company co-founded by Austin Russell and UCF graduate Jason Eichenholz, who developed the most advanced long-range, high-resolution lidar technology for selfdriving vehicles. The company boasts major partnerships, including seven of the world’s top 10 auto makers. In November 2020, Luminar became the supplier to furnish Intel’s Mobileye with lidar for its fleet of autonomous vehicles. Sensors made by the firm will start appearing on self-driving Volvos in 2022. Luminar was founded in Silicon Valley and maintains an office in Palo Alto, but the company says that Orlando is the ideal location for its headquarters. “With a strong legacy rooted in innovation and technology, Orlando’s extensive history in aerospace and defense has helped the region foster an unmatched expertise for photonics technology,” says a Luminar spokesperson. “Orlando also has the largest concentration of lidar engineers in the world, which has enabled Luminar to fin the talent necessary to work toward achieving its vision of making autonomous mobility safe and ubiquitous. Additionally, the three largest Department of Defense laser programs are based in Orlando, and the State of Florida has passed legislation to test and improve the safety of autonomous vehicles, which is crucial for Luminar as the company helps to pioneer the path to autonomy.” While we can’t expect to see flying cars tomorrow, Orlando has established itself as a leader in development, technology, and lifestyle options as it transforms into a truly future-ready city, becoming a smart place to live, work, learn, and play under the Central Florida sun. « NOVEMBER 2021
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Magical
Milestone As Walt Disney World turns 50, we take a look at the beginnings—and the future—of the happiest place on earth By Paige Bowers
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Clockwise from top right: Children take part in fall season celebrations at Magic Kingdom; Walt Disney with Mickey Mouse; Mickey; and Cinderella in Magic Kingdom.
KENT PHILLIPS
MATT STROSHANE
RONALD GRANT ARCHIVE
t
hroughout his life, Walter Elias Disney pushed the boundaries of storytelling. As an animator, Disney elevated cartoons from simply drawn vignettes focused on movement to intricately rendered feature films with fully realized characters and plotlines. He was not only an innovator who pioneered the use of synchronized sound and Technicolor in his movies, but he was also a magician who, among other things, conjured a handshake between Mickey Mouse and the real-life conductor Leopold Stokowski in the 1940 film Fantasia. Magic was hard to come by in the 1940s. The world was at war and times were hard. Americans waited for a peace treaty, hoping their loved ones would return alive after fighting abroad. Though they perhaps NOVEMBER 2021
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MATT STROSHANE
didn’t know it yet, people yearned for a place where they could escape day and there weren’t enough drinking fountains because of a plumbtheir worries and forget their cares, if only for a day. That’s when Dis- ers’ strike. Ladies’ high heels got stuck in Main Street’s melting asphalt, ney, by then a father of two young girls, began ruminating about how and counterfeit tickets doubled the expected visitor count. There were he could put the viewer inside of a cartoon instead of in front of it. The traffic jams, insufficient food supplies, and not-yet-ready ride way he saw it, there “should be some sort of amusement enterprise That day, the Associated Press reported that it was probably the “first built where the parents and the children could have fun together.” time in his career [that] Disney disappointed thousands of youngsters.” But amusement parks were nothing new. The first one in the United Disney assured the press he would fix all the problems in a month. He States, Lake Compounce, opened in Bristol, Connecticut, in 1846. It did, and seven weeks later the park welcomed its millionth visitor. was—and still is—a mishmash of games and rides. It was nothing like Still, after a decade of operations in Southern California, two things the immersive world percolating inside of Disney’s head. were apparent. First, while Disneyland had hosted its share of celebUltimately, he was thinking about what would become Walt Disney rities and international dignitaries, 74 percent of its guests lived west World, which debuted in October 1971. Disney died of cancer five years before he could see his vision fully From above: The reimagined fountain at the Epcot realized. But, as the park has grown, it has lived up to— entrance; Stormtroopers and in some cases exceeded—even his wildest dreams. line up as part of Star Wars: Rise of the ResisBut Walt Disney World wasn’t Disney’s first shot at tance attraction. the amusement park business. First there was Disneyland, which opened in July 1955 on the site of some former orange groves in Southern California. Disney’s bankers—and his brother, Roy—thought the park would ruin him financially. After all, Disney had borrowed against his life insurance and sold some of his vacation properties to build the attraction. The yearlong construction job was barely complete when ABC went live with a 90-minute television special on the park’s opening day, hosted by Ronald Reagan. Disneyland seemed full of polish and promise, but the truth was not nearly as pretty. It was a 100-degree 84 ORLANDO ILLUSTRATED
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STEVEN DIAZ
MATT STROSHANE
