Orlando Magazine Feb 2019

COOL POOLS

CREATING YOUR OWN BACKYARD HAVEN PAGE 26

FLAVORS OF PERU

AT EL INKA GRILL, THE SPOTLIGHT IS ON FISH, CEVICHE AND POTATOES PAGE 48

The

Ol' Ball Coach

Is Back Steve Spurrier leads the new Orlando Apollos

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ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM

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WE TACKLE NUTRITION FACTS AND FICTION PAGE 24

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32

SPURRIER READY FOR LAUNCH

The legend is back. Steve Spurrier, one of the most colorful—and successful— coaches in college football history, is at the helm of the Orlando Apollos pro team in the newly minted Alliance of American Football. And he wants you to know that he's drawn up some dazzling ESPN SportsCenterworthy plays. So prepare yourself for the latest incarnation of Fun 'n' Gun.

BY PETER KERASOTIS

Coach Spurrier leads the way at an Orlando Apollos practice.

COOL POOLS

CREATING YOUR OWN BACKYARD HAVEN PAGE 26

FLAVORS OF PERU

AT EL INKA GRILL, THE SPOTLIGHT IS ON FISH, CEVICHE AND POTATOES PAGE 48

The

Ol' Ball Coach

Is Back

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

WE TACKLE NUTRITION FACTS AND FICTION PAGE 24

Steve Spurrier, head coach of the Orlando Apollos.

Photo By Roberto Gonzalez

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Steve Spurrier leads the new Orlando Apollos

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CONTENTS DEPARTM ENTS

UP FRONT

DINE

14 | THE MIX

48 | REVIEW

Your responses to our poll about bicycling around town.

16 | FROM THE EDITOR Glad to have Steve Spurrier among us.

50 | REVIEW

PULSE

High atop the Aventura Hotel at Universal sits Bar 17 Bistro, where the stunning view is enhanced by mouthwatering fare like bao buns and prime rib grilled cheese.

20 | SPOTLIGHT The story of how philanthropist Bickley Wilson provided a home to artists of all ages.

24 | BODY & SOUL

28

Need help discerning nutrition fact from fiction? Three local dietitians weigh in on six popular food items.

53 | RECOMMENDED EATING Restaurants to put on your must-try list.

SCENE

26 | HOME TRENDS Find out everything you need to know before getting started on your summer pool project.

28 | GETAWAY More than a college town, Gainesville offers countless unique natural experiences—like up-close encounters with bats.

48

At El Inka Grill, Ivan Colombier crafts dishes of superb Peruvian cuisine, with an emphais on fish, ceviche and potatoes—lots of potatoes.

68 | ON THE TOWN What’s happening in the area this month in theater, film, music, art and more.

84 | RSVP Orlando magazine’s Finest Doctors reception; Furball gala.

ETC. 88 | EXTRA PULP

30 | STORY OF A…

Laura Anders Lee's basketball lessons for life.

Wildlife Rescuer.

30

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BATS: BROOKE MORTON; ARTREACH, OWL,DISH: ROBERTO GONZALEZ

20

A Culture of

Thinking

morrismedianetwork.com

Volume 73, Number 4

February 2019

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GROUP PUBLISHER Scott McElhaney 407-318-7256 EDITOR Barry Glenn 407-318-7250 MANAGING EDITOR Hancel Deaton hancel.deaton@orlandomagazine.com ART DIRECTOR Anna Ware anna.ware@orlandomagazine.com

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CONTRIBUTORS WRITERS Cheri Henderson, Peter Kerasotis, Laura Anders Lee, Brooke Morton, Megan Padilla, Rita Sotolongo PHOTOGRAPHY Emily Jourdan ILLUSTRATION David Vallejo PRODUCTION Jason Jones

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February 2019

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with Ash

MUST-GO: Swoon to the sounds of Michael Bublé at the Amway Center, February 16th.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Meet literary legend Jennifer Clement and sit in on top-flight literary experiences during “Winter With the Writers” at Rollins College (throughout February).

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14 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | FEBRUARY 2019

DISCOVER: A vegan-friendly, underground dining experience that makes a perfect Valentine’s Day gift? Head to @AmiciOrlandoFL on Instagram for details.

COMING SOON: Get them before they’re gone. Tickets are on sale now for The Water Lantern Festival, March 16th.

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O ' TOWN

LETTER FROM TH E EDITOR

Launch Sequence

A

few years ago, my wife and I were watching a televised football matchup between my alma mater, the University of South Carolina, and a Southeastern Conference foe. At halftime, as Gamecocks head coach Steve Spurrier walked off the field, a sideline reporter asked him to assess his team's performance. He talked about how “we’re gettin’ our butts kicked. We’re gettin’ out-blocked, out-tackled and out-coached.’’

Then, as the reporter prepared to step away, Spurrier leaned in to say one more thing: “But we’ve got another 30 minutes. Maybe something can happen!’’

It was all there: the trademark visor, the uneven gait, the wincing expression, the folksy voice, the determination to say exactly what was on his mind.

My wife turned to me and said: “I love Steve Spurrier.’’

Yeah, count me in that camp too. I was saddened when Spurrier left Carolina in the middle of the 2015 season and doubted I’d ever see him pacing the sidelines again. How wrong I was. The legendary coach, who led both the Florida Gators and the Gamecocks to new heights over nearly a quarter-century, is back, this time in charge of the Orlando Apollos, the local team in the new Alliance of American Football.

In this issue, writer Peter Kerasotis traces Spurrier’s journey to this spot in his career, with the coach assuring us the Apollos are going to be fun to watch.

And who would dare doubt him? After all this is the same person who, as a Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback for the Gators in 1966, waved off his team's regular place kicker in the Auburn game with

two minutes left and booted the winning 40-yard field goal himself.

I think we’re going to be glad the Ol’ Ball Coach— and the Apollos—landed here.

Elsewhere in this issue, Joseph Hayes explores the Peruvian offerings at El Inka Grill, as well as the elevated menu at Bar 17 Bistro. Megan Padilla writes about the big heart of philanthropist Bickley Wilson, who provided a home to the artists of McRae Art Studios, as well as the kids in her ArtReach program. Plus we explore some nutrition facts and fiction, how to plan for a new pool in time for summer, and learn about the life of a wildlife rescuer. And Extra Pulp columnist Laura Anders Lee relates how playing basketball had a huge influence on her life.

Finally, for our monthly travel getaway, we journey to Gainesville, where you can explore numerous natural wonders. The North Florida city is also home to a noted university that once had this pretty remarkable football coach...

BARRY GLENN

BARRY.GLENN@ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM

FOR MORSELS OF THE LOCAL DINING SCENE, CHECK OUT JOSEPH HAYES' DINING BLOG SAVOR ORLANDO AT ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM/SAVORORLANDO 16 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | FEBRUARY 2019

ROBERTO GONZALEZ

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PULSE SPOTLIGHT

Portrait of Goodness

B

BOHEMIAN ISN’T A WORD THAT COMES up when describing Winter Park. But the artist-filled warehouse on Railroad Avenue could have fairly been described as such.

Rigged-up working studios carved from raw space gave each of the McRae Art Studios artists their place. It wasn’t always easy: a single utility sink, uneven floors that made carting works in and out difficult, a loading dock with no ramp and only partial air-conditioning. Picture how it felt on a summer day when ceramic artist Susan Bach had to fire up her kiln to 2,000 degrees. It wasn’t perfect, but it was home.

Many of the artists had worked together since the collective found its first home in Orlando in 1986, a lease on McRae Avenue

(near Florida Hospital) secured by George and Marty Whipple. They moved several times—another stop on McRae, then Alden Road, and finally to Winter Park in 1999—but always took the McRae name with them.

Through the decades, members of the group relied on one another to create, collaborate, consult and cohabitate. And then word came from the landlord that their home was up for sale and they’d need to vacate by October 2016.

The search for a new building was set wider and wider. They needed a building that could house enough artists who could pay an affordable rent that would cover the lease.

Said Stephen Bach, then-president of the

20 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | FEBRUARY 2019 | PULSE

group, “I remember being in my studio and thinking `I don’t know how we are going to put this together.’ We couldn’t find anywhere close in town.”

So there they were, adrift, no land in sight, seriously considering the possibility that they’d have to disband. Then along came not just their lifeboat, but a veritable yacht, captained

by Orlando philanthropist Bickley Wilson.

A MATCHMAKER AND AN ANGEL Perhaps you haven’t heard of Bickley Wilson. Her name isn’t on buildings or associated with annual charity galas. A retired psychotherapist, she serves on the boards of Shepherd’s Hope, which provides volunteer medical services to families in need, and Mad

ROBERTO GONZALEZ

How one woman provided artists of all ages a place they could call home. BY MEGAN PADILLA

Philanthropist Bickley Wilson sits in the Parramore creative haven that once housed an auto-body shop.

An ArtReach class; a work by McRae artist John Whipple; Wilson, Brendan O’Connor and Whipple in the space.

ROBERTO GONZALEZ; CLASS: DAVID LAWRENCE

explained what she wanted to do and that she loved the idea of sharing the building she was buying with working artists.”

Cow Theatre. In 2012, she combined her twin passions by forming ArtReach Orlando.

“It was a dream to bring art to underprivileged kids,” she says, “to build their self esteem and let them know they count.”

ArtReach began as a mobile classroom that operated from a van, bringing art to children who otherwise wouldn’t be exposed to it. The organization’s most robust program to date is working with teens trying to complete their GED at Orange County Academy in Bithlo, where art combined with counselors helps kids connect with and process emotions. Another ArtReach program focused on farmworkers’ children in Apopka. A permanent location wasn’t exactly part of the blueprint.

That is, until ArtReach community outreach director and local journalist Brendan O’Connor, whose ear-to-the-ground knowl-

edge of the ousted artists as well as potential buildings for sale led him to ask Wilson: “Would you be interested in buying a building? I know a lot of artists looking for space.”

“Whenever Brendan comes to me with an idea, he knows I’ll say `yes,’” says Wilson who told him to go and find one.

O’Connor learned about the potential sale of a 10,000-plus-square-foot auto-body shop at Westmoreland Drive and Arlington Street in the Parramore neighborhood, and he pitched a big-concept idea to Wilson about a group of two dozen dispossessed artists: “Why don’t we ask McRae to be the tenant of this new building?”

And so they did. McRae’s Bach still recalls the text from O’Connor. “This has got to be a hoax,’’ he thought. But the leaders of the artists’ collective met with Wilson, “and she

FIRST LOOK Next, Wilson and O’Connor invited Orlando architect Ryan Young, whom O’Connor had met through Young’s wife Julia, the founder of the youth literacy non-profit Page 15, to come along for a look. The merry band of artists, architect, angel and matchmaker took a field trip to the Parramore building.

What Young recalls seeing was “incredible open space with high ceilings, an exposed steel structure and beautifully filtered light through old (but dirty) skylights.” The architect, whose hallmark is showcasing the beauty of industrial design, saw the potential for the expansive glass roll-up doors that flanked the east and west sides of the building, with a gallery space running through the middle.

Initially Wilson had only intended to buy the building and leave it to the artists to shape their spaces as they had in all their previous locations. But after seeing the space with them, says O’Connor, “She was inspired to give them the space they’d never had.”

Wilson bought out the long-term tenant’s remaining lease, purchased the building and contracted Young, of Interstruct Inc., to reimagine the several-decades-old body shop to best serve the artists and ArtReach. “McRae was all very brave and jumped into it,” says O’Connor. The plan was (and remains) that McRae’s rent would cover the costs of building out their space.

MAKING A NEW HOME By the summer of 2016, a plan was under way. It wouldn’t meet the deadline for McRae artists to vacate their Winter Park home in October, but it promised something better—a custom-made home for the following spring.

ArtReach’s needs were the most straightforward. A brick-and-mortar classroom would provide a permanent space for the group’s Artists in Wondercamp summer program that would be safe and secure, literally (there’s a chain-link fence around the property). However, ArtReach wasn’t in any hurry to move in, so the focus was first on the needs of the McRae artists. By May of 2017, the collective had moved in.

PULSE | FEBRUARY 2019 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | 21

PULSE SPOTLIGHT easier work environment. If you are struggling against your environment, you can’t do your best work.”

Bickley Wilson’s ArtReach Orlando began as a mobile classroom in 2012, bringing art to where the kids were. That outreach continues, but children also have a permanent classroom in the building shared with McRae artists.

“This place is like a candy store for us,” says Bach, “fully adapted for our needs.”

For instance, “These beautiful tall walls, good lighting—including skylights—and flat floors,” says Bach, remembering the wobbling carts of their Winter Park days. Best of all, every artist now benefits from air conditioning, which many didn’t have in their former space. “Those without often had to vacate their workspace during the summer, which really wasn’t fair, considering everyone was paying rent.”

In addition, the new McRae Studios include a dedicated woodworking studio and a kiln room. If you happen to visit and pick up the scent of pine, that’s because artist Todd K. Fox is raku-firing his ceramics, relying

on wood heat in the manner of the ancient Japanese tradition. Now, no one has to leave the building.

Matriarch Marty Whipple’s favorite feature of their home? “Ice cubes!” she says enthusiastically, pointing at the stainless steel refrigerator along one wall of what is now a skylit gallery and common space where the group recently hosted their second C-Note Sale.

Each artist contributed works to be sold for a hundred bucks, the proceeds used to help further develop their space. Spring and fall open houses offer a chance for the public to tour the studios, meet the artists and see their works.

Asked if the new space has changed the work, Bach replied, “I think it allows us to do better work. We can see better here. It’s just an

22 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | FEBRUARY 2019 | PULSE

FULL CIRCLE While ArtReach evaluates how to best serve its community, the potent combination of young artists and mature professionals as joint tenants under one creative roof isn’t lost on anyone.

“I believe in an energy of a space,” says Wilson, referencing the 23 working artists of McRae and ArtReach’s own classroom.

“When you step inside, there’s such a creative, positive energy.”

“For the children to go in during our summer camp and experience the artists willing to show them their studios, it couldn’t be a better place,” says Wilson.

“I love the property, the artists and art, and the kids. That’s my heart. We’re not going anywhere.”

A promise has been made.

The next McRrae open house will be from 5 to 9 p.m. May 18. Info: mcraeartstudios.com

WILSON: ROBERTO GONZALEZ; ARTIST: DAVID LAWRENCE

AN ART SPACE FOR KIDS ArtReach claims a much smaller footprint at 1000 Arlington because they have the most impact by reaching out where the children are. For instance, last summer a Disney grant enabled them to offer an art and literacy workshop at every Orange County library location.

But thanks to a mayor’s matching grant, they were able to invite kids on scholarship to participate in their Artists in Wondercamp program, held in their new permanent classroom, made just for their young artists.

Two whimsical mascots hold court: an oversized stuffed whale repurposed from an Anthropologie store display hangs from the ceiling, and a mural-sized black-and-white buffalo whose innards are filled with colorful painted items such as pizza, ballet shoes and a violin. If you think you’ve seen it before, you’re right. The mural used to be on the Orange Studio building in the Mills 50 District and was ArtReach’s first public art project that paired its All Star Kids with international artist Boy Kong.

In addition to the classroom, ArtReach also has two studios they provide to a rotating roster of artists-in-residence, whose only obligation is to teach one workshop. Beyond that, the group is pausing, waiting to better understand the needs it can help meet. “We want to make sure that what we are doing is meaningful in the neighborhood and doesn’t disrupt,” says O’Connor.

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Dr. Aileen Trivedi, DMD, FAGD

429 N. Ferncreek Avenue Orlando, FL 32803

407-898-1621

FineDentistryOrlando.com

PULSE BODY & SOUL

Food Fact or Fiction Having trouble keeping up with what’s good and what’s bad for you? Dietitians give us the skinny on the latest nutrition news. BY CHERI HENDERSON

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FOLLOWING NUTRITION RESEARCH is like

watching a fast-paced ping-pong game: You can get dizzy from trying to keep track of what you should and shouldn’t eat. What was bad for you yesterday is good for you today—or is it? We asked three local dietitians to help set the record straight.

FACT OR FICTION? COCONUT OIL WAS NEVER GOOD FOR YOU. FICTION Coconut oil, once a nutrition villain, later became a nutrition superhero and a staple in many kitchens. But then a June 2017 story in USA Today returned it to villain status with the headline, “Coconut oil isn’t healthy. It’s never been healthy,” sending many coconut oil-loving people off in a tizzy. “The ‘facts’ have changed, and nutrition has been dumped on its head,” says Renee Matthews of Renee Nutrition.

She points to multiple studies that show extra-virgin coconut oil has been linked to a lower body mass index and reduced waistline, an improved cognitive function in Alzheimer’s patients, and in the treatment of insulin resistance and hypertension. “It’s definitely a good source of fat for sure. It’s just a matter of is it a quality source,” says Gabrielle Mancella of Orlando Health. “When you’re getting coconut oil, make sure it’s unprocessed and unrefined. If it’s refined, we know that the chemical composition has changed and it may not be what we intended to use.”

FACT OR FICTION? HONEY OR MAPLE SYRUP IS BETTER FOR YOU THAN TABLE SUGAR. (MOSTLY) FICTION “First of all, make sure you don’t get the Aunt Jemima stuff, because that’s just literally corn syrup with some caramel coloring in it,” warns Megan Ware of Nutrition Awareness. “Health benefit-wise, the only thing you’re getting from honey or maple syrup that you’re not getting from sugar is some extra nutrient value. But be under no illusion.

You’re still getting sugar from it. Your body is still processing it in the form of carbohydrates. It will still spike your blood sugar if you’re a diabetic. It’s not going to make any move on the needle in terms of your body processing it slower.”

And don’t look for a calorie benefit by putting maple syrup in your coffee. Maple syrup has “a ton of sugar and a ton of carbohydrates per tablespoon,” she says.

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The latest research shows no link between foods containing cholesterol and heart health. In fact, the study shows dietary cholesterol doesn’t contribute to blood cholesterol levels. “This is my favorite thing to talk about because I blow people’s minds with this all the time. We used to think cholesterol in food translated to higher cholesterol in the body. Now we know that is 100 percent not the case,” Ware says. The high amount of cholesterol found in egg yolks gave eggs an undeserved bad rap for years, she says. “It’s the same with shellfish such as shrimp and lobster. They’re also very high-cholesterol foods.” As Matthews says, “Cholesterol is a needed product in the body, and all the drugs that are promoted to lower cholesterol end up having adverse effects like decreased CoQ10, affecting muscles and the brain.”

Ware says we need to stop demonizing certain foods and instead evaluate them in terms of how close they are to the source and how that source was grown and processed. And when you buy eggs, go for the pasture-raised, free-range variety, which are a good source of beta-carotene, she adds.

ADOBE STOCK © MARA ZEMGALIETE, BERT FOLSOM, NECHAEVKON

FACT OR FICTION? IT’S OKAY TO EAT EGGS EVEN IF YOU’RE WATCHING YOUR CHOLESTEROL LEVELS. FACT

FACT OR FICTION? SATURATED FATS DON’T THREATEN HEART HEALTH. FACT

ADOBE STOCK © SOMCHAIJ, MARA ZEMGALIETE, BY-STUDIO

FACT OR FICTION? A DAILY GLASS OF RED WINE IS GOOD FOR YOU. FICTION For years, we were told a glass of red wine a day was a good source of antioxidants. But an August 2018 study discourages all alcohol consumption whatsoever.

“When you’re drinking alcohol, you’re poisoning your system. There’s no way of getting around that,” Ware says. But what about resveratrol, the antioxidant found in high amounts in red wine?

“You don’t have to get [antioxidants] from wine. You can also get them from vegetables and fruits.” Says Mancella: “You would have to have at least multiple bottles of wine” to get enough resveratrol to benefit you—but then that benefit would be undercut by the toxicity of the alcohol. Look for fruits and vegetables with deep colors. “You would be better off supplementing or getting that color pigment from other foods such as pomegranates or just grapes in general,” she says. As for that one glass of wine, “it’s just excess calories,” she adds.

For years, doctors warned patients to avoid saturated fats to preserve heart health. But new research shows saturated fats do not clog arteries. In fact, Matthews says a 2016 study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association Network shows the Sugar Research Foundation—which funded the studies from the 1960s painting saturated fats in a bad light—“downplayed . . . the adverse effects of sugar consumption all those years ago, and shifted the blame to fat.” Adds Ware: “It’s saturated fat when paired with sugar that’s the worst-case scenario.” Ware recommends consumers approach foods with these basic questions: “Where did this food come from? How was it processed?

How was it made?” Mancella emphasizes variety. “If we don’t get any saturated fats, we kind of increase the demand for the other types because they’re so quickly metabolized. The body uses each type of fat a different way because we use different pathways to break them down, depending on their chemical composition.

Each one plays a part. I always stress in all my consults to make sure they’re getting a variety of fats.” For the best bang for your saturated-fat buck, Mancella recommends looking for grass-fed beef, a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids.

FACT OR FICTION? THE ANTIOXIDANTS IN DARK CHOCOLATE MAKE IT A HEALTHY TREAT. (MOSTLY) FICTION If you’re eating dark chocolate for health benefits, “you’re kidding yourself,” Ware says. “There are polyphenols and antioxidants that are in cocoa that make it so good for you. That being said, you can get polyphenols and antioxidants through other foods that don’t also have the added processed sugar in them. Don’t tell yourself, ‘I’m going to be healthier this year because I’m going to eat more dark chocolate.’ ” Chocolate does have laudable beginnings, she says. “It comes from a plant. As it starts, great.

It’s like many other things that come from a plant, like French fries. They start out okay as a potato, but then the things that we do to the potato aren’t so great.” But if you can’t do without your daily piece of chocolate, “I would say dark chocolate is the way to go. The more bitter, the better,” Ware says.

PULSE | FEBRUARY 2019 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | 25

PULSE HOME TRENDS

If you’re considering building a pool for the summer season, now is the perfect time to dive in. BY CHERI HENDERSON

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IF YOU CAN’T BEAR THE THOUGHT OF ENDURING another sweltering Florida summer without a cool retreat all your own, now is a good time to begin looking at pool contractors and features, with options going to infinity and beyond.

Modern pools come in every shape and size, and push the edge, literally, with dramatic visual effects such as infinity edges and perimeter overflows. Grottos with waterslides, bubblers, water jets, sheer falls, fire pits—even islands with fire pits within water bowls—are just a few of the features clients have available to them.

And let’s not forget outdoor cabanas, sun shelves for loungers, programmable LED lighting with color options, and, of course, spas.

More mind-boggling still, all features can be operated remotely via an app on your mobile device. The possibilities are only limited by your site and budget.

T.R. McDonald and his wife, Christy, recently completed a lagoon-style pool on their Orlando property. “We thought the kids were at an age when it would be good for them,” says McDonald, father to an 8-year-old girl and a 6-year-old boy. “Between them and our Golden Retriever, we can’t keep them out.”

McDonald’s pool includes kid-friendly features such as two 3-foot-high sheer

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descents, see-through waterfalls that provide a nook between the water and the pool wall. “They like going behind that, and they like jumping off the side into it,” he says.

The pool also has a spa with a waterfall, color-changing LED lights, a seating area with a fire pit, a big-screen TV and tropical landscaping around the 1,500 square feet of travertine deck. His all-in cost, including the furniture and fire pit, came in at $100,000.

“We have a neighborhood with a lot of kids their age. Now this is a main stop,” McDonald says. The pool has also encouraged exercise in a season when many kids don’t want to be outside. “My daughter wants to swim 10 laps

COURTESY POOLS BY BRADLEY

The Water’s Fine

Multiple fire pits and fountain jets highlight this lagoon-style pool

by Pools by Bradley.

WHAT TO EXPECT

TOP: COURTESY SIGNATURE POOLS; BOTTOM: COURTESY PREMIER POOLS OF CENTRAL FLORIDA

(Left) This rectangular lap pool by Signature Pools has a sun shelf with space for several pool loungers. (Below) An enclosed spa anchors this multilevel pool by Premier Pools of Central Florida.

every evening. She likes to swim nonstop even if it’s time for bed,” he says.

Then again, clients can opt to keep it simple.

“Lap pools remain popular,” says Megan Eaves, co-owner of Lake Mary-based Pools by Bradley.

“Your retired generation wants it simplified. They want deck space for entertaining.

They want their daily exercise. When they have young children, they want water features—deck jets and all that fun stuff.”

But even the traditional lap pool can be amped up a notch. Dan Theune, co-owner of Premier Pools of Central Florida, says his company builds a lot of swim systems. “A swim system involves just swimming against current. You can control its resistance. It’s a very popular feature for people who are into fitness,” he says.

Though rectangular pools may always remain the traditional favorite, geometric pools containing a variety of angles and shapes have gained popularity. Freeform or lagoon-style pools also maintain a following. But Theune insists geometric pools are more likely to withstand the test of time. “You want something that’s going to be appealing to more people when you’re selling,” he says.

Jennifer Malagian, co-owner of Signature Pools in Orlando, says design is a personal preference. “Usually the swimming pool is an extension of the home style,” she adds.

Empty nester David Downs of Orlando wanted a place where he and his wife could relax and entertain. Their multilevel 10,000-square-foot deck, made of pavers, slopes down to the lake behind the property, which can be accessed via a staircase. “The spa overflows into the pool. It’s a little bit of a waterfall effect. There’s a bubbler in the spa that makes noise. It’s a very peaceful setting,” Downs says.

Before building a pool, homeowners should do their research. Talk with other

pool owners, Malagian says, and look for a company that has been in business for a long time, is financially stable and will honor the warranty.

Eaves recommends reviewing a company’s online presence, researching the state’s database to ensure the company is a valid contractor, and visiting the company’s storefront. “How is that first impression? If they’ve chosen to keep their establishment clean, and it represents the mission behind the company, I would think that would make you feel they would do the same on your job site,” she says.

Downs says having a pool “has changed things” for him and his wife, who enjoy cooling off and having drinks poolside while looking out on the lake. “It’s a big transformation to the yard,” he says.

Before building a pool, experts recommend homeowners identify the features that are important to their family’s lifestyle and then identify what fits into their budget. Signature Pools co-owner Jennifer Malagian recommends putting together “a list of must-haves with some other items for a wish list.”

Think budget and funding. “Homeowners should have secured a financial source if they are financing,” Malagian says. Costs average between $45,000 and $65,000, but they can go up—as in way up—from there. “You can get a $35,000 pool, but that’s a really Plain Jane one,” says Premier Pools of Central Florida co-owner Dan Theune. However, the more elaborate the pool and deck area, the higher the price. “We just sold one for more than $300,000,” he says.

Customers should also prepare for an investment of time. Pool construction takes about 12 weeks, depending on site conditions. According to Malagian, the cost and timeline can be affected by lot access, condition and grade. Builders may have to remove trees and address electrical, plumbing and septic issues.

Homeowners incur further costs through additional features. Summer kitchens can range from $10,000 to $25,000, according to Theune.

Some features cost more up front but provide long-term cost savings. Variable-speed pumps cost $1,500 to $1,800 more than standard two-speed pumps, says Pools by Bradley sales manager John Yannucci, but they quickly earn their keep.

“Payback for the cost difference between a variable speed pump versus a standard pool pump is recovered within the first year,” says Theune.

Basic salt systems boost the cost between $700 to $2,000, depending on the pool size. However, according to Theune, “it eliminates a lot of maintenance.”

LED lighting, priced at about $650 per additional light, also saves costs in the long run. “There are LED lights that provide approximately 50 percent energy savings over conventional lights,” says Malagian.

One other potential cost savings is opting for solar panels rather than a heat pump—an option Yannucci recommends. “Solar is free heat,” he says. Both systems cost the same initially—between $4,500 to $6,000—but, he adds, a heat pump will cost an additional $150 to $175 a month in electricity. Of course, there is a tradeoff: “On overcast days or cooler nights, [solar doesn’t provide] constant heat like a heat pump.”

PULSE | FEBRUARY 2019 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | 27

PULSE GETAWAY

Gainesville Naturally Go beyond Gator football and explore the countless natural wonders of Gainesville. BY BROOKE MORTON

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FOR MANY ORLANDO residents, Gainesville is the home of University of Florida football— and that’s it. For others, it’s a pit stop along I-75, two hours by car north of Orlando. And yet, this expansive college town, big enough to contain the third largest campus in the country, is home to some of the state’s most unusual wildlife and natural experiences, especially rewarding for those willing to pack hiking boots and binoculars for a glimpse of bison, bats, butterflies and more.

You don’t even need to leave campus for a couple such experiences. Start on Museum Road in the heart of UF with the Florida Museum of Natural History, and enjoy free admission to the permanent exhibits. Wander the halls of wonders that have been uncovered in the Sunshine State, including a collection of megalodon jaws found in the St. Johns River, and a mastodon recovered from the Aucilla River on the eastern edge of the Panhandle.

There is a charge to experience the Butterfly Rainforest, where dozens of species, including long-tailed skippers colored brown and iridescent blue, alight on blooms and banana trees.

Few colleges can boast a colony of 400,000 Brazilian free-tailed bats that put on a nightly parade, as those at UF do. The bats originally called the football stadium home until the university constructed three “bat houses” on Museum Road across from Lake Alice, relocating the bats to keep them away from fans. The bat population at UF had swelled to an unusually large number thanks to the food (aka mosquitos) that is abundant among the area’s swampy location.

