The Local: Winter Garden—May 2022

WINTER GARDEN MAR 02 2 M AYCH20222

Taste for Adventure

Dish & Tell

The Local Experts

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How time in China Locals have a changed one woman’s mouthful to say about taste buds their fave foods

Got questions?

Turn to these pros for the answers

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WINTERGARDENHOMECARE.COM 407-347-2050 LICENSE # 299993390

C⚫ ntents WINTER GARDEN M AR CH 2022

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Baucoup Buku

Appetite for Adventure

Dish & Tell

Chef Jenny Chicoye spreads joy, one tasty vegan plate at a time.

How two years in China changed my taste buds.

HEATHER ANNE LEE

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The Lo’ Down

KIRSTEN HARRINGTON

70 Oh, Well!

One local’s hard-won battle with skin cancer, and his mission to prevent it in others.

12 Pub Scrawl 14 Garden Variety

Meet Karem and her Modern Host of delicacies +more!

20 Tails to Tell Romping around with Ruby.

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The Local

The locals have spoken: Here are WG’s most craveworthy plates.

73 WKND STK

Brunch your way through the weekend at STK Orlando.

74 Eats + Drinks

Practice your wine pairing with your next pizza slice.

WI N TE R G AR DE N

HEATHER ANNE LEE

82 Rhetoric

The bargain brand cereal that has taken over my life.

WINTER GARDEN MM ARAYCH2022 2022

Taste for Adventure

Dish & Tell

The Local Experts

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38

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How time in China Locals have a changed one woman’s mouthful to say about taste buds their fave foods

Got questions?

Turn to these pros for the answers

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ON THE COVER

Jenny Chicoye mixes Haitian and Jewish heritage and buku heart into her vegan cuisine.

F R E D LO PE Z

Success Coaching for Teens + Young Adults Private | Groups | Workshops 321-236-2053 www.hilitecoaching.com

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C⚫ ntents WINTER GARDEN M AR CH 2022

APPLIANCES

49 Stu Kimball

Southeast Steel SOLAR POWER

50 Charlo Alexandre Volt Solar Solutions LASH EXTENSIONS

51 Lexie Marie Fabulash

FINANCIAL PLANNING

IQ Portfolios

SURVEILLANCE TECHNOLOGY

57 Luis Bidrogo

Surveillance Plus INTERIOR DESIGN

58 Toni Sims

REAL ESTATE: RESIDENTIAL

60 Laura Senzamici Engel & Völkers

MEDICAL SPA

54 Lorriel Blaise

Gentle Touch MediSpa HOME INSURANCE

55 Megan Shimada Farmers Insurance

The Local

The Savvy Sitter

Toni Sims Design Studio

52 Andy Ortiz

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PET SITTING/DOG WALKING

56 Savanna Westwood

WI N TE R G AR DE N

MORTGAGE BROKER

61 Terri Hatfield Dull

Certified Mortgage Planners PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

62 Jason Sotto, DMD

Little Gators Pediatric Dentistry

PRIMARY CARE

64 P. Fabian Garcia, MD MedHealth Clinical MEMORY CARE

65 Julie Fernandez

Serenades Memory Care

by Sonata INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE

66 Eldar Baigabatov, MD Celebrity Medical Center RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY

67 Roberto Gil, DMD Winter Garden Smiles MENTAL HEALTH

68 Marissa Siegel

Dragonfly Therapy & Consulting

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If you’re getting married or moving homes, we will help fill your kitchen.

A The Lo’Down

A few summers ago,

my husband and I began watching Somebody Feed Phil with Phil Rosenthal. I was mesmerized and inspired by the episodes, happily streaming one right after another. It wasn’t just the beautiful landscapes in the program, most of which were pure eye candy. It wasn’t the spectacular dishes or random treats he tasted, sometimes devoured. And it certainly wasn’t the wildly weird and gross things that I would rather die than put in my mouth. No. My overall infatuation with the program was his approach to food. He articulated repeatedly that great food is an art but to be truly appreciated, it should be shared with good company.

To me and my family, food is an expression of love. The time, the labor, the attention to detail, and those I choose to share it with is all an extension of my regard for you.

There are a few things that make me happier than sitting around a table with people I care about eating extraordinary food. And I know I am not the only one. Here in Winter Garden, it is hard not to bump into a local who prepares or serves food with a passion. Take, for example, Jenny Chicoye: the completely self-taught, vibrant personality who’s channeling her Haitian heritage into some extremely delicious vegan eats.

But it’s not just Jenny bringing a fresh, new approach to the Winter Garden food scene; in fact, this issue delights in new experiences. Writer Kirsten Harrington shares her incredible experience living and eating in China, and how that shifted her perspective on food upon returning to her hometown. We meet up with blogger-turned-business-owner Karem Rodriguez, whose new endeavor is expanding the specialty food options in town. And, of course, we couldn’t let our first food issue go by without asking some of our resident food lovers to share the scoop on their favorite dishes.

Whether or not you agree, one thing is true: Taking pleasure in food is an act of gratitude. Whether it is my table or one I find on a sidewalk, as long as there is a friend beside me and a dish in front of me, I am one thankful girl. Forks up, Winter Garden!

Happy Reading,

Nicole Soulsby, Editor

Something to add?

Send your ideas and images to thelocalwg@emagency.com

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The Local

Editor’s Endorsement The sinful, buttery, light, ridiculously delicious garlic knots at Italian Garden

WI N TE R G AR DE N

A welcome sight.

Our new location is now open in Horizon West!

Ocoee: 11024 W. Colonial Dr. Winter Garden: 5736 Hamlin Groves Trail 407.565.9290 pearlevision.com

THE ADVISORY BOARD

WINTER GARDEN MAR CH 2 0 2 2

WINTER GARDEN Dr. Kim Dawson

Ralph Disciullo

Healthcare entrepreneur and owner of Pearle Vision in Ocoee. Kim has been passionate about health and wellness for over 20 years. She received her doctorate in Health Science at MUSC in South Carolina. Kim has lived in Winter Garden for 10 years and is inspired daily by her two children, Symone and Desiree. In her free time, Kim likes to cook, travel, and read novels.

Branch Manager with American Financial Network, one of the largest residential mortgage lenders in the US. Prior to the mortgage industry Ralph played a key role in the startup of several businesses. Originally from Emerson, NJ, Ralph attended USF in Tampa and now resides in Winter Garden with his wife of 16 years, Sandi, and their two daughters Daniella and Avery.

Becca Lanterman

Owner of Winter Garden Senior Home Care.

Becca is a second-generation Winter Garden resident, and her local roots run deep. She is the true embodiment of joy, and has never met a stranger. Becca loves living the “bubble life,” where her golf cart is her primary mode of transportation. She has dedicated her life to tending to the special needs of our local senior adults.

Pam Thomas Owner

of Pammie’s Sammies, a “thoughtfully sourced, tastefully adventurous” restaurant in the heart of downtown. She is a passionate foodie with a degree in Wine, Spirits, and Beverage Management at the International Culinary School in Tampa. Pam is a staple of the Central Florida community, having operated in Universal Orlando, Dr. Phillips, and now Winter Garden.

May 2022 Vol. 1 No. 9

Heather Anne Lee Content Director heather@emagency.com Nicole Soulsby Editor Rheya Tanner Art Director Karen Pazik Production Director Mark McWaters Writer Tarin Scarbrough Writer Kirstin Harrington Contributing Writer Fred Lopez Chief Photographer Josh Clark Designer Wendy Mak Designer Caleb Jensen Web ______

ADVERTISE Local LY Jamie Ezra Mark Publisher jamie@emagency.com 352-425-6400

Tracey Forrester

Bryan Fifer

Realtor with Xcellence Realty, Inc. and Independent Associate with LegalShield. She has been in the Horizon West area since 2007.

She is cofounder of Horizon West Professionals and a founding member of the Rotary Club of Horizon West Chapter. Tracey believes in building lasting relationships and being an integral part of the community. She now lives, works, and plays in Horizon West with her beautiful teenage girls, Averie and Bryce.

Local agent with State Farm Insurance.

Bryan is a Central Florida native, Founding President of the Rotary Club of Horizon West, Horizon West Who’s Who Award Winner, and Team Captain for All-Pro Dad. He is married to his beautiful wife Angie and they have two wonderful children.

Bryan is highly invested in making Horizon West the best place to work, live, and play.

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P U BLI CAT I O N

O F

407-573-6061 • emagency.com @EMagencyinc

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Angie Layfield NHA/CDAL

Executive Director at The Blake at Hamlin, a senior living and memory care community in Hamlin Town Center.

Angie has been in the senior housing industry for over 20 years and brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and insight to our Horizon West seniors and their families.

Though originally from Maryland, she has called Horizon West home since 2016. Angie and her family reside in Village F’s Watermark.

Tamara Zotti

Tamara is a Charleston, SC, native who has lived here for eight years. After seven years as a teacher assistant at Windermere Preparatory School, she now enjoys local life with her husband of 17 years, Frank, and her two children, Nicholas and Samantha. Tamara believes in the value of community involvement and always tries to give back however she can.

Nicole Spooner Account Executive nicole@mpactorlando.com 407-595-4793

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FIND US ONLINE @thelocalwg

FIND US IRL Abbott’s Frozen Custard Cariera’s Fresh Italian Foxtail Coffee Co. Main House Market Pammie’s Sammies Pearle Vision Ocoee Pico Bistro Polka Dotz Puppy Dreams Rita’s Italian Ice

Rosallie Le French Cafe Sweet Dee’s Cupcakery Thai Blossom The French Cafe Three Birds Cafe W. Orange Public Library WG Heritage Museum Winter Garden Pizza Co. Writer’s Block Bookstore AntiquiTeas @Plant St Market and more!

PRO U D M EM BER S OF

The Local Volume 1 Issue 9 ©2022 Em Agency. All rights reserved. Published monthly. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed in the articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Em Agency. Reader submissions have been edited for length or clarity. Advertising of products does not imply endorsement. Em Agency can not be held liable for the business practices of these companies.

Divorce, Paternity, Child Support, Modification and other family-related matters

Allison E.M. Budnik,Attorney 161 S. Boyd St., Suite 100, Winter Garden 407-499-2082 / WGfamilylawfirm.com

N Pub Scrawl

“Nobody reads magazines

anymore.”

I heard that a few times while we were preparing to launch The Local—usually followed by some awkward platitude like, “nothing personal.”

Well, nothing personal, but they were wrong.

I believed people wanted to read magazines; they were just hungry for something worth reading. They don’t want generic content sourced from the internet or pre-packaged for other communities. They wanted something that was hyper-local and relevant to life in their community. Something personal.

We don’t look at Winter Garden as a market to sell into. We see it as a community we are part of. Everything we write, design, and photograph is most definitely personal to us. When people invite us to share their stories, it sure is personal to them. It’s personal when the local business owners trust us to help them connect with the community.

And because The Local is so authentically Winter Garden, people are not only reading it, they are talking about it, taking pride in it, and feeling ownership of it.

So let’s get personal. If you enjoy The Local,share it—online and IRL. Interact with @thelocalwg on social media. Tell us about your personal and professional milestones.

Send us story ideas you think your fellow Gardeners would want to read about.

And if you’ re an area business trying to reach— or simply support—the local community, I believe you’re crazy if you’re not wanting to be a part of this. Nothing personal.

Yours,

Jamie Ezra Mark, Publisher

To get your business seen in the magazine, to share how this letter has changed your life, or to offer insight into what we are doing right or wrong, reach out to jamie@emagency.com The opinions expressed in this letter are those of the publisher and do not necessarily represent the opinions of The Local. Being the publisher, he gets to do that.