of the Mississippi River. According to Walt Disney: The Triumph of the Human Imagination author Neal Gabler, Disney’s cohorts estimated that it would take 100 years for attendance at the park to “saturate the population east of the Mississippi River, which then constituted twothirds of the country’s population.” Second, tourists were spending more than $500 million on hotels and other services outside of Disneyland’s gates. Disney felt that a newer park—located on the East Coast and featuring its own hotels and transportation—would be able to achieve what Disneyland could not. Central Florida, with its consistently good weather, seemed like a good place to break ground. Disney quietly bought 27,500 acres of swampland in 1965, and locals began wondering what this secret buyer aimed to do with the property. When Disney’s plans became clear (though at the time he only envisioned a City of Yesterday and a City of Tomorrow), Florida Governor W. Haydon Burns called it a “significant day in the history of Florida,” and estimated the state’s tourism and tax revenues would rise by 50 percent. Disney World opened on October 1, 1971 to what The New York Times described as a “paper thin” crowd of 10,000 people. Traffic was manageable, lines were short, and the weather was balmy. Although some of the rides were out of order and neither of the park’s hotels were open on that first day, the general feeling was that this new Disney attraction was a nice place to escape. Since then, Walt Disney World has become the largest and most-vis
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DAVID ROARK
KENT PHILLIPS/DISNEY PARKS
MATT STROSHANE
Clockwise from top right: Alien Swirling Saucers attraction in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios; smoked salmon potato latke at the 2020 Taste of Epcot International Festival of the Holidays; starship cabin, part of the forthcoming Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser experience; drinks at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge; exterior of Space Mountain in Magic Kingdom.
ited attraction in the world, with an average annual attendance of 58 million visitors at its four parks: the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Part of Walt Disney World’s success lies in the hands of its Imagineers—a team of creative engineers from various disciplines who are tasked with dreaming up new technologies that bring Disney stories to life. In 1959, they created the first daily monorail system in the Western Hemisphere, a submarine ride that took riders through liquid space, and the world’s first tubular steel-track roller coaster inspired by Switzerland’s Matterhorn mountain. In 1963, they expanded into audioanimatronics, using robotics to animate three-dimensional characters.
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DAVID ROARK
Animal Kingdom scenes, clockwise from above: Inside the Avatar Flight of Passage ride; guests can visit Masai giraffe calves and an array of wildlife in their natural habitat as part of Kilimanjaro Safaris; explore bioluminescent flora within Pandora: The World of Avatar.
With it, they created a musical revue that involved hundreds of talking birds, singing flowers, and chanting tikis. Later, they gave voices to long-gone American leaders in the Hall of Presidents and swashbucklers in the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. Today Disney offers a new class of interactive audio-animatronics, giving visitors the ability to not only listen to their favorite characters, but to speak with them too. It has been said that the Imagineers generate far more innovations and inventions than can be used in the company’s theme parks and resorts. One of the patents they’ve filed is for a responsive theme park ride system that can read a guest’s facial expressions and personalize the experience accordingly. The technology can adjust the speed or 86
movement of a ride to combat a guest’s motion sickness, or it could show the rider customized content based on his or her interests and age. Sometimes, these innovations aren’t used because they aren’t cost effective. No matter what technology the Imagineers are working on, their goal is always the same: to make the customer feel like they are a part of something or being transported somewhere, not to draw their attention to a whiz-bang gadget. Disney’s love affair with innovation also extends beyond its amusements to everyday experiences. Magic Bands worn on guests’ wrists allow families to unlock their hotel rooms, enter the theme parks and water parks with a valid admission, check in at FastPass entrances, view and purchase photos on a Disney PhotoPass account, and charge food and merchandise to a credit card, among other conveniences. For all its dazzle, Disney still has its critics who believe this hyperplanned world where characters come to life, shops abound, security is paramount, and entertainment—and everything else—is easy to come by has led to a “Disneyfication” of other urban spaces. Communities like nearby Celebration or developments like the South Street Seaport in New York City come to mind as locales with a form of faux historic “character” that gives way to chain stores and restaurants. In response, Walt Disney might say that in a time of unchecked urban sprawl, his parks offer a unique vision of what a community could be, and that the point of a Disney vacation is not to struggle with the ugliness of modern life, but to immerse oneself in a dreamlike Fantasia. Innovation and Disney have become practically synonymous over the years. Perhaps that’s why the company declined to participate in this story. For decades, it has had a lock on envisioning and creating the technologies that have made Disney movies such beloved classics and Disney parks a ritualistic family trip. To open a door on how they create that magic, and to foreshadow the future tricks they might have up their sleeve, might strip those creations of their undeniable charm— never mind the competitive concerns. The goal has always been to keep improving and never look back. “We keep moving forward, opening up new doors, and doing new things because we’re curious,” Walt Disney once said. “And curiosity keeps leading us down new paths. We’re always exploring and experimenting.” And for a half-century, millions of guests have been happy to go along for the ride.