Although the bats may not sound like much of a draw, just wait until sunset. Minutes before dusk, grab a spot along the fence

PLANNING YOUR TRIP GET COZY Marriott’s AC Hotel Gainesville Downtown opened its doors in April 2017, just a four-minute walk to UF’s Ben Hill Griffin Stadium for football. The 144 rooms feature white, modern, minimalist décor and ample space to spread out. Don’t miss the rooftop deck and pool overlooking the campus and surrounding city. marriott.com

line as the colony begins to stream from the houses into a buzzing river of motion around the trees before reconvening over the lake.

Head to the opposite end of greater Gainesville for another bat experience few know exists. Lubee Bat Conservancy, started in 1989 thanks to a financial gift from Luis F. Bacardi of Bacardi Rum, only recently began offering tours to the public. The research center and nonprofit houses 200 fruit bats (also called flying foxes), plus an African spurred tortoise just shy of 3 feet in length, and a pair of Solomon Islands skinks. For a donation of $100 per group, visitors can meet the bats, but touching is not allowed. One of the highlights of this experience is Grace, a variable flying fox that once was someone’s pet. As soon as the door to her pen opens, she climbs across the wire-fence ceiling to greet newcomers.

If the group admission price is too steep, visit when the conservancy hosts its annual Florida Bat Festival in October. In addition to tours, the event includes a beer garden, bounce house for kids, raffle and much more to raise awareness for bats and money for ongoing research.

Perhaps the biggest draw is just south of town. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is famous for herds of bison and horses that roam the grasses and marshlands. Start with a visit to the ranger station for an update on where and when bison were last spotted. The easiest and most guaranteed viewing opportunity is just yards from the station: the 50-foot observation tower overlooking much of the prairie. From here, anyone can see most of the La Chua Trail as well as any herds in the surrounding area. Stay for a hike or moun-

tain bike ride on paths such as Cone’s Dike Trail or the Chacala Trail, weaving through fragrant fields of grasses and wildflowers, hammock and hardwood forests.

From the visitor center, it’s a 17-minute drive east to The Yearling Restaurant, so named for the novel written by author and early Florida settler Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings. Stop in to peruse the collection of animal taxidermy and stay for the Cracker cuisine, including smoked fish dip, free-range venison, frog legs and the custard-like buttermilk pie.

After a day of adventuring, take advantage of Gainesville’s eclectic restaurant scene. Satchel’s Pizza is equally satisfying for its hearty, deep-dish pizza as it is for its found-object art collection of trophies, wooden beads and trinkets displayed as mobiles and wall art. Diners can eat in the retro-styled main room, the garden, the back bar with live music or even in a Volkswagen Minibus. Or try Dragonfly, where the ever-changing menu of Japanese-style tapas includes a flatbread with sushi-grade tuna, red onion and a honey-wasabi sauce.

The progressive city also boasts two local vegetarian joints. At Daily Green, choose from inventive salads such as the Thai peanut tempeh, or go for the walnut lentil burger in a waffle cone. Nearby, Civilization serves dishes from around the globe, from sweet potato enchiladas to Indian crepes stuffed with a veggie curry.

It’s all a little unexpected, from the 1980s toy Viewfinder at Satchel’s Pizza that doubles as the dessert menu, to the fact that a visit to a bat conservancy comes with a meet-and-greet with a giant tortoise. That’s Gainesville—and that’s what makes it such a delight to explore.

Reach Gainesville via a two-hour drive north of Orlando, taking FL-408 to the Florida’s Turnpike to I-75 N. For planning, check out visitgainesville.com

GARDEN STROLL Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, a 15-minute drive southwest of the football stadium, are the second largest in the state, with an herb garden, hummingbird garden, bamboo grove and more. Spring and fall are the best times for encountering hummingbirds among the red ginger, soap aloe and firebrush. kanapaha.org

28 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | FEBRUARY 2019 | PULSE

TRAIL RUN The San Felasco Hammock Trail, located in the state park of the same name, offers trail runners, hikers and dog walkers a scenic, shaded, old-growth forest with ample wildlife viewing.

It’s located just a 22-minute drive northwest of the city. floridastateparks.org, sanfelasco.org

FARM FRESH Check out Gainesville’s growing farm-to-table restaurant scene: Mildred’s Big City Food has hearty fare in an upscale setting, while Root & Pecker serves pizza and sandwiches. Plus, Swallowtail Farm hosts one-night-only, four-course dinners prepared by alternating Gainesville chefs. mildredsbigcityfood.com, rootandpecker.com, swallowtailcsa.com

GARDENS, BISON, BUTTERFLY, BATS: BROOKE MORTON; AC HOTEL: COURTESY MARRIOTT HOTELS; SATCHELS: COURTESY SATCHELS PIZZA

(Clockwise from top left) A scenic bridge spans a pond of Brazilian lily pads at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens; the rooftop deck and pool at AC Hotel Gainesville Downtown overlooks the city; a herd of bison moves to greener pastures at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park; Satchel’s Pizza provides eclectic seating, including this greenhouse garden area; one of hundreds of free-flying butterflies alights at the Florida Museum of Natural History’s Butterfly Rainforest; bats take flight from their houses near Lake Alice; a variable flying fox comes in for her closeup at Lubee Bat Conservatory.

PULSE | FEBRUARY 2019 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | 29

PULSE STORY OF A…

Wildlife Rescuer Pooh-poohing playtime. Always smitten with wildlife, the Colonial High School graduate once contacted refuge founder Carmen Shaw to express her desire to come play with the animals. “She said, ‘You can come clean raccoon poop,’ ” Helsel recalls. As for the animals, Shaw added, “They’re not play toys. They’re wild animals. The goal is for them to go back into the wild where they’re supposed to be. We feed them, clean them and leave them be.”

“I never left.” By 1990, Helsel had pushed aside the notion of volunteering and began working as a surgical technician with Orange County Animal Services. As it turned out, Helsel learned she would be working directly with Shaw, who rehabilitated some of the animals the county received for care. On her second day of work, Helsel and her supervisor drove to Back to Nature. “As soon as I got there, I knew I was home.” She began volunteering immediately and took over as executive director of BTN in 1999.

Remaining vigilant. “The prevalence of rabies has been increasing in the state, and it’s not just the raccoons. Bats are high up on the list, as are foxes, bobcats and otters,” Helsel says. As a result, high-risk animals “are only allowed to be handled by people who have their rabies pre-exposure shots.”

Not everything can be saved. A woman recently brought in a crow with a damaged wing. “He has to be euthanized,” Helsel sighs as she 30 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | FEBRUARY 2019 | PULSE

surveys the bird’s injury. “There are legalities with a lot of the wildlife we get. With certain impairments, you just don’t have any options.”

Her secret crush. The refuge cares for about 3,000 animals representing up to 50 species a year, but opossums are Helsel’s favorite.

“There’s just something about them. They capture my heart in a different way than the other animals do.”

Hurricanes take a toll. “When a lot of trees are down, you have a loss of home for the animals. The nests are down. The mothers are killed.”

The morning after a hurricane, “we have long lines of people waiting to give us animals. Sometimes we have hundreds [of animals] in our first few hours of daylight after a storm.”

A brighter future. The 20-acre refuge and educational center near Lake Nona recently was awarded $3.5 million through an Orange County initiative that will fund needed improvements and expansion.

“Still, we really need more paid staff.” The refuge relies heavily on about 50 volunteers, plus interns.

The dangers of development. “A lot of these animals are being pushed out of their natural environments, and they are being forced into smaller areas. We need to leave some space for them. Otherwise, the only place you’ll ever see these animals is in zoos or places like ours. We would rather see them in the wild.”

Finding her own refuge. “Usually for me to have a day off, I have to get on a plane or drive someplace my phone can’t reach,” says Helsel, who enjoys going on crystal digs in Arkansas.

ROBERTO GONZALEZ

For Debbie Helsel, Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge in Lake Nona is home. BY CHERI HENDERSON

PHOTO CREDIT

BACK IN

The legendary Steve Spurrier is once again ready for launch, this time as head coach of the newly minted Orlando Apollos.

And the Ol’ Ball Coach has a bunch of plays he thinks you’ll like.

By Peter Kerasotis

the

PHOTO CREDIT

GAME

A

s the legend goes, when Steve Spurrier was Duke University’s offensive coordinator he tapped Ben Bennett on the shoulder while the quarterback hunched over his breakfast the morning of a game. Bennett has recalled over the years that Spurrier diagrammed a play to use that afternoon, and did so “right there in my oatmeal.” Laughing now at the story as he sits in his Gainesville home, Spurrier neither confirms nor denies Bennett’s recollection. But he does acknowledge the obvious—that when it comes to football, and especially football plays, his mind never shuts off.

“When I see a play or think something up, I try to find a piece of paper somewhere and draw it up real fast and put it in a stack of plays that I keep,” he says. “I have a big stack right now.”

It’s been several years since the mastermind that is Steve Spurrier—a.k.a. the Ol’ Ball Coach—has been able to deploy those plays into an actual game, creating his winning brand of Fun ’n’ Gun football. It hasn’t seemed right not 34 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | FEBRUARY 2019

having him around on fall weekends—not to him, nor to the football world. God gave him a gift, Spurrier says, and ever since he abruptly left South Carolina as the Gamecocks’ head coach midway through the 2015 season, that gift has been under wraps.

Spurrier has spent the ensuing years playing golf, hanging out at Crescent Beach, where he has a second home, and becoming an ambassador and consultant at the

ROBERTO GONZALEZ

The AAF cites Spurrier’s “unparalleled ability to develop young players.”

University of Florida, where he won the Heisman Trophy in 1966 and an NCAA National Championship as the Gators’ head coach in 1996. But instead of filling a void, the void only became more obvious.

When the phone rang one day and it was Rick Neuheisel, Spurrier wasn’t prepared for what he heard—that there was an opportunity for him to coach in a professional football league. Spurrier and Neuheisel have similar ré-

sumés: Both were college quarterbacks, NFL quarterbacks and coached in the USFL, NFL and in college. Neuheisel told Spurrier about a new league that was forming, backed by prestigious names with pigskin pedigree. Spurrier was interested. Another phone call followed. This one came from J.K. McKay, the son of John McKay, who coached both Spurrier and J.K. a lifetime ago with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. McKay informed Spurrier that this new pro FEBRUARY 2019 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | 35

league would be called the Alliance of American Football, or AAF, and that there was going to be a team in Orlando.

“Are you telling me I can have the Orlando team?”

Spurrier asked McKay. “You can coach the Orlando team if you want it,” McKay replied.

“Count me in,” Spurrier said. “I’ll take it.”

It happened that quickly, that seamlessly.

“I didn’t even know what the pay was or anything like that,” Spurrier says. “I didn’t need an agent, didn’t negotiate. I just said, ‘Count me in.’ ” And he is in—all in.

The league is composed of eight teams— Orlando, Atlanta, Memphis and Birmingham in the Eastern Conference; San Antonio, San Diego, Arizona (Tempe) and Salt Lake in the Western Conference. Orlando’s team nickname is the Apollos, and they’ll play at UCF’s Spectrum Stadium, with the home opener set for February 9 against Atlanta.

“The season is 10 games, 12 if you make it to the championship game, so we’re planning on 12 games,” Spurrier says. “I don’t think I would be doing this if it was anywhere else but in Florida, and Orlando is a great city. It’s an hour and a half from my home in Gainesville. Everything just fit.”

Some might say, however, that there is one thing that doesn’t fit—his age. When Spurrier coached the Florida Gators for 12 seasons, 1990 through 2001, he would often chide then-Florida State head coach Bobby Bowden for coaching into his 60s and 70s, vowing that he would never be that type of coach.

Spurrier will turn 74 in April. To say that he has changed his mind is an understatement.

“I thought when my coaching days were over that I’ll have plenty of time and I’ll work on this dadgum golf game and I’ll be better than I used to be,” Spurrier says.

I don’t think I would be doing this if it was anywhere else but in Florida, and Orlando is a great city.

36 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | FEBRUARY 2019

“Guess what? It doesn’t happen that way when you hit 70.

It didn’t for me. I sort of got a little arthritis and stiffness and I don’t play near as good as I once did. I’ve really cut back on golf. I’m not completely giving it up, but coaching this team, the Apollos, certainly has my main interest now.”

And there is interest in him, to be sure.

Spurrier is perhaps the biggest name the AAF has attracted into its fold. Longtime NFL executive Bill Polian, who is one of the AAF’s cofounders, agrees. In an email, Polian said, “For a new league, having a man of Steve Spurrier’s accomplishments as one of our coaches in our inaugural season gives us immediate credibility with fans nationwide. Of course, there was no other choice for the Orlando Apollos. Steve is synonymous with football in Florida. But most importantly, his unparalleled ability to develop young players is exactly what will provide Orlando fans with exciting and highly competitive Alliance football.”

To be sure, there are other big names that the league has attracted. Former Miami Hurricanes head coach Dennis Erickson is the Salt Lake Stallions’ head coach. Former St. Louis Rams head coach Mike Martz is the San Diego Fleet head coach. NFL great and Hall of Famer Mike Singletary is coaching the Memphis Express, Neuheisel has the Arizona Hotshots franchise ... and on and on it goes. In addition to Polian, the league’s front office boasts names like that of CEO and co-founder Charlie Ebersol, the son of legendary broadcast executive Dick Ebersol and actress Susan Saint James. Former NFL stars like Hines Ward and Troy Polamalu work in player relations.

But it’s the name Steve Spurrier, along with his outsized personality, which will likely emanate a few more watts of light on the league’s marquee. On top of that, the AAF has some innovative ideas, and if anything, Spurrier has always been forward thinking.

The AAF is looking to take much of the foot out of football. There will be no kickoffs or extra points. As for the former, the ball will simply be placed on the 25-yard line. As for the latter, teams will get the ball on the two-and-a-halfyard line and go for two points. Getting another opportunity

ROBERTO GONZALEZ

Spurrier and his Apollos squad will play a 10game schedule beginning February 9.

COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA ATHLETICS

to score, rather than relying on the blasé and somewhat cliché extra point, will provide Spurrier with another play to call. Already it has his creative juices flowing, as he rummages through his stack of papers with scribbled formations and plays.

“I like that rule,” he says. “What you’re going to see is a lot of different kinds of unique ball plays. Most Americans, when they’re watching football games, they love to see some kind of double reverse or a reverse or a throwback to a halfback or a quarterback. I think you’re going to see a lot of that stuff. We’ll have about 10 twopoint plays on every play sheet.”

And something else.

“We’re going to have a section on our play sheet called the SportsCenter play,” Spurrier adds, referring to the ESPN news show that features top 10 highlights. “If one of those plays hits, I guarantee it’s going to be on SportsCenter. Hopefully we can give people some ball plays that they’ve never seen before.”

If so, it won’t be the first time Spurrier has wowed.

When he arrived into the storied and staid Southeastern Conference as the Gators’ head coach in 1990, it was if he brought an MP3 player to a house party that still used 8-track tapes. While the SEC was a three-yards-and-acloud-of-dust conference—or maybe it was three yards and a cloud of rust—Spurrier’s philosophy was to establish the pass and then the run, and not the other way around. He transformed quarterbacks into gunslingers who almost always outdrew the competition. His philosophy was to score in two basic ways—early and often.

Before becoming the Gators’ head coach, Spurrier was UF’s quarterbacks and wide receivers coach, arriving in 1978 when the school had a hotshot sophomore quarterback named Cris Collinsworth. It was Spurrier who moved Collinsworth to wide receiver, which eventually launched an NFL career and later a career as a broadcaster. Collinsworth marveled at Spurrier’s ability to see the unseen back then, and he still does today.

“With Steve you never knew what was going to get called, because he had the capability of ad-libbing during the course of a game better than anybody I’d ever been around,” Collinsworth says. “He was sort of like a guy who played music by ear. There are some people who study it and hit every note and are talented. But it seems that the ones who are geniuses are the ones who can sort of just look at the keyboard and something flows out of them. That was the way Steve ran his offense.”

Add to that Spurrier’s almost maniacal competitive drive, something he learned from his father, the late Rev. Graham

As UF’s quarterback, Spurrier won the coveted Heisman Trophy in 1966.

Spurrier. In 1952, when Spurrier was 7 years old and the family lived in Newport, Tennessee, it was his Presbyterian minister dad who started Little League Baseball there. Later, when the young Spurrier played Babe Ruth League ball, his father was the team’s manager.

On the first day of practice, the Rev. Spurrier assembled the kids along the right-field line and asked them: “How many of you boys believe in the saying, ‘It’s not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game’? ” Young Steve watched as every hand shot up—every hand, that is, except his. He knew where his father was going. “You can put your hands down,” the elder Spurrier said, “because I don’t believe in that statement. It does matter whether you win or lose. That’s why they keep score. There’s going to be a winner and a loser in every game. Any time you keep score you’re supposed to try and win. So we’re going to play by the rules and we’re going to play fair—but we’re going to try and win.”

It’s a philosophy that Steve Spurrier has adopted and maintained throughout his life. When he became the Gators’ head coach in 1990, the school had been recently rocked by two coaches who were fired for NCAA violations—Charley Pell and Galen Hall. Spurrier takes pride in the fact that during his 12 years in Gainesville, UF won seven SEC titles (one unofficial because of violations under Hall) along with the ’96 National Championship, and did so without even a whisper of improprieties.

Spurrier did gain a reputation, though, for petulant behavior—throwing his visor when plays didn’t go his way, as well as mocking other coaches and schools whenever the narrative suited him. He said FSU stood for Free Shoes University, in reference to allegations that Seminole players violated NCAA rules by receiving free shoes. He said you can’t spell Citrus without the letters U-T, mocking the Tennessee Volunteers’ program that seemed to always enter the regular season highly ranked, and yet invariably landed in Orlando’s second-tier Citrus Bowl game. He also seemed to take sadistic pleasure in not just beating the Georgia Bulldogs, but in running up the score whenever he could. Google “Steve Spurrier’s 15 greatest trash-talking quotes” and be prepared for a chuckle or two ... or more. He also has an elephant’s memory for slights, and exacting retribution for them never seemed to end. All of it made great copy for journalists, even those whom he battled with, as well as providing reams of bulletin board material for rivals.

Gator fans revered him while opposing fans reviled him. Either way, Steve Spurrier commanded people’s attention and their eyeballs. The AAF and the Apollos are banking—literally—on that not changing.

In recent years, though, Spurrier has showed a softer side. His daughter Amy Moody noticed a change going back to 2000, shortly after the Rev. Spurrier died, which was around the same time that Steve’s own children started having children of their own. Amy noted that her dad

Hopefully we can give people some ball plays that they’ve never seen before.

38 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | FEBRUARY 2019

COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

Spurrier’s Gators won 7 SEC titles, as well as the 1996 National Championship.

Fan Guide to the

AAF Basics

The Name

Inspired by Apollo, Greek god of the sun, as well as a

tribute to the Apollo space missions. The logo depicts Apollo as an archer: The mythological titan carried a golden bow—and he never missed his target.

Apollos Fast Facts Home games will be played at UCF’s Spectrum Stadium.

Tickets: Season ticket packages available. Single-game tickets start at $20. For information go to aaf.com/orlando-apollos

Radio coverage: 104.1 FM. Jamie Seh, WKMG-Channel 6 sports director, will be the play-by-play broadcaster.

TV coverage: CBS will broadcast the two opening-day games (including Orlando’s) on February 9. CBS Sports Network will then carry one AAF game each week throughout the season.

Possible Standouts The roster will be finalized January 31

Garrett Gilbert (QB)—Played college football at Texas and SMU. As a true freshman was Texas quarterback in the 2010 BCS Championship Game, which the Longhorns lost, 37-21, to Alabama. NFL career has seen stints with St. Louis Rams, New England Patriots, Detroit Lions, Oakland Raiders and Carolina Panthers.

Marvin Bracy (WR)—Former football and track star at Orlando’s Boone High School. Played for Florida State as redshirt freshman in 2012 but left the following year to pursue a professional track career. Competed in 2016 Olympics in track and field.

Jamal Morrow (RB)—Third in all-time all-purpose yards during his college career at Washington State, which concluded in 2017.

ROBERTO GONZALEZ

Will Hill (DB)—A member of the University of Florida’s 2009 BCS National Championship team. Has played pro ball with the New York Giants and Baltimore Ravens, as well as the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League.

8 teams will play a 10-game schedule.

No kickoffs. Each team starts on its own 25-yard line.

No extra points. Two-point plays only.

Play clock is 30 seconds, 10 seconds shorter than the NFL’s.

Four of the eight teams advance to the playoffs.

The title game will be played April 27 in Las Vegas.

Apollos Schedule February 9 game is 8 p.m.; other times TBA

February 9 – Atlanta Legends February 17 – at San Antonio Commanders February 23 – Memphis Express March 2 – at Salt Lake Stallions March 9 – at Birmingham Iron March 16 – Arizona Hotshots March 23 – at Atlanta Legends March 30 – at Memphis Express April 6 – San Diego Fleet April 14 – Birmingham Iron

never used to hug before, but that he was now more prone to an embrace, though he would sometimes add, “Can you scratch my back while you’re there?”

He seemed looser in front of a camera, sometimes even jovial and joking. His smile came to the fore more often.

And the coach who once warned his players to never dump a bucket of Gatorade on him, no matter how big the win, allowed himself in 2014 to be videotaped doing the Ice Bucket Challenge, which helped raise awareness and money for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. For a man who has accepted outside criticism like a cat would accept bathwater, Spurrier also tends to be more self-deprecating these days, though sometimes with a caveat. He was that way to a lesser degree when he was at UF, when he would sometimes blame himself and his coaching abilities for a loss—sort of. A common refrain from him would be: Our guys didn’t play very well. I guess we didn’t do a very good job coaching them up.

While he claims responsibility for his two failed years as an NFL head coach with the Washington Redskins, he has never been shy about also casting a shadow of blame on team owner Daniel Snyder.

Spurrier went to the Redskins in 2002, a year after leaving Florida, signing a five-year, $25 million contract. He later admitted that he went where he was offered the most money.

“When someone offers you three times more than what you were making, it’s tough to turn that down,” he says. “But I didn’t go to the right place, and that’s my fault.” He explains that Snyder promised him a general manager, specifically Bobby Beathard, who had been the architect of four previous Super Bowl titles. But neither Beathard nor anyone else was hired. Instead, Snyder made the personnel decisions.

“I was supposed to get a general manager and, stupid me, I didn’t get that down in writing,” Spurrier says. “Sometimes you have to get stuff in writing and get everyone to sign it.

But I never had to do that in my life before, so you live and 40 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | FEBRUARY 2019

learn. When Dan Snyder was not only picking the whole team, but also the quarterbacks, I told my wife Jerri before the second season, ‘I’m finished. This isn’t going to work out.

We’ll get through this year and see what’s next.’ ” Sure enough, after he followed his inaugural 7-9 record in 2002 with a 5-11 campaign in 2003, Spurrier quit. In doing so, he walked away from $15 million.

His later departure from the University of South Carolina was even more abrupt. In explaining what happened, Spurrier is again critical of himself, though without any caveat this time. He was in his 11th season with the Gamecocks, having led the program to unprecedented success while becoming their all-time winningest coach.

There were three straight 11-win seasons and nine bowl appearances. But a 7-6 record in 2014 was followed by a 2-4 start in 2015. That’s when Spurrier shocked college football by stepping down.

“I did a terrible job my last year at South Carolina,” he says. “I had assembled a team that was in disarray. Players didn’t like each other; they didn’t like their coaches. And coaches didn’t like each other. There was a lot of division. It was a mess and it was my fault. Our defense was the worst in school history for the second year in a row, and I’m in charge of the defense too, even though I’m an offensive quarterback coach. It was time to get the heck out of there.”

In doing so, he left a $3 million buyout on the table.

Money doesn’t matter to him as much now as it did when he was a struggling young coach, plying his trade with the USFL’s Tampa Bay Bandits, making “sixty grand a year.” He was 37 then, his age now if you reverse the numbers. At this stage of his life it’s all about fun.

Fun ... and winning.

For Steve Spurrier you can’t have one without the other.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” he says, still sitting next to the scraps of paper with scribbled plays. “I’ll be a lot better coach this go-round. I plan on doing a good job.”

COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA ATHLETICS

Spurrier spent 11 seasons coaching South Carolina’s Gamecocks before leaving abruptly in 2015.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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Set on over 100 beautiful acres, Lakeview Terrace is a secure, active adult community with multiple options for entertainment, exercise and shopping, all located on property. Whether it’s fishing on one of two lakes, or taking the dog for a run at the dog park, or a turn at shuffleboard, Lakeview has health and fun activities in mind. Residents are able to relax and enjoy access to on-site banking and a country store, complete with the staples like milk, bread and ice cream.

The lifestyle at Lakeview is easy and convenient. Garden homes offer lake or golf course views, and the one and two bedroom villas and apartments are spacious and thoughtfully planned.

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44 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | FEBRUARY 2019

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DINE

LOEWS HOTELS AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO

R E VI E W • R ECO M M EN D ED E ATI N G

PAGE 50

UNIVERSAL ACCLAIM

Wagyu beef sliders are among the featured attractions that Executive Chef Mouhssine Benhamacht has created for the menu at Bar 17 Bistro, atop the Aventura Hotel at Universal Orlando. The view is also splendid.

DINE REVIEW

Ceviche at El Inka Grill includes selections of white fish, shrimp, octopus and squid marinated in lime juice with garlic, onions, cilantro and rocoto pepper.

El Inka Grill draws on Asian and European influences for a culinary lineup that spotlights fish, ceviche and potatoes.

BY JOSEPH HAYES

EL INKA GRILL 7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd.

407-930-2810 elinkagrill.com Menu: $7-$28

L

LAST YEAR, THE National Restaurant Association pegged Peruvian

cuisine as the hot trend. In fact, the food of Peru has become so popular that the food scenes in Chicago and Los Angeles are abuzz with potatoes and ceviche from Lima, with the New York Post calling Peru the “next food craze.” With cuisine shaped by the country’s history of multiple waves of Asian and European immigration, modern Peruvian restaurants are returning to their roots, with hotspots in China and Japan, along with fervent diners right here in Orlando. The burgeoning Marketplace at Dr. Phillips, not to be confused with the self-described Restaurant Row nearby, seems to be overflowing with international cuisine, and Peruvian restaurant El Inka Grill is high among them.

Generations of laborers from Japan (what is called nikkei in Peru), China (chaufa), Italy and Latin America arrived in waves during the 18th and 19th centuries, looking for gold and a New World fortune, and each one brought their food with them, which the kitchens of their new home embraced. This is not “fusion” cuisine, one tradition laid upon another, but an organic part of the culture. Peruvians dine on Italian gnocchi made with yellow papa amarilla potatoes, and Japanese pancayaki octopus rolls topped with crisp potato shavings.

At El Inka, tallarines verdes, Peru’s take on tagliatelle pasta, is served coated in bright green pesto with grilled chicken or skirt steak and cheese sauce ($17.95). Lomo saltado ($18.95) is the Peruvian twist on Chinese stir-fried beef, tangy with vinegar, white wine and soy sauce, sautéed onions and tomatoes, served with fries. Tacu tacu con mariscos ($22) is a wonderful hybrid of soy-salted fried rice, refried beans and shrimp croquetas that finds a global place between China, Mexico and Africa. Fried rice shows up mixed with seafood, chicken and beef.

And of course, raw fish, so omnipresent in Peruvian culture that there are almost as many variations as there are potatoes (almost). Some

48 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | FEBRUARY 2019 | DINE

gastrohistorians say that the influx of Japanese laborers brought the idea of eating raw and marinated fish with them. El Inka’s proliferation includes tiraditos, a regional adaptation of crudo, slices of raw fish marinated in citrus, then dressed in sauces made from deep red (tiraditos a la crema de rocoto) or bright yellow (a la crema de aji amarillo) peppers, or topped with a black olive cream sauce (a la crema de al olivo; $15 each).

Ceviches ($14.95-$28) wear all manner of colorful frocks: white fish in red pepper sauce; salmon in citrus; grilled lobster marinated in intense aji amarillo peppers.

The food of Peru is only familiar if you have been exposed to it; expectations of South American fare like Brazilian steak, Argentinian chimichurri or Colombian arepas doesn’t prepare you for the marinated fish, the mountain of potatoes and the variety of tomatoes and peppers, both spicy and sweet, that were brought to Europe

ROBERTO GONZALEZ

Praiseworthy Peruvian

Chef-owner Ivan Colombier wants to educate diners about Peruvian cuisine, including tallarines verdes, with skirt steak in pesto (below).

from this diverse country by Spanish conquistadors.

Causas are so ingrained in the Peruvian psyche that the word is used as slang for a close friend.

As food, they’re a small column of pureed potato colored with yellow pepper and topped with a chopped chicken salad, shrimp or octopus. The sampler of all three ($14.95) is hearty enough to order with a pisco-based cocktail or a Cuzqueña lager and make a meal.

Choclo, the indigenous large-kerneled Incan field corn, has a chewy, starchy consistency.