We truly hope you aren’t offended by anything he said or by his mediocre writing skills. At least he remembered spell check, am I right?

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The Local

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Call Your * BFF. *Bryan Fifer First

16106 Marsh Road, Suite 104 407-614-2622 . bryanfifer.com State Farm Fire and Casualty Company, State Farm General Insurance Company, Bloomington, IL State Farm Florida Insurance Company, Winter Haven, FL State Farm Lloyds, Richardson, TX 1706446

Handle with Karem

The founder of The Modern Host wants to shake up your next dinner party with a taste of something new.

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The Local

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T

hree different disasters chased Karem (pronounced KARE-em) Rodriguez to Winter Garden, but she’s never looked back. Not even when a pandemic forced her to pivot once again. That’s how the former labor and employment attorney found herself opening a specialty food shop in the Key Foods Plaza on Dillard Street.

“Food, family, and entertaining give me so much joy. And after years working in a job I didn’t love, then living through two Texas hurricanes, being evacuated by flooding, and watching Hurricane Maria devastate my family home in Puerto Rico, I needed to feel grounded. To rediscover joy.”

Indeed, delight and pleasure is the premise behind The Modern Host, the brick-and-mortar version of Karem’s wildly successful blog and pop-up market, The Modern

VOCAL LOCALS

Host Life. The shelves are lined with uniquely sourced products, designed to elevate and inspire any Tuesday night dinner or gathering with friends. Take, for instance, Olive Spoon Sweets from Greece, incredible almond-stuffed olives preserved in a syrup of sugar and lemon juice. Bite-sized honeycomb dipped in chocolate. Brilliantly -hued extra virgin olive oil chips from José Andrés. Cases upon cases filled with hard-to-source cheese, housemade dips, ceviche, meats,

handmade pasta, wine, and more.

And, of course, Karem’s expertly crafted boards.

On any given day, Karem, her mother, Millie, husband, JP, and daughter tend the counter. “Building this has been more work than any of us anticipated, but it’s so much better than practicing law,” she laughs. “We get to be together.

We get to find and taste and make great food, and then share it with the whole community. It’s a dream come true.”

THIS MONTH’S QUESTION

What is your secret food craving or indulgence?

Michael M.

Sam C.

Tim H.

Angela G.

Susanna J.

It’s my mom’s macaroni and cheese. She doesn’t make it that often, but I love it when she does.

Lately I’ve been really into Cool Whip. Mix some powdered Jell-O in, put it in the fridge for a couple minutes. It’s in my top 10!

My guilty pleasure is White Castle burgers.

And now that they’re here in Orlando? Guilty, guilty, guilty.

I love New York– style pizza, but I’m new to the area, so I don’t know where to find it here yet.

Ohh, the cake from Way Chocolate is so good!

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Garden Variety

LOCAL HISTORY

Evergreen Appeal

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MARKET WATCH

Jo & Gigi Go to Market When Tom and Tomi Newberry sold their restaurant on the coast, they thought their food service days were over.

Or did they? Two of their favorite fish dip recipes stayed in the family for safe keeping. But then friends kept asking for it, and friends of friends, and the next thing you know, Captain Jo’s Smoked Fish Dip took up residence at Winter Garden Farmers Market.

Their fresh line of dips has expanded from those first two favorites to eight varieties as well two different jalapeno toppers, crab cakes, and homemade chips. To be fair, the chips aren’t the only thing homemade—the entire line is! It was this grassroots, home-produced popularity that spun them into another line of food items: pot pies. Tom loves a good pot pie and after playing with the recipes, he crafted a line of 13 different pies, vegan, savory, and sweet, and called it Gigi’s Pot Pies.

The Newberrys are proud to keep the family run, local production small to maintain consistency and quality.

They want you to have the same product they would proudly feed their family. Stop by either booth and discover their homemade creations!

Image and research for Local History courtesy of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation

Picture it … Winter Garden, October 1927. “Stardust” by Hoagy Carmichael plays on the radio as you sit and enjoy a hearty meal in the popular dining room at the Edgewater Hotel.

This newly opened Dining Room has room for 54 guests and hosts regular luncheons for the Rotary Club and the Junior Chamber of Commerce. It offers table service featuring steak dinners, short orders, and a regular plate lunch. The motto is, “A satisfied customer is the best advertisement.”

The Edgewater Dining Room would experience many reincarnations. After a year in operation, the Kirkland family bought the restaurant in November 1928, just in time for the Rotary Club Ladies’ Night Banquet. In 1935, they refurbished the kitchen and redecorated the dining room, which was much appreciated by the newly formed Winter Garden Junior Welfare Association. The redesign was ideal for locals, with luncheons and receptions that had outgrown the original space. In December of 1947, the venue transformed into the Evergreen restaurant, proudly serving the residents of Winter Garden and providing meals for local prisoners.

Today, the venue houses Thai Blossom Restaurant. Rumor has it that the dining room’s floor tile, due to the room’s decades-long popularity, has been visibly worn deep thanks to constant foot traffic! Don’t believe us? Go see for yourself.

ONL YH

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YDR EATURING TH OTH E AREA’S ERA PY TAN K

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14215 W Colonial Dr., Winter Garden 407-595-8962 / unifiedrehabilitation.com

CHARITABLE SPOTLIGHT

THERE IS ALWAYS GOOD NEWS IN THE GARDEN

Here we grow again! It wouldn’t be a food issue if we didn’t start by sharing all the tasty new bites showing up around town.

Mangoni (@mangoniwg) opened their doors last month, dazzling diners with its gorgeous European-inspired decor, craft cocktails, and made-to-order pizzas.

Go for the pie, stay for the cannolis. #drool Things are getting weird over at Flamingo Crossings ever since Persimmon Hollow Brewery (@persimmonhollow_flamingo) started pouring. Then again, weird is in their motto, so that’s a good thing. Now we’re just anxiously awaiting the arrival of Sweetland Cake & Tea to dowtown Winter Garden (255 Tremaine Street) and Möge Tee in Hamlin (14410 Shoreside Way). Brown sugar bubble tea, anyone?

Lastly, we’d be remiss not to share the mouthwatering news that Bruno’s Oysters will start roasting and shucking this fall at Crooked Can Brewery’s Barrel Room (426 W Plant St) . Also opening at Plant Street Market will be Norikase Hand Rolls, a casual version of high-end Japanese restaurant Norikase in Jacksonville. And Bento Sushi + Poke will bring sushi rolls and poke bowls to Plant Street Market in the space formerly occupied by Jodo Sushi. Lastly, we’re thrilled to share that Diandra Culver of Sweet Dee’s Cupcakery (@sweetdeescupcakery), who shared her pregnancy announcement via our November issue, gave birth to a healthy baby girl, Alani Grace, on April 14. Welcome to Winter Garden, little one. You’re going to love it here!

SHARE YOUR LOCAL GOOD NEWS! Email heather@emagency.com

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Second Harvest Food Bank An estimated one in seven Central Floridians is at risk of going to bed hungry on any given night. Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida is working to meet that need, distributing 250,000 meals each day through its network of 550 community feeding partners, including several in Winter Garden. For every $10 donated to Second Harvest, the organization can provide 40 meals to the community.

But there is more that we can do! Second Harvest also has opportunities for the community to help with hunger relief efforts, such as starting a Food & Fund Drive, becoming a Monthly Meal Maker, signing up to Volunteer, or registering for its first-ever Ultimate Garden Party on Saturday, May 21. Hunger advocates are invited to “Escape to Elegance” at the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando where guests will enjoy live entertainment, delicious hors d’oeuvres, and specialty drinks.

Get Involved! feedhopenow.org ultimategardenparty.org

DOWNLOAD THE GARDEN APP WINTER YOUR COMMUNITY GUIDE TO EVENTS AND DEALS CHECK OUT THE PORTALS AND SECRET GARDEN FOR AUGMENTED REALITY EXPERIENCES

Beautiful Lakefront Living!

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Tucked away in a picturesque resort setting with breathtaking water views of Lake Speer, Azpira offers a vibrant approach to wellness-focused assisted living and memory support featuring our award-winning VIVA!SM programming that empowers residents to Live Well. Age Well. Be Well.

Schedule a visit to learn more today!

407-233-0394 AzpiraWindermere.com 13798 Speer Island Drive Windermere, FL 34786

A Pathway to Living® Community Assisted Living Facility License #13029

Tails to Tell

The Royal Treatment Ruby, King Charles Cavalier, 3 years

I first met my human when I was a little pup. She was new to the U.S., and couldn’t work or go to school before she got her work visa. She must have been lonely before her parents introduced me to her, but she isn’t lonely anymore!

We go all around town together and do all kinds of things, but we also like to stay home and do nothing.

We share lunch, dinner, dessert, snacks, and lots of other meals—I mean, quality time. I’m still waiting for her to share a spaghetti with me like in Lady and the Tramp. I’m sure it’ll happen soon.

Does your pet have a tail to tell?

Visit in.thelocalwg.com/tell-tails

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The Local

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The Local

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buku beaucoup

Chef Jenny Chicoye is spreading joy and veganism, one delicious plate at a time.

H E AT H E R AN N E LE E

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here’s something soothing and magical about watching a small number of simple ingredients—beans, water, garlic, cloves, herbs, and spices—start as a flavorless bowl of nothing, then very slowly fill

F R E D LO PE Z

your kitchen with the most decadent aroma. The steam that emerges from the lifted lid of sos pwa nwa smells like home to every Haitian.

While this velvety purée of black beans and coconut milk bubbles slowly,

a Jay Shetty podcast plays in the background. Every three or four minutes it seems, Jenny Chicoye steps away from her prep to nod and proclaim, “Yaaasssss!” agreeing with the former Hindumonk-turned-life-coach.

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It’s only been three months since Jenny’s broad, infectious smile, calm demeanor and signature turban has graced the petite, open kitchen at Main House Market, but the kindness she shows herself and others is earning her a growing following in Winter Garden. That, and the damn good food.

Before she was a vegan chef, Jenny Chicoye Zweifach worked long retail hours at Chelsea Market in New York City and subsisted on a diet of chicken tenders. “I was such a picky eater, 19 years old with childlike taste buds. Give me my chicken fingers and my French fries,” she

laughs. But when a close family member got sick and turned to a raw, vegan diet to help ease the pain, curiosity consumed her.

“I was like, okay, let me do some research and see what this is about. I locked myself in my room for like three days and three nights and went crazy.

I must have watched a dozen different documentaries, Pinterest, Google, YouTube, you name it.

What I learned about agriculture, our food systems, and climate, it made me question everything. And now that I know this information, I can’t go back.”

So by age 22, Jenny had fully transitioned from her

omnivorous chicken-tendered youth to veganism for a constellation of reasons: health, animal welfare, environmental and climate concerns, and racial consciousness. Still, the raw vegan lifestyle her cousin pursued wasn’t her thing. “It’s fantastic and I love using fresh ingredients, but I just had these fantastic memories of my mom in the kitchen growing up. Cooking is such an integral part of our culture, the Haitian and Jewish cultures. It’s how we show love and nourish souls.”

And yet, as beautiful as that sentiment is, that’s not why Jenny started cooking.

That came from a much

Sweet Beginnings Jenny’s Haitian mom, Naomie, and Jewish dad, Jeffrey Zweifach—the OG “Buku Love.”

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“Cooking is such an integral part of our culture, the Haitian and Jewish cultures.

It’s how we show love and nourish souls.”

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more visceral space: “I was hungry,” she laughs. “I was living in Staten Island at the time and it was snowing. I was not about to go outside.