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DAVID ROARK
Disney World parks and landmarks, such as Cinderella’s Castle (above) and Spaceship Earth (left) have taken on an “EARidescent” glow as part of “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” a fiftieth anniversary event hosted by Mickey and Minnie Mouse.
HALF-CENTURY CELEBRATIONS
MATT STROSHANE
DAVID ROARK
What does Walt Disney World have going on to mark its major milestone? Here’s a taste of what’s happening.
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Walt Disney World was sold out on its birthday—October 1, 2021—but that doesn’t mean you missed out on the celebrations. For the next year-and-ahalf, the resort will commemorate its half-century in what it’s calling “The World’s Most Magical Celebration.” Crews have refreshed parkways, painted entrances, and conducted general upgrades to the complex in anticipation of birthday revelers. According to Disney, four of its iconic buildings have been transformed into Beacons of Magic: Cinderella’s Castle sports golden bunting and sparkles with pixie dust at night; Epcot’s Spaceship Earth is illuminated from within and surrounded with stardust; the Hollywood Tower Hotel shines like the golden age of imagination; and Animal Kingdom’s Tree of Life twinkles with fireflies to celebrate the magic of nature. This lighting will remain as a permanent feature long after the
celebration is over. The shine is not limited to those landmarks; Disney has shared that its teams have made other decorations that shimmer all day and into the night. It’s such a big deal, they’ve coined a new term—EARidescence (get it?)—to describe what visitors will see on their visit. Mickey and Minnie Mouse both have shiny new looks for the party, too. In Epcot—which has been under heavy reimagining—recent openings include an expanded France pavilion (headlined by the much-anticipated Remy's Ratatouille Adventure ride) and a new out-of-this-world dining experience called Space 220 that offers diners a space station-like experience. Epcot also recently launched Harmonious—the largest nighttime spectacular ever created for a Disney park. Still in-the-works for Epcot are projects like the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind roller coaster and a new Play! Pavilion that promises to be devoted to immersive fun. Whatever happens, it’s certain that Disney has pulled out all the stops it can, when it can, in the most magical way it can. « NOVEMBER 2021
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ON THE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
GABOR JURINA Shot by Orlando Illustrated on location at One Thousand Museum, Miami Marie France Van Damme metallic swimsuit; Versace embellished skirt; Roger Vivier pumps; Jimmy Choo mesh handbag. For buying information, turn to page 114. Fashion editor: Katherine Lande
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Dolce & Gabbana tulle bodysuit, crystal embellished bodysuit Opposite page: Marie France Van Damme metallic swimsuit; Gucci coat, black beaded necklace, choker necklace. For buying information, turn to page 114.
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Chanel cardigan, pants, tweed jacket, leather handbag, chain belt; Roger Vivier embellished sandals. Opposite page: Carolina Herrera sequin gown; Jimmy Choo heels. For buying information, turn to page 114.
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Versace gown with embellished belt; Roger Vivier pumps. Opposite page: Louis Vuitton metallic dress, jacket For buying information, turn to page 114.