It shows up with fair regularity, from fried, crunchy cancha snacks to an ingredient in chupe de camaron (17.95), a national fish

chowder with many regional variations. The beautiful creamy soup of shrimp is cooked in a colorful broth with rice, squash, potatoes (natch), and Spanish influences of poached egg and cream. El Inka’s version starts with an aromatic fish broth, adding oregano, cilantro, cumin, green peas, cubes of queso fresco, a rich and savory taste that has echoes of caraway and a healthy dash of hot pepper.

There will be plenty to take home, and it might be even better the next day.

Restaurateur/Chef Ivan Colombier owns both El Inka locations. He was born and raised in Long Island, New York, to Peruvian parents, who kept the culinary traditions alive,

and Colombier felt passionate enough about the food to study at Le Cordon Bleu in Orlando and open the original Hunter’s Creek restaurant in 2011. “My friends in the local Peruvian community will find us,” he says.

“What I want to do is educate mainstream diners about this fascinating food.”

The Dr. Phillips El Inka is laid back and quietly attractive, with attentive service, live music Thursdays and Saturdays, and drink specials like the housemade chicha morada, a beverage made from purple Peruvian corn, agave nectar, cinnamon and lime juice that may be more than 5,000 years old.

I don’t usually mention desserts, but there are some attention-catching sweeties here: picarones, syrup-coated squash and sweet potato donuts; helado de lucuma, a frozen treat made from the Peruvian fruit lúcuma, related to mamey sapota; and alfajores, delicate cornstarch biscuits sandwiched around dulce de leche.

The tables of Peru are laden with unique flavors and double-take worthy combinations of foods and cultures. El Inka Grill, by offering those delights, is doing us all a barrier-breaking favor.

ROBERTO GONZALEZ; PARADE: MARIAH WILD

Lots of Spuds Peru has somewhere between 3,000 and 4,800 types of potatoes, some unique to one area or even one farm.

The range of colors and shapes is astounding, from almost-black purple papa púrpura to white papa blanca; banana-shaped yellow qillu pasna tubers to puca shungo crimson globes with deep red hearts; perfect papa cóctel spheres to multi-layered llumchuy huaccachi shaped like pine cones.

HONOR THE PIG FOR THOSE FOLLOWING the lunar calendar, February starts the Year of the Pig (the Brown Earth Pig, to be exact).

It’s called tet nguyên dán in Vietnam, seollal in Korea, songkran in Thailand, thingyan in Burma, and tahun baru imlek in Indonesia. Bengali families celebrate pahela baishakh; Little New Year (koshōgatsu) is the traditional New Year in Japan (they’ve been celebrating Western New Year on January 1 since 1873).

So, the most important question is . . .what’s to eat? Rice with adzuki beans, sweet rice cakes, pork rolls, long noodles (the longer the better), whole fish (filling the new year with good luck), and dumplings are traditional. Vietnamese families serve fruit and plant fruit trees; fried dumpling jeon is favored on Korean tables.

An Indonesian celebration includes steamed red mangkok cake, stir-fried bakmi goreng noodles and the dark, glutinous rice cake called nian gao.

Japan celebrates with sweetened black beans, herring roe and prawn cooked in sake.

February 17 is Orlando’s annual Dragon Parade Lunar New Year Festival, hosted by Asia Trend magazine and local cultural organizations, complete with food stands where some of these celebratory goodies can be found. The parade itself will wend its way down North Thornton Avenue from Lake Highland Drive to Colonial Drive. Get details at centralfloridadragonparade.org.

Chuc Mung Nam Moi! — J.H.

DINE | FEBRUARY 2019 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | 49

The braised pork belly bao buns are a tempting offering to enjoy with your craft cocktail and the stupendous view at Bar 17 Bistro.

Elevated Standards Bar 17 Bistro at Universal’s Aventura Hotel boasts great views and an inventive menu.

BY JOSEPH HAYES

BAR 17 BISTRO Universal’s Aventura Hotel 6725 Adventure Way 407-503-6000 universalorlando.com Menu: $4-$26

O

ORLANDO, WITH ITS wide pro-

file and lack of physical height, is like a bulldog puppy: low to the ground, dashing out as far and fast at it can run. So our food scene has stuck to the ground floor, and restaurants with views are still a novelty, easily counted on a few fingers. The fireworks-lit decks outside Capa at the Four Seasons and California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort; downtown Orlando skyline with drinks at ONE80 Skytop Lounge at the Amway Center; and… that’s it. Manuel’s on the 28th is long gone, Citrus Club’s 18th floor perspective of downtown is a members-only affair, and the rumored Circo Orlando high atop the still-in-development Hollywood Plaza vanished via bankruptcy.

But those yearning for a dining room with a view have a new winning choice at Universal Orlando. Bar 17 Bistro sits high atop the new Aventura Hotel, the latest Universal property at the moment (the two hotels of Endless Summer Resort are being built as we speak). The 17th floor lounge’s sharp-edged modern décor and enchanting views are

50 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | FEBRUARY 2019 | DINE

matched by a casual, finely tuned menu courtesy of Executive Chef Mouhssine Benhamacht (“Mousse” to all), who looks far too young to have the depth of experience he brings to Orlando.

Benhamacht was raised in Teflit, Morocco, and has family to thank for his culinary curiosity; he grew up watching his father and grandfather, both butchers. It gave him a respect for not only the final product but what goes into a dish.

As Benhamacht says, “Greatness comes from a lot of small, perfect ingredients.” And nothing proves his point quite so well as a surprising menu item: fried rice.

At $7, the deceptively simple dish is saturated with rich flavors, adding charred baby cornlets, crisp Brussels sprouts leaves, a fried egg and well-seared prosciutto ham to pan-fried rice. You may want to overlook it—but don’t.

There are touches of China, Spain, France, Japan and the good old U.S. in his cooking at this sky-high locale—everything from bao buns (braised pork belly, splendid duck confit with turmeric citrus aioli, and even better firecracker shrimp with an orange chili glaze; $4 each)

to simple but perfect prime rib grilled cheese with Vermouth cheddar (I believe the proper word is elegant; $14).

Most recently, Chef Benhamacht was exec at the quirky Meraki Market in San Francisco, following posts at New York’s Spice Market under legendary Chef Jean George Vongerichten; Loews Atlanta Hotel alongside Master Chef Olivier Gaupin; Napa’s Meritage Resort and Spa; and as chef de cuisine at Maritana Grille at the pink palace of The Don Cesar in St. Pete Beach.

He’s learned lessons at each stop, and judging by the impressively cooked grilled Spanish octopus ($14), dressed with Catalonian almond romesco sauce and herb oil, he’s learned well. A simply plated tuna tartar atop a disc of seaweed salad and house-made pickled radish had the proper balance of tartness ($16). The most expensive item, a seared hanger steak with “pomme frites” offers proof of Benhamacht’s childhood understanding with beef ($26).

Glorious views (and unimpeded sunsets), a relaxing place for crafted after-theme-park cocktails until 2 a.m., and a well-considered menu from a talented chef…the only place for Bar 17 Bistro to go is up.

Fine Outlook Bar 17 affords a westward view of the glowing Krakatau mountain at Volcano Bay. East are the lights of Fun Spot America with downtown Orlando in the distance.

A look south reveals the ICON Orlando wheel and 450-foot-tall Orlando Starflyer. The attractions of Universal theme parks can be brilliantly seen due north (watch patiently for a flash of amber light; that’s the dragon above Gringott’s bank breathing fire).

LOEWS HOTELS AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO

DINE REVIEW

ORLANDO MAGAZINE PRESENTS THE

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fashionable morning as we honor 20 women from Central Florida who has positively impacted our community.

Your ticket includes a gourmet three course breakfast, a luxury gift bag, and an annual subscription to Orlando magazine.

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DINE RECOMMENDED EATING

Key to Symbols

Meals:

Pricing:

Other Symbols:

B BR L D

$ Dinner entrées under $10 $$ Dinner entrées $10-$15 $$$ Dinner entrées $15-$25 $$$$ Dinner entrées more than $25

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Breakfast Brunch Lunch Dinner

AFRICAN

Boma-Flavors of Africa Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, 2901 Osceola Parkway, Lake Buena Vista 407-939-3463. disneyworld.disney.go.com B, D daily. At buffet-style Boma, African-influenced foods span the continent from the Mediterranean to South Africa. To their credit, chefs at Boma prepare every item fresh every day. The breakfast selctions are superb. $$$  Jiko-The Cooking Place Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, 2901 Osceola Parkway, Lake Buena Vista 407-939-3463. disneyworld.disney.go.com D nightly. Wood-burning ovens and traditional cooking styles infuse Jiko with the diverse flavors of Africa. Everything on the exotic menu, from East African curries to Moroccan savory pastries, will please. $$$$ Ẃ Sanaa Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Kidani Village 2901 Osceola Parkway, Lake Buena Vista 407939-3463. disneyworld.disney.go.com. L-D daily.

Sanaa’s focus on the foods of East Africa makes for a mouth-watering trip. Flavors of India, Portugal and Europe infuse the menu, with many dishes served as multi-item samplers. Pair the short ribs or the smoky, mildly spicy perfection of tandoori chicken with little-known wines from Indian vineyards. $$$ Ẃ

AMERICAN

903 Mills Market 903 S. Mills Ave., Orlando 407898-4392. 903millsmarketcafe.com B-L-D daily.

This simple little neighborhood eatery is a great place to stop in for the “EMT,’’ an award-winning sandwich that’s a concoction of breaded eggplant, melted mozzarella, sliced tomatoes and pesto served in a toasted club roll. 903 also has a selection of 100 craft beers, along with weeknight dinner specials, including Meatloaf Mondays. $ %Ace Café Orlando 100 W. Livingston St., 407996-6686. acecafeusa.com L-D daily; BR Sun. Our 2018 Readers’ Choice for Best Happy Hour, which runs from 5 to 7 weekdays. There are car or motorcycle “meets’’ most every night—from Mustangs to Mopars, hot rods to Harleys—so the hours are even happier (every Thursday is Bike Night). Inside, Ace’s menu is classic American, with Buffalo wings, meatloaf, and all manner of burgers. $$ Artist Point Disney’s Wilderness Lodge 901 Timberline Drive, Lake Buena Vista 407-939-3463. disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining D daily. A fantastic lodge setting combines with flavors of the Northwest to make this restaurant a prime Disney draw.

The menu mainstay is the Chinook cedar plank salmon; seasonal items include bison, venison and diver scallops. The wine list, exclusive to Oregon and Washington State vineyards, offers some great Willamette Valley and Red Mountain labels. $$$$ Ẃ

 Ẃ

2018 Dining Award winner Reservations recommended Extensive wine list Preferred Dining Partner

Most restaurants listed here are recommended by an Orlando magazine dining critic. Others are marked as winners of our critic and readers’ 2018 Dining Awards and/or as recent advertisers. This list is offered as a reader service and is not intended to be comprehensive.

Although we make every effort to keep the listings current, they are subject to change without notice.

%Beth’s Burger Bar 24 E. Washington St. Orlando 407-650-4950; 5145 S. Orange Ave., Edgewood 407-888-1190; 9938 Universal Blvd., Orlando 407888-1190. bethsburgerbar.com L-D daily. Winner of the Dining Awards’ Readers’ Choice for Best Local Burger the past three years. Owner Beth Steele and her crew offer an impressive array of mouthwatering creations in an informal, welcoming atmosphere. The Peanut Butter Burger is truly tasty, topped with grilled onions, cheddar cheese and A1 sauce. And if you dare, order the Double D Challenge—a four-patty burger featuring eight slices of bacon and five different cheeses. Win a Tshirt if you finish it! $-$$ California Grill Disney’s Contemporary Resort 4600 North World Drive, 15th Floor, Lake Buena Vista 407-939-3463. disneyworld.disney.go.com D nightly. The venerable Disney gem underwent a major makeover a few years ago, but the incredible views and abundant wine selections have ramained.

The menu changes daily, but some things are constant: Pork Two Ways features grilled tenderloin and pork belly served with goat cheese polenta; the beef filet from the searing wood oven is also a standout.

There’s a 10- to 14-course sushi bar extravaganza nightly for a limited number of diners. $$$$ Ẃ %Chef’s Table at the Edgewater 99 W. Plant St, Winter Garden 407-230-4837. chefstableattheedgewater.com D nightly. Kevin and Laurie Tarter’s restaurant has ruled the chef’s table category for a decade and 2018 was no exception, as it captured the top pick from our critic and readers. Chef de Cuisine David Lampman came to Chef’s Table in 2009 and is now the main hand in the kitchen, executing Tarter’s culinary vision with plates of lowcountry perloo, New Orleans-influenced fish, and fork-tender osso buco. $$$$ Ẃ Copper Canyon Grill Pointe Orlando 9101 International Drive, Orlando 407-363-3933. ccgrill. com L-D daily. This restaurant offers up full-flavored American cuisine made from scratch daily with an emphasis on fresh and bold tastes. The menu features classics like meatloaf and hickory grilled steaks but also puts a spin on other staples like skillet-baked cornbread. $$-$$$$ Earls Kitchen+Bar The Mall at Millenia, 4200 Conroy Road, Orlando 407-345-8260. earls.ca L-D daily BR Sat.-Sun. This upscale casual chain offers delicious diversity in its menu, crafted by Chef Simon Zanotto. Try the avocado “Super Toast,’’ the combo platter of ribs and chicken, the bacon cheddar burger, or the Korean bibimbap of fresh and pickled veggies in a stone rice bowl. The impressive cocktail menu includes Bees Knees, a concoction of Aviation gin, Cointreau, bitters, lemon and honey. $$-$$$ Ẃ

Ember 42 W. Central Blvd., Orlando 407-849-5200. emberorlando.com L-D daily. Enjoy appetizers and cocktails downtown at this upscale bar. Flatbreads, sliders and salads fill the menu as well as daily specials. Exposed brick and a rich color scheme add to the cozy atmosphere. Dine inside near the main bar or outside in the courtyard. $-$$ Ẃ Everglades Restaurant Rosen Centre 9840 International Drive, Orlando 407-996-9840 ext. 3610. evergladesrestaurant.com D nightly. Nestled in a sprawling hotel complex and aimed at celebrating regional Florida food, Everglades specializes in prime steaks and seafood as well as more unusual items such as gator chowder and marinated buffalo. $$$ Ẃ Farm & Haus 3201 Corrine Drive, Orlando. farmandhaus.com D Mon-Thu. If you’re too busy prepare dinner, just order online and Farm & Haus will cook and deliver it, or you can pick it up at East End Market. The menu, which changes weekly, has included slow-cooked lamb with braised fennel and oranges over couscous; English pea and smoked country ham risotto; and brown butter carrot cake. $-$$ %Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers 3200 S. Orange Ave., 8107 Vineland Road. freddysusa. com Open daily. It’s simply a skinny steakburger on a toasted bun, but pleases the palate: Freddy’s captured our Critic’s Pick for Best Burger in the 2018 Dining Awards, as well as the Judges’ Choice in our inaugural Burger Battle in 2017. The frozen custard is a delight too, as are the Nutter Butter ice cream sandwiches. $ The Glass Knife 276 S. Orlando Ave, Winter Park 407-500-2253. theglassknife.com B-L-D daily, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.; BR Sat.-Sun. This hotspot near Winter Park Village is a sleek yet approachable haven for those in search of both sweet and savory.

Start the day with doughnuts, an avocado and egg toast, or a cheddar biscuit sandwich. Lunch standouts include the turkey bacon club and the berry bacon spinach salad. In the evening, enjoy Southern red velvet or carrot cake, and European-style pastries along with fine wines, craft beers and champagne. Be warned: You might be unable to resist taking home one of The Glass Knife’s gorgeous cakes. $$ Graffiti Junktion 700 E. Washington St., Thornton Park 407-426-9503; 2401 Edgewater Drive, Orlando 407-377-1961 and eight other Orlando area locations. graffitijunktion.com L-D daily; BR Sun. Graffiti Junktion specializes in burgers. Items like the Iron City Burger (topped with a fried egg and Canadian bacon among more traditional toppings like American cheese and onions) are complemented by daily happy hour specials and themed nights throughout the week. $-$$

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DINE RECOMMENDED EATING %Hillstone 215 S. Orlando Ave., Winter Park 407740-4005. hillstone.com L-D daily. Grilling is king here, whether the choice is steak, fish, chops or chicken. The hardwood-grilled trout, pork ribs and cheeseburger are standouts—as is the lakeside setting, which put Hillstone at the top among readers in the categories of Outdoor Dining and View in our 2018 Dining Awards poll. $$-$$$$ Ẃ %Keke’s Breakfast Café Multiple Orlando-area locations. kekes.com B-L daily. Voted Best Breakfast by readers for the past three years, this Orlando-based chain has more than a dozen local outlets offering a wide selection of pancakes (enormous), waffles, French toast, omelets, egg combos and more. $ LakeHouse Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, 1 Grand Cypress Bloulevard., Orlando. 407-239-4240. grandcypress.regency.hyatt.com B-L-D daily. This resort hotel restaurant features a huge selection of light-to-hearty offerings throughout the day, including a breakfast buffet. Among the dinner menu items are St. Louis ribs, spaghetti squash lasagne, and Atlantic beer-battered cod filet. $$-$$$$.  Marlow’s Tavern Four Orlando-area locations. marlowstavern.com L-D daily. This cozy tavern puts a gourmet spin on classic American cuisine and offers a wide selection of beers. Try one of their popular cheeseburgers, the blackened fish tacos, or white cheddar shrimp and grits. Among the desserts is the fried banana split. $$ %Maxine’s on Shine 337 N. Shine Ave., Orlando 407-674-6841. maxinesonshine.com L Fri.-Sun.; D Tue.-Sun.; BR Sun. This casual bistro is full of quirky charm, with a menu ranging from bar snacks to full entrees emphasizing seafood. Outdoor seating, live music, an interesting wine list and the presence of delightful proprietors add up to everything you should expect from a local restaurant. Winner of the Readers’ Choice for Neighborhood Restaurant and Best Kept Secret in our 2018 Dining Awards. $$-$$$. Ẃ %Omelet Bar 2250 Strategy Blvd., Orlando 407704-1597. omeletbar.com B-L daily, BR Sun. Winner of our Critic’s Pick for Best Breakfast in the 2018 Dining Awards, this eatery across from UCF shines with overstuffed build-your-own omelets, a pancake bar, breakfast bread bowls and a three-way chicken and waffles “flight.” Lobster Benedict and unlimited mimosas make for a pleasant Sunday brunch. $-$$ %Orlando Meats 728 Virginia Drive, Orlando 407598-0700. orlandomeats.com B-L Tue.-Sat.; BR Sun. It’s a hands-on full-service butcher shop but a great place for breakfast and lunch as well. Not wasting anything, Orlando Meats’ potato chips are fried in beef tallow. The menu includes a fried turkey bologna sandwich (with yellow mustard on white bread); and the beef, meatloaf and burgers are roasted, baked or ground on premises. For breakfast, the offerings include the Blarney Stone: corned beef, sauerkraut, corned mayo, Swiss, and fried egg on a bagel. Winner of the Critic’s Pick for Best Lunch in our 2018 Dining Awards; and winner of Best Burger from both the judges and the public in our 2018 Burger Battle. $-$$ The Outpost Neighborhood Kitchen 2603 Edgewater Drive, Orlando 407-930-6282. outpostcollegepark.com L-D Tue.-Sun.; BR Sun. At this eatery, virtually everything is house-made, including condiments and sauces. The shrimp and grits are superb, featur-

ing white cheddar and Parmesan along with a spicy Cajun brown butter sauce and chorizo. The enormous Ericsson smoked pork ribs are cut St. Louis style and covered in a smoky-sweet sauce. $$-$$$ The Parkview 136 S. Park Ave., Winter Park 407647-9103. facebook.com/TheParkviewWP L-D daily, BR Sat.-Sun. This self-described “neighborhood joint’’ excels with most menu ventures, especially at brunch, with items such as the pastrami tartine—an open-faced sandwich of house-cured beef and poached egg on a batard—and a variety of frittatas, the best being the mélange of savory mushrooms, broccolini and goat cheese. There are plenty of national and local brews on tap, along with an extensive wine list, and The Parkview features live jazz and indie music nights. $$-$$$ Ẃ The Ravenous Pig 565 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park 407-628-2333. theravenouspig.com L-D daily.

Chefs Julie and James Petrakis, both Orlando-area natives who trained at the Culinary Institute of America, showcase the “gastropub” phenomenon with an ever-changing menu that includes fare like seared foie gras, pork porterhouse, mushroom cannelloni and the Ellensburg Lamb Noisette with royal trumpet mushrooms. $$$ Ẃ RusTeak 2625 Edgewater Drive, Orlando 407-5401100 rusteakwinebar.com L-D Mon.-Sat. This popular College Park gathering place boasts a prodigious range of offerings, from steaks and flatbreads to tasty burgers and salads. RusTeak offers a sizable wine list and a wide variety of craft cocktails. $$-$$$. Ẃ Seasons 52 Plaza Venezia, 7700 Sand Lake Road, Dr. Phillips 407-354-5212; 463 E. Altamonte Drive, Altamonte Springs 407-767-1252. seasons52. com L-D daily. Like the food it serves, this Darden upscale chain remains as fresh as the day it opened.

Most dishes are under 475 calories, and what flavorful calories they are: from the caramelized sea scallops with lemon risotto and roasted asparagus, to the wood-roasted pork tenderloin with sweet potato mash and spring vegetables. The wine list is just as impressive. $$$ Ẃ Se7en Bites 617 N. Primrose Drive, Orlando 407-2030727. se7enbites.com B-L Tue.-Sun. Baker and pie maker Trina Gregory-Propst likes to push the limits of food as you know it, and her neighborhood breakfast and lunch destination packs in the patrons. Se7en Bites’ creations include hand-made moonpies, cupcakes, luscious biscuits and gravy, statuesque cakes and a chicken pot pie with a perfect crust. The salted caramel chocolate pecan pie is a thing of beauty. $ %Shakers American Café 1308 Edgewater Drive, Orlando 407-422-3534 shakerscafe.com B-L daily This enduring College Park eatery, a 2018 inductee into the Dining Hall of Fame, offers plenty of breakfast fare favorites, from standard eggs and sausage to gravy and biscuit. But the real treat is to check out the specials on the chalkboard. They could include a chorizo and goat cheese omelet, beef short rib hash, or cinnamon roll pancakes. For lunch, Shakers (so named because of its collection of salt and pepper shakers) offers a variety of items, including Reubens, burgers and “Mom’s Meatloaf.” $

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Slate 8323 W. Sand Lake Road, Orlando 407-5007528. slateorlando.com L Mon.-Fri., D Mon.-Sat., BR Sat.-Sun. The menu at this Restaurant Row spot ranges from pasta and pizza to a selection of eyeopening entrees. Start with pimento cheese hush puppies, then move to main dishes like hearthroasted snapper with cornmeal spoonbread, or smoked brisket with brown sugar chili rub, house bacon and roasted rutabaga-potato hash. Sweet endings include lemon berry trifle, and rum raisin bread pudding. $$-$$$$ Ẃ The Smiling Bison 107 N. Magnolia Ave., Sanford 407-915-6086. thesmilingbison.com L Wed.-Sat., D Tue.-Sat. The highlight here is house-made charcuterie—smoked kielbasa, sweet curry sausage and, of course, the bison burger. Other menu items include the boneless pork chop with kumquat marmalade, the Duck Lover’s Pizza with duck ham, sausage and confit, and cheddar-bacon fat biscuits. $$-$$$.  Souplantation & Sweet Tomatoes Multiple Orlando-area locations. souplantation.com L-D daily.

A remarkable array of salads and soups, allowing for much healthy eating but also providing for a bit of a splurge (such as pizza or ice cream) if desired. $-$$ Swine & Sons Provisions 595 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park 407-636-7601. swineandsons. com B-L-D Mon.-Sat. Lexie and Rhys Gawlak are the proprietors of this grocery-eatery, providing house-made sausages, terrines and bacon, along with sandwiches like the Southern Cuban and the ribeye hotdog. The Swine’s breakfast includes the eggs on a bun (fried eggs, bacon and tomato jam) and avocado toast. $-$$ %The Tap Room at Dubsdread 549 W. Par Street, Orlando 407-650-0100. taproomatdubsdread. com L-D daily. BR Sun. Nestled within the picturesque Dubsdread Golf Course, The Tap Room offers casual, yet sophisticated, American fare. Fresh fish, hand-cut steaks, pastas and the award-winning Tap Room Classic Cheeseburger are some of the College Park restaurant’s best menu items. You can dine inside or out on the veranda, which offers views of the golf course. The Readers’ Choice selection for Best Power Lunch in our 2018 Dining Awards. $$-$$$ Ẃ Tony Roma’s 8560 International Drive, Orlando.

407-248-0094. tonyromas.com L-D daily. There are ribs aplenty here, basted with your choice of four sauces, including a Maker’s Mark bourbon variety. But this casual dining mainstay also boasts a variety of steaks, seafood, chicken, burgers and salads. Mix and match items include the filet medallions and ribs combo. $$-$$$ Ẃ %T-Rex Cafe 1676 E. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista 407-828-8739. trexcafe.com L-D daily.

This Disney Springs restaurant literally takes you back—to prehistoric times—as you enjoy dishes like the Bronto Burger, Mega Mes-O-Bones spareribs, Pork-asaurus Sandwich, and the Cesar-saurus Salad, all the while surrounded by animatronic dinosaurs. Our Readers’ Choice for Best Place to Take the Kids in our 2018 Dining Awards. $-$$$  The Waterfront 4201 S. Orange Ave., Orlando 407866-0468. thewaterfrontorlando.com L-D daily; BR Sun. Among the standouts at this reinvented lakeside spot are the Waterfront Burger, with handground chuck, house-cured bacon, Swiss and blue cheese and caramelized onion; fish and chips; and blackened catfish with kale and grits. On the last Monday of every month, the chefs are given free

rein to leave the menu behind and the results are delicious. A recent dinner featured rabbit schnitzel, house-made sausage, beef sauerbraten and apple strudel. $-$$

ASIAN

Hawkers Street Fare 1103 N. Mills Ave., Orlando 407-237-0606; 9100 Conroy Windermere Road, Windermere 407-583-6334. eathawkers.com L-D daily. Chefs specializing in cuisines from Vietnam, China, Malaysia and Hong Kong put a modern twist on family recipes to create tasty fare like crispy cod with black bean sauce, kimchi fried rice, chicken eggrolls, green papaya and shrimp salad, and wokfired green beans. $ Kai Asian Street Fare 1555 S.R. 436, Suite 1171, Winter Park 407-831-3430 kaistreetfare.com L-D Tue.Sun. “Food is supposed to be fun,’’ says co-owner Quan Van, and he makes it so at this strip mall spot, adding flavorful twists to dishes. They include coating wide, wok-fried chow fun noodles in a Vietnamese sauce with squid, beef and shrimp; or topping crispy fries with Korean bulgogi beef, kimchi and spicy mayo. The signature chicken wings offer a crispy exterior draped in soy garlic, spicy Korean gochujang or whiskey soy. $ King Bao 710 N. Mills Ave., Orlando 407-237-0013. kingbaowow.com L-D daily. This Mills 50 spot offers a variety of rolls, ranging from light and pillowy to sturdy and chew-worthy, holding treats like pork belly, shrimp and kimchi fried chicken. Fascinating combinations like Asian pear salsa on the Glen Rhee Korean short rib, or shallot, pepper and ginger relish on tofu “Veganville” handhelds, emphasize the well-thought-out flavors. $ Mamak 1231 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando 407-2704688. mamakasianorlando.com L-D daily. Mamak brings the flavors of Malaysia to Orlando. A must-try is the wonton with hot sauce, consisting of steamed chicken and shrimp dumplings coated in peanut sauce, chili oil and sesame seeds. Other winners: pasembur, a sweet potato gravy served on crispy tofu; and gwa bao, a soft steamed bun filled with duck or pork. $-$$ Morimoto Asia Disney Springs Marketplace, Lake Buena Vista 407-939-6686. patinagroupcom/ morimoto-asia L-D daily. Morimoto Asia, a towering presence at the phoenix that is Disney Springs, is an ultra-hip vision of pan-Asian delights created from the mind of Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto.

Its quirky takes on Chinese, Japanese and Korean dishes enhance a substantial sushi menu that can sometimes be acquired directly from the hands of the Iron Chef himself. Don’t miss the Peking Duck and the Singapore laksa, which adds rice noodles and chicken meatballs to spicy curry and coconut soup. $$$ Ẃ Noodles and Rice 813 N. Mills Ave., Orlando 407895-8833. noodlesandricecafe.com L-D daily except closed Tuesdays. The menu at Noodles and Rice is extensive and this unassuming Mills 50 spot gets just about everything right. Try the hot pots, Korean seafood pancakes, house ramen or the wonderful Thai basil fried rice. $

Sushi Lola’s 2902 Corrine Drive, Orlando 407-8985652. sushilolas.com L-D Mon.-Sat. At this Audubon Park café, Korean chefs in the back kitchen create oven-based offerings while sushi masters assemble intricate rolls at the bar out front. The most popular offering, the Playboy Roll, features tuna, avocado and tempura shrimp, adorned with fish roe and roasted rice crackers. For a Korean dish, try the bulgogi bibimbap—marinated beef and rice. $-$$$ TaKo Cheena 932 N. Mills Ave., Orlando 321-2367457. mytakocheena.com L-D Tue.-Sun. This adventurous cuisine boasts numerous influences, from Thai to Indian to Mexican. Treat yourself to the Indian butter chicken burrito, Thai Peanut Chicken tacos, or Asian hot dogs—Chinese sweet sausage topped with kimchi or pickled daikon radish. TaKo Cheena is open till 4 a.m. Friday and Saturday. $

BARBECUE

%4 Rivers Smokehouse Six Orlando-area locations 1-855-368-7748. 4rsmokehouse.com L-D Mon.-Sat. Our 2018 Readers’ Choice in three categories—Barbecue, Ribs and Takeout. The lines at 4 Rivers can get long, but John Rivers’ succulent barbecue sandwiches, delectable brisket (inducted into our Hall of Fame in 2017) and home-style sides are worth the wait. The baked cheese grits are magnificent. $-$$ Bubbalou’s Bodacious Bar-B-Que Five area locations. bubbalous.com L-D daily. This local chain is a good bet for a quick barbecue fix. Tender smoked pork is sliced Virginia-style onto soft sweet buns.