So I was like, let me see what I have here. I ended up with vegan banana bread, and it was delicious!”

The banana bread led to potato salad, but with her own cashew mayonnaise.

And then mac-and-cheese, but with cashew cheese, potatoes, and onions. “I joke about it all the time, but I just kept going. I did not stop. YouTube University was my culinary school. I binged enough Gordon Ramsey and Master Chef to pick up technique, and if I had a question, I just researched and tested until I got it right.”

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The Local

For the past eight years, Jenny has embraced the constraints of cooking without animal products as a kind of mad science project, utilizing ingredients that are raw, organically grown, or lab-generated, harnessing techniques from Indigenous tradition or from her own DIY workbench. First, she just cooked for herself and friends. Then, as interest grew, she launched a popup vegan bakery side hustle before moving to Florida, slowly transitioning her side hustle into a full-time business at age 30.

All the while, Jenny allowed herself to be thoughtfully guided by her heritage.

“I let my ancestors talk to me. I let them whisper in my

WI N TE R G AR DE N

ear when I’ve added enough seasonings to tell me, ‘That’s enough, my child.’”

“I feel a very strong spiritual connection to my grandmother. I feel like she’s with me all the time.

Every time I use her pilòn— it’s what we call a wooden mortar and pestle—I feel her presence.”

Chritiana Chicoye’s heirloom pilòn sits on a shelf above Jenny’s work station, along with a smaller one given to her by her mother, Naomie.

“My mom, my grandmother, they are just strong black women, firmly planted in our Haitian heritage. I feel it deep within my soul, this bond … and it’s always strongest when I’m cooking.”

Life hasn’t afforded

“I feel a very strong spiritual connection to my grandmother. I feel like she’s with me all the time. Every time I use her pilòn, I feel her presence.”

Happy Heritage Jenny’s bond with her Haitian grandmother, Chritiana Chicoye, run deeps: “It’s always strongest when I am cooking.”

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Jenny the opportunity to visit Haiti yet, but that hasn’t stopped her from channeling her heritage into her kitchen. Buku Kitchen, the name of her business, pays homage to the island’s French Creole influence, a colloquial spelling of the French word beaucoup. Epis, legin, and sos pwa are kitchen staples, as are vegan interpretations of Haitian favorites: griot made with shredded fried jackfruit, and “conch” made with hearts of palm.

Djon Djon, Haiti’s most famous black mushroom, also makes a regular appearance on Buku’s menu.

There is, of course, a nod to her father, Jeffrey Zweifach, the Jewish man

who captured her mother’s heart before passing away.

Jenny’s version of French toast features a stunning from-scratch vegan challah bread that would make her father proud. Jenny dredges the thick slices of challah in coconut milk with spices, slathers it with a berry-lime compote, and tops it with vanilla bean streusel and homemade whipped coconut cream.

“It’s me on a plate. Literally,” she laughs.

And that’s the essence of Jenny: cooking with creativity, exuberance, intellect, and soul. All in service to a quality that every chef and cook aspires: deliciousness.

“Being vegan is my choice. I don’t judge others for their choices, especially food. It’s just too personal.

I’ve learned that everything in life is about balance, positivity, and being able to be empathetic to people who may not always be like-minded. So what’s really important to me is that I make authentic food with purpose and intention and that I make food that’s not just good because it’s vegan, but it’s good because it’s good. That it’s great-tasting, amazing quality, honest food made with love.

“To feed you is to love you, and with every plate, I’m serving you all the love that I have to give. That’s just who I am.”

Food and Family From vegan burgers to Challah French Toast (opposite page), Jenny’s food is the epitome of her heritage.

“It’s me on a plate,” she often says. Something her brother, Chris, who lives nearby, can also appreciate.

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“To feed you is to love you, and with every plate, I’m serving you all the love that I have to give.

That’s just who I am.”

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Appetite for Adventure

How two years in China changed my tastebuds and outlook on my hometown.

K I R STE N H AR R I N GTO N

F

rom crunchy fried frog and lip-tingling mapo tofu to flakey donkey meat sandwiches and durian ice cream, living in China was a nonstop culinary adventure.

For two years I challenged my stomach with spicy

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lamb skewers, roiling hot pot, and other dishes that remained a mystery.

All because my husband was part of a team that built Universal Studios Beijing.

Which is how my family and I found ourselves moving to China in June 2019.

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As a food writer and adventure seeker, I knew I had arrived in a country that held unlimited potential.

Every meal was a challenge, a discovery, a disappointment, or nirvana. Meals cooked at home often required extensive sleuth-

ing to source ingredients; dining or ordering out presented language challenges and often stretched our comfort zone.

I went to cooking classes to learn how to properly pleat dumplings, let a stranger feed me with

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chopsticks, ate in Michelin-starred restaurants and in places I was sure would kill me. I didn’t die. In fact, I’d never felt so alive.

Red, crackly, sugar-coated hawthorn berries made my lips pucker with their tart-sweet combination.

Slippery, hand-carved noodles honed my chopstick skills. And stinky tofu? I only ate it once, by mistake, until I learned how to say “no thanks” in Mandarin. Experience really is the best teacher.

Some of my food exploring was done solo, but much of it was with strangers who became friends through shared adventures. Cute little quail egg skewers grilled with a splash of sauce? Sure, let’s share one. Know the best place for jianbing, Beijing’s famous breakfast pancakes? Let’s go together!

My hiking group lingered over lunch at countryside restaurants after long treks on the Great Wall. Steaming plates of pork with local chestnuts and a few bottles of Tsingtao revived us and created bonds of friendship.

Just when the rest of the world was closing because of COVID, restrictions in China were lifting.

Tea tasting tours, coffee mornings, and market excursions filled my days.

Lunch outings resembled a

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United Nations gathering; at one point, I counted friends from over a dozen countries. As we shared meals, we shared cultures and developed an amazing camaraderie.

Shopkeepers and market vendors became part of my circle, too. My neighbor and I wheeled our “granny carts” to the Worker’s Stadium fresh market every week. It didn’t take long until the rice vendor automatically scooped up my favorite grain, smiling as she saw me coming.

If I ran into payment problems buying porkstuffed buns from my favorite shop, the owner waved me away saying “ming tian ming tian”— just pay tomorrow. He even gave me a discount for being a regular, charging me seven yuan (about one dollar) instead of eight for a bag of warm, fluffy buns.

Once a retired cooking instructor came to my house to teach me how to make stuffed buns for the donkey meat that was in my freezer. (That’s a story for another day). At age 72, Teacher Wang was a living history book wrapped in a chef’s apron. We discussed China’s one child policy, the Cultural Revolution, and life under Chairman Mao. I hung on every word, furiously trying to

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Lunch outings resembled a United Nations gathering; at one point, I counted friends from over a dozen countries. As we shared meals, we shared cultures.

translate in my head as I rolled out the dough.

Of course, there were low points: occasional bouts of “Beijing belly,” cravings for Triscuits, and a few nut-allergy scares for my older son (who puts walnuts on a steak?).

Dog meat and dried rats hanging in the markets in Guanxi province temporarily spoiled my appetite. It wasn’t always easy or fun.

But the community and cultural experiences that came with living in China created lifelong memories.

Translating Taste In June 2021, my husband’s assignment ended, and we came home. My sweet friends stocked my new house in Winter Garden with things I’d craved, including cottage cheese and Ben and Jerry’s Cherry Garcia ice cream. Hey, don’t judge. You never know what you’ll miss until it’s gone.

A few days later, I found myself standing in the frozen food section of Publix.

For two years, I’d fantasized about buying Ranch dressing again and loading groceries into my car instead of carrying them home.

But I was paralyzed. It was too foreign. Too clean. Too many choices. I grabbed a gallon of milk and fled.

I was ecstatic to be home, but I missed the community I had in China. For two

Super Supermercado Hector Gutierrez does more than stock the best produce and staples at his grocery, Los Amigos Supermercado. His team preps a thousand tacos a day, and still makes time to plate up favorites like al pastor.

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years I lived on high alert, ready for the next exciting adventure, positive or negative. And there was always someone to share it with.

Now, the weekly hikes, weekend trips on the highspeed train, and dumplings with mystery filling were gone. I felt lost.

So I did the same thing I did in China … I took to the streets.

Over the next few weeks, I took daily walks to explore my new neighborhood. I was up at six one morning, thanks to jet lag, and headed east on Plant Street. A steady flow of people streamed

in and out of a strip mall shop which advertised “the best Mexican Breakfast in Central Florida.”

Intrigued, I ducked inside. A dozen chafing dishes lined the counter,

Market Fresh Los Amigos Market is a the perfect quick stop for fajita or taco meat, along with warm tortillas, a few ripe avocados and a jar of salsa.

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with a variety of breakfast tacos. Everyone was speaking Spanish, ordering up tacos al pastor, quesadillas, and gorditas and grabbing coffee to go. As I waited in line, I

realized that at Just Tacos, I was the foreigner again. I was in a new place, with an unfamiliar menu, in a different language. I felt right at home. I spent $10 and walked home with enough

tacos for my family.

Excited by my success, I went back to the strip mall and checked out Los Amigos Super Mercado.

To be honest, in 2019 BC (Before China) I would have been afraid to go in. What if I wasn’t welcome, or they didn’t speak English, or I didn’t know what to buy?

But China made me brave, so I went in. Hector Gutierrez, the owner, greeted me with a smile, and $9 later I left his tidy store with warm tortillas, fresh limes, and instructions on how to cook the al pastor meat for dinner.

Now the market is my go-

to for a quick stop for fajita or taco meat, or a few ripe avocados and a jar of salsa.

Next came Spice Culture Indian Market, where I found my favorite new Chai tea, and learned how to simmer frozen paneer to add to my homemade curries. On days I don’t feel like cooking, there’s Butter Chicken and Garlic Naan from Curry Kitchen, the

I was the foreigner again. I was in a new place, with an unfamiliar menu in a different language. I felt right at home.

takeout restaurant in the back.

How many times had I driven by Choice Meats and not stopped? Now it’s where I get just the right kind of ground pork to make my favorite Chinese dish, mapo tofu. And I love shopping at Key Market just across the street for bok choy, Korean barbecue sauce, and empanadas from the deli.

Now, if too much time goes by and I don’t stop at the Mexican market, Hector says, “Hey, I haven’t seen you for a while.” We chat and sometimes he teaches me a few words of Spanish.

Sabor a Mexico By 5:30am, there will be a line of locals waiting for Just Tacos to open, selling out every single taco, quesadilla, and gordita by 9am daily.

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When Candy Guebara sees me in line at Just Tacos, she asks, “Want some gorditas? We have a few left.” She knows my favorite. She’s in constant motion, telling me stories about her restaurant in between customers. She starts at 4am, prepping tacos for the customers who will be waiting at 5:30.

By 9, the breakfast rush is over, and she gets ready for the next day, making everything from scratch using her father’s recipes from Jalisco, Mexico.

It feels good to be recog-

nized. Discovering these smaller places and getting to know the owners has helped me a build a new community. So, I keep going, keep searching for places to connect. I’ve got a list of restaurants and markets that reads like a travel itinerary: Brazil, France, China, Italy, Jamaica, Turkey.

I’ve learned that connections don’t happen by ordering groceries on Instacart or eating alone in front of the TV. They come from buying limes and fresh tortillas at the tienda down the street and

Discovering these smaller places and getting to know the owners has helped me build a new community.

stopping at that place I’ve passed a million times and always wondered about.

We’ve all lost a lot in the last two years, and we hunger for connection. In China, food opened the door for me to a new culture and lasting relationships. It can do the same for us right here. Why not try a new restaurant, invite a friend over for dinner, or just walk in to that strange bodega or bakery? I guarantee life will taste so much sweeter.