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Michael Kors Collection jersey twist dress; Jimmy Choo heels. For buying information, turn to page 114. Model: Maggie Jablonski, Muse Management, New York Hair and makeup: Heather Blaine, Creative Management, Miami Digital tech: Javier Sanchez OI would like to extend a special thank you to ONE Sotheby’s International Realty, Miami
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DAY & NIGHT
BY DAY, THE ROOFTOPS CHISEL A STEELY GRAY SILHOUETTE AGAINST THE SILKY BLUE SKY. BY NIGHT, ORLANDO’S CITY LIGHTS REFLECT IN THE MIRRORED INTERIORS OF THIS STAR TOWER PENTHOUSE. BY MARIMAR MCNAUGHTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY VENJHAMIN REYES
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Inset and opposite page: Blue angular wall panels with fluted edges unify the dining room and the kitchen, where a Calacatta Gold marble waterfall-edge island by ADP Surfaces centers the culinary space. A custom, sheathed metal chandelier designed by Reginald Dunlap Interior Design and fabricated by Qui Design introduces some curves.
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Shimmering like jewelry, the skyline of downtown Orlando glitters beyond the expanse of glass that lines this 3,600-square-foot penthouse perched on the sixteenth floor of Star Tower, nestled in the heart of the city. “If your back is to the windows, you’re still going to see the reflection of what’s behind you,” interior designer Reginald Dunlap says. “And the reflective quality of the space is very important for the owners’ growing collection of sculpture and flat art.” Dunlap shaped an artful interior that feels like home, complete with custom chandeliers that soar 10 to 12 feet above the open floor plan to create layers of architectural detail, as well as graffiti murals by Robert Burks. The first time Dunlap entered the spacious foyer of this Star Tower penthouse (one of four) he breezed past the “beige-on-cream” palette
with pops of cranberry that felt so reminiscent of the early aughts. “This place specifically was a penthouse but didn’t really feel like the couple who lives inside the space,” Dunlap says. Nevertheless, he persisted with his inventory and made his way to the homeowners’ his and her closets. “I always think the palette of their clothes—how they present themselves to the exterior world, how they dress—is important to how they live.” What he found were racks of gray-on-gray with hints of blue, not unlike the daytime skyline of the surrounding city. Soon the vision of a double palette was minted as opposite sides of the same coin: heads it’s gray-gray, tails it’s blue and white. The two merge as one with flashes of aluminum, gold and brass, prism points and crystals, clear acrylic molds, and mirrored silver. These pops of gilt are to the penthouse as jewelry is
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Above: In the foyer, a striking palette of cobalt blue and shades of white is anchored by furniture designer Jaime Hayon’s matte-lacquer sideboard for BD Barcelona. Left: Brass-framed Phase Design barrel chairs join a Camerich sofa and a Restoration Hardware ottoman in the living room. Below: Magnus Gjoen’s Porcelain Skull (2017) sets the tone for Marcel Wanders’ tablescape of Delft blue and white porcelain.
to the wardrobe. “I like the clients to feel they are seamlessly moving from their main living area to their private space,” Dunlap says. Like a continuum, the living room and master suite share the same palette shimmering with metallic accents. The dining room and the primary guest suite also echo one another. “The dining room pops in blue,” Dunlap says, “pulling that palette into the VIP guest suite.” The Delft blue and porcelain white accessories complement the wall covering. “If we’re going to go blue, we’re going to go all blue,” Dunlap adds. Surrounded by Moroso chairs imported from Italy, the Moooi Paper Table is constructed from paper, cardboard, and papier
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Right and above: The VIP guest suite’s bold Pop Art graffiti murals by Robert Burks from The Fantastic Faux provide an artistic focal point. Below: Noir’s multitiered chandelier casts circles of light around the master suite, which also includes a Restoration Hardware four-poster bed and a brass fireplace. Opposite page, bottom: A contemporary art piece by Donna Dowless.
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mâché. The brass-toned quartz crystal chandelier and wall sconces warm the formal setting, while angular wall panels with fluted edges unify the dining room and kitchen. Here, the signature Delta symbol appears at the base of the Calacatta Gold marble waterfall-edge island, and reappears in the VIP guest suite as wall graffiti Dunlap collaborated with Burks on the Pop Art accent walls. “When I want to do something insane, I go to him,” the designer says. “I gave him the colors and the Delta symbols. Because the owners are becoming avid art collectors, I wanted the whole space to feel like an art experience. When you walk into this room, I want you to feel like you are in an art installation.” The Delta symbol also grounds the space in the weave of the custom blue, gray, and white Mohawk carpet. In geometric complement, the linear chandelier directs points of light around the space. The opened drapes reveal a sprawling landscape to the north, including the Lake Eola fountain. Nuanced details in the adjoining seating area were purposely subdued. However, a Worlds Away Console and a metal-framed
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Inset and opposite page, bottom: More scenes from the master bedroom. Opposite page, top: Lily white marble flooring from Britannia is inlaid with a pinstripe of metallic gold to luxuriously ground the master bath. A shared double vanity floats in the dressing area, which is equipped with glass-encased closets.