Try the award-winning ribs (available with mild, hot or killer sauce) and the fried okra. $-$$ Cecil’s Texas Style Bar-B-Q 2800 S. Orange Ave., Orlando 407-423-9871. cecilsbbq.com L-D daily.

Slow hickory-smoked meats are brought to you by three generations of the Reaves family. They offer outrageously good pulled pork, beef brisket that makes folks hover over the plate, and unique sides such as jalapeño mashed potatoes, spicy baked beans and sweet potato soufflé. And free ice cream! $$ Pig Floyd’s Urban Barbakoa 1326 N. Mills Ave., Orlando 407-203-0866; Lake Nona Village, 9680 N. Narcoossee Rd., Lake Nona 407-730-7376; pigfloyds.com L-D daily. Serving a combination of Latin, African and American fusion, this eatery also invokes the Caribbean roots of barbecue with barbakoa, or traditional Puerto Rican smoke cooking, full of rich flavors and tropical ingredients. It’s on delicious display in the St. Louis ribs and the matahambre smoked flank sandwich.

Also try the North African chicken sausage and shrimp platter. $-$$$.

The Polite Pig Disney Springs, Town Center 407938-7444. disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining L-D daily. The culinary powerhouse that is the Petrakis family trots out exemplary barbecue and more in a locally sourced, artisanal restaurant disguised as a fast food outlet. It’s all here: pulled pork sandwiches, St. Louis ribs, and coffee-scented, amazingly tender brisket. But the Pig also offers delectable surprises like a salmon BLT (with bacon jam and marinated tomato), cracklings, charred broccoli, barbecue cauliflower, chicken salad made with meat from the smoker—and even a housebrewed beer. $-$$$

CAJUN/CREOLE

Tibby’s New Orleans Kitchen 2203 Aloma Ave., Winter Park 407-672-5753; 494 W. S.R. 436, Altamonte Springs 407-951-6928. tibbysneworleanskitchen. com L-D daily. Using family recipes, owner Brian Wheeler delivers satisfying N’Awlins cooking, with the jambalaya-crawfish-filé gumbo as the standout. Andouille sausage is king; it’s in almost every dish. $-$$

CARIBBEAN

%Bahama Breeze Five area locations. bahamabreeze.com L-D daily. A themed delight that has dominated the Caribbean category of our Dining Awards for many years, Bahama Breeze showcases interpretations of island cuisine, including jerk chicken, West Indian patties, fried plantains, and seafood paella. A terrific family dinner destination. $$-$$$ Kafe Kalik 9029-A Airport Blvd., Orlando International Airport 407-825-3274. kafekalik.com L-D daily. Indian curries, jerk seasoning, seafood and slow-cooked meats highlight the menu. Anything Bahamian from “Mama’s Kitchen” should be considered first. The Arawak Cay sushi bar is an interesting twist, featuring seafood from the islands such as conch salad, tuna ceviche and lobster. Desserts are also a delight. $$

CHINESE

Chef Wang’s Kitchen 5148 W. Colonial Drive 407930-3188 L-D daily except closed Tuesday. At this hidden treasure inside a strip mall, Chef Jian Hua Wang creates memorable dishes such as deepfried eggplant and potatoes sautéed in sweet soy sauce and garlic. Pork dumplings are simple dim sum-sized packets, perfectly pan-fried with crisp wrapping and savory filling. Other specialties range from sweet and sour shredded potatoes to a ginger steamed whole fish. Sichuan styles are represented in dan dan mein, which are hand-pulled round noodles topped with ground pork, hoisin, five spice powder and hot chili oil. $$ Jumbo Chinese Restaurant 1967 Aloma Ave., Winter Park 407-657-8878 jumbowinterpark.com L Mon.-Sat., D daily. A Winter Park fixture for three decades, Jumbo’s boasts all the familiar dishes, plus offerings like Duck Polynesian—deep-fried boneless duck served with lychee and pineapple in a homemade sweet and sour sauce. Group dinners are available for two to six people. $-$$ Ming’s Bistro 1212 Woodward St., Orlando 407898-9672 L-D daily. This out-of-the way Mills 50 spot offers dim sum worthy of San Francisco.. Feast on sesame balls, roast pork buns, shrimp dumplings and items you may not recognize (like chicken feet or jellyfish). In addition, a full menu of Hong Kongstyle entrées offers enticements—order the duck. $ %Peter’s Kitchen 3922 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando 407-895-8174.peterskitchencb.business.site L-D daily except closed Wednesday. Residing in a nondescript building that has housed all manner of eateries over the years, this newcomer is a hit with readers, who voted it Best Chinese in our 2018 Dining Awards. The dim sum gets rave reviews from the online community; other menu items include squid with ginger and scallions, Peking duck, honey garlic chicken, and jumbo shrimp with walnuts. $$

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DINE RECOMMENDED EATING P.F. Chang’s China Bistro Winter Park Village, 436 N. Orlando Ave., Winter Park 407-622-0188; The Mall at Millenia, 4200 Conroy Road, Orlando 407-3452888. pfchangs.com L-D daily. Chinese-inspired foods from the creators of Fleming’s steak house, so you know the beef dishes will be good. $$-$$$ Ẃ

CONTINENTAL

Chatham’s Place 7575 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Orlando 407-345-2992. chathamsplace.com D Mon.-Sat. Wooden wine racks line the walls enclosing only 15 tables, creating a cozy atmosphere to enjoy high-quality dishes and attentive service. The few select items on the menu, such as the Portobello mushroom soup and duck breast entrée, intrigue the palate. $$$$ Ẃ Hamilton’s Kitchen at The Alfond Inn 300 E. New England Ave., Winter Park 407-998-8090. thealfondinn.com B-L-D daily. At the site of the late, great Langford Hotel, standout entrees with a European flavor are created, including the olive oil poached snapper, honey glazed pork belly, and ahi tuna served over tomato and eggplant caponata. The watermelon salad is a delicious, deceptively simple palate cleanser between courses. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ Jack’s Place Rosen Plaza Hotel, 9700 International Drive, Orlando 407-996-1787. jacksplacerestaurant. com D nightly. Sample steaks and seafood while surrounded by the world’s largest collection of autographed caricatures of stars and dignitaries. $$$ Ẃ Nine18 The Villas of Grand Cypress, 1 N. Jacaranda, Lake Buena Vista 407-239-1999. grandcypress. com D Tue.-Sat. Contemporary Continental cuisine is served in a refined casual atmosphere with polished service and sunset views of a magnificent golf resort. Begin with the mustard seed-crusted ahi tuna or the wild mushroom crepe. The main courses offer creative takes on duck, steaks, scallops, grouper, venison, lamb and chicken. $$$$ Ẃ

CREATIVE/CONTEMPORARY

%1921 Mount Dora 142 E. 4th Ave., Mount Dora 352-385-1921. 1921nva.com L Tue.-Sat.; D Tue.Sun. The Critic’s Pick as Best Destination Restaurant in our 2018 Dining Awards. Renowned chef Norman Van Aken originated this restaurant, which serves New Florida Cuisine in a small-town setting, surrounded by furniture and artwork from the nearby Modernism Museum. Among the main plates are Ponce Inlet barrelfish with mango curry, Seminole pumpkin and Kaffir lime; and Lake Meadow buttermilk fried chicken with smoky collards and mac n’ cheese. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ Artisan’s Table 22 E. Pine St., Orlando 407-7307499. artisanstableorlando.com B-L-D daily; BR Sat.-Sun. Simple ingredients and exemplary preparation are the hallmarks of this downtown spot. The menu shifts daily according to what’s available, but here’s what to watch for: grilled ciabatta and puttanesca, featuring smoked pulled chicken topped with a quick-fried egg; the pan-seared salmon served on a bed of chickpea and lentil salad; and the fish and chips. $$-$$$ Ẃ %The Boheme Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando, 325 S. Orange Ave., Downtown 407-313-9000. grandbohemianhotel.com B-L-D daily; BR Sun. Our Critic’s Pick for Hotel Restaurant in the 2018 Dining Awards. Chef Laurent Hollaender also lays out an amazing array of items for Sunday brunch, from oysters and crab legs, to waffles and omelets,

to house-made charcuterie and decadent desserts.

Evening fare includes sherry-baked Chilean sea bass and cognac-flamed pepper steak. $$$$ Ẃ Canvas Restaurant & Market 13615 Sachs Ave., Orlando (Lake Nona) 407-313-7800. canvaslakenona. com D daily, L Sun. Canvas is a multicultural mélange of tastes, with influences of Latin, Caribbean, New Orleans, and Cuban. The pork belly and ham sandwich and the smoked fish dip are winners, as are most of the shrimp dishes. Don’t miss Canvas’ take on mussels, meaty shellfish served in a blend of tart tomatillo and spicy chili. $$-$$$$ Ẃ Café Tu Tu Tango 8625 International Drive, Orlando 407-248-2222. cafetututango.com L-D daily. Go with a group and share, as Café Tu Tu Tango’s menu is full of inventive items—all in appetizer-sized portions. Cajun chicken egg rolls and Dutch salad made with caramelized onion flatbread, dried cranberries, pine nuts and goat cheese are typical selections. $$ Ẃ Capa Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, 10100 Dream Tree Blvd., Lake Buena Vista 407-313-7777. fourseasons.com/orlando D daily. Capa combines the joys of a true tapas bar with the depth of a premium steakhouse, offering stunning views from its 17th-floor perch. The small plates include ternera beef cheeks, strips of veal draped over bits of roasted rutabaga, and patatas bravas, small potato columns in a spicy paprika sauce. On the large side, the 32-ounce Porterhouse for two is otherworldly in size and flavor. $$-$$$$ Ẃ Citricos Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, 4401 Grand Floridian Way, Lake Buena Vista 407939-3436. disney.go.com D daily. Citricos offers a unique blend of Southern European cuisine with a local Florida touch. France, Spain and Italy make an appearance on the menu. For a special treat, reserve the in-kitchen Chef’s Domain table well in advance. $$$$ Ẃ Fig’s Prime 1188 Commerce Park Drive, Ste. 1002, Altamonte Springs 407-960-1300. figsprime.com L-Mon.-Fri; D nightly. Chef Victor Gonzalez, a veteran of the Orlando dining scene, demonstrates a mastery of many cuisines, whether Continental, American or Caribbean. The delicious offerings range from a remarkably thick 8-ounce prime sirloin to veal scallopini to a magnificent paella. The Mediterranean seafood zuppa is crowded with lobster, calamari, clams, scallops and shrimp cooked in a zesty marinara sauce. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ Itar Bistro and Market 7065 Westpoint Blvd., Orlando. 407-757-055. itarbistro.com L-D MonSat. This gem combines the flavors of Italy and Argentina, with Chef Mariana Moya at the helm turning out rich, robust dishes. Try the pasticcio eggplant with Parmigiano topping, as well as the mixed grill for two, featuring Angus beef flank, short ribs and blood sausage. The empanadas, particularly those with chicken and onion filling, are delightful. $$-$$$ K Restaurant 1701 Edgewater Drive, Orlando 407872-2332. kwinebar.com L Mon.-Fri.; D Mon.-Sat. A College Park mainstay of fine American cuisine sure to please both the eye and the palate. The menu changes each day, ensuring that every dining experience will be unique, and the intimate and cozy dining room is the perfect setting for a romantic night out. $$$ Ẃ

56 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | FEBRUARY 2019 | DINE

Luma on Park 290 S. Park Ave., Winter Park 407599-4111. lumaonpark.com D nightly. Executive chef Brandon McGlamery offers fine dining with a sustainable twist, creating a changing menu that focuses on using locally sourced ingredients. Standouts include the Idaho rainbow trout with black beluga lentils and julienned zucchini, and the roasted Ashley Farms chicken with butternut squash puree, cider-glazed Brussels sprouts and red onion marmalade. $-$$$$ Ẃ Market to Table 146 Plant St., Winter Garden 407970-8876. market2table.com D Wed.-Sat.; BR Sat.-Sun. Chef Ryan Freelove offers an approachable, seasonally influenced menu focusing on fish and fowl and enhanced by house-made stocks, herb butters and sauces. Appetizers like rich crab cakes, calamari (dressed with tangy lemon aioli), and grilled beef skewers are simple and simply well done. He serves fish robed in lemon juice and a superb airline chicken breast accompanied by potato puree and a grilled mini squash filled with beets and duck confit. Soups like the fall offering of butternut squash have great depth of flavor. $$$  MOOR Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, 6000 W. Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee. 407-586-1101. marriott.com L-D daily. A one-of-a-kind dining experience on a 60-foot ship deck within a hotel. Specialty Chef Phillip Fisher oversees the dishes, including creations like she-crab soup and Gulf-caught white shrimp atop Anson Mills white corn grits. The flatbreads are special—particularly the house-smoked duck and goat cheese—as well as the chicken and waffles, using chicken from Lake Meadow Naturals made with scratch ricotta cheese and drizzled in maple syrup-reduced pan drippings. $$-$$$$ Ẃ Norman’s Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, 4012 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando 407-3934333. normans.com D nightly. New World Cuisine pioneer Norman Van Aken is the mastermind behind the Orlando Norman’s, a dramatically designed dining room featuring a menu that melds the flavors of Latin America, the Caribbean, the U.S. and the Far East. $$$$ Ẃ The Osprey Tavern 4899 New Broad St., Orlando 407-960-7700. ospreytavern.com L Tue.Sat., D Tue.-Sun., BR Sun. This Baldwin Park spot offers a fascinating menu that includes whole grilled branzino, bolognese, duck breast, and cottage pie with braised short rib. The desserts and fresh-baked brunch creations from Pastry Chef Kristy Carlucci are must-haves. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ Primo JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes, 4040 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando 407-393-4444. primorestaurant.com D nightly. After winning the coveted James Beard Award, Chef Melissa Kelly and her pastry-chef husband, Price Kushner, opened the Grande Lakes Marriott branch of Primo. The warm, woodsy restaurant offers items such as rack of lamb with figs, casarecce pasta with clams and mussels, roasted chicken breast with lima bean ragout, and pan-seared diver scallops with risotto. The produce comes from Primo’s on-site garden. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ %The Rusty Spoon 55 W. Church St., Orlando 407401-8811. therustyspoon.com L Mon.-Fri.; D nightly.

Kathleen, Blake, our Critic’s Pick for Best Chef in the 2018 Dining Awards, offers creative riffs on classic European and American dishes, while sourcing local ingredients whenever possible, at her gastropub

in the 55 West building. Try the lamb sandwich or the Dirty South stew, the latter a combination of rock shrimp, yellowtail snapper and clams. Other winners: the “55” burger stuffed with bacon and Gruyere cheese, and the Lake Meadow salad of greens, eggs and chicken livers from Lake Meadow Naturals farm. $$-$$$ Ẃ %Santiago’s Bodega 802 Virginia Drive, Orlando, 407-412-6979; 1185 Spring Center South Blvd., Altamonte Springs, 407-960-2605. santiagosbodega. com L-D daily, BR Sun. This tapas-style restaurant, with its art-filled dining room and captivating lounge, captured the Best Brunch and Late Night Dining awards from readers in our 2018 dining poll. Santiago’s specializes in hot and cold small plates, with more than three dozen available, ranging from yellowfin tuna ceviche and lamb patties to chicken skewers and tomato and basil bruschetta. $$ Ẃ %Strong Water Tavern Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando, 6601 Adventure Way, Orlando 407-503-5000. loewshotels.com/sapphire-falls-resort D daily. Our Critic’s Pick for Best Casual Dining in the 2018 Dining Awards. Chef Carlos Castaño presents a dazzling menu of items from Cuba, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Haiti, Colombia, U.S. Virgin Islands and Mexico in this rum-centric small-plate restaurant disguised as a hotel lobby bar. Best bets: the Peruvian Trio, three servings of classic ceviche of corvina; beef and sweet plantain hash; pollo patron, shredded chicken atop fried green plantain slices with a spicy tomato hogao; and Jamaican curry goat. More than 60 types of rum are available from the bar, most in a threeshot tasting flight. $-$$ Ẃ %The Tasting Room 99 W Plant St., Winter Garden 407-230-4837. chefstableattheedgewater.com D Mon.-Sat.; BR Sun. Take your taste buds on a trip to the Bayou—Chef Kevin Tarter infuses his Louisiana upbringing into every dish at this sidekick to the adjoining Chef’s Table. The tapas-style dining includes items like smoked fish dip, fried green tomatoes, lobster BLT, and Muffaletta sliders. The craft drinks are outstanding. Winner of the Readers’ Choice for Best Appetizers in our 2018 Dining Awards. $$-$$$ Ẃ %Tiffins Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Lake Buena Vista 407-939-3463. disneygo.com L-D daily. Within three gallery-like dining areas full of original art and artifacts from Asia and Africa, Tiffins presents adventurous dishes such as a whole-fried sustainable fish served on fermented black bean sauce with green papaya salad; and a berbere-spiced lamb chop fragrant with clove and cardamom. For appetizers, which can be a meal in themselves, don’t miss the black-eyed pea fritters or the smoky grilled octopus. Winner of Critic’s Pick for Best Theme Park Restaurant in our 2018 Dining Awards. $$$$ Ẃ %Urbain 40 8000 Via Dellagio Way, Orlando. 407872-2640. urbain40.com L-D daily. Our Critic’s Pick for Fine Dining in the 2018 Dining Awards. Local legend Tim Keating has raised the level of culinary excellence wherever he has been chef, and this Restaurant Row spot is no exception. The melting pot of tastes includes bouillabaisse Provencal, an exquisite offering of Northeastern mussels, clams from Cedar Key 151 Welbourne Avein a tomato, saffron and fenandEwild-caught shrimp Winter Park, 32789 nel broth with aFL touch of Pernod. Other winners: the Angus burger with pimiento cheese, onion jam and Bearnaise sauce; a richly flavored chicken Alfredo; and a magnificent shrimp lo mein. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ

%Victoria & Albert’s Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Lake Buena Vista 407-824-1089. victoria-alberts.com D nightly. Reserve far in advance for Orlando’s only AAA Five Diamond restaurant, a 2018 inductee into our Dining Hall of Fame. Awardwinning Executive Chef Scott Hunnel and Chef de Cuisine Aimee Rivera prepare outstanding sevencourse prix-fixe meals in the main, very intimate dining room, the 10-course splendor of dinner in Queen Victoria’s Room, and a 10-course extravaganza right in the kitchen at the Chef’s Table. $$$$ Ẃ

CUBAN

%Black Bean Deli 325 S Orlando Ave. Suite 1-1, Winter Park; 1835 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando 407628-0294. blackbeandeli..com L Mon.-Sat., D Mon.Fri. Winner of the Readers’ Choice for Best Latin in our 2018 Dining Awards, this family-run eatery specializes in authentic Cuban comfort food. The Cuban sandwich, media noche, picadillo—and of course the black beans—are first rate, as are the empanadas.

The creamy flan custard is a must-try to top off the meal. $ Columbia 649 Front St., Celebration 407-5661505. columbiarestaurant.com L-D daily. The oldest restaurant chain in Florida, serving authentic, upscale Cuban fare from sangria to paella in a decidely Spanish, Old World-style dining room. The merluza “Russian style” is especially interesting.

Live music plays in the tapas lounge. $$$ Ẃ

Cuba Libre Pointe Orlando, 9101 International Drive, Orlando 407-226-1600. cubalibrerestaurant.com D nightly. In this massive setting reminiscent of a Cuban hacienda courtyard, chef/partner Guillermo Pernot offers a magnificent menu that features classic Cuban recipes as well as bold adaptations.

The contemporary items include Citrus Grilled Brick Chicken in mango sweet and sour gravy. Classic Cuban items are offered as well, like Ropa Vieja—shredded beef brisket stewed with tomatoes, bell peppers, onions and red wine and served with maduros and steamed white rice. $$$ Ẃ Padrino’s Cuban Bistro 13586 Village Park Drive, Orlando 407-251-5107. padrinosbistro.com L-D daily. From the markets of 1930s Cuba to presentday Orlando, generations of the Padrino family have been nourishing people with authentic Cuban cuisine. Try the white bean “caldo gallego” soup and citrus-marinated lechon asado pork.

Finish with house-made Tres Leches cake. $$ 

DESSERT

%Better Than Sex 1905 N. Orange Ave., Orlando 407-761-8949 betterthansexorlando.com 6 p.m.midnight Wed.-Sun. The atmosphere is decidedly sweet and sexy at this Ivanhoe Village spot, selected by readers as tops for Best Desserts in our 2018 Dining Awards. A steamy sample: Peanut Butter Perversion (peanut butter mousse on a chocolate chip cookie dough crust with salted chocolate bark). Or try the Lavender Lipstick, a honey-rimmed glass of Proseco dripping with lavender syrup. $$ 

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DINE | FEBRUARY 2019 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | 57

DINE RECOMMENDED EATING Blue Bird Bake Shop 3122 Corrine Drive, Orlando 407-228-3822. bluebirdbakeshop.com Open Tue.Sun. Get your sweet and coffee and have a seat, or order your bounty to go. Either way, be prepared to choose from more than two dozen varieties of cupcakes—including sweet potato, red velvet, Snickerdoodle, apricot ginger and even a chocolate Guinness beer cake. $ %Buttermilk Bakery 1198 Orange Ave., Winter Park 321-422-4015. buttermilk-bakery.com B-L Tue.-Sat.; BR Sat.-Sun. Voted Best Independent Bakery by our readers in the 2018 Dining Awards.

Taissa Rebroff, her brother Phillip and mom Lana bake everything that graces the ever-changing menu, from the sweet croissant tarts with plum or apricot, to orange-cardamom buns, to baked Basque peppers on house-made sourdough. Delectable tea cakes, cookies and scones also make regular appearances. $ Charlie’s Gourmet Pastries 3213 Curry Ford Road, Orlando 407-898-9561. charliesgourmetpastries. com Open Mon.-Sat. A longtime Orlando favorite, Charlie’s creates items such as checkerboard cake, rainbow cookies and mincemeat pies that have become nostalgic and forgotten treats elsewhere. There also are elephant ear pastries, cream cheese rugelach and real coconut macaroons, but it’s the overstuffed fruit pies and butter-laden cakes that have kept people coming back for nearly 50 years. $-$$ P Is For Pie 2806 Corrine Drive, Orlando 407-7454743 crazyforpies.com 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.-Sat. This Audubon Park gem creates mouthwatering whole pies, hand pies, “pie pops’’ and more. The choices are many, from banana cream to caramel maple pumpkin to—wait for it—chocolate peanut butter & sea salt pie. Get there early. $-$$ The Cheesecake Factory 4200 Conroy Road, Orlando 407-226-0333; 520 N. Orlando Ave, Winter Park 407-644-4220 L-D daily. The menu is extensive to say the least, with all manner of entrées and salads. But it’s the sweets that draw diners, The signature item is cheesecake, of course, and the offerings in that area range from Oreo Dream to lemon meringue to white chocolate raspberry truffle. $$$$$ 

EUROPEAN

%Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Café 205 E. First St., Sanford 407-321-2204. willowtreecafe.com L-D daily. Our readers’ pick for Best German in the 2018 Dining Awards, Hollerbach’s offers a vast array of beers and such hefty food choices as the Schlachthaus Platte with its veal sausage, pork meatloaf and smoked pork loin. On weekends, you’ll find a sing-along, with people locking arms and swaying back and forth to German tunes. $$-$$$$ 

FRENCH

%Café de France 526 Park Ave. S., Winter Park 407-647-1869. lecafedefrance.com L-D Tue.-Sat. Our Readers’ Choice for Best French Restaurant in the 2018 Dining Awards. You could easily miss this diminutive restaurant on Park Avenue’s south end—and that would be a big mistake. For nearly four decades, Dominique and German Gutierrez have delighted diners with a simple, subtle seasonal menu featuring standouts like herb-roasted rack of lamb, beef bourguignon, coq au vin and slow-roasted glazed duck. $$$ Ẃ

Chez Vincent 533 W. New England Ave., Winter Park 407-599-2929. chezvincent.com L-D daily. This charming French spot in the trendy redeveloped Hannibal Square section of Winter Park offers fine food and formal service in an elegant dining room. $$$ Ẃ %DoveCote 390 N. Orange Ave., Orlando 407-9301700. dovecoteorlando.com L Mon.-Fri., D Mon.-Sat., BR Sun. Winner of the Critic’s Pick as Best Restaurant in our 2018 Dining Awards. Chef Clayton Miller’s goal is to present “approachable French comfort food’’ and he delivers, with consistently superb creations that range from a killer onion soup and magnificent chicken pâté, to dishes such as short ribs and grilled chicken whose exacting technique belies their simplicity. With a creative lineup of craft cocktails and a generous happy hour, this downtown gem is not to be missed. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ Le Coq Au Vin 4800 S. Orange Ave., Orlando 407851-6980. lecoqauvinrestaurant.com D Tue.-Sun. An Orlando mainstay since 1976, this French restaurant combines classic cuisine such as the signature coq au vin (chicken in Burgundy sauce) with Southern specialties—New Orleans-style gumbo and boudin sausage do have French roots, after all. $$$ Ẃ

GREEK

The Greek Corner 1600 N. Orange Ave, Orlando 407 228-0303. thegreekcorner.net L-D daily. This Ivanhoe Village favorite offers an abundance of Greek specialties, ranging from lamb kebobs and chops to baked dishes like pastitsio and moussaka.

For lunch, try the gyro or souvlaki. $-$$$ %Taverna Opa Pointe Orlando, 9101 International Drive, Orlando 407-351-8660. tavernaoparestaurant. com L-D daily. Chosen Best Greek and Best Place to Celebrate by readers in our 2018 Dining Awards, this I-Drive mainstay features upbeat music that has patrons dancing on the tables (almost), while the kitchen creates satisfying takes on Hellenic dishes like slow-roasted lamb, and pastitsio. $$$ Ẃ

INDIAN

Aashirwad Indian Restaurant 7000 S. Kirkman Road Orlando 407-370-9830 aashirwadrestaurant.com L-D daily. This I-Drive restaurant focuses on northern Indian dishes. The familiar favorites are all here—samosas, chicken tandoori, chicken tikka—as well as intriguing selections such as chicken shakuti (anise-flavored poultry cooked in coconut-based masala gravy). There are also a dozen vegetarian choices, from tadka daal (yellow lentils cooked with tomatoes, onions and spices) to methi malai mutter (green peas in a creamy gravy with fenugreek leaf). $$ Bombay Café 1137 Doss Ave., Orlando 407-2405151. bombaycafeorlando.net L-D daily. Located near Florida Mall, this casual spot offers a variety of Indian favorites. Of particular note: the crispy, crunchy Indian snack known as chaat; and the south Indian dosa, a folded pancake filled with ingredients such as peas, onion, tomatoes and lentil chutney. Curries include khoya kaju, cashews cooked in a creamy sauce. $ Memories of India 3895 Lake Emma Road, Lake Mary 407-804-0920. memoriesofindiacuisine. com L-D daily. From crisp samosa starters and spicy vegetable dishes to classic tikka masala and fragrant clay oven tandoori, Memories has helped define excellent Indian cuisine in Orlando since 1999. $$-$$$

58 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | FEBRUARY 2019 | DINE

Kohinoor Indian Restaurant Ethan Allen Plaza, 249 State Road 436, Suite 1093, Altamonte Springs 407-788-6004. kohinoorindianrestaurant.com L-D Tue.-Sun. Bombay native Reis Fernandez transforms simple foods such as chicken and lentils into tender, aromatic, almost mystical meals. The chicken xacuti is a must-try specialty from Goa, and the bharta is a creamy eggplant dish. $$-$$$ Ẃ Rasa 7730 W. Sand Lake Road, Orlando 407-9300402. eatatrasa.com L-D daily. This eatery along Restaurant Row aims to broaden our concept of Indian food, creating marvelous dishes from the country’s southern region, as well as Chineseinfluenced cuisine. A great way to experience the dishes is with the South Indian thali, or platter, with its variety of offerings ranging from poriyal (a dry spice blend surrounding fresh okra) to sambhar (a lentil-based vegetable dish flavored with tamarind). Other best bets: iddly Manchurian, a Chineseinfluenced lentil cake, and dosa, crepes wrapped tortilla style around vegetables. $$.  Southern Spice 7637 Turkey Lake Road, Orlando 321-251-2244. southernspiceorlando.com L-D daily.