You can follow Kirsten’s adventures on Instagram @wintergardenfoodie. Know a place we should try? Let us know @thelocalwg.

Pleats Please From crunchy fried frog and lip-tingling mapo tofu, living in China was a non-stop culinary adventure, often involving cooking classes like this one on properly pleating dumplings.

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Your Winter Garden Real Estate Advisor Russu Realty & Associates

emagency.com

ANNA RUSSU

NATALIE JACOBY

Broker Owner

Realtor

D: (407) 515-0723 E: Anna@Russu.us W: Russu.Us Winter Garden FL

D: (407) 913-1389 E: Natalie@Russu.us W: Russu.Us Winter Garden FL

Affordable Legal Access Our nationwide network of experienced law firms give you the ability to speak to an attorney on legal matters without worrying about high hourly cost.

Dish &Tell We asked our readers to spill the delicious details on what Winter Garden dishes they crave most frequently.

H E ATH E R AN N E LE E

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Grilled Cheese Taco HUNGER STREET TACOS

For such a humble little dish, the Grilled Cheese Taco has a lot going on. While my mind is focused on the slab of warm, soft Halloumi cheese, my mouth gets a surprise. First comes the lime, then the heat from serrano chili peppers, and finally refreshing mint and oregano. Black beans add some structure, and a bit of salt brings it together. It’s all wrapped up in a fresh hand-made corn tortilla. The combination of flavors lingers, like memories from a good vacation. It’s just what comfort food is meant to be. I could eat one every day.

—Kirsten Harrington

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Bo’s Boys BBQ When you are born in the South, three things ring true …

Faith, Family, and BBQ! In Winter Garden, that means Bo’s Boys BBQ, prepared with a family recipe that “Daddy Bo” has handed down to the next generation. Just one day a week— Saturday—cars queue up along Avalon Road for ribs that fall off the bone and tender, smoked chicken so good my mouth is craving it as I write these lines. Be sure to double down on the traditional down-home mac & cheese, collard greens and beans, so sweet and savory,you won’t regret it.

— Mark Schmidt

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Pad See-Ew THAI BLOSSOM

The Pad See-Ew is always a favorite of mine, and I try this dish at every Thai restaurant I find. Thai Blossom wins hands down, so I always go back there to get my fix. Slippery, unctuous, wide flat noodles, cooked just right, are tossed with a savory brown sauce that has just a lovely hint of sweetness. Not too sweet to be overpowering, but just enough to balance the dish and keep me craving more. Plus, I love that the vegetables, broccoli and carrots, are fresh and still have a little snap to them. You can’t go wrong with any meat you choose, although chicken is my default. I always leave happy. Even more so when I can get my hands on an order of fresh summer rolls to complete the meal, a popular, yet elusive favorite that sells out every single day.

— Tara Gomez

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Foraged Mushroom Pasta MARKET TO TABLE

I can’t get enough of the Foraged Mushroom Pasta. First, there’s the housemade tagliatelle, cooked al dente, of course.

Toothy enough to let you know you’re biting into something with substance. Then those noodles are bathed in a mushroom cream sauce that’s a delicious paradox—both light and lush. I’m not entirely sure how you make cream sauce that’s this light in texture, but it’s pure magic. This is all I really need to soothe my cravings, but the wild foraged mushrooms and roasted root vegetables make the dish sing. Just one note: It’s a seasonal menu item at Market to Table, so please accept my apologies if you have to wait for it to reappear. All good things are worth waiting for, right?

— Samantha Rhodes

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Classic Double Cheeseburger and Well-Done Cajun Fries FIVE GUYS BURGERS AND FRIES

When it comes to restaurants and favorite dishes, the question I always ask is, “Would I go back just for that dish?” or “Would I tell a friend about it?” And there are a few Winter Garden faves on that list. The calzone at Winter Garden Pizza comes to mind. But the one thing I crave, that I can’t get enough of, and order frequently as a guilty pleasure or celebratory meal is so all-American: a classic double cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, onions, and mayo at Five Guys. Don’t you dare forget the well-done Cajun fries with an icy cold Coca-Cola.

—Dr. Dave Tran

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Lobster Benedict CHEF’S TASTING ROOM

Brunch is my favorite meal, and the Lobster Benedict from The Tasting Room is one of the best dishes I have ever had! I love that this local restaurant puts their own twist on the classic by using buttery biscuits instead of an English muffin. The perfectly cooked poached eggs nestle atop a tower of lobster chunks, the sweetness of which complements the bright, peppery bite of watercress. And then, of course, is the Hollandaise—rich, buttery, with just the lightest touch of lemon. Served with a crispy, salty side of potato hash … it’s simply delicious.

—Jen Dixon

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Mixed Steak Skewer MATTHEW’S STEAKHOUSE

My favorite dish in Winter Garden? That’s a really hard question! I love the Royal Milk Tea from Lucky Straw Bubble, and the Thai Basil Dumplings from Lucky Dumpling are on frequent rotation. But the Mixed Steak Skewer from Matthew’s Steakhouse is my absolute favorite. Yes, skewers! I love that the tender chunks of filet and strip steak are already bite-sized. I love that the salt-and-pepper seasoning lends a little crunch to every bite. And I love that when you melt the delicious herb butter over the meat, you get the perfect salty-meaty dripping in which to fold the pan-seared homestyle potatoes.

—Savanna Westwood

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“I’ve lost over 40 lbs.

I feel healthier and more active than I was two years ago.”

N

E WN O W A P ACCE T I PTIN EN G TS

—Frank Vander Wiede, 76

Primary Care & General Internal Medicine Diabetes • COPD • Congestive Heart Failure High Blood Pressure • Annual Wellness Exams Weight Management • Hypothyroidism • Cancer

1327 Winter Garden Vineland Rd, Suite 130, Winter Garden 321-214-8860 medhealthclinic.com

ELLEN PROBST, RN, NP-C R E ALTOR ® I BROKER ASSOCIATE ElleSellsFlorida@gmail.com @ElleProbstRealtor ElleSellsFlorida.com 407.815.4420

#KnowAPro

When you have questions, these are the local pros to turn to for the answers.

S

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IAL PEC

SEC

TION

The Local Expert Appliances

STU KIMBALL

Southeast Steel 63 West Amelia St., Orlando 407-423-7654 southeaststeel.net

Q What are the best appliance brands?

A We get asked that question every day in one form or another. Is G.E. better than Frigidaire? Who makes the best dishwasher? Are Bosch refrigerators worth the money? How reliable is Samsung?

Unfortunately, changes in today’s marketplace—predominantly pandemic issues and supply chain interruptions—have shoved a different question front and center

in everyone’s minds and that is: When can I expect it?

If you are in the market for a new major appliance, one or more of them, and have even narrowed your choices down to specific makes and models, your wait can be significant—up to several months or more.

Then the question becomes: What is the best oven/refrigerator/dishwasher I can get right now?

If you’re in a situation where you need to replace a failed appliance immediately, that will naturally color your choices. If you can wait, you’re in a much better position. Then you can really home in on getting the best appliance to fit your lifestyle and your budget.

Regardless, the best source for all your critical appliance questions is one of the appliance experts at South-

east Steel. Want to know about availabilities, reliability numbers, or current trends in innovative designs? Need real answers about pricing versus performance? A Southeast Steel expert will have the answers for you just like they have for the last three generations of appliance shoppers, and always—always!—at a competitive price.

Southeast Steel is a familyowned and operated business with over 80 years of experience watching brands grow and develop. We’ve created decades of relationships with our vendors, and our customers continue to reap those benefits. And here’s a shocker for you—you can call us and get an answer on the phone!

Call one of the big box stores and try that.

Best brand? How about best store? We like to think the answer to that question is Southeast Steel.

Southeast Steel is a family affair. When Stu Kimball retires, Spencer Kimball will take over.

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The Local Expert Solar Power

CHARLO ALEXANDRE Renewable Energy Specialist Volt Solar Solutions Winter Garden 786-766-0296 voltsolarsolutions.com

a Lifetime Leakage Warranty, so our customers don’t have to.

The benefits of owning a solar energy system are as reliable as the sun itself, paying dividends day after day with every sunrise. consumption and provide The Florida sun is one truly a completely free estimate remarkable and renewable to show you exactly what resource that individuals to expect with a Volt Solar can take advantage of day energy system. after day to reap substanWe also price our systial benefits. Not only with tems so there are no upfront significantly lower monthly costs with Volt Solar. That’s energy costs, but also by right. It will always cost $0 earning a profit from selling to get started. Some worry energy back to their current about costs associated energy provider. with maintenance. Not Volt One other thing—the Solar customers. We cover government offers tax the maintenance costs of credits to households who our systems with a 25-year opt for solar energy. And it workmanship warranty and is substantial. Currently, the

Q Is solar energy too

expensive for the average homeowner to afford?

A

The resounding answer is absolutely not! Our company tailors its installations to the lifestyles of its homeowner clients and sizes its systems based on the individual energy consumption of every household. Then, we create a payoff scenario with affordable rates, low monthly payments, and a definite end date.

Our solar energy experts will come out and inspect your home and energy

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solar tax credit (formerly known as the solar ITC established in 2005 to help boost the US renewable energy market) is figured at 26% of the total cost of the installation.

Finally, like almost everything else in life, the costs of energy provided by electric companies tend to increase year after year. Solar can help put a stop to that and level off what you pay each month! After all, the sun’s rates will never go up!

undergo a double heatroll process that ensures a longer lasting, beautiful curl. Clients who have had experiences with other shops tell us that they often need to stop and take a break from getting extensions to let their own eyelashes recover and “rest” a while.

The good news is, our techniques cause zero damage to natural eyelashes.

Some of my clients even tell me they’ve had their extensions for years without needing a break. Their natural eyelashes continue to hold on strong and look gorgeous and are able to accommodate extensions with no problem!

All of our expertly trained stylists work directly with their clients to design fully counter-intuitive to attach customized “lash looks” that extensions to them. I cannot complement and enhance answer for other salons, but their’ natural beauty. We are I tell my clients not to worry. all about what is best for you, The products we use at Fab- and I believe newcomers ulash are made of a premium and repeat customers feel synthetic material. Our lashes that vibe from the moment

The Local Expert Lash Extensions

LEXI MARIE

Lash Artist, Fabulash 13848 Tilden Rd., Ste. 230 Winter Garden 407-725-9453 fabulashbylexi.com

Q Will lash extensions

harm my natural eyelashes?

A

We get that question a lot from our customers and I understand why that may be a concern. Those little, curly lashes over your eyes are fine, delicate hairs after all, and it may seem

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they step into our salon. The atmosphere here is easy and friendly. And every one of our stylists has had so much experience applying lashes that they often strike up chats with their clients as they work. It really makes the time fly by as we move from appointment to appointment.

Many of our clients become friends and we get to hear updates on their lives.

That easy-going approach is a direct reflection of our people and how they approach their profession.

Besides, who wouldn’t want to spend their days hanging out with friends?

Some of my clients tell me they’ve had their extensions for years without needing a break.

Their natural eyelashes continue to hold on strong and look gorgeous.

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The Local Expert Financial Planning

ANDY ORTIZ

Financial Planner IQ Portfolios 13790 Bridgewater Crossings Blvd.

Windermere 800-558-7969 iqportfolios.com

Q What is goal-based investing?

A

Simply, goal-based investing is a planning strategy for investments that is aimed at a specific goal. That goal will be different for every person. It could be retirement, a new house, college for the kids, building up an estate to leave your children, anything that is important to you that you will want to use your money for.