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“I LIKE CREATIVITY OUTSIDE OF THE BOX … THINGS THAT I HAVEN’T SEEN BEFORE,” THE DESIGNER SAYS. “THE OWNERS HAD SEEN MY WORK BEFORE AND GAVE ME CARTE BLANCHE TO DO WHAT I WANTED.” lounge chair from Four Hands topped with Advanced Trading’s faux-fur throw add a touch of glam. “I like creativity outside of the box … things that I haven’t seen before,” Dunlap says. For the master suite, he wanted the center of the room to be brighter and more luxurious. Ripping out an underutilized media cabinet provided the latitude he needed. “We did some color blocking here,” he says of the master and a second guest suite styled with black walls, gray ceilings, and bold brass accents. The master suite’s palette of gray hues and gold to white is articulated by a freestanding fireplace that floats between the bedchamber and a study. Book-matched Panda marble slabs top a brass base fronting a secondary focal point: an acrylic chair paired with a backlit acrylic desk that breaks into fireworks by night to color the hearthside setting. The special effect is spectacularly reflected in gray mirrors strategically placed throughout the private space. The master bath also features a private perch complemented by a Modshop acrylic chair and an elongated ottoman. “The owners had seen my work before and gave me carte blanche to do what I wanted,” Dunlap says. “Carte blanche also creates an insane amount of creativity—no box here.” «
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EAT DRINK
By Faiyaz Kara
TERRENCE GROSS
Matcha powder can be enjoyed in many different ways, from tea to chia seed parfaits. Möge Tee (left) uses matcha from Uji, Kyoto, to create its unique libations.
HIGH TEA
A trend no more, matcha is here to stay, and cafés devoted to the drink are cropping up all over town. For the uninitiated, matcha is fashioned from green tea leaves that are destemmed, deveined, and steamed, lending them a brilliant green hue. The leaves are then ground into a fine powder—the finer the grind, the better the sip. The finest, or “ceremonial grade,” matcha is being whisked and whipped into lattes and frappes at such Mills 50 haunts as Matcha Café Maiko, Matcha House Tea & Creamery, Qreate, and Möge Tee. So, what’s all the fuss? For one, matcha is rich in antioxidants and L-theanine, an amino acid known to promote relaxation without the somnolent effects, in addition to having cognition-enhancing, liver-healing, and cancer-repelling qualities. It tastes pretty good, too. It’s often blended into ice creams, cakes, and pastries, but perhaps the purest form of enjoying matcha is in the Japanese tea ceremony known as chadoō- . Traditionally, the post-meal ritual is performed with strict adherence to custom. Like the tea itself, the experience is to be savored.