Owner Sunny Corda’s gem in the Dr. Phillips neighborhood focuses on the cuisine of Southern India, and the magnificent tastes range from the parda biryani—a oven-cooked combination of basmati rice, and peppery masala and meat—to chepala pulusu, a tamarind-based curry surrounding tender mahi spiced with coriander, cumin, garlic and ginger. Also a winner: achari chicken tikka, made with a picking spice that lends a tart flavor. The paper-thin rice flour crepes called dosa are superb. $$-$$$  %Tamarind 501 N. Orlando Ave., Suite 149, Winter Park 321-207-0760; 12309 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando 407-237-0920. tamarindfl.com L-D daily. Owner/chef Amit Kumar uses slow-roasted spices to create out-of-this-world flavors at this jewel, selected Best Indian cuisine by our readers in the 2018 Dining Awards. The Goan shrimp curry, Kashmiri aloo (potatoes in yogurt curry) and palak paneer (spinach and curd cheese) are standouts, as is the tandoori chicken. Save room for kulfi, a heavenly dessert. $$-$$$

IRISH

Fiddler’s Green 544 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park 407-645-2050. fiddlersgreenorlando.com B Sun.; L-D daily. Simple, hearty Irish food and numerous beers on tap draw a young, fun-loving crowd to this comfortable tavern, replete with a massive wooden bar from Ireland. $$ Ẃ Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant Downtown Disney, 1640 E. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista 407-938-0300. raglanroadirishpub.com L-D daily.

This Irish-themed megapub inspired by celebrity chef Kevin Dundon is not to be missed. A sure bet is Kevin’s Heavenly Ham, oven-roasted ham with an Irish Mist glaze with potato cakes and braised cabbage. Add a brew from the extensive beer menu and stay a while to enjoy the joyous music and dancing. $$$ Ẃ

Valentine’s Day, FOR THIS

WE SUGGEST DIAMONDS.

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Valentine’s Day Dining $75.00* per guest A Land Remembered | Cala Bella Four-course prix fixe dinner Complimentary champagne Serving 5:30 P.M.–10:00 P.M. For menus, reservations and further details, visit RosenShingleCreek.com/Valentines or call 407.996.3663.

9939 Universal Blvd., Orlando, FL 32819

*Tax and gratuity not included. Offer valid Wednesday, February 13, 2019 – Sunday, February 17, 2019. Cannot be combined with any other discounts, coupons or specials. Other restrictions may apply.

DINE RECOMMENDED EATING ITALIAN

Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza 420 E. Altamonte Drive, Altamonte Springs 407-260-2625; 8031 Turkey Lake Road, #300, Orlando 407-363-9466 acfp. com L-D daily. The pies take only four minutes to cook in an 800-degree coal oven; other specialties include meatball & ricotta, Philly cheesesteak, and Eggplant Marino. $$ Antonio’s 611 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland 407-6451035 antoniosonline.com L-D daily. In the dining room upstairs, Chef Patrick Tramontana offers entrees like Pollo Marsala, or braised lamb shank with Parmesan risotto and sweet peas., while the informal cafe and market downstairs boasts a variety of pizzas, salads, meats, pastas and more. $$-$$$$ Ẃ La Bella Luna 4886 New Broad St., Orlando 407895-0025. labellalunafl.com D daily; L Mon.-Sat. This friendly family-owned restaurant in Baldwin Park offers specialties such as Zuppa di Pesce, cedar plank salmon, Basa Luna, Chicken Tortellini Carbonara, and a wide range of award-winning New York–style pizzas, as well as a selction of Italian wines and beer. $$ Bice Portofino Bay Hotel, Universal Orlando, 5601 Universal Blvd., Orlando 407-503-1415. biceorlando. com D nightly. Tucked into an upstairs corner at the Portofino, Bice brings Orlando the seductive pastas, risottos and entrées that have made the chain an Italian favorite in numerous locations around the world. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ Cala Bella Rosen Shingle Creek, 9939 Universal Blvd., Orlando 407-996-3663. calabellarestaurant.com D nightly. Stimulating Italian fare, including great risotto and lamb chops, is served in a beautiful dining room at this sprawling hotel.

The desserts are fabulous, too. $$$$ Ẃ Christini’s Ristorante Italiano Dr. Phillips Marketplace, 7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Dr. Phillips 407-3458770. christinis.com D nightly. Owner Chris Christini has wowed diners with his meticulously prepared old-school menu since 1984. The Linguine alla Genovese Is a perfectly balanced pasta dish with pesto sauce and distinct flavors of garlic and pine nuts, while Chicken Scaloppine al Marsala combines rich wine sauce with sauteed mushrooms and a thin-pounded chicken cutlet. $$$$ Ẃ Enzo’s on the Lake 1130 S. 17-92, Longwood 407834-9872. enzos.com L Fri.; D Mon.-Sat. Antipasti of roasted vegetables, marinated seafood and imported salamis begin the feasting at Enzo’s, a longtime family-owned Italian restaurant in a lakeside house. Dover sole, rarely seen on today’s menus, is a specialty. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ Francesco’s Ristorante & Pizzeria 400 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland 407-960-5533, francescos-rist. com L-D Mon.-Sat. The pizza is primo at Francesco’s, whether you choose the simple Margherita or load it with carne or vegetables. Other standouts include the spaghetti alla carbonara and the pollo Siciliano, a chicken breast sautéed in a mix of capers, artichokes and garlic and wine sauce. $$-$$$ Il Mulino Walt Disney World Swan Resort, 1200 Epcot Resort Blvd., Lake Buena Vista 407-934-1199. swandolphin.com/ilmulino D nightly. New York’s Il Mulino has cloned itself, and the Orlando version is on Disney property. The restaurant brings the flavors of chefs/founders Fernando and Gino Masci to the subtropics. $$$ Ẃ

La Luce 14100 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane, Orlando 407-597-3600. laluceorlando.com D daily. West Coast Italian stylings come to Orlando in this signature restaurant started by celebrity chef Donna Scala.

Best selections include bite-size polpette meaballs and the Tuscan ragu and lamb. House-made pastas and high-end ingredients are a hallmark. $$-$$$ Ẃ Mellow Mushroom 11680 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando 407-384-4455; 2015 Aloma Ave., Winter Park 407657-7755. mellowmushroom.com L-D daily. This pizza place is known for its easygoing atmosphere and quirky décor. The menu includes a variety of specialty pizzas, calzones, hoagies and salads. Choose from more than 40 different beers on tap to pair with your pizza slice. $-$$ %Nonno’s Ristorante Italiano 1140 E. Altamonte Drive, Altamonte Springs 407-260-8900. nonnositalianrestaurant.com L Tue.-Sat., D Tues.-Sun. Winner of Best Italian Restaurant among readers in our 2018 Dining Awards. Pasta, seafood, veal and chicken populate the menu here, and the genial Stefano LaCommare and son Lenny do very well with all of them. Classic eggplant parm is a massive serving of breaded eggplant smothered in tomato sauce and cheese and cooked in the oven. The monkfish special features firm white fish topped with capers, pine nuts, olives and chopped tomato. For an appetizer try the bruschetta topped with caponata, a delicious mélange of eggplant olives, onions and celery. $$-$$$ Peperoncino Cucina 7998 Via Dellagio Way, Orlando 407-440-2856 peperoncinocucina.com L-D daily. The husband-wife chef team of Barbara Alfano and Danilo Martorano provide a delicious slice of Southern Italy with an array of fish and meat entrees, pasta and risotto. But their antipasti and stuzzicherie (starters and appetizers) are particularly magnificent, ranging from tiny burratini cheese with ripe tomatoes and house-spiced, thinsliced pastrami to fried risotto arancini balls and Calabrese roasted eggplant. $$-$$$$ Ẃ %Pizza Bruno 3990 Curry Ford Road, Orlando. pizzabrunofl.com D daily, L Sat., BR Sun. Our 2018 Critic’s Pick for Best Neighborhood Restaurant and Readers’ Choice for Best Pizza. Bruno Zacchini’s tiny eatery is a draw not only for your average pizza lover but also local kitchen celebs seeking the goodness of his Neapolitan soft dough pie. Zacchini keeps it simple—crushed plum tomatoes and fresh cheese for a pizza subtle in taste and a great base for toppings including hot soppressata, clams and woodfired pineapple. Pizza Bruno also recently started serving a selection of pies at Orange County Brewers downtown. $-$$ Prato 124 N. Park Ave, Winter Park 407-262-0050 prato-wp.com L Wed.-Sun.; D daily. From Luma executive chef Brandon McGlamery comes Prato, a trendy, communal spot with inventive offerings like pretzel-encrusted calamari, shrimp ravioli, oakroasted trout and a variety of pizzas. $$-$$$ Ẃ Rocco’s Italian Grille & Bar 400 S. Orlando Ave., Winter Park 407-644-7770. roccositaliangrille.com L Mon.-Fri.; D Mon.-Sat. Guests can expect a true Italian experience from owner-chef Rocco Potami. Part of that experience, set in a vintage 1940s building, involves indulging in multiple courses, otherwise known as primo e secondo piatti. Diners are encouraged to arrive hungry—very hungry. Menu standouts include the Scaloppine di vitello alla Rocco—veal scaloppini

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topped with roasted red peppers, prosciutto and Fontina cheese, deglazed with white wine and finished with a rich demi glace sauce. $$$. Ẃ Terralina Crafted Italian The Landing at Disney Springs, Lake Buena Vista 407-934-8888 terralinacrafteditalian.com L-D daily. Chef Tony Mantuano offers exquisite Italian cuisine in a glass conservatory overlooking Lake Buena Vista. The food focus is Rome and parts south, with delicate pastas and savory pizza, grilled seafood and tender mozzarella. Mantuano re-creates flavors his grandmother introduced to him, and “Nonna’s pork ragu” turns up on delightful hand-rolled gnocchi.

Executive Chef Justin Plank excels, with offerings like seafood cannelloni, loaded with shrimp, scallops, salmon, mahi, swordfish, sweet corvina, and mascarpone cheese, wrapped in pasta and baked in a lobster cream sauce with lemon zest and mozzarella. $$$. Ẃ Vito’s Chop House 8633 International Drive, Orlando 407-354-2467. vitoschophouse.com D nightly. The fine chops, aged steaks, 1,000+ wine selections and Italian flair make this I-Drive restaurant a sophisticated choice. The menu also includes large lobster tails, fresh fish and classic Italian cuisine. $$-$$$$ Ẃ Winter Garden Pizza Company 46 W. Plant Street, Winter Garden. 407-877-1930. wintergardenpizza. com L-D daily. This downtown hometown favorite’s menu is chock full of pie combinations, calzone, pasta, subs and Buffalo wings. $-$$

JAPANESE

Amura 55 W. Church St., Downtown Orlando 407316-8500; Plaza Venezia, 7786 W. Sand Lake Road, Dr. Phillips 407-370-0007; Colonial Town Plaza, 950 Market Promenade Ave., Lake Mary 407-936-6001. amura.com L Mon.-Sat.; D nightly. Three of Orlando’s hippest sushi houses, the downtown location casual, the others modern and suave. $$$ Banshoo Sushi Bar Rosen Centre Hotel, 9840 International Drive, Orlando 407-996-9840. rosecentre.com D nightly. Chef Yoshi Kohazame combines the simplicity of a Japanese sushi roll with ingredient combinations that suggest an American flair. The masterpiece of his kitchen is the rice. And he will offer you recommendations based on your previously ordered dish. Top the night off with a Banshoo Sunset Punch cocktail. $$ %Domu 3201 Corrine Drive, Orlando 407-9601228. domufl.com D daily; BR Sat.-Sun. Winner of the Critic’s Pick for Best Japanese in our 2018 Dining Awards. This Audubon Park hotspot, located in East End Market, offers a modern take on a traditional ramen bar. Be prepared to wait—90 minutes most nights; they don’t take reservations—but know that the wait is worth it. Chef/owner Sonny Nguyen cooks up a sterling assortment of pork, chicken and vegetable broth ramen with housemade noodles, as well as otherworldly crispy wings in kimchi butter. And the grilled octopus dish may be the best-tasting bargain in town. $$ Dragonfly Robata Grill 7972 Via Dellagio Way, Orlando 407-370-3359. dragonflysushi.com/orlando D daily. Executive chef Ray Hideaki Leung’s 1,000-degree grill imparts a quick outer crisp and sublime taste to squid, mackerel, ribeye, lamb chops and a variety of other meats and fish. The sushi and sashimi selections are plentiful: The sig-

nature Classic roll with albacore tuna, whiite fish and scallions is sauced, then baked, for a combination of sweet, spicy and savory. Dragonfly has one of the best happy hours around. $$-$$$$ Ẃ Kabooki Sushi 3122 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando 407228-3839. kabookisushi.com D daily. Chef/owner Henry Moso has a passion for Japanese culture that is reflected in his inventive menu: Kazan scallops with a spicy green peppercorn coconut sauce, and tempura duck breast with Thai basil sauce. Sushi offerings are equally creative—kokonutsu lobster roll combines tempura lobster, creamy avocado, salty roe, citrus, honey, soy and toasted coconut. $$$ %Kobe Japanese Steakhouse Seven area locations. kobesteakhouse.com D daily. A perennial Readers’ Choice for Best Japanese. Teppanyaki chefs grill a variety of meat and seafood dishes as well as vegetables and fried rice right at your table. After dinner, indulge in green tea ice cream or fried cheesecake. $$$  Nagoya Sushi 7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Orlando 407248-8558; 5661 Red Bug Lake Road, Winter Springs 407-478-3388. nagoyasushi.com D nightly. At Nagoya, the art of the itami-san (sushi chef) is alive and well with a steady hand on sea-kissed fish. But it’s the kitchen food (cooked dishes) that shines in these friendly cafes, with the miso scallops a particular favorite. $$-$$$ %Seito Sushi 4898 New Broad St., Orlando 407898-8801; seitosushi.com L-D daily. Winner of the 2018 Critic’s Pick for Best Pan-Asian, and voted Best Sushi by readers. At Seito, owner Jason Chin and executive chef Huy Tin have elevated sushi and Pan-Asian dining to a delicious new level. The ramen bowls are magnificent slow-cooked, heady broths swimming with braised meats, eggs and superb noodles. Teriyaki chicken and bulgogi, grilled marinated Korean beef, also are winners. The chirashi items are beautiful arrangements of seasonal fish atop seasoned sushi rice—and some of the best plates in Orlando. Also, try the eel topped with charred Asian pear. $$-$$$. Ẃ Shari Sushi Lounge 621 E. Central Blvd., Thornton Park 407-420-9420. sharisushilounge.com L Mon.Fri.; D Mon.-Sat. The food, the atmosphere and the diners are all stylish at Shari Sushi, which presents a variety of cutting-edge rolls, sashimi, and tempura. $$-$$$ Shin Sushi and Sake Bar 803 N. Orange Ave., Orlando 407-648-8000. shinsushi.com L Mon.-Fri.; D Mon.-Sat. The closest thing we have to a neighborhood sushi bar. Four Japanese chefs own and operate this North Quarter spot, serving some of Orlando’s most authentic sushi. Extensive selection of sakes. $$$ Ẃ Sushi Pop 310 West Mitchell Hammock Road, Oviedo 407-542-5975; 115 E. Lyman Ave., Winter Park 321-203-2282. sushipoprestaurant.com D Tue.-Sun. This hip spot is a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds. Giant screens play Japanese anime while waiters dressed in anime or glam-rock styles deliver eye-popping dishes like the Anaconda roll, boasting avocado, eel and tempura shrimp, or the Harvest Duck, served atop a green bean and stuffing casserole. $$-$$$$ Ẃ

Yamasan Sushi & Grill 1606 N. Mills Ave., Orlando.

407-228-1730. yamasanorlando.com L-D daily.

This trendy entry on the Mills 50 dining scene turns out fabulous sushi, tempura, udon bowls and mushi soups. $-$$ Yuki Hana 3635 Aloma Ave., Oviedo 407-6958808. sushioviedo.com L-D daily. Executive Chef Albert DeSue presents creative takes on Japanese cuisine, from dishes seared on the robata grill (don’t miss the applewood bacon-wrapped scallops) to a sukiyaki featuring lightly seared Wagu, a single egg yolk, blistered leeks and crispy tofu cubes, topped off by a meaty jus poured tableside. The sushi offerings resemble works of art, particularly the house-cured salmon wrapped around avocado and accented by dots of edamame cream and pickled shallots. $$$ Ẃ Zeta Bar & Sushi Lounge Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, 14100 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane, Orlando 407-597-3600. hiltonbonnetcreek.com/dining/ zeta-bar-sushi-lounge D daily. Whether you’re gathering for lively conversation or to catch your favorite game, this sophisticated hotel spot offers an abundance of traditional and signature sushi rolls, sashimi and noodles, along with innovative hand-crafted cocktails, wines and beer. $$-$$$ Ẃ

KOREAN

BBB Tofu House 5140 W. Colonial Drive 407-7238299 L-D daily except closed Wednesday. Tucked away in Chinatown Plaza is this gem, with ChefOwner Tony Teng serving up a feast of Korean delights like bulgogi (thin-sliced marinated sirloin); cheese buldak (spicy chicken topped with mozzarella); and a variety of Korean BBQ combos. BBB also offers excellent soon tofu soup, with seafood, short ribs, ramen, dumplings and more as options.

Every meal comes with an assortment of housemade side dishes called banchan, ranging from kimchi and pepper-basted turnip to bean sprouts and citrus-dressed shredded cabbage. $$-$$$  Seoul Garden 511 E. Horatio Ave., Maitland 407599-5199 L-D daily except Wednesday. Standard grilled meat bulgogi barbecue, served with all those little side dishes, is here, but there’s also a world of other traditional dishes to be explored. Order the seafood pancake for an invigorating combination of simple seafood and fiery kimchi. $$ Shin Jung 1638 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando 407895-7345. shinjungkorean.com L Mon.-Fri.; D nightly. From the grills in the center of the tables to the five types of kimchi that accompany meals, Shin Jung is authentic Korean all the way. Daeji bulgogi is tender pork in a sweet-spicy sauce. $$

LATIN/SPANISH

Bulla Gastrobar 110 S. Orlando Ave., Winter Park 321-214-6120. bullagastrobar.com L-D daily. Bulla satisfies with a tasty lineup of Spanish tapas, entrees and libations. Among the standout tapas: chili and garlic infused gambas a ajillo shrimp and the huevos “Bulla,” a fried egg on crisp potatoes with Serano ham and potato foam. The large plates include an excellent seafood paella, cooked to order with the coveted soccarat, the browned crusted rice touching the pan. $-$$$$ Ẃ

Cevíche Tapas Bar and Restaurant 125 W. Church St., Orlando 321-281-8140. ceviche.com D Tue.-Sat. A multitude of hot and cold tapas, plus paellas and cazuelas, are served in the styles of Northern Spain and Catalan in this upscale Church Street mainstay. $-$$$ Ẃ Fogo de Chão 8282 International Drive, Orlando 407-370-0711. fogodechao.com L daily except Saturday, D daily. At this Brazilian steakhouse chain, you start with the salad and sides bar, then turn your dinner card green side up, signaling the gaucho chefs to hustle over and begin serving tableside from your choice of 15 fire-roasted meats, including pork ribs, filet mignon and sausage. Sides include cheese bread, polenta and caramelized bananas. $$$-$$$$. Ẃ %Mango’s Tropical Café 8126 International Drive, Orlando 407-673-4422. mangos.com/orlando D daily. Our Readers’ Choice winner for Best Entertainment/Live Music in the 2018 Dining Awards. Mango’s dinner show with singers, dancers and a live band begins at 7 and runs continuously through the evening. The “Floribbean’’ menu includes churrasco steak with shrimp au gratin and grilled salmon with mango salsa. Late at night Mango’s transforms into a DJ-led dance floor spread among eight bars. $$$  %Tapa Toro 8441 International Drive, Orlando 407226-2929 tapatoro.restaurant L-D daily. Voted Best Spanish Restaurant by readers in our 2018 Dining Awards, The 12-seat paella pit is a big draw here, cooking up numerous tasty versions of the classic rice dish. Tapa Toro is also tapas territory, with the small plates drawing from both Spanish and Mediterranean influences. Try the pan con petipua, pureed green peas topping toast wedges with beets and goat cheese, or the pulpo al gallego, tender octopus charcoal grilled and sprinked with picante paprika and sea salt. $$-$$$ Ẃ

MEDITERRANEAN

%Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine 108 S. Park Ave., Winter Park 407-644-8609; 7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd, Suite 108, Dr. Phillips 407-352-6766. bosphorousrestaurant.com L-D daily. Chosen by readers as Best Middle Eastern cuisine in our 2018 Dining Awards.

Turkish specialties from frothy tarama (whipped caviar) to falafel, along with entrees like chargrilled chicken patties and lamb shanks with vegetables are highlights at this family-owned restaurant. $$-$$$ Cedar’s Plaza Venezia, 7732 W. Sand Lake Road, Dr. Phillips 407-351-6000. orlandocedars.com L-D daily.

Cedar’s gives Middle Eastern cuisine the respect it deserves, graciously serving high-quality standards, from a smoky baba ghannouj to lamb kebabs, in an upscale atmosphere. $$-$$$ Ẃ The H Cuisine 7512 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Orlando 407930-3020. thehcuisine.com L-D Tue.-Sun. At this new hotspot just off Restaurant Row, three resident chefs craft a menu inspired by Turkish cuisine with European influences. The H prides itself on tableside preparation, including a Chateau tender filet for two seared in butter. The most flamboyant offering is strozzapretti, an Italian pasta specialty unique in Orlando to this restaurant. Hand-rolled cavatelli are flambéd in strong spirits inside a massive, carved-out barrel of Parmigiano Reggiano with wild mushrooms and bits of ham for a creamy, cheese-abundant dish. Also noteworthy: monkfish dressed in broth and accompanied by potatoes and seasonal vegetables. $$$$ 

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DINE RECOMMENDED EATING Paramount Fine Foods 8371 International Drive, Orlando 407-930-8645. paramountfinefoods. com L-D daily. Embracing the flavors of the Middle East, this Canadian-based company has opened its first U.S. location at the I-Drive 360 entertainment complex. Try the baked pita straight from the wood-burning ovens, barbecue halal meats, chicken and beef shawarma, flatbread creations, and the baklawa dessert. $-$$$ Villa de Flora Gaylord Palms Resort, 6000 W. Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee 407-586-1114. gaylordpalms.com B-D daily; BR Sun. Make your way around the Mediterranean market-like buffet and enjoy such dishes as Valencian seafood paella, osso buco with gremolata, and chicken cacciatore. Villa de Flora also has one of the more popular Sunday brunches in the area. $$$ Ẃ

MEXICAN/TEX-MEX

Agave Azul 4750 S. Kirkman Road, Orlando 407704-6930. agaveazulorlando.com L-D daily. A bountiful menu ranging from Fajitas de Camaron (grilled shrimp sauteed with onions, bell peppers, tomatoes and mushrooms) to Arrachera (grilled marinated skirt steak, topped with chimicurri sauce). Agave Azul also offers lots of drink choices—as in more than 100 brands of tequila to choose from. $-$$$ %Black Rooster Taqueria 1323 Mills Ave., Orlando.

407-601-0994. blackroostertaqueria.com L-D Tues.-Sun. This farm-to-taco eatery, owned by John Calloway and wife Juliana, is our Critic’s Pick for Best Tacos in the 2018 Dining Awards. Calloway creates hand-pressed corn tortillas and emphasizes savory rather than spicy. Crispy red grouper tacos—beerbattered fish piled with pickled cabbage, avocado and fresh cilantro—are one of the richly flavored delights. Also try the smoky achiote pork, slow cooked in a banana leaf for 36 hours and layered with pickled onion, cilantro and a fruity, mellow habanero salsa. $ %Cocina 214 151 E. Welbourne Ave., Winter Park 407-790-7997. cocina214.com L-D daily. This restaurant just off Park Avenue is a perennial winner for Best Mexican/Tex Mex among readers in our annual Dining Awards—2018 makes the seventh year in a row it has topped the category. The extensive menu includes tempting items like fried avocado bites, Snapper Frito, and Mexican corn, as well as more traditional favorites. Also sure to please: an ample selection of margaritas, wines and beer. $$$ Ẃ Frontera Cocina Disney Springs Town Center 407560-9197. fronteracocina.com L-D daily. Chef Rick Bayless, an eight-time James Beard Award winner, creates true Mexican fare, with delights like carne asada, Black Angus steak steeped in garlic and red chilies; tortas, a crusty bread roll stuffed with achiote-seasoned pork shoulder; and coctel verde, shrimp and scallops dressed ceviche-style in lime, avocado and sharp pepper-tomatillo salsa. Don’t miss the delicious sikil pak, a spicy Yucatecan pumpkin seed dip. $$-$$$$  Hunger Street Tacos 2103 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park 407-444-6270. hungerstreettacos.com L-D Mon.-Sat., BR Sat. Our Critic’s Pick for Best New Restaurant in the 2018 Dining Awards. Brothers Joseph and David Creech present delectable tacos, quesadillas and tostadas that define the real Mexico.

Try the suadero, seared marinated brisket with cilantro, lime and an avocado-tomatillo sauce. Two taco offerings that leap from classic to fusion are the “Grilled Cheese,’’ melding halloumi, refried beans,

Serrano-lime salsa and mint; and a panko-fried avocado wedge, served with shredded cabbage, pepper-lime crema and queso cotija. $-$$ Mi Casa Tequila Taqueria Rosen Shingle Creek, 9939 Universal Blvd., Orlando 407-996-9939. rosenshinglecreek.com L-D daily. This gem dazzles with Mexican dishes crafted by Hawaiian-born chef Cameron Hostellero. The Flounder Vera Cruz boasts lightly coated fish topped with flaked crab, avocado and slaw. The filet tostada features a chipotle-pepper-rubbed Angus filet atop fried tortillas layered with Manchango cheese and salsa rojo. The giant margaritas are a must. $$-$$$  %Reyes Mezcaleria 821 N. Orange Ave., Orlando 407-868-9007. reyesmex.com L Mon-Fri; D daily; BR Sat.-Sun. Our Readers’ Choice for Best New Restaurant in the 2018 Dining Awards. Restaurateur Jason Chin (Seito Sushi, The Osprey Tavern) ventures into Mexican cuisine in downtown’s North Quarter, and the results are impressive. What he calls “regionally inspired Mexican cuisine’’ includes offerings like tacos stuffed with crispy fish, braised short ribs or pork belly; tuna tostada, a fried, crispy platter of tortilla crowned with yellowfin tuna and a splash of pickled tomatillo and lime aioli; and a stellar Oxacan mole negro—impeccably cooked duck breast with a deep chocolatly sauce, roasted pumpkin and chayote squash. $$-$$$  Taquitos Jalisco 1041 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden 407-654-0363 L-D Tue.-Sun. Enjoy sizzling fajitas, tortilla soup, flavorful chicken mole and bountiful burritos, with musicians playing on weekends. $$ Tijuana Flats Multiple area locations. tijuanaflats. com L-D daily. From humble beginnings in Winter Park, Tijuana Flats has spread across Florida and beyond. Using the freshest ingredients—and making an amazing array of hot sauces available—quesadillas, crispy tacos and of course flour tortillas keep diners coming back. $

SANDWICHES

Bad As’s Sandwich 207 N. Primrose Drive, Orlando 407-757-7191 badasssandwiches.com Open daily.

John Collazo’s neighborhood sandwich shop is a required stop if you’re looking for terrific, boldly flavored combinations in handhelds. Try the signature Bad As’s sandwich with its stack of well-seasoned beef, pork, chicken, Havarti cheese, pickled onions and garlic aioli. A frequent special is the Capone, a mouthwatering Italian collection of mortadella, capocollo, ham, chorizo, Fontina cheese and basilmanchego aioli. Servings are large—and multinapkin juicy. $ Beefy King 424 N. Bumby Ave., Orlando 407-8942241. beefyking.com B-L Mon.-Sat. Nobody would enter the circa-1960s Beefy King on a whim, but they’d miss moist and tender roast beef, pastrami, turkey and ham cooked on premises and served from a steam table just like in the delis of old. $ %The Deli Downtown 18 N. Boyd St., Winter Garden 407-347-3873. thedelidowntownwg.com L daily; D Mon.-Sat. Our Critic’s Pick for Undiscovered Gem, as well as Best Sandwich, in the 2018 Dining Awards. Chef Joseph Burnett, formerly of Osprey Tavern, is creating casual masterpieces in downtown Winter Garden, including sandwiches, soups and salads. The Buffalo chicken sandwich, the award winner, is a magnificent combination of tender beer-

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braised chicken, fragrant Marbleu blue Monterey Jack cheese, house-pickled celery and house-made ranch and Buffalo sauce. Other winning sandwich combinations: carved roast beef and horseradish; pulled pork and Oaxaca cheese; and jack fruit with whiskey barbecue sauce. $ %Pom Pom’s Teahouse & Sandwicheria 67 N. Bumby Ave., Orlando 407-894-0865. pompomsteahouse.com L-D daily (open 24 hours Fri.-Sat.).

Readers’ Choice for Best Sandwiches in our 2018 Dining Awards. This Milk District favorite offers two dozen inventive sandwiches and an array of salads.