Note that earlier I said specific goal. It is not enough to have a general goal: “I want to make lots of money.” … “I want enough money to be able to travel when I retire.” … “I just want to be comfortable and worry-free.” The problem with

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general goals is that they have a nasty way of not coming to fruition—because we are human. Sometimes life gets in the way, time runs out, we forget, or circumstances change—and we feel compelled to make a move that may not be in our best interests again, because we are human.

For example, it is not unusual to feel a little anxious about your investment portfolio when pressed by events not in your control. Times of high market volatility, global unrest, and domestic inflationary pressures can challenge even the savviest of investors. In recent weeks, even the “R

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word” recession has begun creeping into business news and financial markets coverage. Should we be alarmed? Or, is it all just the media cobbling together more attention-grabbing headlines to boost their sales?

Maybe. But that is not really the question to be asking, is it? The real question is: what are we prepared to do about it?

Because we are human first and investment machines second (there’s that human word again), we are emotional beings. Emotions could tempt us to react today and hamper our ability to make informed decisions

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about our money for tomorrow. We forget that investments in financial markets will cause our investment portfolios to rise or fall in value over time. And the level of fluctuation will depend on how our money is invested. For example, we can expect a portfolio that invests primarily in growth stocks to have wider shortterm swings than a portfolio that invests mostly in money market securities.

For many investors, the intricacies of creating a savings plan smart enough and flexible enough to weather what life may have in store for them can prove a bit daunting and the simple answer—“Just get me the highest potential returns possible”—becomes their “strategy.” While this approach can help build wealth over time, it lacks one of the most fundamental aspects of goal setting—the ability to measure investment progress.

How are your investments really doing? What might you do to improve their performance? Will you reach your goals? Wouldn’t

it be good to know that before you make a move?

Of course, and that’s why we at IQ Portfolios are huge fans of Goal-Based Investing. One of the most important steps we take with all our clients is sit with them and take a hard look at where they’re at today and the goals they want to achieve tomorrow. Then we chart those specific goals and create an individualized practical investment plan to reach them.

Goals and priorities are a function of each person’s age and personal circumstances.

It also varies with a person’s ability to tolerate risk. Are you completely risk averse?

For many investors, the intricacies of creating a savings plan smart enough and flexible enough to weather what life may have in store for them can prove a bit daunting.

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Can you tolerate some risk with the chance for a greater reward? Do you fancy yourself a bit of a gambler? The answers—like goals—differ for everyone. What remains a constant for everyone, however, is the very real desire to attain those goals. Goal Based Investing is one of the most reliable strategies we utilize at IQ Portfolios for that very reason.

IQ Portfolios (IQP) is an independent State Registered Investment Adviser Firm located in Windermere, FL. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and, unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial advisor and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Past performance is not indicative of future performance. A copy of IQP’s current written disclosure statement discussing IQP’s business operation, services, and fees is available upon request.

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A

The Local Expert Medical Spa

LORRIEL BLAISE Gentle Touch MediSpa 2723 Maguire Rd., Ocoee 407-877-7003 Gentletouchmedispa.com

Q How do I know what face, body, or skin treatments and products are right for me?

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We hear different versions of it every time we meet with a new client for the first time, and it only makes perfect sense. There are so many options out there for improving the overall health of one’s skin, face, body, and emotional wellbeing that the choices can seem overwhelming. Add to that the fact that we are all unique individuals (Yes, that even includes identical twins!), and a real answer to the question might seem hopeless.

The good news is that it is certainly not hopeless.

But until we know a lot more about you, the smart answer will have to be, “It depends.”

That’s why we begin every new client’s Gentle Touch Medispa experience with a personal, complimentary CARE—Connect Assess Recommend Escape—consultation. We want to hear your concerns and goals. We ask questions you may never have considered and we want you to ask questions of us. The next step—we perform a high-tech 3D video complexion analysis.

We examine your skin texture, wrinkles, pore

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count/size, pigmentation, and any imperfections on the surface and beneath the skin. Only then can we feel comfortable creating a truly individualized treatment plan keyed to your unique challenges that will get results and help you realize your goals.

Imagine feeling so confident in the way you look that you actually like looking in the mirror!

When was the last time you faced the new day with energy to spare or felt stress literally melt from your body?

Rest assured, no matter what treatments you’ll need to reach your goals, we stay up to date with the latest technologies and techniques that get amazing results. (We are proud to be in the top 1% of medical aesthetic providers in the nation.)

From Botox, thread lifts or dermal fillers, to laser skin rejuvenation and hair removal, to advanced skin care like hydrafacials, peels and dermaplaning to CoolSculpting Elite body contouring, we promise you will feel confident in the hands of our expert Nurse Practitioners and Aestheticians.

The Local Expert Home Insurance

MEGAN SHIMADA

Farmers Insurance 855 E Plant St., Ste. 1000 Winter Garden 407-347-9800 agents.farmers.com/fl/ winter-garden/megan-shimada

Q How does inflation affect my home insurance policy?

A

Inflation is a two-sided affair when it comes to homeowners insurance. First, labor and building materials are rising in cost. What that means is when there is a claim made in the case of a fire, water damage, or natural disaster, the cost to repair your home has increased. When the cost of claims goes up, the only way for an insurance company to manage those costs is by raising premiums.

This isn’t specific to homeowners insurance. It’s happening to groceries, gas, computers, cars, and everything in between. Thanks to labor shortages and supply chain challenges, prices are rising across the board.

When it comes to home repair specifically, lumber, plastic water pipes, steel mill products, and asphalt are all up 30% in cost. Wages for residential builders are up 12%. Lack of qualified workers and supply chain hangups mean decreased productivity that can’t keep up with demand. Those details feed into the overall cost of a claim.

But while inflation is causing premiums to increase, what homeowners should really be watching is their level of dwelling coverage.

If the cost to replace your home is going up, your coverage should increase as well. Otherwise, there may

If the cost to replace your home is going up, your coverage should increase as well.

Otherwise, there may not be enough coverage to replace your home in the event of a total loss.

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not be enough coverage to replace your home in the event of a total loss.

At Farmers, our insurance premiums may be rising, but we are also adding $20,000 to $30,000 on average to dwelling coverage. That means your coverage is growing with your premium— something not all insurance companies may be doing.

When you get that renewal (and it is coming), please take the time to sit down with us to assess your policy.

Remember: Coverage needs to cover the cost of repair.

Not market value, not what you can sell the home for, but what it would cost to rebuild the home at building code.

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1. Are you insured and bonded? If not, they do not have the proper protection to do the job.

The Local Expert Pet Sitting/Dog Walking

SAVANNA WESTWOOD The Savvy Sitter Winter Garden 321-663-7263 thesavvysitter.org

Q How do I know I hired the best care for my fur baby?

5. Will you meet with me and my pet ahead of time? This answer should 2. How much experience/ always be yes. Then, pay training have you had? close attention to how well Ask about years in busithey get along with each ness, experience with your other. The ultimate goal specific kind of pet(s), and if for a sitter is to develop a they have a Pet First Trainstrong, trusted relationship ing or other certifications with your pet and that will 3. What if an emergency take time. arises? Find out whether When in doubt, test them they know Pet CPR or first out! We always suggest leavaid, and if they know the ing your pet with us for a test closest emergency veterirun before you go away for narians and locations. real. That way your pet loves 4. Can you care for a pet us as much as we love them! with special needs? If your pet requires medicine, food, or care at specific times, be clear about what you expect and be

A

Leaving your pet at home while you are away is stressful! Will they be fed on time? Will they receive the medicine they need? Will they get good exercise? Are belly rubs and ear scratches on the menu?

We know. We get it.

We’re pet-owners ourselves, and we’ve been been caring for everything from guppies to Grand Prix show horses in West Orange County since 2016.

When you’re shopping around for the right pet sitter, here are five great questions to ask:

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sure they can meet your pet’s needs.

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The Local Expert Surveillance Technology

LUIS BIDROGO

Managing Partner, Surveillance Plus 67 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden 407-877-3500 surveillanceplus.com

Q How do I choose the

right security system for my home or business?

A

First of all, it matters how you plan to use the security system. Surveillance video is for so much more than stopping burglaries or catching porch pirates.

With the right camera system, you can find all sorts of information about your home or business from the convenience of your phone.

Are the kids and pets safe?

Did my package arrive? Did my employees come in on time? Did the pool cleaners really clean my pool?

Whether you want to check on your pets or check on your storage room, quality video surveillance is integral

management tool for both home and business. That said, when it’s time to choose the best camera to meet your needs, you may be overwhelmed by all your options.

Here is the number-one rule: It is not what the camera looks like, but what the camera sees that is truly important.

Establishing the best field of view, providing adequate night-vision, and selecting proper camera chipset features are all critical for top performance. DIY security systems and doorbell cameras are becoming more and more popular, but only provide observation-level video, not prosecution-level video. In other words, it likely won’t be good enough for police to identify suspects or to use as evidence in a criminal trial.

Getting a professional security system installed by licensed professionals is the best way to make sure you have the security and oversight you need for your home or business. At Surveillance Plus, we’ve been helping people choose the right equipment for more than 10 years.

The company is licensed, and our contractors are trained to run cables following electrical code, without any messy, exposed spaghetti wires.

Once your equipment is properly installed, you’ll be able to access your cameras and recorders with no monthly fees.

EC-1300651

Fonts used: Tagline: Myriad Pro, Bold Condensed Main: Aurora Bold Condensed BT

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Pantone 285c

Pantone 192c

Black 100%

Pantone 109c

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Client: Surveillance Plus Title: Final Logo design Date: 12/08/2012 Version: 2 Revision 0.3

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The Local Expert Interior Design

TONI SIMS

Owner, Toni Sims Design Studio 26 E Joiner Street, Winter Garden 407-617-0299 tonisimsdesign.com

Q Do we have to wait until our home is built to hire an interior designer?

A

When it comes to interior designers, there’s no such thing as “too soon”!

We love working with clients at very early stages of the building and design process.

In fact, interior design often helps drive construction decisions, so the sooner you start, the better!

A typical full spectrum interior design project of this type begins with a detailed review of the architect’s plans with you and your builder, setting goals and expectations. We spend time reviewing photos, getting a design plan clear in our minds. Next, we set your appointments and itineraries to begin selecting all construction-related items.

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Once the build is underway, the interior designer usually acts as a liaison between you and the general contractor, translating your wishes and keeping everyone involved on the same design page.

Our niche for the past 15 years has been providing both construction and interior design experience that’s fun, creative, and personalized down to the smallest detail.

Communication, organization and trust all need to be in the forefront for the life of the project, which is typically a one- to two-year process from start to finish. Our approach starts with building a strong relationship. We do projects both in state and out

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of state. So organization and communication are vital.

When you look at our website gallery of the different homes we have done for our clients, no two are alike.

There’s a reason: We don’t do “a look” over and over—that’s easy. And where’s the fun in that? This is someone’s home, not a transaction.

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Our emphasis will always be on what the client wants their home to be that reflects their individuality of style and taste as well as lifestyle. The exciting and challenging part about how we approach a new project first and foremost, is to get to know the clients.

We spend a lot of time talking with them and listen-

Photos by Chad Baumer Photography

ing to their specific family needs, their entertaining and cooking lifestyle. Do they have young children and pets? All these details have to be considered and then blended practically into their desired overall style and look.

The goal is always to create a home that is a unique and true extension of the people living in it. Therein lies the fun!

Prioritizing relationship-building before the homebuilding allows us to really partner with them to collaborate to deliver a very special home that exceeds their expectations.