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TERRENCE GROSS
Meet Your MATCHA
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EAT DRINK DINING
THE OUTSIDERS
These restaurants offer elevated eats with outdoor spaces to match
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CANVAS, Orlando
This Lake Nona stunner is privileged with some of the best lakeside views of any Central Florida restaurant. The screened-in terrace is ideal year-round, while tables on the outdoor patio—decked with umbrellas and within sight of Tom Fruin’s Glass House, a kaleidoscopic art installation—are the hardest seats to snag during the cooler months. The fact that Canvas’ Florida-focused comfort food is stellar just makes those starry nights all the more astral. (canvaslakenona.com)
HILLSTONE, Winter Park
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HILLSTONE RESTAURANT GROUP
You can’t talk about patios without mentioning Hillstone and its gorgeously landscaped outdoor space overlooking Lake Killarney. The killer view is matched by a solid sampling of dolled-up Americana plates that seem all the more fetching when you’re seated on the architecturally striking terrace guarded by majestic oaks. It’s what has made Hillstone the most beloved chain in the city—and if you doubt that assertion, you’ve likely never dined at this Winter Park fixture or enjoyed a glass of wine while seated in an Adirondack chair in front of the firepit. (hillstonerestaurant.com)
BAKER BARRIOS ARCHITECT
EVA KOLENKO
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THE RAVENOUS PIG, Winter Park Leave it to one of the top restaurants in the city to use the pandemic as a means to get even better. After debuting its very own brewery in the building next door in the summer of 2020, The Ravenous Pig now boasts a sizeable outdoor beer garden to keep guests safe, socially distant, and satiated. The green space, spiffed with picnic-style tables, red umbrellas, and shuffleboard and cornhole areas, opened to coincide with the gastrobar’s thirteenth anniversary. The beer garden, by the way, is a family-friendly venue— and that includes pets. (theravenouspig.com)
HAMILTON’S KITCHEN, Winter Park
This Winter Park hot spot is where the well-heeled set gather to wine and dine amid the classy and manicured grounds of The Alfond Inn’s inner courtyard. Under the archways, they soak in some Old Florida glamour while feasting on fancified fare with a seafood bent, all deftly executed by chef Stephen Doyle. Think: crab and crawfish cakes, jerk swordfish glazed in serrano mint, and Faroe Island salmon with green lentils. Oh sure, Park Avenue is mere steps away, but Hamilton’s offers a more secluded alfresco experience than any of the myriad restaurants on that tony strip. (thealfondinn.com)
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Q&A
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Quick Fire with John Tesar
PADDLEFISH, Lake Buena Vista
John Tesar is the mastermind behind Knife & Spoon at The Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes.
On why he chose Orlando: “Having been the guy who came in behind Dean Fearing [at the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek], it was amazing to then be asked to be the guy who came in behind Norman Van Aken. And not that these guys aren’t still icons, but it’s just amazing to follow in their footsteps, let alone be in The Ritz-Carlton.” JEFF HERRON
Diving into a seafood tower layered with Alaskan King crab, jumbo Gulf shrimp, and oysters on the upper deck of a replica Mississippi riverboat would certainly qualify as a unique dining experience. But what makes Paddlefish’s rooftop deck special is its unmatched views of the sprawling lakeside grounds of Disney Springs. Sunsets from atop this floating fortress of seafood practically beg for an adult beverage, of which several listed under the “Sunset” category on the menu (sangria, an old fashioned, a Kentucky mule, and a rye-grapefruit bitter called the “Mid-Shipman”) come highly recommended. Just don’t get too carried away—calls of “man overboard!” can really spoil the moment. (paddlefishrestaurant.com)
John Tesar has earned multiple James Beard Award nominations, appeared on Top Chef twice, and been immortalized as character “Jimmy Sears” in Anthony Bourdain’s seminal book on kitchen culture, Kitchen Confidential. Many a carnivore consider the chef’s Dallas steak house, Knife, to be one of the best in the country. Now he’s opened sister resto Knife & Spoon inside The RitzCarlton Grande Lakes and tapped fellow Top Chef alum Gerald Sombright as chef de cuisine. Unsurprisingly, the modern chophouse has garnered accolades for its superlative cuts of dryaged beef. We recently caught up with Tesar for a round of rapid-fire questions. (grandelakes. com/dining/knife-andspoon)
Whether seated inside or atop this Mississippi riverboat, guests at Paddlefish can make selections from the seafood-centric menu that includes classics like lobster rolls (above) and cioppino (left).