Try the Fu Man Chu sandwich, a wild combination of Asian-spiced pulled pork, goat cheese and gingercranberry chutney. $ %Savoree 2 W. Plant St., Winter Garden 407-3475222. savoree.net Opens daily at 11 a.m. Our 2018 Readers’ Choice for Best Salads, Savoree boasts a varied lineup of sandwiches, wraps, salads and bowls.

The Walkers Bowl features brown rice, oven-roasted salmon, carmelized onions, toasted almonds and feta cheese, topped with Green Goddess dressing. $ %TooJay’s Gourmet Deli Six area locations. toojays.com L-D daily. Winner of the Readers’ Choice for Best Deli in our 2018 Dining Awards.

TooJay’s serves up thick corned beef, pastrami and turkey sandwiches, along with house-made salads.

Comfort food like shepherd’s pie, pot roast and meatloaf also is in abundance. The chocolate Killer Cake is legendary. $-$$

SEAFOOD

Bonefish Grill Eight area locations. bonefishgrill.com D nightly. From the folks who brought us Outback, this is a casual seafood chain with a sleek edge. Fish selections are seared over oak and topped with sauces like mango salsa or garlic-gorgonzola butter. $$-$$$ %deep blu seafood grille Wyndham Grand Orlando, Bonnet Creek, 14651 Chelonia Parkway, Orlando 407-390-2420. deepbluorlando.com D nightly. Our Readers’ Choice winner for Best Service in the 2018 Dining Awards, deep blu shines with an inventive menu featuring selections like lobster with seafood stuffing, blu crab crusted grouper, and seafood Cioppino. A must-order is the blu crab mac n’ cheese. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ Eddie V’s 7488 W. Sand Lake Road, Orlando 407355-3011. eddiev.com D nightly. Seafood is the specialty of the kitchen, where moist grouper simply sauteed in garlic is given the same attention as an intricate lemon sole coated in a Parmesan crust. But steaks also stand out, from the center-cut filet mignon to the huge 22-ounce charred ribeye. The side dish menu includes crab fried rice, an entrée in itself, but a must-try is the truffled macaroni and cheese.

Eddie V’s also boasts a dazzling happy hour menu, including lollipop lamb chops, lump crab cake, and Point Judith Calamari with roasted cashews and crisp noodles. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ FishBones 6707 Sand Lake Road, Orlando 407352-0135; 7005 County Road 46A, Lake Mary 407581-2399. fishbonesorlando.com D nightly. FishBones serves just-caught seafood along with aged steaks and prime rib in a relaxed yet refined Key West-themed dining room. $$-$$$$ Ẃ

%Flying Fish Disney’s Boardwalk, Lake Buena Vista 407-939-3463 disneyworld.disney.go.com Ddaily. Our Critic’s Pick for Best Seafood in the 2018 Dining Awards. The cuisine created by Chef Tim Majoras at Flying Fish is magnificent, with the menu adapting to the seasons and availability.

Items like Cedar Key clams, rock shrimp and Florida coast grouper take full advantage of local specialties. The blue crab bisque is superb, as is the Maine lobster nero pasta: lobster poached in butter and fennel, highlighted by squid-ink pasta, baby artichokes and golden tomato sauce. $$$$ Ẃ Hemingway’s One Grand Cypress Blvd., Orlando 407-239-1234. grandcypress.hyatt.com D daily. This Keys-themed restaurant at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress has delighted diners for more than three decades. The shrimp scampi is impressive—jumbo tiger shrimp with pappardelle pasta and fried green tomatoes in white wine butter sauce. Other winners include the Seafod Paella Valencia and the crab cakes served with sweet corn coconut grits. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ Johnnie’s Hideaway 12551 State Road 535, Orlando 407-827-1111. johnnieshideaway.com D nightly. This modern Caribbean-styled dining room serves simply prepared quality steaks and fresh fish to emphasize old Florida and Floribbean cuisine. Johnnie’s is complete with a lakeside Hideaway Tiki Deck & Raw Bar. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ MoonFish The Fountains, 7525 W. Sand Lake Road, Dr. Phillips 407-363-7262. moonfishorlando.com D nightly. Fish caught that day and prepared creatively defines this large seafood house, which serves a wideranging menu in an elaborate, cheerful space. $$-$$$ Ocean Prime Rialto, 7339 W. Sand Lake Road, Orlando 407-781-4880. ocean-prime.com D nightly.

Superb seafood and steaks are presented in a supper club atmosphere, while jazz plays in the artistically lit piano bar. The surf and turf boasts a filet, butter-poached lobster tail, gouda potato cake and chili seared spinach. The sea scallops with Parmesan risotto is another winner, as is the black truffle macaroni and cheese. $$$$ Ẃ The Oceanaire Seafood Room Pointe Orlando, 9101 International Drive, Orlando 407-363-4801. theoceanaire.com D nightly. More than 25 species of fish and shellfish are flown in daily. The wine list is tailored for pairings with seafood, and the vintage ocean liner décor complements the nautical menu. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ %Paddlefish Disney Springs, 407-934-2628 paddlefishrestaurant.com L-D daily. Aboard a docked paddleboat that was once Fulton’s Crab House, this Disney standout won Best Seafood from readers in our 2018 Dining Awards. The menu is extensive, with charred octopus and lobster corn dogs among the starters. The main courses include scallops with brown butter, cauliflower puree, crispy Brussels sprouts and bacon; and the market catch with Macadamia nut crust, red curry and crab fried rice. There’s all manner of seafood boils as well, and landlubbers can opt for a steak, chops or chicken. $$$$ Ẃ Reel Fish Coastal Kitchen 1234 N. Orange Ave., Winter Park 407-543-3474. reelfishcoastal.com L Tue.-Fri.; D Tues.-Sat.; BR Sat.-Sun. At Reel Fish, in the former Ravenous Pig location, restaurant veteran Fred Thimm takes an upscale fish camp vibe and runs with it. The restaurant’s takes on “fish

camp classics’’—fried shrimp, scallops, oysters or fish—are flawlessly cooked, with a slightly salted batter. The fish dip boasts flaked trout mixed with matchsticks of green apple. $$-$$$  Todd English’s bluezoo Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel, 1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd., Lake Buena Vista, 407-934-1111. swananddolphin.com D nightly.

Chef/TV personality Todd English runs this contemporary seafood restaurant. The over-the-top design sets the stage for the menu’s “coastal cuisine,” essentially a fusion of flavors from the U.S., Europe and Asia. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ Winter Park Fish Company 761 Orange Ave., Winter Park 407-622-6112 thewinterparkfishco.com L-D Mon.-Sat. With signature seasonings and housemade sauces, this quick-service restaurant is a must for any seafood lover. The wine list features a selection of California wines to enhance any meal. Be sure to try the lobster roll and the savory hushpuppies. $$-$$$ Ẃ

SOUTHERN

%The COOP 610 W. Morse Blvd., Winter Park 407843-2667. asouthernaffair.com B-L-D Mon.-Sat. Voted Best Southern by readers in our 2018 Dining Awards. 4 Rivers barbecue king John Rivers’ venture into fried chicken, catfish and other downhome cuisine has produced pretty much perfection. Some standouts: fried green tomatoes on a BLT, house-made pimento cheese, Low Country shrimp and grits, and chicken ‘n waffles. Yum. $-$$ Highball & Harvest Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, 4012 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando 407393-4422. ritzcarlton.com B-L-D daily. Scrumptious Southern fare is on the menu, including CastIron Quail with Hoppin’ John, and Brown Butter Trout. Other winners are the shrimp and grits, and The Southern Spread—an assortment of pimento cheese, pickles and smoked fish dip. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ House of Blues Downtown Disney, 1490 E. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista 407-934-2623. hob. com L-D daily; BR Sun.. For a casual bite to eat at Downtown Disney, this Southern-Soul restaurant does the trick. Opt for the fried shrimp po’ boy or the jambalaya, and reserve time for the famous buffet Gospel Brunch on Sundays. $$ Ẃ %Soco-Southern Contemporary Cuisine 629 East Central Blvd., Orlando 407-849-1800 socothorntonpark.com D daily; BR Sun. This Thornton Park mainstay was voted Best Restaurant by readers in our 2018 Dining Awards, Chef Greg Richie, inducted into our 2018 Dining Hall of Fame, delivers delicious downhome cuisine highlighted by creative twists, including lobster, shrimp and grits; pecan-crusted pork chop; buttermilk fried chicken; molasses-braised short ribs; and fried pickled oysters. There’s also an impressive lineup of craft cocktails. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ

STEAK HOUSES

%Bull & Bear Waldorf Astoria Orlando, 14200 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane, Orlando 407-597-5500. bullandbearorlando.com D nightly. Our readers’ pick for Best for a Business Dinner and Best Hotel Restaurant in the 2018 Dining Awards. Handsome furnishings, including sparkling chandeliers and a coffered ceiling, give the Bull & Bear space a club-like ambience. Offerings include beef short ribs braised in Syrah wine; Chateaubriand for two; oak plank salmon; and pan-roasted Colorado lamb. $$$$ Ẃ

The Capital Grille Pointe Orlando, 9101 International Drive, Orlando 407-370-4392; The Mall at Millenia, 4200 Conroy Road, Orlando 407-3512210. thecapitalgrille.com L Mon.-Fri.; D nightly.

Dry-aged steak, doting service and a 300-pluslabel wine list are the calling cards of this upscale steakhouse. Try creative alternatives such as Konacrusted sirloin with caramelized shallot butter. The classic décor is D.C.-centric—you’ll expect to see a senator dining nearby. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ Charley’s Steak House 2901 Parkway Blvd. Suite A1, Kissimmee 407-396-6055; 8255 International Drive, Orlando 407-363-0228. charleyssteakhouse. com D nightly. Charley’s custom-built pit gives steak, chicken, chops and fish a distinctive flavor, and a list of over 800 wine selections makes for the ultimate steakhouse experience. $$-$$$$ Ẃ %Christner’s Prime Steak & Lobster 729 Lee Road, Orlando 407-645-4443. christnersprimesteakandlobster.com D Mon.-Sat. Year in and year out, readers pick Christner’s as the city’s best steak house: They were tops once again in our 2018 Dining Awards poll.

Owners Carole, David and Alice Christner serve USDA Prime, corn-fed Midwestern beef and Australian cold-water lobster tails in a masculine, woodsy atmosphere. There’s also a 6,500-bottle wine cellar and an extensive single-malt scotch collection. $$$ Ẃ Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House 9150 International Drive, Orlando. 407-351-5074 delfriscos. com L Mon.-Fri.; D daily. Offering prime steak and fresh-off-the-boat seafood, this I-Drive restaurant also boasts two floors, two bars, four private dining rooms—and a wine list of more than 1,200 selections. $$$$. Ẃ Eleven at Reunion Resort Reunion Resort, 7593 Gathering Drive, Reunion. 407-662-1170. reunionresort.com D Tue.-Sat. Situated atop the 11-story Reunion Grande building, Eleven boasts stunning 360-degree panoramas of the area. Menu offerings include 1855 Premium Black Angus filet, New York strip and sirloin, along with 21-day dry-aged ribeye and Porterhouse. All are seasoned with a house-made 11-spice blend. Among the seafood items are sea bass with smoked cabbage and pecan brown butter. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar 933 N. Orlando Ave., Winter Park 407-699-9463; Dellagio Plaza, 8030 Via Dellagio Way, Orlando 407-3525706. flemingssteakhouse.com D nightly. With a contemporary dining room and 100 wines by the glass, Fleming’s is a lively take on steak houses. All cuts are aged USDA prime corn-fed beef. $$$ Ẃ Kres Chophouse 17 W. Church St., Downtown Orlando 407-447-7950. kresrestaurant.com L Mon.-Fri.; D Mon.-Sat. Kres’ urban panache attracts downtown’s see-and-be-seen crowd, who fill its dramatic booths to try out sizzling steaks and chops. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ A Land Remembered Rosen Shingle Creek, 9939 Universal Blvd., Orlando 866-996-9939. landrememberedrestaurant.com L-D daily. Themed around Patrick Smith’s novel of the same name, which chronicles a Central Florida family’s experiences around the time of the Civil War, A Land Remembered serves a menu centered on steaks from the Harris Ranch. $$-$$$$ Ẃ

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DINE RECOMMENDED EATING %Linda’s La Cantina 4721 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando 407-894-4491. lindaslacantinasteakhouse. com D Tue.-Sun. Linda’s has been serving steaks to Orlandoans for more than 70 years. It specializes in steak and seafood, with all of its USDA choice steaks cut on site. Enjoy a cocktail at the fire fountain lounge before your meal. Voted Best Old Favorite by readers in our 2018 Dining Awards. $$-$$$  Morton’s The Steakhouse Dr. Phillips Marketplace, 7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Orlando 407-248-3485. mortons.com D nightly. This local outlet of the national chain has made its reputation on 24-ounce Porterhouse steaks, 20-ounce New York sirloin, and 14-ounce double-cut filets. Bar 12-21 features petite filet mignon sandwiches. Don’t forget to try the hot chocolate cake. $$$$ Ẃ Old Hickory Steakhouse Gaylord Palms Resort, 6000 W. Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee 407-5861600 gaylordpalms.com D nightly. Designed to look like a rustic Everglades retreat, Old Hickory emphasizes naturally aged, grain-fed Angus beef with your choice of toppings, plus seafood and handcrafed artisanal cheeses. The award-winning wine list is extensive, offering more than 40 different Cabernet Sauvignon selections alone. $$$$ Ẃ The Palm Hard Rock Hotel, 5800 Universal Blvd., Orlando 407-503-7256. thepalm.com/orlando D nightly. Lavish steaks and giant lobster tails are this high-end restaurant’s delicious bread-and-butter.

The Palm—filled with 1920s and ’30s caricatures— traces its origins back to 1926, when Italian natives opened the first location in New York City. Don’t miss the jumbo lump crab cake or the ahi tuna. $$$$. Ẃ Ruth’s Chris Steak House Winter Park Village, 610 N. Orlando Ave., Winter Park 407-622-2444; The Fountains, 7501 Sand Lake Road, Dr. Phillips 407-226-3900; 80 Colonial Center Parkway, Heathrow 407-804-8220. ruthschris.com D nightly. A top-quality restaurant with a reputation for excellent service, Ruth’s Chris serves each steak sizzling hot on a 500-degree plate to preserve the beef’s temperature and flavor. $$$$ Ẃ Shula’s 347 Grill Westin Lake Mary Orlando North, 2974 International Pkwy., Lake Mary 407531-3567. donshula.com B-D daily. Named after Hall of Fame football coach Don Shula, this is a place for a “raving fan” of steak. The upscale sports bar serves premium black Angus beef burgers and steaks, from the 8-ounce filet mignon to the 16-ounce Cowboy Steak. $$-$$$$ Ẃ Spencer’s for Steaks and Chops The Hilton Orlando, 6001 Destination Parkway, Orlando 407-3138625. spencersforsteaksandchops.com D Tue.-Sat. You’ll find modern twists on classic American cuisine at this steak house. Steaks are aged 21 to 28 days in-house and beautifully seared to order. $$$$ Ẃ Texas de Brazil 5259 International Drive, Orlando 407-355-0355. texasdebrazil.com L Mon.-Fri.; D nightly. Texas de Brazil is a splendidly executed Brazilian churrascaria. Waiters stop at tables to offer chunks of seared, tender meats, and the salad bar is bursting with additions such as roasted red peppers and imported cheeses. $$-$$$$ Ẃ

%The Venetian Chop House Caribe Royale Resort, 8101 World Center Drive, Lake Buena Vista 407-238-8060. cariberoyale.com D Mon.-Sat. Winner of our 2018 Readers’ Choice awards for Most Romantic and Best Wine List. A top-end, fine-dining experience within a hotel, the Venetian is full of deep tones, cut crystal and a replica of Tempietto de San Pietro in the corner. Among the marvelous dishes is the lobster bisque under a dome of pastry. Entrees include bison short ribs with onion jam, New York strip, fllet mignon, veal chop with porcini butter, and an herb-crusted pork chop. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ

THAI

%Sea Thai 3812 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando 407895-0985. seathaiorlando.com L-D daily. Don’t let the strip mall fool you—the inner ambience and extensive menu of Sea Thai (the “Sea’’ stands for South East Asia) shine through. A haven for spicyfood lovers, there’s something delicious for all, from the spicy beef salad to the garlic chili fish to the popular crispy Panang duck. Voted Best Thai by readers in our 2018 Dining Awards poll. $$ Thai Blossom 99 W. Plant St., Winter Garden 407905-9917. mythaiblossom.com L-D daily. Located on the first floor of the historic Edgewater Hotel, Thai Blossom offers affordable Thai favorites and a selection of salad and seafood dishes. The scrumptious creations include mussels in green curry, ginger duck, and a whole soft shell crab served as an appetizer. $$ Thai Cuisine Restaurant 5325 Edgewater Drive, Orlando 407-292-9474. thaicuisineorlandocom L-D daily. Start with the deep-fried fish cakes or the green papaya salad, then move to a wide assortment of noodles and curries. There are a variety of duck dishes, offered stir fried with a range of ingredients, including basil, ginger and eggplant. $-$$

VEGETARIAN

Dandelion Communitea Café 618 N. Thornton Ave., Orlando 407-362-1864. dandelioncommunitea. com L-D Mon.-Sat, L Sun. Taking residence in a 1920s house, Dandelion is a local leader in using sustainable, organic and environmentally friendly ingredients. The atmosphere is definitely homespun; having a vegan chili bowl or veggie wrap for lunch here is more like visiting a friendly, local music-minded aunt than sitting in a restaurant. Beer and wine are available, and local artworks are showcased. $ %Ethos Vegan Kitchen 601-B New York Ave., Winter Park 407-228-3898. ethosvegankitchen.com L-D Mon.-Sat.; BR Sat.-Sun. Winner of Best Vegetarian from readers in our 2018 Dining Awards, Ethos takes its name seriously, serving pizzas, sandwiches and entrées from an exclusively vegan kitchen. You will feast on such specialties as Sheep’s Pie (meatless with broccoli, carrots peas, onions, mashed potatoes and gravy), Mac ‘n Cheese ‘n Peas, and Bay Cakes, made with chickpeas, celery and fesh herbs. Vegan beer and wine are served, and a jazz/funk brunch is presented every Sunday. $-$$ Infusion Tea 1600 Edgewater Drive, Orlando 407-999-5255. infusionorlando.com B-L-D Mon.Sat, L-D Sun. It wasn’t the first tea shop in College Park, but Infusion certainly started the alternative vibe in this neighborly neighborhood. A center of the local art, crafting and writers’ scene, the

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kitchen serves fresh-made soups, salads and sandwiches with an organic and local slant, along with dozens of flavored and exotic teas. $ Market on South 2603 E. South St., Orlando 407613-5968 marketonsouth.com B-L-D Mon.-Sat., B-L Sun. If you turn up your nose at the thought of “plant-based dining,’’ then you’ve never eaten at this popular spot beside the 408. Not to be missed: Chef Shaun Noonan’s Carolina BBQ pulled jackfruit or Celine Duvoisin’s much-in-demand doughnuts (“100% egg-free and dairy-free and not healthy at all’’). $-$$ %The Sanctum Café 715 N Fern Creek Ave. Orlando 407-757-0346. thesanctumcafe.com B-L-D Mon.-Sat.; BR Sun. Winner of the Critic’s Pick for Vegetarian and Readers’ Choice for Best Healthy Selections in our 2018 Dining Awards. Owner/chef Chelsie Savage refers to her restaurant as “plant based” and “healthy” before the word vegetarian is mentioned. Sourcing locally and organically whenever possible, this neighborhood favorite now offers dinner menus and Sunday brunch along with the popular lunch fare. Try the coconut polenta cakes with cabbage slaw and sriracha; and the Southern Soul bowl of mushroom gravy, black-eyed pea tempeh, organic potato and brown rice. $-$$

VIETNAMESE

%Little Saigon 1106 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando 407-423-8539. littlesaigonrestaurant.com L-D daily. This Mills 50 District mainstay, chosen as Best Vietnamese by our readers in the 2018 Dining Awards, offers a wide variety of rice and vermicelli dishes topped with your choice of meat and vegetables. But it’s the soups that are the go-to for the many faithful—steaming bowls full of pork or beef, noodles, and fresh basil. The summer rolls with peanut sauce are a must. $-$$ Pho 88 Vietnamese Restaurant 730 N. Mills Ave., Orlando 407-897-3488. pho88orlando.com L-D daily. The specialty here is pho—broth, noodles and meat—with choices seemingly endless (11 variations of beef noodle soup alone). Other menu items include beef stew, stir-fried noodle dishes, and the banh mi Vietnamese sub. $-$$ Pho Vinh 657 N. Primrose Drive, Orlando 407-2280043. phovinhorlando.com L-D daily. An impressive menu of Vietnamese dishes features soups, noodles and rice platters. Pho Vinh serves a standout example of a dish enshrined in our Dining Hall of Fame—Buùn Chaû GioøThòt Nöôùng, rice vermicelli with charbroiled pork and spring rolls. $-$$.

Saigon Noodle & Grill 101 N. Bumby Ave, Orlando 407-532-7373; 710 S. Goldenrod Rd., Orlando. 407658-1967. saigonnoodleandgrill.com L-D daily. An array of soups, silky and sweet pad thai, pan-fried noodles and caramelized shrimp and pork belly are some of the sights and aromas that await you at this eatery. $ Viet Garden 1237-1239 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando 407-896-4154. vietgardenorlando.com L-D daily.

Fusing the cuisines of Vietnam and Thailand freely, Viet Garden garners reader votes regularly for its reasonably priced chicken satay, pad Thai and spicy stir-fried beef with vermicelli. $-$$$

WINE BARS AND LOUNGES

The Attic Door 28 W. Plant Street, Winter Garden. 407-877-0266 jrsatticdoor.com D (snacks/ small plates) Tue.-Sat.; seasonal BR Sun.This eclectic spot, recently purchased by Kevin and Laurie Tarter of nearby Chef’s Table, proclaims itself “the swankiest little wine bar and live music venue around.’’ Relax with a glass of wine in one of the mismatched chairs or leather sofas amid the funky array of lamps and tables. $-$$ Blue Martini Pointe Orlando, 9101 International Drive, Suite 1182, Orlando 407-447-2583. bluemartinilounge.com Open daily. Live music, cocktails accented with glow sticks, trendy bar foods and a lively dance floor lure upscale singles. $$-$$$ Ẃ Bösendorfer Lounge The Grand Bohemian Hotel, 325 S. Orange Ave., Downtown Orlando 407-3139000. grandbohemianhotel.com Open daily. Black marble, red stone and mirrors, plus an Imperial Grand Bösendorfer piano, create an edgy and upscale environment for martinis, indulgent nibbles, casual power meetings and entertainment. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ Eden Bar 1300 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland 407-6 291088. enzian.org L-D daily. Taking a cue from Hapsburg beer gardens, Eden offers a bucolic outdoor setting right outside the Enzian theater. Local and international beers and a good selection of wines snuggle up with salads, nachos and sandwiches, along with Austrian goulash and unusual pizzas (potato and bacon, anyone?). $$ Ẃ Eola Wine Company 430 E. Central Blvd., Orlando 407-481-9100. eolawinecompany.com Open daily.

Part retail shop, part lounge, Eola Wine offers an impressive variety of labels, more than 100 wines by the glass and a commendable selection of beers. Nibble on flatbreads, cheese platters and bruschetta “flights.” $-$$$ Ẃ One80 Skytop Lounge 400 W. Church St., Orlando 407-913-0180; 180downtown.com Open to ticketholders during select Amway events; nonevent, open Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 10 p.m.-2:30 a.m. Located on the top terrace of the Amway Center, One80 is a hot downtown ultralounge. Its patio bar with a 180-degree view of the city skyline is as impressive as the beautiful people who flock to it. $$ The Vineyard Wine Company 1140 Town Park Ave., Suite 1260, Lake Mary 407-833-WINE. thevineyardwinecompany.com Open daily. With a variety of tapas, lunch and dinner entrées, desserts, and platters to accompany your wine, this spot is more than just a lounge. Sit back with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc while enjoying the live music Tuesday through Saturday. $-$$$ Ẃ %The Wine Room 270 Park Ave. S., Winter Park 407-696-WINE. thewineroomonline.com Open daily. Warm and inviting, The Wine Room offers hundreds of wines. Dozens are available as 1- to 3-oz. samples paid for through a debit system. Selections can be enjoyed along with handcrafted meats and cheeses. Voted Best Wine Bar by readers in our 2018 Dining Awards. $-$$ Ẃ MORE ONLINE: Be sure to check out additional restuarant listings and other reviews in our dining section on orlandomagazine.com.

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WORDS OF LOVE

Two-term U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins will give a presentation on “What Poets Talk About When They Talk About Love.” The event is part of the Winter Park Institute’s speaker series at Rollins College.

SCENE ON THE TOWN

The Bach Festival continues with “Spiritual Spaces” and other musical performances this month at Knowles Memorial Chapel at Rollins College, p. 71.

EPCOT INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS Through Feb. 25: A trifecta of artistic cuisine, visual arts and live entertainment—from local bands to Disney on Broadway performances.

Included with park admission. Walt Disney World Epcot Showcase, Lake Buena Vista. disneyworld.disney.go.com GLADDENING LIGHT—THE SCIENCE OF LOVE Feb. 1-3: Gladdening Light’s 2019 symposium presents activist and theologian Matthew Fox and Ilia Delio, Franciscan Sister and authority on the integration of science with religion. Also, performances by Nóirín Ní Riain and Owen & Moley O Súilleabháin. Check website for complete schedule of events. Rollins College, 1000 Holt Ave., Winter Park. gladdeninglight.org ELMO’S BIRTHDAY WEEKEND AT SEAWORLD Feb. 2-3: Celebrate Elmo’s birthday with meetand-greets, an interactive DJ dance party and more surprises throughout the park. Included with park admission. seaworldorlando.com MOUNT DORA ARTS FESTIVAL Feb. 2-3: This juried art show includes oil paintings, watercolors, acrylics, clay, sculpture and photography on display throughout downtown, with live music on a main stage in Donnelly Park. mountdoracenterforthearts.org

EATONVILLE CRAFTS & CULTURE MARKET Feb. 3: Experience the history, heritage and culture that is the historic Town of Eatonville with storytellers, performers, reenactments, local merchants and more. Free. 1-5 p.m. 100 E. Kennedy Blvd., Eatonville. eatonvillechf.com STORY TIME AT LEU GARDENS Feb. 4: The Orange County Library System comes to the gardens to share stories and songs with infants at 10 a.m., toddlers at 10:20 a.m., and preschoolers at 10:40 a.m. Free.

1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando. 407-246-2620. leugardens.org WINTER WITH THE WRITERS A festival of the literary arts, free and open to the public. Rollins College, 1000 Holt Ave., Winter Park. 407-646-2666. rollins.edu/winterwith-the-writers Feb. 6: Screening of Don’t Think Twice, with Mike Birbiglia, comedian, actor and director, and Jen Hope Stein, consulting producer—both of whom will join the audience via Skype. Film screening, 5:30 p.m. Bush Auditorium.

Feb. 7: Improv coach, director and performer Liz Allen teaches an improv class. 4 p.m. SunTrust Auditorium.

Feb. 14: Brian Turner, poet and author of “My Life as a Foreign Country.” Reading, 7:30 p.m. Bush Auditorium.

Feb. 21: Barbara Hamby, poet and Distinguished University Scholar at Florida State University. Reading, 7:30 p.m. Bush Auditorium.

Feb. 28: Daniel Gumbiner, author of “The Boatbuilder” and Jennifer Clement, the first woman to be elected President of PEN International. Master Class with Jennifer Clement, 2 p.m. SunTrust Auditorium. Master Class with Daniel Gumbiner, 4 p.m. SunTrust Auditorium. Joint reading, 7:30 p.m. Bush Auditorium.

FIRST THURSDAYS AT OMA Feb. 7: Mingle with local artists and view their work, enjoy live music and walk through the galleries of the Orlando Museum of Art. Food and drink available for purchase. This month’s theme: “Language of Love.” 6-9 p.m. Orlando Museum of Art, 2416 N. Mills Ave., Orlando. omart.org MOUNT DORA 2ND FRIDAY ART SPLASH Feb. 8: An evening of art, music and hors d’oeuvres showcases the work of regional artists, on display at several venues within walking distance. Free. 6-8 p.m. 138 E. Fifth Ave., Mount Dora. mountdoracenterforthearts.org

EVENT SUBMISSIONS: For inclusion in On The Town, send event information to hancel.deaton@orlandomagazine.com. Deadline for print is two and a half months prior to the event date. Events can also be submitted to our online calendar at orlandomagazine.com (these will not be printed).

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COURTESY BACH FESTIVAL SOCIETY OF WINTER PARK

SPECIAL EVENTS

WORLD OF GOOD 28TH ANNUAL WINEFEST Feb. 8-10: Enjoy the fruits of last year’s harvest at Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards. Local artists and crafters display their work while guests listen to live music throughout the weekend.