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COMING SOON

TONI SIMS CURATED COLLECTION

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The Local Expert

Real Estate: Residential

LAURA SENZAMICI

Global Real Estate Advisor Engel & Völkers 230 E. Marks St., Orlando 352-552-0264 laurasenzamici.com

Q Can I determine how much my home is worth from an internet website?

A

Many people ask me this, and the short answer is no! At some point, we’ve all searched through and browsed websites like Zillow, Trulia, or StreetEasy.

But the truth is that these websites are not an accurate reflection of what your home is truly worth.

These third-party real estate websites provide estimates of home values for any home in the country—even when they aren’t headquartered in your specific area. What’s even more misleading? Websites like these use a formula to calculate your home value.

Here’s what you need to know: No algorithm or

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formula, however sophisticated, can see inside your house to factor in the details that matter, like recent improvements you’ve made, or how your home stands out against other homes in your neighborhood. It can’t account for a shiny, brandnew kitchen with expensive tile and counters that was remodeled just before a home was put on the market.

It can’t account for a highly outdated master bathroom.

And it certainly can’t account for a roof that has reached its life expectancy.

A realtor, however, can.

Our “algorithm” is written for one person—you! We are

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Here’s what you need to know: No algorithm, however sophisticated, can see inside your house to factor in the details that matter.

A realtor, however, can.

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trained to see crucial details that a formula simply cannot. Plus, we know what’s important to each buyer, allowing us to position your home uniquely in the market much more effectively than any online agency could.

Start the process of home-value estimation with a top realtor in your local area. Our expertise will help you avoid wasted time and frustration, ensure an accurate valuation, and ultimately make your selling experience a great one.

LAURA SENZAMICI

The Local Expert Mortgage Broker

TERRI HATFIELD DULL Senior Mortgage Consultant NMLS #1616752 Certified Mortgage Planners 407-697-4226 cmpfl.com

Q Are we currently in a housing bubble, and should I be concerned about buying a home?

A

That’s probably the number one question I’m asked every day. Escalating home prices have both buyers and sellers worried that the market is “too good to be true.” But that doesn’t mean we are in a bubble. Instead, it’s simple economics, supply and demand.

There are more buyers than sellers in our current market—especially in Florida, with out-of-state buyers flocking in. The group most affected is Millennials, now the largest generation in the US, who made up 51% of loan applications last year.

Lending guidelines are

now stricter than ever—another indication that we aren’t in a bubble. During the years leading up to the 2008 housing crash, lenders were relaxed about approving loans. Underwriting guidelines were extremely loose, often allowing no-document loans or adjustable-rate loan products with balloon payments.

These are not loans typically offered in today’s world.

Lastly, inventory is nothing like the last time. Prices are rising because there’s a healthy demand for homeownership at the same time there’s a shortage of homes for sale. The industry simply

didn’t build enough houses equity to be able to make the improvements they have in the last decade to keep always wanted. up with population growth, and builders are struggling to catch up.

If you’re The good news is these issues will likely stabilize considering a now that mortgage rates home purchase are increasing and that inflation climbed to its high- and have found est level in 40 years at the a property, end of 2021. now is actually Most experts agree that we can expect home values a great time to continue to increase. With to buy. this in mind, now is actually a great time to buy. Interest rates are still lower than they were a decade ago. Home values are also on the rise, giving homeowners more NMLS #210950

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The Local Expert Pediatric Dentistry

JASON SOTTO, DMD Lead Dentist Little Gators Pediatric Dentistry 3650 Winter Garden Vineland Rd. Winter Garden 407-347-5956 littlegatorspediatricdentist.com

Q How will my child’s dental needs change as they grow up?

A

It all starts with that first tooth. Many parents think it’s too early to start then, but The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child’s first dental visit be scheduled when the first tooth comes in and no later than their first birthday.

Baby teeth are necessary for proper chewing, learning to talk, developing jaw muscles, and even a good self-image. It is important that children develop healthy dental habits early.

They will be much more likely to continue with those as they grow and mature

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into adults with beautiful smiles!

At Little Gators, we start by spending quality time with each child so we can both get to know one another. Then we explain what we do and show off our equipment in fun and imaginative ways.

Your baby’s first steps on the road to healthy teeth and gums will begin with a thorough oral examination, x-rays if applicable, a gentle teeth cleaning and fluoride treatment. We will also complete a review of your child’s overall medical health and note any special needs or concerns to be addressed.

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One of the main goals with your initial visit will be to foster positive, stress-free feelings about going to the dentist. So, we will hold off on more complicated procedures like fillings until a future appointment.

Next comes the fun part!

At the end of your child’s visit we’ll escort them around on an office tour and give them presents: stickers, a cool prize, a toothbrush, and floss. We’ll also demonstrate proper oral hygiene and counsel them (and you) about nutrition.

Pediatric dentistry is a specialty I chose because

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I love children. It’s a good thing, because a pedodontist goes on after completing a four-year college degree and an additional four years of dental school to specialize with two to three more years of training at pediatric facilities.

Some dentists spend time in general dentistry, as I did, before specializing. I think it gives me a unique perspective on the challenges and rewards of sharing my expertise with young people.

My staff feels exactly the same way. We’re happiest when our little patients actually look forward to

coming to the dentist.

(With the right approach to those first few visits, it happens more often than you might think!)

As your children get older, of course, the challenges change. Regular check-ups are especially beneficial—as they are for all of us—because growing mouths have a lot going on with them. A clinical exam along with a cleaning and fluoride treatment should be expected with every check-up. X-rays are taken periodically as teeth develop and grow into place.

How often will be determined by any risk factors

your child may present with as well as their current stage of growth and development. The purpose for all this is to detect early signs of disease in the teeth or gums so we can nip it in the bud.

Teens and young adults have their own set of particular challenges. Now is the time that periodontal disease often rears its ugly head—often brought on by a lack of motivation to practice good oral hygiene.

Then, there are the tongue and lip piercings. They’re getting more and more common, as are the health problems associated with

One of the main goals with your initial visit will be to foster positive, stress-free feelings about the dentist …

We’re happiest when our little patients actually look forward to coming!

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them. Chipped or cracked teeth, blood clots, blood poisoning, heart infections, brain abscesses, nerve disorders, receding gums, and scar tissue are only a partial list. We agree with the American Dental Association: skip the mouth jewelry.

I want your child’s teeth to last a lifetime. I know you do, too. Let’s do all we can to make that happen.

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Rubik’s Cube to Americans trying to get their weight under control. Television programs like The Biggest Loser lead us to believe that we need to exercise four hours a day to have success. Profit-driven companies push innumerable proprietary formulas, claiming they’re the “secret keys” to weight loss. How many “secret keys” can there be?

It all does nothing but lead to confusion—and disappointment.

In the vast majority of cases it’s the hormone insulin that drives obesity.

Any “diet” that lowers your body’s exposure to insulin will naturally result in weight loss, period.

The Local Expert Primary care

P. FABIAN GARCIA, MD MedHealth Clinical 1327 Winter Garden Vineland Rd. Suite 130, Winter Garden 321-214-8860 medhealthclinic.com

Q What is really the

best way to lose weight and keep it off ?

A

I see so many people wading though tons of products and techniques and diets, searching desperately for the best way to finally lose weight. There’s a lot of talk, and everyone seems to have an opinion.

The truth is, you need to speak the language your body understands, and that language is hormones.

If you speak Swahili to a person who only knows Japanese, you won’t be sur-

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prised if they don’t respond appropriately. Obesity is the same; it is first and foremost a hormonal problem, and it won’t respond to a non-hormonal solution.

However, the same goes the other way around. Address the correct hormones in the right way and your body will have no choice but to respond the way you want it to.

Unfortunately, weight loss has become a giant

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The only question that really matters is which “diet” can you stick with for the next few decades to accomplish your goals? Which will you be able to turn into a lifestyle change?

Our specialists at MedHealth Solutions help folks just like you answer that question every day. We speak your body’s language and can show you which foods have your hormonal levels out of balance and how to take the necessary steps to right them. We also make sure they’re steps you can live with.

The Local Expert Memory Care

JULIE FERNANDEZ

Regional Director of Operations Serenades Memory Care

by Sonata 720 Roper Road Winter Garden 407.614.8680 SerenadesForHerWestOrange.com

Q What are the benefits of exclusively female memory care living?

A

It’s widely known that women live longer than men. What is less known, however, is that women also experience Alzheimer’s disease differently and with greater frequency than their male counterparts. According to a study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, two-thirds of clinically diagnosed cases of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are women.

Serenades for her, our new and exclusively female memory care lifestyle neighborhoods, will cater directly to this growing population. And

will feature a more feminine color palette with décor aimed at evoking a sense of comfort and serenity.

Further enhancements to flooring and décor will soften architectural features and furnishings to promote tranquility. Of course, you will still find Serenades’ awardwinning programming, which combines innovative design features with persondirected care throughout the community.

At its core, Serenades for her will also focus on socialization, one of the key benefits to exclusively female living. The opportunity for more woman-to-woman

relationships can be life affirming, especially for those with dementia. In fact, even as dementia impairs memory and cognition, the human need to form meaningful emotional connections persists, particularly among women. Female-exclusive memory care living promotes social interaction and engagement while focusing on female preferences, including art, music, food, games, and group exercise.

Our all-female neighborhoods also have beneficial effects on family members.

Dementia behavior can be difficult to predict, and new relationships formed in

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a community can sometimes be confusing. The women-only neighborhood concept simplifies life for all, providing a greater degree of gender-specific privacy while giving family members increased peace of mind.

We are so excited to bring this unique community to Winter Garden and West Orange County. Renovations are underway and reservations are being accepted for immediate move-in.

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The Local Expert Integrative Medicine

ELDAR BAIGABATOV, MD

Celebrity Medical Center 213 S. Dillard St., Ste 310 Winter Garden 407-318-2566 celebritymedicalcenter.com

Q How is integrative

medicine different from conventional medicine?

A

Many patients have asked me to explain what integrative medicine is, and how it differs from conventional medical practice.

In conventional medicine, our goal is to diagnose you with a particular condition and prescribe you a medication. If you have a side effect to that medication, we prescribe another medication alongside the first medication.

In integrative medicine, our goal is to treat you as a whole with your environment and find the source of the problem. We look deeper into what breaks

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you down and how well you repair and work on improving the balance.

Some of the things that cause our breakdown are stressors such as emotional, physical, chemical, electromagnetic, infectious, allergenic, toxins, and heavy metals.

Things that help repair us are nutrients, hormones, sleep/ recovery, and exercise.

For example, 70-80% of the immune system is dedicated to the gastrointestinal tract. This is also how we absorb nutrients and eliminate the waste. Most people know their allergies, but sensitivities are harder

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to pinpoint because they are chronic, non-specific, and delayed. A lot of foods we eat on daily basis and would consider healthy can cause sensitivity, which in turn leads to inflammation, autoimmune conditions, and chronic breakdown of our body systems.

Another issue with conventional medical approach is its approach to labs. We are taught to look for “high” and “low” values, and in between is considered normal. The problem is that the “normal” range is too wide, because it’s based on the average population.

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In integrative medicine, we concentrate on what is optimal, instead of what is just “normal.”

At Celebrity Medical Center we use the latest technologies and diagnostic tools to personalize a treatment plan for each patient. We believe, and our many satisfied patients will confirm, that our practice of medicine provides superior results for our patients.

A

The Local Expert Restorative Dentistry

ROBERTO GIL, DMD

Winter Garden Smiles 1317 Winter Garden Vineland Rd., Suite 110 Winter Garden 407-614-5955 wintergardensmiles.com

Q What are the benefits of getting a dental implant?