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What he’d tell those accustomed to supermarket/wet-aged cuts of beef: “I feel sorry for you.” The one dish at Knife & Spoon he recommends: “Try the New York strip, but both rib eye and New York strip offer very unique flavor profiles. Because of the use of 44
Farms and HeartBrand Beef and their feed programs, that’s what you’re really tasting and that’s what makes Knife & Spoon different.” How often he’ll be in Orlando: “Several times a month. I’ll be at the restaurant at least a couple of days every week.” Biggest takeaway from Top Chef: “That I love Top Chef, but it’s nothing more than politics and entertainment.” Where he likes to eat while in town: “My go-tos are Domu, Ravenous Pig, Prato, Tori Tori, Kabooki Sushi, and Seito Sushi.” NOVEMBER 2021 109
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EAT DRINK
TRY THIS
FIRE BIRDS SPECIALTIES
The Mouse that DINED
It came as welcome news when Disney revealed that it would feature an extensive array of celebratory bites and sips for Walt Disney World’s Fiftieth Anniversary. The amusing array of specially created sweet and savory food and beverage offerings—many inspired by Walt’s personal recipes, beloved Disney characters, nostalgic dishes, and Disney attractions past and present—is full of EARidescent shimmer and whimsy. Guest favorites include the Cheers to 50 Years! sundae at Plaza Restaurant, the Squid’s Revenge drink at Be Our Guest Restaurant, the Royal Fiftieth Celebration Champagne Flight at Cinderella’s Royal Table (all at Magic Kingdom Park), and the Filet Mignon with Walt’s Hash at The Hollywood Brown Derby (at Disney’s Hollywood Studios). The coveted and cravable items are now available throughout the Disney parks and resorts in Lake Buena Vista, and beyond. (disneyworld.disney.go.com) —Allison Wolfe Reckson
TERRENCE GROSS
From right: The Cheers to 50 Years! sundae and the Squid’s Revenge drink, two of Disney’s whimsical anniversary offerings.
Ever since Popeye’s launched its chicken sandwich into the social media stratosphere in the summer of 2019, birds in the hand have become, arguably, the most popular quick nosh in the city. Swine & Sons in Winter Park took things to the extreme with its chicken sandwich peppered with incendiary Chiang Mai spicing, while other outfits like Mills 50’s Chi-Kin, Thornton Park’s Mason Jar Provisions, and Disney Springs’ Chicken Guy! gave the sammie a Korean, Southern, and Guy Fieri–fied spin, respectively. But no one generated as much buzz as Chicken Fire, whose Nashville hot chicken sandwich (pictured; available in soulful, meek, mild, medium, and hot levels) impressed the city’s food cognoscenti for its intense flavor and impeccably crisp texture. Be prepared for lines snaking out the door of the Coytown locale. (facebook.com/eatchickenfire)
HOT SPOT
ROOM WITH A VIEW The prized Ivanhood location (on which a pinery once stood) finally has a restaurant worthy of its picturesque views thanks to Phillippe Villain and Kevin O’Donnell of VO Hospitality. The pair opened Russell’s on Lake Ivanhoe in September 2020 after investing in a thorough redesign—the results of which are nothing short of stunning. The patio area has been fully enclosed, with large picture windows framing a waterfront vista that’s as mesmerizing from the dining room as it is from the elevated bar, particularly at sunset. That dishes like grilled spiny lobster tails or a Napoleon fashioned from roasted beets and burrata are just as captivating only serves to bestow Russell’s with looker status. (russellsorlando.com) 110 ORLANDO ILLUSTRATED
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EAT + DRINK At their Dublin distillery, brothers Jack and Stephen Teeling create whiskey with a signature ABV of 46 percent.
POUR
EMERALD ISLE
Teeling, established his operation in 1782. Their range begins with Small Batch ($38) and includes Single Grain ($49), Single Malt ($58), and Single Cask ($73). Using old stocks purchased from Cooley (previously run by the Teelings), they also release a 21 Year Single Malt ($250) and a 24 Year Single Malt/Single Cask ($630). (teelingwhiskey.com) Redbreast: Located in County Cork, Redbreast is the best-selling single-pot still Irish whiskey in the world. Redbreast produces 12 Year ($65), 12 Year Cask Strength ($85), 15 Year ($100), 21 Year ($300), and 27 Year ($540), as well as the Lustau Edition ($70) finished in sherry casks. Regular customers are encouraged to join The Birdhouse, a loyalty program that gives access to special bottlings. (redbreastwhiskey.com) Knappogue Castle: Mark Edwin Andrews purchased the historic Knappogue Castle in County Clare in 1966. He assembled a collection of rare single-malt Irish whiskey that he bottled as the legendary Knappogue Castle 1951 ($1,500 now, if you can find it). His son, Mark Edwin Andrews III, brought the brand to the U.S. The current range includes three single malts: 12 Year ($45), 14 Year ($60), and 16 Year ($92). (knappoguewhiskey.com) Glendalough: Hidden in the Wicklow Mountains about an hour south of Dublin, Glendalough was one of Ireland’s first craft distilleries. Five friends with a love of heritage spirits founded the brand and now