Complimentary winery tours and tastings are offered, and food, wine and soft drinks are available for purchase. 19239 N. U.S. Highway 27, Clermont. lakeridgewinery.com OSCEOLA COUNTY FAIR Feb. 8-17: Grab your boots and celebrate 75 years of the Kissimmee Valley Livestock Show’s annual fair. Gates open Monday-Thursday 5 p.m., Friday-Sunday noon. Osceola Heritage Park, 1875 Silver Spur Lane, Kissimmee. osceolacountyfair.com ORLANDO GAY CHORUS—LOVE IS... DUETS Feb. 9: Celebrate Valentine’s Day early with duets and small group musical performances about love. 7:30 p.m. Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts, 1905 Kentucky Ave., Winter Park. 407636-9951. bluebambooartcenter.com SEAWORLD SEVEN SEAS FOOD FESTIVAL Feb. 9-May 5: Sip and sample your way around the world of international coastal cuisine paired with wines and craft beers and enjoy live performances each weekend. seaworldorlando.com TYLER PERRY’S MADEA’S FAREWELL PLAY TOUR Feb. 10: With the end of the Madea franchise era, and in true Tyler Perry fashion, this iconic and beloved character is given a proper sendoff. 3 & 7:30 p.m. Amway Center, 400 W. Church St., Orlando. 407-440-7000. amwaycenter.com, ticketmaster.com WEDNESDAY LECTURE SERIES AT THE MORSE MUSEUM Feb. 13: Independent Curator Donna Corbin discusses “A Most Exquisite Display—The Centennial Exhibition.” Programs take place in the Jeannette G. and Hugh F. McKean Pavilion and are followed by a reception. Free. 2:30 p.m.

161 W. Canton Ave., Winter Park. 407-645-5311. morsemuseum.org ANDREA BOCELLI VALENTINE’S CONCERT Feb. 13: The legendary tenor returns to Orlando with his unique holiday repertoire combining the most beloved arias, crossover hits and world-famous love songs. 8 p.m. Amway Center, 400 W. Church St., Orlando. 407-440-7000. amwaycenter.com, ticketmaster.com POLASEK MUSEUM OPEN HOUSE Feb. 14: In honor of Albin Polasek’s birthday— February 14, 1879—and Valentine’s Day, the museum is celebrating with a free open house.

Tours of Polasek’s historic home, studio and chapel at 10:30 & 11:45 a.m., 1:30 & 3 p.m.

VALENTINE’S CONCERT Feb. 14: Walk arm-in-arm with your sweetie through Leu Gardens’ 50 acres under a starlit sky. Bring a picnic supper and listen to the music of Ricky and the Buzzcatz. 7-10 p.m.

Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando. leugardens.org

THORNTON PARK 2ND THURSDAY ART AND WINE WALK Feb. 14: Artists display works for sale along the streets and inside local businesses. Free, but $15 gets you a glass (pay and pickup at Olde Town Brokers) and a map of participating businesses.

6:30-9:30 p.m. Summerlin Avenue and Washington Street. thorntonparkdistrict.com SANFORD’S ALIVE AFTER 5 STREET PARTY Feb. 14: Central Florida’s largest recurring street party, a monthly gathering with live music, local artists, and food and beverage samples. 5 p.m. 230 E. First St., Sanford. sanfordwelcomecenter.com NUDE NITE Feb. 14-16: This unique event brings together hundreds of artists for three evenings of visual art, performances, and characters—both in costume and out. 6 p.m.-midnight. Warehouse at the Central Florida Fairgrounds, 4603 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando. nudenite.com ART AND MUSIC IN THE PARK Feb. 15: Artwork and live music in the park between Casselberry City Hall and Lake Concord. Food trucks and other vendors on site.

6 p.m. Free. Casselberry City Hall, 95 Triplet Lake Drive, Casselberry. 407-262-7700, ext. 1507.

RENNINGER’S ANTIQUE EXTRAVAGANZA Feb. 15-17: It’s one of the largest gatherings of antique dealers in the south with over 1,500 dealers displaying and selling merchandise.

8 a.m.-5 p.m. U.S. Highway 441, Mount Dora.

352-383-8393. renningers.net SILVER SPURS RODEO Feb. 15-17: This Osceola County tradition features bull riding, steer wrestling, tie down roping, barrel racing, and more. Contestants compete for $100,000 in prize money. Check website for event times. Silver Spurs Arena, Osceola Heritage Park, 1875 Silver Spur Lane, Kissimmee. 321-697-3495. silverspursrodeo.com WINTER PARK WEEKEND OF THE ARTS Feb. 15-18: Rediscover arts and culture in Winter Park with performances, exhibits and events at over 20 arts organizations throughout the city. Each day features a new experience. cityofwinterpark.org INDIE-FOLKFEST Feb. 16: Musicians, artists and crafters, food and more. Noon-5 p.m. Mennello Museum of American Art Sculpture Garden, 600 E. Princeton St., Orlando. Free. mennellomuseum.org/iff DRAGON PARADE & LUNAR NEW YEAR FESTIVAL Feb. 17: Start off the Year of the Pig with a bang. Parade begins at 11 a.m.; festival begins at noon with Asian food, arts, cultural performances and live music. The parade route starts at the corner of Lake Highland Drive and North Mills Avenue, turns left at North Thornton Avenue and heads south. The festival takes place at 728 N. Thornton Ave., Orlando. centralfloridadragonparade.org

FEBRUARY FUNDRAISERS 2/1 POWER OF THE PURSE, benefits community

grants and scholarships funded by the Central Florida Women’s League Foundation. Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort. cfwl.org

2/2 ORLANDO METSQUERADE BALL, benefits Metastatic Breast Cancer Research. Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando Resort. orlandomets.org TRASH 2 TRENDS, benefits Keep Orlando

Beautiful. Local designers create runway looks from items headed to the landfill. SeaWorld Orlando’s Ports of Call conference center. cityoforlando.net

ORLANDO OUT OF THE DARKNESS WALK,

benefits the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Central Florida Chapter. Lake Baldwin, Orlando. afsp.donordrive.com

2/9 CARS FOR THE CURE HEATHROW AUTOMOTIVE FESTIVAL, benefits the American Lung Associa-

tion. Colonial TownPark, Lake Mary. carsforthecure.com

RUN 4 LOVE 4 MILE, benefits the Track Shack

Foundation. Race starts at Showalter Field, Winter Park. trackshack.com

2/15 GO RED FOR WOMEN LUNCHEON, benefits the

American Heart Association. Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort. 407481-6314. orlandogored.ahaevents.org

2/23 SEMINOLE STATE COLLEGE FOUNDATION DREAM GALA, benefits the school’s student

scholarships and programs. Orlando Marriott Lake Mary. 407-708-4567. seminolestate.edu/ foundation/dream-gala

COMING UP...

3/30

HEARTS OF GOLD CONCERT, benefits the

Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida.

Orlando Magic’s Magic Carpet Aviation Hangar, Orlando. centralfloridahomeless.org/ hearts-of-gold

WALK MS: ORLANDO, benefits the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Harbor Park in Baldwin Park, Orlando. 407-478-8882, ext. 55128. walkms.org

WINTER PARK INSTITUTE Noted authors, historians and experts in their fields speak on a variety of topics. rollins.edu/ rollins-winter-park-institute

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SCENE ON THE TOWN Billy Collins Feb. 17: Two-term U. S. Poet Laureate and Distinguished Senior Fellow of Winter Park Institute presents a discussion on “What Poets Talk About When They Talk About Love.” 2 p.m. Tiedtke Concert Hall, Rollins College, 1000 Holt Ave., Winter Park.

3RD THURSDAY GALLERY HOP & ART WALK Feb. 21: Visitors converge on the core of Orlando’s Downtown Arts District to browse the galleries and nontraditional art venues that spotlight the best of established and emerging Orlando-based artists. 6 p.m. Rogers Kiene Building, 39 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. 3rdthu.com DISNEY PRINCESS HALF MARATHON WEEKEND Feb. 21-24: For all princesses, this weekend is for you, with shorter races and related events in addition to the Sunday half-marathon at Epcot. disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/disney-princess-half-marathon-weekend

CONCERTS THE ABBEY 100 S. Eola Drive, Orlando. 407-704-6261. abbeyorlando.com Feb. 5: Martin Sexton, 7 p.m.

Feb. 9: An Evening with the Neal Morse Band, 8 p.m.

Feb. 20: Thursday—20 Years Full Collapse, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 21: Thursday—20 Years War All the Time, 7:30 p.m.

AMWAY CENTER 400 W. Church St., Orlando. 407-440-7000, 800-745-3000. amwaycenter.com, ticketmaster.com Feb. 16: An Evening with Michael Bublé, 8 p.m.

THE BEACHAM 46 N. Orange Ave., Orlando. 407-246-1419. thebeacham.com Feb. 2: Neko Case, 6 p.m.

Feb. 6: G Jones with Tsuruda and Chee, 9 p.m.

Feb. 9: Matt Nathanson, 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 14: Yonder Mountain String Band with Handmade Moments, 7 p.m.

Feb. 16: Matt and Kim, 6 p.m.

Feb. 22: Car Seat Headrest with Naked Giants, 6 p.m.

Feb. 23: LP—Heart to Mouth Tour, 6 p.m.

BLUE BAMBOO CENTER FOR THE ARTS 1905 Kentucky Ave., Winter Park. 407-6369951. bluebambooartcenter.com Feb. 1: Badi Assad, 8 p.m.

Feb. 2: Joe Breidenstine Quintet, 8 p.m.

Feb. 3: Johny Carlsson and The Megabones, 3 p.m.

Feb. 5: Chris Cortez, 8 p.m.

Feb. 6: Bobby Koelble Band, 8 p.m.

Feb. 7: Marco Bojorquez Band, 8 p.m.

Feb. 8: Glenn Roth, 8 p.m.

Feb. 10: Central Florida Jazz Society Presents Peter and Will Anderson Quintet, 3 p.m.

Feb. 12: Chris Cortez Trio, 8 p.m.

Feb. 14-15: Svetlana & The Delancy Five, 8 p.m.

Feb. 16: Ben Rosenblum Trio, 8 p.m.

Feb. 17: Sportiello, Parrot & Metz, 2 & 8 p.m.

Feb. 18: Winter Park’s “Weekend of the Arts” featuring Chris Cortez, 8 p.m.

Feb. 19: Linda Purl with Ted Firth, Greg Parnell and Ben Kramer, 8 p.m.

Feb. 20: Dan Jordan Quartet, 8 p.m.

Feb. 21: Steve Luciano Trio, 8 p.m.

Feb. 22: Lenore Raphael and Dough MacDonald Quartet, 8 p.m.

Feb. 23: Danny Bacher, 8 p.m.

Feb. 26: Cortez and Koelble, 8 p.m.

Feb. 28: Eddie Marshall Trio, 8 p.m.

DR. PHILLIPS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. 844-513-2014. drphillipscenter.org Feb. 11: Boston Pops on Tour— Lights, Camera… Music! Six Decades of John Williams, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 18: Carol Burnett, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 21: Sarah Brightman, 8 p.m.

Feb. 22 & 23: Joe Bonamassa, 8 p.m.

HARD ROCK LIVE 6050 Universal Blvd., Orlando. 407-351-5483. hardrock.com Feb. 1: Classic Albums Live—The Eagles “Hotel California,” 8 p.m.

Feb. 15: Gilberto Santa Rosa—Amor de los Amores, 8:30 p.m.

HOUSE OF BLUES Disney Springs West Side, Walt Disney World.

407-934-2583. houseofblues.com Feb. 2: Whiskey Myers—Die Rockin’ Tour, 7 p.m.

Feb. 7: Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness—Upside Down Flowers Tour, 6 p.m.

Feb. 8: Walker Hayes, 7 p.m.

Feb. 9: The Molly Ringwalds, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 11: Walk the Moon, 7 p.m.

Feb. 16: David Bisbal, 7 p.m.

Feb. 18: HOB an Disco Donnie Present Excision, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 21: Dylan Scott—Nothing To Do Town Tour, 7 p.m.

Feb. 23: Tesla, 7 p.m.

KING CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 3865 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne. 321-2422219. kingcenter.com Feb. 1: Beginnings—The Music of Chicago, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 1: 1964—The Tribute, 8 p.m.

Feb. 2: David Bromberg Quintet, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 6: Michael Bolton—They Symphony Sessions, 8 p.m.

Feb. 10: REO Speedwagon, 7 p.m.

Feb. 11: Aaron Lewis, 7:30 p.m.

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Feb. 14: The Lords of 52nd Street, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 15: ABBA Mania, 8 p.m.

Feb. 16: The Alan Parsons Live Project, 8 p.m.

Feb. 17: Mayumana—Currents, 4 p.m.

Feb. 19: Vienna Boys Choir, 7:30 p.m.

PLAZA LIVE ORLANDO 425 N. Bumby Ave., Orlando. 407-228-1220. plazaliveorlando.com Feb. 6: Gaelic Storm, 8 p.m.

Feb. 7: Peter Murphy 40 Years of Bauhaus, and Ruby Celebration Featuring David J, 8 p.m.

Feb. 9: Chris MacDonald’s Memories of Elvis in Concert, 7 p.m.

Feb. 10: The Magpie Salute, 8 p.m.

Feb. 13: Al Di Meal, 8 p.m.

Feb. 17: Alan Parsons Live Project, 8 p.m.

Feb. 20: The Floozies, 9 p.m.

Feb. 21: The Zombies, 8 p.m.

SEMINOLE STATE COLLEGE Center for Fine and Performing Arts (Building G), Sanford/Lake Mary campus, 100 Weldon Blvd., Sanford. 407-708-2040. seminolestate.edu/arts Feb. 12: Faculty Piano Recital with Dr. Karl Ettinger, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 26: Jazz Night, 7:30 p.m.

THE SOCIAL ORLANDO 54 N. Orange Ave., Orlando. 407-246-1419. thesocial.org Feb. 3: As It Is, 5 p.m.

Feb. 7: Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, 8 p.m.

Feb. 13: Jacob Banks, 7 p.m.

Feb. 14: MadeinTYO, 7 p.m.

Feb. 20: JD McPherson, 7 p.m.

SOUNDBAR ORLANDO 37 W. Pine St., Orlando. 407-456-1391. soundbarorl.com Feb. 2: Emery with Oh Slepper, 6 p.m.

Feb. 5: Soulfly and Kataklysm, 6 p.m.

UCF DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC 12488 Centaurus Blvd., Orlando. Visual Arts Building, Rehearsal Hall, Auditorium 116, 407823-2869. performingarts.cah.ucf.edu Feb. 5: Jazz Chamber Groups Concert, 8 p.m.

Feb. 7: Guest Artist Recital— Cameron Leach, 8 p.m.

Feb. 8: Flying Horse Big Band Concert, 8 p.m.

Feb. 21: Guest Artist Recital— John Kilkenny, 8 p.m.

Feb. 24: Concert and University Bands Concert, 8:30 p.m.

Feb. 26: Jazz Chamber Groups Concert, 8 p.m.

Feb. 28: Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band Concert, 7 p.m.

VALENCIA COLLEGE Performing Arts Center, East Campus, 701 N. Econlockhatchee Trail, Orlando. 407-582-2900. valencia college.edu/arts

Feb. 25-March 1: Master Guitar Series, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 26: Spring Symphonic and Jazz Band Concert, 7:30 p.m.

WAYNE DENSCH PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 201 S. Magnolia Ave., Sanford. 407-321-8111. wdpac.com Feb. 2: Get Ready—A Motown Experience, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 16: Atlantic City Boys—Four Seasons, Beach Boys and More, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 17: Sanford Jazz Ensemble—Black History Month Concert, 3 p.m.

WILL’S PUB 1042 N. Mills Ave., Orlando. willspub.org Feb. 1: Marco Benevento, 8 p.m.

Feb. 6: Red Wanting Blue, The 502s and The States, 8 p.m.

CLASSICAL MUSIC BACH FESTIVAL SOCIETY OF WINTER PARK Rollins College, 1000 Holt Ave., Winter Park.

407-646-2182. bachfestivalflorida.org Feb. 10: Spiritual Spaces—A Musical Retreat, 4 & 6 p.m.

Feb. 15: Paul Jacobs—organ, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 16-17: Voctave—Orchestral Debut, Saturday 7:30, Sunday 3 p.m.

Feb. 22-23: Concertos by Candlelight—Four Seasons Around the Globe, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 24: Itamar Zorman—violin, 3 p.m.

Feb. 28: Bach at The Alfond, 3 p.m.

March 2: Mozart Times Two—Mass in C Minor and Symphony No. 40, 7:30 p.m.

March 3: J.S. Bach—St. John Passion, 3 p.m.

BLUE BAMBOO CENTER FOR THE ARTS 1905 Kentucky Ave., Winter Park. 407-6369951. bluebambooartcenter.com Feb. 13: Carol Stein—The Piano Lady!, 8 p.m.

BOB CARR THEATER 401 W. Livingston St., Orlando. 844-513-2014. drphillipscenter.org Feb. 2: The Second City Guide to the Symphony with Colin Mochrie, 2 & 8 p.m.

Feb. 23: Beethoven’s 7th, 8 p.m.

CELEBRATION FOUNDATION CONCERT SERIES Community Presbyterian Church, 511 Celebration Ave., Celebration. celebrationfoundation.org Feb. 9: Florida Youth Symphony Orchestra, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 23: Vienna Boys Choir, 7:30 p.m.

KING CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 3865 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne. 321-2422219. kingcenter.com Feb. 9: Brevard Symphony Orchestra, 2 & 8 p.m.

Feb. 13: Keiko Matsui, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 20: Justin Hayward, 8 p.m.

Feb. 22: The Havana Cuba All-Stars, 8 p.m.

Feb. 26: An Intimate Evening with David Foster—The Hitman Tour, 7:30 p.m.

OPERA ORLANDO Casa Feliz Historic House Museum, 665 N. Park Ave., Winter Park. 844-513-2014. operaorlando.org Through Feb. 10: The Barber of Seville, Tuesday & Thursday 7:30 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m.

ST. LUKE’S CONCERT SERIES St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 2021 W. SR 426, Oviedo. 407-365-3408 ext. 3508. stlukes-oviedo.org Feb. 16: UCF Symphony Orchestra, 7 p.m.

COMEDY

SAK COMEDY LAB Ongoing: Improvisational comedy shows, competitions, songs and scenes. 29 S. Orange Ave., Orlando. Tuesday-Wednesday times vary; Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. 407-648-0001. sakcomedylab.com SLEUTHS MYSTERY DINNER THEATRE Ongoing: Audience members solve a crime during the dinner show. Performances nightly.

8267 International Drive, Orlando. 407-3631985. sleuths.com

DANCE

THE ABBEY 100 S. Eola Drive, Orlando. 407-704-6261. abbeyorlando.com Feb. 12: Cody Ko & Noel Miller—The Tiny Meat Gang at The Abbey, 7 p.m.

BOB CARR THEATER 401 W. Livingston St., Orlando. 844-513-2014. drphillipscenter.org Feb. 15: Jo Koy, 8 p.m.

BONKERZ COMEDY CLUB Ongoing: Weekly stand-up comedy shows at two Orlando-area locations. Boardwalk Bowl, 10749 E. Colonial Dr., Orlando. Ages 21 and over.

Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday 7:30 p.m. Otters on the River, 4380 Carraway Place, Sanford. Ages 18 and over. Friday-Saturday at 8 p.m. 407-6292665. bonkerzcomedyproductions.com CFE ARENA UCF main campus, 12777 N. Gemini Blvd., Orlando. 800-745-3000. ticketmaster.com, cfearena.com Feb. 10: Adam Sandler—100% Fresher tour, 7 p.m.

HARD ROCK LIVE 6050 Universal Blvd., Orlando. 407-351-5483. hardrock.com Feb. 2: Penn & Teller, 8 p.m.

Feb. 10: Bert Kreischer, 8 & 9:30 p.m.

KING CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 3865 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne. 321-2422219. kingcenter.com Feb. 3: Mutts Gone Nuts, 2 p.m.

PLAZA LIVE ORLANDO 425 N. Bumby Ave., Orlando. 407-228-1220. plazaliveorlando.com Feb. 22: Ronny Chieng, 8 p.m.

ORLANDO IMPROV Pointe Orlando, 9101 International Drive Suite 2310, Orlando. 407-480-5233. Ages 21 and over.

Wednesday and Thursday at 8 p.m., Friday at 8 and 10:30 p.m., Saturday at 7 and 9:45 p.m., Sunday at 7:30 p.m. 407-480-5233. theimprovorlando.com

BOB CARR THEATER 401 W. Livingston St., Orlando. 844-513-2014. drphillipscenter.org Feb. 16: Dancing with the Stars Live!, 8 p.m.

DR. PHILLIPS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. 844-513-2014. drphillipscenter.org Feb. 15-17: Bailamos!, Friday-Saturday 7:30, Sunday 2 p.m.

Feb. 19: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, 7:30 p.m.

FILM ENZIAN Enzian Theater, 1300 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland.

407-629-0054. enzian.org Feb. 9: Battleship Potemkin, noon.

Feb. 12: The Wedding Singer, 9:30 p.m.

Feb. 24: *Batteries Not Included, noon.

Feb. 26: Shaft, 9:30 p.m.

POPCORN FLICKS IN THE PARK Central Park, 150 W. Morse Blvd., Winter Park.

407-629-0054. enzian.org Feb. 7: Roman Holiday, 7 p.m.

HARRY P. LEU GARDENS 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando. 407-246-2620. leugardens.org Feb. 1: Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, 7:30 p.m.

WAYNE DENSCH PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 201 S. Magnolia Ave., Sanford. 407-321-8111. wdpac.com Feb 8-10: Love Your Shorts Film Festival. Check website for show times.

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SCENE ON THE TOWN

LITERARY CARIBBEAN HUT CAFÉ OPEN MIC Feb. 7, 14, 21 & 28: Live music and open-mic talent, from poetry/spoken word to comedy. 8 p.m. 2141 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando (next to Magic Mall). 407-425-3190. caribbeanhutflorida.com DIVERSE WORD Feb. 5, 12, 19 & 26: A weekly gathering highlighting spoken-word poetry. 8 p.m. Dandelion Communitea Café, 618 N. Thornton Ave., Orlando, 407-362-1864. dandelioncommunitea.com FLORIDA STATE POETS ASSOCIATION Feb. 21: All local FSPA members are eligible to join. Third Thursday of the month, 6:30 p.m.

Maitland Public Library, 501 S. Maitland Ave., Maitland. floridastatepoetsassociation.org FLORIDA WRITERS ASSOCIATION Feb. 6 & 14: Orlando writers’ group meetings with guest speakers and discussions are the first Wednesday of month, 6:30-8:30 p.m., University Club of Winter Park, 841 N. Park Ave., Winter Park. The Maitland writers’ group meetings are the second Thursday of month, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Maitland Public Library, 501 S. Maitland Ave., Maitland. floridawriters.net, madaboutwords.com NERD NITE & CHILL Feb. 14: An evening of entertaining, thought-provoking presentations with host Ricardo Williams and guest speakers. Second Thursday of the month. 7:30 p.m. The Abbey, 100 S. Eola Drive, Orlando. 407-704-6261. orlando.nerdnite.com OPEN MIC POETRY Feb. 6, 13, 20 & 27: Open-mic poetry readings 9 p.m. each Wednesday. Austin’s Coffee and Film, 929 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park. Free.

407-975-3364. austinscoffee.com WRITERS OF CENTRAL FLORIDA OR THEREABOUTS facebook.com/groups/writersofcentralfloridaorthereabouts Feb. 6: The Just Write Roundtable is a discussion and meeting for local writers. 7 p.m. Free. PR’s Taco Palace, 717 W. Smith St., Orlando.

Feb. 13: Short Attention Span Storytelling Hour…or Thereabouts. 7 p.m. Free. Stardust Video & Coffee, 1842 Winter Park Road, Orlando.

THEATER BOB CARR THEATER 401 W. Livingston St., Orlando. 844-513-2014. drphillipscenter.org The Simon & Garfunkel Story Feb. 9: This concert-style theatrical show tells the journey of this folk-rock duo, from their humble beginnings in the early 1960s to their dramatic split less than 10 years later. 8 p.m.

CENTRAL FLORIDA COMMUNITY ARTS CFCArts Black Box Theater, 250 S.W. Ivanhoe Blvd., Orlando. 407-937-1800. cfcarts.com My Favorite Year Feb. 22-March 10: The story of a young man who dreams of becoming a TV writer and has the opportunity to work with his idol, not knowing about his idol’s unpredictable tendencies. Friday-Saturday 7:30 p.m., Sunday 3 p.m.

DR. PHILLIPS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. 844-513-2014. drphillipscenter.org Hamilton Through Feb. 10: Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Broadway megahit tells the story of America’s founding father Alexander Hamilton featuring a Tony Award-winning score that blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, and R&B. Tuesday-Friday 8 p.m., Saturday 2 & 8 p.m., Sunday 1 & 7 p.m.

GARDEN THEATRE 160 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. 407-877-4736. gardentheatre.org The Legend of Georgia McBride Through Feb. 3: When his Elvis act gets cancelled, Casey trades in his jumpsuit to become the most popular drag queen in the Florida Panhandle. Friday-Saturday 7:30 p.m., Saturday-Sunday 2 p.m.

KING CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 3865 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne. 321-2422219. kingcenter.com Buffalo Soldier Feb. 21: A dramatic story about the heroic soldiers of the 9th and 10th Cavalries in the Spanish-American war. Suggested audience is grades 3 through 12. 10:30 a.m.

Feb. 20: Storytelling as Bungee Jumping is a chance for writers of any genre to take a risk by trying out something new before a supportive group of other writers, 7 p.m. Free.

Copper Rocket Pub, 106 Lake Ave., Maitland.

B—The Underwater Bubble Show Feb. 24-25: A show full of color with a blend of drama, mime, puppetry, magic, bubbles and a host of underwater characters. Sunday 3 p.m., Monday 10:30 a.m. for groups of 10 or more only.

Feb. 27: So You Think You Can Funny? is for comics, writers, poets, bloggers or storytellers who have written something funny, 7 p.m. Free. Stardust Video & Coffee, 1842 Winter Park Road, Orlando.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Other Eric Carle Favorites Feb. 28: Fanciful puppets act out three popular children’s books. Suggested audience is pre-kindergarten to grade 2. 10:30 a.m.

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MAD COW THEATRE 54 W. Church St., second floor, Orlando. 407297-8788. madcowtheatre.com Hand to God Through Feb. 10: Jason finds an outlet for his anxiety at the Christian Puppet Ministry, but his relationships are upended when his puppet takes on an irreverent personality all its own. Wednesday-Saturday 7:30 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. Special Discount Night Monday, February 4, 7:30 p.m.

MOONLIGHT PLAYERS THEATER 735 W. Minneola Ave., Clermont. 352-243-5875. moonlightplayers.com And Then There Were None Through Feb. 3: Ten strangers are summoned to a remote island and all the guests have in common is a past they’re unwilling to reveal and that they’re all marked for murder. Friday-Saturday 8 p.m., Saturday-Sunday 2:30 p.m.

ORLANDO REPERTORY THEATRE 1001 E. Princeton St., Orlando. 407-896-7365. orlandorep.com Ella Enchanted The Musical Through Feb. 24: Ella has been given the “gift” of obedience, but embarks on a quest to reverse the curse, encountering ogres, giants, fairy godmothers and a handsome prince along the way.

Saturday 2 & 5:30 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m.

ORLANDO SHAKES 812 E. Rollins St., Orlando. 407-447-1700. orlandoshakes.org A Doll’s House—Part 2 Through Feb. 3: Many years have passed since Nora Helmer made her shocking decision at the end of A Doll’s House to leave her husband and children. Now Nora has returned. Friday-Saturday 7:30 p.m., Saturday-Sunday 2 p.m.

Hamlet Feb. 6-March 24: A troubled prince, pushed to the brink of madness, is driven to avenge a crime that could be the product of his own imagining. Wednesday-Saturday 7:30 p.m., Wednesday & Saturday-Sunday 2 p.m.

Gertrude & Claudius Feb. 20-March 23: Serving as a prequel to Hamlet, this is a tale of good intentions and family dysfunction.

Wednesday-Saturday 7:30 p.m., Wednesday & Saturday-Sunday 2 p.m.

OSCEOLA ARTS 2411 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee. 407-846-6257. osceolaarts.org The Nerd Through Feb. 10: Rick Steadman is socially-awkward and unexpected guest at a friend’s birthday party. With

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SCENE ON THE TOWN

“The Simon & Garfunkel Story” chronicles the careers of the Grammy Award-winning duo Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, Feb. 9 at the Bob Carr Theater, p. 72.

SEMINOLE STATE COLLEGE Center for Fine and Performing Arts (Building G), Sanford/Lake Mary campus, 100 Weldon Blvd., Sanford. Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

407-708-2040. seminolestate.edu/arts Gross Indecency—The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde Feb. 8-17: This docu-drama combines histories, memories, biographies and Wilde’s own writing with newspaper and tabloid articles to transport audiences to the trial of the 19th century. Thursday-Saturday 7:30 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m.