Your teeth were designed to last a lifetime, but sometimes they don’t. Replacing missing teeth is important to your general health, as well as the health of your other teeth. Not only do you lose chewing ability when a tooth is lost, but unreplaced teeth can cause other teeth to be lost, tipped, or crowded and create future issues.

The good news is that you have better options than a fixed bridge or removable dentures. Dental implants are the next best thing to real teeth. In fact, they are designed to look, feel, and function like your natural teeth so you can be confident in your smile.

Of course there are more benefits than just aesthetics.

Dental implants may actually provide better long-term value than conventional teeth replacement options.

Why? Because they are built to last. Traditional, tooth-supported dental bridges only last five to seven years, while dental implants can last a lifetime when properly placed and cared for. Plus, cavities can’t occur in an implant-restored crown or replacement tooth.

Functionally speaking, when a tooth is lost, the jawbone beneath it begins to shrink (or atrophy) and becomes brittle from lack of exercise. Not only does losing a tooth affect your

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Traditional, tooth-supported bridges only last five to seven years, while dental implants can last a lifetime when properly placed and cared for. smile, it also changes the shape of your face causing you to look prematurely aged. Dental implants fuse with the bones in your jaw, helping to strengthen the jawbone, restore your youthful appearance, and preserve the integrity of your remaining teeth.

At Winter Garden Smiles, we proudly offer Biohorizon dental implants and have single, multiple, and full restoration options available.

BioHorizon implants are lightweight, strong, biocompatible and made from titanium, the most widely used material in implant dentistry.

As always, our team at Winter Garden Smiles will work with you to determine if you’re a candidate for implants and craft your new and improved dental restoration.

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The Local Expert

Mental Health

MARISSA SIEGEL

Dragonfly Therapy & Consulting Winter Garden 407-900-6561 dragonflytherapy.net

Q What is the best way to

provide counseling for very young children?

A

Depending on their age, children do not have as finely developed communication skills as grown-ups who may be having similar difficulties. Yet, it is up to us as therapists to find a way to reach these children and start them on the path to healing.

You’ve probably heard of the left-brain right-brain theory, and how people’s thought processes and behaviors tend to lean one way or the other.

The left side of the brain is oriented toward more logical, sequential thinking, whereas the right side is where imagination,

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creativity, and emotion live.

Young children tend to be more in touch with their right sides— and that is how we reach them.

We utilize art therapy techniques and person-centered approaches to open up lines of communication. We can reach children as young as 4 with play therapy techniques; we draw, paint, play with sand, and utilize other modalities to create safe spaces where a child can explore and express their emotions.

And because consistency is so important, we enlist the cooperation of parents whenever possible, involv-

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We can reach children as young as 4 with play therapy techniques; we draw, paint, play with sand, and utilize other modalities to create safe spaces where a child can explore and express their emotions.

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ing them in the process to provide structure and a continuance of therapy in their homes. It is important that parents become aware of specific coping skills that they can utilize in the safe environment of home.

They may be young, but they can still suffer from anxiety, depression, stress, and even trauma. Our goal at Dragonfly Therapy is to get them on a clear, safe path toward wellness as soon as possible.

Get your business seen in the magazine that’s being read, saved, shared, displayed, and embraced by the Winter Garden community.

Support The Local community thelocalwg.com/advertise

Oh Well!

Skin Deep One man’s hard-won battle with skin cancer, and his mission to prevent it in others.

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I

went on a five-day cruise and came home to a mole on his back that wasn’t there when I left.”

Jerry Johnston knew of the mole, of course. It had been there for years, so he thought nothing of it even when it started growing.

However, his wife, Kim, knew better.

“I’d been going to a dermatologist my whole life.

There were always spots that were nothing and ones that they could freeze off or cut out. But this wasn’t like that; it went from nothing to the size of a small pencil eraser in five days.”

Kim’s fear was not without reason. A call to the dermatologist on Monday, July 2, 2018, led

to a biopsy on Tuesday.

The diagnosis? Malignant melanoma. And just like that, life changed.

The American Cancer Society estimates more than 99,780 new melanomas will be diagnosed in 2022, and 7,650 people will die from melanoma before this year is over. Of the three skin cancers – basal cell, squamous cell, and melanoma – melanoma accounts for only 1%, but it causes the majority of deaths from skin cancer.

Its rates have been rising steadily the past 30 years, and it’s believed that 95% of melanomas are related to UV radiation. So Jerry’s diagnosis, while startling, wasn’t a surprise. Although it was to him.

WELLNESS COUNTS

7K+

The estimated number of Americans expected to die of melanoma in 2022—about 5,080 men and 2,570 women.

99,780 The estimated number of Americans expected to be diagnosed with new melanomas in 2022.

1

No.

Of all age-related cancers, melanoma is the most diagnosed cancer among 25- to 39-year-old Americans.

It is the third most common in the 15–29 demographic, and fourth most common for women.

THINK MELANOMA IS AN OLDER PERSON’S PROBLEM?

Think again. The stats for young men are disturbing. Head and neck melanoma jumped 51% from 1995 to 2014 (the most recent years for which data are available), especially in non-Hispanic white men aged 15 to 39. And research published in JAMA Dermatology found that guys in that demographic make up a disproportionate number of melanoma-related deaths—more than 60%.

You read that right: Of all the people who die from melanoma, nearly two-thirds are young men. And they’re 55% more likely to die from melanoma than women in the same age group.

“I think I spent the better part of my life not worrying about stuff like this because it always happens to the other guy, right?” Jerry says.

“I never used sunblock.

Ever. I have always loved the outdoors, and spent most of my life living and playing in the sun, sometimes with a shirt, sometimes without, sometimes a hat. I never thought about it. Sunburn?

Throw on some aloe, and just kept going. I went through life like nothing could hurt me …”

Jerry’s voice trails off, his eyes well with emotion, and Kim grabs his hand.

“But we’re the lucky ones,” she says.

It didn’t feel lucky at the time. Given the aggressive nature of growth, Jerry was referred to a surgical oncologist who removed the mole and a few lymph nodes on August 18. On September 14, the Johnston’s received news that Jerry’s mole, this “nothing,” was in fact Stage 3 cancer and had metastasized to his lymph nodes.

On October 9, he began a one-year battle of immunotherapy on a newly approved drug called Opdivo.

“Opdivo saved his life.

Before that drug, Stage 3 melanoma was almost always terminal.” Kim pauses. “Terminal! For a cancer that is almost entirely preventable. That’s why we’re so passionate about

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Oh Well! sharing our story. If we can save just one family, or one person, from hearing this diagnosis, it’s a blessing.”

A mixed blessing at that.

Chock full of potholes and detours, the road to remission was arduous. First there was the year-long Opdivo therapy, a treatment that came packaged with fatigue, rashes, and the threat of liver failure. Then six blissful months believing they had conquered the Big C, only to learn on February 11, 2019, that it had roared back to life, this time metastasizing to his lungs. Another 18 months of treatment, more aggressive than the first and a host of new side effects.

“The second time was scarier,” Jerry shares, head bowed and eyes glistening.

“We thought we had beat it.

But as you go through this, you become much more enlightened to what goes on in the cancer world. For some, you treat cancer and it’s gone. But for most of us, especially those with

melanoma, you learn that it’s never really gone. It can come back … anywhere, anyplace, any time.”

And so the Johnstons remain diligent. They believe that Jerry is cancer free, a fact that his yearly PET scan continues to affirm, but the work is far from done.

“Now I wear sunscreen every single day,” says Jerry. “I wear long-sleeve SPF sun shirts and hats. I see my dermatologist twice a year, and go back any time we spot anything new.”

“And we tell everyone we meet: Wear sunscreen and get your yearly skin checks!” says Kim. “Friends, family, strangers, it doesn’t matter. At the ballpark with our kids, we’re the parents passing out sunscreen.

Jerry’s on Facebook sharing his story all the time.

If there’s a stranger in line at the grocery store with a noticeable mark, we talk to them, too! As long as we can help it, no one we know or meet needs to die from melanoma ever again.”

As long as we can help it, no one we know or meet needs to die from melanoma ever again.

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Early signs of skin cancer Use the ABCDE checklist to remember what to look for during your monthly self-exam: A

is for asymmetry, i.e., one half of the mole looks different from the other.

B

stands for border: check the outline, are the edges uneven?

C

represents color; the mole should be one color rather than two or more shades.

D

is for diameter; the mole should be no bigger than 6 mm across.

E

stands for evolution: has it changed in size, shape, or color?

Whether you choose brunch, lunch, or dinner, alfresco patio, rooftop terrace, or indoor lounge, STK Orlando redefines the typical American steakhouse experience. The perfect place to sip, savor, see, and be seen.

STK Orlando 1580 Buena Vista Drive 407-917-7440 stksteakhouse.com/venues/orlando

STK Orlando offers a modern twist on the traditional American steakhouse featuring an innovative menu mixed with a high-energy atmosphere, complete with a sleek lounge with a DJ and outdoor dining. STK defines the modern fine dining experience with incredible food, world-class service, and the perfect atmosphere.

WKND STK

Brunch your way through the weekend and then take it alfresco all week long at STK Orlando.

S

ure, breakfast is great.

It’s the jumpstart meal, a tone-setter for the rest of your day. But often it’s eaten in haste, shoveled in between traffic lights or car line. That’s where brunch comes in—with its decadent benedicts, French toasts, and bottomless drinks shared between friends.

Brunch is meant to be savored and celebrated. Brunch at STK? It’s a whole other level.

Retreat to this chic Disney Springs hideaway for an ultra-modern brunch ex-

perience—featuring an innovative menu, vibe-worthy live tracks, and a stunning outdoor patio and rooftop terrace.

The brunch menu bursts with palate-pleasing dishes, including Lobster & Eggs Benedict, Truffle Steak & Egg, and Hot Chicken & Waffle, in addition to STK’s signature steakhouse favorites, fresh seafood, and creative sides. Bottomless mimosas and Bloody Marys? Of course! But if that’s not your thing, sip on signature cocktails like the Spiced Watermelon or Cucumber Stiletto.

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Eats+Drinks

Pairing Pizza Pizzazz A few proposals for pair your wine and pizza perfectly.

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menting a flavor or cutting through it. Sometimes you find a wine that can do both! To demonstrate, I decided to take one of the most basic dinner items that is abundantly available wherever you go—pizza!

Basic concept: dough, red sauce, cheese. Simple enough. But what makes each pizza unique is the toppings, which, when pairing wine, is what you need to focus on. I’ve broken down a few pizza styles to help you achieve the perfect combination for each bite.

Pepperoni and/or Sausage Pairings: Syrah, Zinfandel, Sangiovese When you start adding spicier proteins, this opens up a world of new flavor. Because of the high fat content, the spices in the meat seep into every ounce of cheese, so you need a wine that can keep up with cayenne, anise, or fennel!

Syrah and Zinfandel both have spicier characteristics that will complement those seasonings, and Sangiovese is bold enough to counteract the heaviness of the meat.

PHOTO BY FRED LOPEZ

’m often asked the question, “What wine should I drink?” An incredibly vague question, but a good one. My reply is usually an equally vague, equally good followup question. “Well … what are you eating?”

Wine pairings seem intimidating at first, but if you break down your dish and highlight the ingredients, you’ll find that it’s incredibly easy.

Wine should be doing one of two things when paired with food: comple-

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Veggie Pairings: Sauvignon Blanc, Gruner Veltliner, Chianti This is validation for any white wine drinker. Look for “green” wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Gruner Veltliner, which tastes like arugula and black pepper, especially if it’s a pizza topped with vinaigrette-dressed leafy greens. They add to the vegetal flavor, but are bright enough to cut through each bite. If you prefer red, Chiantis have an earthy, olive quality to me, which complements a “supreme” style exceptionally.