A handful of top-quality distillers are reintroducing the world to Irish whiskey By Mark Spivak Spirits have exploded in quality over the past three or four decades and attained an aura of connoisseurship, something previously reserved for wine. However, despite being affordable and easy to drink, Irish whiskey traditionally lagged far behind, dominated by massmarket brands. The situation is rapidly changing. Irish whiskey is the fastest-growing spirit in the world today, and the best examples are on par with the finest single-malt Scotch, premium tequila, or single-barrel bourbon. New distilleries are launching and releasing exciting expressions that combine extended aging with experimental barrel treatment. Here, we highlight some lesser-known brands worth investigating. Teeling: In 2015, the Teeling family opened the first new Dublin distillery in more than 125 years—very close to where their ancestor, Walter 112 ORLANDO ILLUSTRATED
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produce traditional poitín (Irish moonshine) as well as a range of seasonal gins flavored with foraged botanicals. The whiskey repertoire begins with Pot Still ($55) and includes two single malts: 7 Year ($55) and 13 Year ($95), which is finished in Japanese Mizunara oak casks. (glendaloughdistillery.com) Writers’ Tears: Founded by Bernard and Rosemary Walsh in 1999, Writers’ Tears is on the forefront of the Irish whiskey renaissance. They Above: Glendalough’s 7 Year single malt is produce only triple-distilled, super-premium craft finished in porter casks. Right: The fourth iteration of Dingle’s Single Pot Still marries whiskeys that pay homage to tragic Irish writers (of bourbon and Oloroso casks. which there have been many). Expressions include Double Oak, a blend of pot-still and single-malt IF MONEY IS NO OBJECT whiskey aged in a combination of Kentucky bourbon barrels Won the lottery or finally received that inheritance? There’s an Irish whiskey for you: and French Cognac casks ($57); Japanese Cask ($100); and Cask Strength ($120). (walshwhiskey.com) Cask 28 Year Single Pot Still ($2,080) • J.J. Corry “The Chosen” Single Cask Dingle: An independent artisan distillery, Dingle was es• And the king of them all: Midleton Very 27 Year Single Malt ($8,200) tablished in 2012 and sold vodka and gin until its whiskey Rare Silent Distillery Collection 45 Year • Teeling Vintage Reserve Platinum Botcame of age (Batch 1 was released in 2016). Current offerings Single Malt ($35,000 upon release; tling 30 Year Single Malt ($2,045) include Batch 5 ($95), a single malt matured in a combination twice that now, if you can locate it) • Method & Madness Ruby Port Single of bourbon, sherry, and Madeira casks. (dingledistillery.ie) «
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ON THE EDGE BUYING INFORMATION
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PAGE 93 Fall/Winter 2021 cashmere cardigan ($6,000), iridescent wool jacquard pants ($6,800), Fantasy wool tweed jacket ($9,300), metal chain belt ($1,575), silver metallic handbag ($7,100), Chanel, The Mall at Millenia, Orlando, chanel.com; Viv’ Rangers silver sandals with embellished strass buckle ($1,995), Roger Vivier, rogervivier.com. PAGE 94 Floor-length gown with embellished belt ($10,625), Versace, The Mall at Millenia, Orlando, versace.com; RV Bouquet slingback pumps with silver leather flower strass buckle ($1,995), Roger Vivier, rogervivier.com. PAGE 95 Padded lurex apron dress ($7,550), two-in-one jacket ($5,750), Louis Vuitton, The Mall at Millenia, Orlando, louisvuitton.com
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PARTING SHOT
FUTURE PULSE
© IMAGE BRICK VISUAL / COLDEFY|RDAI|HHCP
The nation and world were devasted by the shooting that occurred at Orlando’s Pulse nightclub in June 2016. Pulse was more than just a popular gathering place for the LGBTQ+ community; it was a beacon of love and acceptance. Now the memory of those lost and the spirit of Pulse will live on in the National Pulse Memorial & Museum. Following an international call for submissions, the OnePulse Foundation selected a design by Coldefy & Associés with RDAI, HHCP Architects, Xavier Veilhan, Ducks Scéno, Agence TER, and Laila Farah. It includes a circular museum with a rooftop promenade, as well as 49 trees and a reflecting pool of 49 colors that represent the victims. (onepulsefoundation.org)
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