SONNENTAG THEATRE AT THE ICE HOUSE 1100 N. Unser St., Mount Dora. 352-383-4616. icehousetheatre.com Over the Tavern Through Feb. 10: In the Eisenhower years of the 1950s, the Catholic Pazinski family has a lot going on in their cramped Buffalo apartment with 12-year-old Rudy who has decided to shop around for a more “fun” religion. Thursday 7:30 p.m., Friday 8 p.m., Saturday-Sunday 2 p.m.

THEATRE UCF 4000 Central Florida Blvd., Orlando. 407-8231500. theater.cah.ucf.edu The Street of Crocodiles Feb. 21-March 3: A feather falls from a book and consumes Joseph with childhood memories of woodworking, family dinners and an upholstery shop. Wednesday-Saturday 7:30 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m.

VALENCIA COLLEGE East Campus, 701 N. Econlockhatchee Trail, Orlando. 407-582-2900. valenciacollege.edu/arts Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play Feb. 15-24: After a global cataclysm, a group of performers retell The Simpson’s episode “Cape Feare” in three different time periods moving into the future as it becomes a new American Myth. Monday & Friday-Saturday 7:30 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m.

WINTER PARK PLAYHOUSE 711 N. Orange Ave., Suite C, Winter Park. 407645-0145. winterparkplayhouse.org Ain’t Misbehavin’—The Fats Waller Musical Show Through Feb 23: This high-energy, all-singing, all-dancing revue evokes the delightful humor and infectious spirit of

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American original Fats Waller. Thursday-Sunday 2 p.m., Friday-Saturday 7:30 p.m.

MUSEUMS ALBIN POLASEK MUSEUM AND SCULPTURE GARDENS 633 Osceola Ave., Winter Park. 407-647-6294.

Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday 1-4 p.m. polasek.org Czech-born American sculptor Albin Polasek’s onetime Winter Park home and studio is now a museum with an art collection focused on American representational sculpture, with more than 200 of Polasek’s works inside and out.

The former residence is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Lay of the Land—The Art of Florida’s Cattle Culture Through April 14: A display of objects such as saddles, whips, chaps and spurs plus fine art photography, sketches, paintings and sculptures presenting the culture of Florida’s 500-year cattle industry.

Weekend of the Arts—Free Admission on President’s Day Feb. 18: The museum participates in the City of Winter Park’s second

RIGHT ANGLE ENTERTAINMENT

improper behavior and a lack of common sense, he throws this festive gathering into a complete shambles. Friday-Saturday 7:30 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m.

Extended 7am to 7pm Drive Thru and Saturday Hours

SCENE ON THE TOWN annual celebration of arts and culture with free admission. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Tours of the Capen Ongoing: Step inside the restored Capen-Showalter House, built in 1885 but rescued from destruction and floated across Lake Osceola to its current home on the Polasek grounds. Thirty-minute tours are offered Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m.

ART AND HISTORY MUSEUMS—MAITLAND 221 W. Packwood Ave., 231 W. Packwood Ave. and 820 Lake Lily Drive, Maitland. 407-539-2181. Thursday-Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. artandhistory.org A collection of museums encompassing the Maitland Art Center, Maitland Historical Museum, Telephone Museum, Waterhouse Residence Museum and Carpentry Shop Museum.

Maitland Art Center, Tuesday-Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; all others Thursday-Sunday noon-4 p.m.

Closed on major holidays. artandhistory.org Indigo Waves Through March 31: Interactive public art project incorporating the growth of plants into an installation designed for the creation of art.

Maitland and African American Experiences Through May 12: Early tales are brought to life through the words of Zora Neale Hurston and the art of Jules André Smith, while living voices and talents bring the stories of today.

Discover André Smith Ongoing: Smith created an art colony in 1937 in Maitland, originally called The Research Studio. During his 21-year tenure at the art center, Smith developed friendships with author/folklorist Zora Neale Hurston, arts patron Mary Curtis Bok and stage actress Annie Russell, while also creating a location for invited artists to develop their work. Maitland Art Center.

The Research Studio Ongoing: Maitland Art Center was founded as an art colony in 1937 by visionary American artist and architect, André Smith. The center’s most significant permanent collection is the facility itself; the Research Studio, as it was originally called, is one of the few surviving examples of Mayan Revival architecture in the Southeastern United States.

CASA FELIZ HISTORIC HOME MUSEUM 656 N. Park Ave., Winter Park. 407-628-8200. casafeliz.us Ongoing: This restored Spanish farmhouse-style home, designed by acclaimed architect James Gamble Rogers II, was saved from the wrecker’s ball and now serves as a community center and museum. Open houses hosted by trained docents take place every Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon, and live music is featured in the large parlor on Sundays from noon to 3 p.m. Free.

CORNELL FINE ARTS MUSEUM Rollins College campus, 1000 Holt Ave., Winter Park. 407-646-2526. Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.4 p.m., Saturday-Sunday noon-5 p.m. rollins.edu/cfam José A. Figueroa—A “Transitional Generation” Through April 7: Photographs documenting the historical significance in the years right after the Cuban Revolution as well as intimate snapshots of life in Cuba.

Body Snatchers—Death in Culture Through April 7: This exhibition tells the story of shifting meanings attached to dead bodies, from religious reverence to medical authority. Artists include Lavinia Fontana, Francisco de Goya, Salvador Dali and more.

The Place As Metaphor— Collection Conversations Through May 12: Featuring a mixture of collection favorites—works that have not been on view in a long time—and debuting new acquisitions illustrating the notion of “place” in its varied definitions.

De La Torre Brothers—Rococolab Through May 12: A selection of works bringing together art, historical imagery, religious symbolism, and pop culture in unexpected dialogue.

Ongoing: Free weekend tours take place at 1 p.m. each Saturday at the campus facility and 1 p.m. each Sunday at the nearby Alfond Inn, which displays dozens of works from the museum’s Alfond Collection of Contemporary Art. Happy Hour art tours of the Alfond Collection are also conducted the first Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at The Alfond inn.

DALI MUSEUM 1 Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg. 727-823-3767. thedali.org Watercolors & Drawings from the Vault Through Mar. 17: A display of twenty-five drawings and watercolors highlighting Dali’s ability to draw in a variety of techniques to illuminate his complex dream imagery.

HANNIBAL SQUARE HERITAGE CENTER 642 W. New England Ave., Winter Park. 407539-2680. Tuesday-Thursday noon-4 p.m., Friday noon-5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. hannibalsquareheritagecenter.org The Heritage Collection Ongoing: Photographs and oral histories of west Winter Park.

The Hannibal Square Timeline Ongoing: Documents the significant local and national events in African-American history since the Emancipation Proclamation.

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HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL RESOURCE AND EDUCATION CENTER OF FLORIDA 851 N. Maitland Ave., Maitland. 407-628-0555.

Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Sunday 1-4 p.m. Free. Donations accepted. holocaustedu.org Tribute to the Holocaust Ongoing: This memorial exhibit presents an overview of the Holocaust through artifacts, videos, text, photographs and artwork.

THE JAMES MUSEUM OF WESTERN AND WILDLIFE ART 150 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. Monday-Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 727-892-4200. thejamesmuseum.org James Michaels—An American Pop Life Through March 3: Inspired by popular culture, childhood memories and life experiences, Michaels’ colorful canvases are visually bold and boldly personal.

Permanent Collection Ongoing: Approximately 400 works of art selected from over 3,000 pieces acquired

by Tom and Mary James over their 50 years of art collecting. Pieces showcase American’s early west, native life, native artists, frontier, wildlife and the new west.

MENNELLO MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART 900 E. Princeton St., Orlando. 407-246-4278.

Tuesday-Saturday 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Sunday noon-4:30 p.m. mennellomuseum.com The Unbridled Paintings of Lawrence Lebduska Through May 12: An exhibition of notable paintings by Lebduska, one of the most popular modern American folk art painters of the 1930s.

MORSE MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART 445 N. Park Ave., Winter Park. 407-645-5311.

Tuesday-Saturday 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday 1-4 p.m. Through April 2019, the museum is open late on Fridays, from 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. morsemuseum.org Earth into Art—The Flowering of American Art Poetry Through Sept. 27, 2020: Examine the works of American Art Pottery (1876 to 1914), the first truly American art to achieve widespread acclaim both domestically and abroad.

Louis Comfort Tiffany’s Life and Art Ongoing: Through art objects, archival documents and artifacts, this exhibition examines Tiffany’s astonishingly diverse work in the decorative arts–what he called his “quest for beauty”–over the course of his lifetime.

Art Nouveau in Europe and America from the Morse Collection Ongoing: An installation of works that represent the bold, international decorative-arts style known as Art Nouveau, which peaked from about 1890 to 1910.

The exhibition, drawn from the Morse

The Future is What we Make of it…

FERRELL WEALTH MANAGEMENT, INC. - EST. 1996 1400 W. Fairbanks Avenue, Suite 202 Winter Park, FL 32789 (407) 629-7008 www.FerrellWM.com Disclaimer: Securities offered through Charles Schwab and Co. and TD Ameritrade, Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Ferrell Wealth Management, Inc. Ferrell Wealth Management, Inc. is not affiliated with Charles Schwab or TD Ameritrade.

SCENE ON THE TOWN Purvis Young and His Angels Through March 3: Working on materials such as discarded scraps of wood, metal and cardboard found on neighboring streets, Young expresses through painting his experience as an African American growing up in an economically distressed community.

Louis Dewis—A Belgian Post-Impressionist Through May 5: Landscapes are presented from important periods of the artist’s career following World War I. Contemporary American Graphics Collection Ongoing: Includes more than 150 original signed and numbered lithographs, etchings, silk-screen prints and woodcuts by America’s foremost artists.

Contemporary Art Collection Ongoing: Outstanding works of art from 1945 representing such artists as Jennifer Bartlett, Nick Cave, Lesley Dill, Jane Hammond and James Casebere. The exhibit also includes an extensive collection of prints from the 1960s to present.

WINTER PARK HISTORY MUSEUM 200 W. New England Ave., Winter Park.

407-647-2330. Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. wphistory.org

collection, features furniture, jewelry, ceramics, and art glass from European and American artists and designers.

MUSEUM OF ART DELAND 600 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand. 386-734-4371; downtown satellite location, 100 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand. 386-279-7534. Thursday-Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday. 1-4 p.m. moartdeland.org Selections from the Permanent Collection Ongoing: On display is the Collector’s Choice—Samuel Blatt Collection, Purvis Young—Art of the Street, and the Linda Pinto Collection.

Legendary Florida—The Florida History Paintings of Jackson Walker Ongoing: Paintings of Florida’s eventful past are on permanent exhibit at the Volusia County Historic Courthouse, 120 W. Indiana Ave., DeLand.

ORANGE COUNTY REGIONAL HISTORY CENTER 65 E. Central Blvd., Orlando. 407-836-8500.

Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday noon-5 p.m. thehistorycenter.org Orlando Health—100 Years of Caring Through March 3: Through compelling personal stories, images, and artifacts, follow Orlando Health’s growth and evolution.

Ongoing: Explore multiple floors of exhibits taking you through the history of Orange county from the first people to the first contact with the Spanish through 100 years of tourism all the way to the present-day theme-park era.

ORLANDO MUSEUM OF ART 2416 N. Mills Ave., Orlando. 407-896-4231. Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday-Sunday noon-4 p.m. omart.org

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WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE MUSEUM 1 N. Main St., Winter Garden. 407-656-3244.

Daily 1-5 p.m. wghf.org Ongoing: Housed in the city’s 1918 Atlantic Coast Line railroad depot, the museum features a large collection of local citrus labels, a citrus packing-house replica, and an audio kiosk detailing the area’s citrus history, plus Native American artifacts and photographs of the area dating back to the days of pioneer settlements. A History Research and Education Center next door holds the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation’s collection of west Orange County documents, research material, and additional photographs and artifacts.

ZORA NEALE HURSTON NATIONAL MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS 227 E. Kennedy Blvd., Eatonville. 407-647-3307.

Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.1 p.m. Donations accepted. zoranealehurstonmuseum.com Ongoing: The museum provides a place in the heart of the community where the public can view the works of artists of African descent.

COURTESY GLADDENING LIGHT

Owen & Moley O Súilleabháin (along with Nóirín Ní Riain who is not shown) perform in the ancient Irish a cappella tradition for Gladdening Light’s 2019 symposium, p. 68.

Wish You Were Here—The Hotels and Motels of Winter Park Through June 2020: From the lavish luxury hotels of the late 1800s to roadside family motels, tourist courts and the boarding houses used by the workers who built Winter Park, this exhibit highlights all the hotels and motels that played a part in creating the town of today.

SCENE ON THE TOWN All Smalls—The Art of Theresa Disney Through Feb. 16: A new collection of artworks from this visual storyteller.

The Art of Michael Banks Feb. 16-March 10: Surreal portraiture and iconography designed to call viewers into the depths of their subconscious. Opening reception Saturday, February 16 from 6-9 p.m.

MAYOR’S GALLERY AT ORLANDO CITY HALL 400 S. Orange Ave., Orlando. 407-246-4279.

Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday-Sunday noon-5 p.m. cityoforlando.net Ongoing: On display is a portion of The City’s permanent collection of paintings, sculptures, photographs, tapestries and mixed media.

MOUNT DORA CENTER FOR THE ARTS 138 E. Fifth Ave., Mount Dora. 352-383-0880.

Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday-Sunday noon-4 p.m. mountdoracenterforthearts.org

GALLERIES ANITA S. WOOTEN GALLERY Valencia College, East Campus, 701 N. Econlockhatchee Trail, Orlando. Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. valenciacollege.edu/arts Helaine Schneider—Everyone’s Talking, No One is Listening Through March 8: A display of sculptures examining the perception of time measured between birth and death.

ARTS ON DOUGLAS 123 Douglas St., New Smyrna Beach. 386-4231753. Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-3 p.m. artsondouglas.net Thomas Brewer—At This Point Through Feb. 9: New works by New Smyrna Beach ceramicist Thomas Brewer.

ATLANTIC CENTER FOR THE ARTS 1414 Art Center Ave., New Smyrna Beach. 386427-6975. Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. atlanticcenterforthearts.org Selections from the Southeast Museum of Photography Through Feb. 2: Photographs on loan to enhance the community’s understanding and appreciation of history and art.

THE BRONZE KINGDOM Fashion Square Mall, 3201 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando. 407-203-8864. bronzekingdom.com

Ongoing: This gallery/museum features a collection of rare African bronze, beaded and wooden sculptures from all over the continent, including palatial pieces from Benin and Bamum tribal kingdoms, some dating back to early 1600s.

CITYARTS FACTORY Gallery at Avalon Island, 39 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. 407-317-8367. Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. orlandoslice.com Ongoing: A collection of galleries showcasing a variety of artworks.

CREALDÉ SCHOOL OF ART Two locations: Alice & William Jenkins Gallery, 600 St. Andrews Blvd., Winter Park. 407-6711886. crealde.org; and Hannibal Square Heritage Center, 642 W. New England Blvd., Winter Park.

407-539-2680. hannibalsquareheritagecenter.org Hand in Hand—The Creative Works of Janvier Miller and Gustaf Miller Through April 27: A selection of the most recent paintings, sculpture and ceramics from this artistic duo.

La Diáspora, Keepers of Heritage Feb. 1-May 18: Paintings, sculptures and etchings by artists of The Puerto Rican Arts Diáspora of Orlando (PRADO), an organization bringing cultural awareness from within Florida.

JEANINE TAYLOR FOLK ART GALLERY 211 E. 1st St., Sanford. 407-323-2774. Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday noon5 p.m. jtfolkart.com

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ORLANDO PUBLIC LIBRARY 101 E. Central Blvd., Orlando. 407-835-7323. ocls.info Life is 3D Through Feb. 28: Explore a selection of stereoscopic images printed on archival material and viewed with traditional red and blue 3D glasses.

SEMINOLE STATE FINE ART GALLERY Seminole State College, Center for Fine and Performing Arts (Building G), Sanford/Lake Mary campus, 100 Weldon Blvd., Sanford. Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 407-708-2040. seminolestate.edu/arts Richard Munster and Hector SotoMolina–Earth and Cyclopse Feb. 7-March 12: Two up-and-coming artists present their recent works in ceramics and photography. Opening reception Thursday, February 7 from 5-7 p.m.

UCF ART GALLERY University of Central Florida Main Campus, Visual Arts Building, 12400 Aquarius Agora Drive, Orlando. Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. gallery.cah.ucf.edu Silent Lines Through Feb. 15: Yvette Cummings Arendt displays a selection of large and small-scale paintings, plus a mixed media installation to provide a platform for discussions on empowerment for sexual assault survivors in the era of the #metoo movement.

SVAD MFA Exhibition Feb. 28-March 22: A group exhibition showcasing the thesis work of Master of Fine Arts candidates in the UCF School of Visual Arts and Design.

HARRISON COONEY PHOTOGRAPHY

The Epcot International Festival of the Arts at Walt Disney World Resort celebrates the visual, culinary and performing arts, through Feb. 25, p. 68.

Earth Song Through Feb. 25: Four female artists whose works display a profound, almost sacred, connection to nature and its processes.

Mid Century Lakefront Gem in Rosemont! Breathtaking sunset views! Spend your summers riding jet skis in your backyard and relaxing with friends, only 15 minutes from Downtown Orlando!

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SCENE ON THE TOWN

SPORTS ORLANDO MAGIC Amway Center, 400 W. Church St., Orlando.

407-440-7000, 800-745-3000. amwaycenter.com, nba.com/magic Feb. 2: vs. Brooklyn Nets, 7 p.m.

Feb. 7: vs. Minnesota Timberwolves, 7 p.m.

Feb. 14: vs. Charlotte Hornets, 7 p.m.

Feb. 22: vs. Chicago Bulls, 7 p.m.

Feb. 28: vs. Golden State Warriors, 7 p.m.

Stay Connected To Your Community!

ORLANDO SOLAR BEARS Amway Center, 400 W. Church St., Orlando.

407-440-7000, 800-745-3000. amwaycenter. com, orlandosolarbearshockey.com Feb. 6: vs. Jacksonville Icemen, 7 p.m.

Feb. 8: vs. Jacksonville Icemen, 7 p.m.

Feb. 15: vs. Jacksonville Icemen, 7 p.m.

Feb. 17: vs. Manchester Monarchs, 1:30 p.m.

Feb. 21: vs. Norfolk Admirals, 7 p.m.

Feb. 23: vs. Greenville Swamp Rabbits, 7 p.m.

Feb. 24: vs. Greenville Swamp Rabbits, 1:30 p.m.

Feb. 27: vs. Florida Everblades, 7 p.m.

ROLLINS MEN’S BASKETBALL Alfond Sports Center, Chase Ave., Winter Park. rollins.edu/athletics Feb. 2: vs. Saint Leo, 4 p.m.

Feb. 9: vs. Palm Beach Atl., 4 p.m.

Feb. 13: vs. Tampa, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 23: vs. Eckerd, 4 p.m.

ROLLINS WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Alfond Sports Center, Chase Ave., Winter Park. rollins.edu/athletics Feb. 2: vs. Saint Leo, 2 p.m.

Feb. 9: vs. Palm Beach Atl., 2 p.m.

Feb. 13: vs. Tampa, 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 23: vs. Eckerd, 2 p.m.

UCF MEN’S BASKETBALL CFE Arena, University of Central Florida, Gemini Blvd. Oviedo. 407-823-1000. ucfknights.com, cfearena.com Feb. 7: vs. Houston, 7 p.m.

Feb. 13: vs. South Florida, 7 p.m.

Feb. 16: vs. Memphis, 6 p.m.

Feb. 24: vs. SMU, noon UCF WOMEN’S BASKETBALL CFE Arena, University of Central Florida, Gemini Blvd. Oviedo. 407-823-1000. ucfknights.com, cfearena.com Feb. 3: vs. South Florida, 1 p.m.

Feb. 17: vs. UConn, 2 p.m.

Feb. 23: vs. Temple, 2 p.m.

ONLINE CALENDAR: Be sure to check out our online calendar at orlandomagazine.com.

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Appetite for the Arches Saturday, March 2, 2019

Rosen Shingle Creek, 9939 Universal Blvd

6 PM Early Entry 7 PM Doors Open Experience a dining event like no other. Central Florida’s top chefs from renowned restaurants and resorts will showcase their skills by creating high end dishes using McDonald’s® ingredients.

Join acclaimed chefs and Orlando’s favorite personalities for an incredible night filled with food, drinks, and fun.

For an unforgettable experience, purchase a sponsorship for a truly VIP experience, including private seating, a private chef, exclusive bar and early entry to the event.

From savory samples to delectable desserts, this event is the perfect opportunity for foodies to experience a unique twist on the chef tasting event.

rmhccf.org — BENEFITS —

Check out these events and other opportunities to stay connected to your community in Orlando magazine’s On the Town, World of Good and orlandomagazine.com!

— PRESENTS —

Princess Ball 2019 Central Florida’s Premier Father-Daughter Dance

Tour de Cure at Lake Nona Sunday, March 31, 2019 Lake Nona Town Center

Long-Distance Cycling – 50MI / 63MI / 101MI Check-in: 6:30 AM | Start Time: 7:30 AM Short-Distance Cycling – 10MI / 25MI Check-in: 8:30 AM | Start Time: 9:30 AM 5K Run/Walk Check-in: 9:00 AM | Start Time: 10:00 AM

Saturday, March 30, 2019

Hyatt Regency Orlando 9801 International Drive, Orlando 32819

6 PM - 9:30 PM This magical night highlights the positive relationship between fathers and daughters while giving back to local charities. This year’s Wonder Woman theme fits perfectly with our belief that dads empower their daughters in profound ways and through his encouragement, love and support she can become stronger and more confident. Surrounded by food, music and dancing, guests will enjoy entertainment from ballet dancers and martial arts experts. Royal carriage rides are an event favorite and dads and daughters will have the opportunity to experience face painting, caricature drawings, photo booth fun, and meet many of the Princesses from our favorite fairy tale stories. All proceeds benefit AdventHealth’s Patient Assistance Fund and Crossroads Corral.

princessballorlando.org

Ask someone with diabetes what’s in their blood, and what might you hear? Words like hope, courage, determination.

Because while millions live with diabetes, they’re not defined by it. They are, though, motivated to find a cure, and you can help.

Join us for the 2019 Tour de Cure at Lake Nona. This year, Crayola Experience will be hosting activity stations throughout the 5K walk. Plus, all Tour de Cure participants will enjoy a complimentary celebratory lunch afterward. But whether you ride, run or walk, we’ll all be doing one thing: fighting for a cure.

Diabetes.org/LakeNona — SPONSORS —

SCENE RSVP

Orlando Magazine’s Finest Doctors Reception Orlando magazine hosted a reception at Isleworth Golf & Country Club honoring physicians who topped the annual Best Doctors and Top Doctors surveys, published in the December issue. The event was sponsored by Isleworth, Windermere Preparatory School, AdventHealth, Best Doctors and Teladoc Health.

Farwash Shah, Dr. Raza Shah, Man zoor

Safder, Dr. Shaista Safder

Dr. Michael Freeland, Dr. Danelle Chambers

Dr. Gary Goodman, Edy Pineless, Dr. Hal Pineless

Dr. Shazia Bég, Habeel Gazi

SPONSORED BY

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Manzoor Safder, Dr. Navin Verma, Dr. Daniel Jacobs, Dr. Vipin Popat

EMILY JOURDAN

Dr. Lyn Sedwick, Dr. Jerry Shuster, Dr. Mark Klafter

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Christine Frew, Wayne She

ffield, Cindy Wright

Dr. Jennifer Thielhelm, Robert Thielhelm

Adena Ajayi, Dr. Akin Ajayi, Seamus Foley

EMILY JOURDAN

Dr. Barry Kang, Mari Kang

Jackie Ravinoff, Kristin Merrick

Dr. Gregory Ortega, Glennys Ortega, Dr. Javier Tello, Fanny Tello, Lucy Roberts, Dr. Victor Roberts

Dr. James Baker, Rosemary Bowers, Cindy McGrath

Selliet Abreu, Dr. Alicia Cabrera, Dr. Jose Arias, Dr. Denise Serafin, Dr. Carlos Alemany SCENE | FEBRUARY 2019 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | 85

SCENE RSVP

Furball The fundraiser to benefit the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando was held at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort. Guests enjoyed live entertainment, dinner, a silent auction and a “Cuddle Lounge’’ that featured adoptable pets.

Michael Livera, Cathy Rodgers

Jan Staniszkis, Steve Bardy, Daisy Staniszkis

Melissa Farrell, Cari Brinkerhoff, Jaiden Dua, Jessi Ohri 86 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | FEBRUARY 2019 | SCENE

Brenda and Charles Lounsberry

Violectric provided musical entertainment.

JOANNA MOORE PHOTOGRAPHY AND ALYSSA HATCH

Jay Brock, Karla Ray, Brandon Williams

Aaron Hill, Adriana Ramirez-Castillo

Norma M olina photographer HEADSHOTS FOR TODAY'S BUSINESS WORLD 408-807-2192 • www.normamolina.com • follow us on instagram @normamolinaphoto

I

I STARTED DRIBBLING and shooting

a basketball at a young age, playing H.O.R.S.E. in the driveway with my dad and my brother. By second grade, I was ready to join a team, but the city rec league was all male at the time. My parents enrolled me anyway, and being tall for my age, I competed well. My dad took me to practices and helped coach, and he and my mom cheered me on at every game from the bleachers. In fourth grade, I earned MVP of my otherwise all-boys team. My dad was especially proud.

He spent his childhood shooting a ball through a metal hoop nailed to a tree.

Until the last streaks of daylight drained from the sky, he practiced again and again, perfecting his shot and follow-through.

One high school game he made 41 points, but the score would have been higher had the three-point shot been created. (That didn’t happen until 1979 when Larry Bird and Magic Johnson were NBA rookies.)

Basketball paid my dad’s way through

college, and he’s remained a grateful and passionate fan.

By middle school, I was finally able to join a girls team and went on to play high school junior varsity. I had a sweet shot from the baseline that when I hit just right was nothing but net. The sound the ball made was gentler than a kiss.

My most notable shot, however, was off a rebound. Instead of going in the net or off the backboard, the ball bounced 11 times on the back of the rim, momentum waning until it finally stopped completely, perfectly balanced. My teammates and I stared up at the goal in disbelief until the ref called jump ball. I didn’t score, but my dad commented on my soft touch and said in all his years of basketball, he’d never seen that happen.

By eleventh grade, the other girls on the team were 6 feet tall, while I remained the same 5-8 I’d been since middle school. No longer able to compete as a forward, I quit.

I dreaded telling my dad. I didn’t want to

EMAIL LAURA AT FEEDBACK@ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM AND READ MORE OF HER COLUMNS AT ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM 88 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | FEBRUARY 2019

Volume 73, Number 4, Orlando® (USPS 007-215) (ISSN 1059-3624) is published monthly by Morris Visitor Publications, 801 N. Magnolia Avenue, Ste. 201, Orlando, FL 32803. For subscriptions, call 1-800-243-0609 or visit our website at www.orlandomagazine.com. Copyright 2019 by Morris Communications. All rights reserved. Orlando® and CENTRAL FLORIDA® are federally registered trademarks. THE ABCs of Education™, CENTRAL FLORIDA HOME & GARDEN™, DISCOVER ORLANDO™, INSIDE ORLANDO™, LIVING IN ORLANDO™, ORLANDO HOME DESIGN™, and ORLANDO HOME & GARDEN™ are state registered trademarks. Reproduction or use in whole or in part of the contents of this magazine or of the trademarks of Morris Visitor Publications without written permission of the publisher is prohibited.

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Friend of the Court

let him down. I didn’t want to say goodbye to the sport that had brought us together all those years. But we both realized my size and my talent could only take me so far.

This year, my two sons are playing basketball for the first time. My kindergartner, William, plays on a coed league, and my second-grade son, Anders, plays on an allboys league—not because there aren’t any girls who want to play, but that there are so many, they have a league of their own.

Walking into the gym with my sons, a wave of nostalgia hits me: the smell of fresh varnish on the floor, the buzz of fluorescent lights, the shrill of the whistle, and that sweet swishing sound of the perfect shot sinking through the net. I’m not sure how long my sons will play, but I’m cherishing this time, as I’m sure my dad did with me. I need to dig out the old VCR and VHS tape from high school and show them my famous rebound.

Basketball has taught me so many lessons, and I hope that will be true for my sons. I loved being part of a team, bonding with my teammates at long practices and summer camps. Adolescent woes were forgotten on the court, and we knew exactly what our purpose was. When we had to run suicides, jammed a finger, shot an airball, or lost a game to the annoying team with the smoke machine, my teammates lessened the blow.

My high school coach, Doug Etheridge, dedicated his life to coaching female basketball. He died of kidney cancer at age 56 after coaching at my high school for 27 years. He had many words of wisdom, but my favorite was, “React, don’t think!” Seems like a funny thing to tell teenagers, but it meant that at game time, he’d already taught us what we needed to know. We didn’t need to waste one second thinking or questioning. We already knew the right thing to do.

More than 30 years ago, I walked onto a basketball court with all boys and played the sport I loved. Being female didn’t stop me from playing. My parents didn’t question it, so to me, it was just normal.

They instilled in me a confidence I possessed that day in elementary school, and that I’d later carry into job interviews and boardrooms with all men. I learned that if I want something badly enough, I look at the goal, focus, and take my best shot.

DAVID VALLEJO

EXTRA PULP LAURA ANDERS LEE

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