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Hawaiian Pairings: Riesling, Zinfandel, Lambrusco The wild card of all pizzas. Say what you will, but it’s a foodie’s dream to pair this with wine. While ham and pineapple is the standard, I was introduced by a friend to anchovies and pineapple and it is now a staple when I order pizza.

Another wine that will cut through and complement at the same time, Riesling acts as a palate cleanser because of its acidity, but the sweetness will elevate the sugar in the pineapple. If you want to go red, pick something with more of a jammier note, like Zinfandel or a semi-sweet Lambrusco.

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White Pizza Pairings: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Rose One of my favorite styles, we omit the tomato sauce and opt for a creamy, rich cheese base instead. While a chardonnay will complement the decadence of the cheese, a pinot noir uses its acidity to cut through the density. A wine that can do both, sparkling rose, has both the crispness and the acidity to mimic what tomato sauce does in a traditional pie. Also, a slice of Bianca that won’t quit in one hand with a champagne flute in the other just feels classy

Cheese Pizza Pairings: GSM, Pinot Noir, Chianti Cheese pizza is the quintessential experience. Make the sauce your focal point, as the tomato has acidity and richness you want to highlight. A light to medium bodied wine will complement but not take over, and have just enough acidity to cut through the richness of the cheese.

Tarin Scarbrough

The Sommelier at The Attic Door. If you like what she pens, you’ll love what she pours! Be sure to stop by and let her know what you think or drink.

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Rita’s of Winter Garden

MENU

119 S Boyd Street Winter Garden / 407-347-8698 ritasice.com Carrying out its motto of “Ice Custard Happiness,” Rita’s is now making downtown Winter Garden a whole lot sweeter. Passionate about scooping, scraping, swirling, and blending, Rita’s famous Italian Ice is made fresh daily. And with a rotating selection of over 95 mouthwatering flavors, your favorite is almost always available. At Rita’s one thing is always true: Our treats may be frozen, but our hearts are always warm. Open Year round!

ParadICE — Tropical ParadICE is a delicious blend of passion fruit, guava & other tropical flavors. Try out three signature treats made with Tropical ParadICE: Tahiti Gelati, Bahamas Blendini & Maui Frozen Drink.

HOURS Mon-Fri 2pm-9pm Sat 11:30am-9pm Sun 1pm-9pm

BUY A LARGE

GELATI GET A SMALL ICE FREE

David Ramirez Chocolates WINTER GARDEN 426 West Plant Street / 407-614-8278 ORLANDO 2154 Central Florida Parkway / 407-816-7400 davidramirezchocolates.com At David Ramirez Chocolates, we place a high value on using the best ingredients available, sourced from across the globe. Our goal is to bring you a superior product, and create an immersive and memorable culinary experience. We approach every creation with a focus on quality and artistry. Our team is trained in the old-world style, while incorporating innovative and pioneering techniques and flavors.

WG HOURS Mon-Thur 12pm-8pm Fri 11am-9pm Sat 10:30am-9pm Sun 11am-6pm

Experience

OUR BRAND

NEW

PASTRIES

Sugar Rush Marshmallows sugarrushmarshmallows.com / @sugarrushmarshmallows Sugar Rush Marshmallows is a from-scratch marshmallow company. Our HQ is in Orlando, but our test kitchen, Sugar Works Lab is on East Plant Street. And when we say “from scratch,” we really mean it—we make all our own sugar syrup, cinnamon, extracts, and graham crackers, and our gourmet marshmallows are never made with corn syrup.

On our website, you’ll find a selection of items that can ship anywhere in the US. But if you want to check out all our latest flavors and get the freshest s’mores you’ll find, keep track of our S’mores On Wheels food truck on Facebook and Instagram.

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CURBSIDE PICKUP

Order “Local Delivery” online to pick up from our Winter Garden Location TRY OUR NEW

CAMPFIRE

PIE! Handmade graham cracker crust chocolate filling, and mallow creme on top.

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MENU HOURS Tues-Thurs 11AM-7PM Fri 11AM-8PM Sat 11AM-7PM Sun 11AM-3PM

MENU

HOURS WG Sun-Sat 7am-3pm WIN Sun-Sat 7am-5pm

10% OFF DELICIOUS CRÊPES SWEET OR SAVORY

Eats+Drinks

Pammie’s Sammies 121 S Boyd Street, Winter Garden / 407-730-3212 / pammiesammies.com Feed the Soul. Craft with Love. Serve from the Heart. That’s the record-setting recipe behind Pammie’s Sammies, a fun sandwich space with funk woven into its atmosphere and baked into every dish. And yet, the Pammie’s Sammies Experience is more than just great food. Our goal is to create a vibe where everyone feels like family. Go ahead, come as you are. Rest your head, put up your feet, sing to the music, and talk with your neighbors. Eat with your hands, if you must! With food that is thoughtfully sourced, earth friendly, and tastefully adventurous, our menu is composed of old family recipes alongside new and tasty trends. Each visit delivers something new and different on the plate, perfectly paired with great tunes and better conversation among friends.

The French Café WINTER GARDEN 16412 New Independence Pkwy / 407-500-4050 WINDEMERE 5855 Winter Garden Vineland Rd / 407-500-0306 thefrenchcafe.com Do you feel like you’ve been transported to a cozy neighborhood café in Paris, sipping a French coffee while the smell of fresh pastries fills the air? You may be surprised to find you’re not in France at all; instead, you’re enjoying a meal at The French Café. Try our one-of-a-kind pastries baked fresh daily by our acclaimed chef. Join us for a relaxing breakfast on the weekend or stop in before that evening movie for a delightful dinner. We can’t wait to say bienvenue to you!

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Market To Table 146 W Plant Street, Winter Garden / 407-395-9871 market2table.com Nestled in the Heart of Historic Downtown, Market To Table creates Modern American cuisine with classical influences. Chef/Owner Ryan Freelove’s seasonal dinner menu offers a delightful mix of traditional, yet elevated, dishes, like the Filet Mignon or Braised Short Rib. But it’s the newly inspired brunch menu that is truly buzzworthy. Come for the giant Bloody Deluxe (trust us!), House Cured Gravlax, and Parmesan Truffle Fries. Stay for the “Fry Up” English Breakfast and Shakshouka. Before you leave, you’ll be making dinner reservations. It’s just that good.

INFO HOURS Tues-Fri 5PM-9PM Sat 11AM-2PM & 5PM-9PM Sun 11AM-3PM

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OUR NEW

BRUNCH Saturday 11am - 2pm Sunday 11am - 3pm

STK Steakhouse ORLANDO 1580 Buena Vista Drive / 407-917-7440 stksteakhouse.com/venues/orlando/ STK is “not your daddy’s steakhouse,” offering a high-energy dining experience combining the superior quality of a traditional steakhouse with a Vibe Dining atmosphere.

Delectable cuisine, upscale cocktails, elevated Happy Hour and chic décor along with an in-house DJ, all come together to offer a memorable fine dining experience. The menu features reimagined classic American cuisine for lunch, brunch and dinner — the brand’s beef program focuses on the highest quality craveable steaks while emphasizing transparency and traceable sourcing practices.

HOURS LUNCH Mon-Fri 11am-3pm DINNER Sun-Thu 3pm-10:45pm Fri & Sat 3pm-11:115pm $30 BOTTOMLESS

BRUNCH MIMOSAS & BLOODY MARYS BRUNCH HOURS: SAT & SUN 9:30AM-3PM RESTRICTIONS APPLY

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Main House Market Kombucha Bar HOURS Tues-Fri 10am-7pm Sat 9am-7pm Sun 9am-4pm

NOW SERVING FOOD BY

BUKU VEGAN MENU

108 S Main St. Winter Garden / 407-919-5402 mainhousemarket.com You’ve heard about kombucha, possibly tried it once or twice, but have you tried a batch professionally brewed right here in Central Florida? Treat your gut to something not only good but good for you! 11 locally-brewed kombuchas on tap! Take home a refillable growler to keep your gut happy or stay awhile and order a kombucha flight! Main House Market celebrates the area’s best, from the artists and vendors to the vegan eats.

Thai Blossom 99 W. Plant St. Winter Garden / 407-905-9917 mythaiblossom.com

Mon-Fri HOURS Lunch: 11AM-3PM Dinner: 5PM-9PM Sat: 11AM-9PM Sun: 12-8PM

NO.1 BEST

THAI RESTAURANT

ORLANDO READER’S CHOICE ORLANDO MAGAZINE MULTIPLE YEARS INCLUDING 2021

Fragrant curries and soups, silky noodles, stir fries, and grilled meats, with plenty of options for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free diners, too—Thai Blossom serves some of the most delightful and crave-worthy experiences on Plant Street. Authentic, easy and always cooked to order, it’s the perfect choice for workday lunch, go-to dinner dates, and special celebrations alike. Experience our culinary flavors and your love of Thai will blossom.

Recognized by The Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Magazine for having delicious and A-grade Thai cuisine.

Foodie Award Critic’s ChoiceOrlando Sentinel | Orlando Dining Awards- Orlando Magazine

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Rhetoric Rheya Tanner muses on life as a local

Thrilled to Bits How a bargain brand cereal threw me for a loop.

H

i, my name is Rheya, and I’m an appleholic.

It all started one evening at the Dollar Tree there on Colonial, where I was impulse buying a bunch of stupid stuff because I love a good bargain. I usually skip the grocery section in my prowl through the aisles, but today, the cereals caught my eye.

They had these little pint baggies of name-brand Apple Jacks, and then they had full-size boxes of their bargain brand, Apple Bits.

I, calculating very mathematically that more cereal is more cereal than less cereal, threw a box in the cart alongside the glitter slime and the charcoal soap.

Turns out, they’re pretty good. Better than the name brand, even. They’re crunchier, and they have a way stronger apple flavor.

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According to the box, they are “now even better tasting” than they were at some previous unspecified point in time, which is pretty neat; plus, it says I got 20% more, free! How generous!

Naturally, I had to spread the word about this naturally-and-artificially-flavored discovery.

At first I got some lifted eyebrows (from people who probably haven’t had a single Apple Jack in, like, a decade, but offer them a knockoff and they’re suddenly connoisseurs of kids’ cereal), but then they’d try one, and I would look on smugly as they admitted I was right.

All too soon, I found my fingers grazing the dust at the bottom of the bag, and that’s around when things started to get dark.

I popped back over to the

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store under the guise of needing napkins, and picked up a couple boxes of Apple Bits along the way. I mean, they’re only a dollar, so I might as well pick up two to last me through the week.

Fast-forward a week. A dozen empty boxes of Apple Bits are strewn about my room like corpses, cold reminders that I am losing control of my life and also that I am out of Apple Bits.

I have a box at the office, a box by my couch, and some backup boxes of its sister cereal, Fruit Rings, for when I’m not feeling very apple-ish. I refuse to look at the nutrition facts as an act of self-care, but

I’m not quite disillusioned enough to pretend that the serving size is half the box.

We as a society accept that kids’ cereal is basically dessert, right? I’m probably just as well off with a sleeve of Oreos. But guess what? I’m an adult. I pay taxes. I have a credit score.

If I want cereal, I’m getting it; and if I believe with all my heart that it’s healthier than cookies, then how dare some corporation try to limit me with their nutrition labels?

The first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem. So here it is: I’m addicted to Apple Bits.

Also … kinda getting sick of Apple Bits.

Ready, set…

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